Jalkhad is a small settlement on the N-15, about 40 km above Naran on the way to Babusar Top, where the valley suddenly widens into open grassy flats after the narrower road below. It matters to travellers for two reasons: it is where the jeep track to Noori Top and the Neelum valley leaves the main road, and it sits closest to Pyala Lake, the bowl-shaped lake a short distance from the settlement.
This guide covers what Jalkhad is, the routes that start here, and camping in the meadows around it.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Distance from Naran | About 40 km |
| Character | Open meadow flats where the valley widens, with roadside stalls |
| Noori Top turn-off | Unpaved jeep track to Sharda in the Neelum valley, starts here |
| Nearby lake | Pyala Lake, a short distance from the settlement |
| Further on | Besal and Lulusar Lake, then Gittidas and Babusar Top |
| Fuel and shops | Minimal; fill up in Naran |
Weather now in Babusar Top 4,173 m
Live weather loads here.
When it snows: First snow typically mid-September to mid-October; heavy snow from late October and November; the last spring snow usually in late May or June. More on the seasons
Forecast from MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), updated every 30 minutes. Mountain weather changes fast: check again before you set off.
Why the valley opens out here
Below Jalkhad, the road from Naran runs through a narrower stretch of valley, past Batakundi and the smaller settlements along it. At Jalkhad the ground flattens into wide grassy meadows either side of the road, a noticeably different landscape from the forested lower valley, and a first hint of the high, open country that continues up towards Lulusar Lake and Babusar.
That change in terrain is what makes Jalkhad a natural stopping point, whether for a short break on the drive to Babusar or as a base for the routes that start here.
The Noori Top turn-off
Jalkhad is where the unpaved jeep track to Noori Top leaves the paved N-15. That track climbs over a pass at around 3,950 metres and drops down the far side to Sharda in the Neelum valley of Azad Kashmir, a crossing that needs a high-clearance 4x4 and is usually only passable from around July to September.
This is a separate, longer undertaking from a stop at Jalkhad itself, not something to attempt on a whim. Our Noori Top guide covers the track condition, timing, hiring a jeep and the security picture on the Neelum side.
Pyala Lake, close by
Pyala Lake, a small circular lake known locally for its bowl shape, lies close to Jalkhad. Estimates for how far it is to walk vary a great deal between sources, from a short walk to several hours, so treat any specific time you read, including on this site, as a rough guide and ask locally in Jalkhad on the day. Our Pyala Lake guide covers what to expect on the trail and when to go.
Further up the road
Continuing on the N-15 from Jalkhad, the road passes Besal, the usual starting point for the trek to Dudipatsar Lake, then Lulusar Lake beside the road itself, then the high meadows at Gittidas before the final climb to Babusar Top. Our Babusar Pass guide covers that whole stretch stop by stop, and our Dudipatsar Lake trek guide and Gittidas meadows guide cover those in more detail.
Camping at Jalkhad
The open meadows around Jalkhad are used for camping by travellers heading further up the valley or breaking a longer trip. There are no fixed campsites with facilities; this is bring-your-own-tent country, with roadside stalls for tea and basic food rather than restaurants, and nowhere reliable to buy fuel or spares.
Nights here are cold even in summer, since Jalkhad already sits well above Naran, and the meadows offer little shelter from wind. Warm sleeping gear matters more than it would lower down the valley, and mobile signal should not be relied on.
Is Jalkhad worth stopping at?
For most people driving to Babusar or Lulusar Lake, yes, as a stop rather than a destination in itself. The meadows are a pleasant change of scenery on the drive, and it is the practical jumping-off point if Noori Top or Pyala Lake are on your plan. It is not somewhere to build a whole day around unless one of those onward routes is the actual goal.
For working Jalkhad into a wider Kaghan trip, our trip planning page is the place to start.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Jalkhad from Naran?
About 40 km, roughly an hour to an hour and a half by road, further on the N-15 towards Babusar.
What is Jalkhad known for?
It is the point where the valley opens into wide meadows, and the turn-off for the unpaved jeep track to Noori Top and the Neelum valley. It is also close to Pyala Lake.
Can you camp at Jalkhad?
Yes, in the surrounding meadows, though without fixed facilities. Bring your own tent and warm gear, since nights are cold even in summer.
Is there fuel or a shop at Jalkhad?
Only basic roadside stalls for tea and snacks. Fill your tank in Naran, since there is no reliable fuel beyond it until much further along the route.
Does the road to Jalkhad stay open all year?
No. It follows the same seasonal N-15 as the rest of the upper Kaghan valley, generally open through the summer and closed by snow in winter. Check the current road status before travelling.
