Batakundi is a small village on the N-15, about 15 km above Naran on the road to Babusar, sitting at 2,624 metres. It has a handful of hotels, a jeep stand for the Lalazar meadows, and a much quieter feel than Naran's bazaar, which is why some travellers choose to stay here instead of in Naran itself.
This guide covers what Batakundi offers, who it suits as a base, and how the Lalazar jeep track works from here.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 2,624 m |
| Distance from Naran | About 15 km |
| Character | Small village, a few hotels, far quieter than Naran bazaar |
| Lalazar jeep track | Starts here, about 4.2 km, 35 to 45 minutes each way |
| Season | Naran valley's summer season; Batakundi is said to stay open through winter more reliably than points further up |
Why stay in Batakundi instead of Naran
Naran's bazaar is the valley's main hub: more hotels, more restaurants, more traffic, and at peak season a lot more noise and congestion, especially around Eid. Batakundi sits a short drive further up the same road, with far fewer buildings and far fewer people, and it puts you closer to two things many visitors are actually there for: the Lalazar jeep track and the road on to Babusar.
For a family or couple who want Naran's scenery without Naran's crowds, or who are heading up to Babusar early the next morning and don't want to fight through bazaar traffic to start, Batakundi is a reasonable trade. What it doesn't have is Naran's range of restaurants and shops, so plan to eat where you're staying or bring supplies with you.
What is actually in Batakundi
It is a working village on the highway rather than a tourist town, with a small number of hotels and a government rest house, plus roadside stalls. It is not a base for nightlife or shopping; it is a base for sleeping somewhere quiet and starting early the next day.
Batakundi is also known locally as one of the more resilient points in the upper valley through the colder months, staying accessible later into the year than settlements further up towards Babusar, though the whole valley above it still shuts down for winter once snow closes the road.
The Lalazar jeep track starts here
Lalazar is a high meadow plateau at around 3,123 metres, reached by an unpaved jeep track that climbs steeply from Batakundi. The track itself is short, about 4.2 km, but steep and rough enough that it takes 35 to 45 minutes each way by jeep, and ordinary cars cannot manage it.
If Lalazar is on your plan, staying in Batakundi cuts out the drive from Naran to the jeep stand, which matters if you want an early start before the meadow gets crowded or before afternoon cloud comes in. Our guide to Lalazar covers the meadow itself, what there is to do there, and how the jeep fare and timing work.
Getting to and from Batakundi
Batakundi sits directly on the N-15 between Naran and Babusar, so any transport already running that road passes through it: your own car, a hired car with driver, or a jeep arranged from Naran. There is no separate journey to plan; it is simply a stop, or a base, on the road you would be travelling anyway.
Coming from Naran, allow 20 to 30 minutes on a normal drive. Continuing north from Batakundi, the road carries on through Jalkhad and Lulusar Lake to Babusar Top, covered in our Babusar Pass guide.
Is Batakundi worth it as a base?
For most short visits to Naran, staying in Naran itself is simpler: more choice of hotels and food, and easy access to Saif-ul-Malook and the bazaar. Batakundi suits a narrower group well: travellers going up to Lalazar who want an early start, anyone heading to Babusar the next morning who would rather skip Naran's traffic at dawn, and anyone who has already seen Naran and wants a quieter night further up the valley.
It is a poor choice if you want restaurants, shopping or an evening out, and it is not the place to arrive without a hotel already sorted, since the choice of rooms is far smaller than in Naran.
For fitting Batakundi and Lalazar into a wider Kaghan itinerary, our trip planning page is the place to start.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Batakundi from Naran?
About 15 km, roughly 20 to 30 minutes by road on the N-15 towards Babusar.
Is Batakundi a good base for visiting Lalazar?
Yes. The Lalazar jeep track starts directly in Batakundi, so staying here saves the drive up from Naran before the jeep ride.
Are there hotels in Batakundi?
Yes, a small number of hotels and a government rest house, far fewer than in Naran. Book ahead in peak season, since choice is limited.
Can you reach Batakundi in an ordinary car?
Yes. It sits on the paved N-15, the same road used to reach Naran and continue towards Babusar.
Does Batakundi stay open in winter?
It is known locally for staying accessible later into the season than points further up the valley, but the road above Naran still closes for winter once snow sets in, so check current conditions before planning an off-season visit.
