Snowfall thrills tourists at Babusar Top

Visitors throng scenic route to enjoy snow-covered peaks, frozen lakes and breathtaking views

Moderate rain and snowfall at the scenic Babusar Pass in Upper Kaghan turned the weather intensely cold, while filling tourists with excitement and awe. Visitors arriving with their families from the plains of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa were delighted to witness snowfall at the famed Babusar Top, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and mountain splendour.

Malaika Bibi, a seventh-grade student from Peshawar, was overwhelmed by the snowfall and the grandeur of Pakistan's landscapes during her visit to Babusar Pass. Accompanied by her parents, Malaika fulfilled her long-cherished dream of visiting Babusar Top, which connects Upper Kaghan (Mansehra) with Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan at an altitude of 13,691 feet above sea level. The journey, marked by snow-covered routes from Naran-Kaghan, serene lakes, lush valleys, and the hoisting of the national flag at the top, made the experience unforgettable for her.

"I had been eagerly waiting for this snowfall. My father, a government servant, promised me this memorable trip. I am very thankful to my sweet papa for fulfilling my childhood dream today," Malaika said while playfully throwing snowballs at her brother at Babusar Top.

She said the stunning views of small and large glaciers on snow-clad mountains, including Malika Parbat of the Himalayas, along with Lake Saiful Malook, Ansu Lake and Lulusar Lake, left tourists mesmerized. The icy waters of the Kunhar River, trout fish, and the Soan Waterfall along the route to Upper Naran further enhanced the charm of the journey.

Roadside stalls in Bhattal town offer Palosa and Ber honey to travellers, along with woollen chaddars and other garments to keep warm. Umar Khan, a local honey seller, told the media that these special honeys are also exported to Gulf countries due to their purity. He added that most of the honey is sourced from Karak and Lachi in Kohat district, which are well known for Palosa and Ber honey.

However, unplanned roadside construction, rapid glacier melting and poor communication infrastructure are adversely affecting the region's natural beauty. Nasir Khan, a tourist from Wapda Town, Nowshera, said their journey to Babusar began from Naran, a popular tourist town in Kaghan Valley. "We enjoyed Chapli kebab and Peshawari pulao before heading to the famous Saiful Malook Lake, known for the folklore of the Persian Prince Saiful Malook and fairy princess Badri Jamala," he said.

Pakistan is home to several mountain passes, including Bolan, Khyber, Lowari, Malakand and Broghil, but Babusar Pass holds a unique charm due to its heavy snowfall and majestic scenery. Nasir said he hired a jeep for Rs20,000 for the Naran–Babusar trip, adding that brown trout at Saiful Malook Lake amid snowfall and the cold breeze from Malika Parbat's snow-covered peaks enhanced the beauty of Kaghan Valley.

"Our next destination was Ansu Lake, located about six kilometres northeast of Saiful Malook. The climb was steady and scenic despite the snowfall," he said, adding that the icy waters of Sooch Waterfall were among the most visited attractions. The route is characterized by rivers, dense forests, meadows and unexplored waterfalls, offering spectacular views of surrounding snow-clad peaks and valleys on the way to Babusar Top.

Tourists also enjoyed Lulusar Lake, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of about 3,410 metres (11,190 feet). Its azure waters, set against snow-capped peaks, make it a picturesque stop. The final stretch to Babusar Top is a thrilling drive with hairpin bends and steep ascents, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, as well as nearby valleys, including parts of Azad Kashmir.