The best time to visit Naran Kaghan is the summer window from June to mid-September, when the Kaghan road, Saif ul Malook and Babusar Top are normally open. In winter the valley is closed by snow and glaciers, and the roads reopen in stages from April to May.
We could not find a verified monthly climate table for Naran, so this guide is built on dated road-opening reports and official statements. Last checked: October 2026.
Quick answer: when to go
- Safest main window: June to mid-September. Roads and Babusar Pass usually stay open from May to the end of September.
- Quieter, with clear skies: Late September and the first half of October, though snow can close high roads later in October.
- Early season: Late April to May. Roads reopen in stages, so confirm what is open before you leave.
- Avoid: November to March. Naran is closed to tourists in winter, and Babusar usually closes from November to June.
What the recent record shows
The best guide to the season is when the roads actually opened. These are dated reports, not promises for any future year.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 20 April 2025 | Naran section partially reopened after heavy winter snow, with smaller vehicles still unable to use it |
| 30 April 2025 | Lake Saif ul Malook reopened to tourists after about six months, for four-by-four vehicles only |
| 22 and 23 May 2025 | Babusar Top road fully reopened after about six to seven months, after crews cleared more than 21 glaciers between Naran and the pass |
| 25 April 2026 | Saif ul Malook road restoration still under way, with 6 km restored and 7 km expected within five days |
The Babusar road usually closes from November to June because of heavy snow. The Kaghan Valley is closed to visitors in winter because glaciers block the roads, and that they typically melt between February and April.
Naran Kaghan month by month
| Month | Road and access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| December to March | Closed to visitors by snow and glaciers | Not a sightseeing season |
| April | Roads reopen in stages | Saif ul Malook jeep road was reopening in late April in 2025 and 2026 |
| May | Babusar reopened in late May in 2025 | Early season, check each road separately |
| June | Usually open | Peak crowds, including Eid holidays |
| July and August | Open, but monsoon rain can cause landslides | Keep spare days, as in our August guide |
| September | Usually open until the end of the month | Quieter, good light |
| October | Best in the first half | Our October guide says snow can close high roads later |
| November | Babusar usually closed; Naran closes to tourists | Last chance depends on snow |
Crowds and Eid
More than 300,000 tourists arrived in the Kaghan Valley during the Eid al-Adha holidays in June 2024. Expect full hotels, slow roads and long jeep queues on public holidays. If you can, travel on weekdays or outside holiday weeks, and book rooms in advance. Our guide to hotels in Naran Kaghan lists options.
What to see and when
- Saif ul Malook: Reached by four-by-four jeep from Naran, and the road is among the last to clear. Ask about the jeep track before you book.
- Babusar Top: the pass elevation is 4,173 m. It is best in summer, and the road closes in winter.
- Lulusar Lake, Dudipatsar Lake and Ansoo Lake: High lakes that depend on the road and trail being clear. Dudipatsar and Ansoo need hiking.
- Two Glaciers and the Kunhar river: Easiest in the dry, open months.
For routes, read our Naran and Kaghan hiking guide.
Safety and planning tips
- Check each road separately. The Naran road, the Saif ul Malook jeep road and Babusar can open on different dates.
- Allow for accidents on Babusar. The Diamer administration urged drivers to follow safety rules because of annual accidents on the stretch from Babusar Top to Chilas. It is one of the country’s more dangerous routes.
- Carry cash and keep your phone charged. Mobile towers were switched on for internet access on the road, but coverage can still be patchy.
- Watch the monsoon. Landslides can cut roads in July and August, so keep a spare day and read our monsoon travel safety guide.
- Pack for cold nights. See our Naran Kaghan packing list.
Which month should you choose?
| If you want | Choose | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| The widest set of open roads | June to early September | Crowds, higher prices and monsoon landslides |
| Fewer crowds | Late September, early October | Colder nights and early snow |
| Snow scenery | Late April to May | Roads may only be partly open |
| A first trip with children | June or September | Book early and plan short drives |
Compare the valley with another popular summer trip in Naran vs Swat.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Naran?
June to mid-September is the safest window. Late September is quieter.
When does Babusar Top open?
In 2025 the road fully reopened on 22 and 23 May after about six to seven months. It usually closes from November to June. Dates change each year.
When does Saif ul Malook open?
In 2025 the lake reopened to tourists on 30 April, for four-by-four vehicles. In April 2026, restoration of the road was still under way.
Is Naran open in winter?
No, not for normal tourism. The valley is closed to visitors in winter because glaciers block the roads.
Is Naran Kaghan crowded?
Yes in June and on holidays. More than 300,000 tourists arrived during Eid al-Adha in June 2024.
Road status changes quickly. Confirm with local authorities, hotels and the National Highway Authority before you travel.
Sources
- Dawn, Babusar road reopens to traffic after seven months (24 May 2025)
- Aaj News, Babusar Top reopens after six-month closure (22 May 2025)