Enjoying serenity upcountry

By UZMA ALEEM

If you want to escape from noise of urban life during summer and want to spend some days with tranquilly in an area surrounded by lush green scenery and soothing sound of water falls and rivers then trip to Naran can be best choice for you.
Because travellers do have a fun filled vacation in this city of Pakistan. They go for sightseeing, shopping and also eat out at the restaurants in Naran. Local tourists come from all over the country and they do not feel bored at all in fact they enjoy their visit to Naran very much.
There are various regions that will compel you to appreciate the natural beauty and landscape of the whole Naran Valley. You can go to see the various lakes that are situated here. The most mentionable among them are Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, Lulu Sar Lake and Dudipatsar Lake.



The River Kunhar is another place that has very fine scenery. It is ideal for angling as well. You can come here with your family to enjoy picnic. The main fish that you will find here are trouts. You can acquire the license to fish here from the Fishing Department. After catching the fish you can enjoy a nice barbecue meal under the open sky.
You can also go to places like Shogran, Lalazar and Sri Payee. The view of Lalazar can definitely make you forget all the worries. It is so fascinating that travellers come here from all over the country. It is also close to Saif-ul-Muluk Lake.
Things to do in Naran also mean taking a stroll down the Main Bazaar of Naran in the evening. If you want you can satisfy your hunger at the well known restaurants here. They serve quality foods that are also very delicious. The ambiance in these restaurants is very friendly.
Shopping in Naran is definitely one of the most popular and interesting things to do in Naran. There are many market places here where tourists can buy the things of their choice. This place is quite known for its handicrafts. There are shops here that sell other things apart from handicrafts. That is precisely the reason why this place is perfect for shopping in Naran.
Shopping in Naran will provide you with the opportunity to buy various handicrafts. You can buy them for gift purpose. They will definitely make your family and friends happy and curious. You can then tell them about your experience in Naran.
The most popular handicrafts that you can check out while shopping in Naran are the woollen rugs. In the local dialect these rugs are known as Namda. The rugs have fine design on them and that makes them quite appealing to the eye.
Apart from these rugs shopping in Naran is also known for walnut carving. You will find various items that are created by carving various designs, faces or figures on walnuts. These show the skill of the artists. If you like you can buy any of them. They can be used in home decor.
Shopping cannot be completed without jewellery for women travelling. Hey women folks if jewellery attracts you then Naran and its delicate art will not disappoint you. The shopping in Naran includes various shops that sell gems and other jewelleries. However, most of them are imitations. Even then they are quite beautiful and you can buy some of them if you like.
The best place to do shopping in Naran is the Main Bazaar of Naran. It is the most popular and the most crowded market here.
Thus your tour to Naran provides you the opportunity to buy whatever you like. You can buy anything starting from garments to curios.
While driving to Naran, a visit to Shogran is a highly recommended trip. Here on the grassy plains one can experience the grandeur of Musa-ka Massala Peak. Rest houses, hotels and huts for summer retreats are available for a tranquil holiday.
You can not explore Naran if you do not visit Shogran. Shogran is one of the most beautiful plateaus in the northern areas of Pakistan. With a backdrop of violet-blue mountains rising to impressive heights, Shogran lures tourists to its pristine and pastoral realms. One of the beautiful spots of Naran, Shogran, is adorned with flowers of red, orange, yellow and purple hues. Shogran is encompassed by woodlands comprising pines and other coniferous trees that look like Christmas trees in winter due to blankets of snow on them.
Finding warm and luxurious accommodation amidst idyllic terrains is no problem at all with the prominent presence of the LalaZar Hotel, Naran view and Pine Park Hotel in Shogran. These hotels offer superb accommodation in chalets. These chalets are equipped with all sorts of facilities to cater to the needs of their occupants.
The VIP chalet of the hotels of Shogran has a separate well-manicured garden that is laden with relaxing chairs. Guests are frequently found reclining on these chairs at dawn and at dusk when they can witness the special mountain sunrises and sunsets.
Shogran’s real asset is the views it offers. The air is impregnated with the scent of flowers and the fine forests around. It is an expensive resort with many hotels and facilities. However during a decade it has developed a lot as few years back Shogran has only two hotels. The best and most expensive hotel of the area is Pine Park with per night rates between Rs. 2,875- 15,000. Whereas an average hotel ranges between Rs. 1500-5000.
For those who like adventure, Sharan could be good option. There is a track from Shogran to Sharan. Its two hours hike and you would find yourself in lush green lawns covered by thick forest. The view is simply awesome and there is beautiful forest rest house in Sharan where you may stay.
The evening views of the forest and the mountains nearby are spectacular. You can also go for an evening walk to the traditionally built restaurants and shops in the heart of the settlements but don’t forget to taste the tasty Green tea as well.
If you go to Shogran from June to September and don’t visit Seri Paya then you missed amazing place of Naran. Seri Paya is a plateau above the hill station of Shogran. The views are breathtaking. On one side are the Black Mountains of Kaghan Valley, and the other side gives you a view of Mountain Makra. At Paya there is a very small lake, and further up at Seri is the plateau.
This visit is possible from Shogran. Best time to visit is early in the morning, as during peak tourist season, the place will become jam packed with visitors.
Paya is one of the most beautiful places the scribe have ever been to. It’s at an altitude of more than 11,000 feet. You can hire a jeep from Shogran Sri Paya by paying Rs. 600 to 800. But be prepared for the extra bumpy ride of an hour. Hike is also possible from Shogran but can take two and half hours. Keep in mind its very tough hike. You can also camp at Paya if you are in a group with having all necessary equipment and stuff.
Once you reach Paya the discomfort of the journey is forgotten. You would find yourself surrounded by a spectacular view of lush green meadows, a lovely lake and three great mountains Makra, Malka Parbat and Musa Da Musallah.
You would feel your self out of this world once you reach at Paya. The feeling is like if you are on a fairyland. Most of people just sit at restaurants at top but this scribe would strongly recommend you not to do that because for real beauty of this spot you would need to hike a bit more. Then you can view the beautiful lake and lush green meadows. A trip to Paya is journey of lifetime, most beautiful and amazing!