Guide
Islamabad to Naran and Kaghan by Car With Driver: Route, Saiful Muluk and Babusar Top
Naran and Kaghan are the most requested family trip in northern Pakistan. The road is long, the traffic is heavy in summer weekends and the last stretches are steep. A driver who knows the valley turns it into a relaxed holiday.
Last updated: · SAAD CAR RENTAL SERVICES
The short answer
The route
Plan a long first day with a lunch stop in Abbottabad or Balakot.
- Islamabad to Abbottabad by motorway, then Mansehra.
- Mansehra to Balakot, where the Kaghan valley road starts.
- Balakot to Naran along the Kunhar river, with the road getting steeper and narrower.
What to see around Naran
- Saiful Muluk Lake: the last stretch is by local jeep.
- Lalazar and the Kunhar river in Naran.
- Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top, open only in the warm months.
- Shogran and Siri Paye meadows on a separate day.
Best time to go
The main season is roughly June to September. Snow can block the upper valley outside those months, and landslides can happen in heavy rain. Check the road status before leaving.
Which vehicle suits Naran
A 4x4 SUV is comfortable on the steep road: Prado, Fortuner or Land Cruiser for families, a Coaster for bigger groups. A Corolla can manage the main road in dry weather, but an SUV gives more comfort and ground clearance.
Prado with driver → · Fortuner with driver → · Coaster for groups →
Families, couples and groups
Naran is popular with families and honeymoon couples, and with groups of friends. Tell us the number of passengers and luggage, and whether elders or children travel, and we plan stops and timing accordingly. SAAD CAR RENTAL SERVICES is based in G-11 Markaz, Islamabad, and provides every vehicle with an experienced professional driver, for visitors from abroad, overseas Pakistanis, families and groups.
How to book
Send your dates, pickup point and passengers by WhatsApp or the Book Now form, and we reply with a quote for the whole trip.
Choose your car for Naran and book directly
Every car comes with a professional driver. Press Book to open the booking form with the car and the trip already filled in.
PradoA comfortable, capable SUV that suits families, business trips and city-to-city journeysFamily travel · Northern areas · Long-distance tripsBook Prado with driver
Toyota FortunerA practical seven-seat SUV for families, airport pickups, hill roads and intercity journeysFamily travel · Northern areas · Long-distance tripsBook Toyota Fortuner with driver
Land Cruiser V8 2018 ModelA premium full-size SUV for comfort on long drives, weddings and executive travelNorthern areas · Family travel · VIP / executiveBook Land Cruiser V8 2018 Model with driver- Real photos on request
Ask us on WhatsAppCoasterA group vehicle for families, tours, events and wedding guests (available on request)Group travel · Family groups · Corporate groupsBook Coaster with driver
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for Naran?
Plan three days: one to drive up, one for Saiful Muluk and Lalazar, and one to return. Add a day for Babusar Top or Shogran.
Can I go to Saiful Muluk in my own car?
The last stretch is normally done by local jeep. Your driver arranges the plan with you.
When is Babusar Top open?
Typically only in the warm months. Ask us before you travel because it depends on snow.
Is the Naran road safe for families?
It is a busy mountain road. With an experienced driver, a suitable SUV and an early start, thousands of families travel it every summer. Always check the weather.
Can you pick us up from Rawalpindi or the airport?
Yes. Pickup from Islamabad, Rawalpindi or Islamabad Airport can be arranged.
Related pages
Islamabad to Naran Car With DriverBook a car with professional driver from Islamabad or Rawalpindi to Naran→
Car Rental in Naran With DriverCar with professional driver for travel to and from Naran, based in Islamabad: lake Saif-ul-Malook, reached by local jeep for the final stretch.→
Islamabad to Shogran Car With DriverCar with professional driver from Islamabad to Shogran (Kaghan): meadow views and cool air above Kaghan.→
Islamabad to Babusar Top Car With DriverCar with professional driver from Islamabad to Babusar Top (Kaghan): a high pass between Kaghan Valley and Gilgit-Baltistan.→
Northern Pakistan by Car: Itineraries for Hunza, Skardu, Naran and SwatDay-by-day road trip plans from Islamabad to Naran, Swat, Hunza and Skardu, with typical driving times, the best vehicle and when to go.→
Tell us your plan, get a quote
Call, WhatsApp or send the booking form with your pickup, destination and dates.