Naran tourist season concludes
Eight hotels were damaged after avalanche in the hill resort of Naran. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The tourist season in Naran and its surrounding valleys has officially ended as the administration closed the region to visitors ahead of the winter snowfall.
Hotels in Naran have shut down, and the power supply has been suspended, leaving the area inaccessible for tourists until the Kaghan Highway reopens, likely in June.
Deputy Commissioner Mansehra Khalid Iqbal confirmed the closures, citing possible heavy snowfall and treacherous road conditions in the days to come.
However, the routes to Balakot, Shogran, and Kaghan remain open, offering alternatives for winter tourism.
According to the Meteorological Department, fresh snowfall is expected in Naran and nearby areas on Sunday (today). Meanwhile, the Kaghan Development Authority has deployed staff to assist locals and tourists in Shogran, Paras, and Kaghan, ensuring safe travels and guidance during the winter months.
This year proved challenging for the Kaghan Valley's tourism industry.
The July floods washed away the Mahandri Bridge on the Munawar Nullah, forcing the Kaghan Highway to remain closed for over 15 days.
Thousands of tourists were stranded, and the local economy suffered significant setbacks.