Naran can be approached on private and public transport through Silk Route

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Naran Valley

 In a Glimpse

 A medium-sized town–Naran, which nestles grassy plains, lofty mountains, and tranquil lakes, is the gateway to Gilgit Baltistan. The light of hospitality and resilience that the people of Naran emit makes this one of the most popular tourist attractions locally as well as internationally.

Naran Valley, holding many gems of beautiful Pakistan, faced a disastrous earthquake in 2005, revived its tourism since then. The assortment of mountains, lakes, meadows, and streams that are as fascinating in winter as in summer, is the best place to visit in any season.

Reaching Naran Valley 

At a distance of 282 km from Islamabad, Naran can be approached on private and public transport through Silk Route and the Motorway.

 

Naran has a humid continental climate with heavy snowfall in winter and momentous rainfall during summers. This, however, does not hinder the accessibility of this place. Naran is accessible throughout the year as the weather does not affect the living conditions. It welcomes thousands of tourists around the year.

Attractions in Naran Valley

Blessed with a variety of landscapes, Naran usually leaves visitors in awe, marveling at the wonders of this beautiful town. From the flowing river of Kunhar, snowcapped peaks, and lush green plains, crystal blue lakes to busy Bazars with many eateries, local handicraft shops, and dry fruit retailers–this place is every traveler’s dream destination.

One of the major attractions near Naran Valley is Lalazar, a lush green meadow at an elevation of about 10,500 ft above sea level. The mesmerizing meadow is some 21 km away, a 2-hour drive from Naran valley, beside the thick alpine forest.

Moving away from Naran towards Babusar top to reach Lalazar, you will come across many waterfalls, streams and calmly flowing River Kunhar along the metalled road. At Battakundi, the smooth road turns into an uphill climb on a rough track where on one side the thick alpine forest and on the other side Kunhar River flowing down through the valley adorn the route.

As you reach Lalazar, the Fir and Pine forest, grassland covered with vibrant wildflowers, butterflies dancing through the flowerbed, snow-clad mountains around, and the serenity fashions a magical ambiance.

Lake Saiful Malook, Shogran, Kaghan Valley, Dudipatsar Lake, Lulusar Lake, Pyala Lake, Jalkhad, Babusar Village, Siri, and Paaye – these are some of the many attractions of Naran that always catch the visitor’s attention.

Activities in Naran Valley

One can spend the day time visiting the lakes and rivers, fishing, rafting, and relaxing in small cafes next to the flowing waters. At night time, the Bazaars are lit with halogen bulbs, many people, visitors, and locals are seen roaming in the streets bargaining for shawls and handmade bags while some enjoying hot espresso from the stalls.

There is a trout hatchery that has all sizes of trout while the visitors are welcome to catch them. You can also rent the fishing equipment from Naran Bazar to do Trout fishing for brown and rainbow trout along the Kunhar River. You can get the fishing permit from the nearby fisheries department easily.

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People of Naran

This valley homes the friendliest of people who are generous and very kind. The inhabitants of Naran Valley are Guars, who whole-heartedly welcome the tourists, treating them as their friends.

Their primary source of income is through tourism–be it a tour guide, owner or worker at rest houses, shopkeepers, managers, and jeep drivers. A few of them are farmers and shepherds.

Women are mostly homemakers. However, most of families have developed cottage industries in their homes to make handicrafts. Most of the teenagers work as travel guides and salespersons because of the lack of schools and an appropriate education system.

Gojri and Hindko are the widely spoken languages in Naran Valley, but people also understand and speak Urdu.

History of Naran-Kaghan Valley

The Naran-Kaghan Valley is not only renowned for its natural beauty, but also for the rich history it carries, dating back to the British Colonial period. This place has inhabited different casts since the stone age, like Swati, Awan, Kashmiri, Durai, Mughal, and Quraish.

With its rich historical background, the valley homes many ancient buildings and monuments. There are Buddhist temples and stupas, monuments of the Islamic period, temples of Hindus and Sikhs, Buddhist monasteries, and buildings of the Colonial period. Additionally, there are several folklores attached to this district, with archeological graves and legendary buildings, famous for their historical background.

Naran has several hotels, ranging from high-end luxury to low-priced motels. Besides this, one can find a vast variety of cuisines, from Pakistani Desi dishes to continental and fast food. It is recommended to try the popular local dishes of this place if one gets a chance. Naran is not the only destination that you must visit. Explore amazing tourist destinations with GTP.

 

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