Shogran: first week of October in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and May 2026 · Naran: several visits, most recently May 2026 · Last checked: October 2026
Shogran and Naran are both in the Kaghan side of the mountains, only a drive apart, and most people pick one without knowing much about the other. I have been to Shogran four times and to Naran several times, most recently in May 2026. I prefer Shogran, and this post explains why, who should choose which, and what each costs.
If you like your own company and not crowds, read the Shogran section first. If you want a base for the Babusar road, Batakundi and Lulusar Lake, Naran makes more sense.
Shogran vs Naran at a glance
| Shogran | Naran | |
|---|---|---|
| Crowds | Quiet and peaceful | Much more crowded in general (empty when I went in May 2026, early in the season) |
| Best month | October | October for peace, or April and May to escape the heat of the plains |
| Getting there | About 6 hours from Islamabad. The road from Kiwai is fully developed | On the main highway. About 12 hours from Faisalabad |
| Hotels, per night | Local hotels PKR 5,000 to 8,000. Spruce PKR 27,000. Cedarwood PKR 24,500 (May 2026) | Luxus PKR 14,000 (usual PKR 17,500) in May 2026 |
| Meal for two with tea | PKR 6,000 to 8,000 at Cedarwood | About PKR 4,000 |
| Things to do | Siri and Paye, Makra Peak, the small bazaar, tea at Cedarwood | Saif-ul-Malook, and the road to Batakundi, Lulusar Lake and Babusar Top |
| Air | Clean air, less pollution | Not noted |
If you want quiet, choose Shogran
If you are an introvert, you will love the peaceful environment in Shogran. Naran is much more crowded. In my experience, Shogran has less crowd, cleaner air and less pollution, and most of the time you enjoy your own company at your hotel with your friends or family.
I travel in October because the rates are usually lower than in May, June and July, and there is no crowd. My friends and I like quiet places, and Shogran in the first week of October is exactly that.
One honest note: Naran was almost empty when I went in May 2026, early in the season. But in general it is far busier than Shogran, especially from April to September.
If you want the Babusar road, choose Naran
Naran is the better base if you want to drive towards Babusar Top. From Naran it is about 70 km and 2 to 3 hours to the top. It is also the gateway to Batakundi and Lulusar Lake. I think the drive from Naran to Babusar Top is the best part of that side of the mountains. The top itself is only for tea, pakoras and a view.
Saif-ul-Malook is also near Naran. I have only been once, and I do not like this lake, because it is easy for everyone to get to. A jeep with a driver costs about PKR 5,000 today.
Cost: where your money goes further
- Hotels. Shogran has cheap local hotels at PKR 5,000 to 8,000 a night. The two well-known hotels, Spruce and Cedarwood, cost PKR 27,000 and PKR 24,500 in May 2026. In Naran, Luxus cost me PKR 14,000 against its usual PKR 17,500.
- Food. A meal for two with tea is about PKR 4,000 in Naran, against PKR 6,000 to 8,000 at Cedarwood in Shogran.
- Activities. The jeep to Siri and Paye costs about PKR 6,000. A jeep to Saif-ul-Malook costs about PKR 5,000.
Weather and the best months
October is the best month for the weather in both places, and the nights are colder. April and May are good if you want to escape the summer heat of cities like Faisalabad and Lahore. Always carry a jacket.
I would avoid Murree and Nathia Gali if you want quiet. In my opinion they are too crowded.
Which one should you pick?
- You like quiet and your own company: Shogran, in October.
- You are going with family: Shogran has a calm setting, and Cedarwood is a good choice for families.
- You are driving on towards Babusar, Batakundi or Lulusar: Naran.
- You are on a tight budget: Naran for meals and a local hotel in Shogran for rooms.
- You want a bonfire night with friends: Spruce or Pine Park in Shogran.
Quick answers
- Is Shogran quieter than Naran? Yes, much quieter in general.
- Which is cheaper? Naran for food. Shogran for rooms if you choose a local hotel.
- Which is better in October? Shogran. It has the best weather and the fewest people.
- Do I need a jeep for Shogran? No. The road from Kiwai is fully developed.
Related: Shogran travel guide · Shogran, Naran and Babusar Top in May 2026 · Spruce vs Cedarwood vs Luxus Naran · Food prices in Shogran and Naran
This comparison is based on my own visits. Prices and crowds change, so please check before you travel and read my disclaimer. If you visited recently and something is different, tell me on the contact page.