Ansoo Lake and Batakundi

If you get tired of the crowds that throng to Naran who send tourism prices through the room, then take a trip to Batakundi, a small town 16 kilometers (km) from Naran and an alternate base to explore the Kaghan Valley. You can stay at the Batakundi Hotel, which is located on a hilltop and offers a view of the meandering snake-like Kunhar River along with lush green mountains and wheat fields. Furthermore, the Lalazar meadows are a one-hour trek across the hill. Among the many day-trips it has to offer, the best one is a trek to the teardrop-shaped, Ansoo Lake. At a height of 13,550 feet above sea level, it is covered with snow almost throughout the year. A person of average physical fitness but a tough attitude can easily attempt the five- to six-hour trek from Saiful Maluk Lake. The climate is cold and unpredictable so loads of warm clothes, a raincoat and a local guide (which can be arranged from Naran or Saiful Maluk) are recommended. There are no restaurants on the way so don’t forget to carry your own supplies of food and water for the day.