Green valleys, the famous Saif-ul-Malook lake, and the high Babusar Pass — the popular Kaghan Valley route that doubles as a scenic gateway on the way to Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Kaghan Valley, with the town of Naran at its centre, is one of Pakistan's most popular summer destinations. It sits in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa rather than Gilgit-Baltistan itself, but it's a natural gateway: the road over Babusar Pass connects Kaghan to the Karakoram Highway, so many GB trips begin or end here. A tour blends easy green-valley scenery with a taste of the high mountains.
A typical itinerary takes in Naran town, the much-photographed Saif-ul-Malook lake above it, Lulusar Lake, and the crossing of Babusar Pass for sweeping views. Because it's accessible and family-friendly, it's a gentler trip than the deeper GB tours — and an easy add-on before continuing north toward Hunza or Fairy Meadows.
| Getting there | Drive from Islamabad up the Kaghan Valley to Naran — a half to full day depending on traffic and stops. |
| Saif-ul-Malook | A short, rough 4WD trip (or hike) from Naran up to the alpine lake — the trip's signature stop. |
| Babusar Pass | Day excursion over the high pass, often with a stop at Lulusar Lake en route. |
| Optional onward | Continue over Babusar to join the Karakoram Highway toward Gilgit and the rest of GB. |
| Return | Drive back down to Islamabad, or carry on north if extending the trip. |
Treat this as a general shape. Babusar Pass is seasonal and weather-dependent, and operators adjust the route accordingly.
Most Naran-Kaghan tours include transport with a driver from Islamabad, accommodation in Naran, some meals, and a coordinator or guide. The rough Saif-ul-Malook track usually needs a local 4WD, which may be a separate line item.
Commonly excluded: the Saif-ul-Malook jeep if not bundled, personal expenses, tips, and insurance. In peak summer Naran gets very busy and prices rise, so book ahead. As with every tour, costs vary with group size, season, and hotel standard — treat figures as broad ranges and get a current, itemised quote.
Ask whether the Saif-ul-Malook jeep is included, what Naran accommodation you'll get (quality and price vary a lot in peak season), and whether Babusar Pass is realistic for your dates given snow and weather. If you plan to continue into GB, choose an operator who can handle the whole route rather than just the Kaghan leg.
Naran is busy and competitive, so compare a couple of quotes. When you're ready, get a vetted quote, or map the whole gateway-to-GB route yourself with the free trip planner.
Most tours run 3 to 6 days, covering the drive from Islamabad, Naran, Saif-ul-Malook lake, and a Babusar Pass excursion. Allow more time if you continue over the pass into Gilgit-Baltistan.
June to September is the main season. Babusar Pass and the higher lakes are usually snowbound and closed outside summer, so the window is shorter than for lower destinations.
No — Kaghan Valley is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. But it's a popular gateway: the road over Babusar Pass links it to the Karakoram Highway, so many GB trips pass through it.
Typically transport from Islamabad, accommodation in Naran, some meals, and a guide. The rough Saif-ul-Malook jeep, tips, and insurance may be extra. Check each quote carefully.
Costs vary with group size, season, and hotel standard, and Naran is pricier in peak summer, so any figure is only a broad range. Get a current, itemised quote from a vetted operator.