As we move towards the Babusar Pass, the first town one comes across is Batakundi. The height of Batakundi is 2,624 meters or 8,607 feet above the ocean level. It is arranged at a distance of 16 kilometers from Naran. In Batakundi there is a PWD rest area and three different inns. Batakundi is the last town in the valley to remain open throughout the winter.
Geography of Batakundi Pakistan
The Kaghan Valley extends for 160 km and rises from a height of 2,134 feet to the highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 13,690 feet. It is located in the Mansehra district of Hazara in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Batakundi Weather
In May, the temperature ranges between 11 °C and a minimum of 3 °C. From mid-July to the end of September, the road beyond Naran Valley is open up to Babusar Pass.
Development is limited due to Batakundi Weather during the rainy and winter seasons. The ideal time to visit is in the summer months, i.e., from May to September.
Ecology of Batakundi Pakistan
Fishing is a popular occupation and sideline in the Kaghan Valley. Dark-colored trout and mahseers abound in the waters of the Kunhar River that flows through the valley. Fishing permits are issued by the “Naran Fishing Department” or the “Trout Hatchery” in Shin. The forests of the Kaghan Valley are full of cedar and pine.
People of Batakundi
The inhabitants of the Kaghan Valley are necessarily Gujars who speak Hindi and Urdu. They are exceptionally liberal and well-intentioned. They welcome travelers pleasantly in every way and treat them as their friends.
Their main source of income is vacationers and their occupations include visitor guides, roadhouse supervisors, traders, catering specialists, and jeep drivers, some of them also develop crops and some of them are herders.
Yet all their fortunes are brought together in the late spring season, for in winter the whole region is hidden in snow, and they need to descend to Mansehra or some other warmer place. Ladies are housewives and mostly stay at home.
There is one state primary school where part of the young people in the area go for exams. In addition, there was no teaching arrangement. Young people mostly acted as movers and sellers
Tourist favorite places near Batakundi
Balakot:
Kaghan starts in Balakot. It is famous for the Mausoleum of two Muslim warriors namely; Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Syed Ismail Shaheed who lost their lives in the 18th century during a battle against the Sikhs. It is located at a distance of 38 km from Mansehra and 72 km from Abbottabad. It is a city very famous for its historical importance.
Kiwaii:
Along the way to Kaghan, the capital city coming our way is Kiwai. Kawai is arranged at a distance of 24 kilometers (15 mi) from Balakot and is home to several individuals. The track that passes through Kawai winds through dense pine forests and can be surprisingly prone to avalanches in wet climates.
Shogran:
After the Kawai intersection, guests will end up at Shogran, a great place with unique views. Shogran is arranged at an elevated level of 2,400 (7,500 feet) meters above the ocean level. At this altitude, it stands well above the valley. Shogran has various guest houses that can be used as overnight accommodation.
Most notable is the ranger service rest house and visitor house. Shogran offers heavenly views of three magnificent snow-capped ridges namely: Musa ka Musalla, Makra Peak, and Malika Parbat.
Siri Lake and Paye Meadows:
Siri means lake. As you cross the Shogran, the sublime ascension takes you to the dazzling level of Siri and Paye. Paye is perceived in a split second for its beautiful lake that mirrors the greenery around it.
Further ahead, the level is arranged on Siri. Siri Paye can be traveled by jeep or a 2.5-hour climb from Shogran. Paye is arranged at an elevation of 11,200 feet or 3,414 meters. The divide between Siri and Paye can be crossed in 15 minutes by jeep. A forest rest stop is arranged on Siri.
Makra Highlight:
Makra is a mountain between Kaghan and Azad Kashmir. Shaped like a Spider, it has eight unique paths that take you on different journeys. That’s why it’s called Makra, and there’s no doubt that it’s the most amazing spider on Earth. It takes about 6 hours to climb to the top of Makra; it’s a gentle kind of climbing, yet there will be some demise.
Naran is the most visited and densely populated holiday spot in the valley. It is home to various accommodations, restaurants, and tent cities. Naran is arranged at a height of 2427 meters or 7693 feet above the ocean level. The exact distance from Balakot is 82 kilometers (51 mi). Naran is the hub of tourism in the Kaghan Valley, but there is no bank in Naran.
Saif ul Muluk Lake:
10 km east of Naran is Saif-ul-Muluk lake. It is arranged at a height of around 3,212 meters or 10,537 feet above the ocean level. In winter, the lake is protected by a layer of ice, while in April, when the ice begins to liquefy, small pieces of ice can be seen on the outside of the lake.
The mountain directly behind the lake is called Malika Parbat. From the lake, you can go as far as the Saif-ul-Muluk ice sheet, which is located in the south. You can also go over the 4300-meter-long pass and reach the settlements on the opposite side of the lake.
Lulusar Lake:
The lake is arranged at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The water flows from the lake, and streams into the Kunhar waterway further enhancing its quality. Lulusar Lake is festooned with blue and gold wildflowers.
Babusar Pass:
The Valley of the Kaghan obstructs the end of a high mountain; however, the pass allows a jeepable street to turn into the Chilas Valley. This is the 4,173-meter-high Babusar Pass. Babusar Pass is the end of the Kaghan Valley, which directs the entire Kaghan exposure.
Babusar Pass is 161 km from Balakot and 75 km from Naran. The minaret here focuses on the highest purpose of the trip, such as 13,690 feet. The Babusar Pass is the gateway between the Kaghan and Gilgit valleys. The street at Babusar Pass is closed from October to June, as well as during the storm season.
Hotels near Batakundi
Kaghan is typically extravagant, so spend the night at Kaghan and spend the next day exploring Naran. The city center of Kagan is very congested; however, it is only a few hundred meters long. There are different types and they range from luxury accommodations and boutique inns to budget inns. Each of the inns provides its visitors with stunning accommodations, whether they are extravagant or budget-friendly lodges.
Restaurant:
Naturally caught fish and other Pakistani dishes are prepared in small bistros and restaurants. Numerous guest houses and hostels also provide sustenance, however, it’s always a smart idea to drop by and grab a bite to eat at one of the regular bistros.
Health:
Make sure you have every essential prescription with you if your target is Batakundi, Kaghan, Naran, or Shogran.
