Babusar Top Reopens to All Traffic After Two-Day Closure as Snow-Clearing Operation Concludes

NHA Confirms Restoration of Traffic on Key Route Connecting Kaghan Valley with Gilgit-Baltistan; Travellers Need to Exercise Caution Amid Changing Weather Conditions

Syed Naveed Hussain

ISLAMABAD: Babusar Top has been reopened to all types of traffic after remaining closed for two days due to snowfall and adverse weather conditions, the National Highway Authority (NHA) has confirmed.

According to an NHA spokesperson, the snow-clearing operation has been completed and traffic movement has been restored on the strategically important mountain pass, providing relief to commuters, tourists and transporters travelling between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kaghan Valley and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The temporary closure had disrupted travel along the mountainous route, where snowfall, freezing temperatures and slippery road conditions can pose serious challenges for motorists. Following the clearance of accumulated snow, authorities reopened the road for all categories of traffic. The restoration is expected to facilitate travel for residents and visitors planning journeys through Naran, Kaghan and adjoining northern areas.

Key Route Linking Kaghan Valley with Gilgit-Baltistan

Babusar Top is one of northern Pakistan’s prominent high-altitude mountain passes, situated approximately 13,700 feet above sea level. It connects the Kaghan Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the Chilas area of Gilgit-Baltistan and provides access to the Karakoram Highway.

The route passes through some of the country’s most scenic mountainous landscapes, including Naran and Lulusar Lake, making it a major attraction for domestic and international tourists during the summer travel season.

It also serves as an important alternative route for travellers heading towards Gilgit-Baltistan from Islamabad and other parts of the country when weather and road conditions permit.

Relief for Tourists and Local Businesses

The reopening of Babusar Top is welcome news for tourists, transport operators and businesses that depend on seasonal travel through the region.

The route supports tourism-related economic activity across the Kaghan Valley, benefiting hotels, restaurants, local transport services, jeep operators and small businesses. Road closures caused by snowfall can disrupt travel itineraries, delay transportation and affect commercial activity in surrounding areas.

With traffic restored, travellers can resume their journeys, subject to prevailing weather conditions and any further instructions issued by the relevant authorities.

Travellers Advised to Remain Cautious

Despite the reopening, motorists should exercise caution while travelling through the high-altitude region, where weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly.

Low temperatures, slippery patches, reduced visibility and the possibility of further snowfall can make driving hazardous, particularly along steep and winding mountain roads.

Travellers should check the latest weather forecasts and road conditions before departure, follow traffic and safety instructions issued by the authorities, and avoid unnecessary journeys during adverse weather.