Kaghan
The
Kaghan Valley (
Urdu:
وادی کاغان) is a valley in the north-east of
Mansehra District of the
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province of
Pakistan. It attracts many tourists from around the country. The inhabitants were affected by the
earthquake disaster on 8 October 2005.
The Kaghan valley is named after the town of
Kaghan rather than for the
Kunhar River which flows through the length of the valley. The valley extends 155 km, rising from an elevation of 2,134 feet (650 m) to its highest point, the
Babusar Pass, at 13,690 feet (4,170 m). Popular languages are
Hindko and
Gojri, while
Urdu, Pakistan's national language is also familiar among the locals. The region is Alpine in geography and climate, with forests and meadows dominating the landscape below peaks that reach over 17,000 feet.
Tourism
Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in a pristine state. Kaghan is at its best during summer (from May to September). In May the temperature ranges between a maximum of 11 °C (52 °F) and a minimum of 3 °C (37 °F). From the middle of July up to the end of September the road beyond
Naran Valley is open right up to
Babusar Pass. Movement is restricted during the
monsoon and winter seasons. The Kaghan area can be reached by road via the towns of Balakot,
Abbottabad and Mansehra. In Balakot, one may find buses and other transports to reach Kaghan or
Naran Village.
The road from
Balakot ascends along the Kunhar River through lovely forests and the villages of Paras, Shinu, Jared and Mahandri. The valley is somewhat narrow along this stretch and the views are limited but as you ascend, the surrounding peaks come into view. One spot that is quite famous for its spectacular view and scenery is '
Shogran'. This village, surrounded by peaks and forests, is east of the main Kunhar River. It hosts the famous Siri
Payee Lake mountain with breathtaking views at its top.
