Is Naran Open in Winter? Kaghan Valley Road Status, Month by Month
Naran usually cuts off by December and reopens in late April or May. Month-by-month road status, where you can still go and where to stay in winter.
Naran is usually reachable in November, but it gets cut off once the heavy snow sets in, normally in December. It then stays closed to tourists until the road is cleared in spring. In 2026 the road to Naran reopened around 21 April after about five months. Babusar Top and the road on to Gilgit-Baltistan close earlier, often from October or November, and open later, usually in early summer. In deep winter, base yourself lower down in Balakot, Kiwai/Shogran or Kaghan town, where the snow comes to you and the roads are kept open more often. Always check the Mansehra district administration and NHA updates before you drive.
Quick answer
The Kaghan Valley does not shut on a fixed date. It closes in stages, from the top down, as the snow builds up. Once you know that order, planning a winter trip is much easier. You stop asking "is Naran open?" and start asking "how far up the valley can I get this week, and where should I sleep?"
This guide covers what happened last winter, what has happened so far this season, a month-by-month table, and where to book a room at each stage.
How the Kaghan Valley closes: top to bottom
The main road through the valley is the Mansehra–Naran–Jalkhad (MNJ) road, also called the Kaghan Highway. Think of it in four sections:
Balakot to Kaghan town: the lowest section, and the last to close.
Kaghan town to Naran: about 23 km. Heavy snow and glaciers on this stretch are what cut Naran off.
Naran to Saiful Muluk Lake and Battakundi: a short climb above Naran. Access is restricted early in the season.
Battakundi to Babusar Top and on to Chilas (Gilgit-Baltistan): the highest section. It is the first to close and the last to open.
Shogran sits on a side road above Kiwai, between Balakot and Kaghan. It is lower and easier to keep open than Naran, which is why it fills up with snow-seekers in winter.
What happened last winter (2025–26)
26 November 2025: The Mansehra district administration closed the MNJ road to all travel between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan until the following summer. The Chilas administration put matching restrictions on its side. Tourists were still allowed up to Naran with no restrictions "until the next snowfall". Above Naran, they could go only as far as Battakundi and Saiful Muluk, between 11am and 3pm, and only with chained tyres.
29 November 2025: As the cold deepened, the Battakundi–Babusar section was reported fully closed. Visits to Saiful Muluk and Battakundi were limited to 11am–2pm.
Late December 2025: Naran recorded up to two feet of snow and Shogran about one foot. Families from Islamabad and Lahore headed for Shogran and Kaghan, not Naran, while machinery cleared the Shogran road.
21 April 2026: The Express Tribune reported that the Kaghan Highway to Naran had reopened after Naran had been cut off since November, about five months. Even then, Naran wasn't immediately open to tourists. Officials were still restoring water, power and sanitation, and the work to Babusar Top was continuing.
The lesson: in 2025–26, Naran was workable until roughly the end of November and then effectively closed until late April.
What has happened so far this season (2026–27)
14 October 2026: Snow at Babusar Top led police to close the Babusar–Naran highway temporarily.
2–3 November 2026: Heavy snow fell across the valley, including in Naran, Saiful Muluk, Battakundi and Babusar Top. Dawn reported that the MNJ road had been cleared up to Naran, that the road from Naran to Saiful Muluk was open to four-wheel-drive vehicles only, and that tourists were barred from going beyond Naran to Babusar until the weather improved. The local hotel association asked drivers to take care between Balakot and Naran.
Outlook: Dawn's report said the tourist season was expected to end in December, when the heaviest snow usually cuts the valley off.
Status changes quickly in November. Some travel sites have reported Babusar "open" on certain days this month. Treat any status as true only for that day, and check again on the morning you leave.
Naran and Kaghan in winter, month by month
This table is based on the last two seasons. It is a planning guide, not a promise. Snow arrives earlier in some years and later in others (2025–26 was a dry, late winter across much of the north).
November – Balakot: Open; Kiwai / Shogran: Open; Kaghan town: Open; Naran: Usually open; snow possible; Saiful Muluk: Restricted hours, 4x4/chains; Babusar Top / GB: Often closed; reopens briefly between storms
December – Balakot: Open; Kiwai / Shogran: Open in most weeks; jeep or chains after snow; Kaghan town: Usually open; Naran: Often cut off after heavy snow; Saiful Muluk: Closed in practice; Babusar Top / GB: Closed
January – Balakot: Open; Kiwai / Shogran: Snow trips possible when the road is cleared; Kaghan town: Open between storms; Naran: Closed to tourists; Saiful Muluk: Closed; Babusar Top / GB: Closed
February – Balakot: Open; Kiwai / Shogran: As January; Kaghan town: Open between storms; Naran: Closed to tourists; Saiful Muluk: Closed; Babusar Top / GB: Closed
March – Balakot: Open; Kiwai / Shogran: Open; slushy; Kaghan town: Open; Naran: Closed; clearing work; Saiful Muluk: Closed; Babusar Top / GB: Closed
April – Balakot: Open; Kiwai / Shogran: Open; Kaghan town: Open; Naran: Reopened ~21 Apr in 2026; services restarting; Saiful Muluk: Usually closed; Babusar Top / GB: Closed
May – Balakot: Open; Kiwai / Shogran: Open; Kaghan town: Open; Naran: Open; Saiful Muluk: Opens when snow clears (4x4); Babusar Top / GB: Usually still closed; opening later in the season
Where to stay in the Kaghan Valley in winter
The best winter base depends on how much snow you want and how much risk you'll accept on the road.
Balakot: the safe base: Balakot is the gateway town at the bottom of the valley. It stays reachable all winter and has the widest choice of hotels and guest houses open year-round. From here you can do day trips up to Kiwai, Shogran and Kaghan whenever the road is cleared, then come back down to a warm room and a working market. It suits families with small children or older parents, and anyone in an ordinary car.
Kiwai and Shogran: snow without Naran's risk: Shogran is the classic winter-snow stop in the valley. The road up from Kiwai is steep, and after fresh snow you'll usually need a local jeep or chains. Jeep fares quoted by tour operators for 2025 were around Rs2,500–3,000 for a Kiwai–Shogran round trip, but these change by season and demand, so agree the fare before you get in. Stay in Shogran if you want to wake up in the snow. Stay in Kiwai if you'd rather keep your car on the main road.
Kaghan town: the highest you can usually reach: Kaghan town is about 23 km below Naran. When Naran is cut off, Kaghan is often the highest place with open hotels and food. Fewer places stay open than in summer, so book ahead and phone the property to check that it is actually running.
Naran: November and from May only: In deep winter, most residents of the upper valley move down to lower parts of Mansehra district, and police posts above Naran close for the season. Expect most Naran hotels to be shut from December until services are restored in spring. If you're going in November, choose a property that confirms it has heating, backup power and water. Ask about its cancellation terms too, because a single storm can close the road.
Booking tip: In winter, book refundable rooms where you can, and read each listing's cancellation terms on impt.pk before paying. If the road is closed on your travel day, you'll want to move the booking, not lose it.
Distances and drive times (approximate)
Distances vary with the route you take (Hazara Motorway or the old road) and the weather. Use these figures for planning only.
Islamabad to Balakot – Approx. distance: 180–200 km; Approx. time in winter: 3.5–5 hours
Balakot to Kiwai – Approx. distance: ~20–25 km; Approx. time in winter: 45–60 min
Kiwai to Shogran (jeep road) – Approx. distance: ~8–10 km; Approx. time in winter: 30–60 min, depending on snow
Kaghan town to Naran – Approx. distance: ~23 km; Approx. time in winter: 45 min+ when open
Islamabad to Naran – Approx. distance: 240–270 km; Approx. time in winter: 6–8 hours when open
Winter driving checklist for the Kaghan Valley
Chains: Authorities have made chained tyres a condition for going above Naran. Carry chains even if you plan to stay lower down, because Shogran's road ices quickly.
Drive in daylight: Officials have advised against night travel in the upper valley. Black ice forms after dark.
Fuel up in Balakot: Fill the tank before you climb.
Pack for power cuts: Bring a power bank, torch, warm layers and some cash. Card machines and mobile data can fail in bad weather.
Heaters: If your room has a gas heater, turn it off before you sleep and keep the room ventilated.
Check before you go: Mansehra district administration and Balakot assistant commissioner announcements, NHA, and the PMD forecast. Emergency: Rescue 1122, police 15.
Not set on Naran? Other winter options
If you want guaranteed access to snow this winter, compare the Kaghan Valley with upper Swat (Malam Jabba and Kalam), the Galiyat and Murree. Our Murree snowfall guide covers entry rules and booking there. For the summer view of the same valleys, see Naran vs Kalam.
Frequently asked questions
Is Naran open in December?
Sometimes, but don't count on it. Naran is usually reachable into late November. Once heavy snow falls, normally in December, the road from Kaghan to Naran gets cut off and stays closed to tourists until spring. In December, plan around Balakot, Shogran or Kaghan town.
When does Naran reopen after winter?
In 2026 the Kaghan Highway to Naran reopened around 21 April, after about five months of closure. Tourist services such as power and water took a little longer to restore. Most years, expect late April to May.
Is Babusar Top open in winter?
No. The Battakundi–Babusar section and the route on to Gilgit-Baltistan close from autumn until early summer. In November 2025 travel to GB through the Kaghan Valley was banned until the following summer, and in 2026 snow closed Babusar temporarily as early as 14 October.
Can I see snow in the Kaghan Valley if Naran is closed?
Yes. Shogran and Kaghan town both get snow in winter. In late December 2025 Naran had about two feet and Shogran about one foot. Shogran is the usual winter snow trip, done by jeep from Kiwai or with chains.
Where should I stay in the Kaghan Valley in winter?
Balakot is the safest base because it is reachable all winter and has the most hotels open. Shogran or Kiwai puts you in the snow. Kaghan town is usually the highest place with open rooms. You can compare stays on impt.pk.
Do I need snow chains for Naran?
Above Naran, authorities have required chained tyres, and four-wheel drive is needed for Saiful Muluk early in the season. Carry chains for any winter trip up the valley, including the Shogran road.
Is Saiful Muluk Lake open in winter?
Only early in the season, with limits. In late November 2025 tourists could visit only between 11am and 2pm or 3pm, with chains, and in November 2026 the road was open to 4x4s only. In deep winter it is closed.
Find a stay in Naran
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