Lulusar Lake: What Makes This Stop Special on a Naran to Hunza Journey

 

Anyone planning to travel from Naran toward Hunza already knows the route is long and full of scenery. Somewhere along that road, before the drive climbs even higher toward Babusar Top, sits Lulusar Lake. It is easy to pass by without stopping, since it does not get the same attention as Saif ul Malook. But travelers who do stop here often say it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the whole journey.

A Quieter Kind of Beauty

Saif ul Malook is famous, and for good reason, but that fame also means crowds, noise, and long lines of jeeps waiting on the track. Lulusar Lake offers a completely different mood. Since it sits further along the road, fewer tourists make it this far, and the ones who do are usually there because they genuinely want to see it, not just because it is popular. The water is calm, the surrounding peaks are bare and dramatic, and the whole place feels untouched in a way that is hard to find closer to the main tourist areas.

Easy to Reach Without a Jeep

Unlike Saif ul Malook, which usually needs a jeep to reach, Lulusar Lake sits close to the main road that connects Naran to Babusar Top and eventually toward Hunza. This means most vehicles can get close to it without much difficulty, which makes it a convenient stop for travelers who are already on a long drive and do not want to arrange extra transport just to see one more spot. It fits naturally into the journey instead of requiring a separate trip.

A Reminder to Watch the Weather

Because Lulusar Lake sits at a higher altitude than Naran town, the weather here can shift more quickly, and temperatures drop noticeably even during the day. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, weather conditions in the higher parts of the Kaghan Valley can change within a short span of time, especially as the route climbs toward Babusar Top. Travelers heading toward Hunza should carry warm clothing even if the day starts off mild, since the temperature at the lake and beyond can feel very different from what they left behind in Naran.

The Perfect Halfway Break

Long mountain drives are tiring, and Lulusar Lake gives travelers a natural place to stop and stretch before continuing further up toward Babusar Top. The lake sits at a good midpoint on the route, so instead of driving straight through without a break, stopping here lets passengers rest, take in the view, and get some fresh air before the road climbs even higher and the air gets thinner. It is a practical stop as much as a scenic one.

Dramatic Views Without the Crowd

The mountains around Lulusar Lake are bare and rocky, very different from the green slopes near Naran town. This gives the lake a wilder, more open feeling compared to other spots in the valley. Photographers in particular find this stretch rewarding, since the lack of crowds means there is space to actually set up a shot without dozens of other tourists in the frame. Even a short stop of twenty or thirty minutes is often enough to get some of the best photographs of the whole trip.

A Good Reason to Plan an Early Start

Since Lulusar Lake sits on the way to Babusar Top, and the road beyond it can take longer than expected, leaving early in the day gives travelers enough time to enjoy the stop properly instead of rushing past it. A rushed stop means missing the calm atmosphere that makes this lake special in the first place. Planning the day with enough time built in for this stop, rather than treating it as a quick photo break, makes the journey feel far more enjoyable.

Starting the Journey From the Right Place

A long drive toward Hunza is much easier when it starts from a comfortable, well-located stay the night before. Nawabs Hotels and Resorts sits on Jheel Saif ul Malook Road in Naran, which puts guests close to the start of the route toward Babusar Top and Lulusar Lake without needing to drive across town first. A good night of rest, a warm breakfast, and an early, unrushed start all make a noticeable difference on a travel day that involves several hours on mountain roads.

Final Thoughts

Lulusar Lake may not have the same fame as Saif ul Malook, but for travelers making the journey from Naran to Hunza, it offers something just as valuable, a quiet, dramatic stop that breaks up a long drive and rewards those who take the time to pull over. Between its easy access, peaceful atmosphere, and striking mountain backdrop, it is a stop worth planning for rather than passing by.