Trip to Skardu/Naran/Kaghan 2018

[alice.nemo]

Hey everyone!

After reading a ton of posts here I've decided to write my own so I can get some detailed information about Naran/Kaghan/Skardu.

So a little backstory, We're a huge family, around 120 people (Kids included) and haven't been in touch with each other as much lately. So my mom decided to plan a trip (between May 2018 to August 2018) to go see the Northern areas of Pakistan with everyone and I mean everyone, all 120 of them.

The plan is to go to Islamabad from Karachi (where we're all based) by train. Then stay a night in Islamabad and leave for Naran/Kaghan/Skardu. The aim is to not go see as many tourist places as possible but more or less to find a nice hotel in Naran or Skardu and make base there for 4 to 5 days. We sort of want the family to get away from the city life and just enjoy nature at its best.

As I have mentioned before the family is huge therefore the people are all of sizes and ages. We'd prefer to get to a destination as fast as possible, let the adults stay at the hotels and chill with nice tea and calm serene views while the young go and explore.

Here's the problem, none of us has ever been and therefore we have no clue what we're in for. My friends tell me the roads are scary and dangerous to Skardu, that there are no bathrooms while on the way and might have to go in the bushes and all. Other friends tell me that food is super expensive like 3 times the price in khi etc. Some friends say its quite cheap. A lot of mixed and conflicting information so far.

The other problem is that the good hotels we have found so far in Naran (PTDC, De Manchi, Arcadian Luxury Resort) and Skardu (Shangrilla resort) are quite pricey shockingly. Almost Rs. 9k a night I think for 3 or 4 people.

What I need from you all is the answer to my following questions that I have had so far:

1. Which out of all three places is safer/easier/faster to get to considering we will have a lot kids as well as aged family members. (Lots of bathroom breaks for the kids I'm assuming).

2. How much should we expect to pay for a room (4 people) at a nice hotel (the ones I mentioned above or any other better ones if you have suggestions) in Skardu and or Naran/Kaghan.

3. Which place is less crowded during summer times?

4. I've heard it's even cold in summers up in the North, is that true?

5. Please let me know if there's anything I'm missing and add to my questions if you'd like.

Thank you all!

[nagar1]

You have planned a big tour and it might be cumbersome to actually do this. But as far as your questions are considered i will answer them
1. if we talk about distance then Naran is the closest place to go. Bathrooms and hotels are easily available.
2. In 2500-4000 room rent you can get a good room. 2500 will not be the best one but will be live able.
3. If we compare Skardu and Naran in terms of being crowded , Skardu is less crowded.
4. Its not cold but if it rains and at night you will need a chadar or sometimes a Blanked to cover yourself. Gilgit, sometimes has the highest temperatures in the whole country in summer but under shade it is good.
5. Planning such a big tour is not easy. You should plan about a year in advance. you will be needing a lot of vehicles (coasters) to travel and bookings to be done in advance.
Naran and skardu are far away from each other. Naran is 6-8 hrs from Islamabad , Skardu will take further 12-14 hrs from Naran. So you will have to make a final choice where you want to go.
May end to August is the peak season in northern areas. You can arrange your trip some days before or after these days.
For further details you can contact me specially regarding gilgit baltistan

[alice.nemo]

Hi, thanks for your detailed reply!

1. Are there any other places near Naran/Kaghan that are just as scenic with lakes and nice hotels nearby but maybe less crowded?

2. Also would Corolla's be better or should we get a coaster? Are the roads to Naran big and wide? How much would a coaster cost from Islamabad to Naran and for how many people per coaster.

3. Do you know of any tour companies for Naran that could help us with bargaining for rooms and arrange jeeps etc.?

4. The rooms you mentioned for Rs. 4000 are they from the nicer hotels by any chance? Like De Manchi, PTDC, Sprucewood Luxury Resorts.

5. What's the weather like in September?

Thank you!

[haroonmcs26]

U r going for a big tour. Its better to arrange it through some tour operator bcz it will be very difficult for u to arrange rooms and food in such huge quantity.

[haroonmcs26]

They will charge u per head which includes transportation, hotels, two time meals.

[alice.nemo]

Yeah, I agree it might be too challenging. Do you have any recommendations for affordable tour operators?

[haroonmcs26]

Try to find in ur city.

[alice.nemo]

I actually live in LA. I'm hoping someone could give me a contact number for a tour operators they have used themselves for such a trip and would recommend their services.

[nagar1]

Amjad 0346-8484484 he can arrange the whole trip for you

[alice.nemo]

Thanks! I'll give him a call or shoot him a text.

[alice.nemo]

I would appreciate answers for the following questions too. Thanks!

1. Are there any other places near Naran/Kaghan that are just as scenic with lakes and nice hotels nearby but maybe less crowded?

2. Also would Corolla's be better or should we get a coaster? Are the roads to Naran big and wide? How much would a coaster cost from Islamabad to Naran and for how many people per coaster.

3. Do you know of any tour companies for Naran that could help us with bargaining for rooms and arrange jeeps etc.?

4. The rooms you mentioned for Rs. 4000 are they from the nicer hotels by any chance? Like De Manchi, PTDC, Sprucewood Luxury Resorts.

5. What's the weather like in September?

Thank you!

[stgp_team]

Yeah, I agree it might be too challenging. Do you have any recommendations for affordable tour operators?

Dear you contact me (0346-4559733). ..
I'm tour operator from Lahore
Facebook/Shahzada Travel Guide of Pakistan

[nagar1]

1. Naran Kaghan is all crowded during peak season. Its easy approach for residents of RWP/IsB and many parts of KPK so people come in big numbers.
2. Road is all good to naran. Coasters can carry upto 25-30 passengers. SO to carry 120 passengers you will be needing 4-5 coasters but in case you take corollas you will have to take 30 corollas which is not feasible at all.Rates for coaster would be around 10,000 per day excluding fuel.
3. There are many operators in the market who can arrange it for you. They will cover the whole trip including hotels, coaster etc
4. In 4,000 you can find nice rooms. You have to bargain a lot during peak seasons
5. In september winter starts to come in so nights will be colder. Days would be good , you will be needing jackets if it rains

[alice.nemo]

Thank you so much for all your answers!