This compact Kaghan Valley itinerary covers the region's headline sights in four days: the forested hill station of Shogran, the high meadow and lake at Siri Paye, the valley's biggest natural lake at Lulusar, the climb to Babusar Pass, and a jeep ride to the famous Lake Saif ul Malook before the drive back to Islamabad.
Itinerary
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Day 1 β Islamabad to Shogran
After breakfast, drive to Shogran via the Hazara Motorway, with views over a carpet of forest and up to the great peaks of the valley β 5,290-metre Malika Parbat (Queen of Mountains), the tallest in Kaghan Valley, and the brooding 3,900-metre Koh-i-Marka. Leave the motorway at the Mansehra exit to join the Kaghan Valley road, passing Balakot village on the Kunhar River β the gateway to the Kaghan Valley β and continuing to Kawai, where the jeep road climbs to Shogran. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for the night. Shogran is an ideal base for relaxing or hiking.
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Day 2 β Shogran, Siri Paye and on to Naran
From Shogran, a jeep ride, hike or horse ride takes you up to the beautiful meadow at around 3,000 metres (10,000 ft). The meadow holds the well-known Payee Lake, set at about 9,500 ft (roughly 2,895 metres) in a basin ringed by the Makra peak, the mighty Malika Parbat and Moosa ka Musalla β all rising far higher than the lake itself. Return to Shogran, then continue to Naran and check in to the hotel for the night.
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Day 3 β Naran, Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top
After an early breakfast, take a day-long excursion to Lulusar Lake and Babusar Pass, 68 km from Naran β the Kaghan Valley's most dramatic scenery lies beyond Naran. At Battakundi, 16 km up the valley, you pass the junction for the Lalazar Plateau, then continue through Burawai to Lulusar, the biggest natural lake in the entire Hazara region and the source of the Kunhar River. An optional side trip continues to Gittidas, from where an uphill drive reaches the famous Babusar Pass. Enjoy the breathtaking views before returning to the hotel in Naran for the night.
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Day 4 β Lake Saif ul Malook and back to Islamabad
In the morning, ride local 4x4 jeeps to the famous Lake Saif ul Malook at 3,200 metres β the short, scenic ride climbs through the top of the valley to the lake itself. Framed by the Himalayas, its crystal-clear water mirrors the sky and Malika Parbat. In the afternoon, drive back to Islamabad with drop-off at your preferred area.