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Babusar Top offers a magnificent view of scattered plateaus, green meadows, rushing streams and snow-capped peaks of Kashmir. The area is a fascinating tourist attraction, making every trip a unique and memorable experience. The winding road leading to Babusar Pass is steep and steep, with stunning views on both sides.
Babusar Pass is a popular summer destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its rich biodiversity. The nearby pine and oak forests are home to various birds, including snowcocks, owls, hawks and pigeons.
The area is home to a large population of wild sheep and goats. However, due to the harsh climate and high altitude, agriculture is a major challenge.
Between Kaghan Valley and Chilas, Babusar Pass is 4,173 meters (13,691 feet) above sea level and is the highest point accessible by car in the entire Kaghan Valley. The trail is usually open from late June to early November and offers a chance to experience its magic.
Be prepared to be amazed by the stunning landscape of snow-capped peaks, vast glaciers and lush valleys. Activities here are limited to admiring the views, taking photos and enjoying the fresh mountain air. For the adventurous, nearby attractions such as Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest peak in the world, Lulusar Lake and Dudipastar Lake offer more to explore.
The name ‘Babusar Peak‘ holds great historical significance. In the early 16th century, it was originally known as ‘Babur Peak’ due to the frequent visits of the Mughal Emperor Babur to the area.
Babusar Top was an important part of the traditional summer road connecting the Kaghan Valley to the Gilgit-Baltistan region before the construction of the Karakoram Highway. The road was used from 1947 until 1978 when the Karakoram Highway was officially opened for regular traffic. The British built the road in 1890 to establish a connection between Gilgit-Baltistan and British India.
Hightest Pass in mountains
In the pre-partition era, travellers from India and Kashmir travelled to Gilgit-Baltistan via the Babusar Pass. Another caravan route was the Burzil Pass (4,100 meters above sea level), which connected Srinagar and Gilgit via Astor. The mountain range separates much of the Kagan Valley from the Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir.
These historical details highlight the Babusar Peak’s importance and the route that facilitated travel in the region for centuries.
The Babusar Pass is partially covered with snow. The Mansehra region is characterized by the vast Himalayan range that enters it from Kashmir. The Kagan Valley has the highest mountains in the region, including the famous Babusar Peak. Within this range, you will find Mallika Parbat Peak, the highest peak in the valley, at nearly 17,000 feet above sea level, located on the right bank of the Kunhar River.
During the summer, the Gujjars and other nomadic communities migrate to the mountain pastures to graze their livestock, including sheep and goats. To the north, you’ll come across mountains that connect to the Kaghan Range.
At the peak of Musa Ka Musalla, which rises about 13,500 feet, the range bifurcates on the east side. It runs along the northern border of the Bhogarmang and Kunch valleys and rises a peninsula that separates them.
Like the Kaghan Valley, these mountains are also covered with dense natural forests, especially on the upper slopes. However, widespread deforestation has resulted in dense forests in remote, less-developed areas.
The Babusar Pass is picturesque and one of the most accessible ways to reach Gilgit-Baltistan. However, due to the unpredictable weather conditions in the region, the route is open and accessible for limited hours.
From Islamabad, you can pass through Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Balakot. Alternatively, a shorter option takes you through the picturesque Murree Hills to Muzaffarabad and then to Balakot via Ghari Habibullah.
Naran is a popular stop along the way and offers a convenient overnight location. It is approximately a 6-hour drive from Islamabad and a 5-hour drive from Gilgit.
Pro Tip: Before you go, it is recommended that you check the visit times set by Babusar’s top management to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
The journey from Naran to the Babusar Top is breathtaking. Along the way, visitors are treated to an array of stunning views, including snow-capped peaks, vast valleys, bustling streams, dense forests, picturesque meadows, and verdant terraces. These picturesque wonders beckon visitors to stop and savour the moment of ascent. The serene gem known as Lake Lulusar is an ideal place for a short stop. You can book your Naran Kaghan Babusar Top Tour today as it opens now. For quality assurance, you can check our authentic tourist reviews here.
Magnificent views
Babusar is a must-visit destination due to the large number of tourists it attracts worldwide and the local area. It is a place of constant excitement for enthusiastic travellers. Whether you are on your way to Gilgit-Baltistan or embarking on a day trip from Naran, the top of Babusar offers a wonderful respite, inviting you to stay, taste the food and explore its natural wonders.
Located in Mansehra district, the pass is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley and connects the valley to Chilas via the Karakoram Highway and Thak Nala. It is also known for being one of the busiest curvy roads in the world.
The road to Babusar Pass has recently been renovated to improve its condition. However, limited services are available along the way, so it is recommended that you bring your food and essentials.
Babusar Pass is approximately 80 km from Naran. During your journey to the past, you can enjoy the amazing views of the Kaghan Valley. Along the way, you can explore attractions such as the Lalazar Plateau, Dudipatsar Lake, and Lulusar Lake, the largest natural lake in Hazara. Batakundi is another picnic place located just 16 km from Naran.
Full paved road all the way to Babusar Top
The road leading to Babusar Pass is in good condition and accessible to different types of vehicles. Due to its proximity to many tourist attractions, it is popular as a tourist destination. It is important to note that some parts of the road leading to the pass may have temporary obstructions due to adverse weather conditions, but the road maintenance staff usually clears these during the summer when the snow melts.
The Babusar Pass is completely covered with snow in winter. The ideal time to visit Babusar Top is the summer months, which is from May to September. In May, the maximum temperature is usually 11 °C (52 °F) and the minimum is 3°C (37 °F). The trail to Babusar Pass remains open from mid-July to late September, providing a wide range of space for your exploration.
However, it is worth noting that travel is restricted during the monsoon season and winter. If you plan to visit the Kaghan district, you can reach it by road from Islamabad or Peshawar.
Road situation after clearance winter snowfall
The most suitable period to explore Babusar Peak is May to September, coinciding with the year’s warmest months. During the colder months, the pass is temporarily closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions at the top of Babusar Peak, making it inaccessible.
The distance from Naran to the top of Babusar Peak via the Naran-Babusar Road is about 75 kilometres (about 47 miles). So, if you travel to Naran, remember to visit Babusar Pass.
Babusar Pass is a high mountain in the Khan Valley of Pakistan. It is an important road connecting the Kagan Valley to Gilgit-Baltistan and is known for its stunning natural beauty.
The maximum distance from Islamabad to Babusar via Hazara Expressway/M-15 and N-15 is 6 hours and 53 minutes (349.5 km).
The best time to visit Babusar Pass is during the summer months, from May to September. The weather is relatively mild and suitable for tourists.
Babusar Pass is not open all year round. It is generally open to traffic from mid-July to the end of September. Due to adverse weather conditions, access to the pass is restricted during the monsoon and winter.
Many attractions near Kaghan Valley include Lalazar Plateau, Dudepatsar Lake and Lolosar Lake, the largest natural lake in Hazara. These natural wonders are great places to visit when visiting Babusar Pass.
Babusar Pass has incomplete facilities or services. Travellers are advised to bring their food and necessities. Also, it is a remote and picturesque place, so preparation is key to a comfortable visit.
Since 2017, Saba Ghani has been serving as the talented and dedicated chief content writer for Pakistan Tour and Travel & EMHI Solutions. With her exceptional writing skills and in-depth knowledge of the travel industry, she has been instrumental in crafting engaging and informative content that captivates the audience. You can catch her at [email protected] or Twitter
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