A Complete Road Trip Guide to Naran Kaghan
Navigating the Hazara Motorway, Babusar Top, and Lake Saif-ul-Malook safely.
The Naran Kaghan valley is one of Pakistan's most popular summer road trips — alpine lakes, green meadows and the dramatic Babusar Top. Here's a complete road trip guide covering the route, the key stops and staying safe.
The route
From Islamabad you take the Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, then continue through Balakot and up the Kaghan Valley to Naran — roughly 6–8 hours of driving depending on stops and traffic.
Must-see stops
The highlights are Lake Saif-ul-Malook above Naran, Lulusar Lake, the high crossing of Babusar Top, and the Siri Paye meadows near Shogran. Each is a short detour off the main valley road.
Best time & access
The valley is best from June to September. Babusar Top usually opens around July once the snow clears and closes again in autumn, so check conditions if you plan to cross it toward Gilgit Baltistan.
Driving & safety tips
Use a 4x4 for the rough tracks to Saif-ul-Malook and Siri Paye, start early to beat afternoon weather, fuel up in the main towns, and watch for sudden mountain rain. A local driver makes the trickier sections far easier.
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Anees Ahmad
Travel Expert
Resident travel expert sharing insights and tips for your journey.
