Last checked: October 2026. Trail status, jeep prices and road openings change, so confirm locally before you go.
Naran and the Kaghan Valley have easy walks, jeep-and-hike lake trips and higher passes, all in the Himalayan foothills of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This guide to hiking in Naran and Kaghan covers the main routes, the season, what to expect on each and how to plan safely.
Quick answer: what are the best hikes in Naran and Kaghan?
The classic trips are Saif-ul-Malook Lake, reached by jeep and a short walk from Naran, and the higher walks to lakes such as Dudipatsar from Besal. Babusar Top, at about 4,173 m, is a high viewpoint reached by road. The season is roughly May to September, and high routes usually open from late June after snow clears.
Naran and Kaghan hiking quick facts
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Base | Naran, at about 2,400 m |
| From Islamabad | About 240 to 285 km, 6 to 7 hours by road |
| Season | May to September; Saif-ul-Malook and Babusar usually open by late June |
| Saif-ul-Malook | Jeep from Naran, then a short walk |
| Babusar Top | About 4,173 m |
| Dudipatsar | Hike from Besal; trek length reported at around 17 km, so confirm the route with a local guide |
| Suggested stay | 2 to 4 nights |
How to reach Naran
Nearest airport
Islamabad International Airport. See our airports guide.
Nearest railway station
Rawalpindi or Peshawar. There is no railway in the Kaghan Valley.
Road access
Drive through Abbottabad and Mansehra to Balakot and then up the Kaghan Valley road to Naran. Landslides and snow can close the road, so check status first. See our Naran vs Swat comparison for drive times.
Main hikes and routes
Saif-ul-Malook Lake
A well-known alpine lake near Naran, usually reached by jeep and a short walk. Private jeep round trips have been reported at about PKR 3,000 to 7,000, with shared seats cheaper. See our Saif-ul-Malook guide.
Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top
Lulusar is about 48 km from Naran and Babusar Top is higher up the same road. Both depend on the pass being open. See our Babusar Top guide.
Dudipatsar Lake
A longer walk from Besal, described as moderate and usually done as a two-day trek with camping. Go with a local guide.
Glacier and meadow walks
Shorter walks around the valley are covered in our Kaghan glaciers guide.
Best time to hike
July and August are the most reliable for high routes but also the busiest and wettest. June and September are quieter, with a higher chance of snow or closures. Our Naran Kaghan packing guide covers kit.
Where to stay
Naran has hotels at most price levels, with camping near the lakes. Book early in July and August. See our Naran Kaghan hotels guide.
Estimated costs
Jeep hire and a guide are the main hiking costs, and budget rooms in Naran have been reported at about PKR 1,500 to 3,500. Prices are approximate, so confirm before you book. See our travel cost guide.
Packing checklist
- Layers, rain jacket and warm hat, even in summer
- Trekking shoes with grip and poles for steep sections
- Water, snacks, headlamp and a power bank
- Cash, since machines are limited
Travel tips
- Start early to avoid afternoon storms.
- Hire a local guide for lake treks, and agree jeep prices first.
- Altitude can cause headaches above 3,000 m. See our altitude sickness guide.
Safety tips
Check conditions daily, do not cross swollen streams, and tell someone your route. See our monsoon travel safety guide.
Responsible tourism
- Take all rubbish out and avoid plastic at lakes.
- Stay on trails and respect local grazing land.
- Dress modestly and ask before photographing people.
Hiking in Naran and Kaghan FAQs
When is the best time to hike in Naran and Kaghan?
June to September, with July and August the most reliable for high routes.
How do I get to Saif-ul-Malook Lake?
By jeep from Naran, followed by a short walk.
Do I need a guide?
A local guide is advisable for Dudipatsar and other long or high routes.
Is Babusar Top open all year?
No. It is usually closed by snow outside summer.
Is it safe to hike here?
Conditions vary by area and season. Check local weather and road status before you go.
Final thoughts on hiking in Naran and Kaghan
Choose one lake or one pass per day, start early and keep buffer days for weather. Confirm road and security conditions before you travel.