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Lake Saiful Muluk below snowy peaks in Naran, Kaghan Valley
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Naran & Kaghan Valley: The Complete Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Naran and Kaghan: Lake Saiful Muluk, Lulusar Lake, Babusar Pass, Shogran and Siri Paye, when to go, where to stay and local tips.

Updated October 2026By The Golden Adventure, Gilgit

Naran & Kaghan at a Glance

Naran and Kaghan form one of Pakistan’s most popular summer valleys, a green river valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leading up to the Babusar Pass. Its star is the fairy-tale Lake Saiful Muluk below Malika Parbat.

LocationMansehra district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
AltitudeNaran about 2,400 m; Babusar Pass about 4,170 m
Best time to visitJune – September
Getting thereBy road from Islamabad via the Hazara Motorway
Top sightsSaiful Muluk, Lulusar Lake, Babusar Pass
Known forLakes, meadows, summer escapes

Where Is Naran & Kaghan?

The Kaghan Valley runs north-east from Balakot along the Kunhar River. The main towns are Kaghan and Naran, with Shogran and Siri Paye meadows near the lower valley.

The road continues past Batakundi and Lulusar Lake to the Babusar Pass, then down to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway, a popular summer route to Gilgit-Baltistan.

History & People of Naran & Kaghan

The valley has long been a summer route for herders and traders. The legend of Prince Saiful Muluk and a fairy princess gave the famous lake its name.

Today it is one of the most loved holiday spots for Pakistani families, especially in July and August.

MUST-SEE EXPERIENCES

Top 8 Things to Do in Naran & Kaghan

Here are the best things to do in Naran and Kaghan.

  1. 01
    Nature

    Lake Saiful Muluk

    A glacial lake at about 3,200 m under Malika Parbat, reached by jeep from Naran. Go early to avoid the crowds.

  2. 02
    Nature

    Lulusar Lake

    A long, calm lake surrounded by peaks, on the road to Babusar.

  3. 03
    Viewpoint

    Babusar Pass

    At about 4,170 m, the top of the valley with views towards Nanga Parbat on clear days. Open usually from June to September.

  4. 04
    Nature

    Shogran and Siri Paye

    Green meadows with pine forests and views of Makra Peak.

  5. 05
    Adventure

    Ansoo Lake trek

    A tear-shaped lake above Saiful Muluk; a demanding day hike for fit walkers.

  6. 06
    Nature

    Batakundi and Jalkhad

    Wide meadows and streams on the way to Babusar.

  7. 07
    Adventure

    Rafting and trout fishing

    Kunhar River rafting near Kaghan and trout fishing with a permit.

  8. 08
    Food

    Trout and BBQ

    Fresh river trout is the local speciality in Naran.

Best Time to Visit Naran & Kaghan

Naran is a summer destination.

SeasonMonthsWhat to expect
Late springMayRoads may still be closed above Naran.
SummerJune – AugustPeak season; all roads open, busy with visitors.
Early autumnSeptemberQuieter, clear and beautiful.
WinterOctober – AprilUpper valley closed by snow; hotels shut.

The best time is June to September. Babusar Pass usually opens in June and closes in October.

How to Get to Naran & Kaghan

Naran is reached by road.

RouteHowApprox. time
From IslamabadHazara Motorway (M-15) to Mansehra, then via BalakotAbout 6 to 7 hours
From Gilgit (summer)Over the Babusar Pass from ChilasAbout 6 to 8 hours

Some foreign governments advise against the KKH between Mansehra and Chilas; the Naran and Babusar route avoids that stretch. Check current advice.

Getting Around Naran & Kaghan

Jeeps are needed for Saiful Muluk and Siri Paye. Jeep stands in Naran and Shogran offer shared and private trips.

We can arrange a car with driver for the whole trip; see rent a car in Pakistan.

Where to Stay in Naran & Kaghan

  • Naran town: many hotels, busy in summer.
  • Shogran: quieter hotels with forest views.
  • Batakundi and Lulusar: small hotels and camps.

Book early for July and August weekends.

Suggested Naran & Kaghan Itineraries

2 days

  • Day 1: Islamabad to Naran
  • Day 2: Saiful Muluk and back to Islamabad (long day)

3 to 4 days

  • Add Shogran and Siri Paye
  • Add Lulusar Lake and Babusar Pass

5+ days

  • Continue over Babusar to Chilas, Fairy Meadows or Gilgit

Naran & Kaghan Photography Guide

The valley is great for landscape photography.

  • Saiful Muluk at sunrise
  • Lulusar reflections
  • Babusar Pass views

Drones need permission; ask us first.

What to Pack for Naran & Kaghan

  • Warm layers and a down or fleece jacket (nights are cold)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking boots
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for strong mountain sun
  • Cash, power bank and any medicines you need

Culture & Etiquette

  • Dress modestly; women often carry a light scarf
  • Ask before photographing people, especially women
  • Accept tea when offered; hospitality matters a lot here
  • Remove shoes when entering homes and mosques
  • Respect prayer times and local customs

Practical Travel Tips for Naran & Kaghan

  • Start early to avoid traffic jams in peak season
  • Carry cash; ATMs are limited
  • Mobile signal is weak above Naran
  • Respect the lakes and carry your rubbish out
NARAN & KAGHAN highlights

Naran & Kaghan Highlights at a Glance

If you have just a weekend, see Saiful Muluk and Naran. With more days, add Lulusar Lake, Babusar Pass and the meadows of Shogran.

Naran is also the summer road to Gilgit-Baltistan. Check the best time to visit Pakistan.

More information is on the Pakistan tourism website.

Plan your Naran & Kaghan trip

Naran & Kaghan FAQs

When is Naran open?

From June to September; the Babusar Pass usually opens in June.

How far is Naran from Islamabad?

About 6 to 7 hours by road.

Can I drive to Saiful Muluk?

Only by jeep from Naran.

Is Naran crowded?

Yes, in July and August; September is quieter.

Is there internet in Naran?

In town, but signal is weak higher up.

Can I go from Naran to Gilgit?

Yes, over the Babusar Pass in summer.

Last updated: October 2026. Road, weather and border conditions in the mountains can change, so always check the latest information before you travel.

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