Overview
Lulusar is a wide, deep blue lake at about 3,400 m in the upper Kaghan Valley, a short walk from the road to the Babusar Pass. It lies in a bowl of bare, grey and green mountains, with patches of snow lingering well into summer. The Kunhar River, which runs down the whole valley, begins here.
It is one of the easiest of the high lakes to visit, with no long trek needed. Most visitors stop on the way to or from the Babusar Pass, stay for a picnic and photographs, and walk along the shore. The lake is part of the Lulusar–Dudipatsar National Park, so wildlife and rubbish rules apply.
Highlights
- The deep blue lake against snow-streaked mountains
- The source of the Kunhar River
- Easy walks around the shore
- A stop on the road to the Babusar Pass
Best time to visit
June to September is the main season, when the road is open. July and August are the warmest and busiest months, and the lake can be partly frozen in early summer. Snow closes the road for most of the winter.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Not ideal
- AprApril: Not ideal
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Best
- JulJuly: Best
- AugAugust: Best
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Not ideal
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Islamabad (ISB), then drive to Naran, about seven to eight hours. Lulusar is roughly 45 km beyond Naran on the road to the Babusar Pass, a drive of about two hours. Jeeps and cars with a local driver are best.
What to expect
It is an easy stop, but the road is high and sometimes rough, with sharp bends and weather that changes quickly. There are few facilities beyond a few stalls, so bring food, water and warm clothes.
Practical tips
- Check the weather and the road before you drive up, and avoid driving after dark.
- Wear warm clothes, as it is cold at 3,400 m even in summer.
- Take rubbish away: the lake lies in a national park.
- Combine the lake with the Babusar Pass for a full day trip.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Lulusar from Naran?
About 45 km, roughly two hours by road depending on conditions.
Can I walk to the lake?
The lake is very close to the road, so only a short walk is needed.
Is the lake open in winter?
No, the road is normally closed by snow from late autumn to early summer.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Shahzaib Damn Cruze (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Saqlain Shah Kazmi (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Habib ur Rehman (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
