Kaghan Valley & Saif ul Maluk Lake Trek
The Valley of Legends — Pakistan's Most Enchanting Lake
From
￥44,280
7 Days
Duration
3,600m
Max Elevation
2–20 pax
Group Size
Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Region
Overview
Kaghan Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is one of Pakistan's most celebrated trekking destinations — a lush green valley cutting north through the Himalayan foothills to some of the finest alpine scenery in the country. Saif ul Maluk Lake at 3,224m is the crown jewel — a stunning glacial lake surrounded by Malika Parbat (5,290m), with the reflection so perfect it inspired the Urdu poem that made the lake famous. The Kaghan Valley itself offers extraordinary biodiversity — dense deodar cedar forests, glacial rivers, waterfalls, and meadows full of wildflowers. The route passes through Naran town, the Lalazar Plateau (a carpet of wildflowers in season), and culminates at the lake. The region is also rich in local folklore — Saif ul Maluk is named after the legendary Egyptian prince who fell in love with a fairy princess at this lake.
Trip Highlights
Saif ul Maluk Lake (3,224m) — Pakistan's most beautiful glacial lake
Malika Parbat (5,290m) reflected perfectly in the lake surface
Lalazar Plateau — a meadow of wildflowers at 3,200m
Babusar Pass (4,173m) — gateway to the Karakoram (seasonal)
Lulusar Lake and Dudipatsar Lake (optional extension)
Rich Pashtun and Gujjar cultural heritage along the valley
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1Islamabad → Balakot → Naran (2,409m)
🏠 Hotel Naran🍽️ Dinner
Islamabad → Balakot → Naran (2,409m)
Drive 5hrs via Mansehra and Balakot along the Kunhar River. Check in Naran.
2Naran → Saif ul Maluk Lake (3,224m)
🏠 Hotel Naran🍽️ All meals⛰️ 3,224m
Naran → Saif ul Maluk Lake (3,224m)
Morning jeep to the lake (30min) or trek 8km. Full day at the lake — walk the shore, photograph Malika Parbat's reflection. Optional boat ride.
3Naran → Lalazar Plateau (3,300m)
🏠 Hotel Naran🍽️ All meals⛰️ 3,300m
Naran → Lalazar Plateau (3,300m)
Jeep to Lalazar — a spectacular alpine meadow blanketed with wildflowers. Trek through the plateau, return to Naran.
4Naran → Babusar Pass (4,173m) → Chilas
🏠 Hotel Chilas🍽️ All meals⛰️ 4,173m
Naran → Babusar Pass (4,173m) → Chilas
Drive over Babusar Pass — panoramic views of Nanga Parbat from the top. Descend to Chilas on the KKH (seasonal: June–September only).
5Chilas Exploration — Petroglyphs & Indus
🏠 Hotel Chilas🍽️ All meals
Chilas Exploration — Petroglyphs & Indus
Visit ancient Silk Road petroglyphs (5,000+ years old) along the Indus. Sunset over Nanga Parbat (Diamir face visible from Chilas).
6Chilas → Hunza → Return via KKH
🏠 Hotel Islamabad or Hunza🍽️ All meals
Chilas → Hunza → Return via KKH
Drive north via KKH to Hunza Valley or south to Islamabad. Spectacular scenery throughout.
7Departure from Islamabad or Extension to Hunza
🏠 Hotel Islamabad🍽️ Breakfast
Departure from Islamabad or Extension to Hunza
Return to Islamabad or continue north to Hunza for further exploration.
What's Included
- All road transport from Islamabad return
- Licensed guide
- Hotel and guesthouse accommodation throughout
- All meals
- Jeep hire for high passes (Jeep is required above Naran)
- All park entrance fees
Not Included
- International airfares
- Pakistan visa
- Personal gear
- Travel insurance
⚠️ Requirements & Prerequisites
- •Moderate fitness — 3–5 hrs walking per day on mountain paths
- •Suitable for families with teenagers
Best Season
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Saif ul Maluk?
July and August are peak season for wildflowers and warm weather. June has snow on the high passes. September–early October is clearer with fewer tourists. The lake is inaccessible by road November–May due to snow.
Is the Babusar Pass route always possible?
No — Babusar Pass (4,173m) is open June through mid-October only, weather permitting. If we visit outside this window, we return via Naran–Balakot–Islamabad. We always plan both options.
6 people booked this trip this month
Price Calculator
$293 USD · 4–5 persons
Toyota Hiace / Coaster. Comfortable, most popular.
3-star hotels & clean guesthouses. En-suite bathrooms.
Includes guide, all meals, permits & accommodation.
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Payment Methods
30% deposit to confirm. Balance due 30 days before departure.
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