My First Time in Naran Valley - A Traveler's Guide

About Naran Valley 

Naran Valley is the most famous tourist destination in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is located 270 kilometres from the country's capital, Islamabad. Also, it is at an altitude of 2,409 meters. Naran is one of the most scenic towns in Pakistan, and it is not just a local tourist spot but also an international one. Naran Valley is one of Pakistan's most visited valleys. Around 1.5 million people visit Naran Valley yearly because there is a lot to explore in Naran. You can do a lot of fun activities, from going Rafting on the rivers to camping, Fishing at the Lakes, hiking and trekking, and exploring all the Naran Valley's attractions. Due to Naran's beautiful climate and welcoming surroundings, summer is the busiest season for tourists to visit. Additionally, the people of Naran are incredibly hospitable.

Best Time to Visit Naran Valley 

Summertime is also the ideal time for Naran hotels to generate annual revenue. Because Naran hotels provide the most effective services for comfortable and memorable stays for their guests. In Naran, numerous luxurious four- and five-star hotels and resorts open throughout the year. During this time, a few hotels in Naran also give their clients discounts. These hotels are in a great location, which is convenient because you won't have to travel miles to see what Naran Valley offers.

Best place to stay in Naran Valley

One of my personal favourites is the Manila Heights Hotel & Restaurant Naran. Manila Heights Hotel is a 3-star premium hotel in Naran that offers its guests the best services and accommodation. They value your money and don't disappoint you. This hotel is perfect for all people that come to Naran. They offer next-level accommodations and services, among the best choices in Naran hotels, and this hotel simultaneously provides peace, privacy, and relaxation. They are known for their hospitality, excellent customer service, and best facilities among other hotels in Naran Valley. 

Best Food and Restaurant

Not just this, they offer an incredible dining experience. The Manila Heights Hotel feature an indoor on-site restaurant with a wide variety of local and international cuisines. They are also known for the best food in terms of taste among all other hotels in Naran. Also, they offer their guests complimentary breakfast, which is just perfect. 

Easy online Hotel Booking System

They also have an online Hotel Booking system that reserves your rooms before your stay. The hotel booking system of the Manila Heights Hotel & Restaurant Naran is super easy and helps you book your room with just a few clicks. You need to open their website, which will guide you and give you all the instructions to make the online booking. The website tells you about the room availability, their rates, and how you can book a room there. 

So, what are you waiting for? Line up a trip with your friends and family, so you don't miss out on all the fun you can do in a place as beautiful as the Naran Valley. The Naran Valley is the best place if you want to relax and take time out from your hectic routine. Trust me; I wouldn't be saying all this if I didn't visit there. It was my first time travelling to Naran this summer. And as soon as I reached Naran, I learned that the hype by the tourists, photographers, bloggers, bloggers, trekkers, and nature-enthusiast is genuine.

Places to Visit in Naran Valley

Let's start with all the new places you can explore when you visit Naran Valley. There are a lot of beautiful places that you can see. But my top picks are Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Shogran, Balakot, Kunhar River, Lalazar, Sharan Forest, and Makra Peak. They are a must-go. 

Lake Saif-ul-Malook 

In the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a mountainous lake named Jheel Saif-ul-Malook is there. It is near the northern end of the Kaghan Valley. It is 3,224 meters above sea level. Additionally, it is one of Pakistan's highest lakes. Summertime is a beautiful season to visit Jheel Saif-ul-Malook because the temperature is still lovely. However, there is limited access due to the snowfall and landslides throughout the winter.

Balakot

In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Mansehra District, Balakot is a town worth visiting. The Kashmir earthquake destroyed the city. With the help of the Pakistani government and Saudi Public Assistance for Pakistan Earthquake Victims, a Saudi aid organization, the rebuilding was completed in 2011. The town's inhabitants had to evacuate, but they continued to stay and build their homes. Although the original Balakot is a national treasure, the city is now known as New Balakot City.

Shogran

In Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province's Kaghan Valley, on a plateau, is the beautiful hill station of Shogran. It is 34 kilometres from Balakot and 212 kilometres from Islamabad at a height of 2,362 meters. The elegance of this location is difficult to express in words. The panoramic beauty and the lush green grasses create a very peaceful atmosphere. The ideal summer to visit this place is the summer, which lasts from June to August. In the winter season, there is a possibility that much rain will cause the soil to slide, blocking the roadways. Every year, the people of Shogran offer their hearts to guests. Due to their extensive local knowledge, they make fantastic tour guides. 

The Kunhar River

The 166-kilometre-long Kunhar River, also known as NainSukh, is primarily located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of northern Pakistan and is situated within the Indus River watershed. It starts from Dharamsar Lake and covers the entire Kaghan valley. The Kunhar Rivers branch out into the Nanga Parbat glaciers, Lake Saif-ul-Malook, and Lake Dupidat. The Kunhar River is well-known for its fishing and water activities and is renowned for having delicious trout. Every year, thousands of people go Rafting and fishing there.

Lalazar

Another lovely tourist destination in the Naran Kaghan Valley is Lalazar. The elevation is 3123 meters. Although it is dangerous, people still choose to travel on the Lalazar road because of the scenery. Despite being 4.2 km long, most drivers find the Lalazar route extremely difficult. Along the highway, the Kunhar River flows through a pine forest. Here in the summer, the weather is just lovely. This place has a peaceful atmosphere.

Sharan Forest 

Sharan Forest is the greenest and least developed part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Naran Kaghan Valley. It is lovely, with abundant vegetation and rarely populated by travellers and tourists. Sharan forest has been spared from all forms of exploitation by the people. The weather is also remarkable, and we may enjoy a calm environment here. Temperature varies between 15 and 25 degrees here. Horse riding and trekking are both accessible here. Why should we travel to Bali when we already have Sharan Forest nearby?

The Makra peak

In the Mansehra District of the Hazara Region of the Himalayas in northern Pakistan, the Makra peak is a spectacular mountain peak. On Naran Road, it is 3,885 meters high and less than 200 kilometres from Islamabad. You can reach Makra Peak's summit after around nine hours of hiking. It is primarily known for its hiking and trekking. Its steep track and snow also cause numerous casualties. The tourists still manage to go to the top despite this. I suppose it's because the Hazara viewpoint is worth all the pain.  

Naran Bazaar

Naran Bazaar is a market with small shops with tin tops, with a wide variety and diversified food. It has also made shopping easy. You can find local shops with handmade products and international brands here. Most of the shops have traditional clothes, bags, and other stuff. Hand-made embroidered clothes, bags, and beautiful decoration items are available here. The Naran Bazar is a must-go if you visit the Naran Valley.

Other Hidden Gems in Naran Valley 

 You can also do fun activities in these places like Hiking and Trekking in some famous towns of Naran valley. It is the best way to appreciate Mother Nature. They help us to enjoy nature's beauty up close.

Popular Tourist Activities in Naran 

Hiking & Trekking 

Summer is an ideal time for hiking and trekking in Naran, and there are many tracks in almost every famous town. It can be quite an experience for you. The weather there is quite pleasant, even during summer. It is necessary to stay hydrated and energetic during the hike or trek because they might be hours long. So don't forget to grab warm clothes, food, and water bottles. 

Lalazar has one of Naran's most beautiful hiking tracks. Beautiful flowers and greenery cover the track, and you'll also witness the Jheel Saif-ul-Malook during your 6-7 hours long trail. We can also trek to Ansoo Lake and Dudipatsar Lake. They have beautiful tracks to reach there too. 

Rafting at Kunhar River

Rafting is a super fun water sport that can be a fun experience for you. The burning temperature of summer is asking for something like this. Kunhar River provides the finest services for Rafting. Many groups with their trained and experienced staff ensure the safety of the tourists. They are always there for help. Also, they offer training programs. It is just a few hour's drive away from Naran.

Fishing 

Fishing at the Lakes in Naran Valley is another fun activity to do. The crystal-clear freshwater of the beautiful lakes at Naran makes fishing a next-level thing. Lake Saif ul Malook is one of the most famous places for fishing in Naran, as it is known for its delicious trout. 

Camping Sites  

On the list of activities accessible in the Naran Valley is camping. It is the one thing that, in my opinion at least, makes your trip experience the best. Most people enjoy counting stars while they sleep while enjoying a spectacular sky view. The Pakistani government has set up numerous camping pods for the public to enhance tourism. These campsites are at Saif-ul-Malook, Balakot, Lulusar Lake, Dudipatsar Lake, and Babusar Top. These places have enough space to accommodate people, even during the peak time of the year. 

Final words:

My first ever experience of the Naran Valley was undoubtedly my best experience. I would recommend everyone to visit it as soon as you get some free time. Trust me; the Naran Valley is not a miss; it won't disappoint you in any way, in the fun or the beauty.