Shogran Siri Paya
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Shogran Siri paya is famous due to its spectacular beauty of mountains, glaciers, scenic views, beautiful landscape, lush greenery & romantic weather. It is one of the most scenic valleys in Pakistan and feels like heaven on earth. It is famous for its natural beauty, peaceful environment, amazing and beautiful landscape, lovely lakes and romantic weather.
Shogran Valley is located in south-east of Kiwai and south of Paye Meadow. From Kiwai, a 6-kilometre-long road runs uphill to Shogran. You can go upto Shogran on your own car as well. Shogran is a tourist resort with numerous hotels; the track continues to climb up to Siri Lake and ends at Paya. A moderate four to six-hour trek (depending on trekker fitness) from Paya leads to Makra Top.
Shogran is a green plateau hill station in the Kaghan Valley, northern Pakistan at a height of 7,749 feet or 2,362 metres above sea level. Shogran is located at a distance of 34 km away from Balakot.
Siri means ‘lake’; its a small lake situated before Paye meadows. In winters Siri freezes in such a way that one can walk over it.
Paye means “high grazing ground” in Hindko language. Paye is a lush green meadow at an altitude of 2800 meters above Shogran plateau. In spring Paye blooms with flowers of different colours and with a backdrop of white Makra Peak; Paye becomes the ultimate weekend destination. In winters it becomes wide meadow of snow.
Heavy snow keeps valley covered throughout winter season. Therefore, the summer months are the best time to visit the place. June, July & August is the Peak season. However, there are two times to visit them in summer depending on the choice of the trip. If you are visiting in early summer, then this is the time when there will be snow left over from the winter season; there will be snow not only on the lake but also on the mountains and the passes. This is the time recommended for trips who want to see snow and snow covered lakes and meadows. There will be some greenery but it will not be that lush. And if you visiting at end of summer, then this is the time when most of the snow will have melted except on the tops. Moon soon receives heavy rains with occasional hail storm.
Unexpected thunder storm and heavy rains keep environment cool and sometimes create difficulties for visitors to move around. Any one who wants to spend night, should have Warm clothes with him due to low temperature.
Shogran Siri Paya is simply the best for a weekend adventure or even a full-fledge tour away from your stressful routine. The splendor and the charm of this place will remain embedded in your memory for long. There is a lot to explore about this beautiful heaven of Pakistan and words are not enough to express the real beauty of this marvel of nature.
The flora and fauna of the Siri Paye meadows is very diverse and there are various phases throughout the year when many migrating animals and birds also appear there. The main mammals in the location of the meadows are the marmots, other small rodents and various verities of wild sheep. The birds in the area are hawks, ospreys, eagles and vultures and also have small birds such as snow pigeons and blue jays wood cocks. The flora of the area is made up from the many hardwood trees such as the deciduous and conifer species that make up the vast forests of the area. Also there are the herbs and bushes which are used as remedies by the local population during the past centuries. The local wild flowers and shrubs of berries are also present in this area.