3 Days Naran Kaghan Tour Package
A short family trip to Naran with Lake Saiful Muluk, Babusar Top and Lulusar Lake.
Per person
PKR 18,500
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Naran Kaghan tour packages
Naran Kaghan tours with Lake Saiful Muluk, Babusar Top, Lulusar Lake and Shogran.
Best time to visit: May – September
1 Naran Kaghan package
About Naran Kaghan
The Kaghan Valley, with the popular town of Naran at its centre, is one of Pakistan's most loved summer destinations. Located in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the valley stretches along the Kunhar River from Balakot to Babusar Top, passing forests, waterfalls, green meadows and alpine lakes. Because it is only a day's drive from Islamabad and Lahore, Naran Kaghan is perfect for families, students and groups looking for a refreshing mountain break.
Getting to Naran
From Islamabad, the route follows the Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, then continues to Balakot, the gateway of the Kaghan Valley. From Balakot, the road climbs alongside the Kunhar River through Kawai, Paras, Kaghan and Kiwai to Naran. In summer, the road continues beyond Naran to Batakundi, Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top, and then down to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway, making Naran a convenient route to Gilgit-Baltistan as well.
Top attractions in Naran Kaghan
Lake Saiful Muluk
The most famous lake in the valley lies at around 3,200 metres, about 9 km from Naran. It is surrounded by snowy peaks including Malika Parbat, the highest mountain in the valley. The lake is associated with the legend of Prince Saiful Muluk and the fairy Princess Badi-ul-Jamal. Jeeps run from Naran, and a short walk around the lake reveals beautiful views.
Ansoo Lake
For adventurous trekkers, Ansoo Lake — named for its teardrop shape — is reached by a challenging trek from Saiful Muluk. It is best attempted with a local guide in mid-summer.
Lulusar Lake
Lulusar is a long, deep blue lake right beside the road towards Babusar, and the main source of the Kunhar River. It is a favourite photo stop.
Babusar Top
At over 4,100 metres, Babusar Top is the highest point on the road and offers sweeping views. It is cold and windy even in July, so bring warm clothes. The pass is typically open from June to September.
Batakundi and Jalkhad
These green valleys beyond Naran are perfect for a relaxed stop, with small restaurants, horse rides and streams.
Shogran and Siri Paye
Shogran, a hill station above Kawai, leads to the Siri Paye meadows, reached by jeep. The meadows offer views of Makra Peak and wide open slopes, ideal for families.
Kiwai waterfall and Kunhar River
The roadside Kiwai waterfall is a popular stop for tea and photos, and the Kunhar River is famous for trout and white-water rafting in season.
Best time to visit Naran Kaghan
The season usually runs from May to October. June to August is peak season, with green valleys and open roads to Babusar Top. September is less crowded and beautifully clear. In winter, heavy snow closes the upper valley, though Balakot, Kawai and Shogran can still be visited, often with snow.
How many days are enough?
Three days is the minimum for a relaxed Naran trip from Islamabad, covering Saiful Muluk, Lulusar and Babusar Top. With four or five days, you can add Shogran and Siri Paye, or continue over Babusar Top to Chilas, Fairy Meadows or Hunza.
Where to stay
Naran has a large choice of hotels, from budget guesthouses to comfortable family hotels along the river. Batakundi and Shogran offer quieter stays with mountain views. In peak season, especially on weekends and holidays, hotels fill up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended.
Food in Naran
Fresh trout from the Kunhar River is a local speciality, served fried or grilled. Roadside dhabas serve hot pakoras, chai and karahi — perfect after a day of sightseeing.
Travel tips
- Carry warm clothes, rain jackets and comfortable shoes.
- Travel mid-week if possible to avoid weekend crowds.
- Carry cash; card payments are not accepted everywhere.
- Check road and weather updates before travelling, especially after heavy rain.
- Keep the lakes clean — do not leave plastic behind.
Choose one of our Naran Kaghan tour packages above, or contact us for a family or group tour.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Naran from Islamabad?
Naran is roughly 250 to 270 kilometres from Islamabad. The drive usually takes six to eight hours with stops, via the Hazara Motorway, Mansehra and Balakot. Travel times are longer on summer weekends and holidays because of traffic in the valley.
Is Naran open in winter?
In winter, heavy snow usually closes the road beyond Kaghan, and Naran town itself is largely shut. Balakot, Kawai and Shogran can often still be reached and offer beautiful snowy scenery. The main Naran season runs from around May to October.
How do I get to Lake Saiful Muluk?
Lake Saiful Muluk is about nine kilometres from Naran and is reached by local jeep along a mountain track. The ride takes around 45 minutes to an hour each way. Fit visitors can also trek, which takes a few hours. Go early in the morning for calm water and fewer crowds.
Which is better for families, Naran or Swat?
Both are excellent. Naran offers famous lakes and high mountain scenery but is mainly a summer destination. Swat has gentler roads, parks and Malam Jabba, and can be visited almost all year. For a summer lake trip choose Naran; for a relaxed year-round trip choose Swat.
Can we go from Naran to Hunza?
Yes. In summer, when Babusar Top is open, you can drive from Naran over the pass to Chilas and continue on the Karakoram Highway to Hunza. This route makes it easy to combine Naran with Fairy Meadows, Hunza or Skardu on a longer tour.
Are hotels in Naran expensive?
Hotel prices in Naran vary widely by season. Rates are highest on summer weekends and during Eid holidays, when rooms sell out quickly. Visiting mid-week, in late May or in September usually offers better prices and a calmer experience.
