The Legend of Lake Saif-ul-Muluk: Where Myth Meets Mountain

Before we talk logistics, you need to understand why Lake Saif-ul-Muluk is not just a lake. It is a story.

Centuries ago, a Persian prince named Saif-ul-Muluk fell deeply in love with a fairy princess named Badi-ul-Jamal, and according to legend, it was at the shores of this very lake that their love story unfolded. The tale was immortalized by the great Punjabi Sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh in his romantic masterpiece of the same name, and to this day the poem is recited across Punjab and KPK at weddings and cultural gatherings. When locals say the lake is enchanted, they are not speaking metaphorically. There is something about the stillness of the water, the mirror-like reflection of Malika Parbat mountain towering above it, and the absolute silence of the surrounding peaks that makes you feel like you have stepped out of the ordinary world entirely.

The lake sits at 3,224 meters above sea level and is accessible only by jeep from Naran town. The track is rough, winding, and exhilarating, and the moment the lake comes into view around the final bend, you will understand why people make this trip year after year.

How to Reach Naran Kaghan

Getting to Naran has become significantly easier over the past few years thanks to improvements on the Hazara Motorway, and the journey itself is very much part of the experience.

If you are traveling from Islamabad, the distance is approximately 240 kilometers. Take the M1 Motorway toward Abbottabad, then continue on the Hazara Motorway to Mansehra, and from there follow the Kunhar River road north all the way to Naran. In good conditions, the drive takes five to six hours. The scenery along the Kunhar River for the last two hours is spectacular in its own right, so take your time and stop wherever the view calls to you.

From Lahore, the total distance is around 420 kilometers, adding roughly two hours to the journey and making it a seven to eight hour drive overall. Many travelers from Lahore prefer to overnight in Abbottabad or Balakot to break up the trip, which also means arriving in Naran refreshed the following morning.

If you prefer not to drive, NATCO coaches run regularly from Rawalpindi's Pir Wadhai terminal to Naran throughout the summer season. Private van services and tour operators also offer comfortable transfers from both Islamabad and Lahore.

One crucial thing to keep in mind: the road from Naran town to Lake Saif-ul-Muluk is a jeep track and cannot be driven in a regular car. You will need to hire a local jeep in Naran, which costs around PKR 3,500 to 5,000 and can comfortably seat four to six passengers.

Ideal Time to Visit Naran Kaghan

The valley has a defined tourist season, and timing your visit correctly makes all the difference.

The road to Naran typically opens in mid-May after winter snowfall has cleared, and stays accessible until late October. Within that window, June through August is the peak season and the best overall time to visit. The days are warm and clear, Lake Saif-ul-Muluk is fully accessible, the valley is at its most lush and green, and all accommodation, restaurants, and jeep services are operating at full capacity. For families and honeymooners, these months offer the most complete experience.

May and September are excellent alternatives for travelers who prefer quieter surroundings. The valley is equally beautiful, the weather is crisp and pleasant, and hotel rates are noticeably lower. September in particular has a lovely late-summer quality, with the first hints of autumn color beginning to appear on the hillsides.

A word of caution about July and August weekends: Naran gets extremely crowded. Traffic jams on the approach road are common, and hotels book up weeks in advance. If you are visiting during peak season, reserve your accommodation at least three to four weeks ahead and try to arrive on a weekday.

Top Places to Visit in Naran Kaghan

Lake Saif-ul-Muluk is the headline attraction and your first priority. Set aside at least two to three hours here. The best time to visit is early morning, before afternoon clouds roll in and before the jeep crowds build up. The light on the water at that hour, with Malika Parbat reflected in the still surface, is one of the most beautiful sights in Pakistan.

Lulusar Lake sits about 50 kilometers north of Naran on the road toward Babusar Top and deserves a dedicated half-day. This wide, calm glacial lake is surrounded by open grassy plains and offers a very different mood from Saif-ul-Muluk – quieter, more remote, and somehow even more serene. Many travelers pass it too quickly on the way to Babusar Top, which is a genuine mistake.

Babusar Top at 4,173 meters marks the boundary between Kaghan Valley and the Chilas-Diamer region. The views on a clear day are among the most dramatic in all of northern Pakistan, with snow-covered peaks stretching in every direction. The road requires a jeep or high-clearance vehicle, and conditions vary by season, but if it is open, it is worth every bit of effort.

Ansoo Lake is for serious trekkers only. Shaped like a teardrop – ansoo means tear in Urdu – this high-altitude lake is inaccessible by road and requires a two-day trek from the Makra Peak base area. The reward is an almost completely undisturbed natural setting that feels entirely removed from the modern world.

Lalazar Plateau is a gently rolling alpine meadow about 10 kilometers from Naran, famous for its summer wildflowers and panoramic views. Accessible by jeep, it is a wonderful option for families with children who want scenic outdoor experience without the intensity of a high-altitude trek.

The Kunhar River runs through the entire length of the valley and is its beating heart. Trout fishing is popular along its banks, riverside picnic spots are plentiful, and several restaurants in Naran serve freshly caught river trout that should not be missed.

What to Eat in Naran

Food in Naran is simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The dish you absolutely must try is fresh river trout – grilled or fried, served with naan and green chutney. It is available at almost every restaurant in the bazaar and costs between PKR 800 and 1,500 depending on size. Beyond trout, the local Pahari cuisine includes thick daal, saag, and freshly baked bread that is perfect fuel for a day of mountain exploring. In the cooler evenings, a cup of thick doodh pati chai from a roadside dhaba is one of those simple pleasures that somehow tastes better in the mountains than anywhere else.

Travel Cost & Budget Breakdown

For a family of four traveling from Islamabad by private car, staying in a mid-range guesthouse, and covering the main attractions over four days, a realistic budget is PKR 60,000 to 100,000 for the full trip. This includes fuel, accommodation at around PKR 6,000 to 8,000 per night, jeep hire to Saif-ul-Muluk and Babusar Top, meals, and incidentals.

Budget travelers sharing transport and staying in basic guesthouses can complete the trip for PKR 20,000 to 30,000 per person over three days, especially when traveling in a group and splitting costs.

Peak season prices (July–August) run 30 to 50 percent higher than the shoulder months, so if budget matters, May or September gives you the same beauty at significantly better value.

Tips Before You Go

Carry warm clothing even in July and August. Temperatures at Lake Saif-ul-Muluk drop sharply after sunset and mornings are cold regardless of the season. A light jacket is the minimum; a proper fleece or sweater is better.

Book your accommodation in advance for peak season travel. Naran has a good range of guesthouses and hotels but they fill up fast during summer weekends. Mosafir can handle your bookings and transfers so you arrive with everything already sorted.

Keep some cash on hand. ATM availability in Naran is limited and connectivity can be unreliable. Carry enough PKR for your entire stay before you leave the city.

Check road conditions before departing, especially if traveling in May or after heavy rainfall. The Naran road and the track to Saif-ul-Muluk can be affected by landslides, and a quick check before you leave saves a wasted journey.

Plan your Naran Kaghan trip with Mosafir.

We take care of road transfers from Islamabad or Lahore, guesthouse bookings, and guided jeep tours to Lake Saif-ul-Muluk and Babusar Top. Mosafir offer all-inclusive trip to Naran Kaghan, so, all you have to do is show up and enjoy the mountains.