Kaghan, a valley of hypnotizing
mountains, is located in the District of Mansehra, in one of the administrative
provinces of Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The total area covered by this
valley is approximately 155 kilo meters. The elevation of the valley is about
2500 meters. The Babusar Top with the altitude of 4170 meters lies in the
Kaghan Valley.
In 1947, the northern places of
Karakoram Highway had two main paths. First one is the Siri Nagar Astore-Gilgit
Mule Track. While, the other is the Kaghan Valley Track through Chilas and the
Babusar Pass. Because of the Kashmir War (1948), the Siri Nagar Track was
blocked for the Pakistanis. From 1948, only Kaghan Valley Track was utilized.
In 2005, land sliding occurred
due to the disastrous earthquake of Kashmir, blocked all the roads leading to
Kaghan Valley and cut it off from the rest of the world. Later, all the routes
are re-constructed.
During winters, all the routes of Kaghan
Valley are blocked due to the snow fall and glaciers. It is impossible to visit
Kaghan Valley before March. All the icebergs melt from February to April. Then
from May, the Babusar Pass and all other routes are clear to visit Kaghan
Valley. During May, the temperature range is nearly from 3 °C to 11°C. Summer i.e.
from May to September, is the ideal time to visit and enjoy Kaghan Valley.
Hilly peaks, lush green fields,
icebergs, snowy mountains, refreshing meadows, lakes, all add to the beauty of
Kaghan Valley. Pine and cedar trees present an amazing view and astonish the
tourists. Siri Payee, Saif ul Malook, and the Dodipatsar are the famous lakes
of Kaghan Valley. Balakot, Shogran, Kewai, Siri, Payee, Makra Peak, Paras,
Manna Meadows, Sharan Meadows, Siran Valley, Shinu, Jareed, Mahanderi, Manur
Gali, Danna Meadows, Kamal Ban, Musa ka Musalla, all are the reasons of
attraction from all over the world.
Kunhar is the river that flows
through out the Kaghan Valley. Trout and Mahseer are the two most popular fish
of this river. As fishing is the most eminent interest and occupation of the
inhabitants of Kaghan Valley, lincenses are issued to the residents. The Trout
Hatchery and the Fisheries Department of Naran are responsible for the licenses.
