Assalam o alaikum Dear PWss....
This safernama is about my journey towards Naraan Kaghan with my family and family friends in 2013. We spent only 3 days due to shortage of time but this whole trip was full of enjoyment. It was my 1st experience to explore naturally enchanting valleys of Kaghan.
Travel plan:
Day 1: Lahore-Taxilla-Abbotabad-Balakot-Kiwae-Sari Pae-Shogran
Day 2: Shogran-Kiwae-Kaghan-Naraan
Day 3: Naraan - LHR
Total Cost: PKR 25000 approx.
We started journey from Lahore at night 2 am and reached Taxilla early morning. From here we turned right towards Hawailian - Abbotabad. Abbotabad is the big and modern city of this region with an altitude of 4100 feet from sea level. Here all facilities are available of good food, accommodation, etc. Its about 500 km from lahore.
The alternate route to reach Abbotabad is from Murree, Nathiagali. Its more scenic way but 1st you have to climb up to 8500 feet for Nathiagali and then down for abbotabad.
From Abbotabad we moved towards Mansehra and then Balakot.
We reached Balakot at noon. Did lunch here and started our journey towards Kiwae. Distannce between Balakot and Kiwae is 23 km.
kiwae is the place where we can decide either to go 1st Shogran, Sari Pae Meadows or Naraan Kaghan.
We opt 1st option to go Shogran first. Shogran and Sari pae had very steep road. Only an expert driver can reach shogran on his own vehicle. or other option is to hire a jeep. There is infact no road exist for Sari Pae. WE hired jeep and visited Shogran and Sari pae which was an unbelievable experience for the whole life. awesome place. one must visit this place in his life.
Total mileage from Lahore to Naraan is approx. 650 km. you can reduce it 60-70 km by travelling G.T road for LHR-ISB section.
Naraan altitude is approx. 8000 feet. There is a lot of space to explore in Naraan Valley. e.g. famous Lake Saif ul Malook, Aansoo lake, Jhalkad and then Babusar top and Chillas.
Petrol is rarely available from Balakot onwards so u should have sufficient fuel in your tank while leaving Abbotabad.
Road condition is good with the exception of few patches. you can easily travel till naraan on your own vehicle even on 800cc vehicle.