Located between the mountains in the north of Pakistan, Naran Valley presents some of the beautiful scenery and gets you out of city life. It is a scenic tourist spot that receives thousands of tourists annually, be it adventure travelers or a family on a vacation.
The accommodation that you choose would make or break your mountain getaway. When choosing the best hotel in Naran Valley, consider the type of travel you are going on, as it plays a key role in deciding which hotel to stay in.
In this guide, you will know details about the best accommodation you can choose, all the tips you should know before booking your stay, and all you need to know in order to stay in this mountain paradise.
The Reasons Why Naran Valley Has to Be Your Next Destination
Naran Valley is at an altitude of 2,409 metres above sea level, characterised by cool summers and winters covered with snow. The valley opens the way to Lake Saif-ul-Malook, which is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes and also offers a lot of hiking paths and viewing points.
This natural area of beauty undergoes drastic changes based on the season. During summer, corn fields are growing and fields are full of wild flowers, whereas during winter, there is a snow blanket of beauty. This gradual change of seasons means you must choose the right accommodation based on your intended travel dates and planned activities.
The best season to visit is the summer season (May to September) since it is at this time of the year when the weather is most favorable in terms of outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The best packages of Naran Hotels
Little Island House – Luxury Mountain Resorts
The travellers who want luxury comfort find a wide choice of high-priced establishments to stay in, which provide the best service and facilities. These facilities are normally characterized by:
- Large rooms with mountain views
- Local and International food outlets within the premises
- Wellness and spa centres
- Tour concierges
- Warm rooms in winter
Such luxury resorts also usually come with the best reliable heating system and alternative power generation, which is already an important notion when dealing with mountain weather, which is unpredictable at best.
Useful Considerations in Selecting Naran Valley Lodging
Location Considerations
The location of your hotel also matters a lot in your experience. Those with better locations near the main bazaar will have easy access to restaurants, shops, and transport links. In your case, however, hotels just beyond the town centre can offer even a better panorama of mountains, as well as a calmer atmosphere.
Take into account the location of your intended activities. In case you want to travel to Lake Saif-ul-Malook early in the morning, then hotels or guesthouses as close to the points of departure of the jeep service will grant you precious time.
Seasonal Availability
Most hotels in Naran Valley are seasonal, with the peak being April to October. Certain properties shut down in the winter season because of excessive snowstorms and a shortage of tourist visits. When traveling during the shoulder seasons, be sure to always check operation dates by booking in advance.
Facilities and Service Amenities
There are certain considerations that need to be made when it comes to the mountain accommodation:
Heating Systems: Mandatory tools during staying since it is nearly impossible to take care of without these systems, especially during the cold seasons or otherwise.
Hot water supply: Is the supply of hot water available every time or within stipulated hours?
Power Backup: There are frequent power cuts in remote areas of the mountains. Hotels that have a generator backup never compromise comfort.
Internet Connection: Mobile and WiFi may not be good. Pre-arrange connection needs.
The Weather Patterns in Naran Valley
The climate in Naran Valley has a great effect on the availability and accommodation decisions. Temperatures are as high as 15 25 during the day, considerably falling at night during summer. Warm clothes should be carried even by the summer visitors in the evenings as well as early mornings.
It is during the Monsoon season (July-August), and this rain reduces visibility and may cause road conditions to be poor, thus making outdoor activities difficult. The capacity of hotels to provide covered parking spaces and indoor eating places comes in handy, especially when it is wet.
Temperatures in winter are often below freezing point, and the fallen snow renders many places inaccessible. There are only a few hotels that are open in the winter period, but are mainly attended by local visitors and by people who have an interest in getting snow-related experiences.
Tricks and Advice for Booking
High Season Planning
Tourist seasons are during the summer (June-August). Arrange booked accommodation early, especially during weekends and on holidays, as this is usually the peak time of domestic tourism.
During peak season, months in advance, many of the best hotels in Naran are booked. There is also the tendency to get lower rates and a choice of rooms when booking early.
Benefits of the Shoulder Season
The months of May and September will bring the perfect weather and a smaller crowd, with possible cheaper accommodation rates. Nevertheless, make sure that all the desired amenities and services are running at their full capacity during these periods.
Direct Booking vs Online Booking
Though online operators provide comfort and reviews, it occasionally pays off to call hotels and get better deals or an upgrade on a room. A lot of properties that belong to a family would want to have people book directly, and they may also provide extra services or guidance about the area.
Transportation and Accessibility
There is the possibility of driving into most of the Naran hotels, but there are some luxury hotels that do have their pickup service up to Kaghan or other neighbouring towns. The trip to Islamabad is around 8-10 hours on the road, and hence the location of the accommodation plays an important role in terms of convenience of arrival and departure.
Heavy traffic may greatly increase the duration of travel during the peak season. Hotels that offer secured parking will be advantageous since roadside parking may prove difficult and unsafe.
Local restaurants and hotel restaurants
As much as most tourists prefer visiting the local eateries in the main bazaar of Naran, on-site restaurants in hotels offer convenience and confidence. The weather in the mountains can vary quickly, and it is simply better to have a restaurant in the place where you stay.
Hotel restaurants will usually offer to serve both Pakistani and simple continental food. Local restaurants serve traditional dishes and fresh trout in local streams, which is an adventure for those who like such food.
Activities and Hotel Services
Most of the time, activities are organized or given by the best hotel in the Naran Valley:
- Jeep services to Lake Saif-ul-Malook
- Trail and trek leaders
- Licenses and Fishing Gears
- Local tours Local sightseeing tours
- Access to local places of interest
