Naran: A Complete Guide

Naran is the great tourist hub of the Kaghan Valley. This mountain town rests high on the banks of the Kunhar River. Hotels, bazaars and jeep stops fill its streets. This town serves as the base for the famous lakes and passes. Thousands of visitors flock here every summer. This guide covers Naran for the curious traveller. It explains the setting the river the lakes the upper valley the activities and how to visit.

This guide offers a general overview. Details and figures vary between sources.

Quick answer: Naran is a town in the upper Kaghan Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, set on the Kunhar River at around 2,400 metres. It is the main tourist hub of the valley with over a hundred hotels and a lively bazaar. From here, jeeps set out for Lake Saif ul Malook and the high pass of Babusar Top. Its Kunhar River draws anglers and rafters. Naran comes alive in summer from around June to September. Snow closes the town in winter.

Naran hub of the valley

Naran rests high in the upper Kaghan Valley. It is located in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Around 2,400 metres lift the town above the sea. Snowy peaks and green slopes ring the valley.

A busy town fills the valley floor. Hotels and shops crowd the main street. Jeep drivers wait to carry visitors up. Bazaars hum with trade through the summer.

A great base draws the traveller here. Naran opens the way to the famous lakes. Roads and tracks climb to the heights around. Few towns serve so many wonders nearby.

A short season brings the crowds. Summer fills the town with visitors. Winter buries the roads in deep snow. So the town wakes and sleeps with the seasons.

On the banks of the Kunhar

Naran rests beside the rushing Kunhar River. Glacier melt swells its cool water. This stream winds through the heart of the town. Its flow shapes the life of the valley.

A cold river draws the keen angler. Trout swim in its clear, cold water. Fishermen cast along its banks with permits. Fresh catches grace the tables of the town.

Rafters ride the rushing river too. White water thrills the bold visitor, while gentle stretches suit the beginner. A lively river offers sport for every level.

Green banks reward a gentle stroll. Riverside spots invite a picnic and cool breezes drift off the water. Grand peaks rise beyond the flowing stream.

Lakes within reach in Naran

Naran opens the way to famous lakes. Jeeps climb the rough tracks to their shores. Clear water gleams beneath the peaks. Each lake rewards the traveller who reaches it.

Saif ul Malook is the jewel of them all. A jeep track climbs some nine kilometres from town. Deep blue water reflects the high peaks. A famous legend clings to its shores.

Lulusar gleams far up the valley. This lake feeds the Kunhar River far below. Snowy mountains ring its clear water. Fewer crowds reach this distant lake.

Ansoo Lake hides high among the peaks. Its shape recalls a falling teardrop. A long, hard trek leads up to it. Only the fit should attempt the climb.

Road to Babusar

Naran opens the road towards Babusar Top. This high pass crowns the Kaghan Valley. It links the valley to Gilgit Baltistan. Grand views reward those who reach it.

Batakundi rests along the upper road. Green meadows spread around the village. Streams and waterfalls grace the country. Budget hotels welcome the passing traveller.

Babusar Top crowns the head of the valley. This pass climbs to over four thousand metres. Snowy peaks stretch out on every side. Views reach far towards Gilgit Baltistan.

A high road opens only in summer. Late June to October clears the pass. Snow shuts the route for the rest of the year. Travellers plan the crossing with care.

Adventures from Naran

Naran is a fine base for adventure. Trails climb to lakes and high meadows. Rivers and passes call to the bold. This town suits every kind of visitor.

Trekkers set out for the high country. Paths climb to Ansoo Lake and beyond. Guides help on the harder routes. Fine views reward every step upward.

Jeep safaris explore the rugged tracks. Drivers climb to the lakes and passes. Riders enjoy the thrill and the scenery. Rough roads reach where cars cannot go.

Gentler joys fill the valley too. Anglers fish for trout in the river. Families picnic in the green meadows. Photographers find beauty at every turn.

Where to stay and how to arrive in Naran

Come in summer for the finest weather. June to September opens the whole valley. Roads stay clear and the meadows turn green. Winter shuts the town under deep snow.

Reach Naran through Mansehra and Balakot. Roads climb from there along the Kunhar. A long drive from Islamabad takes many hours. A winding route follows the river north.

Find a room to suit your purse. Naran holds over a hundred hotels. Luxury lodges and simple motels both await. Tent camps offer a cheaper night.

Plan your days with care. Early starts help beat the mountain traffic. Jeeps serve the lakes and high passes. Bring warm clothes and cash for the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Naran? Naran is a town in the upper Kaghan Valley, in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is set on the banks of the Kunhar River at an altitude of around 2,400 metres. This town is the main tourist hub of the valley, serving as a base for visiting the famous lakes and passes of the area. Ringed by snow capped peaks and green slopes the town draws thousands of visitors each summer. It rests around 85 kilometres from Balakot at the mouth of the valley. A road climbs to it through the city of Mansehra.

What can you do in Naran? Naran offers a wide range of activities, making it a favourite base for adventure and sightseeing in the Kaghan Valley. From the town, visitors can take jeep trips to Lake Saif ul Malook and the high pass of Babusar Top. Longer treks reach more distant lakes such as Ansoo and Lulusar. A great river the Kunhar, flows through the town and draws trout anglers and white water rafters. Green meadows and riverbanks offer fine spots for picnics and photography. A lively bazaar is a good place to shop for local handicrafts and to sample the food of the area.

How far is Lake Saif ul Malook from Naran? Lake Saif ul Malook rests around nine kilometres from Naran Bazaar, reached by a rough jeep track. This climbs up to the lake in around thirty to forty five minutes. This track can be dusty and bumpy, so most visitors hire a local jeep rather than attempt it in an ordinary car. Set at an altitude of around 3,224 metres the lake is famous for its deep blue water. This mirror reflects the peak of Malika Parbat on clear days. A famous legend tells of Prince Saiful Malook. A visit to the lake is one of the highlights of any trip to Naran.

When is the best time to visit Naran? A best time to visit Naran is in summer from around June to September, when the weather is pleasant the roads are clear and the whole valley is open. During these months the town is at its liveliest with hotels, jeeps and bazaars in full swing. A high road to Babusar Top usually opens from late June to October. Winter from around November to April, brings heavy snow that blocks the roads and closes the town to most visitors. Those hoping to see the lakes and cross the high pass should plan their trip for the summer months.

How do you get to Naran? Naran is reached by road, most travellers driving from Islamabad through the city of Mansehra and the town of Balakot at the mouth of the Kaghan Valley. From Balakot the road climbs along the Kunhar River, passing through forests and villages on the way up to Naran. A full journey from Islamabad usually takes around seven to nine hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. In the summer season, public transport and buses also run to Naran from Mansehra and Rawalpindi. Jeeps and taxis await for the onward trips to the lakes and passes.

Gateway to the fairy lakes

Naran is the gateway to the fairy lakes of Kaghan. This mountain town rests on the banks of the Kunhar. Hotels, bazaars and jeep stops fill its streets. It opens the way to the famous lakes and passes. Thousands of visitors flock here every summer. Few towns serve so many wonders at their door.

You may come to Naran for the lakes the river or the peaks. This town rewards the visit either way. You can ride a jeep up to Saif ul Malook. You can cross the high pass of Babusar Top. You can fish for trout in the rushing Kunhar. Come to Naran and discover the gateway to the fairy lakes. This is the tourist heart of Kaghan.