| Kaghan Valley | |
| Native Name Lang: | ur |
| Settlement Type: | Valley |
| Pushpin Map: | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa#Pakistan |
| Coordinates: | 34.8333°N 104°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | Pakistan |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Mansehra |
| Subdivision Type3: | Tehsil |
| Subdivision Name3: | Balakot |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Area Total Km2: | 3884 |
| Timezone1: | PST |
| Utc Offset1: | +5 |
The Kaghan Valley (Hindko, ur|{{Nastaliq|وادی کاغان) is an alpine valley in Balakot Tehsil, Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The valley stretches [1] across northern Pakistan, rising from its lowest elevation of 2134abbr=onNaNabbr=on to its highest point at the Babusar Pass around 13690abbr=onNaNabbr=on. Furthermore, the highest mountain peak in the valley known as Malika Parbat , stands with a height of around . Landslides triggered by the devastating 2005 Kashmir earthquake destroyed many passes leading into the valley, though roads have since been rebuilt. Kaghan is a popular tourist attraction in Pakistan.[2] [3] [4]
The Kaghan Valley is located in the Hazara region of Pakistan,[5] and borders the Pakistani-administered territories of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir to the north and east, respectively. From here, the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road leads to Gilgit Baltistan.[6] The 155-kilometre-long valley is enveloped by the Lower Himalayan mountain range, resulting in an alpine climate and the prevalence of pine and deodar forests and alpine meadows.[7] Alongside the flow of the Kunhar River, the valley features glaciers, crystal-like clear lakes, waterfalls and frosty mountain streams.
The natural freshwater lakes of the valley including Lake Saiful Muluk, Pyala Lake, Ansoo Lake, Lulusar Lake, Dharamsar Lake, Dudipatsar Lake, Siri Lake and Payee Lake attract tourists every year and some other lakes are still undiscovered. There are two national parks in the valley,[8] lower parts of the valley constitute the Naran region and Saiful Muluk National Park with Saiful Muluk Lake while the upper parts in the north constitute Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park covering along the Naran-Chilas road the Dhramsar, Dudipatsar, Lulusar and six other lakes and hilly areas of the Himalayan Range. The Babusar Pass, which is nearly the end of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa territory lies within the latter.[9] [10] [11]
The Kaghan is known for its scenery and landscapes, resulting in its popularity as a summertime resort amongst locals and tourists alike. Annually, tourists come from across the country and outside to visit the valley. In June 2024, more than 300,000 tourists arrived in the valley during the Eid al-Adha holidays.[12]
Local forest known as Kaghan Temperate Coniferous Forest is home to many plants species.[24] These include Cedrus deodara, Pinus wallichiana, Abies pindrow, Taxus wallichiana, Picea smithiana, and broad-leaved plants such as Juglans regia, Aesculus indica, Prunus padus, Fraxinus excelscior, Ailanthus glandulosa, Diospyrus lotus, Morus alba and Ficus indica. In 2020, an ethnobotanical survey conducted in valley reported the uses of Cederella serrata for treating chronic infantile dysentery.[25]
Most of the communities residing in the region including Syed, Kashmiris, Durranis (Jadoon), Swati, Gujjar and Mughal families, settled here from their ancestors. Besides mostly Hindko speaking residents, there is also an outspread of Pashto and Gojari speaking groups in the valley.
The Kaghan Valley can be reached by road via Balakot through Mansehra and Abbottabad. In Balakot, public buses and other vehicular transport can be used to travel to the valley. Additionally, the Kaghan Valley can also be reached from Peshawar or the national capital of Islamabad by renting a car to Abbottabad or Mansehra; tourists can then order a taxi or other available methods of public transport to go to the valley.
The valley is accessible during the summer and closed to visitors during winter. This is because glaciers block the roads leading to the Kaghan during winter, although these glaciers typically melt between February and April.[26] From May to the end of September, the roads and Babusar Pass usually remain open.[27] In May, temperatures can reach up to 11C and stoop as low as 3C.[28] In 2020, the Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) was established under an act passed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. The authority work for the development and management services in the valley.[29] [30]
The folk tale of Lala Afghani and Sohni (Lalazar) is intricately linked to the romantic saga of an Afghan youth named Lala and a local maiden named Sohni. Rooted in the cultural fabric of the region, this narrative unfolds as Lala, while passing through the village, becomes enamored with Sohni. However, societal disapproval prevails, leading to the tragic demise of the young man at the hands of the local community.
The site of Lala's sacrifice has since gained renown as Lalazar, with "Zar" signifying the location where Lala made the ultimate sacrifice for his love. Notably, the adjacent forest is christened Sohni da Banr, translating to the forest of Sohni.[31]
In contemporary times, Lalazar has evolved into a well-known village, emerging as a burgeoning tourist destination within the valley. Simultaneously, Sohni da Banr retains its prominence as a distinguished forest in the area, preserving the essence of the timeless tale of Lala Afghani and Sohni. The rich cultural heritage associated with Lalazar continues to attract visitors, offering a glimpse into the enduring allure of this captivating narrative.
The romantic saga of Munshi and Darshi (Paras) unfolds against the backdrop of a renowned village called Paras in the Kaghan Valley. During the British colonial era, Munshi, employed as a worker for a company, toiled in the local forest. It was here that he became entangled in a love affair with Darshi, a girl from the community. The clandestine meetings of Munshi and Darshi became the talk of the town, with their love story gaining prominence in the region.
However, societal resistance prevailed, and Munshi faced rejection from the locals, ultimately meeting a tragic end at their hands. The site of this fateful event garnered fame as Darshi da Banr, signifying the forest of Darshi. This woodland has since become a popular destination within the valley, celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, diverse wildlife, and suitability for hiking adventures.