Siri Paye Meadows is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in Northern Pakistan where nature is blushing everywhere. In the spring season, flowers bloom and these colorful creatures look amazing against the white background of Makra Peak which is the best time to visit Siri Paye Meadows in Kaghan Valley.
This place is simply the best for a weekend adventure or even a full tour away from your stressful routine. This small village provides an excursion that will simply make your day full of joy and excitement. Visiting the place during the summer months allows you to experience the fresh and cool weather amidst the friendly local people.
The beauty and charm of this place will remain in your memory for a long time. You will simply find yourself in a different world once you reach this charming and vibrant hideaway that offers visitors abundant thrills and fabulous hikes. There is so much to explore in this beautiful heaven of Pakistan and words will not be enough to express the true beauty of this wonder of nature.
The Geography of Siri Paye
Siri Paye Meadows is located 6 km from Shogran, 10 km from Kiwai, and nearly 34 km from Balakot. Getting to Siri Paye is easy via the 212km road from the Capital, Islamabad.
Once in Shogran, a jeep ride, hike, or horse ride will take you to a beautiful meadow located at an altitude of 3,000 meters or 10,000 feet. Also in the meadow is the famous Payee Lake, located in the middle of a valley formed by the peaks of Makra, the mighty and Majestic Malika Parbat, and Moosa ka Musalla Peak.
The lake itself is at an elevation of 9,500 feet, which equates to roughly 2,895 meters, but the mountain peaks surrounding the lake are much, much higher.
The Best time to visit Siri Paye Meadows
The meadows of Siri Paye and the surrounding mountains become covered in snow during the winter months. Therefore, the summer months are the best time to visit the place. However, you can visit them twice in the summer, depending on the choice of trip.
Siri Paye Meadows in early Summer
This is the time when the snow will be left over from the winter season; there will be snow not only on the lake but also on the mountains and passes. This is the time recommended for hikers who want to see snowy and snowy lakes and meadows. There will be some green, but it won’t be as lush.
Siri Paye Meadows in Mid-Summer
This is when most of the snow melts except on the peaks. The greenery will be lush and this is when most of the regular travel is done.
So depending on what the members want to see, the trip can be arranged accordingly. During late summer, however, much of the vegetation will thicken and the sun will be harsh. Therefore, it is not recommended to travel to these lakes in the last part of the summer.
Siri Paye Nature Reserves
The flora and fauna of the Siri Paye meadows are very diverse and there are different phases throughout the year, with many migratory animals and birds also appearing there.
The main mammals found in the meadows are marmots, other small rodents, and various species of wild sheep, although many of the wild sheep have since been domesticated. There have been various sightings of leopards, but these have not been repeated and human expansion is thought to have driven the leopards out of the area.
The birds in this area are various Raptors such as hawks, eagles, eagles, and vultures. Small birds such as snow pigeons and wood jays are also seen. There are also various species of migratory birds that come to nest in the summer months.
The flora of the area is made up of many hardwood species such as deciduous and coniferous species that make up the vast forests of the area. There are also herbs and shrubs that the local population used as medicine in past centuries.
There are also local wildflowers and berry bushes in the area, but all tourists must be careful not to consume any of these plants without first ascertaining what they actually are, as some plants can be slightly poisonous to eat. So, due care should be taken during the journey as it will help to avoid any problems.
In spring, Paye blooms with flowers of various shades and with a white Makra Peak setting. Paye will turn into a definitive weekend destination from the capital of Pakistan. In winter, it appears as a wide snow clearing.
While “Siri” means “lake”; it is a small lake arranged in front of the Paye clearings. In winter, Siri freezes, so you can walk on it. Siri Paye lies near the Kaghan Valley and Shogran, a hill station that is equally beautiful.
The lake is located in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province at an altitude of 3,058 meters (10,032 ft) above sea level. In the heart of the meadow stands a crystal-clear freshwater lake. Siri Paye is surrounded by Makra Peak, Malika Parbat, and Musa ka Musala which is home to wild yellow and lilac flowers.
Shogran to Siri Paye Jeep Fees/Rentals/Fares:
Fares or jeep fees from Shogran to Siri Paye meadows are Rs 3,500 to 4,000. The road in Siri Paye meadows is not in good condition and is bumpy. During the rainy season, the road is very slippery and dangerous due to the muddy track. It takes approximately 1 hour to drive from Shogran to Siri Paye Meadows.
It is possible to reach Shogran from Kiwai by jeep, although many tourists try to take their cars there without success. Moreover, driving a wrecked car just to save a few thousand rupees would not be a good idea.
You can get affordable jeeps at Kiwai, park your own vehicle there, and rent jeeps for Shogran. According to our driver, the locals driving the jeeps have developed an expertise to drive down the steep, icy road with their eyes closed. In the 1970s, the Pakistan Army assembled jeeps for their use. After serving for many years, these Jeeps were later sold to private sources.
Elevation of Shogran Siri Paye Meadows:
Shogran Valley is a hill station on a green plateau in the Upper Kaghan Valley. In the KPK region of northern Pakistan. Shogran Meadows elevation at 2,362 meters (7,749 ft) above sea level.
Shogran to Siri Paye Jeep Fees/Rentals/Fares:
First, you’ll need to get to Shogran from Kiwai. Hire a jeep from Kiwai to Shogran. Jeep charges from Kiwai to Shogran are Rs 1500 to 2000 per bike with a one-night stay at Shogran.
How to reach Shogran from Lahore & Islamabad:
Road Condition: Lahore to Kiwayi Road is in good condition and suitable for any vehicle. From Kiwayi to Shogran, the road leads uphill. Park your vehicles at Kiwai and then drive jeeps to Shogran and Siri Paye Meadows.
Tourist Attractions:
- Kiwai Falls,
- Shogran,
- Pine Park,
- Paye Lake,
- Makra Peak
Things to do:
- Kiwai jeep ride to Siri Paye meadows,
- Horse riding,
- Makra Peak Trek