Babusar Top Road Closed After Heavy Snowfall: Alternative Routes to Gilgit-Baltistan
Last Updated: November 15, 2026
Travel Alert: Babusar Pass has been closed following heavy snowfall in the upper Kaghan Valley. Travellers planning journeys between Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan should check current road conditions and consider the Karakoram Highway as an alternative.
Babusar Top Road Closure: What Happened?
Travellers planning to visit Gilgit-Baltistan through Kaghan Valley have been affected by heavy snowfall across the upper mountainous regions of northern Pakistan.
Babusar Top, an important mountain pass connecting Kaghan Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan, has been closed to traffic following snowfall and hazardous road conditions.
According to a report published by Dawn on November 12, 2026, traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan through Babusar Top was suspended after fresh snowfall made the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road slippery and dangerous.
The Mansehra District Police Officer confirmed that traffic beyond Bassal had been restricted towards the upper parts of Kaghan Valley and neighbouring Diamer district.
Dawn’s subsequent report on November 13 also confirmed that Babusar Pass had been temporarily closed to all types of traffic on the orders of the Diamer district police officer.
Travellers were advised to use the Karakoram Highway instead and avoid unnecessary travel.
Sources:
- Dawn – Heavy snowfall suspends traffic between KP and GB
- Dawn – Rain, snowfall disrupt life across GB
Is Babusar Top Open or Closed Today?
As of November 15, 2026, recent reporting indicates that Babusar Pass remains closed following substantial snowfall.
In a report published on November 15, The Express Tribune stated that more than four feet of snow had accumulated around Babusar Top and that reopening before the next summer tourist season was unlikely.
The report also explained that clearing the snow and restoring traffic would depend on prevailing weather conditions.
Babusar Pass normally becomes inaccessible during the winter months because of heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures and difficult mountain-road conditions.
However, travellers should distinguish between the closure of Babusar Pass and access to other destinations in Kaghan Valley.
For example, a Dawn report published on November 12 stated that traffic was still allowed up to Naran, while movement beyond Bassal towards the upper valley was restricted. These are dated reports, not confirmation of today’s live road status.
Before travelling, contact the relevant police authorities and verify the latest conditions.
Source: The Express Tribune – Heavy snow cuts off key tourist route to G-B
Why Is Babusar Pass Important for Travellers?
Babusar Pass is one of the most significant seasonal mountain routes in northern Pakistan.
Located at approximately 13,700 feet above sea level, it connects the upper Kaghan Valley with Diamer district in Gilgit-Baltistan.
During the summer travel season, the route is popular among tourists travelling from Islamabad towards destinations such as:
- Chilas
- Gilgit
- Hunza
- Other destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan
The route offers spectacular mountain scenery and provides an alternative to the longer Karakoram Highway journey for certain destinations.
However, the route’s high altitude makes it vulnerable to heavy snowfall, freezing conditions and seasonal road closures.
This is why travellers should always plan their northern Pakistan journeys according to the season rather than relying on summer travel routes throughout the year.
Alternative Route from Islamabad to Gilgit-Baltistan
With Babusar Pass closed, the Karakoram Highway (KKH) is the alternative recommended in the November 13 Dawn report.
The Karakoram Highway connects northern Pakistan with the rest of the country and provides an important road link towards Gilgit-Baltistan.
1. Islamabad to Gilgit via Karakoram Highway
Travellers heading from Islamabad towards Gilgit can consider the Karakoram Highway route through the Hazara region and onward towards Besham, Dasu and Chilas.
The route continues towards Gilgit through the mountainous areas of northern Pakistan.
Unlike Babusar Pass, the Karakoram Highway serves as an important year-round connection, although individual sections can still be affected by landslides, snowfall, construction work and temporary traffic restrictions.
Before departure, travellers should:
- Confirm the latest highway conditions.
- Check for traffic restrictions and diversions.
- Allow additional time for unexpected delays.
- Avoid travelling through unsafe sections during severe weather.
- Follow instructions from motorway and local police authorities.
The Karakoram Highway should not automatically be considered completely clear simply because Babusar Pass is closed. Its condition must also be verified before starting the journey.
2. Islamabad to Chilas and Further Destinations
Chilas is an important stop for travellers heading towards Gilgit-Baltistan.
People travelling from Islamabad can plan their journey through the Karakoram Highway and use Chilas as a stopping point before continuing towards Gilgit, Hunza or other destinations.
For long-distance journeys, planning rest stops and checking weather conditions are particularly important.
Travellers should avoid rushing through mountain roads, especially when visibility is poor or road surfaces are affected by rain, snow or landslides.
Can You Still Visit Naran During the Babusar Top Closure?
The closure of Babusar Pass does not necessarily mean that every part of Kaghan Valley is inaccessible.
According to Dawn’s November 12 report, traffic up to Naran was still permitted at that time, although movement beyond Bassal towards the upper valley was restricted.
Naran is a popular tourist destination known for its mountain scenery, rivers, lakes and surrounding valleys.
However, winter weather can change accessibility quickly.
Before planning a trip to Naran, travellers should confirm:
- Whether the road from Mansehra to Naran is open.
- Whether snowfall has affected the route.
- Whether local authorities have introduced traffic restrictions.
- Whether the planned destination is accessible.
- Whether suitable accommodation and local services are available.
Do not assume that a road open to Naran also means that roads towards Lulusar Lake or Babusar Top are open.
Which Vehicle Is Suitable for Travelling to Gilgit-Baltistan in Winter?
Vehicle selection is an important part of planning a long-distance journey through northern Pakistan.
The right vehicle depends on the route, weather conditions, passenger numbers and luggage requirements.
SUVs and 4×4 Vehicles
SUVs such as the Toyota Prado, Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Fortuner are popular choices for mountain travel because of their ground clearance, passenger comfort and suitability for different road conditions.
However, having a 4×4 vehicle does not make a closed road safe or legally accessible.
Even experienced drivers should follow official traffic restrictions and avoid entering areas affected by severe snowfall or landslides.
Sedans for Long-Distance Travel
Sedans can be suitable for many paved highway journeys when weather and road conditions are favourable.
For travellers using the Karakoram Highway, vehicle selection should consider passenger numbers, luggage capacity, road conditions and journey length.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Before booking transportation, consider:
- Number of passengers.
- Amount of luggage.
- Total journey distance.
- Expected weather conditions.
- Road accessibility.
- Comfort requirements for a multi-day journey.
The most important factor is not simply choosing the largest vehicle. It is choosing suitable transportation for the confirmed route and prevailing conditions.
Important Safety Tips for Winter Travel to Northern Pakistan
Winter travel in northern Pakistan requires additional preparation.
The combination of snowfall, low temperatures, slippery roads and reduced visibility can make mountain journeys challenging.
Here are some precautions travellers should consider.
1. Check road conditions before departure
Do not rely on old social media posts or outdated travel videos. Confirm the current road status with the relevant police and local authorities.
2. Avoid restricted mountain routes
Never attempt to bypass police checkpoints or enter closed roads. Restrictions are introduced to protect travellers and local communities.
3. Keep additional travel time
Weather-related delays can affect long-distance journeys. Avoid planning tight schedules when travelling through mountainous regions.
4. Carry winter essentials
Warm clothing, drinking water, necessary medicines, charged mobile phones and emergency supplies can be useful during winter travel.
5. Follow official weather advisories
Check forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department before travelling.
6. Use an experienced driver
Mountain roads require careful driving, particularly in winter conditions. An experienced driver familiar with long-distance routes can help with journey planning and road safety.
Where to Check the Latest Road and Weather Updates
Before travelling from Islamabad to Gilgit-Baltistan, consult reliable sources for current information.
The following resources can help:
- National Highways & Motorway Police: nhmp.gov.pk – For motorway-related information and police assistance.
- Pakistan Meteorological Department: weather.gov.pk – For weather forecasts and snowfall advisories.
- National Highway Authority: nha.gov.pk – For highway-related information.
- Dawn News: dawn.com – For verified reporting on road closures and developments.
- The Express Tribune: tribune.com.pk – For updates on northern Pakistan and travel-related developments.
For immediate road-condition information, travellers can also contact the police helpline at 15, as advised in Dawn’s November 13 report.
Planning Your Journey from Islamabad to Northern Pakistan?
A road closure can significantly change the travel plans of families, tourists and business travellers.
If you are planning a journey from Islamabad towards Gilgit, Hunza or other destinations in northern Pakistan, make sure your route is confirmed before booking transportation.
Safari Rent a Car provides car rental services with drivers for different travel requirements across Pakistan.
Depending on vehicle availability and the accessibility of your destination, you can explore suitable transportation options for:
- Family tours.
- Long-distance intercity journeys.
- Northern Pakistan travel.
- Business and executive transportation.
- Multi-day travel arrangements.
Explore our car rental services in Islamabad or browse our available fleet to find a suitable vehicle for your journey.
For long-distance travel, always confirm the route, vehicle availability and journey arrangements before booking.
Travel responsibly, check official road updates and never compromise on safety when travelling through northern Pakistan.
Editorial update notice: This article reflects news reports published between November 12 and November 15, 2026. Road conditions can change without notice. Always verify the latest status with relevant authorities before departure.
