Naran, Kaghan and Lake Saif ul Malook: The Complete Guide

For a lot of Pakistanis, Naran is the first mountain trip they ever take, and Lake Saif ul Malook is the reason. This is the Kaghan Valley, a green world of rivers, meadows and glacial lakes just six to eight hours from Islamabad, crowned by a lake so beautiful there is a fairy tale about it. It is also the gateway to the north over Babusar Pass. Here is how to make the most of it.

Where is Naran and Kaghan?

The Kaghan Valley runs through Mansehra district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following the Kunhar river up toward Babusar Pass. Naran, at 2,409 m, is the main town and the base for almost everything: the lakes, the passes and the side valleys. Balakot, Kaghan and Shogran are the other stops along the way up.

Lake Saif ul Malook

The star is Lake Saif ul Malook at 3,224 m, a glacial lake that mirrors the peaks around it, including Malika Parbat, the highest mountain in the valley. Local legend tells of a prince who fell in love with a fairy here, and honestly, standing on the shore at first light, you understand the story. From Naran it is about 9 km up a rough track, done by jeep in around 30 to 45 minutes, or on foot in a few hours if you fancy the walk.

The other big sights

• Lulusar Lake. A stunning roadside lake on the way to Babusar, the source of the Kunhar river.
• Babusar Pass (4,173 m). The high gateway into Gilgit-Baltistan, with huge views on a clear day. Open summer only.
• Shogran and Siri Paye. Green plateau meadows reached by jeep from Kiwai, lower down the valley, wonderful for families.
• Ansoo Lake. A tear-shaped alpine lake for serious hikers, a long tough day from Saif ul Malook.

When to go

May to September is the window. By late spring the road to Saif ul Malook opens up, and the valley is green and pleasant through summer. July and August are peak season, busy and pricey but fully open, including Babusar. Watch the monsoon fringe, which can bring landslides on the Balakot road. By October the high lakes and Babusar start to close for winter.

How to get there

From Islamabad, drive via Mansehra and Balakot to Naran, roughly 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic and roadworks. Cars, vans and coaches all run up to Naran in season. From Naran, hire a local jeep for Saif ul Malook and the Lulusar and Babusar day trip. Naran is also the natural first night on a Karakoram Highway road trip heading north.

Where to stay

Naran town has the most choice, from budget rooms to riverside hotels and glamping pods. Shogran and Kaghan are quieter, greener alternatives lower down. In July and August, book well ahead, because Naran fills up and prices jump. For a calmer trip, come in June or September.

The practical stuff

No permits needed. Naran has decent mobile coverage and a couple of ATMs, but carry cash anyway, especially for jeeps and the day trips. The Saif ul Malook track and the Babusar road are rough, so use experienced local jeep drivers and go by day. Even in summer the lake and passes are cold, so bring a warm layer.

Quick answers

How far is Naran from Islamabad? About 6 to 8 hours by road via Mansehra and Balakot.

How do you get to Lake Saif ul Malook? A 9 km jeep track from Naran, or a hike of a few hours.

When is Babusar Pass open? Roughly mid-June to October.

Best time to visit? July and August for full access, June or September for fewer crowds.

Naran is the doorstep to the north. Keep going over Babusar and browse everything across Gilgit-Baltistan, or search experiences on the map. Read our Karakoram Highway road trip guide and Hunza guide to plan what comes next.