Naran & Kaghan Valley: The Ultimate Summer Escape Guide

Naran and the Kaghan Valley sit in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Mansehra district, three to four hours from Islamabad. In summer (June–August), the valley transforms into a green paradise of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and roaring rivers.

Getting There

Take the Hazara Motorway from Islamabad to Mansehra (90 minutes), then follow the Kaghan Valley road through Balakot and Shogran to Naran. NATCO buses run daily from Rawalpindi. Private jeeps for the final leg to Babusar Pass are available in Naran town.

Must-See Lakes

• check_circleLake Saif-ul-Malook (3,224m) — the crown jewel, accessible by jeep or 2hr trek from Naran
• check_circleLulusar Lake — 45 minutes past Naran, surrounded by rolling green hills
• check_circleDudipatsar Lake — a 2-day trek from Besal, the most pristine alpine lake in Pakistan
• check_circleAnsoo Lake — teardrop-shaped at 4,245m, for experienced trekkers only

Hire a local jeep from Naran to Saif-ul-Malook early morning (before 9am) to beat the crowds and catch mirror-still reflections of the mountains.

Day Treks

The Naran to Babusar Pass route (4,173m) is a full-day 4WD adventure with views into Chilas and Gilgit-Baltistan. The meadows of Batakundi and Besal make excellent picnic and camping spots for shorter day trips.

Where to Stay

Naran town has dozens of guesthouses ranging from PKR 1,500 (basic shared rooms) to PKR 6,000 (private rooms with mountain views). Book at least 2 weeks ahead for July–August. Shogran and Siri Paye (above Naran) offer quieter alternatives with cooler temperatures.