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Kumrat vs Naran: Where Should You Go? (2026 Comparison)

Q: Is Kumrat better than Naran?

It depends on what you want. **Naran** has the bigger-name sights (Saif-ul-Malook, Babusar Top, Lulusar) and far more hotels and facilities. **Kumrat** is quieter, greener with pine forests and rivers, and feels more off-grid — better if you want to escape the crowds.

Q: Which is less crowded, Kumrat or Naran?

**Kumrat** is generally much less crowded than Naran, which is one of Pakistan's most popular summer destinations and can get busy in July–August.

Q: What is the best time to visit Kumrat and Naran?

**June to September** for both. Naran's road over Babusar and the Saif-ul-Malook track open in summer; Kumrat is lush and green in the same window. Snow closes high points in winter.

Weekend VikingsJune 5, 20262 min read

In short

Pick Naran for famous sights and easy access — Saif-ul-Malook lake, Babusar Top and well-developed hotels. Pick Kumrat for quiet pine forests, rivers and the Jahaz Banda meadow if you want fewer crowds and a more rugged, off-grid feel.

Two of Pakistan's favourite summer escapes, two very different moods. Here's how Kumrat and Naran stack up so you can pick the right one.

Kumrat vs Naran at a glance

	Naran	Kumrat
Scenery	Alpine lakes, high passes	Pine forest, rivers, meadows
Famous for	Saif-ul-Malook, Babusar Top	Jahaz Banda, Kumrat forest, waterfalls
Crowds	Busy (very popular)	Quiet, off-grid
Facilities	Many hotels & restaurants	Fewer; camps & basic hotels
Access	Kaghan valley	Upper Dir

What is Naran known for?

Naran is the headline act of the Kaghan valley — home to the legendary Lake Saif-ul-Malook, the high Babusar Top (gateway to Gilgit-Baltistan), Lulusar Lake and the meadows of Shogran/Siri Paye. It's well developed, with plenty of hotels and food, which makes it easy — but also crowded in peak summer. (See our Naran & Shogran tour.)

What is Kumrat known for?

Kumrat, in Upper Dir, is the antidote to the crowds: thick pine forests, the rushing Panjkora river, waterfalls, and the spectacular Jahaz Banda meadow (and the climb beyond to Katora Lake). Facilities are simpler — think riverside camps and pods — but that's the point. It feels wild and unhurried. (See our 3-day Kumrat tour or the longer Kumrat, Jahaz Banda & Katora trek.)

Which is easier to reach?

Both are roughly 7–10 hours by road from Islamabad — Naran via Kaghan, Kumrat via Upper Dir. Within each, the best bits need a 4x4 jeep and a short hike (Saif-ul-Malook in Naran; Jahaz Banda in Kumrat).

So which should you choose?

Choose Naran for famous lakes, big mountain passes, and easy hotels/food.
Choose Kumrat for quiet forests, rivers and meadows, away from the crowds.

Best time to visit

For both, aim for June to September — green valleys, open roads, and accessible lakes. Snow closes the high points (Babusar, Jahaz Banda) outside summer.

Still torn? Tell us your dates and group, and we'll match you to the right departure — browse all our group tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kumrat better than Naran?

It depends on what you want. Naran has the bigger-name sights (Saif-ul-Malook, Babusar Top, Lulusar) and far more hotels and facilities. Kumrat is quieter, greener with pine forests and rivers, and feels more off-grid — better if you want to escape the crowds.

Which is less crowded, Kumrat or Naran?

Kumrat is generally much less crowded than Naran, which is one of Pakistan's most popular summer destinations and can get busy in July–August.

How do you get to Kumrat and Naran?

Both are reached by road from Islamabad (roughly 7–10 hours). Naran is via the Kaghan valley; Kumrat is via Upper Dir. Inside both, the best spots (Saif-ul-Malook, Jahaz Banda) need a 4x4 jeep and/or a short hike.

What is the best time to visit Kumrat and Naran?

June to September for both. Naran's road over Babusar and the Saif-ul-Malook track open in summer; Kumrat is lush and green in the same window. Snow closes high points in winter.

Is Kumrat good for families?

Yes — Kumrat's riverside camps and forest are relaxed and scenic. Note that reaching Jahaz Banda involves a jeep ride and a hike, so plan that day around your group's fitness.