Over the past few years, particularly in the last decade, the Naran valley has experienced an unprecedented inflow of tourists from across the country. For Naran and its people, this has brought job opportunities, providing sustainable livelihoods and improved income. Those not involved in the tourist industry have also benefitted, as increasing demands and requirements of tourists have led to the development of infrastructure, mainly roads and bridges — some of which stood in a derelict state before the economy of the region opened up massively due to tourism. Improved roads have reduced travel time, and as a result, helped bring more and more visitors every year.

Naran is located in the upper Kaghan Valley, offers cool weather to beat the summer heat for those looking to relax and take a break from the everyday grind. Verdant mountain slopes, fresh flowing water and cerulean skies make the landscape exquisite. Also, for those who want to avoid overcrowded destinations such as Murree, Naran provides a good alternative.

During summer, water, in the form of glacial melts, flows down the slopes across the valley floor. Where there is a major stream or a waterfall in close proximity, water passes over the surface of the roads. Waterfalls are a major attraction and locals have set up several shops as well as small restaurants along such spots.

Situated in the upper Kaghan Valley, Naran is a popular destination for domestic tourism, surrounded by lakes, waterfalls and pristine mountains

The main bazaar in Naran has a vibrant atmosphere where multiple hotels and eateries cater to the needs of the tourists. The bazaar remains crowded late into the night as shopkeepers, as well as restaurant staff, lure in customers.

While most associate Naran with Lake Saiful Muluk, — about two hours’ drive from the town — the valley has a number of other attractions. A fairly recent addition is rafting on the Kunhar River, with a standard two-kilometre course in addition to a more extensive eight-kilometre one. While it is most certainly an enjoyable experience, it is a relatively smooth course as compared to other rafting courses around the world and can be undertaken by individuals of all age groups.

The River Kunhar is home to the flavourful trout fish which is also found in other areas of Northern Pakistan.

At only half-an-hour’s drive from the main town of Naran lies Batakundi, an area with spectacular vistas of lush green cultivated fields and brightly-coloured houses along the road. As the snow starts to melt, large pieces of glaciers from the mountain tops slide down the slopes to the edge of the road. While this is alarming for those looking at the effects of global warming, locals make best of it as they can. At such places, the locals innovatively cut into the glacier side to store perishable items and to chill drinks.

Further ahead, as the road climbs along the flowing turquoise waters of the river, surrounded by cultivation in the lush valley below, one can view the deep blue Lulusar lake. An hour and a half away from Naran, the lake is a magnificent sight and has an extraordinary aura.

After every few kilometres, beekeepers can be seen collecting honey from beehives in boxes lined up along the length of the road. Once collected, the honey is stored in jars and sold at makeshift stalls on the roadside. Tourists stop to buy what is advertised as ‘pure, organic honey’.

The last point in the valley is the high-altitude Babusar Pass, perched at over 4,000 metres, which acts as a natural border between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. The entire drive is pleasant and the pass offers a panoramic view of the entire region surrounded by snow. For most of the year, the area experiences sub-zero temperatures.

On the flip side, due to the influx of tourists into Naran, the town and its resources are being stretched beyond their limits, with innumerable hotels and vehicles passing through every day, posing a threat to the natural ecosystem. Tourists must take responsibility of keeping this beautiful valley clean, otherwise a casual attitude towards the environment will undermine the future of majestic Naran.

Published in Dawn, EOS, September 16th, 2018