A holiday in the Kaghan Valley, the Himalayan hideaway north-east of the Hazara district, is an unforgettable experience. Its mountains, dales, lakes, waterfalls, streams and glaciers are still in an unbelievably pristine state — an unspoiled paradise.
The valley extends for 155 km, rising from an elevation of 2,134 meters to its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4,173 meters.
The Kunhar river runs the whole length of the valley, from Lulusar Lake down to Balakot. Beyond the Babusar Pass the road drops to Chilas on the Indus and the Karakoram Highway — in summer, the most scenic route to Gilgit.
Is Kaghan Valley right for you?
- Suggested time
- 3 – 5 days
- Activity level
- Easy sightseeing and short walks, such as to Lake Saiful Muluk
- Best for
- A summer escape close to Islamabad — families and shorter trips
- When to go
- May – September
Combines well withGilgit ValleyHunza Valley
Compare Kaghan Valley with another destination →Places to see
Shogran
The first stop, 34 km from Balakot at 2,362 meters above sea level, a forest plateau with views across the valley.
Siri Paye
High meadows above Shogran, reached by jeep or on foot, with views of Malika Parbat.
Kaghan
The little village that gives the valley its name, 61 km from Balakot — a chance to stretch your legs.
Naran
23 km beyond Kaghan, the base for the whole valley, with access to picturesque lakes, valleys and peaks.
Lake Saiful Muluk
The valley’s most famous lake, a jeep ride above Naran beneath Malika Parbat, the “Queen of the Mountains”. Legend tells of Prince Saiful Muluk, who fell in love with a fairy princess here.
Lulusar Lake
The largest lake in the valley and the source of the Kunhar river, on the road to the Babusar Pass.
Dudipatsar Lake
A remote alpine lake ringed by snowy peaks, reached on foot from Besal — one of the most beautiful treks in the region.
Babusar Pass
The top of the valley at 4,173 meters. On a clear day Nanga Parbat can be seen to the north.
Good to know
- Best time to visit
- Kaghan is at its best from May to September. From mid-July to the end of September the road beyond Naran is open right up to the Babusar Pass.
- How to get there
- Drive to Abbottabad (122 km from Islamabad, 217 km from Peshawar), then 72 km on to Balakot, the gateway to the valley. At Balakot, switch to a jeep for the drive up to Kaghan.
- Fishing
- Brown trout and mahseer are stocked in the pure waters; the trout of the Kunhar river is considered among the best in South Asia. Fresh trout cooked by the river is a Naran speciality.
- Where to stay
- There are hotels at Balakot, Shogran and Naran, and plenty of good camping in the upper valley.
Header photo: Lulusar Lake, near Naran — irfan muhammad, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons