Book in Shogran

Shogran is a forested plateau above the Kaghan valley floor, reached by an eight-kilometre climbing road that turns off at Kawai. The altitude of around 2,360 metres gives it cool summers and long views across to Makra Peak. Accommodation sits along the plateau in a mix of hotels, cottages and cabins, most with meadow or valley views. It is closer to Islamabad than Naran by about two hours, which makes it a realistic single-night stop or a soft first taste of the north.

Rooms run Rs 5,000 to Rs 11,000 a night off-peak and Rs 12,000 to Rs 22,000 in July and August. Cabins and cottages sleeping four to six work out cheaper per head for families. The main add-on cost is the jeep to Siri Paye, a rough ten-kilometre track above the plateau that ordinary cars cannot use; a return trip runs Rs 3,500 to Rs 6,000 per vehicle. Negotiate the waiting time at the top before you set off, not after.