Multan to Naran is roughly 710 km by road, and even with no stops the drive is around 9 hours 20 minutes on route-planner figures. With meals, prayers, fuel, toll queues and a slow final climb, most families should budget 12 hours or more, and many break the trip with a night near Islamabad or Abbottabad. The last 80 km from Balakot are the slow part.
This post covers the route from Multan, a sensible way to split the journey, buses, and what to check before the Kaghan road. For the valley itself, see our places to visit in Naran.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Distance | About 710 km (route planners quote 709 to 713) |
| Driving time | About 9 hours 20 minutes non-stop; plan 12 hours or more |
| Route | M-4 to Pindi Bhattian, M-2 to Islamabad, Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, then Balakot and Kaghan |
| Balakot to Naran | About 81 km; 2.5 to 3 hours, up to 5 to 6 after heavy rain |
| Bus | Multan to Islamabad, then a bus to Naran; about 13 hours in total (Rome2rio) |
What is the route from Multan to Naran?
- M-4 motorway north. The 309 km M-4 runs from Multan through Khanewal, Abdul Hakeem, Jhang and Faisalabad to Pindi Bhattian, where it meets the M-2.
- M-2 to Islamabad. You follow the M-2 towards Islamabad.
- Hazara Motorway (M-15). From the Hasan Abdal area the M-15 runs via Haripur and Abbottabad to Mansehra.
- Mansehra to Balakot, Kaghan and Naran. Leave the motorway at Mansehra for the Kaghan road.
Route apps may occasionally suggest other combinations. Stay on the motorways to Mansehra and check the toll and any diversion notices on the day.
How long does the drive really take?
The 9 hours 20 minutes figure is a non-stop driving time. Add traffic near Islamabad, toll plazas, meal and prayer breaks and the climb from Balakot, and a realistic day is 12 to 14 hours. On Eid or in July and August, expect the Kaghan road to be crowded; Dawn has reported traffic jams in Kaghan on Eid.
The Balakot to Naran stretch is about 81 km and roughly 2.5 hours in good conditions. Landslides are common near Paras and between Kaghan town and Naran, and a drive that would normally take about 3 hours can stretch to 5 or 6 after a heavy downpour.
Should you break the journey?
For most families, yes. Leaving Multan at dawn and arriving in Naran late at night on a mountain road is not a good plan. Better options:
- Stay near Islamabad or Rawalpindi for the night, then drive the 280 km or so to Naran the next morning.
- Stay in Abbottabad or Mansehra, which shortens the next day to about 120 km from Mansehra.
- Drive to Balakot and go on in the morning if you have children or elderly passengers.
Arriving in daylight matters because the Kaghan road is narrow with drops and no lighting.
Bus from Multan to Naran
Rome2rio shows the cheapest route as a bus from Multan to Islamabad, then a second bus to Naran, about 13 hours in all, with a fare range of roughly USD 14 to 28. Services and prices change, so confirm with the operator. Our Naran bus service guide covers the last leg from Islamabad, and renting a car from Islamabad is another option if you do not want to drive from Multan.
Is the road to Naran open?
The Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad road above Naran closed for winter in November 2025 and was being cleared for the 2026 season, according to a 2026 road guide. In late July 2026 district authorities in Mansehra reported tourist travel toward Saiful Muluk being suspended until conditions improved, with police stationed on the route. Check the situation before leaving; our Naran road open or closed page explains how.
Is the route safe?
Multan to Mansehra follows motorways. The UK government advises against all travel on the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas, which starts north of Mansehra, so do not continue past Mansehra towards Besham or Dasu; the Naran turn at Mansehra is a different road. Check local news and police advice before you go, and take note of weather and landslide warnings for Kaghan. Foreign visitors should check their own government's advice, since it can affect travel insurance.
Is it worth going from Multan?
Yes if you have at least three or four days, and the drive is broken by a night on the way. It is a very long trip for a weekend, and driving both ways in a short holiday leaves little time for the valley. If time is tight, look at nearer hill stations and use the travel guide to compare. If you do go, see our 3-day Naran and Kaghan itinerary, and for the drive from another city see Lahore to Naran by road.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Naran from Multan?
About 710 km by road, using the motorways to Mansehra and then the Kaghan road via Balakot.
How many hours from Multan to Naran?
About 9 hours 20 minutes non-stop, but plan for 12 hours or more with stops and traffic.
Which motorway do I take from Multan to Naran?
The M-4 to Pindi Bhattian, the M-2 to Islamabad and the Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, then the Kaghan road.
Is there a direct bus from Multan to Naran?
The usual route is a bus to Islamabad and a second bus to Naran, about 13 hours in all. Check current services with operators.
Can I drive from Multan to Naran in one day?
It is possible but tiring, and arriving after dark on the Kaghan road is not advisable. Most people stop overnight near Islamabad or Abbottabad.
