Naran feels like heaven on earth. Plainly put, Naran is an escape from the hardships of life in a hustling and bustling city. The pure air, sound of flowing water, cool temperatures and green mountains galore make it the most peaceful and easily accessible place to visit in Pakistan’s northern area. The peace aside, Naran also offers a myriad of activities, sights and stunning residences that make it the most wonderful place to visit. To make your tour of Naran happening and fun, here are 11 things you must do.
1. With a river in its backyard, and snow covered mountains in its foreground, this hotel is perfect for your stay in Naran
The Sarai (@hotelsarai) is the most beautiful hotel in all of Naran. Located on Jheel Road, it is easily accessible making it the perfect resting spot during your tour of Naran. Moreover, one of the best things about being at Sarai is that no matter what time it is, you will be surrounded by the best of Naran’s beauty making it a stunning place to visit all by itself. It’s multitude of amenities also make it even more attractive. These include 24 hour high speed WI-FI, complimentary breakfast, complimentary gym usage and delicious welcome drinks at the time of check in. Sarai’s scenic locale means you will never be away from nature for even a moment fulfilling the aim of your trip. Also, during the winter season, a stunning blanket of snow will encompass the grounds making it like a piece of white heaven. The interior is, with high wood accented ceilings, comfortable beds in meticulously designed rooms and high windows to bring that element of nature inside, nothing short of magical. They offer 4 types of rooms, each one priced differently. But with the amenities that it offers, the price point is very good. Check it out here!
2. The scenic beauty of this lake will simply mesmerise you
Jheel Saif-ul-Maluk is one of the best things that Pakistan has to offer. Sitting 3224 meters above sea level near the town of Naran, it is the perfect picnic and adventure spot. Beside its stunning and picturesque qualities, it has a mystical element to it as well. A piece of heaven on earth named after a story of fairies that the tour guides will gladly spend their time telling you about. It is a stunning attraction and the ride up to the lake is an adventure in and of itself carried out in colourful jeeps with even more colourful drivers.
3. An adventure activity that will have you screaming with laughter
Naran is one of the few places in Pakistan that allows for river rafting to take place along the waters of the River Kunhar. It’s tumultuous flowing waters, wide channel and good depth allow for the experience to be no less than international river rafting opportunities. The organisers are more than happy to take you on this trip along the river, allowing you to help in rowing the boat and letting you enjoy the splashing of cold water. It is an activity that everyone must partake in, completely safe with all precautionary measures being taken such as life jackets and experienced personnel.
4. If you’re a desi foodie, you need to try out this restaurant
Naran’s infamous Moon Restaurant is one of the best desi food places in Pakistan. It’s delicious handis and ever cold drinks make it the perfect stop after a days worth of adventure. They offer two locations, one in the more bustling part of the Naran Bazaar and the other located at a distance along the Hunza Road but all the better with its unobstructed view of the mountains and more serene locality. Their food is hot, naans are crispy and the selection is just amazing.
5. Try out a bit of all that the amazing Naran Bazaar has to offer
One of the best things about the huge market in Naran is its ethnic quality. They have traditional jewellery and dresses that have a very simplistic yet homely quality to them. These stunning pieces will be the perfect souvenir to take back home and remember all that you did during your Naran tour. The matha pattis and colourful frocks should be your immediate go-tos!
6. For those that still want a taste of city life in the mountain side, this restaurant is great
Wasabi, the popular Japanese cuisine restaurant in Lahore, opened a branch in Naran named The North and the scenic location along with deliciously different food than desi food makes it a must visit place during your trip. Understandably, eating desi food everyday of the trip will get tiring and so this different cuisine will offer you a change of taste without disrupting the peace of your tour. They even offer some specialty items that are unique to their Naran branch.
7. The riverside chai and coffee experience is not something you want to miss out on
River Kunhar in all its greatness offers the perfect scenic and quiet location to enjoy a steaming cup of tea, coffee or even hot chocolate. The small stalls and dhabas make the riverside an amazing place to chill and just reconnect with nature. Not only that, these riverside activities are located just at the end of most river rafting routes and so can fit into the same day. Chilly winds, the sound of flowing water and a warm cup of chai, what more could you ask for?
8. The serenity that comes with this natural scene is unattainable anywhere else
The Lalazar Meadows are a mere 21 kilometres from Naran and are perfect for a day outing. The scenic location is a popular tourist attraction. It sits at a height of 3123 meters above the sea level in the upper Kaghan Valley. The tall trees and green fields are best to just take a calming and relaxing walk. The meadows also have tables and other amenities that make it a great picnic spot.
9. For adventure junkies, the trek up to Ansoo Lake works best
Ansoo Lake, named after its tear drop shape, is located at an elevation of 4245 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest lakes in the Himalayas and a strenuous trek will have you there and back in about 7-8 hours if you start trekking from Saif-ul-Malouk. There are guides available that will direct you on how to go about the trek. It is however not recommended for the light hearted and those that don’t enjoy a lot of outdoor activities.
10. The Naran Bazaar also has a lot of delicious snacks available
As much as the ever delicious pakoray, samosay, kabob and jalebis are, the Naran Bazaar has delicious naans to offer as well that are not widely available anywhere else. The potato cheese naans, chicken naans with the perfect balance of masalas, and the showstopper cheeni naan are a delicacy that you must not miss out on. Just imagine a warm drink and a crispy cheeni naan to accompany it. It’ll leave you salivating for more.
11. If you love long drives this road will be like something out of a dream
The road to Babusar Top does not only have a fruitful destination but the journey in itself is extremely worthwhile. The mountains and stunning skies make it a scenery that one cannot do without. Plus, if you’re someone who enjoys listening to songs the view will make the experience so much better. It can be a little scary but the views and the locale will make up for it.
