If you’re planning a trip to Kaghan Valley this season, here’s some useful news before you pack your bags. The Assistant Commissioner’s Office in Balakot has just rolled out fresh jeep fares along with a new traffic plan for Naran Bazaar, aimed at making things smoother for the flood of tourists heading up every year.
So, what will you actually pay? A round trip from Naran to Babusar will now cost Rs. 12,000, while heading to Babusar Top by Suzuki Carry or Yellow Cab is set at Rs. 9,000. If Lake Saif-ul-Malook is on your list, expect to pay Rs. 5,500. Lalazar and Shogran trips are fixed at Rs. 4,500, and if you’re headed to Siri Paye from Kiwai, that’s Rs. 8,000 or Rs. 5,500 if you’re starting from Shogran instead.
Along with the fare update, Naran Bazaar is getting some traffic changes too. Two-way traffic is now banned, and Jheel Road and MNJ Road entries are closed off. All vehicles coming in will need to use the Go Petrol Pump side instead. Parking inside the bazaar is no longer allowed, and jeeps can’t enter the main market area at all; the goal is simply less congestion during peak season.
The Kaghan Development Authority has also been asked to set up a tourist complaint desk and put up proper signboards for parking and traffic guidance. These rules kicked in right after a stakeholders’ meeting held on May 22, so if you’re heading up soon, keep these new fares and routes in mind.
