Naran, Saif-ul-Malook & Babusar

Naran & Kaghan4 Days / 3 NightsMax 26 travellers

A four-day introduction to the northern valleys — pine forest, a glacial lake and a 4,173 m pass.

Overview

The shortest northern trip we run, and the right first mountain trip for families or anyone with limited leave. Two nights in Naran give enough time for Saif-ul-Malook and Lulusar without spending the whole holiday in a vehicle.

Babusar Pass is included when it is open, usually from late June. The view north from the top towards Nanga Parbat on a clear day is the single best thing on this itinerary.

Trip highlights

Jeep excursion to Lake Saif-ul-Malook
Babusar Pass at 4,173 m, snow permitting
Lulusar Lake and the source of the Kunhar
Riverside stay in Naran

Day-by-day itinerary

Via Abbottabad and Balakot, following the Kunhar River up the Kaghan Valley. Evening arrival and free time in the Naran bazaar.

Meals:: Dinner
Overnight:: Hotel in Naran

What is and is not included

What is included

Three nights’ hotel accommodation on twin-sharing basis
Daily breakfast and dinner
Transport from Islamabad and return
Jeep hire for Saif-ul-Malook
Tour leader throughout

Not included

Lunches
Personal expenses and shopping
Boat rides and horse hire at the lake
Travel insurance

Accommodation, transport and meals

Where you stay

Riverside hotels in Naran with hot water and heating — both worth checking in this valley, where cheaper options frequently lack one or the other.

How you travel

Air-conditioned coach from Islamabad to Naran. The final climb to Saif-ul-Malook is by local 4x4 jeep; the track is rough and not suitable for other vehicles.

Meals

Breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Lunches are at your own choice and cost.

Important information

Naran sits at about 2,400 m and Saif-ul-Malook at 3,224 m. Even in July the lake is cold and the weather can change within the hour — take a warm layer regardless of the temperature in Naran.

The jeep track to the lake is genuinely rough. Anyone with back or neck problems should let us know in advance.

Weekend traffic in July and August is heavy on the single valley road. Our departures leave early to stay ahead of it.

Cancellation policy

Deposits secure your place and cover costs we commit to on your behalf. Our standard terms are:

More than 30 days before departure — the deposit is retained, the balance is refunded in full.
15 to 30 days before departure — 50% of the package price is retained.
Fewer than 15 days before departure — the package price is non-refundable.

Airline tickets, visa fees and non-refundable hotel bookings follow the supplier's own rules, which we will set out in writing at the time of booking. Where a trip cannot proceed because of road closure, weather or a decision by the authorities, we will offer a rescheduled departure or refund whatever we can recover.