Lalazar, Naran

Lalazar is the second visit that most tourist do when visiting Naram (Saiful Muluk is the first). Situated on the other end of Lake Saiful Muluk, over the mountain, this is a small resort worth visiting. A large green plateau gives a nice view of the valley below.

Now this is a hair raising jeep ride with several twists and turn.

There is a small tea cabin which caters to need of visitors. The hotel inn keeper swears that this is the favorite spot of ex-cricketer/social worker/politician Imran Khan, who drives up himself (?).

For diehard hikers, there is another route - 5 hour hike - over a mountain pass from Lake Saiful Muluk that one can take. You will need a guide (check with the hotels that you will stay at).

Lalazar plateau is at an altitude of 10,200 feet (3200 m) above sea level. Its 21 km away from Naran via Battakundi. Some 16 Kilometers from Naran is the Battakundi, another enjoyable spot, the turning point for Lalazar. It is known for its colourful flowers and intoxicating scents. There is a jeepable road from Naran to Lalazar and return trip would cost you Rs.1,000 ( US$17 appox ). Journey tip is almost one hour.

On a clear sunny day, its possible to view snow covered peak of "Falak Sonia" from Lalazar. This peak has also got a fairy tale story in its background like most of the other places in Kaghan Valley. You may also see River Kunhar flowing roughly thousands of mile below the altitude you would be standing.

For adventure lovers , there is a lovely track from Lalazar to Saiful Maluk lake involving camping for a night. Its not an easy track. One can get a chance to see the rare wild life variety of "Markhoor" on this track during the months of October and November.

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Another pleasant 1/2-day jeep excursion from Naran is up to the Lalazar Plateau. A jeep track climbs up the plateau from battakundi, some 16 km N of Naran.
Located at 3,200m, this beautiful, meadow is awash with colourful alpine flowers in spring and summer, and set amongst the cool pine forests. A footpath leads from Lalazar Plateau down to lake Saiful Malik, taking 5-6 hrs. The road to Lalazar is a typical Pakistani Mountain road, with hills on one side and a deep "Khud" (valley) on the other side.The only difference was that the "Khud" is the Kunhar River.Lalazar is a place where one would enjoy camping. It has large grassy grounds and there?s no fear of falling rocks or being in way of a broken glacier. And then something strange happened!