Babusar Top Road Reopens After 6-Month Closure

In a major development for tourism and regional connectivity, the road to Babusar Top—the highest point of the scenic Kaghan Valley—has been fully restored after a six-month-long closure due to glacier blockages. The National Highway Authority (NHA) has successfully cleared around 20 glaciers to reopen the route from Naran to Babusar Top, marking a critical milestone for travel and tourism in northern Pakistan.

According to the Deputy Director of NHA, Mansehra, the road had been blocked by several small and large glaciers that made travel impossible during the harsh winter months. With the clearance now complete, Kaghan Highway is once again operational, allowing easier and faster access to Gilgit-Baltistan.

This restoration is particularly significant for both tourists and locals, as the Babusar route reduces travel time to Gilgit by nearly 7 hours compared to the alternative Karakoram Highway. The reopening has led to a surge in traffic, with lines of vehicles seen traveling along the newly accessible road. Local businesses, hotels, and tour operators in the region are also expecting a positive economic impact as a result of increased tourist inflow.

To ensure the safety of travelers, the Mansehra Police have established a police post at Geti Das, enhancing security and providing assistance to visitors in this remote yet popular destination.

The reopening of Babusar Top is a breath of fresh air for Pakistan’s northern tourism sector, offering breathtaking mountain views, cool weather, and a direct route to the northern areas just in time for the summer travel season.

The reopening of the Babusar Top route is also expected to ease traffic congestion on the Karakoram Highway, which had been the only viable route to Gilgit during the road closure. With the alternate route now accessible, travelers have more flexibility and can enjoy the scenic beauty of the Kaghan Valley en route. Moreover, this restoration supports local livelihoods by boosting small businesses such as roadside eateries, transport services, and handicraft vendors along the route—providing much-needed economic relief to communities that rely heavily on seasonal tourism.

Afsheen Gohar

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