Naran (Urdu: ناران ) is a medium sized town in upper Kaghan Valley of Mansehra District situated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Elevated 8,202 feet or 2,500 meters above sea level, Naran is one of the most scenic valleys in Pakistan; attracting thousands of tourists, trekkers, photographers and nature-enthusiast, every year. The Kunhar River, swollen by glacier melt, passes through this town as it meanders its way through the valley.
Naran can be considered as base station to scenic destinations like Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Lalazar Babusar, Noori Valley and Purbi Valley
Accommodation
It has over 100 hotels of various types ranging from high-end luxury hotels to very low priced motels. Tent motels are also present which rent family size tents to tourists to stay in. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) also has a motel situated in the north of town which can accommodate people on different tariffs, from average rooms to costly huts besides the River Kunhar.
A market exists there where all basic necessities of life are available.
Transportation
Naran is connected by Naran road from Mansehra. In the tourist season (1 June to 31 August) public transport runs daily between Mansehra and Naran. PTDC also runs an air conditioned bus between Rawalpindi and Naran daily in season. Taxis, cars and jeeps are available from Mansehra for Naran in all seasons.
In winter the road which leads to Naran is blocked due to heavy snowfall and it is very difficult to reach there.
Communication
The Naran town is covered by all GSM operators (except Zong). SCO coverage is also available there.
Hiking, trekking, and off-roading
Lake Saif-ul-Maluk
Naran to Lake Saif-ul-Malook dusty jeep track is approximately 9 km in length with hiking difficulty level ranging from easy to medium. It can be traveled by jeep in one Hours. Net elevation gain is around 700m.
Ansu Lake
Ansu is tear shaped high-altitude lake situated adjacent to Malika Parbat. It can be reached via 11 km trail starting at Saif-ul-Malook. This trail can be divided in two steps. a) 7 km walk from till base of Malika Parbat. b) 4 km hike up the mountain with net elevation around 1000m. Lake remains accessible from early May till late December, with deteriorating weather making it difficult at start and end of season.
Lalazar
Lalazar is a plateau once known for beautiful wild flowers and soothing pine forests. Though recently cultivation of potato and other corps declined the natural beauty, but still enchanting view ofMalika Parbat and lush meadows make it a must visit. Lalazar can be reached through a muddy jeep track of 01 hour starting from Battakundi. Some people prefer trekking over riding the jeep. One famous, moderate trek starting from Lake Saif-ul-Malook through picturesque Hans Gali ends at Lalazar.
Other Tracks (originating/ending in Naran Valley):-
· - Noori Top
· - Dudipatsar Lake
· - Saral Lake
· - Ratti-Gali Lake (Lake is in AJK)
· - Sat-sar Mala Lakes
· - Gitidas
· - Lulusar Lake
· - Babusar Top
· - Katha-sar Lake (Lake is in Kohistan)
· - Maheen Lake (Lake is in Kohistan)
Naran can be considered as base station to scenic destinations like Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Lalazar Babusar, Noori Valley and Purbi Valley
Accommodation
It has over 100 hotels of various types ranging from high-end luxury hotels to very low priced motels. Tent motels are also present which rent family size tents to tourists to stay in. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) also has a motel situated in the north of town which can accommodate people on different tariffs, from average rooms to costly huts besides the River Kunhar.
A market exists there where all basic necessities of life are available.
Transportation
Naran is connected by Naran road from Mansehra. In the tourist season (1 June to 31 August) public transport runs daily between Mansehra and Naran. PTDC also runs an air conditioned bus between Rawalpindi and Naran daily in season. Taxis, cars and jeeps are available from Mansehra for Naran in all seasons.
In winter the road which leads to Naran is blocked due to heavy snowfall and it is very difficult to reach there.
Communication
The Naran town is covered by all GSM operators (except Zong). SCO coverage is also available there.
Hiking, trekking, and off-roading
Lake Saif-ul-Maluk
Naran to Lake Saif-ul-Malook dusty jeep track is approximately 9 km in length with hiking difficulty level ranging from easy to medium. It can be traveled by jeep in one Hours. Net elevation gain is around 700m.
Ansu Lake
Ansu is tear shaped high-altitude lake situated adjacent to Malika Parbat. It can be reached via 11 km trail starting at Saif-ul-Malook. This trail can be divided in two steps. a) 7 km walk from till base of Malika Parbat. b) 4 km hike up the mountain with net elevation around 1000m. Lake remains accessible from early May till late December, with deteriorating weather making it difficult at start and end of season.
Lalazar
Lalazar is a plateau once known for beautiful wild flowers and soothing pine forests. Though recently cultivation of potato and other corps declined the natural beauty, but still enchanting view ofMalika Parbat and lush meadows make it a must visit. Lalazar can be reached through a muddy jeep track of 01 hour starting from Battakundi. Some people prefer trekking over riding the jeep. One famous, moderate trek starting from Lake Saif-ul-Malook through picturesque Hans Gali ends at Lalazar.
Other Tracks (originating/ending in Naran Valley):-
· - Noori Top
· - Dudipatsar Lake
· - Saral Lake
· - Ratti-Gali Lake (Lake is in AJK)
· - Sat-sar Mala Lakes
· - Gitidas
· - Lulusar Lake
· - Babusar Top
· - Katha-sar Lake (Lake is in Kohistan)
· - Maheen Lake (Lake is in Kohistan)