The Naran-Kaghan Valley stretches 155 kilometres from Balakot in the south to the Babusar Pass (4,173m) in the north, offering a dramatic progression from lush river valleys to alpine meadows, glacial lakes and snow-dusted high passes. Naran town, at 2,409 metres, is the hub of this activity — the launching point for Saif ul Malook Lake, Lulusar Lake, and the epic Babusar Pass crossing that connects Kaghan Valley to Chilas and the Karakoram Highway.
Best Time to Visit
June to September. July and August for Saif ul Malook and Babusar Pass (fully open). May sees the valley green up but passes may still be snowed in. October brings golden foliage but the upper valley roads can close.
Top Highlights
- Saif ul Malook Lake — the most famous lake in Pakistan, setting of a legendary Sufi love story
- Babusar Pass (4,173m) — a high mountain pass connecting Kaghan to Chilas
- Lulusar Lake — a vast and wild high-altitude lake on the road to Babusar
- Dudipatsar Lake — Pakistan's 'Lake of White Lilies', a challenging but rewarding day hike
- Ansoo Lake — shaped like a teardrop, one of the most remote lakes in Kaghan
- Siri Paye Meadows — high grasslands with panoramic views above Shogran
Essential Tips
- Naran is extremely busy July–August — book accommodation months in advance
- The road from Naran to Saif ul Malook is jeep-only — hire at the stand in Naran town
- Altitude sickness can affect visitors at Babusar Pass (4,173m) — ascend slowly
- The Dudipatsar Lake trek (6–7 hours return) requires a guide and sturdy footwear
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Naran from Islamabad?
Naran is approximately 240km from Islamabad — a 5–7 hour drive depending on traffic. Take the Hazara Motorway (E-35) to Mansehra, then follow the Kaghan Valley road north through Balakot and Shogran. Buses and private taxis operate the Mansehra–Naran route.
Is the road to Naran open all year?
The Kaghan Valley road is open from approximately April to November. The upper section (Naran to Babusar Pass) is usually open July to September only. Heavy snowfall closes the pass from October–June. The lower valley (Balakot to Naran) may be accessible longer.
What is special about Saif ul Malook Lake?
Saif ul Malook is famous for its extraordinary natural beauty — a glacial lake at 3,224m surrounded by snow-capped peaks including Malika Parbat. It's also celebrated in Punjabi Sufi poetry, particularly the poem 'Saiful Malook' by Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, which tells the love story of a prince and a fairy princess at this lake.
Can I drive to Saif ul Malook Lake myself?
No — private cars cannot access Saif ul Malook. The 9km track from Naran requires a 4WD jeep or special vehicles. You must hire a jeep from Naran's jeep stand (approximately Rs. 2,000–3,000 return per jeep). The ride takes about 45 minutes each way on a rough mountain track.