Excursions and popular sites to visit
Saif-ul-Maluk Lake –
The crown jewel of the valley, Lake Saif-ul-Maluk, is a convenient 30 to 40
minutes’ drive from Peridot. Hire local jeeps through the hotel’s reception
desk for this excursion, if you’re fit enough, hike up in approximately 1.5 to
2 hours. The lake is truly a treat to see, especially in the less busy months
of May, September and October. You’ll find plenty of local storytellers eager
to enthrall you with magical tales of princes and water dwelling fairies while
squatting under the shadow of the majestic Malika Parbat (Queen of Peaks). At
17,356 ft. (5,290 mtrs.), this is the highest mountain in the valley and with
the lake at her base, she is a regal sight to behold. Make sure to take lunch
boxes with you, as food options at the lake are limited to pakoras and French
fries. You’ll also need a warm jacket as it can get cloudy and cold very
quickly up at the lake’s 10,500 ft. This is a must-do trip for all guests
visiting Naran, especially if you’re doing so for the first time.
This trek is recommended for hiking enthusiasts who are fit
enough to undertake it. If you are in that category, you’ll want to try this
out for the spectacular views that it offers and that so few travelers have
ever seen.
Ansoo (Teardrop) Lake
– Sitting at 13,927 feet (4245 meters), Ansoo Lake, named so because of its
teardrop shape, is one of the highest lakes in the Himalayan Mountain Range.
Said to have been undiscovered till as recently as 1993 because of its remote
location, this lake is a new addition to Pakistan’s countless trekking destinations.
Hiking to the lake will take 7 to 9 hours for a round trip from Saif-ul-Maluk,
and the walk up can be divided into two halves. The first part is a relatively
gentler walk along a stream up till the Malika Parbat base camp, while the
second section is steeper, ascending from the base camp to the teardrop. This
trek is covered in snow most of the year, and the best time to attempt it is
mid-July to mid-August. Due to the extreme and rapidly changing weather at that
altitude, trekkers are advised to be properly equipped for wind, rainfall and
snow, and to leave Saif-ul-Maluk early in the morning (around 6 to 7 a.m.), to
ensure that they are back before nightfall. There is no accommodation at Ansoo
lake and camping is the only option, though it is not recommended because of
the extreme cold and strong winds at night. Anyone planning to camp at the lake
must ensure that they are well outfitted to handle the harsh weather conditions
at that altitude.
This trek is recommended for hiking enthusiasts who are fit
enough to undertake it. If you are in that category, you’ll want to try this
out for the spectacular views that it offers and that so few travelers have
ever seen.
Lulusar Lake and
Babusar Pass –Another popular tourist destination that is a must-visit
while at Naran is the serene Lulusar Lake, situated in the Babusar Pass. An
hour and 15 minutes of driving through spectacular mountainous landscapes will
get you to the lake, which is accessible by both cars and jeeps. The highest point of the pass is a further 30 minutes beyond the
lake, and that also marks the border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit
Baltistan. Once at
the top, be ready to have your breath taken away, both figuratively and
literally, by the magnificent views and the biting cold winds – you will, after
all, be standing at 13,800 ft. (4,200 metres.)!! If you’re lucky, on clear
cloudless days you’ll get to see Nanga Parbat (Naked Peak), the 9th
highest mountain in the world and one of the most dangerous to climb, which
lends to the nickname ‘Killer Mountain’. The weather can change almost
instantly at such altitudes, so make sure to take a warm waterproof top with
you. Once again, a packed picnic lunch is also strongly recommended.
Lalazar – A
beautiful Himalayan plateau, Lalazar sits at around 11,000 ft. (3,350 metres)
in altitude, located approximately 25 km. from Naran, off the road leading up
to Babusar Pass. Cars can drive up the Babusar Pass road to the turning-off
point for Lalazar, from where you’ll need to go up in a jeep. Local jeeps are
available on site to deliver tourists up that last part of the drive. Described
by visitors as one of the most beautiful destinations in the entire Kaghan
Valley, Lalazar offers beautiful terraced fields, thick pine forests and
incredible views of the surrounding peaks. Basic accommodation and meals are
offered in a few local hotels and restaurants, but because of the proximity to
Naran, a day trip to experience Lalazar will be a more comfortable option for
most travellers.
Or – If all of
the above sounds too hectic for you, you can also just spend your holiday
lounging about and relaxing on our garden and terrace, or walk down to the pristine
river just across the road from us.
Drive Times:
Islamabad to Naran – 5.5 to 6.0 hrs. (Depending on
traffic and driving speed)
Naran to Saif-ul-Maluk Lake – 30 to 45 min.
Naran to Lulusar Lake –1 hr. 15 min.
Lulusar Lake to Babusar Top – 30 min.
Naran to Lalazar – 1 hr.
Naran to Khanian – 45 min.
Naran to Shogran – 1.5 hrs.
Walk/Hike Times:
Peridot to Saif-ul-Maluk Lake – 1.5 to 2 hrs. (Medium – Hard)
Saif-ul-Maluk Lake to Ansoo Lake – 7 to 9 hrs. for a round
trip (Medium – Hard)
Peridot to Naran Bazaar – 15 min. (Easy)
