Reach Naran from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad & Discover the Top Tourist Places in Naran
Tired of scrolling through Instagram, watching everyone else enjoy mountains and lakes while you’re stuck in city traffic? It’s time to pack your bags and treat yourself to the beauty of Naran Kaghan, one of the most breathtaking valleys in Northern Pakistan.
Located in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Naran Kaghan is just as famous as Skardu and Hunza. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or looking for a perfect romantic escape, this valley has it all.
Naran is a must-visit destination because of its lush green valleys, beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and the famous Kunhar River. Here, you can enjoy peaceful, family-friendly activities or visit romantic spots with your partner.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover how to reach Naran from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, along with the best tourist attractions you must explore once you get there.
Where is Naran Kaghan Located?
Naran Kaghan Valley is located in the north of Pakistan, in the Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about 280 km from Islamabad. It takes around 6 to 8 hours by road to reach Naran from Islamabad, whether you’re traveling by your car, local transport, or through a private booking.
If you’re coming from any city other than Islamabad, you’ll first need to reach Islamabad, because the only road route to Naran starts from here.
For those traveling from Lahore, the distance is around 659 km, and it usually takes 10 to 12 hours by road to reach Naran.
What is the Best Time to Visit Naran Kaghan?
If you want to enjoy the true beauty of Naran Kaghan Valley, the ideal time is from June to September. During these months, the weather stays pleasant, valleys turn green, and famous spots like Lake Saif-ul-Malook and Babusar Top remain open. You can enjoy boating, hiking, and sightseeing without any hassle.
In winter (October to April), due to heavy snowfall, most roads are blocked and tourism activities are completely closed. So, plan your trip in the summer season to make the most of your visit.
How to Reach Naran from Islamabad , Lahore, or Karachi?
As Naran Kaghan Valley is located in the north of Pakistan, and its route goes through Islamabad, no matter where you are, you have to reach Islamabad first if you’re willing to visit Naran Kaghan.
Let’s discuss how you can reach Naran from Islamabad and other cities besides Islamabad.
From Karachi: From Karachi or nearby cities, you can reach Islamabad by air or by road. Then from here, you can continue to Naran by road, which takes about an 6-8 hour drive.
From Lahore: From Lahore, you can also reach Islamabad by air or by road. Naran is about a 12-14 hour drive from Lahore. If you can tolerate the long journey of 10-12 hours, you can directly go to Naran from Lahore; otherwise, it’s recommended to stay in Islamabad for rest and then continue the journey to Naran.
You can easily reach Naran from Islamabad by local transport, book a private car, or travel through a Naran tour package. This route is completely safe for families, but without north driving experience, it’s hard to drive on this challenging route. Only expert drivers are allowed to drive here.
Route Details from Islamabd to Naran with Sightseeing & Activites
If you want to drive to Naran yourself or need route information for reaching Naran, here’s the complete travel route from Islamabad to Naran below.
Islamabad > M1 Motoreway > Hazara Motorway > Abbotabbad > Mansehra > Balakot > Kiwai > Paras > Mahandri > Kaghan > Naran
Naran route is one of the most scenic and beautiful routes in Northern Pakistan. Here are some family-friendly and romantic activities you can enjoy on the way to Naran with your loved ones.
On the way to Naran you can enjoy the sightseeing and activities mentioned below
- Scenic views of Hazara Motorway
- Abbottabad Views
- Masehra City
- Balakot City Views
- Zipline at Hassa
- Enjoy at Kiwai Waterfall and refreshment available here
- Visit the local market at Paras
- World’s highest and longest zipline at Boonja Valley
- Enjoy Trout Fish at Mahandri
- Enjoy the views, waterfalls, and photography at Rajwal
- Suki Kinari Dam and Tunnel views
- Kaghan Bazar
- Glaciers
- Naran
If you’re looking for rental cars in Naran or a customized Naran tour package, contact us at +92-334-5129-777 for your dream trip to the North.
Top Places to Visit in Naran Kaghan
Naran Kaghan Valley is full of the beautiful places and lot of tourist attrction spots with family family activties. if you're planning to visit Naran you should have knwoldge about the thing to do in Naran.
Here is the list of best places to visit in Naran Kaghan alongwith detailed information.
Here is the list of best places to visit in Naran Kaghan alongwith detailed information.
Lake Saif-ul-Mulook
Lake Saif-ul-Malook is about 13 km from Naran Bazaar, and it takes around 45–50 minutes to reach the lake by road. The path is very rough, so you’ll need a local jeep. Right after crossing the bridge at the end of Naran Bazaar, you’ll find a jeep stand where you can hire a jeep for the round trip.
Jeeps usually charge around PKR 5,000 for a return trip to the lake. Although the road is poor, the drive is incredibly scenic, with stunning mountain views along the way.
Activities at Saif-ul-Malook Lake:
- Horse riding
- Boating
- Sliding on ice (in winter)
- Trekking or hiking
- Photography
- Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and make the most of your visit!
Batakundi
Batakundi is about 14–15 km from Naran and is one of the most beautiful, peaceful spots in the Naran Kaghan Valley. On your way from Naran to Batakundi, you’ll pass several tourist attractions:
River Rafting & Zipline: About 5 km from Naran, there’s a river rafting point on the Kunhar River. You can stop here to enjoy rafting and zipline.
Sohni Waterfall: Just after the rafting spot, you’ll see a stunning waterfall right off the main road. It’s a great place to pause and take photos.
When you reach Batakundi, you’ll find a charming village perfect for photography and videography. There are hotels for every budget if you want to stay overnight. You’ll also find shops and restaurants here, so whether you need snacks or refreshments, you’re covered. Batakundi’s peaceful setting and easy access to activities make it a must-visit on your Naran trip.
Lulusar Lake
Lulusar Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located about 52 km from Naran Kaghan Valley at an altitude of 11,200 feet. This lake is known for its crystal-clear water and breathtaking mountain views, and is a top spot for lake photography and enjoying peaceful nature scenes.
A small restaurant is available on the lake side where you can enjoy tea and lunch. Small snack shops are also available here. Visitors come to Lulusar Lake to enjoy in the serene atmosphere, take photos, and experience one of the most picturesque destinations in Northern Pakistan.
Babusar Top
Babusar Top is about 70 km from Naran, and it usually takes 2–3 hours to reach. If you stop at tourist spots along the way, it can take up to 4 hours. Sometimes traffic is heavy on this route, which can add extra time.
After Lulusar Lake, you’ll soon come across Gatidas Meadows, where the climb to Babusar Top begins. Gatidas Meadows is a beautiful tourist spot offering river views, nature walks, and scenic meadows. There’s also a small restaurant where you can enjoy tea and lunch.
From Gatidas Meadows, the ascent to Babusar Top continues. Babusar Top sits at an altitude of 4,173 feet. Here, you can enjoy ziplining, sky swings, and cycling, and there are refreshment stalls available. During peak season, expect a lot of other tourists.
Because of the high altitude, you may experience altitude sickness or breathing difficulties. If you tend to get altitude sickness or a heart patient, consult your doctor before traveling. Don’t forget to carry altitude sickness medicine with you.
Lalazar Meadows
Lalazar Meadows is about 19 km from Naran. The road from Naran to Batakundi is smooth and well-maintained. Once you reach Batakundi, you can easily book a jeep for the 4 km climb to Lalazar Meadows, as this track is only accessible by 4×4 vehicles.
Although the road to Lalazar is rough and adventurous, the meadows are truly stunning, offering panoramic views of Batakundi and surrounding peaks. At Lalazar, small cafes serve refreshments, making it a great spot for a picnic or a short hike. Every visitor to Naran include Lalazar Meadows on their itinerary to experience its natural beauty.
Sharan Forest
Sharan Forest is a beautiful and peaceful spot located a little ahead of Kiwai and above Paras in the Kaghan Valley. To reach it, you’ll need a 4x4 jeep, as the road is a rough off-road track, but the scenic drive through lush green hills makes the journey enjoyable. The forest is perfect for nature lovers and families alike. You’ll find small parks with swings for kids, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air. If you plan to stay overnight, cottages are available where you can experience the calm and quiet of the forest under a starlit sky. It’s an ideal escape from the hustle of city life, offering serenity, cool weather, and a true connection with nature.
Safety & Health in Naran Kaghan
While Naran Kaghan is one of the most stunning destinations in Northern Pakistan, it’s important to travel smart and stay safe. Here’s a handy list of safety and travel tips for smooth and hassle-free journey.
1. Road Safety
The roads leading to Naran are narrow, steep, and winding, especially after rainfall. Only experienced drivers should drive in these areas. Avoid traveling at night and always check weather and landslide updates before your journey. If you’re not comfortable driving, consider hiring a local driver familiar with these routes..
2. Altitude Sickness
Since Naran is about 2,400 meters above sea level, some people may feel headache, dizziness, or breathing issues when they arrive. To stay safe, drink plenty of water, travel slowly, and visit high places like Babusar Top or Lake Saif-ul-Malook after spending a day or two in Naran. Locals also suggest simple remedies like eating dry appricot or keeping medicine for altitude sickness with you.
3. Weather Conditions
Even in summer, temperature of Naran can drop significantly at night or higher altitudes. Its recommendead to pack warm clothes, raincoats, umbrella, and Comfortable trekking shoes. As the air of these hilly areas is dry, you can carry moisturiser and lip balm for your skin.
4. Carry Cash
Most areas in Naran have limited ATM services or sometimes ATM service may unavailable dur to some reasons, it’s better to carry necessary cash with you before travellig..
5. Mobile Signals
As there is a network issue in the Northern Paksitan, you should carry Telenor or Zong sim with you because these networks have better coverage as compared to other networks.
6. Book Early in Peak Season
During the summer months, Naran gets very crowded with tourists, making it difficult, and sometimes impossible to find hotel bookings on the spot. It’s better to book your hotel in advance whenever you plan your trip, so you can avoid any last-minute hassle.
Respect local customs, dress modestly, and always ask before taking pictures of people or their property. It ensures a positive and welcoming experience for everyone.
FAQs
Why You Should Visit Naran Kaghan?
If you’re a nature lover and want to spend peaceful moments with your loved ones, you must visit the beautiful green valleys, lakes, and waterfalls of Naran Kaghan, famous for its tourist activities.
How long should you stay in Naran?
A stay of 3 to 5 days is ideal to explore the beautiful places of Naran. This gives you enough time to visit famous spots like Saif-ul-Malook Lake, Babusar Top, Sharan Forest, and Lalazar meadows. If you have more time, you can extend your trip to Shogran and Siri Paye Meadows.
Where to stay in Naran?
In Naran Bazaar, you’ll find plenty of hotels ranging from budget-friendly to luxury options. However, since the bazaar area stays crowded and noisy, it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for peace. For a quieter stay, you can find good hotels about 1 km before Naran, or head to Batakundi, around 12 km ahead, where peaceful and comfortable hotels are easily available.
What to pack for Naran Trip?
Things You Should Pack for Naran Trip:
- Warm clothes or a shawl (even in summer, evenings get chilly)
- Comfortable trekking shoes for walking and hiking
- Necessary cash (ATMs aren’t always reliable)
- Dry fruits and snacks for the journey
- Personal medicines and basic first aid
Is Naran safe to travel to?
If you’re an experienced driver or traveling with someone familiar with northern routes, a trip to Naran is safe for you. Just remember to avoid traveling during the rainy season, as there’s a risk of landslides and road accidents.
Can I visit with family or kids?
Yes, you can safely visit Naran Kaghan with your family, whether you’re traveling with adults or kids. It’s a family-friendly destination with plenty of beautiful and safe places to explore together.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle for Naran Kaghan?
You can travel to Naran Kaghan in any type of vehicle. Babusar Top is also accessible by car. However, if you plan to visit places like Saif-ul-Malook Lake, Lalazar Meadows, Shogran, or Sharan Forest, you’ll need a 4×4 jeep, which you can easily book from Naran.
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