Imagine a valley cradled by giant mountains, filled with vibrant green meadows and air so fresh it tingles your nose. That’s Naran Kaghan Valley in Pakistan! But the valley holds a secret: sparkling lakes tucked away like hidden treasures. We’re going on a trip, not a fancy one, but a blog adventure, to discover the 11 most beautiful lakes in this amazing place. Get ready for crystal-clear water reflecting the snowy peaks, all wrapped in a stunning scene that will knock your socks off (well, maybe not literally, but you get the idea).
11 Most Beautiful Lakes in Naran Kaghan
Here is the list of the 11 most beautiful lakes in Naran Kaghan that you shouldn’t miss on your next trip.
- Seri Paya Lake
- Paya Lake
- Saif-ul-Maluk Lake
- Anso Lake
- Payal Lake
- Lulu Sar Lake
- Dodi Patsar Lake
- Dharmsar Lake
- Sambaksar Lake
- Babusar Lake
- Sat Sar Mala Lake
READ: Don’t Miss Out 3-Day Trip To Naran and Shogran This Summer
Seri Paya Lake
The crown jewel of Shogran tourism, Sri Paya, is a breathtaking destination easily accessible by jeep. The adventurous journey, perfect for the thrill-seeker, takes about 40 minutes and winds its way through stunning landscapes. Upon arrival at Sri Paya, a small, serene lake formed by rainwater awaits. This natural source of water is a vital resource for the grazing cattle in the area.
Paya Lake
Beyond the stunning foothills of Sri Paya, the landscape unfolds into vast, elevated plains. These expansive meadows, perched high in the mountains, boast breathtaking panoramic views. However, amidst these plains lies a small body of water, not quite a lake. Local guides, with a touch of showmanship, might lead tourists here on horseback, calling it a lake. But for photographers, the key is capturing the right angle – a clever play of perspective can make this water appear more lake-like in photos.
Saif-ul-Muluk Lake
Saiful Muluk is a crown jewel of Pakistan’s natural wonders. Located at the northern end of the Kaghan Valley, near the town of Naran, it’s nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas at a staggering elevation of 3,224 meters (10,578 feet) above sea level.
This fairytale-like lake is named after a famous local legend about a prince named Saif ul Maluk and a fairy princess. Encircled by snow-capped mountains, including the towering Malika Parbat peak, the lake’s pristine waters shimmer with an alluring turquoise hue, attributed to the rich presence of blue-green algae.
Anso Lake
There’s a stunning natural area near Saif al-Muluk Lake. It takes a 4-hour hike to get there, but you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful lake. This lake is shaped like a tear and is covered in snow for most of the year (around 9 months). Imagine a bag that you can tighten with a drawstring – that’s what the surrounding mountains look like around the lake.
Payal Lake
The stunning scenery continues after you pass Naran. The road dips down a bit before Jalkhad, where you’ll see a captivating sight. There’s a bright green, cup-shaped lake visible from the road above. It’s so picturesque that most tourists just admire it from there, take a quick photo, and keep going on their journey.
Lulu Sar Lake
Lulu Sar Lake is the biggest lake in Kagan Valley! The water is a beautiful blue and stretches for about 3 kilometers. While you can’t go boating on the lake, you can get close to the shore. The best time to visit is from April to May when the Naran Kagan tourist season opens. During this time, a path is cut through the glacier to allow access to the lake. One of the most amazing sights here is the floating ice glaciers in the lake!
Dodi Patsar Lake
The entire area you’ve been reading about is Dodipat Sir National Park! After you pass Jalkhad, you’ll reach Basel. This is where the exciting trek across the Kunhar River begins – you’ll find the starting point on the right side. The trek takes you to the beautiful lake you just read about. It’s a challenging journey, but nature lovers are happy to brave it to witness this stunning lake in person.
Dharmasar Lake
The hidden gem of Dharma Sar Lake awaits you near Babusar Pass! This breathtaking lake sits at an impressive altitude of 13,500 feet and offers unparalleled natural beauty. Head out from Babusar Pass and look for the first turn to the right about 1 kilometer down the road. There’s a path leading down that’s perfect for exploring by bicycle or even on foot. After a short ride or walk, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of this magnificent lake, still undiscovered by most tourists.
Sambaksar Lake
There’s another beautiful lake called Sambak close to Dharma Sar Lake. This means you can potentially see two lakes in one trip! In the local language, Simbak stone refers to a wall, and the lake’s source is located at the head of this wall. That’s why the lake is named Simbak Head. Both these stunning lakes are quite high up in the mountains, so they’re frozen for most of the year, around nine months. But from late July to September, the ice melts away, revealing the vibrant green beauty beneath.
Babusar Lake
The Kagan Valley’s most famous landmark might be Dar Babu Sar, which marks the route from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Gilgit. But there’s more to discover here than just the main road!
Near Dar Babu Sar, you’ll find two beautiful lakes. The first one is located on the way from Babu Sar to Chilas, while the second one is hidden behind a mountain on the left side of Dar Babu Sar Top. While reaching the second lake directly might require going around the other side of the hill, you can see it from the top of the mountain with just a short 30-minute hike!
Sat Sar Mala Lake
Get ready for breathtaking scenery! Located between Lulu Sar Lake and Babu Sar Pass lies the stunning Geti Das region. This area boasts a series of seven crystal-clear lakes located among t the majestic Geti Das mountains.
The hike to reach these lakes is challenging and takes about 3 hours, but the reward is worth the effort. Imagine the exhaustion melting away as you witness all seven lakes together, a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty!
Conclusion
The eleven lakes highlighted here are just a glimpse of the magic that awaits in Naran Kaghan. This valley is a trekker’s paradise, offering stunning scenery, hidden lakes, and unforgettable adventures. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Naran Kaghan and discover your slice of paradise!
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