Description
Naran At 7,888 ft above sea level, located 85 km from Balakot, Naraan is the main center of tourism in the Kaghan Valley. The Kunhar River runs along the valley and a point where the valley broadens, the river is quite smooth and perfect for trout fishing and river rafting. With more than 100 hotels of different categories, Naraan is without any doubt the main base for most tourists.
The central bazaar of Naraan contains hotels, restaurants, and shops where starts hustle and bustle in the month of May, the starting of summer holidays in Pakistan. In winter season bulk of the population moves down to warmer climates of Mansehra and Balakot. Most visitors stay in Naraan for a few days while enjoying the various day time outing to Lake SaifulMuluk, Lake Lulusar, Lalazar, and Babusar Pass. There are lots of short walks and trail around Naraan. Dry fruits and handmade items are the famous products here in Naraan. The famous handmade items are Namdas and artistically carved Walnuts one should buy. The woolen embroidered shawls, rugs, and shirts are also very well-known as handmade products. This place has cottage industries running and people can find themselves having excellent bargains.
Handmade articles are shown in the shops at the main market. Famous places in Naraan for tourist are: Lake SaifulMuluk No trip to Naraan and Kaghan Valley is complete without a visit to the legendary Lake SaifulMuluk. The lake is named after Prince Saif-ul-Muluk, who fell in love with a fairy from the mountains. At 10,500 feet (3,200 meters), Lake SaifulMaluk is surrounded by impressive snow clad mountains and crowned by the summit of Malika Parbat (Queen of the Mountains). Babusar Pass At the distance of 80 km from Naraan, Babusar Pass is on the way where the scenery of Kaghan valley becomes most impressive.
Battakundi, at the distance of 16 km from Naraan, provides access to Lalazaar Plateau, Lake Lulusar, and Lake Dodiputsar in Hazara and the source of Kunhar River. In clear weather daytime, Nanga Parbat (8126 m) can be seen from Babusar. It is situated at the height of 14,000ft (4146m) and the whole panorama lies spread out before the visitor from here. Lakes and Meadows If you love hiking, trekking or fishing, then Naraan is like heaven. There are many lakes and meadows high up in the mountains waiting for you. Some of them are Lake Dodipatsar, Lake Lulusar, Danna Meadows, Makra Peak, Sharan, Sri, Paya, Malika Parbat and Musa Ka Musalla (Prayer Mat of Moses). Aansoo Lake Aansoo Lake is tearing shaped high-altitude Lake situated nearby to Malika Parbat. It can be reached via 11 km trail starting from Saif-ul-Mulook. This trail can be divided into two steps: a) 7 km walk from till base of Malika Parbat b) 4 km hike up the mountain with the net elevation around 3300ft (1000m). It can be traveled by Trekking in 4-5 Hours. Lake remains open from early June till late November, with deteriorating weather making it difficult at start and end of the season.
