A Naran bike trip from Islamabad covers roughly 260 to 285 km one way: the Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, then the N-15 valley road through Balakot and Kaghan town to Naran. Riders in good condition on a capable bike manage it in six to eight hours, with the motorway section quick and the last 120 km of mountain road, narrow and bend after bend, taking longer than everything before it.
This guide covers the route, where to fuel up, what to wear for the cold, and what the ride beyond Naran towards Babusar Top is like.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Distance from Islamabad | About 260 to 285 km one way |
| Riding time | 6 to 8 hours with stops, on a normal weekday |
| Route | M-1, Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, N-15 via Balakot |
| Last fuel before the high valley | Naran |
| Best months | June and September |
| Babusar Top by bike | Possible for an experienced rider in a capable bike, in season |
The route
From Islamabad, take the M-1 towards Peshawar and join the Hazara Motorway at the Hazara interchange near Burhan, riding through to the Mansehra interchange. This part is fast, wide and well surfaced, and best ridden early, before the day's traffic and heat build up. Leaving the motorway at Mansehra, pick up the N-15 signposted for Balakot and Naran, and from there it is a single road up the Kunhar valley through Balakot, Kiwai, Kaghan town and on to Naran.
Our Islamabad to Naran road guide covers the same route stage by stage with timings that apply equally to a car or a bike, and it is worth reading before you ride it for the first time.
Fuel and where to stop
Fuel is reliable as far as Mansehra and Balakot, with regular petrol stations along the motorway and through the towns of the lower valley. Above Balakot, stations thin out, and Naran itself has the last fuel point before the road climbs towards Batakundi, Lulusar and Babusar Top. Fill up fully in Naran before riding any further up the valley, whatever the plan for the rest of the day.
Good stopping points on the way up are Balakot, for breakfast and a proper rest, and the tea stalls at the Kiwai waterfall, both easy places to get off the bike, warm up or cool down, and check the road ahead.
Gear for the cold and the climb
Riding exposes you to the cold far more than driving does, and Naran's evenings are cool even in midsummer. Pack and wear:
- A proper riding jacket with a removable liner, layered underneath rather than relied on alone
- Waterproof over-trousers or a riding suit rated for rain, since monsoon showers are common in July and August
- Full-finger gloves, ideally two pairs, a lighter pair for the ride up and a warmer pair for Babusar or an early start
- A buff or neck gaiter and a properly fitted helmet with a clear visor for changeable light
- Good boots, since the valley road has loose gravel, wet patches and occasional livestock on the road
If you plan to ride beyond Naran towards Babusar Top, add a warmer base layer; the top of the pass sits at 4,173 metres and is markedly colder and windier than the town, whatever the temperature was on the motorway.
Riding beyond Naran: Babusar Top
The road from Naran towards Babusar Top is paved the whole way and manageable for a rider with mountain experience and a bike in good mechanical order, in season. It climbs past Batakundi, Lulusar Lake and the high Gittidas meadows before a series of tight hairpins onto the pass itself. Traffic on this stretch is only permitted in daylight, and the road has been closed to travel between 6 pm and 6 am in recent seasons, so plan to be back down well before dark.
A few points specific to riding it: check the brakes before leaving Naran and use engine braking on the descent rather than riding the brakes continuously; watch for gravel on the bends, especially early in the season or after rain; keep the stop at the top brief, since the altitude is real; and if cloud or rain comes in, start back down rather than waiting it out at height.
Our Babusar Pass guide covers the full drive in detail, including the altitude and what to expect at the top, and applies just as much to a rider as a driver.
When to ride
June and September give the best combination of open roads, manageable weather and lighter traffic, and our guide to the best time to visit Naran covers the rest of the year. July and August add monsoon rain, which is a real hazard on a bike: wet tarmac, reduced visibility and the chance of a landslide closing the road for hours. If you do ride in the monsoon months, check the forecast before setting out each day and be ready to wait out bad weather at a stop rather than push through it.
Is a bike trip to Naran worth it?
Yes, for a confident rider who is comfortable on mountain roads and travels light. It is a genuinely good ride: fast motorway to start, then a long, winding valley road with the Kunhar alongside for most of the way, and the option of pushing on to Babusar Top for one of the more memorable rides in the country. It suits experienced riders travelling solo or in a small group more than a first long-distance ride, since the valley road demands concentration and a tired rider is the biggest risk on the way back down.
If a bike trip is not for everyone in your group, our Naran and Kaghan itineraries set out the same route and stops for those travelling by car, and if you would like help planning the dates around the season, send us your plans.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Naran from Islamabad by bike?
Roughly 260 to 285 km one way, mostly on the M-1 and the Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, then about 120 km of mountain road on the N-15 to Naran.
How long does the ride take?
Six to eight hours on a normal day for a rider comfortable on mountain roads, including stops for fuel and food. Add time on summer weekends and during Eid.
Where is the last fuel stop before Babusar?
Naran. There is no reliable fuel beyond the town on the road towards Batakundi, Lulusar or Babusar Top, so fill up fully before riding further.
Can a normal motorbike reach Babusar Top?
Yes, in season, if the bike is in good mechanical order and the rider has mountain experience. The road is paved all the way, but narrow, cold and windy at the top.
What is the best time for a Naran bike trip?
June and September, for open roads and manageable weather. July and August add monsoon rain, which is a genuine hazard for riders, so check the forecast before setting out.
Is night riding on the Naran to Babusar road allowed?
No. Traffic on that stretch has been restricted to daylight hours in recent seasons, so plan to be back down well before dark.
