The Ultimate Travel Guide to Shogran Valley
Nestled in the heart of the Kaghan Valley, Shogran Valley is a hidden gem of the North. From the adventure of trekking through the untamed tracks from Shogran to Siri Paye Meadows and from a bumpy jeep ride to sitting by tranquil Siri Lake and enjoying lush green meadows, a trip to Shogran Valley has a lot to offer.
So, if you are planning to explore the Shogran Valley and Siri Paye meadows with your friends or family, continue reading. In this comprehensive guide, I am going to discuss all you need to know to plan your trip to Siri Paye Shogran.
So, let’s get started!
Shogran Siri Paye Location
Shogran is a beautiful hill station located on the plateau in the Kaghan Valley, in KPK, at an elevation of 2,362 meters (8,635ft) above sea level. It is 228 km away from Islamabad, 27.9 km away from Balakot, and only 7.6 km from Kewai. It can take anywhere between four to five hours to get to Shogran from Islamabad. We went by our own car on a Friday, and it took us around 4 hours and 30 minutes. From Balakot, it would only take around 1 hour, and from Kewai, you can reach Shogran in about half an hour.
Siri Paye Meadow is situated at a height of 3,058 m (10,32ft) above sea level. It is about 7km away from Shogran. Where with a Jeep ride, you can reach Siri Paye in 40 minutes to 1 hour, trekking from Shogran to Siri Paye can take anywhere between 3 to 4 hours.
How to Get to Shogran?
It is best to travel to Shogran in your private car, but you can also use the bus service. The bus will drop you at Balakot, and you can get your ride to Shogran from there.
From Islamabad, you will come via Hazara Motorway, and passing Abbottabad and Mansehra, you will reach Balakot Interchange, and the next stop will be Kewai. From Kewai, it will only take around 30 to 45 minutes to reach Shogran.
| Kewai Waterfall Do not go expecting Niagara Falls; it is a petite waterfall. If your group is divided on whether to go to Naran or Shogran, you may want to take a short break at the Kiwai waterfall. During your stay at Kiwai Waterfall, you can enjoy a meal at Kiwai Hotel Waterfall cafe/restaurant, which is in the middle waterfall. You can eat your meal with your feet dipped in cold water flowing underneath the tables and chairs. We had ‘chai pakoray’ there. A much-needed snack! |
While it takes around 4 hours and a half to reach Shogran from Islamabad, traveling from Lahore will take around 8 hours.
How Are the Roads?
The roads are perfect up till Balakot interchange, but as you ride towards Kiwai, the road starts to get a bit rough. Should you worry, though? NO! It’s only for a few kilometers, around 7KM. After that, it is a fully carpeted road all the way to Kiwai, with picturesque landscapes and the Kunhar River flowing on your right. From Kiwai to Shogran, the road is also a bit shabby towards the end (work was underway at the time of our visit, which was in August 2023). Hopefully, by the time you are reading this, roads have gotten in perfect shape.
And if we talk about the road from Shogran to Siri Paye, I’d say it is not a road—it is off-roading, and that too on a muddy terrain featuring stones and frequent turns. You cannot go on your cars to Siri Paye, but if you have a 4×4 vehicle and you are an expert driver, you can consider driving to Siri Paye. Otherwise, you will have to rent a jeep or hike to Siri Paye on foot.
| Tips for the road 1. There are two restrooms on the motorway from Islamabad to Mansehra, and the distance between the two is 70km. One is the Hakla Rest Area on M2. Another one is on the Hazara Expressway. So, fill your car tank, go to the washroom, and get your snacks before getting on the road. 2. There are three tunnels on the way to Shogran. The speed limit for these tunnels is 60km/hr, and you are advised to respect the speed limit. When you enter the tunnel at a higher speed, your eyes might not work properly for a few seconds. Also, you could get a ticket for overspeeding. Lastly, remove sunglasses while entering tunnels. 3. The road starts to get steeper from Balakot. You are advised to drive uphill in small gear. If you have an automatic vehicle, consider switching to D1 or D2, or even L when needed. For Kiwai to Shogran, I will advise moving up only in L. |
Places to Stay in Shogran
There are many hotels in Shogran where you could stay. But know that getting a room in any of the Shogran hotels at the last minute could be very expensive as the hotel rates are not fixed. They practice the simple law of demand and supply. When there are a lot many tourists in Shogran during the tourist season, and the occupancy level is high, the room rates may skyrocket. Conversely, during the off-season or when most hotel rooms are vacant, you might get a good room pretty cheap.
It is advised that you book hotels, after comparing prices, before leaving Islamabad for Shogran. If you haven’t booked already, then booking a room should be your first priority after reaching Shogran. Of course, only if you are planning to stay. As the dark creeps in, room rates start to go up as more and more rooms get booked.
Check our comprehensive list of the 16 best hotels in Shogran to find yourself a place to stay.
Fun Fact: Many people stayed in their cars for the night—or rented jeeps for the stay—as hotels were too expensive at the time of our visit.
| Vary of the Hidden Charges Before you book the room, double-check if there are any hidden charges—confirm what is included and what is not in the package. For instance, most hotels offer complimentary breakfast but charge for it. |
Best Hotels in Shogran to Stay
1. Pine Park Hotel & Resorts
Pine Park Hotels and Resort is one of the most luxurious hotels in Shogran. They have lush green, well-maintained, expansive lawns surrounded by mountains. It is best that you get a room facing the lawn instead of one facing the mountains. They have both standard rooms, VIP rooms, and cottages.
Pine Park Hotel is the best but could get a little too much on the expensive side, especially in the peak season.
Ratings
Trip Advisor: 4/5, Facebook 4.5/5, Google: 4.1/5
Contact Information
Phone: +92 3489511797, +92 3481199771
2. Cedarwood Bangalow Shogran
Surrounded by towering cedar bushes, Cedarwood Bangalow Shogran is famous for the scenic views of snow-covered mountains from its rooms. The hotel gives a mixed experience. Where most customers acknowledge that the hotel has to offer scenic views, many render it overpriced and complain that amenities are not offered as promised or advertised.
Ratings
Trip Advisor: 3/5, Facebook 4.2/5, Google: 4.2/5
Contact Information
Phone: +92 3467775777
3. Lalazar Family Resort
Lalazar Family Resort is a quaint hotel offering a rustic charm. They have spacious rooms with private terraces, where you can enjoy your tea and meals with majestic views.
If you are visiting Shogran with your family, you have got to consider this family resort.
But before booking a room, you may want to check their rooms first because a few visitors said there was a damp and musty smell in the rooms, probably due to excessive humidity.
Ratings
Trip Advisor: 4/5, Facebook: 4.1/5, Google: 4.4/5
Contact Information
Phone: +92 3328888489, (915) 299-9691
| Tips for Staying in Hotels in Shogran 1. Compare prices and book hotel rooms before you embark on your journey to Shogran. 2. Room rates go high when there are more tourists and on the weekends. 3. Confirm if the hotel offers complimentary breakfast or tea, etc. 4. Confirm if there are any hidden charges in the form of GST, service charges, and extra charges for room service. 5. If visiting in winter, check if the water is hot in the taps in the washrooms as promised before making payment. |
Where did I stay on my visit?
On my visit with friends in the summer of 2023, we first explored the option of getting a room. We were visiting on a long weekend, so there was quite some rush, and of course, room rents were too high—the cheapest of the rooms was ten thousand.
So, we decided to explore other options. There was this local who referred us to a restaurant that set us beds (mattress with a pillow and quilt) in a hall for one thousand per bed. We were tired, so we had a good sleep.
In the morning, we met a group who had set up their camp under a sheltered area in the boundary of the restaurant. They were charged two thousand for setting up their camp. They told us that they were camping in a free spot, but as it started raining, they moved to the sheltered spot.
Shogran Weather
The weather in Shogran Valley is quite mild in the summer month, from June to August, with daytime temperatures ranging around 20°C. But as the sun sets and the night creeps in, it starts to get a bit chilly. So, do not forget to pack a blanket even when visiting in summer.
In the winter, it is all snowy and cold in Shogran. There is snow everywhere, but the Shogran Valley remains open to tourists all year round. In winter months, from December to February, the temperature mostly remains under 10°C during the day and could drop to as low as -3°C at night.
Also, the weather is kind of unpredictable in Shogran—one moment, it’s raining cats and dogs, and the other moment the sun is shining bright. So, do not forget to prepare for the rain and bring along your raincoat.
Things to Do in Shogran
On your arrival day, you may want to spend the entire day sitting on the terrace/balcony of your hotel room, sipping tea with the mesmerizing views. But given that there are so many recreational activities to do in Shogran Valley, you do not want to miss out.
Here are some of the top recreational activities and tourist attractions in Shogran Valley:
1. Trekking to Siri Paye Meadows
Siri Paye Meadows is the top attraction of Shogran Valley, hands down. It is about 7km from Shogran, and it takes an average person about 3 to 4 hours to reach the top of the Siri Paye Meadows. For the best trekking experience, I will advise you to leave early, before sunrise, especially if you want to return the same day.
It often starts raining there all of a sudden. So, even if the weather seems clear, you might want to take your raincoat with you. When it rains, the trail gets really slippery, so ensure that you have your best hiking boots on.
| The hidden trail from Shogran to Siri Paye While jeeps destroy the main trail and get muddy and slippery after rain and jeeps disturb your hike, this beautiful hidden trail, starting right in front of the Pine Park Hotel, is calm, serene, clean, and easy. It is so quiet that you can hear spring waters flowing from afar and birds chirping. Consider this beautiful hidden trek to enjoy the best of the Shogran Valley. |
2. Bumpy Jeep Ride to Siri Paye
If you do not want to trek to Siri Paye, you can consider taking an adventurous jeep ride from Shogran to Siri Paye. This jeep ride is very bumpy and dangerous. But worry not—local drivers are good. The bumps in the way become a source of good laughs between friends.
The thrilling jeep ride will take around 40 minutes to an hour to reach Siri Paye.
Shogran to Siri Paye Jeep rent
Jeep rent for Shogran to Siri Paye roundtrip starts at five thousand. The same jeep will take you from Shogran to Paye, give you around an hour and a half to wander around on Siri Paye, and then take you back to Shogran. If you have to stay extra time, you might have to pay extra, generally a thousand every hour. But you can bargain.
On our trip to Siri Paye Shogran, we camped for a night at Siri Paye. So, we made a deal with the Jeep driver to drop us at Siri Paye and pick us up the next day for only four thousand from each side. The total was 8,000.
3. Horse Rides
Jeep drops you at the beginning of Paye, and from there, you can hike or take a horse ride to get to Paye. You can also rent the jeep only till Siri and go by horse to Paye. The charges of a horse for Siri to Paye roundtrip are not fixed and can be negotiated—you can expect to pay up to two thousand. The horse ride is thrilling, and your heartbeat may increase as the track becomes difficult.
While riding the horse, the chilly wind slapping your face and the stunning views of the mountain cleavages might give you an adrenaline rush.
When selecting the horse, you need to make sure that the horse is not giving any aggressive vibes. Nobody wants to ride a moody horse on a difficult mountainous track.
That said, I would recommend renting the jeep for Paye and exploring the thrill of horse riding in Paye.
4. Siri Lake
On the way to the Paye from Shogran, you will first come across a beautiful lake called Siri Lake about 5km from Shogran, and at a height of 8572 feet (2612 meters)above sea level. Siri is a small lake—more like a pond—but given that it is surrounded by lush green meadows and towering forests, and mountains, it is very attractive and charming, especially when the weather is clear and the sky is being reflected in the lake.
5. Relaxing by the Paye Lake
When you reach the top of Siri Paye, you will find a stunning blue lake at the heart of it. Paye Lake is a small but charming lake situated at the front of the Paye clearing.
But don’t expect a massive lake; it’s more like a puddle, as a disappointed friend on our trip put it.
During the winter season, Paye Lake freezes, so visitors can walk right on it, like a winter wonderland adventure!
While being here, you can capture those breathtaking pictures of cloud reflections in the lake.
But here’s a little secret – take a moment to sit beside the lake and immerse yourself in the scenic views. It’s a whole different level of serenity, my friends. And guess what? You can even grab a steaming cup of chai from one of the vendors and stalls at Paye and enjoy it while chilling by the lake. Picture perfect, isn’t it?
6. Iconic Swing in Siri Paye
At the top of the Siri Paye, you will notice a legendary swing, soaring at an astonishing height of over 10,000 feet above sea level.
Dangling in the air at the top of the hill, heart pounding with excitement, the rush of adrenaline, and the breathtaking views—this swing ride is bound to be one of the most thrilling moments of your life.
So, grab your courage and swing into action!
7. Camping at Siri Paye
Instead of going down to Shogran and spending a night in the hotel, you can consider camping at Siri Paye Meadows and spending the night under the stars. You can bring your camping material and set up your own camp. If you do not have a camp with you, you can consider the tents available at Siri Paye. These tents are waterproof and have warm beds for you to spend the night. The Charges for a tent can be anywhere between 2,000 to 5,000.
There are washrooms at Siri Paye, but they are too dirty to use. So, if nature calls, go squat in nature because the washrooms stink. “Poop with a view” is what a friend quipped while sharing his experience.
8. Bonfire
With a bonfire night and perhaps a bbq to go along with it, your Shogran trip will be incomplete. Most hotels offer bonfires and live BBQs. But know that there will be extra charges for arranging the bonfire.
You can also enjoy a bonfire if you are camping at Siri Paye. For that, people bring dry wood from Shogran in jeeps with them. So, if you want a bonfire at the top of Siri Paye, you will have to plan ahead and bring wood with you to the top.
Bonfires are best to warm yourself up on cold nights, immerse yourself in deep and fun conversations, and observe the starry sky.
Tip: You can also collect wood while wandering around. However, we recommend buying it from Shogran if you are coming by jeep.
9. Short Hikes Around Shogran
To enjoy the hiking experience, you do not necessarily have to miss out on the bumpy jeep ride and hike to the top of the Siri Paye. To enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Shogran, you can take short hikes around Shogran and appreciate its towering pine and oak trees, and discover different viewpoints and small waterfalls.
To have the best experience, consider going for a hike after rain when the clouds are quite low—it’s magical.
10. Zip Line
There is a small zipline in Shogran. If you are adventurous, you may want to check it out. But given that it is very brief and my friends had safety concerns, we did not try it.
Tourist Attractions Near Shogran Valley
Besides Siri Paye, there are so many other tourist destinations near the Shogran Valley.
1. Makra Peak
Makra Peak is 3,885 meters (12,746 feet) from sea level, and its hiking track starts from Siri Paye meadows.
So, if you are a hiking enthusiast and have an extra day, you must hike to Makra Peak. It will take around 4 to 8 hours from the Siri Paye base camp to summit Makra Peak. The track is difficult for novice hikers in winter when the steepness of the mountain is covered with heavy snow. However, in summer, it gets easy for novice hikers to summit the Makra Peak.
2. Musa ka Musalla
Standing at a towering height of 4,080 meters (13,400 ft) from the sea level, Mussa ka Musalla is the second-highest peak of Siran Valley. There are many routes to summit Musa ka Musalla peak, but the difficulty for all is moderate to difficult.
During winter months, the trek becomes more difficult as the mountain gets covered in snow. During the harsh conditions of winter, Musa ka Musalla Peak makes a good winter survival expedition.
3. Malakandi Forest
Located at a height of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) above sea level, the Malakandi forest covers an area of 20 square kilometers. It is a dense forest with towering pine, oak, and Deodar trees and a variety of wildlife, including black bears and snow leopards. Lying at the heart of the forest is the Malakandi Lake.
Malakandi forest is a short drive away from the Shogran Valley. So, if you are staying at Shogran, you must come to explore this breathtaking place.
4. Manshi Top
Manshi Top is a small yet charming meadow atop the Sharan Forest near Shogran Valley. Manshi Top is at an elevation of 3000 meters, and it takes around two to three hours to summit it from the Sharan camping pods. With it the towering Pine trees and Kunhar River traversing through the forest, it is a great tourist attraction near Shogran.
| Also Check: Miranjani Top: the Highest Peak in Galyat |
5. Lughmani Hill
Lughmani Hill is another tourist attraction near Shogran Valley, offering a panoramic view of the whole city of Mansehra. Lughmani Hill is a small hill and it takes only around half an hour to the summit.
6. Kunhar Valley Viewpoint
Kunhar Valley Viewpoint is another tourist attraction near Shogran Valley. The viewpoint offers a great view of the Kunhar River slicing through the mountains. The Kunhar River passing through the mountains offers a picturesque background for you to take pictures, sit by the river, and relax while enjoying the scenic views.
FAQs About Shogran Valley Visit
What is the best time to visit Shogran?
The peak summer months (June to August) are the best time to visit the Shogran Valley. During these months, the daytime temperature of Shogran is around 20°C, allowing you to enjoy the valley to its fullest. During cold winter months (December to April), Siri Paye is closed for Jeeps. So only visit in winter if you are looking for a good winter survival expedition or you want to spend the winter holidays in a hotel in Shogran.
Can a car go to Shogran?
Yes, a car can go to Shogran.
While you can take your car all the way up to the Shogran valley, a few people tend to park their cars at Kiwai and take a 4×4 jeep from there to Shogran because the road is a bit shabby there. That said, we took our 1000 cc car all the way to the Shogran Valley without any issue and also saw other tourists driving their Mehran cars—800 cc to Shogran Valley.
How long is Siri Paye Shogran from Islamabad?
Siri Paye Shogran’s distance from Islamabad is 228km via Hazara Motorway and takes around 5 hours. But via E-75 (Murree Expressway through Nathiagali and Abbottabad), though it is 197km, it takes more than 5 hours because of the small roads and traffic rush.
The route via Hazar Motorway may be longer, but it is an easy drive on the motorway, but the views are not as scenic as they will be on the E-75 route, which passes through Murre, Nathia Gali, and Muzaffarabad.
If you are choosing the E-75 route to save fuel, know that it has greater fuel cost—so do not get fooled by the smaller distance. It is because most of your journey will be moving uphill, in lower gears. Also, you could get stuck in traffic at different points—Bara Kahu, Murree, Nathiagali, and so on. So, I will strongly recommend going through Hazara Motorway.
Is There snow in Siri Paye?
Depends on when you are visiting. While there is no snow during the peak summer months (June to August), the whole of Siri Paye and even Shogran Valley is covered in snow during winter (December to early April). There is so much snow that even Jeeps cannot take you to Siri Paye at certain times.
Is Shogran worth visiting?
Absolutely, Shogran is a must-visit!
Shogran Valley has got something for everyone. From its magnificent Siri Paye meadows blessed with a magnificent blue lake to panoramic mountain views that will leave you in awe, from bumpy jeep rides to heart-pounding swing rides, and from royal experience at luxurious resorts to magical experience camping under the starry sky.
Why is it Called Siri PAYE?
There are several folklore about the origin of the name “Siri Paye,” but the most plausible explanation is that the name is derived from the Hindko, the language of the locals of Kaghan. The word Siri of the blue lake is derived from the Hindko word “Sar,” which means lake. And the word “Paye” is derived from the Hindko word “Paya,” which means a high grazing ground.
In the Urdu language, “Siri” means “head,” and “paye” means “feet.” So there is an interesting story that a local fellow told us about why it is called Siri Paye. He said that a long time ago, a leopard used to prey on locals’ goats and leave behind the head and legs of goats. So, locals started calling the meadow Siri Paye. Given that there are snow leopards in the dense forests of Shogran Valley, there could be some truth to this story. But then, who knows?
Another legend about Siri Paye is that an old sain sacrificed a goat and threw its Siri (head) in one spot and Paya (leg) in another spot, which gave birth to these two lakes, hence the names.
Which Network Works in Shogran?
The network used to be an issue in the past, but now that there are many communication towers, all networks work in the Shogran Valley. However, as you hike toward Siri Paye, networks start weakening. No network works at the top of Siri Paye.
How High is Shogran Siri Paye?
While the Shogran hill station is at a height of 2,362 meters (8,635ft) from sea level, Siri Paye meadow is situated at a height of 3,058 m (10,32ft). Siri Paye is about 7km away from Shogran and can be reached via a bumpy jeep ride of about an hour or 3 to 4 hours hike.
What’s the Fuel cost if you take your car to Shogran Siri Paye?
I had been there in my Toyota, a 1000cc car. We had incurred around PKR 8,500 in fuel costs—please note that the fuel was at PKR 252 at that time. From Faizabad (Islamabad) to Shogran and back to Faizabad, it is precisely 500 km distance if you travel through Hazara Motorway. My car gave an average mileage of 14km/liter. It is 500Km journey—calculate your average, and divide 500 by your mileage. That would give you the number of liters you need.
Multiply that by the fuel price, and that would be your estimated fuel cost for the trip. Happy traveling!
