A holiday in the Kaghan Valley, the Himalayan hide-away, north-east of the Hazara district of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience.

Its mountains, dales, lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in a unbelievable pristine state, an unspoiled paradise. That is why it can be such a deeply satisfying experience to spend a few days in Kaghan. The Valley extends for 155 kms. rising from an elevation of 2,134 meters to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,173 meters. Kaghan is at its best in the summer months (May to September). In May the temperature is : maximum 11^oc and the minimum 3^oC. From the middle of July up to the end of September, the road beyond Naran, snowbound throughout the winter, is open right upto Babusar Pass. Movement is restricted during the monsoon season also.

The Kaghan Valley is accessible by road from Islamabad and Peshawar.
You can drive in your own or a rented car, taxi, station-wagon or bus to abbotabad which is 122 kms from Islamabad and 217 kms from Peshawar. Abbotabad is a Charming town spread out over several low, refreshingly green hills.

From there you drive 72 kms to Balakot, the gateway to the Kaghan Valley. Balakot has shrines of Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Ismael Shaheed Brelvi, the sub-continent's great freedom fighters.

For your drive to Kaghan, you switch over at Balakot to a jeep. Your first stop is 34 kms. away at shogran at 2,362 meters above sea level. At Kaghan, the little village that gives the valley its name 61 kms. from Balakot - you get down to stretch your legs.

At Naran, 23 kms. from Kaghan, you reach the half-way point. Naran also serves as the base for the whole valley. From here you can ride a jeep or horse or hike in excursions to several picturesque lakes, valleys and peaks.

Fishing is the chief sport in Kaghan. Brown Trout and Mahasheer are stocked in the pure silvery waters between Kaghan and Naran. The Kunhar river's trout is considered best in the South Asia. Fishing licenses are issued by the Fisheries Department at Naran.