KEY POINTS
- National Highway Authority cleared over six glaciers to restore the route
- Tourist activity has surged in Naran, with local businesses reporting increased bookings
- Tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan surged by 119% in 2024, with Babusar Top leading the way
- Domestic tourist numbers nearly doubled, reaching 486,571 visitors compared to 223,983 in 2023
- International tourism also soared, with 21,862 foreign visitors exploring the region’s natural beauty
ISLAMABAD: Babusar Pass, a key mountain route connecting Naran tourist spot in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan, has reopened to all traffic after a six-month closure due to heavy winter snowfall.
The reopening marks the start of the summer tourism season in northern Pakistan, drawing visitors to one of the region’s most scenic high-altitude destinations.
Perched at an elevation of 13,700 feet, Babusar Top offers stunning panoramic views and is a favourite destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Its reopening marks the official start of the summer tourism season in the scenic Kaghan Valley, where tourist footfall has surged in recent days.
The National Highway Authority (NHA), in collaboration with local authorities, recently concluded an extensive road clearance operation. More than six glaciers were removed using heavy machinery to restore access.
While the Deputy Commissioner of Mansehra has yet to issue a formal notification, traffic has already resumed, and the route is fully operational, according to NHA officials.
Law enforcement agencies, anticipating increased travel to the region, have reactivated police checkpoints and established new ones up to the Besal area to ensure traveller safety.
These measures aim to provide logistical support and security as thousands begin to flock toward the reopened route.
Tourism stakeholders are already reaping the benefits. The Hotel Association reports a sharp rise in bookings and foot traffic in Naran, with hundreds of tourists arriving daily.
Local hoteliers, restaurateurs, and tour operators are experiencing a revival in business activity and are optimistic about a strong tourism season ahead.
“We’re seeing a positive trend, and with continued support from the authorities in terms of safety and clear communication, this season could be one of the best in years,” said a local hotel manager in Naran.
Authorities are urging travellers to remain cautious and stay updated with weather forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, especially given the region’s unpredictable climate. Road safety and travel advisories are being emphasized to prevent accidents and ensure smooth journeys.
Babusar Top remains a key attraction in Pakistan’s northern tourism circuit, offering not only majestic landscapes but also access to some of the country’s most remote and culturally rich areas.
With the road now clear, the iconic pass is set to welcome a new wave of visitors eager to experience its serene beauty and challenging terrain.
As the high-altitude gateway comes back to life, Babusar Top stands ready to reestablish itself as a jewel of Pakistani tourism, drawing adventurers and families alike to the heart of the Himalayas.
Tourism soars in Gilgit-Baltistan
Earlier, Gilgit-Baltistan welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors in 2024, with Babusar Top emerging as a crown jewel of the region’s scenic offerings.
The majestic high-altitude pass captivated both local and global adventurers, contributing to a staggering 119% surge in overall tourist traffic compared to the previous year.
According to official data, 486,571 domestic tourists explored the breathtaking valleys and mountain passes of Gilgit-Baltistan in 2024, nearly doubling the 223,983 visitors recorded in 2023.
Meanwhile, international tourist numbers also climbed to 21,862, up from just 9,897 the year before — a clear indicator of the region’s growing global allure.
Babusar Top, with its sweeping alpine views and cool summer breeze, stood out as a magnet for visitors, drawing thousands during the warmer months.
As one of the most accessible gateways into Gilgit-Baltistan, it continues to anchor the region’s booming tourism landscape and reaffirm Pakistan’s place on the world’s adventure map.
Overview
Location: Between Kaghan Valley (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Chilas (Gilgit-Baltistan)
Altitude: Approximately 4,173 meters (13,691 feet)
Accessibility: Accessible by road (Kaghan Valley side)
Seasonal Access: Typically open from late June to early November
Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and lush valleys
Activities: Photography, sightseeing, enjoying mountain landscapes
Nearby Attractions: Nanga Parbat (9th highest mountain in the world), Lulusar Lake, Dudipatsar Lake
History of Babusar Pass
Babusar Pass, once known as “Babur Top,” carries deep historical roots dating back to the 16th century, when the Mughal emperor Babur frequently traversed the region.
Long before the Karakoram Highway (KKH) existed, Babusar served as a vital summer route linking the Kaghan Valley with Gilgit-Baltistan.
Built by the British in 1890, the pass facilitated movement between British India and Gilgit and remained the main transit corridor until the KKH opened in 1978.
In pre-partition times, travellers from Kashmir and India would journey to Gilgit-Baltistan through Babusar, while others took the Burzil Pass via Astore. Today, the mountain range separating Kaghan from Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley still echoes this storied past.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to visit Babusar Pass is from May to September, when the snow has melted, revealing its dramatic beauty. Located just 75 kilometers from Naran, it’s an essential stop for anyone exploring Pakistan’s northern marvels.
