Batakundi

Do you want to visit the Northern areas of Pakistan but don’t want to stay in a crowded place? If your answer is yes, we have great news. Located at a distance of 16 km from Naran, Batakundi is a small town that welcomes tourists throughout the year.

The following article presents a complete tour guide to Batakundi Naran, its weather, nearby attractions, the best hotels, and the shortest route.

Batakundi is situated at an altitude of 2,624 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of lush green mountains. Also, it’s secluded from the hustle and bustle of Naran and Kaghan, thus qualifying as a perfect getaway location.

What is the Lifestyle of the Batakundi People?

Batakundi is a small mountainous town with friendly and kind inhabitants. The locals of the Kaghan valley are Gujars fluent in Urdu and Hindi. Also, they are one of the most hospitable people willing to help tourists in every possible way.

Since Batakundi is a famous tourist place, most locals are tour guides, jeep drivers, caterers, hotel and restaurant owners, herders, farmers, and traders. Also, they earn most of their income during the spring-summer season since the town remains covered in snow during winter.

Also, some people descend to lower cities, such as Mansehra or Abbottabad, during the winter and return to Batakundi in the summer.

The women are primarily housewives; hence, they stay home, look after the kids, and cook fantastic food. Despite being a small town, Batakundi Naran has a primary school; however, the teaching arrangement isn’t at par.

Interestingly, the most prevailing occupation in the Kaghan valley is fishing. The locals catch dark-colored trout from the river after getting a fishing permit from the “Trout Hatchery” or “Naran Fishing Department.”

Weather at Batakundi

Due to an elevation of 8,607 feet above sea level, the weather at Batakundi is freezing during the winter. However, in May, the maximum temperature goes as high as 11C, while the minimum temperature drops to 3C.

Batakundi receives massive snowfall and rainfall courtesy of 2,624 meters above sea level altitude. That’s why most locals descend to the lower cities, such as Abbottabad or Mansehra.

When is the Best Time to Visit Batakundi?

The primary attraction in Kaghan valley is the Babusar Top; however, it remains closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall. Also, the route to the top is dangerous, and the road isn’t in good shape. The development progress remains slow, majorly because of heavy rain and snow.

The road to Babusar pass remains open from July to the end of September, and that’s the best time to visit Batakundi. Conversely, it’s relatively tricky or sometimes impossible to reach due to rainfall, landslides, snowfall, and glaciers.

Things to Know Before Visiting Batta Kundi

The first town to visit while going to Babusar top is Batakundi. You can enjoy a peaceful stay in Batakundi while you visit different nearby local attractions, including:

• Babusar pass – It’s one of the highest points in Kaghan valley at an elevation of 4,173 meters, offering spectacular views to tourists.
• Saif-ul-Malook lake – According to Guardian, it’s the fifth-best tourist destination featuring crystal clear blue water.
• Lalazar Meadows – These meadows offer exceptional views of the greenery and pine forests.
• Lulusar lake – The lake water is so clear that it reflects the surrounding landscape and snow-capped mountains. It’s an attractive spot for photographers and tourists from around the world.
• Ansu lake – It’s a distinctive tear-shaped lake located at the height of 13,927 feet amidst the mountains of Kaghan valley.

Some Main Attractions at Batakundi

From natural beauty to green landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to delicious local trout, Batakundi has got something to offer to all the coming tourists. The gigantic mountains welcome you as you enter the village.

A nearby flowing river adds to the overall aesthetics of the landscape. However, be careful before putting your feet in the water as it’s coming from the glaciers and is extremely cold.

Lush Green Natural Scenery

You can visit the forests in the Kaghan valley to collect pines and take them with you to use as decorative pieces at home. Also, you can capture some fantastic photographs and share them with your friends and family on social media.

Snow Caped Mountains

Staying in a village surrounded by snow-capped mountains is a dream come true for many tourists living in busy and crowded urban areas. The sight of the snow-covered mountains is a treat to the eyes and the soul.

That’s why it’s essential to take some time away from the cities and live among the mountains to regain energy and calm down the nerves. And that’s precisely what Batakundi offers to the tourists staying in this cozy, small village.

Batakundi Waterfall

Batakundi waterfall is a popular tourist destination for tourists and trekkers searching for natural beauty. The water flows from the mountains and then falls into a lake on the other side. It’s a fascinating view as the cars and bikes pass through the waterfall.

Serene Atmosphere

Due to the abundance of natural beauty, the place in Naran attracts hundreds of tourists, hikers, and photographers every year. You’ll be amazed to see this natural wonder hidden among the mountains. Also, the village isn’t as crowded as the nearby towns; hence offers a peaceful atmosphere to the travelers staying overnight.

Kunhar River

Starting from the Lulusar lake, the Kunhar river comprises freezing water from the glaciers melting during the summer. Hence, the river flows through the Kaghan Valley, Naran valley, Balakot, and Garhi Habibullah.

You can stop at the Kunhar river, sit in the cold water, have some snacks, and visit the nearest attractions.

How to Reach Batakundi?

It’s one of the most important questions as you can visit Batakundi by bus or car. Islamabad serves as the gateway to the northern areas of Pakistan; hence, you first need to get to Islamabad from Lahore, Karachi, or any other city.

Next, you can travel to Mansehra from Islamabad via bus or car. Having your vehicle certainly gives you an advantage as you have stopovers and enjoy tea and snacks. Also, you can stop cars on different corners to enjoy the scenery and capture photographs.

It’s entirely up to you to stay in Mansehra or travel to Naran directly. Finally, Batakundi is 16km away from Naran.

Things to do at Batakundi

If you are an adventurer or hiker, you’ll love Batakundi as it offers several activities discussed shortly.

Hiking

Trekking and hiking on several mountain trails are one of the most adventurous yet therapeutic activities. Walking on the mountain trails while connecting with nature heals your body, soul, and mind. Not only that, but you get to witness some fantastic landscapes and scenery along the way.

Rafting

If adventurous, you should try rafting in the high-speed glacier water flowing in Kaghan valley. It’s one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities in which an inflated boat rafts through the rough waters.

Many local tour companies offer rafting in Kaghan valley with proper safety gadgets. You should wear a helmet and a life jacket while rafting. Also, an instructor guides you on how and when to row. It’s an extreme sport; however, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget. Remember, it is not for faint-hearted people.

Zipline

The locals have learned about the tourism dynamics; that’s why they offer exciting activities, such as rafting, hiking, horse riding, and zip lines. As the name suggests, a cable line is suspended between two distant points in which one particular is higher than the other.

You can find several ziplines for kids and adults because the zip lines for kids are short distances and of lower height. If you aren’t afraid of size and speed, you should ride an adventurous zipline in Batakundi.

Facilities at Batakundi

Tourism is booming in Pakistan, and the authorities are paying particular attention to offering the desired facilities to local and international tourists. As a result, you’ll find several eateries, restaurants, PWD guest houses, and hotels providing top-class facilities and amenities.

Hotels & Restaurants

If you visit Batakundi, don’t forget to eat the famous trout and mahseers. You’ll instantly fall in love with the fresh trout and want to take some back.

PWD Guest House

If you want affordable accommodation in Batakundi Naran, you can stay at the PWD guest house. However, you should book the stay in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

The PWD guest house is immaculate and offers the desired services to make the stay comfortable and relaxing.

Batakundi Bazar

Any tour of northern areas of Pakistanis incomplete without buying local items, clothes, jewelry, and other souvenirs for friends and family. You can visit the famous Batakundi Bazar for some interesting local things for shopping.

Famous Hotels in Batakundi

The good news is you can find multiple hotels offering exceptional services at affordable prices. For instance, the Taj Pearl Continental hotel is at an outstanding location, offering car parking, free Wifi, security, and a TV lounge. Also, the comfortable rooms make you feel at home. One of the most significant advantages of staying at the Taj Pearl continent hotel is enjoying the breathtaking views while having breakfast.

The following fantastic hotel on our list is the Hotel De Rose Wood, located at the Falcon chowk. A plus point of staying in this hotel is that you can reach Saif-ul-Malook lake by driving for 30 minutes. The hotel offers several amenities, such as free parking, Wifi, newspaper, toiletries, and housekeeping, without costing you an arm or a leg.

The Batakundi Eco hotel is another gem amidst the mountains offering a cozy environment to the guests. It takes a drive of nine minutes to reach the Kunar view food point to enjoy delicious local food. Also, the guests can relax in the comfortable rooms and enjoy access to free Wifi.

The last hotel on our list is the Regal Inn hotel Batakundi Naran which offers outstanding hospitality to its guests.

All the hotels discussed above have one thing in common: the breathtaking vows of the mountains. The sight of the lush green mountains soothes and calms the guests as they connect with nature.

How Much is the Distance to Reach Batakundi from Naran?

The total distance between Batakundi and Naran is merely 16 km. Since the Kaghan downtown is usually clogged, many tourists now prefer to stay in Batakundi than Naran. Also, you can visit the major attraction due to Batakundi’s proximity to Naran.

Average Prices of Hotels in Batakundi:

The average price of hotels in Batakundi is 10,000 Pakistani rupees. However, the tourist influx depends on the season, and so is the hotel prices. Also, you should book the hotel in advance, especially while visiting during summer since it’s the peak season.

The good news is that the hotel pricing offers you the desired value for money by offering several amenities and services, including:

• Free Wifi
• Secure Parking
• Mountain views
• Balconies
• TV
• Cold and hot water

Location of Batakundi Naran:

The Kaghan valley spreads around 160 km and reaches a height of 2,134 feet. The Babusar pass is the peak of Kaghan valley, located at an elevation of 13,690 feet above sea level. Batakundi is the last town that remains open during the winter. It’s located at a distance of 16 km from Naran.

FAQs

What is Batakundi famous for?

Batakundi is renowned for its lush green landscapes and serene atmosphere. However, its primary location makes Batakundi a perfect place for tourists.

Can we visit Batakundi in Winter?

Batakundi remains open during the winter; hence, if you want to enjoy the snowfall, you can plan a trip.

Final Thoughts

If you are going north towards the Babusar top, it’s best to stay in Batakundi, which offers an affordable and peaceful location amidst green mountains. The influx of tourists in northern areas dramatically increases during the summer, making the landmarks and significant cities crowded.

The primary purpose of the vacation is to enjoy the peace away from the urban areas while enjoying nature. That’s why you should plan your trip to Batakundi Naran and visit the nearby local attractions.