Naran Kaghan in Winter: Road Status, Snowfall & Can You Visit? (2026–27 Guide)
- Short answer: Naran Kaghan in winter is largely closed to regular tourism from about November to late April
- MNJ Road closure: Usually after the first heavy snowfall in November; officially closed until May after the 2025 season
- Last season’s reopening: Road to Naran reopened in late April 2026; Babusar Top section followed in May
- Naran town: Sits at ~2,409 m with temperatures often below 0°C and heavy snowfall in winter
- Easier snow alternatives: Lower Kaghan, Shogran, Galiyat, Nathia Gali and Murree
- Always check first: Call the Kaghan Hoteliers Association, KDA or your hotel before travelling
- Best season to return: May–September (see our month-by-month guide)
Naran Kaghan in winter is a very different place from the green, crowded valley you see in summer photos. Heavy snow shuts the Mansehra–Naran–Jalkhad (MNJ) Road for roughly five to six months each year, most hotels and shops above Kaghan Town close, and many local families move down the valley until spring. This guide explains exactly what to expect from Naran Kaghan in winter: when the road closes, how much snow falls, what is still open, whether you can visit at all, and what to do instead if you want to see snow safely.
Is Naran Kaghan Open in Winter?
For most visitors, no. Naran Kaghan in winter is effectively closed to regular tourism once the first major snowfall arrives, usually in November. Here is how recent seasons played out:
- 2024: Closure was reported at the end of October, earlier than usual.
- 2025: The Mansehra district administration announced a full closure of the MNJ Road until May 2026 in late November, citing winter safety. Travel up to Naran was still permitted until the next snowfall, and most residents beyond Naran in places like Battakundi had already left for the winter.
- 2026: NHA machinery began cutting through snow and glaciers in April, and the road to Naran reopened to tourists in late April. The section to Babusar Top took longer.
The exact dates move by one to three weeks each year depending on the snowfall, so treat any date as an estimate rather than a promise.
Naran Kaghan Road Status in Winter
The road does not close all at once. It tends to shut in stages:
| Section | Typical winter status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Islamabad → Abbottabad → Mansehra | Open all year | Motorway and highway, normal winter driving |
| Mansehra → Balakot | Open all year | Fog and rain possible; this is the lower valley |
| Balakot → Kaghan Town | Usually open, weather-dependent | Landslide and snow-chain advisories possible |
| Shogran road | Often open with snow | Reported accessible in past winters, snow chains advised |
| Kaghan → Naran | Open until heavy snow, then closed | Can close with little warning |
| Naran → Babusar Top → Chilas | Closed November to spring | Reopens in stages, usually April–May |
If you are asking whether you can drive to Naran in December or January, the honest answer is that it is unlikely and often not permitted. Roads beyond Mahandri have been closed to all traffic during heavy spells, and conditions can change within hours.
How Much Snow Does Naran Get in Winter?
A lot. Naran sits at about 2,409 m, and winter temperatures there often stay below freezing. Snowfall varies widely from year to year:
- Late December 2025 brought around two feet to Naran and about a foot to Shogran, with snow chains and no night travel advised.
- Late January 2026 brought one of the heaviest spells in years. Reports described up to seven feet in Naran and around five feet in Shogran and Kaghan, with roads closed beyond Mahandri and electricity out for five days.
- By April, residents said the season’s overall snowfall had been lighter than in previous years, which helped crews clear the road to Naran sooner.
The takeaway is that Naran Kaghan in winter can swing from a light dusting to a week of power cuts and blocked roads, which is why independent travel there is risky.
What Is Open in Naran Kaghan in Winter?
Very little above Kaghan Town. Expect the following during the closed season:
- Hotels and restaurants: Most in Naran Bazaar and the upper valley close. A few may stay open for local needs, but services such as heating fuel, food supply and power are unreliable.
- Jeep services: Saif-ul-Mulook and Lalazar jeeps do not run once the tracks are buried.
- Lakes and passes: Saif-ul-Mulook, Lulusar and Babusar Top are inaccessible until spring.
- ATMs, fuel and phone signal: Limited at the best of times, and worse in winter.
Lower in the valley, around Balakot, Kaghan Town and Shogran, conditions are milder and some accommodation stays available. If you want to book near Kaghan in the cold months, confirm availability directly, including at Walnut Riverside Resort on +92 343 000 6002, before making any plans.
Can You Visit Naran Kaghan in Winter?
Technically you may be able to reach the lower valley after a snowfall, but visiting Naran itself in deep winter is not recommended for ordinary travellers. The main risks are:
- Sudden road closure: You can be stranded, since snow can close the road behind you.
- Power and water outages: Heavy snowfall has cut electricity for days at a time.
- Landslides and avalanches: Authorities regularly warn against unnecessary travel to upper areas.
- Extreme cold: Temperatures regularly fall below zero, and standard cars and clothing are not enough.
If you still want to try, go only after a clear weather window, take a 4×4 or chain-equipped vehicle, never drive the mountain section at night, tell your hotel your exact plan, and expect to turn back if officials say the road is closed.
Where to See Snow Instead
If snow is the goal rather than Naran Kaghan in winter specifically, these are easier and safer choices:
- Shogran and Siri Paye (lower Kaghan): Frequently reported as snow-covered and visited in winter, with chains advised.
- Galiyat, Nathia Gali and Thandiani: Received the season’s first major snowfall in early January 2026.
- Murree: The most accessible snow destination from Islamabad, though very crowded on snow days.
These can be done as a long weekend from Islamabad without the closure risk of the upper valley.
When to Plan Your Naran Kaghan Trip Instead
The best way to enjoy the valley is to come when it is fully open. For the 2027 season:
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Late April–May | Road to Naran reopening, snow still on peaks, quiet and cool |
| June–August | Peak season, everything open, book early; monsoon landslide risk in July–August |
| September | Clear skies, fewer crowds, widely considered the best month |
| October | Beautiful but cold; upper roads may close from late October |
Read our guides on the best time to visit Kaghan Valley and Naran Kaghan in September and October to pick your dates.
Packing Checklist if You Travel Near Kaghan in Winter
| Category | What to pack | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Thermal base layers, down jacket, waterproof outer, gloves, hat | Sub-zero temperatures are common |
| Footwear | Insulated waterproof boots with grip | Ice and deep snow |
| Vehicle | Snow chains, 4×4 if possible, full fuel tank, blanket, torch | Chains are often advised; roads can close |
| Power | Power bank, torch, spare batteries | Outages can last days |
| Food and water | Dry fruit, snacks, hot flask | Shops and restaurants may be closed |
| Documents and cash | CNIC or passport, PKR cash | ATMs and card machines are unreliable |
Frequently Asked Questions About Naran Kaghan in Winter
Not for regular tourism. The MNJ Road usually closes in November after heavy snowfall, and the upper valley stays closed until about late April or May.
Usually in November, though it closed as early as late October in 2024. Authorities announce the closure after heavy snowfall, so the exact date changes every year.
In 2026 the road to Naran reopened in late April, with the Babusar Top section following in May. Dates shift by one to three weeks each year.
Yes, heavily. Naran sits at about 2,409 m, and winter snowfall can range from a couple of feet to several feet depending on the spell.
It is not recommended. Roads can close without notice, power can fail for days, and temperatures stay below freezing. If you want snow, Shogran, Galiyat or Murree are safer options.
Most close for the season. Availability near Kaghan and Shogran is better, but you should always confirm directly with the property before travelling.
The Shogran road has been reported open in past winters, usually with snow on the ground and chains advised. Conditions change quickly, so check the same week.
June and September are the sweet spots, with the road open, the lakes accessible and the weather reliable.
- Best Time to Visit Kaghan Valley
- Naran Kaghan in September and October
- Kaghan Weather Guide & Monthly Tips
- Islamabad to Naran Kaghan Route Guide
- Best Hotels in Naran Kaghan (2026 Guide)
Author
Where to stay in Kaghan Valley
Make Walnut Riverside Resort your base in Naran & Kaghan
Riverfront rooms & suites on the Kunhar River, heated in winter, with Cafe de Zar dining on site. Book direct and skip the third-party commission.