Lets GO.. Naran..! - A Journey To The Virtual Paradise

"Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Yes that's right..! After sharing too much sorrows, pain and negativity in my previous articles that we all face in our daily life from one corner of the country to another end, this is the time to share a beautiful & speechless journey I have experienced in my very own country Pakistan.

Near about 260 KM from Country's Capital Territory Islamabad, at more than 8,000 feet above sea level there is a paradise on earth naming as "Naran Valley" in province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, located at river bank of "Kunhar River" originating from the glaciers of "Malka Parbhat" and other high peak glaciers flowing through Naran, Kaghan, Balakot, Gharhi HabibUllah and others with an ending merger to River Jehlum in Muzzafarabad, Azad Kashmir.

I was visiting Islamabad due to some family matters for three days starting from 13th Aug to 16th Aug'15 with tough time constraints. When I moved from Karachi I had no plans in my mind and even couldn't imagine that time had already planned such memorable journey for me.

For me a visit to Islamabad remains incomplete if one had not been to "Murree" one of the beautiful hill stations of Pakistan, so on 14th August morning I just given up a call to my cousin and friend asking them to Lets "Go To Murree", the call positively responded and finally we left for Murree at 10AM, however important to mention here that as 14 August is our National Independence Day, there was high security alert in the city and traffic movements were limited and we were finally shocked when Security officials stopped our car and told that "Sir we are sorry due to VVIP Movement all roads to Murree are closed till evening".

Few moments later from some sources we got to know that "His Highness" Prime Minister will leave for Murree on a personal visit and due to his security the roads will remain closed. We could not spoil our plan so we decided to go via alternate route of Abbottabad, suddenly on the way the travelling bug of my mind activated and presented the idea changing initial travel call of Let's Go Murree in to Let's Go Naran. Indeed the idea was unfeasible but cutting short, we all agreed to move for Naran; unplanned and unprepared!

From the city Islamabad, it took around 10 to 11 hours drive to reach our unplanned destination, we passed through various cities and towns, like Rawalpindi, Wah Cantt, Haripur Hazara, Havellian, Abbottabad, Mansehra, Balakot, Paras Valley, Kaghan and finally to Naran.

Mainly from the city Haripur, the plateau changes, the beauty of Green starts emerging and passage of every kilometer it turns from good to beautiful, fantastic to mind blowing from fantabolus to awesome and in last the words which one can say is WOW..! is this Pakistan?

The unbelievable beauty, the combination of upside down lush green hills, mountains, rivers, clouds & peaceful surroundings hypnotized the tourist. Kaghan Naran Valleys are one of the most favorite summer holiday destinations for Pakistan's as well as for foreigners being listed in world's beautiful valleys. Naran Valley open itself for tourism from May end to October ever year, during winters it gets completely impossible to connect due to heavy snowfalls, rains and deadly landslidings.

The valley is attracted by mountaineers, trekkers & photographers due to its scenic and picturesque landscape. Mountain ranging from 12,000 to 17,000+ feets, the zig-zag roads and the various birds/animal sounds is way of extreme thrill, pleasure and excitement for the visitors making their time ever unforgettable which cannot be converted into words.

If you are willing to plan a visit, Naran Kaghan valley could be your base station for following near by attractions:

1- Paras, Sharan

2- Siree and Payee Lakes

3- Malakindi Forest

4- Lalazar & Batakundi

5- Baser & Manoor Valley

6- Kawei & Babusar Lakes that should and must be visited:

1- Saif-ul-Malook Lake

2- Ansu Lake

3- Lulusar Lake

4- Dudipat sar

5- Rati Gali & Saral Lakes

Indeed, there is no doubt that these places in combination makes a virtual paradise within Pakistan. I am very glad to make a point here that newly elected provincial govt. Of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province has restructured the roads and highways, investing more in advancing basic infrastructure which will may bring revolution in tourism industry as well as becomes source of higher foreign exchange making Pakistan one the beautiful Nation of the world.

In end I am thankful to Prime Minister whose security measures took us to the memorable journey of Virtual Paradise of Pakistan.

"A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us..."
Qoute By American Author John Steinbeck