Sharan is one of the Kaghan Valley’s best-kept secrets. Located at approximately 2,134 metres (7,000 feet) above sea level, a 15km jeep track off the main Balakot–Naran road near Paras, Sharan Valley is a breathtaking alpine landscape of dense Himalayan cedar and fir forest, crystal-clear mountain streams, wildflower clearings and mountain peaks that tower above the treeline. While Naran town 35km north attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, Sharan typically receives only a few thousand — meaning you can walk through one of Pakistan’s most beautiful forests in near-complete solitude.
Where is Sharan Valley?
Sharan Valley is located in Mansehra District, KPK, approximately 35km south of Naran on the main Kaghan Valley road. The turn-off is at Paras village on the main N-35 road — easily visible as a junction with a signboard. From Paras, a 15km jeep track climbs westward into the Sharan forest reserve, passing through progressively denser tree cover before emerging in the main Sharan clearing at 2,134m. The track takes approximately 45–60 minutes by 4×4 jeep from Paras.
From Islamabad, Sharan is 195km away — considerably closer than Naran (230km). Many Islamabad day-trippers visit Sharan as a standalone destination, returning the same day. From Naran, it is a 35km drive south and then 15km jeep track — a half-day excursion that combines beautifully with the main Naran itinerary.
The Sharan Forest — What Makes It Special
The Sharan Forest Reserve contains some of the finest remaining stands of Himalayan Cedar (Cedrus deodara) in KPK. These are old-growth trees — many estimated to be 200–400 years old — with trunk diameters of 1–2 metres and canopy heights of 30–40 metres. Walking beneath them produces the unmistakable sensation of being in a true forest cathedral: deep shade broken by shafts of light, a thick mat of fallen needles that muffles sound, and the permanent cool resinous scent of cedar that is unlike anything else in Pakistan.
The forest floor in the clearings between the trees supports a remarkable understory — dense fern beds, mossy boulders beside streams, and in June–July, patches of wildflowers that erupt in colour wherever light penetrates the canopy. The streams running through the valley are crystal-clear tributaries of the Kunhar, supporting wild brown trout visible in the shallows on calm days.
The Jeep Track — How to Reach Sharan
The 15km jeep track from Paras to Sharan is a well-established forest track, maintained by the KPK Forest Department. Standard 4×4 jeeps (Hilux, Land Cruiser) can make this journey comfortably in dry conditions. The track is closed November–April due to snow and soft ground conditions. In wet conditions (during or after heavy rain), the track can become slippery with mud — check local conditions before departure.
Jeeps available at Paras: Local jeep owners at the Paras junction offer the track for Rs. 1,200–2,000 per jeep return (negotiable). Alternatively, hire a Naran-based jeep and include Sharan as a side trip on the Naran–Islamabad drive. NaranTours can arrange Sharan valley jeep trips for guests on request.
Accommodation in Sharan
Sharan has limited but functional accommodation. The KPK Forest Department Rest House in Sharan is the most atmospheric option — a colonial-era building set in the clearing among the cedars, available for booking through the Forest Department Divisional Office in Mansehra (advance booking advisable for peak season). Cost: Rs. 2,000–3,500 per night. Very basic amenities — generator power, simple beds, basic meals on request.
Several private guesthouses have opened in recent years at the Sharan clearing, offering more reliable amenities at Rs. 2,500–4,500 per room per night. Camping is permitted in designated areas within the forest reserve with a nominal fee payable to the Forest Chowkidar.
Best Activities in Sharan Valley
Forest trekking: Multiple unmarked but well-established forest trails lead from the main clearing deeper into the cedar grove, to viewpoints above the treeline and to the upper streams. The 3-hour circuit walk through the dense cedar grove and back via the ridge is the most rewarding day walk. Photography: The morning light filtering through old-growth cedar canopy is extraordinary. The combination of shafts of light, fern understory and moss-covered boulders creates an almost fairytale quality. Trout fishing: Wild brown trout in the Sharan streams can be caught with a permit (Rs. 200/day from Forest Chowkidar) using fly fishing or light spinning gear. Bird watching: Sharan is one of the best accessible locations in KPK for Himalayan bird species including Western Tragopan (rare), Koklass Pheasant and Monal Pheasant.
Why Most Naran Visitors Miss Sharan
Sharan never appears on the standard Naran tourist brochure — the main tourism circuit from Naran focuses on Saif ul Malook, Babusar Top and Shogran, and travel agents rarely mention Sharan because it is on the approach road rather than the valley interior. The jeep track at Paras is easy to drive past without noticing. This obscurity is precisely what makes Sharan such a reward for travelers who take the trouble to detour: a world-class forest landscape with virtually no tourist crowds.