Have you been thinking of a short getaway to the mountains to cool down and recharge your batteries in nature? Why not skip all the overcrowded tourist hotspots in northern Pakistan and spend a weekend in Shogran Valley and explore Siri Paye instead!
Shogran has everything you need for short trip to the mountains: cool weather, wide green meadows, epic mountain views, and relaxing pine forests. It’s like Naran, but less crowded, and Siri Paye is similar to Fairy Meadows, but doesn’t require as much physical fitness.
I visited Shogran back in May 2021 with a bunch of friends from Lahore. They had a guest from Iran at the time who desperately wanted to see the northern areas of Pakistan before going back home. However, time was short and flights to Gilgit or Skardu were too expensive, so my friends decided to take her somewhere closer to home. They got off from work Friday evening, picked me up in Islamabad at midnight, we spent a fun weekend in Shogran and Siri Paye, and made it back to Lahore on Monday before dawn.
Want to know how to plan a similar trip to Shogran and Siri Paye? Then read no further than this post!
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Where Is Shogran?
Shogran is a mountain resort of 2,362 meters altitude in the Kaghan Valley of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It’s located just over 200 kilometers from Islamabad between Balakot and Naran, making it an excellent destination for a short getaway. The valley is the gateway to the beautiful Siri Paye Meadows, which cover the hilly peaks of Kaghan like a soft blanket at an altitude of 2,895 meters.
Weather In Shogran
The weather in Shogran is relatively mild in summer and cold and snowy in winter. The best time to visit Shogran and Siri Paye is in summer (June – August), when daytime temperatures range around comfortable 20°C. Expect both sunny and rainy weather, which gives Siri Paye Meadows its vibrant green color, and don’t forget to pack a blanket because it tends to get quite chilly at night.
It’s also possible to visit Shogran in winter to witness a snowy landscape, but facilities may be limited and it will get very cold. Don’t expect running water and heating, travel at your own risk.
Make sure to check the road conditions before your trip and look out for landslides.
How To Get To Shogran
The best way to get to Shogran independently is by private vehicle. To reach Shogran from Islamabad, you must drive about four hours north to Kiwai, then transfer to a jeep and ride for around half an hour. You’ll have to go back down on the same jeep. To travel from Lahore to Shogran, the drive is about eight hours. You may drive your own vehicle or hire a driver with a car.
Plenty of tour companies also offer group tours to Shogran and Siri Paye from Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, or can plan an individualized tour for you.
You can also travel to Balakot by bus from Islamabad and organize private transportation there, but it’s a hassle and more time-consuming.
Pro tip: There’s a restaurant in Kiwai where you can dine in the middle of a small waterfall! It’s a great place to have breakfast before heading up to Shogran.
Hotels In Shogran
The best hotels in Shogran include the Pine Park Hotel, where my friends and I rented a cottages for a night, as well as the Cedarwood and the Arcadian Shogran. You may inquire about tents to camp in Siri Paye as well.
Booking.comThings To Do In Shogran
Of course, you could spend the whole day sitting outside of your Shogran hotel and sipping chai, but why miss out when there are so many things to do in Shogran?
These are the top activities and attractions of Shogran:
Trek from Shogran to Siri Paye
Siri Paye Meadows is without a doubt the top attraction in Shogran. The average person can reach these lush green meadows on foot in 3-4 hours. It’s a fairly easy trek, but you should make sure to leave early enough to make it back before it gets dark.
Take a bumpy jeep ride
Alternatively, you can get from Shogran to Siri Paye by jeep. The ride takes about one hour on the mountain road, which gives you more time to appreciate the bumpy experience. It’s best to hire the same jeep that took you from Kiwai to Shogran.
Sit on the iconic swing in Siri Paye
One of the most iconic spots in Siri Paye is a swing hanging over the hill that you’ll see as soon as you reach the top. With such views, you’re guaranteed to have the best swing ride of your life.
Take a Horse ride in nature
There’s no better way to roam the lush green meadows than on horseback. Hire a horse for a small fee and enjoy.
Relax by the Siri Paye Lake
There’s also a blue lake in Siri Paye that guarantees beautiful views and relaxing times.
Camp in the meadows
Instead of staying at a hotel or cottage in Shogran, you can spend the night under the star sky in Siri Paye. It’s best to arrange a tent beforehand.
Go for short hikes around Shogran
You don’t have to hike all the way to Siri Paye to embrace Shogran’s outdoors. You can also enjoy short hikes around Shogran to viewpoints and small waterfalls. Your hotel staff will guide you best.
Spend a night by the bonfire
And lastly, what’s a trip to northern areas without a night by the bonfire? Bonfires are not only the best way to warm yourself up in cold nights but they also guarantee fun times. Your hotel staff can arrange bonfires for you for around 5,000-6,000 PKR, so this option is better if you’re traveling with a larger group.
Costs
My friends and I traveled independently by car. We split up the costs of car fuel, food, jeep, and mountain hut among the four of us and the cost was 16,000 PKR per person.
For a more budget-friendly trip, consider camping instead of renting a hut, traveling by public transportation, or joining a group tour.
If you don’t have a car, it might be worth hiring a driver. In this case, you should pay for fuel costs and meals/lodging for the driver, as well as a fair daily wage.
Is Shogran Valley Safe?
But, is it safe to visit Shogran? Let’s take a look!
- Road safety: The roads around Shogran are nothing out of the ordinary, but still, you should check the weather conditions beforehand and make sure to find a reliable driver. After all, the roads of northern Pakistan can be quite scary.
- Health: Altitude sickness is rare in Shogran but it can be a little tough to hike at higher altitudes. Don’t be too harsh on yourself and avoid hiking at night. Also, before of unfiltered water, even if it comes from natural springs.
- Female safety: As everywhere in Pakistan, especially in holiday destinations, women must be very cautious when venturing out alone. That being said, solo female travel in Shogran isn’t impossible, but it’s generally not recommend. Read more about female safety in Pakistan here.
Travel Insurance for Pakistan
A common concern among foreigners traveling to Pakistan is travel insurance. Especially for those who hike in the mountains, a good insurance that covers potential emergencies is a good precaution. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master to help you find the perfect match for your custom trip.
Where To Go Next
Shogran isn’t only a great destination for short getaways, but also a perfect stop as part of a bigger tour of northern Pakistan. Here’s where you can go after Shogran:
Shogran to Naran
Naran is one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist towns located in the Naran Kaghan Valley. From there you can explore many beautiful places like Saif-ul-Malook Lake, Lulusar Lake, and Babusar Top.
Plan your perfect Naran trip with this post.
Shogran to Hunza
Hunza Valley is Pakistan’s ultimate mountain paradise, with iconic places like Attabad Lake, Passu, and Khunjerab Pass.
Read all about Hunza in this post.
Other destinations in northern Pakistan
Shogran lies on the road to Gilgit-Baltistan, home to various other great destinations like Fairy Meadows and Skardu. Other popular places in northern Pakistan include Swat Valley and Kashmir, however, they are not on the way.
Other Destinations In Pakistan
Want to see more of Pakistan? Here are some other great destinations:
Conclusion
Thanks to its relative proximity to Islamabad and easy road conditions, Shogran is the perfect destination for a short getaway or first stop on a larger northern Pakistan tour. You can experience relaxing mountain valleys and the lush meadows of Siri Paye, making it a suitable destination for travelers of all ages.
Have you been to Shogran and Siri Paye yet? How was your experience? Leave a comment below and share if this article was helpful.
Very comprehensive and complete guide. I’ll surely reread it when I plan for this amazing place.
Thank you so much, I’m glad it was helpful!
Pakistan has been on my list for a long time – and people always look at me funny when I say that. Your pictures are beautiful – and this is quite a comprehensive guide. Definitely saving for the nay-sayers and for planning 🙂
I’s definitely a destination worth seeing. Hope you get to visit soon!
Beautiful photos and Siri Paye definitely looks stunning! I love those mountains views.
Thank you! The mountains there are very peaceful.
Your site is very helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
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