Last updated: 3 November 2026
Short Answer
Naran and the Kaghan Valley are Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s classic summer mountain destination: a green river valley running north from Balakot to Babusar Top, with Naran town at about 2,400 m as its base. Allow 3 days from Islamabad: a day to drive in, a day for Saiful Muluk Lake and the upper valley, and a day for Babusar Top and the drive back, or onwards to Chilas and Hunza. The best time is June to September, when Babusar Top (4,173 m) is open and the high lakes are accessible. Outside that window, Naran itself is still reachable for much of the year, but the pass closes with snow — as the November 2026 snowfall that barred tourists beyond Naran shows — so check the road before you travel. Naran is not in Gilgit-Baltistan, but it is the gateway to it: the Babusar road is the summer shortcut to the Karakoram Highway.
Where is Kaghan Valley, and how does it work as a trip?
Kaghan Valley runs about 160 km north from Balakot, in Mansehra District, following the Kunhar River. The valley floor rises steadily: Balakot at the southern end, Shogran on a plateau above Kiwai, Naran as the main town, then Batakundi, Jalkhad and Lulusar Lake, and finally Babusar Top at the head of the valley, where the road drops to Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan. Naran, about 240 to 285 km from Islamabad and a 6- to 7-hour drive, is the practical base because it has the most hotels, restaurants, jeep stands and tour services in the upper valley. Travellers who try to do the valley as a day trip from Islamabad miss the point: the drive in is long, the best light on the lakes is early morning, and the upper valley deserves a full day of its own.
What are the main stops, in order from south to north?
| Stop | What it is | Allow | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balakot | The gateway town at the foot of the valley, on the Kunhar River | A stop | The last substantial town before the valley narrows |
| Shogran and Siri Paye | A forested plateau above Kiwai, with views of Makra Peak, and open meadows above it | Half a day to a day | Reached by jeep from Kiwai; a quieter alternative to Naran’s crowds |
| Naran | The main town of the upper valley, at about 2,400 m | 2 nights | Base for Saiful Muluk, Lalazar, Lulusar and Babusar |
| Saiful Muluk Lake | The valley’s famous alpine lake, at about 3,224 m, below Malika Parbat | Half a day from Naran | About an hour by jeep from Naran, depending on track and traffic; go early for calm water |
| Lalazar | A green plateau about 21 km from Naran, reached by jeep track | Half a day | Wildflowers in summer; a quieter lake-and-meadow alternative |
| Lulusar Lake | A long, dark-blue lake about 48 km from Naran, on the road to Babusar, and the main source of the Kunhar River | A stop on the Babusar day | Beside the road; no long walk required |
| Babusar Top | The 4,173 m pass at the head of the valley, connecting Kaghan with Chilas | A full day from Naran, combined with Lulusar | Open only in summer; snow closes it in winter |
Two higher lakes, Dudipatsar and Ansoo, are day hikes for fit walkers — Dudipatsar is a long day’s walk from Besal, and Ansoo is a strenuous trek above Saiful Muluk — and are not suitable as casual stops.
When is the best time to visit Naran and Kaghan?
June to September is the main season, when the full valley is open: Saiful Muluk’s jeep road is running, Babusar Top is open, and the high meadows are green. May and October are shoulder months: Naran is open and quieter, but Babusar may not yet be open in May, and may close with the first heavy snow in October or November. Winter, from December to February, is a different trip: Naran can be cold and snowy, many upper-valley services close, and Babusar is closed. The seasonal rule to remember is simple: Naran is a town you can visit for much of the year, Babusar is a summer pass, and the two should never be confused in a plan. Always confirm the pass status on the morning of a Babusar day, not at booking time.
How do you get to Naran and move around it?
Drive from Islamabad via the Hazara Motorway, Mansehra and Balakot, following the Kunhar River north to Naran — about 240 to 285 km, 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and stops. Buses and private cars also run the route, but a private car or hired driver gives you control over stops at Shogran, Kiwai Waterfall and the river viewpoints. Within the valley, local jeeps are the standard transport for Saiful Muluk, Lalazar, Shogran–Siri Paye and the upper valley; the jeep tracks are rough, and a local driver knows the water crossings and the traffic. From Naran, the road to Babusar runs through Batakundi and Jalkhad to the pass, about 65 km, then drops to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway — the summer route into Gilgit-Baltistan. In winter, that route is closed, and the Karakoram Highway via Besham is the only road north.
What should you know before you go?
First, altitude is real but modest: Naran at about 2,400 m rarely troubles healthy travellers, but Babusar Top at 4,173 m can cause headaches and shortness of breath, so take the pass slowly, drink water and do not rush a hike at the top. See also our guide to Altitude Sickness in Gilgit-Baltistan. Second, rain is possible even in summer, and evenings in Naran are cool, so pack a waterproof layer and a warm layer regardless of the forecast in Islamabad. See What to Pack for Northern Pakistan. Third, Naran in peak season is busy: hotels fill, the Saiful Muluk jeep queue grows, and the bazaar is crowded, so book ahead for July and August weekends and start lake trips early. Fourth, cash and connectivity are easier than in Gilgit-Baltistan, with ATMs and mobile coverage in Naran, but carry cash for jeep drivers and small guesthouses. Fifth, no prices are quoted in this guide, deliberately: jeep fares, hotel rates and chairlift charges change by season, and a stale figure misleads more than no figure.
A practical 3-day Naran itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Islamabad to Naran, 6 to 7 hours, with stops at Balakot and Kiwai Waterfall, and an evening walk in Naran bazaar. Day 2: Early jeep to Saiful Muluk Lake for calm morning water, back to Naran for lunch, then an afternoon jeep to Lalazar or a walk along the Kunhar River. Day 3: Drive north past Batakundi and Lulusar Lake to Babusar Top (when open), returning to Naran in the evening, then drive back to Islamabad the next morning — or continue over Babusar to Chilas and Hunza. With a fourth day, add Shogran and Siri Paye on the way in or out, or a Dudipatsar hike from Besal for fit walkers.
Related guides
- How to Get to Hunza Valley
- Karakoram Highway Road Trip Guide
- Is Gilgit-Baltistan Safe for Tourists?
- What to Pack for Northern Pakistan
- Altitude Sickness in Gilgit-Baltistan
- Swat Valley Travel Guide
Frequently asked questions
How far is Naran from Islamabad, and how long does the drive take?
Naran is about 240 to 285 km from Islamabad, depending on the measuring point, and the drive takes about 6 to 7 hours in normal conditions. Allow longer on summer weekends, when traffic on the Hazara Motorway and the valley road is heavy, and always add a buffer for stops at Balakot and Kiwai.
When is Babusar Top open?
Babusar Top is normally open in summer, roughly June to September, once snow is cleared, and closes with the first heavy snow in autumn. The exact opening and closing dates change every year with snowfall and road repairs, so confirm the pass status locally before planning a crossing, and never assume it is open in winter.
Can I visit Saiful Muluk Lake without a jeep?
The lake is normally reached by jeep from Naran, about an hour each way depending on the track and traffic, followed by a short walk. Fit walkers can hike from Naran, but it is a long, steep walk, and the jeep is the standard choice for most visitors. Go early for the calmest water and the smallest crowds.
Is Naran suitable for families with children?
Yes. Naran is one of the most family-friendly northern destinations: the town has hotels and restaurants, the lake trips are short jeep rides, and the valley floor is gentle compared with the Karakoram valleys. Take care at Babusar Top, where the altitude is over 4,000 m, and keep children warm and hydrated at the pass.
Can I continue from Naran to Hunza?
Yes, in summer, when Babusar Top is open. The road runs from Naran through Batakundi, Jalkhad and Babusar Top to Chilas, where it joins the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit and Hunza. Allow a full day from Naran to Hunza, and confirm the pass is open before leaving Naran, since the winter alternative via Besham is much longer.
