Naran & Kaghan valley

naran & khagan valley are one the most pleasing and beautiful place that's why they are  called
' heaven on earth'. Although Almighty took a finest time and created such a magnificent landscapes which  left people in wonders. A complete valley is surrounded by snow capped mountains with lush green plains and kunhar River provides an iconic view to that place. Indeed! Naran &Kaghan are best places of hiking, fishing, camping, photography and trekking.

pleasant weather throughout the year: even in hot summers, you can enjoy cold breezes because Naran & Kaghan valley is almost 2500 metres above the sea level that's why even in harsh summers you will enjoy a soothing and calming weather. the ideal time to visit that valley specially in the month of June and July and that is a time where people rushes to explore that valley.

visiting spots :
(1) Lake Saif ul Malooq: the legendary Saif ul Malooq is one the most famous tourist spot which is always open for the tourist throughout the year. due to the huge crowd of the people pollution is getting increasing because they are not taking care of this natural scenic point so certain mandatory actions should be taken by regulatory authorities of  that area to save this natural sight at all costs.

No doubt, Saif ul Malooq is one of most beautiful creation of Almighty one. 2/3 Area of the lake is covered by gigantic snow caped  mountains and these mountains are providing a mesmerism view and left a person in wonders and give a unforgettable view.

if you ever experienced to visit  Naran & Kaghan valley in winter season lake will be completely frozen even you can walk over the lake because surroundings areas are completely covered in snow and you can explore a winter Wonderland.

  

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Hunza Valley

Because we had limited days of the trip, so we had to save the maximum time possible. Thus on our way back from Naltar Lakes, we planned to head straight to Hunza Valley instead of staying another night at Naltar. Albeit it was night and the roadside views were not visible but one can definitely feel the breath and enjoy the bright starry sky on a silky smooth road. It was a long drive of dreams.

This experience was different, I must say. We have traveled mostly during the day light and cherished all the beauty under the bright sunny light. But this whole region has a therapeutic night time; with the gushy sound of river adding to the serenity of the starry night time along with the fresh cool breeze. And if it is a full moon night, it is definitely a cherry on the top.

 

Road and routes are mostly bumpy there except the part from Gilgit to Khunjarab Pass. This means that one can easily travel from Gilgit to Hunza till Khunjarab, at any time of the day. Although we missed the roadside views on the way but we really enjoyed the calmness of the time and the route.

We had already booked the hotel rooms in Hunza so we went directly to the place and slept right away out of tiredness. The next morning we had to leave for Attabad Lake and Khunjarab Pass. We woke up at 10:00am and just a sneak from the window was enough to motivate us to get up and go outside to see the marvelous beauty covered by the dark, last night. The sky was clearer and bluer than ever, in fact the whole atmosphere was so fresh than anywhere around.

We walked to the nearby restaurant for breakfast before leaving the place. While waiting for our breakfast, the owner came to us with fresh cherries from his orchard, and welcomed us. No wonder, people of Hunza are very hospitable.

By 11:00am, we were all ready to move ahead to visit Attabad Lake, Passu Cones and finally Khunjarab Pass. This brief stay at Hunza was a memorable time itself to be cherished later on.

Rating

Site: 9/10

Accessibility: 9.5/10

Services: 9/10

Staff: 9.5/10

Market: 9/10

Residents: 9.5/10

Resourcefulness: 10/10

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Naltar Lakes

After visiting Naltar Valley, we headed towards the renowned lakes of the valley. Some says these are seven in total, other references state the number to be five; but we visited only two of them.

The road on the way is extremely rocky and bumpy and is almost inaccessible through any vehicle except jeep and other similar off-road four wheelers. There also comes a part on the way, where road breaks and one has to cross through the shallow side of the river on jeep, to meet the other end of the road.

The path further extends into the forest and finally to the lakes. The whole route is crazily thrilling as well as risky, but this risk brings along a whole lot of fun and experience. At this point, it would be suggested to better travel with somebody native to the region than taking the risk on your own; especially if you’re visiting for the very first time.

The course at the lakes further divides into two parts; one leading towards Satrangi Jheel (Satrangi Lake) other towards Neeli Jheel (Blue Lake). Both lakes leave you in awe but Satrangi Jheel has an exceptional jaw dropping beauty. The surrounded mountains are mostly snowcapped; reflecting the sunlight on the surface of the lakes like glittery sprinkles spread all over it.

There we also witnessed the snow sliding down the mountains echoing a loud howl everywhere. It was both, haunting as well as a sight to cherish. It was new and indeed a breath taking moment of the time.

Neeli Jheel (Blue Lake) as the name suggests, appears blue in color, especially while standing on any surrounding knoll or big rock. Another captivating thing around the lakes was the pile of big rocks, separating the lakes, like a whole mountain was collapsed there between them.

Satrangi Jheel, however, has so many colors due to variety of fungi under the water. It meets the river at one end; forming a clear unmixed junction of the two waters. One can move about the lakes only on foot and can stay for the night/s in the camping tents. It is inaccessible when it snows otherwise a highly recommended place to visit.

Rating

Site: 9.5/10

Accessibility: 6/10

Services: 5/10

Staff: 8/10

Market: 0/10

Resourcefulness: 5/10

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Naltar Valley

We left for Naltar on the very first evening we reached Gilgit. The whole route was full of excitement. Our tour guide’s three cousins joined in and we sang songs and danced throughout the way. Routes were pretty paved in the beginning but then they became bumpy and gradually worst. Even the rough bumpy roads had the beauty of its own; with water splashing wildly by the side and the gigantic mountains appearing like big monstrous giants in the dark.

It was somewhat haunting but had the serenity and peacefulness of the night. At night we stayed at one of the motels, run by young university students. They managed everything there including the kitchen. After having the dinner cooked by them, we sang songs and enjoyed their traditional dances. It was a whole new experience on its own.

The next morning, we had breakfast with their special “masala chae” and went to explore the rest of surrounding areas before leaving for lakes. The mountains there are comparatively greener and the whole strip gives direction and tells about the weather in the vicinity. One can see where it is cloudy, where it is snowing and where the sun is shining. Sometimes it feels like we are on the peak above the clouds and sometimes it appears below us. I can tell about the end of June for I was there during this time of the month; and it felt hot in the sun and cold in the shadow. Clouds keep roaming about there; sometimes it starts raining for a moment and the very next minute the sun is shining bright.

The beauty of the place is really breathtaking. Even the birds are so unique of the kind that I have never seen before anywhere. And yes, all the animals have thick fur; be it a dog, cat, bull, cow, goat or birds. That’s of course to survive the harsh weather but it was new and fascinating to me. To summarize it all, it indeed is a tiny part of heaven on earth; tiny because the real beauty was waiting for us ahead.

Rating

Site: 9.5/10

Accessibility: 6/10

Services: 7/10

Staff: 9/10

Market: 7/10

Residents: 9/10

Resourcefulness: 7/10

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