Naran-Kaghan: Jewel of the Himalayas
History
Ancient Mountain Crossroads
Naran (34°54′N 73°39′E) has been a seasonal passage for millennia, used by Gujjar nomads and Silk Road traders. The Kaghan Valley’s name derives from “Kaghan” (local rulers), with archaeological evidence of Buddhist influence until the 10th century.
Key historical sites include:
- Buddhist rock carvings along the Kunhar River
- British colonial trails from the 19th century
- Shrines of Shah Hussain (16th-century Sufi saint)
The turquoise Kunhar River winding through Naran
Legendary Saif-ul-Malook Lake at 3,224m elevation
Geography
Alpine Wonderland
Stretching 155km along the Kunhar River (elevation: 2,409m/7,904ft), the valley features:
- Babusar Top (4,173m) – Gateway to the Karakoram Highway
- Lulusar Lake – Source of the Kunhar River
- Malika Parbat (5,290m) – Queen of the Kaghan peaks
- Annual Monsoon (July-August) – Creates 42+ waterfalls
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