Babusar Pass opens for traffic after six-month hiatus

GILGIT: After being closed for traffic in November last year following heavy snowfall, the Gilgit-Baltistan authorities have reopened Babusar Pass for all types of traffic ahead of the tourist season.

Babusar Pass, situated at an elevation of 13,691 feet, is a stunning mountain pass in the north of Pakistan, connecting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit-Baltistan. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Babusar offers panoramic views of lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and serene lakes, making it a favored destination for tourists.

“The picturesque tourist destination Babusar Top in Gilgit-Baltistan, which was closed due to snowfall, has been reopened for traffic after a long break of 6 months,” the Gilgit-Baltistan Information Department said in a statement on Monday.

The statement mentioned that through mutual consultation, the district administrations of Diamer and Mansehra had decided to allow vehicular traffic on the Babusar-Kaghan Highway from 5 AM to 5 PM until Eidul Azha. It said the decision was taken due to the melting snow and ice formation on the road at night.

Consequently, the road will remain closed from 5 PM to 5 AM to ensure the safety of travelers. However, the information department stated that new traffic movement timings would be announced after Eidul Azha.

Six drowned, 15 missing as vehicle plunges into Neelum River

It may be mentioned that the highway connecting Diamer and Mansehra via Naran remains closed for traffic from October to June. The journey from Diamer to Mansehra takes seven hours through the pass, while the same distance is covered in 14 hours on the Karakoram Highway. Tourists visiting scenic spots in Gilgit-Baltistan prefer to travel through the pass to enjoy the weather and breathtaking sights.

A meeting regarding the reopening of the Babusar Highway was held at Babusar on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner Diamer-Astore Division Faisal Ehsan Pirzada, DIG Diamer-Astore Division Farooq Rasheed, Deputy Commissioner Diamer Fayaz Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Hazara Dr. Adnan, SSP Hazara Iftikhar, and Assistant Commissioner Balakot Basharat Shah, along with other security heads.

According to a statement by Diamer DC, local community volunteers have taken responsibility for security within their areas. Commissioner Diamer-Astore Division, DIG Diamer-Astore Division, and Deputy Commissioner Diamer interacted with tourists. They were briefed in detail about safety measures and security clearances after the highway reopened.