The 7-kilometre jeep track from Shogran hill station to Siri Paye Meadows above it is one of Pakistan’s most accessible high-altitude jeep adventures — a 30-minute ride that gains 533 metres in altitude and delivers you to a vast alpine meadow with one of the finest panoramic views in the Hazara Himalaya. For hundreds of thousands of Pakistani families visiting Shogran every year, the Siri Paye jeep ride is the single most memorable part of their trip.
The Shogran to Siri Paye Jeep Track
The track begins at the Shogran jeep stand, located in the main village area approximately 200 metres from the Arcadian Sprucewoods Resort entrance. The road immediately begins climbing through dense cedar and pine forest on a surface of compacted earth, gravel and occasional rock sections. Unlike the more dramatic Saif ul Malook track, this route is relatively gentle for the first 3km — the gradient is consistent but not extreme, and the track width is reasonable.
At approximately the 4km mark, the forest begins to thin and the first views open up — initially northward toward Malka Parbat (5,290m), then gradually expanding in all directions as the final kilometre of track emerges from the treeline onto the broad plateau of Siri Paye itself. The sudden transition from dark forest to open sky and sweeping meadow is one of the most pleasurable moments in Kaghan Valley tourism.
Jeep Rates Shogran to Siri Paye — 2026
The Shogran jeep stand is operated by local Shogran jeep drivers association. Rates are broadly regulated but subject to negotiation in off-peak periods.
Return trip rate (full jeep, 6–8 passengers): Rs. 1,500–2,000 per jeep. This covers departure from Shogran jeep stand, 1–2 hours at Siri Paye, and return. The rate is per jeep, not per person — a family of 4 pays the same Rs. 1,500–2,000 as a group of 8, making it excellent value for larger families.
Extended stay rate (3–4 hours at Siri Paye): Rs. 2,500–3,500 per jeep. For photography, horse riding, full meadow exploration and a relaxed return. Agree the return time clearly before departure.
Sunrise package (depart Shogran 5:00 AM): Rs. 2,000–2,500 per jeep. Very few visitors make this early departure but the dawn light on Malka Parbat from Siri Paye is extraordinary — golden alpenglow on snow peaks before valley haze develops. Worth the early start for photographers.
What to Do at Siri Paye
Horse riding (Rs. 500–800/person): Gujjar herders bring their horses to the meadow from June through September. Rides traverse the broad Siri Paye plateau and along the ridge above the treeline — approximately 30 minutes per ride. No experience required. Horses are calm and suitable for all ages including young children. In peak season (July–August) there may be 20–30 horses available; in early June or September, only 3–5.
Malka Parbat viewpoint walk (20 minutes from jeep drop-off): A gentle walk across the meadow to the eastern edge of the plateau reveals the full face of Malka Parbat (5,290m) — the highest peak in Kaghan Valley — at an angle and distance that makes it look impossibly large and close. This viewpoint is the primary photography objective at Siri Paye and should not be missed.
Wildflower walk (June–August): The plateau is carpeted in alpine wildflowers during peak bloom — purple irises, yellow primroses, white edelweiss-relatives and pink sorrel interspersed with the vivid grass. Simply walking slowly through the meadow in July is one of the most visually immersive natural experiences in KPK.
Paragliding launch point: The western edge of the Siri Paye ridge is a popular paragliding launch site. Tandem paragliding available from Rs. 3,000–5,000 per person (own operator required — not arranged at the jeep stand). The combination of consistent upvalley thermals and the 500m drop to Shogran below creates excellent flying conditions on clear afternoons.
Timing Recommendations
Best weather timing: Morning visits (7 AM – 12 PM) consistently offer better visibility than afternoons. Kaghan Valley afternoon clouds frequently roll in by 2–3 PM, obscuring Malka Parbat. Best for photography: 7–9 AM for sharp light on Malka Parbat. Late afternoon (4–6 PM) on clear days for warm alpenglow light. Avoid: 12–3 PM in high summer when heat haze and cloud reduce visibility. Peak season (July–August): Arrive at the jeep stand by 7:30 AM to secure a jeep before queues develop — popular jeeps fill within minutes in peak season.
Shogran Jeep Stand — Practical Info
The jeep stand is open from approximately 6:00 AM until 5:00 PM in season. Last jeep return from Siri Paye departs at approximately 4:30 PM — do not miss this or you will need to walk 7km back downhill in fading light. Jeeps are genuine 4×4 Land Cruisers and Hilux Surf vehicles — not regular cars. The track is not walkable without trekking experience due to its length and gradient. Mobile signal disappears completely 2km above Shogran — inform your hotel of your planned return time before departure.