By Heavy snowfall has disrupted road connectivity in Diamer, Gilgit-Baltistan, as temperatures have fallen below freezing and a cold wave has spread across the district. The worsening weather has affected key tourist destinations and prompted authorities to temporarily close the Babusar Highway due to difficult travelling conditions.
Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat and Bhutogah Top have experienced intermittent snowfall, while rainfall in Chilas and surrounding areas has further lowered temperatures. The changing weather conditions have raised concerns about road safety for tourists, local residents and commuters travelling through the mountainous region.
Police have confirmed that the Babusar Highway was temporarily closed after heavy snowfall made travel difficult. The Babusar-Naran Highway has also been shut due to subzero temperatures and continuing snowfall at Babusar Top.
Babusar-Naran Highway Closed Due to Heavy Snowfall
The closure of the Babusar-Naran Highway is likely to affect people planning trips to the scenic destinations of northern Pakistan. The route is popular among tourists travelling between Naran in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Diamer region of Gilgit-Baltistan during the summer tourism season.
However, heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures and rapidly changing mountain weather can make driving conditions dangerous. Snow accumulation, slippery road surfaces and reduced visibility can increase the risk of accidents, particularly along steep and winding mountain roads.
The temporary closure is intended to reduce travel risks while weather conditions remain unfavourable. Motorists and tourists should avoid approaching closed sections of the highway and follow instructions issued by traffic police and the district administration.
Cold Wave Brings Freezing Temperatures to Diamer
The cold wave has affected several areas of Diamer, including Chilas and nearby mountainous locations. While intermittent snowfall has been reported at Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat and Bhutogah Top, rain in lower areas has contributed to the further decline in temperatures.
Mountainous regions in Gilgit-Baltistan are particularly vulnerable to sudden weather changes. Conditions can shift quickly from rainfall to snowfall as temperatures fall, potentially affecting road access and outdoor activities.
Travellers visiting the region should prepare for cold weather by carrying suitable winter clothing and essential supplies. Those travelling with children, older people or individuals sensitive to cold temperatures should take additional precautions.
Tourists Advised to Check Road Conditions Before Travelling
The district administration and relevant departments have advised travellers to exercise caution in areas experiencing snowfall and freezing weather.
People planning to travel along the Babusar Highway should check the latest traffic situation and road-clearance updates before beginning their journeys. Travellers should also confirm whether their intended routes are open rather than relying on older travel information or previously published itineraries.
Useful precautions include:
- Checking official road-closure announcements before departure.
- Avoiding travel through closed or snow-covered mountain routes.
- Carrying warm clothing, food, drinking water and emergency supplies.
- Ensuring vehicles are mechanically sound and equipped for cold-weather conditions.
- Following instructions from local police, traffic authorities and the district administration.
- Keeping flexible travel plans in case snowfall causes further delays.
Tourists should not assume that a route is safe simply because it was open earlier in the day. Weather and road conditions in high-altitude areas can deteriorate quickly.
Impact on Northern Pakistan Tourism
The closure of the Babusar-Naran Highway could disrupt travel plans for tourists visiting northern Pakistan, particularly those hoping to explore scenic mountain destinations or travel between Naran and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Road closures during snowfall can affect tourism-related businesses, transport operators and visitors who depend on mountain routes to reach hotels and sightseeing locations. The duration of the disruption will depend on weather conditions, snow clearance operations and official safety assessments.
Travellers should consider alternative arrangements only after confirming that the proposed route is open and safe. They should not attempt to bypass roadblocks or use unfamiliar mountain tracks to avoid delays.
Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have disrupted road access in Diamer, resulting in the temporary closure of the Babusar Highway and the shutdown of the Babusar-Naran route. With snowfall continuing at Babusar Top and other mountainous destinations, travellers have been urged to exercise caution and verify road conditions before setting out.
Anyone planning a visit to Gilgit-Baltistan should prioritise safety, follow official travel advisories and remain prepared for delays until authorities confirm that the affected roads are safe for traffic.
Disclaimer: Road and weather conditions may change rapidly. Please verify the latest updates from official authorities before travelling. This article is for informational purposes only.
