Laying in lower Himalayan mountains range, the Kaghan Valley, famous for its bewitching splendor and natural beauty, is one of the most charming tourist resorts in scenic Hazara division. At a distance of 64 km from Balakot, it offers resplendent beauty surrounded by magnificent mountains, magical glaciers, enchanting waterfalls and sweet lakes with plenty of flora and fauna. The valley is about 160 km long and between 1000m to 4000 m above sea level at different places. Noisy Kunhar river with its icy water flows through the picturesque valley. The river water carries with it the delicious trout fish, famous for its rich taste being the most sought-after food item for visitors and tourists. At peak summer when plains boil with scorching heat the valley regains its life. Kunhar river with its surging waters treacherously edges Kaghan and two other small towns, Balakot and Naran situated on its banks. The spring season that brings with it unfading fragrance of beautiful flowers and plants, witnesses quick movement of nomads along with their cattle towards upper pastures of Kaghan Valley and the return journey begins in autumn when they come down after this seasonal migration. The movement is going on since ancient times. Nomad womenfolk usually wear their typical mostly loose garments tailored locally with decorative hand- made embroidery.

BALAKOT

The beautiful mountain town of Balakot with its serene and ever fresh air lies on the way to Kaghan Valley. The small town is the starting point for thrilling journey towards Kaghan. At a distance of 72 km form Abbottabad, it is located on the banks of screaming Kunhar river. For the tourists and their families, obsessed with pleasures of natural beauty, the journey from Abbottabad to Balakot is a spectacular joyride, the entire route unfolds ornamental natural wealth with lush green hills, sweet brooks and sprawling green thick natural forests on either side. A view of these aesthetical treasures of nature especially between Attarshisha and Garhi Habibullah is mesmerizing. Apart from its beautiful landscape, Balakot is famous for a fierce battle fought in 1831 between the Sikh army and Mujahideen. Here rest the bodies of two leading Mujahideen leaders Hazrat Syed Ahmad Shaheed and Hazrat Shah Ismail Shaheed, martyred in the battle and were buried at Balakot alongwith their fellow martyrs.

SHOGRAN

At a distance of 34km from Balakot, lays the beautiful summer retreat of Shogran. It is a strikingly beautiful plateau in the entire territory and can be reached through a metalled road via Kawai. Picturesque landscape, ecstatic views, tranquility and serenity of climate add to its natural charm. Surrounded by green mountains and full of fragrance of flowers it offers a perfect peace to visitors especially in summers amidst a comfortably cool climate and fresh breeze blowing across this tiny retreat. A pine forest brings further adds to its natural romance.

SHINU

Shinu, a tiny resort with its eyecatching scenery is located just beyond Paras. A trout hatchery run by the Fisheries Department makes it a popular place as two most delicious species of fish, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout are found in the hatchery. After taking them from this hatchery they are later set free into the ice old waters of upper Kunhar river and lakes Saiful Muluk, Lalusar and Dodiputsar. A view of sprawling hatchery and its treasure of colorful fish is captivating.

JARED

Situated at the road leading to heart captivating resort of Naran, Jared is a small hamlet about 40km from Balakot and just beyond Shinu. A trip to this small place can take you to a large variety of locally produced articles beautifully displayed at state-run Handicrafts Development Center and at small shops lines up at its narrow bazaar. Jared is known for producing traditionally-carved furniture, handmade woolen shawls and namda rugs more liked by people all over Pakistan. Any of the favorite items could be bought during a trip to this hamlet inhabited by simple hillfolk.

NARAN

Blessed with captivating all round natural beauty, Naran is an earthly paradise for tourists and visitors. Situated at a distance of 86km from Balakot, Naran is so lavishly beautiful a place where nature communicates with nature. Glimpses of magnificent mountains, meadows, streams, pine trees make it an exceptionally worth seeing place ever ready to joyfully welcome the outside guests. This small bazaar lined up with wooden shops is like The Mall regaining its life in the evening during summers. Visitors usually stroll and take food in a carefree cool and serene environment at the shops and kiosks packed with popular beverages and food items.

Naran’s height at a certain place is 2498m above sea level. Nature has lavishly showered its romance on this summer town. At PTDC Motel where Naran ends, the thrilling and most fascinating journey begins towards Lake Saiful Muluk, Battakundi, Lalazar Plateau, Lake Lalusar and Babusar Pass taking the visitors to these fairylands of lower Himalayan  region mountain range.

LAKE SAIFUL MULUK

The bowl- like famous lake with its ancient romantic legend is at a distance of 10 km from picturesque Naran, at a height of 3500m above sea level. It can be reached by jeep. The journey is full of panoramic view of some magical scenes of panoramic view of some of magical scenes of the 5291 m high Malika Parbat, popularly known as Queen of the Mountains in a cool and serene atmosphere. The lake is like a beautiful bowl magically reflecting the huge shadows of surrounding mountains in its crystal clear pure water. The view is heart- captivating.