Tour Summary
Naran is one of those valleys that leaves visitors spellbound, with countless scenic spots packed into a small area. This short, smooth group itinerary is built for families and couples β especially travellers with limited time who still want to see the best of the Kaghan region. In three days you visit the legendary Lake Saif ul Malook with its snow-ringed landscape, the vast and striking Lulusar Lake on the way up to Babusar Top, and the Siri Paye meadows above Shogran β the valley's most famous sights at a nominal price.
Pakistan's northern areas have gained tremendous popularity among travellers compared with other Asian destinations. For those flying in to join the tour, Airblue offers budget-friendly fares, while PIA, Serene Air and AirSial are further options for reaching Islamabad.
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1 β Islamabad to Kaghan Valley
Meet and greet in Islamabad at 7:00 am, departing for Naran at 7:30 am (282 km, 6β7 hrs). En route, stop at Mansehra (3,570 ft above sea level, the 71st largest city of Pakistan) and Balakot, set among small hamlets in terraced mountains with the Kunhar River running through β full of scenic photo spots β plus a stop at Kiwai waterfall. Arrive in Naran by evening: a valley of lush green mountains, waterfalls and forests at 7,904 ft, where summer temperatures rarely exceed 15Β°C and the annual average is 10.1Β°C. Take an evening walk through Naran bazaar with its restaurants, handicraft and dry-fruit shops. Overnight at the hotel.
- 2
Day 2 β Saif ul Malook and Babusar Top
After an early breakfast, ride jeeps up to Saif ul Malook Lake (3 hrs return) β a heavenly turquoise lake whose Sufi folk tale tells of a Persian prince who fell in love with a fairy princess at its shore. Then continue towards Babusar Top at 13,700 ft (66 km, 2 hrs 30 min one way), passing Batakundi (a newly developed tourist resort) and the small hamlet of Besal, and visiting the magnificent Lulusar Lake, headwater source of the River Kunhar. At Babusar Top β the highest easily accessible point in Kaghan Valley, linking Gilgit-Baltistan with KPK via Thak Nala on the KKH β minimum temperatures hover around 3Β°C. After time at the top, return to Naran by the same route for the night.
- 3
Day 3 β Shogran, Siri Paye and return to Islamabad
Drive back towards Shogran (76 km, 2 hrs 30 min), switching to 4WD jeeps at Kiwai for the Shogran and Siri Paye Meadows section. Spend time at the meadows and nearby valleys, then begin the return to Islamabad via Balakot, Mansehra, the Hazara Expressway and Motorway M-1 (230 km, 4 hrs 30 min), with a brief stop on the banks of the Kunhar River near Balakot. Late-evening arrival in Islamabad with drop-off at the designated point. End of tour.
Price & Inclusions
Price Includes
- Accommodation on quad-sharing basis (Hotel Home)
- 2 Pakistani breakfasts
- Coaster transport
- Fuel, toll taxes and parking fees
- Dedicated driver
- 4WD jeeps for Saif ul Malook Lake and ShogranβSiri Paye Meadows
Not Included
- Entry fees/tickets and porters for personal equipment or luggage
- Extra expenses caused by landsliding or roadblocks
- Extra expenses due to acts of nature, or religious or political events
- Lunch, dinner, mineral water, side orders, laundry, telephone calls, or any other service not listed above β charged separately
Child Policy
- Children under 7 sharing the parents' room travel free (maximum 2 children per room)
- Children aged 7β12 are charged 50% of the adult cost
- Children above 12 are treated as adults
- The price does not include breakfast for children
Terms & Conditions
Please read and agree to the tour terms carefully before booking. The key conditions are:
- Any change in the tour plan results in a change of cost, reflected in the invoice; allow roughly 3β4 hours of variation either way when travelling in hilly areas. Participants must behave appropriately throughout the activities.
- All members must take extra care of the local environment β garbage (tins, water bottles, wrappers, etc.) must be disposed of properly without polluting water sources.
- Itineraries may be affected by factors beyond the hosts' control; the organisers are not responsible in such situations.
- On steep mountain ascents, vehicle air-conditioning runs on an on-off basis to prevent overheating.
- Every possible care is taken for participants' safety, but unforeseen natural hazards such as avalanches, crevasse falls or other accidents cannot be ruled out; the company, group leader and organisers are not liable for such incidents.
- The organisers are not responsible for theft, loss or damage to personal belongings during the trip.
- Weather, local politics, transport or other factors beyond the organisers' control can force itinerary changes; substantial alteration is unlikely, but if needed, the leader and guide will decide the best alternative in the interest of the whole group.
- The organisers reserve the right to use event photos for electronic/digital media.
- Smoking in transport is strictly prohibited.
- The organisers reserve the right to remove any participant due to indiscipline.