Sharan Forest Valley is a beautiful and pristine area located in KPK, Pakistan. It features a dense forest of substantial vegetation and remains largely uncommercialized, which helps maintain its cleanliness and reduces tourist congestion. Adjacent to the forest is Manshi Top, a lush green plateau where you can discover a rich variety of plant life, thick undergrowth, mushrooms, and wild fruits on trees, alongside sparkling water streams. The locals are friendly, and there is a campground within the woods with small cottages run by the forest and tourism agencies.
In terms of food and accommodations, Sharan Forest has limited options compared to Naran Valley. Visitors will primarily find camping pods and tent facilities, so bringing your own food and necessary supplies is strongly recommended. The government of KPK and local authorities are working to enhance living facilities for tourists.
By Public Transport: The best options to reach Naran Valley are via Faisal Movers or the Daewoo Bus Terminal. Many travelers prefer to drive their own vehicles or ride on bikes from Lahore and Islamabad.
Route: Lahore > M-2 Motorway > Islamabad > Hazara Motorway > Hevellian > Abbottabad > Mansehra > Balakot > Kiwayi > Paras > Sharan Forest
Camping pods and camping sites are available within the forest.
The road conditions are perfect until Paras, where it is advisable to park your vehicle due to the jeep track ahead. From Paras, jeep rides are available to reach Sharan Forest.
Sharan Forest is an untouched beauty amid KPK. It is located at a 16km jeep trek from Paras (30km from Balakot). Sharan is known for its dense vegetation and cozy little campsite developed by the TCKP. It is not yet commercialized, so the tourist flux is minimal, leading to cleanliness and more sophistication.
The accommodation facilities deserve special mention. The KPK government has made significant efforts to create a welcoming and comfortable environment in the heart of the dense forest. Sharan is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the Naran Kaghan.
Camping pods and camps are available for rent, and there are separate washrooms made from insulated sheets, which are cleaner than expected and equipped with exhaust fans. Solar panels generated electricity at each camping pod. Still, only 12V power is available, so charging phones or cameras is not possible, and there are no outlets for straighteners, dryers, or rollers.
Upon arriving at the Sharan camping site, I was pleasantly surprised by the management. The atmosphere was inviting and uplifting. Resting chairs are available for soaking up the sun during cold winters. I noticed no litter, plastic bottles, or wrappers, which speaks highly of the cleanliness maintained there. Several dustbins are available for proper waste disposal, and I commend the administration for this initiative.
Food quality at the campsite is satisfactory. A dedicated kitchen camp allows guests, especially those with small children, to prepare simple meals such as noodles, porridge, or cereals. You should not need to bring an electric kettle, as no 220V power available.
The dining area operates in a separate camp, and you can obtain water from a nearby spring. However, solar geysers are not yet available. And the facilities are not up to the mark compared to Shogran Meadows.
My journey to Sharan Forest was nostalgic, as it reminded me of past travel adventures. From the dusty trails of Taobat to the perilous jeep ride to Fairy Meadows, and the ride through the massive pine trees of Ushu Forest to Saiful Malook, I recalled it all.
The deadly expedition in Gol National Park and the rocky journey to Siri Paye also came flooding back. This 16 km trek to Sharan brought back memories of vibrant colors—gold, red, yellow, orange, and green. I felt both happy and sad; I was smiling yet teary, but one thing was clear—I cherish these experiences.
With limited time, we set off for Manshi Peak after a quick 45-minute preparation with our water bottles and a bag of snacks. The hike is easy and suitable for beginners. The path is magnificent, with chinar trees adorned with golden-yellow leaves. Walking and chatting while breathing in the fresh, dust-free air, we enjoyed a pleasant trek free of trash and unpleasant odors. I assure you, you will not forget to smile during this journey.
After resting at a few stops, we finally reached Manshi Peak after a comfortable two-hour hike. This spot was truly a treasure. It boasted lush green grass, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and clouds overhead. Although goat droppings filled most of the green area—something I had not encountered in my 26 years—I was able to overlook that and appreciate the beauty around me.
There was a village situated on the lower side of Manshi. The residents kindly offered us tea, which we enjoyed with biscuits from our snack bags. After spending quality time at Manshi, we bid farewell with smiles and began our hike back to the campsite.
On the way back, I found myself running, careful not to put too much pressure on my knees. A drizzle motivated us to pick up the pace, and we made it back in 55 minutes. The day concluded with a delightful bonfire and conversations with an adventurous family. Their stories provided the inspiration I needed at just the right moment. I realized that this journey would not be my last; I would continue to plan new adventures.
If you have a wonderful group of family and friends, I highly recommend visiting this place with them before it deteriorates into a trash heap. Lastly, do not think of your kids as a liability; take them along and share your passion for travel with them. This place is also perfect for honeymoon trips.
