Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Naran Kaghan
Region
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Best Visit
May to September (Babusar Top late June to Sept)
Highlight
Alpine Lakes
Access
Open to All
Naran Kaghan
— at a glance
The Kaghan Valley, with the town of Naran at its heart, is one of Pakistan's most loved summer escapes, a green river valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa climbing to a string of alpine lakes. The star is Lake Saif-ul-Malook, a glacial lake wrapped in snow peaks and local legend, a short jeep ride above Naran. Higher up the Babusar road lie Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top, at 4,173 metres the valley's high point and the gateway over to Gilgit-Baltistan. Naran is roughly 270 km from Islamabad, an easy long day's drive. The valley road is a summer affair: Naran and Saif-ul-Malook open from about May, while the Babusar Pass clears only around late June to September.
What to expect
Alpine LakesRoad TripBabusar TopSummer Escape
Frequently asked questions
- What is Naran Kaghan famous for?
- Naran and the Kaghan Valley are famous for alpine lakes, above all Lake Saif-ul-Malook near Naran, plus Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top at 4,173 metres. It is one of Pakistan's classic summer road trips, with green river scenery and snow peaks.
- How do you get to Naran?
- Naran is about 270 km from Islamabad, a 7 to 8 hour drive via Mansehra, Balakot and the Kaghan Valley road. Cars reach Naran town, but the rough track up to Lake Saif-ul-Malook needs a 4x4 jeep. Buses and vans also run in the summer season.
- How do you reach Lake Saif-ul-Malook?
- From Naran town it is a roughly 9 km jeep ride on a rough track to the lake, taking 45 minutes to an hour each way. Shared and private 4x4 jeeps wait at the Naran jeep stand. In good summer conditions, fit walkers can also hike it.
- When is the Babusar Pass open?
- Babusar Top, at 4,173 metres, is generally open from about late June to September, depending on snow. The lower valley and Naran town are reachable from roughly May, but the high pass over to Gilgit-Baltistan closes through winter and spring.
- What is the best time to visit Naran Kaghan?
- July and August are the peak, with all the lakes and the Babusar Pass open and the valley at its greenest, but also busiest. June and early September are quieter shoulder options. The valley is a summer destination; most of it is snowbound in winter.
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