There are 20+ fascinating tourist destinations to explore in Naran Kaghan Valley, including a vibrant market and the rushing River Kunhar. Explore the most popular family-friendly destinations in Naran, Kaghan, Shogran, Saif ul Malook Lake, Babusar Top, and the Upper Kaghan. The Naran Valley is 85 kilometers from the city of Balakot, with its entrance welcoming you to a giant glacier, the valley of River Kunhar, and the stream of Lake Saif ul Malook.
We have the best Naran Kaghan Tour Packages for families and couples. During the summer months of June to November, almost one lakh tourists visit this oldest of Pakistan’s tourist attractions. Naran Kaghan offers 10+ incredible scenic picnic points to visit in summer with your family, as follows:
This charming lake is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Pakistan. It is located 8 km away from the main Naran town. It can take 30 to 40 minutes to get to this majestic lake. Located in the stunning landscapes of Kaghan, Lake Saif ul Malook stands out as a must-visit attraction in Naran Valley. Its alluring beauty and lofty mountain surroundings make it a captivating destination that beckons travelers every year.
Lake Saiful Malook, nestled in the heart of the Kaghan Valley, is a shimmering jewel of Pakistan. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks, this enchanting lake is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters that mirror the sky and mountains, creating a surreal and breathtaking landscape.
According to local legend, the lake’s ethereal beauty inspired the famous folktale of Prince Saif-ul-Malook and the fairy princess Badi-ul-Jamal, adding a layer of mystique and romance to this already magical destination.
In a nutshell—amazing! Even with the low cloud cover, it was a breathtaking experience. The journey up and down the mountain is an adventure in itself. The route is rocky and, in parts, quite rough. Just make sure that you and your family are secured inside the Jeep.
Thing to Know: It’s crucial to depart Saif ul Malook Lake before dark for safety. Aim to leave by 7 PM in summer and by 5 PM in winter.
Sharan forest is located ituated just 2 hours from Balakot City. This stunning destination serves as a perfect summer respite and weekend escape. Sharan is a little-known, beautiful mountaintop village located opposite the well-known Shogran. It sits at an elevation of 7,600 feet in the Kaghan Valley. This quiet and serene place allows you to enjoy stunning scenery while providing a relaxed and tranquil break.
There is a nearby waterfall, and you can hike to Manshi Top, which is at 8,300 feet. From Manshi Top, you can see the valleys and high peaks, including the famous Musa Ka Musala. The hike to Manshi 1 takes about 50 minutes.
Please note that the road to Sharan is a totally off road track, and you will need a 4×4 vehicle to reach the destination. You can hire a local jeep from Paras, which takes 90 minutes to explore Sharan. Although there are hotels where you can stay, food options are very limited.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has installed a few camping pods, which require booking. Overall, Sharan is a tourist place for hiking and spending time in seclusion. However, be cautious: do not venture into the jungle or camp there at night, as these mountains are home to leopards and black bears!
Manchi Top is a peak in the Kaghan Valley, reachable by a 2.5-hour hike from the camping pods in Sharan. You can reach Manshi 1 at an elevation of 8,300 feet in approximately 2.5 hours from the camping pods. The incline is not steep and can also be accessed in 50 to 60 minutes from a point near the student hostel in Sharan. Residents or jeep drivers can guide you to the starting point of the hike.
From Manshi 1, it takes another 50 to 60 minutes to reach Manchi Top 2, which is 9,100 feet. The views from this spot are breathtaking; you can see both Kaghan Valley and Siren Valley, as well as Mount Musa Ka Musala. We hiked in the winter season, with snow all around the track, and were caught in a snowstorm while heading up. We made it to Manchi 1 and enjoyed the views from there, but due to severe weather conditions, we decided not to continue to Manshi 2, as it was covered in clouds, obscuring the view.
Be sure to take water and food with you, and it’s always a good idea to hire a guide. As a responsible traveler, please do not leave anything behind and take any trash with you. It is not advisable to camp in the jungle due to the presence of black bears and snow leopards in the mountains.
Shogran is the most beautiful place in Kaghan Valley. This picnic spot is a must-see, located 30 kilometers from Balakot, 50 kilometers from Naran Kaghan, and just a 20 to 30-minute drive from Kiwai.
One of the best scenic viewpoints is whenever you plan to explore natural landmarks while visiting Naran Kaghan. The weather in Shogran remains pleasant during the summer but can be pretty cold during the winter. Shogran Tour Packages are also available.
Several hotels are available in Shogran, including budget and luxury options. Atop Shogran, you can see the entire valley from an altitude of 7,749 feet (2,362 m). During cold weather, tourists enjoy relaxing in a relaxing setting and drinking hot tea or coffee.
Remember: ATMs are limited, and the main one often runs out of cash. Ensure you have enough cash on hand.
Siri Paye Meadows is the upper part of Shogran. Hire a jeep from Shogran and enjoy the ride to Siri Paye meadows. The road is too bumpy and muddy. But it is the most beautiful place in Naran. Siri Paye Meadows is another tourist destination about 6 km from Shogran. Siri Paye Lake is one of the attractions, and there are lush green meadows. It is a popular place for horse riding. This area has become a popular attraction for Naran tourists.
Guests can explore the green-carpeted meadows of Siri Paye, ride horses along the lake, and take a deep breath of the fresh air. In our Pakistan Holidays, you will visit all the main tourist attractions of Shogran Valley.
Tip Insider: Even in summer, temperatures can drop. Bring warm clothing, especially for high-altitude visits.
Lulusar Lake, which stretches along the road to Babusar Top, is approximately 3 kilometers long and is the largest lake in the Kaghan Valley. The Kunhar River, which drains the Kaghan Valley, originates from this lake. Its unique and soothing environment remains untouched by pollution. Nature is abundant here, and the few visitors contribute to the serene and peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by mountains, green meadows, and captivating scenery.
One must not miss the chance to visit this stunning location, characterized by zero pollution, no noise, and a complete absence of artificial disturbances—just a pure and entirely natural environment.
After a challenging 40-kilometer journey from Naran on a road that has several glacial tributaries crossing the road, Lulusar Lake offers a refreshing view.
I encourage you to take the opportunity to set aside some time to experience the smooth, cold wind and to immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the mirror-like, clear lake, which reflects the magnificent green mountains surrounding it.
The crystal-clear blue water of the lake reflects the majestic mountains, drawing in tourists. So yeah, Lulusar Lake earns the well-deserved place in our top 10 holiday destinations in the Naran list. So, one of the best Naran tourist attractions to cover in our Northern Areas Tour Packages.
Tip Insider: Do not travel there on rainy days! The sliding is dangerous; consider the weather while planning your route.
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Babusar Top is the most attractive viewpoint in Kaghan Valley. Babusar Pass, situated at 4173 meters above sea level, has become a popular tourist destination in the summer. There aren’t many places on Earth where a proper highway crosses an elevation of 13,700 feet above sea level, and Babusar Pass is one of those rare locations. This ancient route connects Kaghan Valley with Gilgit-Baltistan (Chilas District) and remains open from late June to October. It is closed for the rest of the year due to heavy snow.
Babusar Top, the crossing point, is located 65 kilometers from Naran city and 42 kilometers from the T-junction near Chilas, where it meets the Indus River. Caution is advised when descending from Babusar Top towards the Chilas side, as the descent is very steep—you lose approximately 9,000 feet over just 42 kilometers. Ensure that your vehicle’s brakes are in perfect condition; they can overheat due to excessive use. It’s recommended to take periodic breaks and to use low gear (4×4) while driving in this area, which is accident-prone.
At the top, there are several shops where you can find food, although prices tend to be on the higher side. The drive through Babusar Pass is a unique experience; due to improved road conditions in recent years, it has become much more accessible. I highly recommend the trip—even if you aren’t planning to continue to Gilgit, just going to the top and back will be an event to remember.
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The best time to visit is during the hot summer months, specifically from June until mid or late August, before heavy snowfall begins. You might even encounter some snowfall in June. The road conditions are very good, and the views are beautiful and unbelievable.
Pro Tip: Be mindful of the weather conditions; traveling in the rain is extremely dangerous due to the risk of landslides and slippery roads.
Some places in the world have no comparison. Lalazar Meadows is one such holiday destination in Naran Kaghan. Lalazar Meadows is accessible via a jeep track from Jalkhand and is truly one of the perfect paradises for those seeking peace. It’s an ideal tourist attraction in the Naran Kaghan region, especially for families and kids. Lalazar Meadows is closely connected to the magnificent Babusar Top, offering stunning viewpoints of the surrounding Naran and Kaghan.
At a height of 10,500 feet (3,200 meters), Lalazar is 21 km from Naran. The drive to Lalazar along the Mansehra-Naran-Babusar-Chillas highway is spectacular, with the River Kunhar flowing below and jagged mountains on either side.
The road after Battakundi is rough and mainly a dirt track, but the scenery changes dramatically as you ascend, with trees on one side and breathtaking views of the river and valley on the other. Occasionally, you will pass through corn and potato farms, adding to the charm of the journey. It takes nearly an hour to reach Lalazar from Battakundi.
Lalazar is the most beautiful meadow in the Kaghan Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the River Kunhar flowing thousands of feet below. The area features green plains, valleys, and dense forests filled with fir and pine trees stretching over hundreds of miles. The sight of flying butterflies and the fragrant smell of flowers enhance its appeal, making it an ideal picnic spot.
Tip to remember: Loading mobile balance on the spot can be difficult, and available cards may be outdated.
There is a restaurant at Lalazar where visitors can enjoy tea, snacks, and meals. Horse riding is also a popular activity, with various horses available for rent at reasonable prices. Additionally, a small community resides in the area, relying on farming and cattle raising for their livelihood.
The fresh air and delightful scents of the forest will make you fall in love with this enchanting place. It’s important to check the climate before your visit.
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It is the second-last town of the Kaghan Valley. The Kunhar River touches the grounds from here. You can enjoy the natural beauty of lush green meadows and rivers combined. Furthermore, it is the highest peak in the Kaghan Valley and the lake with a magnificent panoramic view of the Kaghan Valley, about 3410 meters high. Jalkhand is the third most popular tourist attraction in the valley after the summits of Saif ul Malook and Babusar Top.
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Pro Tip: Clothing items are easily found in your city at better prices. Focus on local handicrafts instead.
The next town from Naran is Batakundi, and the most beautiful town of Kaghan Valley. The view of Tiger Peak makes this town more scenic. The water streams and the waterfall added beauty to Batakundi. There are many good hotels to stay in Batakundi at lower rates. Batakundi Lake makes for a great family trip destination in Naran.
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Tip Insider: Be aware of honey sold in the area; it often contains syrups instead of pure honey.
Burawai is the next town to Batakundi. This place has many green meadows and lush green trees. This place is full of Natural Flora and fauna. The real beauty starts from here. You can say it is the green jewelry of the Naran Kaghan Valley visit.
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Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities at the lake, from boating on its pristine waters to trout fishing or exploring nearby hiking trails. For those looking to take in the views from a different perspective, horse riding is also available. The lake is renowned for its deep, crystal-clear waters, making boating an exhilarating and memorable experience.
The stunning trek to Ansoo Lake kicks off at Lake Saif ul Malook and spans approximately 5-6 kilometers across a snow-covered landscape. The journey entails navigating through challenging glacier regions with limited space to move. You need a round trip, which takes around 12 hours, and the best time for the trek is from July to mid-August. Trekkers can hire guides and horses at Saif ul Malook to help them along the way.
Nature lovers can explore Siri Paye Meadows, at 2,895 meters, where visitors can enjoy picnics against the backdrop of lofty mountains. The area is dotted with pine trees, perfect for serene strolls, while the Kunhar River adds to the calming ambiance. Summer is the ideal time to visit, with delightful weather enhancing the experience.
Visitors can partake in a wide range of boating activities, from peaceful kayaking to thrilling speedboat rides. The rivers of northern Pakistan, such as the Kunhar and Swat, offer ideal conditions for river rafting.
Local dishes in the area feature the famous Naran-style mutton karahi, which the chef will cook in a wok over a wood fire, seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and red chilies. Many local foods are present traditional clay tandoors to bake authentic naan bread and grill meats, imparting a delightful smoky flavor.
Almost every traveler to Naran, Pakistan, makes it a point to savor the exceptional delicacy – fresh mountain trout. The clear waters surrounding Naran provide the perfect habitat for these sought-after fish, which fishermen catch fresh daily during the designated fishing seasons.
For those camping in the area, there is a wealth of activities to enrich the experience. Guests can explore trails, including a five-hour trek from Lake Saif ul Malook, or rev up their adrenaline with thrilling jeep safaris through the meadows. The warm, pleasant summer weather makes outdoor adventures particularly enjoyable for campers.
In Naran Bazaar, travelers can admire beautifully crafted walnut wood items alongside a variety of local handicrafts. The following are the distinguishing features of Naran Bazaar:
– Gorgeous handmade jewelry and wooden crafts at reasonable prices
– Traditional woolen garments and local textiles that highlight regional craftsmanship
Local artisans skillfully craft exquisite Pashmina shawls from the wool of Himalayan goats, and some produce intricate Kashmiri papier-mâché items, vases, and decorative boxes.
The markets in the region are vibrant with Qaleen carpets showcasing designs deeply rooted in Persian and Central Asian traditions.
High up in the breathtaking Kaghan Valley, Siri Paye Meadows beckons adventurers with its stunning mountain vistas and exciting horseback riding opportunities.
The natural beauty surrounding the waterfall makes it an ideal spot for both amateur and professional photographers, with the Kunhar River flowing through the area, further enhancing the picturesque scenery.
Batakundi enchants visitors with its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and rich cultural experiences, which are just 15 km east of Naran.
During their stay, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local festivities, relish traditional music and dance performances, and delve into the folklore during engaging storytelling sessions. Evening entertainment often revolves around gathering around cozy campfires for stargazing, with special live music shows added for an even more enjoyable experience.
The Upper Kaghan Valley is a stunning destination nestled in the mountainous region of Naran, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures that draw travelers from around the world. This valley has high-altitude spots where visitors can truly witness the splendor of nature.
Among the must-visit spots is Saif ul Malook Lake, where photographers can capture the mesmerizing reflections of the mountains in its crystal-clear waters. On the contrary, Upper Kaghan Valley offers sweeping panoramic views of the valleys below.
For those keen on photographing Jalkhad Waterfall, they can expect:
Adventure seekers can enjoy thrilling jeep excursions or horseback riding near the scenic Siri Paye. Additionally, you can visit nearby attractions, such as the captivating Lalazar Meadows and the stunning Sohni and Kiswah Waterfalls.
One of the highlights of summer includes witnessing the sunset at Babusar Top, where clouds form stunning patterns in the sky. Many visitors combine this breathtaking experience with other activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and photography.
One cherished tradition in Naran is mountain tea, which brings warmth and comfort to both the locals and visitors alike. Known as Sideritis, this caffeine-free herbal beverage boasts a mild, sweet taste accompanied by earthy and floral notes. The silvery-green leaves provide a unique velvety texture.
Scattered throughout the undulating landscapes around Naran, the villages of local shepherds offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life. These shepherds maintain age-old practices that have been passed down through generations, enriching the cultural fabric of the region.
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Punjab Tikka House in Naran offers an enjoyable dining experience with rich Pakistani flavors and a cozy atmosphere, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking authentic local cuisine.
Located amidst the stunning scenery of Naran, Moon Restaurant provides a charming dining experience that highlights local flavors. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu, this restaurant is essential for tourists seeking genuine cuisine in breathtaking surroundings.
Gateway Hotel & Restaurant is a key spot for travelers in Naran, featuring a delightful blend of local and international dishes in a picturesque setting. With reasonable prices and a friendly ambiance, it’s suitable for both families and solo travelers.
Situated near the beautiful Saif-ul-Malook Bridge, Subway in Naran offers a refreshing stop for travelers in need of a quick, satisfying meal. Emphasizing fresh ingredients and customizable sandwiches, this fast-food gem is an ideal choice during your exploration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s beautiful landscapes.
Located in the heart of Naran, the Butt Karhayi provides visitors with a wonderful combination of comfort, excellent dining, and stunning natural surroundings. With friendly service and scenic views, it’s a perfect spot for travelers seeking relaxation and authentic local flavors.
