Naran in April is still winter in most respects. The road above Kaghan usually reopens some time in the second half of the month, hotels are only starting to return, snow lies on the ground and Saif ul Malook is normally still shut. If you want snow and empty streets and are happy with a limited trip, April can work. If you want lakes, Babusar or a full set of open hotels, it is too early.
This guide covers what has happened in recent Aprils, what is and is not open, and what to do about hotels. For the year as a whole, see our best time to visit Naran.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Average daytime high | About 11°C (climate averages) |
| Average night low | About minus 1°C |
| Average April precipitation | About 101 mm, one of the wettest months |
| Road to Naran | Reopened late April in 2026; around 21 April in 2025 |
| Saif ul Malook | Usually still closed by snow and glaciers |
| Babusar Top | Closed until late May in recent years |
Is Naran open in April?
Partly. Kaghan and Balakot are open, and Shogran is reachable. The road up to Naran is the uncertain part. Every winter it is closed by snow and glaciers, and the National Highway Authority and the Kaghan Development Authority clear it with machinery in spring.
In 2026, an article on 20 April said traffic on the Mansehra to Naran road was expected to resume within days, after about six months, and that full restoration would take four to five weeks. Hoteliers were returning to prepare, and police posts were being reactivated. In 2025 reports put the reopening at around 21 April. So a trip in the first half of April may find the road closed, and one in the last week may find it just open.
How much snow is there in April?
Enough to matter, and it can surprise you. Snow fell in early April 2026, after three days of rain, and left over 10 inches at Naran Bazaar and about 6 inches at Siri Paye. Visitors kept arriving, and the Kaghan Development Authority put staff at vulnerable points and advised people to check the weather before going higher.
Climate averages show why: a daytime high of about 11°C, nights around freezing, and about 101 mm of precipitation, which at Naran's altitude of 2,409 metres often falls as snow. Expect wet roads, ice in the mornings and cloud that hides the peaks.
What is open and what is not
- Kaghan, Balakot and Shogran: open, with quieter hotels and roads.
- Naran town: depends on the road date. Some hotels reopen late April; others wait until May.
- Saif ul Malook: normally not yet. On 20 April 2026 the lake was reported inaccessible because of snow and landslides, and on 25 April sections of the track were still blocked by glaciers with no reopening date.
- Batakundi and beyond: usually later still. The Kaghan highway was expected to reopen to Batakundi only in the days after 25 April 2026.
- Babusar Top: closed. It reopened on 23 May in 2025 and 25 May in 2026.
The lake opening is what most people are after, so if it is your reason for going, wait until late May or June. See our Naran in May guide and our Naran road open or closed guide.
What about hotel rates in April?
We could not find a reliable, published set of April rates to quote, so we have not printed one. What can be said is that April is off-season: demand is low, many hotels are shut or only partly open, and the ones that operate have the least reason to charge summer prices. Bargaining is realistic on weekdays, and some places may not have heating, hot water or a kitchen running yet.
Ask specific questions when you book: is the road open, is heating working, is hot water available, and what is the price for the nights you want? Our Naran hotels guide covers areas, and our trip cost guide covers budgeting. Get the price in writing by message before you drive.
Who should go in April, and who should not
It suits people who want snow, quiet and low prices, and who are happy to make Kaghan or Shogran the base if the road is shut. It suits travellers with a vehicle in good order and a flexible schedule.
It does not suit families who want to see Saif ul Malook, anyone wanting to cross Babusar, or anyone on a fixed date. For Shogran instead, our Shogran valley guide is a better fit for early spring.
What to pack
- A heavy jacket, thermals, gloves and a hat
- Waterproof boots
- A rain jacket, since April is wet
- A full tank and a phone charger
Frequently asked questions
Is Naran open in April?
Partly. The road above Kaghan usually reopens in the second half of April, and the hotels reopen after that, so check first.
Does it snow in Naran in April?
Yes. In early April 2026, Naran Bazaar had over 10 inches of snow after a few days of rain.
Is Saif ul Malook open in April?
Usually not. In late April 2026 the track was still blocked by glaciers, and reopening comes in May in most years.
Is Babusar Top open in April?
No. It reopened on 23 May in 2025 and 25 May in 2026.
Is April a cheap time to visit Naran?
Probably, since it is off-season, but specific rates could not be verified. Ask each hotel for a written price and confirm that heating and hot water are working.
