Babusar Pass Closing Update 2024: Babusar top has been closed on 29th October 2024 for traffic due to heavy snowfall on the road. Entire road is blocked from both Gilgit Side and KPK side. It will remain closed till May 2025 due to up coming winter season.
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Babusar top opening Update 2024: Babusar Top has been opened on 10th June 2024 for tourism. Entire road is now clear from Naran to throughout Babusar top. Currently the weather at Babusar pass is sunny but there is snow on the side of the road. It is recommended to drive carefully as some parts of road are slippery due to glacier. It will remain open until last week of October 2024.
However, there are a few big stones on this landslide part of the road, so if you are traveling via car you need to be quite careful. Also, it is recommended to get off some passengers of the smaller vehicle in this area. So that you won’t have any problems.
Babusar Top Road Update
July 2024: Babusar top road is open for tourists. Usually Babusar top opens around June, and it closes in October due to the heavy snow. All the areas receive heavy snow, for instance, Lulusar lake gets snow-covered as well. Additionally, it depends on the Babusar weather, if it gets clear then it can possibly be opened by the 2nd week of June or even before that. On the other hand, if the Babusar weather doesn’t clear up in June, then the authorities try their best to open it in July for the public.
In case Babusar road is closed then vehicles use the Besham Koshistan route with KKH as an alternate for Gilgit. The reopening of the Babusar pass always attracts a huge number of tourists to Natan and Kaghan valleys and also Gilgit Baltistan.
Babusar Top or the Babusar pass is a mountain pass in northern Pakistan, 150 Km from Kaghan Valley, it connects with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway. Babusar top is one of the famous tourist attraction point in the Naran and Kaghan valley, also it the highest point in the Babusar Valley, and it is accessible by car.
Moreover, Babusar Pass is located at a height of 13,690ft, and the view from the top is super amazing. It is a must-stop point if you’re visiting Hunza, Nagar, Attabad, or Gilgit. Moreover, in summer the Naran and Kaghan get open via Balakot, while Jhalkand and Batakundi are cleared.
Babusar Top Pass Road:
Babusar Top Pass is a mountain pass at an average elevation of 13,691ft above sea level. The top of Babusar is the highest place in the whole Kaghan Valley, KPK, Pakistan. The distance from Naran to Babusar is 65 KM (1:50 min). It connects the Naran and Kaghan Valley via Thak Nala with the Chilas area on the Karakoram Highway (KKH).
Moreover, it is best to take eatables with you as the facilities are nearly unavailable. Babusar top Pass is around 80 km from Naran Nalley. The natural scenery is amazing on the way to Babusar from Kaghan valley. Additionally, Battakundi is 16 km away from Naran valley and it provides access to Dudipatsar lake, Lalazar Plateau, and Lulusar lake.
The road is wide and well after Naran, with some patches, however, it is recommended to have a low-weight or high-power vehicle, as some turns on the way to Babusar pass are pretty dangerous. The road is usually slippery when the pass opens, so need to take measures accordingly.
Nowadays, the new road is under construction from Naran to Babusar, so some of the roads are temporarily closed, and partially opened for traffic flow. The mountains around the Babusar are at 13,691 ft in elevation, so the area is pretty cold. Therefore, the mountains around the pass are covered with snow, giving an amazing view. On the right side, you can easily spot the snow-covered peaks of Kashmir, while the northeast gives an interesting view of Nanga Parbat.
Naran Kaghan
Naran Kaghan valleys are just before Babusar, the distance is around 150 Km. Tourists usually take an overnight stay at Naran hotels, and the next morning they leave for Babusar top or Gilgit. Valleys are rich with lush green mountains with an amazing view of nature. However, valleys receive heavy snowfall during winter, and the road sometimes gets blocked. The road does open after clearing the snow, for traffic flow till Naran. It is important to check the weather forecast before traveling to these areas.
Lulusar Lake
Lulusar Lake is located on the way to Babusar, in Kaghan Valley, KPK, Pakistan. The Babusar top road gets closed in Winter due to the heavy snow. The Lulusar lake road opens a few weeks before opening the Babusar Top road. It is one of the largest lakes in Pakistan. Moreover, the lake gets frozen & snow-covered in the winters.
Babusar Top Weather:
Babusar top weather is usually cloudy in summer. However, due to heavy snowfall in winter, it gets closed for traffic. As Babusar top road opens in June, however, the road still gets slippery as the snow from the sides of the road melts. The height of Babusar is 13,691 feet, and also it receives rains more often. So, it is recommended to drive on a 4×4 vehicle with the required equipment with less load, also you need to check the weather forecast.
The weather at babusar top is clear nowadays, tourists can travel without any hesitation. However, it is recommended to be updated on rainfall.
During July and August Kaghan, Naran, and Babusar receive heavy rainfall which increases the chances of landslides. Always check the updated weather before traveling to Babusar top. Babusar top road has high steep, it is recommended to make sure your vehicle is in perfect condition.
Babusar Top Weather Update (November – April): Currently, Babusar top is fully covered in snow. The temperature is a polar cold, it is (-10°C) during day and (-16°C) during night, while the felt air temperature, due to the wind, is estimated at a life-threatening -23°C (-9.4°F). The road is not accessible for any vehicle.
For instance, here is the picture of Babusar road in June:
Weather in Summer
Summer (June – September) is the best time to visit Babusar top pass, it gets green and sunny. From June to September when the weather is mild and there is very little rainfall. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy all the outdoor activities that Babusar Top has to offer, such as hiking, trekking, and camping.
Weather in Autumn
It starts snowing at Babusar pass during Autumn. Travelers find the best view, but the road gets dangerous due to snowfall. It is recommended to check the weather before visiting Babusar top in Autumn.
Winter in Babusar Top
Babusar top gets completely blocked during winter due to heavy snowfall.
The distance from Babusar top to Hunza Valley is 251 km (156.0 mi). The road is paved till Chillas check post, then the road is under construction in some areas. The condition of road can take up to 5 hours to get to Hunza Valley from the opened Babusar top.
What to do at Babusar Top
If you love the great outdoors, then Babusar Top is the perfect place for you! Here are some of the best things to do at Babusar Top:
Hiking:
There are numerous hiking trails at Babusar Top, ranging from easy to challenging. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or go for a more strenuous hike, there’s a trail for you.
Bird watching:
Babusar Top is home to a variety of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot some rare species.
Photography:
With its stunning scenery, Babusar Top is a photographer’s dream. So make sure to bring your camera and capture the beauty of this place.
Camping:
If you’re looking for an adventure, then camping at Babusar Top is a must. There are plenty of spots where you can set up your tent and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Fishing:
The clear waters of Babusar Top are ideal for fishing. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, you’re sure to have a good time. Jhalkhad is a good place for fishing.
Stargazing:
The night sky at Babusar Top is simply amazing. So if you’re a fan of stargazing, make sure to check it out.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a place to relax, Babusar Top is the perfect spot for you. So don’t hesitate to add it to your list of places to visit.
How to Reach Babusar Top
Reaching Babusar Top is an amazing experience due to its breathtaking views and serene surroundings. The breathtaking views and its serene atmosphere make it an excellent tourist spot. Located in the Karakoram Range of Northern Pakistan, Babusar Top stands tall at an altitude of 4,173 meters or 13,691 feet above sea level and is accessible by road. The journey to Babusar Top is not for the faint of heart, but it is a rewarding experience for those who are willing to try. So, here are some tips for travelers who are planning to go to Babusar Top.
Transportation
Depending on your convenience, you can choose from multiple means of transportation to reach Babusar Top. The best way to reach the top would be a car or a bike, but you can also consider taking a bus ride from Islamabad, Lahore, or Rawalpindi. Bus rides from these cities will generally cost you around 3000 Rupees and will take approximately 12 hours.
Necessary Safety Measures
Make sure that you are equipped with necessary safety equipment before heading to Babusar Top. The road leading up to the Top can get dangerous and narrow so make sure you take the necessary precautions. Carry a first aid kit, a GPS device and any other equipment that you may find necessary.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
The Babusar Top is a popular destination and hence, it is always advisable to plan your trip in advance. Make your accommodation and restaurant bookings and get further information regarding the government regulations in the area. This will help you avoid any troubles that may arise during your visit and also ensure that you have an enjoyable trip overall.
Try to Have a Guide
Having a guide can be beneficial to your journey up to the Babusar Top as it will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The guide will also provide you with valuable information and also help you in exploring various tourist attractions nearby.
Explore the Surroundings
While visiting the Babusar Top, don’t miss out on exploring the local villages and the nearby attractions. A lot of locals have interesting stories and the region has a lot of local culture and attractions to offer.
By following these tips, you will be able to have a fantastic and unforgettable experience of Babusar Top and you will be amazed by the beautiful landscapes and captivating views of the Karakoram Mountains.
Here is how the Babusar road looks like:
