Naran, Kaghan and Babusar in 3 days

Usually from about June until the first heavy snow in October or November. In 2025 the NHA cleared the road and reopened it in late May after a seven-month closure; in 2026 it was shut again until 6 June for clearing, and snow closed it at Gittidas on 13 October. Short closures for snow or landslides can happen even in August, so we check with Mansehra and Diamer police the evening before.

It is an 11 km unpaved track from Naran, with snow and glacier patches early in the season, and the Kaghan Development Authority clears it each spring. Only local four-wheel-drive jeeps go up. In late July 2026 a flash flood washed away part of it and tourists in about 200 jeeps had to be brought down; the road was closed for repairs. If it is shut, we tell you the evening before and you can start home earlier instead.

You sleep at Naran, about 2,400 m, and only stop at Babusar Top (4,173 m) for a short time before coming back down. Most people feel short of breath walking uphill there, and some get a headache that goes on the descent. It is cold and windy at the top even in July, so bring a warm layer. If anyone in the group has a heart or lung condition, ask a doctor first and tell us.

Naran is a summer town. Hotels and restaurants close from about November, electricity and services are cut back, and police posts beyond Kaghan town are removed; in December 2025 the district administration said visitors could go only as far as Kaghan. In April and May the town reopens but Babusar is still closed and Saif ul Malook may not be cleared, so we only run this trip from June.

The N-15 is a paved national highway, but it is narrow and steep above Naran, with long descents where brakes overheat, which is why we use experienced mountain drivers. Babusar and the Kaghan Valley are not on the UK government's list of areas to avoid. In heavy monsoon rain the Kunhar rises and side streams can block the road, so we keep the plan flexible and follow police advice.

There is mobile signal in Naran town and along much of the valley road, but it drops above Batakundi and on the jeep track. Draw cash before Naran, as cards are rarely accepted. Pack a warm jacket, a hat and good shoes even in July, because Babusar and the lakes are much colder than Naran, plus rain gear for the monsoon months.