Things to Do in Naran Kaghan, پاکستان

Naran Kaghan is a breathtakingly beautiful valley located in the Kaghan Valley of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas at an elevation of 2,409 meters, this pristine destination offers some of Pakistan's most spectacular mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, and lush green meadows. The valley serves as a gateway to numerous high-altitude lakes including the famous Saif-ul-Mulook, and provides access to some of the country's best trekking and mountaineering opportunities. The region is characterized by its dramatic landscape of snow-capped peaks, alpine forests, and rushing rivers that create a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. During summer months, the valley transforms into a carpet of wildflowers, while the surrounding peaks of Malika Parbat and other towering mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Naran Kaghan has become increasingly popular among both domestic and international tourists seeking to experience Pakistan's northern beauty, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness adventure.

Top Things to Do in Naran Kaghan

Lake Saif-ul-Mulook Excursion

Visit the legendary Lake Saif-ul-Mulook, one of Pakistan's highest alpine lakes situated at 3,224 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is steeped in local folklore, making it a must-visit destination. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating picture-perfect scenery that attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

Booking Tip: Book jeep rides to the lake early in the morning (costs around PKR 3,000-4,000 per jeep for up to 6 people). Best visited between June and September when roads are accessible. Choose experienced local drivers and confirm return timing as weather can change quickly.

Trekking and Hiking Adventures

Explore numerous trekking trails ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day expeditions through alpine meadows and mountain passes. Popular routes include treks to Ansoo Lake, Dudipatsar Lake, and various base camps of surrounding peaks. The trails offer incredible views of glaciers, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna unique to the Himalayan region.

Booking Tip: Hire local guides for PKR 2,000-3,000 per day for safety and navigation. Best trekking season is June to September. Ensure you have proper gear and inform your accommodation about your trekking plans. Multi-day treks require camping equipment and permits.

Babusar Pass Scenic Drive

Experience one of Pakistan's most scenic mountain passes at 4,173 meters elevation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The drive to Babusar Pass is an adventure in itself, winding through changing landscapes from lush valleys to barren high-altitude terrain. The pass connects Kaghan Valley with Gilgit-Baltistan and provides access to stunning viewpoints and photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Hire a 4WD vehicle with experienced driver for PKR 8,000-12,000 per day. Pass is only accessible from June to October due to snow. Start early morning to avoid afternoon weather changes and carry warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly at high altitude.

River Rafting and Fishing

Enjoy white-water rafting on the Kunhar River or try your hand at trout fishing in the pristine mountain streams. The river offers various grades of rapids suitable for different skill levels, while the clear mountain waters are home to brown and rainbow trout. These activities provide an exciting way to experience the valley's natural water resources while enjoying the surrounding mountain scenery.

Booking Tip: Book rafting through local operators for PKR 1,500-2,500 per person including safety equipment. Fishing permits cost around PKR 500 per day and can be obtained from local authorities. Best time for both activities is May to September when water levels are optimal.

Photography and Camping

Set up camp in designated areas to fully immerse yourself in the valley's natural beauty and capture stunning sunrise and sunset shots over the mountains. The region offers excellent opportunities for landscape, wildlife, and astrophotography due to minimal light pollution. Camping allows you to experience the serene mountain environment and witness the changing colors of the peaks throughout the day.

Booking Tip: Camping permits cost PKR 200-500 per tent per night. Rent camping equipment locally for PKR 1,000-2,000 per day or bring your own. Choose established camping sites with basic facilities and always camp with proper cold-weather gear as temperatures drop significantly at night.

Getting There

Naran Kaghan is accessible by road from major Pakistani cities, with the most common route being via Islamabad/Rawalpindi. From Islamabad, the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by car, passing through Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Balakot before reaching Kaghan and then Naran. The road is generally in good condition but becomes winding and steep as you approach the valley. Public buses and private coaches operate daily from Islamabad's Pirwadhai Bus Terminal to Naran, costing around PKR 800-1,200 per person. Private car hire or taxi services are also available for more comfort and flexibility, typically costing PKR 15,000-25,000 for a round trip from Islamabad.

Getting Around

Within Naran Kaghan, local transportation consists mainly of jeeps, pickup trucks, and small buses that connect various points of interest. Most hotels and guesthouses can arrange transportation to popular destinations like Lake Saif-ul-Mulook, Babusar Pass, and trekking starting points. Local jeeps charge PKR 3,000-5,000 per day for sightseeing, while motorbike rentals are available for around PKR 1,000-1,500 per day for those comfortable with mountain riding. Walking is common within Naran town itself, as most facilities are concentrated in a small area. For longer distances and high-altitude destinations, hiring a 4WD vehicle with a local driver is recommended due to challenging terrain and weather conditions.

Where to Stay

Naran Town Center

Kaghan Village

Lake Saif-ul-Mulook Area

Shogran Hill Station

Balakot Base

Jalkhand Camping Area

Food & Dining

The dining scene in Naran Kaghan focuses on traditional Pakistani cuisine with an emphasis on hearty mountain food perfect for the cool climate. Local restaurants serve specialties like karahi (curry cooked in a wok), BBQ items, dal (lentils), rice dishes, and fresh trout from local streams. Most hotels and guesthouses offer meal packages including traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Street food stalls in Naran bazaar offer snacks like samosas, pakoras, and tea. Due to the remote location, dining options are relatively simple but wholesome, with many establishments using locally sourced ingredients. Vegetarian options are available but limited, so it's advisable to communicate dietary requirements in advance when booking accommodation.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Naran Kaghan is from May to October, with peak season being June through September when weather conditions are most favorable and all attractions are accessible. Summer months (June-August) offer the warmest weather, blooming wildflowers, and fully accessible roads to high-altitude destinations like Lake Saif-ul-Mulook and Babusar Pass. May and September-October provide cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn colors, making them ideal for photography and peaceful exploration. Winter months (November-April) see heavy snowfall that blocks most roads and makes the area largely inaccessible, with many hotels and facilities closed. Weather can be unpredictable even during peak season, so visitors should be prepared for sudden temperature changes and occasional rainfall.

Insider Tips

Book accommodation well in advance during peak season (June-August) as the valley gets extremely crowded and prices increase significantly

Carry cash as ATMs are limited and many establishments don't accept cards; also bring warm clothing even in summer as temperatures drop drastically at night and high altitudes

Acclimatize gradually to the altitude and stay hydrated; start with lower elevation activities before attempting high-altitude destinations like Saif-ul-Mulook or Babusar Pass

Things to Do in Naran Kaghan