The splendor of Kaghan Valley: Story of a lost paradise Part-4

The splendor of Kaghan Valley: Story of a lost paradise Part-4

Lake Saiful Muluk

No trip to Kaghan Valley is complete without a visit to the legendary Lake Saiful Muluk. The lake is named after Prince Sauful Muluk, who fell in love with a fairy from the mountains.

At 10,500 feet, Lake Saiful Muluk is surrounded by impressive snow clad mountains and crowned by the summit of Malika Parbat (Queen of the Mountains). The highest peak in Kaghan Valley, the majestic Malika Parbat has a height of 5291 meters. Words cannot describe
the beauty and serenity of the setting and picture postcards can hardly do justice. The crystalline waters of Lake Saiful Muluk reflecting the surrounding snow peaked mountains is an image that must be seen in person.

There are several ways to reach the lake. Along the side of the valley to the east of Naran, a 10 kilometer track leads through a picturesque valley. A jeep can be rented in the bazaar and driven up in one hour, or the more adventurous can walk to a small glacier
about 3 km up and hire a pony for about Rs.200/- one way. Walking the entire way is also an option, and takes about three hours for the 8 km trek. This option is only for those who are fit enough to climb about 3000 feet in eight kilometers.

There are several good trekking opportunities from Lake Saiful Muluk.

Lalazar 

Lalazar is an extremely picturesque pasture at an elevation of 3200m. It is linked to Naran by a 21 kilometers jeep track via Batakundi. Lalazar is a scenic spot with thick forests of pine and fir. The grassy mountain slopes are full of wild flowers. 

A rest house and two very basic hotels provide food and drinks to day-visitors from Naran. Limited accommodation facilities are also available here. Adventurers may prefer to camp at Lalazar as a base to ready themselves for the trek to Lake Saiful Muluk via
Hans Gali. 

Naran to Babusar Pass

For the thrilling experience of Babusar Pass, one must wait until mid July, when the road from Jalkhad onward becomes accessible. With a height of 13,687 feet (4,173 meters) Babusar Pass creates the border between the Kaghan Valley and the Chilas regions. From
the top of Babusar Pass one may behold a panoramic view of snow-covered peaks and sweeping valleys. 

The British built a pony track across the Babusar in 1892 to give access to Gilgit. Before this, the only route to Gilgit was from Srinagar across the Burzil Pass; until the building of Karakorum Highway, the track was the main route to Chilas and Gilgit. Today,
jeeps to Babusar can be hired from Naran. For those who want to make it a day excursion from Naran, it is advisable to leave early morning. The best option, however, is to enjoy an overnight stay at Basil or Burawai. 

To be continued….

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Posted by Naveed A Bari on Jan 21 2012. Filed under Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry