Shogran (Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa)

 

Shogran is located in the Kaghan Valley in Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa province and is one of the famous visiting spots in the valley. This hill station is situated in the midst of green pine trees at a height of 7,749 feet above sea level, at the distance of 34 km from Balakot, and 90 km from Abbottabad.

A jeep trek road, which is known as Shogran Road, turns to right after Kewai from main Kaghan Road toward this hill station. It is a dangerous road, but you definitely have a wonderful journey in your life. After 7 km of dangerous driving, you will be in a wonderful valley of lush green pine trees with a cool and pleasant atmosphere. From Shogran you can also visit other places such as Siri lake, Paye lake, Musa ka Musala Peak, and Makra Peak. You can also get a view of those peaks from the Shogran in clear weather. A trip to Forest Rest House will be a wonderful trip there. From the Kaghan Road, it is normally covered with heavy clouds, which will attract most the tourist passing from there.

Summer is the best place to visit, but heavy rain and sometimes with hail storm can be expected in monsoon period. In winter due to heavy snow, it will be difficult to access the area, but it can be an unforgettable adventure. It will be better to get proper information about the area before visiting as an unexpected change of weather is always there.

About Kaghan

Kaghan Valley, a scenic wonderland, is at height of beauty among many beautiful valleys in Hazara in the Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Pakistan. It is one hundred and sixty kilometers long valley in the Lower Himalayan mountain range, having an elevation of 2,134 feet to 13,690 feet at Babusar Pass.

The road to Kaghan is a little bit dangerous due to the deep slopes to the river on one side and the lofty mountains on the other side. The valley is fully covered by pine and fir trees densely overgrown with a variety of other plants, except at the Babusar Top area. The Babusar Top is highest point in the Kaghan Valley, and it is a gateway to access Gilgit-Baltistan. One can also get a view of the Nanga Parbat and mountain ranges in the Kashmir region.

The road from Balakot ascends along the Kunhar River that is flowing in deep ridges and through lovely forests. The spectacular views and sceneries are near Shogran, surrounded by peaks and pine forest, covering with a layer of silver shined clouds on the top. From Shogran, you can visit the famous peaks of Siri and Payee, with breathtaking views at their top.

Naran is one of the most attractive hill stations in Kaghan valley, with its pleasant and cool atmosphere. Saif-ul-Maluk lake can be accessed from Naran by a jeep within 30-45 minutes. One can also enjoy two hours trek from Naran to Saif-ul-Maluk lake. There is a number of glaciers in the passage of Kaghan to Narran and from Narran to Saif-ul-Maluk, and those are real enjoyment in exploring Naran. From Saif-ul-Maluk lake, a splendid view of Malka Parbat, the highest mountain in this valley, can be seen in clear weather.

Babusar Pass, a jeep track leads to Chilas on Karakoram Highway. Lulusar lake, on the side of road, gives charming view of the Khunhar River. Traveling from Lulusar Lake to Babusar pass is just like flowing on the top of mountains with a broader view of mountain ranges.

The river Kunhar, originating from Lulusar lake, runs through the valley and merges with the Jhelum River just outside Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir. The shining green water of the Kunhar River with the flowing ranges of mountains, is the real beauty of this valley.

The Kaghan valley has number of lushgreen meadows on the top of mountain ranges, where one observe grazing herd of sheep, goats, etc. The Kundi Meadows, located behind Rajwal villageone, is a lushgreen plain on the mountain top. It can be accessed after 5-6 hours trekking.

Fishing is one of the best sports activities in Kaghan. In the upper parts of the valley, Brown Trout and Mahasher are stocked in pure silvery waters of the Kunhar River. The Kunhar river trout is considered to be the best throughout South Asia.