Besal Meadows: Where the Poorbi Naar Valley Opens and the Kaghan Highlands Begin

The road from Naran ends at Besal without ceremony. The last kilometre of the roughly 40-kilometre drive is potholed and narrow, and then the jeep stops at a cluster of stone buildings and a police check post at 3,250 metres. The Poorbi Naar, a tributary of the Kunhar River, runs clearly out of the upper valley, and the trail that follows it northward is the start of the country that most visitors come to Besal to reach.

Besal Meadows are not a single plateau. They are the sequence of open alpine grasslands encountered along the Poorbi Naar valley as the trail climbs from the Besal roadhead into the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park above. The first meadow clearings begin within an hour of the trailhead, and the grassland character deepens as the trail advances through shepherd settlements and stream crossings toward Mulla ki Basti and, for those continuing further, Dudipatsar Lake.

The Meadow Corridor in July

In July the meadow corridor carries its fullest wildflower cover. The Poorbi Naar runs clear and cold along the trail, fed by snowmelt from the surrounding ridges. Herder families are present with their livestock through July and August, their temporary camps and stone enclosures marking the water points and grazing zones that define the valley’s social geography as much as the trail itself.

The meadow plateaus at Galma and toward Mulla ki Basti are the most expansive open grassland sections, where the valley widens and the sky opens fully above the surrounding ridges. Besal is what the upper Kaghan Valley looks like when you leave the road: grass, stream, ridge, and the working presence of people who have been using this terrain long before any trail was formally marked on any map.

Besal Meadows at a Glance

Where is Besal Meadows? Location and Geography

Besal Meadows occupy the Poorbi Naar valley above the Besal roadhead in the northern Kaghan Valley, within the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park in Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Poorbi Naar is a tributary of the Kunhar River, originating from the headwaters at Dudipatsar Lake and flowing southward to join the Kunhar near Besal. The meadow corridor follows this river upstream, rising from the trailhead at 3,250 metres through open grassland plateaus to the shepherd settlement of Mulla ki Basti and the upper alpine terrain approaching Dudipatsar Lake at approximately 3,900 metres.

Besal village itself sits on the main Naran-Babusar road, approximately 40 kilometres from Naran and accessible by jeep on a rough mountain road. The village is the last road point before the trail begins. The valley above Besal transitions quickly from the rocky, exposed character of the roadhead area into richly grassed alpine meadow within the first two hours of the trail, as the Poorbi Naar corridor opens and the surrounding ridges frame the upper valley.

• District: Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• National Park: Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park
• Base Town: Naran (2,427 m; last ATM, fuel, and full supplies)
• Trailhead: Besal village (3,250 m); approx. 40 km from Naran by jeep
• Trail River: Poorbi Naar; tributary of the Kunhar River; clear and reliable June to September
• Meadow Elevations: 3,250 m at trailhead; rising to approx. 3,600 m at Mulla ki Basti
• Nearby Landmarks: Dudipatsar Lake (3,900 m; 18 km from trailhead); Lulusar Lake (on Naran-Babusar road); Naran
• Last ATM and Fuel: Naran town; nothing available at Besal or above

The Shape of Besal Meadows: Road End, Valley Floor, and Open Plateau

The approach to Besal Meadows moves through three distinct stages. Each stage changes the character of the terrain and the relationship between the trail and the river.

1. Naran to Besal: The Mountain Road

From Naran, the road to Besal follows the Naran-Babusar highway north before branching onto a rough mountain track that reaches the roadhead in approximately two hours. The road is subject to rockfall and landslide damage after rain; a local jeep with an experienced driver is the recommended choice over a standard car. At the Besal roadhead, a tea stall, basic lodging, and the police check post are all present. This is the last point for any service, communication, or supplies before the trail begins.

• Distance from Naran: Approx. 40 km; 2 hrs by jeep on the Naran-Babusar road
• Transport: No public bus; hire a local 4×4 jeep from Naran jeep stand
• Road condition: Rough and potholed; subject to rockfall and rain damage after rain
• At Besal: Police check post (registration mandatory); tea stall; basic lodging; mule and guide hire
• Last services: ATM and fuel in Naran only; nothing available at Besal or above

Important: No regular public transport runs between Naran and Besal. Hire a local 4×4 jeep from Naran for the 40-kilometre drive. The last ATM and fuel are in Naran; withdraw all cash and fill the jeep before leaving.

2. Besal Trailhead to First Meadow Clearings

The trail begins at the doli cable crossing of the Kunhar River near the Moon Restaurant at 3,250 metres, then follows the Poorbi Naar upstream on its right bank. The first meadow clearings appear within one to two hours as the valley widens and the surrounding ridges step back. This lower section passes through rhododendrons and scattered conifer before the grassland character takes over with increasing elevation. The trail is a clear dirt track on grass for most of its length, always within sound of the river.

• River crossing: Traditional doli cable bridge over Kunhar River at the Moon Restaurant
• Trail surface: Clear grass and dirt track; follows the Poorbi Naar upstream on its right bank
• First meadow clearings: 1-2 hrs from trailhead as the valley widens
• Flora: Rhododendrons and scattered conifer in lower section; grassland increasing with elevation
• Key navigation: Switch to left bank of Poorbi Naar via a small bridge approx. 4-5 hrs from start

3. The Open Meadow Corridor: Galma to Mulla ki Basti

The most extensive open grassland along the Poorbi Naar trail runs from the Galma meadow area to Mulla ki Basti, covering the middle and upper sections of the 18-kilometre route. At Galma, 2 to 3 hours from the trailhead, the valley opens into a wide plateau where seasonal tea tents operate in July and August. Mulla ki Basti, a working shepherd settlement 13 kilometres and 6 to 7 hours from Besal, is the standard overnight camp for the two-day Dudipatsar route. The wildflower cover in this corridor is the densest on the entire trail during the July peak.

• Galma: 2-3 hrs from Besal; first main open meadow plateau; seasonal tea tents in July-August
• Wildflower density: Highest in the Galma section and open ground approaching Mulla ki Basti
• Mulla ki Basti: 13 km; 6-7 hrs from Besal; shepherd settlement; makeshift hotel in season
• Camping: Open ground at Galma and near Mulla ki Basti; flat, near river, no fixed facilities
• Dudipatsar Lake: 18 km total; 2 km and approx. 1-2 hrs above Mulla ki Basti

Quick Pick: For those whose goal is the meadow experience rather than Dudipatsar Lake, a camp at Galma or in the open ground between Galma and Mulla ki Basti gives the fullest version of the Poorbi Naar meadow corridor. The July bloom is at its densest in this section, the river is close and clear, and the surrounding ridges provide a contained alpine landscape.

A Brief History of the Poorbi Naar Valley and Besal Meadows

1. The Herding Tradition of the Upper Kaghan

The Poorbi Naar valley above Besal has been used as summer high pasture by Gujjar and Kohistani herding communities from the Kaghan Valley for generations. Each summer as the snow retreats from the trail in late June, families move livestock into the upper valley, establishing temporary camps at the water sources and grazing the rich alpine grass through July and August. The shepherd settlement of Mulla ki Basti, approximately 13 kilometres up the trail from Besal, is the clearest evidence of this long occupation: a cluster of stone and wood structures that serves as the seasonal home for the herding families and their animals through the summer months. The wildflower ecology of the meadow corridor reflects centuries of managed seasonal grazing.

2. National Park Designation and Trekking Access

The Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, established in 2003, encompasses the Poorbi Naar valley and the meadow corridor above Besal within its protected area. The park designation formalized conservation measures for the flora, fauna, and water systems of the upper valley, while the existing trail and the seasonal presence of herding communities continued without interruption. The Dudipatsar Lake trek, which uses the Poorbi Naar trail and the Besal Meadows corridor as its approach route, became one of the more demanding and rewarding alpine treks in KPK. Trekkers from Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar began making the two-day journey to the lake in increasing numbers through the 2010s, and the seasonal tea tent economy at Galma and the makeshift hotel at Mulla ki Basti developed alongside this trekking interest.

Seasons at Besal Meadows

Spring (April to Mid-June)

The trail from Besal carries snow in the upper sections and along shaded parts of the lower route well into June. The road from Naran to Besal may be affected by spring landslides and meltwater flooding in the lower sections. Early wildflowers appear at the lower meadow edges by late May, but the full trail is not reliably clear until late June. Trekkers attempting the route before mid-June should expect patches of snow on the trail and significantly muddier conditions throughout. The Galma and Mulla ki Basti sections may still carry snow at the camping zones.

Summer (Late June to Late July)

Late June through late July is the full open season on the Poorbi Naar trail and in the Besal Meadows corridor. The trail is clear of snow, the wildflower bloom across the meadow sections is at its peak density in July, the Poorbi Naar runs strong and clear, and the herding families are present with their livestock throughout. Daytime temperatures in the meadow corridor range from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius; nights are cold and can drop near zero even in July at the higher camping zones. The Galma tea tents are open, the makeshift hotel at Mulla ki Basti is operational, and guides and mules are available at Besal.

Quick Pick: The third week of July is the optimal time for Besal Meadows. Wildflower cover in the Poorbi Naar valley is at its densest, the trail conditions are most reliable between rain events, and the herding activity in the valley is at its peak, giving the meadow its fullest seasonal character.

Autumn (August to September)

August brings heavier cloud and rainfall to the upper Kaghan, and while the trail remains open, afternoon rain events make the river crossings and the muddy sections more demanding. The wildflower cover fades through August and the grass turns golden. The herding families begin their descent from the upper valley in mid-September; by late September, Mulla ki Basti is empty. The makeshift hotel and tea tent services close at this point. October can bring early snowfall to the upper trail sections, making the Dudipatsar Lake approach unreliable.

Winter (October to May)

The trail from Besal is effectively closed from October through May due to snow accumulation on the upper sections and the absence of any support infrastructure. The road from Naran to Besal may be blocked by rockfall or snow in winter months. No services operate at Besal or above during this period. The meadow corridor and Mulla ki Basti are inaccessible except to fully equipped and experienced winter trekkers.

Key Points in the Besal Meadows Corridor

1. The Besal Trailhead and River Crossing

The Besal trailhead is the entry point to the entire Poorbi Naar valley and meadow system. The traditional cable crossing of the Kunhar River at the trailhead near the Moon Restaurant is the first and most distinctive feature of the approach: a doli or rope-pulled mini cable car at approximately 3,250 metres that marks the transition from road to trail. The police check post at Besal requires registration before departure. Basic lodging, a tea stall, and mule and guide hire are all available here. It is the last point for warm food and any form of communication before the meadow corridor begins.

• Location: Besal village, northern Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District
• Elevation: 3,250 m
• Access: 40 km from Naran by jeep; 2 hrs on rough road
• Best For: Trail preparation, guide and mule hire, police registration, last tea stop
• Season: Open June to September
• Highlights: Traditional doli cable crossing; police check post; last lodging before meadow

2. Lower Meadow Clearings (First 2 Hours)

The first meadow clearings along the Poorbi Naar trail appear within one to two hours of the Besal trailhead as the valley widens. These lower meadow sections carry the first open views of the surrounding ridges and the first concentrated wildflower cover in July, in the ground away from the main trail corridor. The lower clearings are less frequently used as camping zones than the Galma area but are viable for trekkers who want a shorter first day or who are acclimatising before the longer push to Galma or Mulla ki Basti. The Poorbi Naar is close and clearly visible from the trail throughout this section.

• Location: Poorbi Naar valley, 1-2 hrs above Besal trailhead
• Elevation: 3,250-3,400 m
• Access: 1-2 hrs on foot from Besal
• Best For: First-day camping, acclimatisation, early wildflower observation
• Season: Late June to September
• Highlights: First open meadow views; river close to trail; quieter than Galma in peak season

3. Galma Meadow (Tea Tents and Main Camping Zone)

Galma is the main open meadow plateau on the Poorbi Naar trail, approximately 2 to 3 hours from the Besal trailhead and roughly midway between the road and Mulla ki Basti. The valley widens significantly here, the surrounding ridges open back, and the grassland carries the Poorbi Naar trail through its most expansive meadow section. Seasonal tea tents operate at Galma during July and August, providing basic refreshment for trekkers. The camping ground near the tea tents and along the river bank is the most commonly used overnight site for day-hikers from Besal and for trekkers breaking the Dudipatsar route across two days. The wildflower cover in July around Galma is the densest on the lower half of the trail.

• Location: Poorbi Naar valley, approx. 2-3 hrs from Besal
• Elevation: 3,400-3,500 m
• Access: 2-3 hrs on foot from Besal trailhead
• Best For: Main camping zone, wildflower photography, valley views, day-trek turnaround
• Season: Late June to September (tea tents: July-August)
• Highlights: Widest meadow section on the lower trail; seasonal tea tents; peak wildflower density; river access

4. Mulla ki Basti: The Shepherd Settlement

Mulla ki Basti is a shepherd settlement approximately 13 kilometres and 6 to 7 hours from the Besal trailhead, positioned about 2 kilometres short of Dudipatsar Lake. It is the standard overnight camp for the two-day Dudipatsar trek and the last point with any form of shelter before the lake. A makeshift hotel operates at Mulla ki Basti during the trekking season, providing basic meals and sleeping space in stone-and-wood structures. Abandoned stone houses are available as camping fallback when the makeshift hotel is full or closed. The settlement is occupied by herding families through July and August, and the surrounding meadow ground carries the herding camp character of a working high pasture: livestock routes, stone enclosures, and the daily rhythm of animal management.

• Location: Poorbi Naar valley, approx. 13 km from Besal; 2 km below Dudipatsar Lake
• Elevation: 3,700-3,800 m
• Access: 6-7 hrs on foot from Besal trailhead
• Best For: Overnight camp for Dudipatsar trek; herder culture observation; upper meadow exploration
• Season: Late June to mid-September (makeshift hotel: July-August)
• Highlights: Last shelter before Dudipatsar; working shepherd settlement; upper meadow character

5. Continuing to Dudipatsar Lake

Dudipatsar Lake lies at approximately 3,900 metres, 2 kilometres above Mulla ki Basti and 18 kilometres from the Besal trailhead. The Besal Meadows corridor is its approach route, and most trekkers on the Poorbi Naar trail are heading there. For the upper meadow zone above Mulla ki Basti, the lake basin, and the full trek detail.

• Location: 18 km from Besal trailhead; 2 km above Mulla ki Basti
• Elevation: 3,900 m
• Access: 2-hr walk from Mulla ki Basti; 8-10 hrs one way from Besal

Wildlife and Ecology: Inside the National Park

The Besal Meadows corridor lies entirely within the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, designated in 2003 to protect the diverse ecology of the upper Kaghan Valley. The park’s fauna includes snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, marmot, weasel, lynx, leopard, Himalayan snowcock, and snow partridge. Marmots are the most consistently visible species along the Poorbi Naar trail; they are active in the early morning near the rocky ground at the meadow edges and along the river bank slopes. Raptors use the thermals above the valley and are commonly seen from the open meadow sections near Galma.

The vegetation of the trail passes through multiple life zones as it climbs. The lower sections near Besal carry subalpine conifer forest species including rhododendrons and scattered pine. As the trail rises through the meadow corridor, the plant community transitions to Western Himalayan alpine shrub and meadow species, with the wildflower diversity at its highest in the less-grazed zones away from the main shepherd routes. The park’s lake and wetland habitats, particularly at Dudipatsar, are of significant ecological importance for resident fauna and migratory waterfowl.

The Wildflower Bloom Along the Poorbi Naar Trail

The wildflower bloom in the Besal Meadows corridor runs from late June through late July, with the peak density in the third week of July when the full range of alpine species is open simultaneously along the trail. The bloom begins at the lower meadow clearings within two hours of Besal and reaches its most extensive cover in the Galma section and the open ground approaching Mulla ki Basti, where the valley is widest and the grazing pressure lightest in the zones away from the main shepherd routes.

The Poorbi Naar trail carries diverse flora because the multiple life zones it passes through support different species communities. The lower forest-edge sections carry rhododendron cover. The mid-trail meadow sections carry the characteristic alpine wildflower mix of the western Himalayan meadow system: yellow, white, and purple species visible in concentrated patches in the wetter ground near the river and in the lighter-grazed upper slopes. The bloom is most rewarding for those who walk the full Galma section slowly in July rather than passing through it quickly on the way to Mulla ki Basti.

Things to Do at Besal Meadows

The Galma Day Trek (Recommended for Most Visitors)

For visitors who want the meadow experience without the full Dudipatsar Lake commitment, the Galma meadow section 2 to 3 hours from Besal is the target. Depart by 7 in the morning, spend 2 to 3 hours at the main plateau exploring the river bank and wildflower zones, and return to Besal by early afternoon. This covers the densest and most accessible meadow section on the Poorbi Naar trail in a single manageable day.

• Start time: Depart Besal by 7 am for the best morning light on the meadow
• Duration: 2-3 hrs to Galma; 2-3 hrs exploring; 2 hrs return — full day
• Galma tea tents: Seasonal (July-August); carry all food and water from Besal
• Turnaround: Galma plateau is the recommended turnaround for day visitors
• Difficulty: Moderate; steady ascent on a clear grass trail; suitable for most fitness levels

The Two-Day Dudipatsar Trek

The full route from Besal to Dudipatsar Lake is 18 kilometres, completed in two days with a night at Mulla ki Basti. Day one covers the meadow corridor from the trailhead to Mulla ki Basti in 6 to 7 hours, passing through Galma and the open grassland sections. Day two continues to the lake and returns. For the upper zone above Mulla ki Basti and full lake trek detail, see the [Dudipatsar Meadows guide].

• Day one: Besal to Mulla ki Basti; 13 km; 6-7 hrs; the full Besal Meadows corridor
• Day two: Mulla ki Basti to the lake and return; see [Dudipatsar Meadows guide]
• Overnight: Makeshift hotel or stone houses at Mulla ki Basti; bring a sleeping bag regardless
• Mule hire: Available at Besal for gear support on the day-one approach
• Start time: Depart Besal by 6 am on day one to reach Mulla ki Basti with daylight to spare

Wildflower Walking in the Poorbi Naar Valley

The July bloom along the Poorbi Naar trail is best explored slowly, moving between the river bank and the upper meadow slopes rather than following the main trail at trekking pace. The densest flower cover is in the wetter ground near the river and in the less-grazed zones above the herder routes on the Galma plateau. The best light for photography is the hour after sunrise when the angle is low and colour saturation is highest.

• Best zones: Wetter ground near Poorbi Naar river bank; less-grazed slopes above herder routes
• Peak bloom: Third week of July; full range of alpine species open simultaneously
• Photography light: Best in the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset
• Flora variety: Rhododendrons at lower section; yellow, white, and purple alpines at Galma level
• Pace: Walk slowly through the Galma section; rushing past it misses the densest bloom

Camping Under the Poorbi Naar Night Sky

The camping zones at Galma and toward Mulla ki Basti are completely free of artificial light. On clear July nights the Milky Way is visible from the open meadow ground. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset even in July; a three-season sleeping bag is the minimum. The tent must be properly pegged against the valley wind, which can arrive from the upper ridges with little warning after dark.

• Best camping spot: Galma meadow plateau; flat ground near river; no artificial light
• Night sky: Milky Way visible on clear July nights; excellent dark sky quality
• Temperature: Near zero possible at Galma in July; three-season sleeping bag minimum
• Wind: Peg tent fully; valley thermals can arrive after sunset without warning
• Supplies: Carry all food and cooking fuel from Besal; Galma tea tents are daytime only

Mule and Horse Riding for Gear Support

Mules hired at the Besal trailhead carry gear for the Dudipatsar trek, significantly reducing the load on the 6 to 7 hour approach to Mulla ki Basti. Rates are agreed at Besal before departure. Horse riding across the main meadow sections is sometimes offered by herding families during the July and August peak, though arrangements are informal and not guaranteed.

• Mule hire: Available at Besal trailhead; arrange the evening before for an early morning start
• Rate: Negotiate at Besal; covers gear transport to Mulla ki Basti or Galma
• Horse riding: Offered informally by herding families in the meadow in July-August
• Confirm availability: Check with guides at Besal check post before committing to animal support
• Recommended for: Trekkers with heavy packs or those doing the two-day Dudipatsar route

Observing Herder Life in the Poorbi Naar Valley

The Gujjar and Kohistani herding families present in the valley through July and August are the primary users of the meadow corridor. Their stone enclosures, livestock routes, and temporary camps at water sources define the social geography of the valley as clearly as the trail itself. Hospitality in the form of chai or simple food is sometimes offered from herder camps; approach these exchanges with patience and without presumption.

• Present: July and August; families with cattle, horses, and sheep throughout the corridor
• Mulla ki Basti: Densest concentration of herder life on the trail; working shepherd settlement
• Livestock routes: Active pastoral infrastructure; do not camp on or block grazing corridors
• Hospitality: Chai or simple food sometimes offered; always ask, never assume
• Respect: Ask before photographing herder families or entering tented camp areas

How to Reach Besal Meadows

The approach to Besal Meadows combines road travel from Naran to the Besal roadhead and then the trail on foot into the Poorbi Naar valley. There is no shortcut. No public transport serves the Besal road, and the trail to the meadow sections begins only after the 40-kilometre jeep ride from Naran.

Islamabad to Naran

The standard route from Islamabad follows the Karakoram Highway to Mansehra and then the Kunhar River valley road north through Balakot, Kaghan town, and the settlements of the middle valley to Naran, a total distance of approximately 250 kilometres and 7 to 8 hours by road. Naran at 2,427 metres is the last full-service town before Besal: ATMs, fuel, hotels, varied food supply, and mobile coverage are all available here. No ATM is present at Besal or beyond. Withdraw sufficient cash in Naran for the full journey including jeep hire, guide and mule costs, and any overnight accommodation at the meadow.

Naran to Besal (Jeep)

From Naran, the road to Besal follows the Naran-Babusar highway north before branching onto the rough track to Besal, a total distance of approximately 40 kilometres taking 2 hours in a local jeep. No regular public transport runs this route. Local jeeps are hired at the Naran jeep stand; confirm the driver knows the Besal route specifically as the track condition varies seasonally. The road is metalled but frequently damaged by rockfall and rain; it is accessible by standard car in dry conditions but a jeep is recommended. Mobile coverage is present in Naran and drops to absent shortly after leaving town.

Besal to Meadow Sections (On Foot)

From the Besal roadhead at 3,250 metres, the trail follows the Poorbi Naar upstream after crossing the Kunhar River at the doli cable crossing near the Moon Restaurant. The first meadow clearings are 1 to 2 hours from the trailhead. Galma, the main open meadow plateau, is 2 to 3 hours. Mulla ki Basti is 6 to 7 hours. The trail is a clear grass and dirt track for most of its length, following the river. Wooden plank and log bridges cross the Poorbi Naar at several points; one key bridge crossing requires switching to the river’s left bank after approximately 4 to 5 hours. Water is available from the Poorbi Naar throughout; filter or boil before drinking.

Access Summary

• Islamabad to Naran: 250 km; 7-8 hrs via KKH and Kunhar valley road
• Naran to Besal: 40 km; 2 hrs; jeep hire in Naran (no public transport)
• Trailhead to Galma: 2-3 hrs on foot; first main meadow section
• Trailhead to Mulla ki Basti: 6-7 hrs on foot; 13 km; overnight camp for Dudipatsar trek
• Trailhead to Dudipatsar Lake: 8-10 hrs one way; 18 km; 640 m elevation gain
• Last ATM and Fuel: Naran town; nothing at Besal or above
• Mule Hire: Available at Besal trailhead for gear transport
• Guide Hire: Available at Besal; recommended for first-time trekkers
• Seasonal Window: Late June to September (trail); July to August (optimal)

Where to Stay

Galma Camping Zone

The main open camping ground along the Poorbi Naar trail is in the Galma meadow section, approximately 2 to 3 hours from Besal. Flat, grassy ground is available along the river bank and in the open plateau near the tea tents. No permanent structures exist here. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient: tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and all food carried from Naran or Besal. The seasonal tea tents operate through July and August and provide basic chai and simple food; they cannot be relied upon for early-season arrivals or after late August.

Mulla ki Basti (Makeshift Hotel and Stone Houses)

Mulla ki Basti at approximately 13 kilometres from Besal has a makeshift hotel that operates seasonally, providing basic meals and sleeping space in stone-and-wood structures during the July and August trekking season. Abandoned stone houses at the settlement are available as an alternative when the hotel is full or has closed for the season. Both options provide shelter but no formal facilities. Bring a sleeping bag regardless of whether the hotel accommodation is used; the structures at Mulla ki Basti are not heated and nights at this elevation are cold.

Besal Village (Trailhead Lodging)

Basic lodging is available at Besal village at the trailhead, in the driver’s hotel near the police check post. This is the recommended overnight option for trekkers arriving late from Naran who want an early morning start on the trail. Rooms are simple; meals are available. This is also the staging point for those returning from the two-day Dudipatsar trek.

Naran Town

Naran has the widest range of accommodation in the area, from basic guesthouses to more comfortable hotels, with ATMs, fuel, varied food supply, and mobile coverage. Most visitors to Besal Meadows spend at least one night in Naran before and after the trek to sort logistics, confirm jeep hire, and withdraw cash.

• Accommodation Type: Open meadow camping at Galma; makeshift hotel at Mulla ki Basti; basic lodging at Besal; full range in Naran
• Meals: Fully self-supplied at meadow level; seasonal tea tents at Galma (July-August); basic meals at Mulla ki Basti (seasonal); full options in Naran
• Water: Poorbi Naar river throughout; filter or boil before drinking; livestock presence makes all surface water a contamination risk
• Payment: Cash only at Besal and above; last ATM in Naran
• Mobile Signal: Absent from shortly after Naran; no coverage at Besal or on the trail
• Cold: Nights near zero possible at Galma in July; colder at Mulla ki Basti; three-season sleeping bag minimum

Local Culture, Food, and Practicalities

The Poorbi Naar valley above Besal is the summer territory of Gujjar and Kohistani herding communities from the Kaghan Valley. These families bring cattle, horses, and sheep into the valley each summer, following livestock routes and occupying camping grounds and stone shelters that their families have used for generations. The settlement at Mulla ki Basti is the most visible concentration of this culture on the trail, but herder camps and livestock are present throughout the meadow corridor from late June through August. Pashto and regional dialects are spoken in the valley communities; basic Urdu is understood in Naran and Besal.

Food at the meadow level is entirely self-supplied beyond the seasonal tea tents at Galma and the makeshift hotel at Mulla ki Basti. Both are seasonal and not reliably open before July or after August. Carry all food, cooking fuel, and personal supplies from Naran. The Poorbi Naar provides water throughout the trail; filter or boil before drinking. No mobile coverage exists from shortly after Naran; inform travel contacts of your plans and expected return before leaving town.

• Languages: Pashto and local dialects (Gujjar, Kohistani); Urdu understood in Naran and Besal
• Cash Only: No card or mobile payment at Besal or above; last ATM in Naran
• Police Registration: Required at the Besal check post before trail entry; straightforward formality
• Supplies: Carry all food, fuel, medications, and camping equipment from Naran
• Guides: Available at Besal trailhead; recommended for first-time trekkers and the Dudipatsar extension
• Mule Hire: Available at Besal for gear transport; reduces pack weight on the 6-7 hour approach to Mulla ki Basti
• Permits: No permit required; police registration at Besal check post is mandatory

Travel Tips for Besal Meadows

Before You Leave Naran

• Naran ATM: Withdraw all cash in Naran. Nothing is available at Besal or on the trail. Include jeep hire, guide, mule, and overnight costs in the calculation.
• Jeep from Naran: Hire a local jeep from the Naran jeep stand with a driver experienced on the Besal road. The 40-kilometre track has sections damaged by rockfall and rain; confirm current road conditions on the day of departure.

At the Trailhead

• Police Registration: The Besal check post requires registration before the trail begins. This is a simple formality and takes only a few minutes; do not attempt to skip it.
• Trail Start Time: Depart Besal on the trail by 6 to 7 in the morning. The 6 to 7 hour walk to Mulla ki Basti requires a full day of available light, and arriving after dark at the shepherd settlement is not safe or practical.

Timing and Navigation on the Trail

• Bloom Timing: Plan for the third week of July. The wildflower cover in the Poorbi Naar valley is at its densest from late June through late July, with the peak in the third week of July before the monsoon rainfall becomes more frequent in August.
• Key Bridge Crossing: Approximately 4 to 5 hours from Besal, the trail switches to the left bank of the Poorbi Naar via a small bridge. Missing this crossing leads off the correct route. A guide or careful navigation is important at this point.

Water, Gear and Pack Weight

• Water on the Trail: The Poorbi Naar provides water throughout the trail but must be filtered or boiled. Livestock are present throughout the meadow corridor in summer; all surface water carries contamination risk.
• Sleeping Bag: A three-season sleeping bag is the minimum for any night in the meadow corridor. Even at the lower Galma camping zone, nights can drop near zero in July. At Mulla ki Basti, colder nights are consistent.
• Pack Weight: The 6 to 7 hour walk to Mulla ki Basti with a heavy pack is demanding at altitude. Hire a mule at Besal if the pack exceeds 12 to 15 kilograms. This is practical and inexpensive, and makes the second-day approach to the lake significantly more manageable.

Planning for Dudipatsar Lake

• Dudipatsar Plan: If the lake is the primary goal, plan a minimum of two days: day one to Mulla ki Basti, day two to the lake and return to Besal. Three days is more comfortable and allows time at the lake and a slower return through the meadow corridor.

Responsible Travel

• Pack out all waste without exception. The Poorbi Naar trail is inside a national park; what is left behind remains and accumulates across seasons.
• Use the established trail throughout. Off-trail movement in the meadow corridor damages the wildflower root system and compacts the alpine soil that the herding economy depends on.
• Respect the herder settlements and livestock routes. The stone enclosures, grazing corridors, and water points along the trail are active pastoral infrastructure, not scenic features.
• Use a portable stove for cooking. No open fires should be made in the meadow sections; the thin soil layer at altitude recovers slowly from fire damage.
• Observe Leave No Trace sanitation principles throughout. There are no toilet facilities at any point on the trail beyond Besal. Use a trowel, stay 70 paces from any water source or camping zone, and bury waste completely.
• Filter or treat all water. Contaminating the Poorbi Naar affects the herding communities, downstream wildlife, and subsequent trekkers who rely on the same water source.
• Do not feed or closely approach wildlife. Marmots along the trail are accustomed to trekkers but feeding them habituates them to human food, which is harmful.
• Hire guides, mules, and jeep drivers from Naran and Besal. The seasonal economy around the Poorbi Naar trail is sustained by local operators; outside contractors do not contribute to the communities that maintain this land.
• Register at the Besal police check post. This is both a legal requirement and a safety measure; it ensures that someone knows your route and expected return date.

Final Thoughts

Besal stands at the point where the Kaghan Valley road runs out and the upper country begins on foot. The meadows along the Poorbi Naar are not a destination that announces itself from the road. They are reached only by walking into the valley, following the river, and letting the trail take its time through the lower forest sections before the grassland opens. The July bloom across the Galma section, the herding families with their livestock at Mulla ki Basti, the cold clear water of the Poorbi Naar running beside the trail: these are the things that Besal Meadows offers, and none of them are available any other way.

The meadow corridor is inside a national park and it carries the evidence of long human use alongside the wildflower cover. The balance between the grazing tradition and the trekking interest is maintained informally and carefully. Visitors who arrive prepared, register at the check post, carry their waste out, and treat the trail and the herder communities with respect fit into that balance. Those who do not, diminish it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Besal and how is it different from the Besal Meadows?

Besal is a small roadhead village at 3,250 metres at the northern end of the main Kaghan Valley road, approximately 40 kilometres from Naran. Besal Meadows refers to the series of open alpine grassland sections encountered along the Poorbi Naar trail above Besal, inside the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park. The meadows begin within one to two hours of the trailhead and extend through the Galma and Mulla ki Basti sections toward Dudipatsar Lake. Besal village is the access point; the meadows are the destination.

2. Do I need to trek to Dudipatsar Lake to experience the meadows?

No. The most extensive and accessible meadow sections are in the Galma area, 2 to 3 hours from the Besal trailhead. A day trip from Besal to Galma and back covers the densest wildflower sections and the fullest open valley character of the Poorbi Naar meadow corridor without the 6 to 7 hour commitment to Mulla ki Basti or the full 8 to 10 hour push to Dudipatsar Lake. Most visitors who want the meadow experience without the lake trek use Galma as their turnaround point.

3. What is the best time to visit for wildflowers?

The third week of July is the optimal window. The wildflower bloom runs from late June through late July; the peak density in the Galma and Mulla ki Basti sections falls in the last two weeks of July. Before late June, trail snow is possible on the upper sections. After late July, the bloom thins as grazing pressure increases and the early August monsoon rains begin to affect weather stability.

4. Is there any mobile coverage on the trail?

No. Mobile signal is present in Naran and drops to absent shortly after leaving town. At Besal and on the entire Poorbi Naar trail, there is no mobile coverage. Register at the Besal police check post before departing, leave your expected return date with the check post, and inform contacts in Naran of your plan before driving out.

5. Do I need a permit?

No permit is required. The mandatory formality is registration at the Besal police check post before entering the trail. This is a straightforward process and takes a few minutes. The Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park does not charge a separate entry fee for trekkers on the Poorbi Naar trail.

6. How do I get from Islamabad to Besal?

The route from Islamabad follows the Karakoram Highway to Mansehra, then the Kunhar valley road through Balakot and the Kaghan Valley settlements to Naran, approximately 250 kilometres and 7 to 8 hours. From Naran, hire a local 4×4 jeep for the 40-kilometre, 2-hour drive to Besal on the rough Naran-Babusar road. No public transport runs from Naran to Besal.

7. What accommodation is available on the trail?

Basic lodging is available at Besal village. On the trail, seasonal tea tents at Galma provide basic refreshment and some camping-adjacent shelter during July and August. A makeshift hotel at Mulla ki Basti provides simple meals and sleeping space during the trekking season. Abandoned stone houses at Mulla ki Basti are available as a fallback when the hotel is full or closed. All camping on the trail requires a full tent and sleeping bag regardless of other shelter available.

8. Is the trail safe for solo trekkers?

Experienced trekkers can navigate the Poorbi Naar trail independently by following the river upstream; the route is clearly defined on grass and dirt for most of its length. The key navigation point is the bridge crossing to the left bank of the Poorbi Naar approximately 4 to 5 hours from Besal. For first-time visitors and those unfamiliar with high-altitude trail conditions, a guide from Besal is recommended. Solo trekking without registering at the police check post is inadvisable; the registration ensures someone knows your route and return date.