Islamabad to Hunza via Naran: Babusar Pass Route, Distance & Travel Time

The Islamabad to Hunza route through Naran and Babusar Pass is one of the most scenic ways to reach Gilgit-Baltistan by road.

Instead of continuing along the Karakoram Highway through Besham, this seasonal route takes travelers through the Kaghan Valley, Naran and the spectacular Babusar Pass before joining the Karakoram Highway near Chilas.

For travelers heading to Hunza during the months when Babusar Pass is open, this route combines the journey with some of northern Pakistan's most beautiful mountain scenery.

Islamabad to Hunza via Naran Route

The main route is:

Islamabad → Hazara Motorway → Mansehra → Balakot → Kaghan → Naran → Batakundi → Babusar Pass → Chilas → Jaglot → Gilgit → Hunza

After crossing Babusar Pass, the road descends towards the Chilas area and connects with the Karakoram Highway. From there, travelers continue north towards Gilgit and Hunza.

Islamabad to Hunza via Naran Distance

The total road distance from Islamabad to Hunza through Naran is roughly 600–650 km depending on your exact starting point, destination and road diversions.

Despite the distance, this is a long mountain journey. Travelers should plan for approximately 13–16 hours or more depending on traffic, stops, weather and road conditions.

Many travelers also choose to break the journey by staying overnight in Naran.

Islamabad to Naran

The first major part of the journey takes you from Islamabad towards Mansehra and then into the Kaghan Valley.

The route continues through Balakot and Kaghan before reaching Naran.

Naran is one of the major tourism hubs along this route and is a popular place to stop for food, fuel or an overnight stay before continuing towards Babusar Pass.

Naran to Babusar Pass

From Naran, the road continues north through the upper Kaghan Valley.

Travelers pass through areas such as Batakundi before climbing towards Babusar Pass.

Babusar Pass sits at an elevation of more than 4,000 metres and provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Because of the altitude and mountain weather, conditions can change quickly even during the travel season.

Babusar Pass to Chilas

After crossing Babusar Pass, the road descends towards Chilas.

This section connects the Kaghan Valley route with the Karakoram Highway.

Once you reach the Chilas area, the remaining journey towards Hunza follows the main northern road corridor.

Chilas to Gilgit

From Chilas, travelers continue along the Karakoram Highway towards Gilgit.

This part of the journey passes through dramatic mountain landscapes and follows the Indus River for significant portions of the route.

Near Jaglot, travelers continue towards Gilgit and then further north towards Hunza.

Gilgit to Hunza

Gilgit is the last major city before Hunza.

From Gilgit, the journey to central Hunza normally continues through areas including Danyore, Sultanabad, Rahimabad, Nomal junction areas and further north along the Karakoram Highway.

Aliabad is the main commercial centre of Hunza, while Karimabad is one of the most popular destinations for visitors.

Is Babusar Pass Open?

This is the most important thing to check before choosing the Naran route.

Babusar Pass is a seasonal mountain route and is normally inaccessible during winter because of heavy snowfall.

Its opening and closing dates vary each year depending on snow clearance, weather and road conditions.

Do not assume that Babusar Pass is open simply because the weather is warm in Islamabad or Hunza.

Before traveling, check the latest road conditions and official local updates.

If Babusar Pass is closed, travelers normally need to use the Karakoram Highway route towards Chilas instead.

Naran Route vs Karakoram Highway Route

The Naran–Babusar route and the Karakoram Highway route provide very different road-trip experiences.

The Naran route is generally more attractive for travelers interested in scenery. It passes through the green Kaghan Valley, Naran, alpine landscapes and Babusar Pass.

The Karakoram Highway through Besham, on the other hand, is the important alternative when the Babusar route is unavailable.

The best route therefore depends on the season, weather and current road conditions.

Best Time to Travel from Islamabad to Hunza via Naran

The Naran–Babusar route should only be considered during the period when Babusar Pass is officially open and road conditions are suitable.

Summer is generally the main travel season.

Even when the road is open, travelers should check the weather before departure because rain, landslides, snowfall or other mountain conditions can affect travel.

Find an Islamabad to Hunza Ride via Naran

If you do not have your own vehicle, you can search for drivers already traveling towards Hunza.

GB Ride connects drivers with available seats and passengers traveling in the same direction.

Go to www.gbridetech.com and search:

From: Islamabad
To: Hunza

Check the ride details and route to see whether the driver is traveling through Naran and Babusar Pass.

Driving from Islamabad to Hunza via Naran?

If you are already driving from Islamabad towards Naran, Gilgit or Hunza and have empty seats, you can post your journey on GB Ride.

Add your departure location, destination, travel date, departure time and available seats.

Passengers traveling in the same direction can then find your ride.

Post your ride at www.gbridetech.com.

Alternative Ride Searches

If you cannot find a direct Islamabad to Hunza ride, try searching different sections of the journey.

You can search for:

Islamabad → Naran
Islamabad → Chilas
Islamabad → Gilgit
Naran → Gilgit
Naran → Hunza
Chilas → Gilgit
Chilas → Hunza
Gilgit → Hunza

This can help travelers find available rides even when a driver is not completing exactly the same journey.

Important Travel Tips

Start early because this is a long mountain journey.

Check whether Babusar Pass is open before leaving Islamabad.

Check weather and road conditions before departure.

Keep warm clothing available because temperatures around Babusar Pass can be much lower than in Islamabad.

Carry water, food, identification, some cash and essential travel items.

Allow additional time for traffic, roadworks, weather and stops.

Avoid relying on a fixed arrival time when traveling through mountain areas.

Islamabad to Hunza via Naran with GB Ride

The journey from Islamabad to Hunza through Naran, Babusar Pass, Chilas and Gilgit is much more than simply getting from one city to another.

It is one of Pakistan's great mountain road journeys.

Whether you are traveling home, visiting Hunza or exploring Gilgit-Baltistan, GB Ride helps connect you with people already traveling in the same direction.

Need a ride?

Search Islamabad → Hunza on www.gbridetech.com.

Already driving?

Post your ride, add your available seats and travel together with passengers heading your way.