Heavy snowfall has covered several tourist destinations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kaghan Valley, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and creating hazardous road conditions for motorists travelling through the mountainous region.
The snowfall began early Monday morning, November 2, and continued intermittently throughout the day at Babusar Top, Saiful Muluk Lake, Naran, Battakundi, Basal and Lolosar Lake.
The changing weather conditions forced police to temporarily suspend traffic movement between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan along the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road.
According to a police official, authorities subsequently cleared the road for traffic up to Naran, the main commercial centre of Kaghan Valley. However, tourists were temporarily prohibited from travelling beyond Naran towards Babusar Top until weather conditions improved.
The latest snowfall has attracted visitors hoping to experience the winter scenery, but authorities and local tourism representatives have urged motorists to exercise caution because of slippery roads and deteriorating weather.
Heavy Snowfall Covers Major Tourist Destinations
Several popular locations across Kaghan Valley received snowfall on Monday, transforming the mountainous landscape and bringing colder weather to the region.
Babusar Top, Saiful Muluk Lake, Battakundi, Basal, Lolosar Lake and Naran were among the areas affected.
Snowfall continued intermittently throughout the day, causing temperatures to fall and making driving conditions increasingly difficult.
The weather change has attracted tourists interested in enjoying the snow-covered mountains, lakes and surrounding landscapes.
However, the snowfall has also created challenges for transportation, particularly along higher sections of the MNJ Road, where slippery surfaces can increase the risk of vehicles losing control.
The situation has required authorities to introduce temporary travel restrictions to prevent tourists from entering areas where road conditions have become hazardous.
Traffic Allowed Up to Naran, Babusar Top Access Restricted
Police have cleared the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road for traffic up to Naran after the initial disruption caused by snowfall.
However, tourists have been stopped from travelling further towards Babusar Top until weather conditions become suitable.
The restriction is particularly important because Babusar Top connects Kaghan Valley with Gilgit-Baltistan through a high-altitude mountain route.
Snowfall at higher elevations can make driving conditions dangerous, particularly for vehicles without suitable equipment and drivers unfamiliar with mountainous roads.
The temporary suspension of cross-regional traffic has therefore affected travel plans for people intending to use the Babusar route between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Travellers planning to continue towards Gilgit-Baltistan should check the latest road conditions before departure rather than assuming that clearance up to Naran means the entire route is open.
Tourists Continue Visiting Kaghan Valley
Despite the snowfall and travel restrictions beyond Naran, tourists have continued arriving in Kaghan Valley to enjoy the changing weather.
Hussain Deen, chairman of the Kaghan Valley Hotel Association, said visitors were still travelling to the region because authorities had permitted traffic up to Naran.
He advised motorists to remain cautious while travelling between Balakot and Naran, warning that slippery road conditions could create difficulties for drivers.
He also urged visitors to avoid reckless driving and follow instructions issued by the police and relevant authorities.
The arrival of tourists despite the restrictions highlights the attraction of Kaghan Valley during the autumn and early winter months.
Snow-covered mountains, cold weather and scenic landscapes make the region a popular destination for visitors, particularly those travelling from major cities in Punjab and other parts of Pakistan.
However, visitors are being advised to prioritise road safety rather than attempting to reach restricted high-altitude locations.
Saiful Muluk Lake Road Open for Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Abdul Rasheed Tanoli, Sub-Divisional Officer of Wildlife in Kaghan Valley, said the snowfall had brought a noticeable drop in temperatures across the region.
He also confirmed that the road connecting Naran with Saiful Muluk Lake remained accessible to four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Tourists continued arriving in the area to enjoy the scenery despite the colder weather and temporary restrictions on travel towards Babusar Top.
The availability of the Saiful Muluk route for four-wheel-drive vehicles provides visitors with another option for exploring parts of the valley.
However, road accessibility can change quickly in mountainous areas during snowfall. Visitors should therefore confirm the latest conditions with local authorities before attempting to travel towards the lake.
Motorists Warned About Slippery Roads Between Balakot and Naran
The snowfall has created potentially dangerous driving conditions along different sections of the route connecting Balakot and Naran.
Motorists have been advised to drive slowly, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid sudden braking or unnecessary overtaking.
Drivers should also ensure that their vehicles are suitable for mountain travel and carry essential supplies in case they encounter delays.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles may be more suitable for certain snowy and uneven routes, but they do not eliminate the risks associated with icy roads, poor visibility or rapidly changing weather.
Tourists should avoid travelling beyond designated access points when police have imposed restrictions.
Previous snowfall-related disruptions in Kaghan Valley have also demonstrated how quickly high-altitude roads can become inaccessible, sometimes requiring several days of clearance work before traffic can resume. <Cite refs={[“turn471067search5″,”turn471067search6”]}/>
Babusar Top Route Faces Seasonal Weather Challenges
Babusar Top is an important mountain crossing connecting Kaghan Valley with Gilgit-Baltistan.
The route attracts large numbers of tourists during warmer months because of its scenic surroundings and access to the mountainous areas beyond Naran.
However, the road becomes increasingly vulnerable to snowfall as winter approaches.
Abdul Rasheed Tanoli said the tourism season in Kaghan Valley was expected to continue until December, when heavier snowfall generally affects the entire valley and can suspend road connectivity.
During winter, local communities also move towards lower parts of Mansehra district as temperatures fall and snowfall increases in the upper valley.
The latest weather conditions highlight the challenges associated with maintaining road access in high-altitude tourist destinations as the winter season approaches.
What Tourists Should Know Before Travelling to Kaghan Valley
People planning trips to Naran, Saiful Muluk Lake or other parts of Kaghan Valley should check road conditions before leaving.
Traffic is currently reported as cleared up to Naran, while access beyond the town towards Babusar Top remains restricted under the reported arrangements.
Visitors should follow police instructions, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall and use suitable vehicles when travelling on mountain roads.
They should also carry warm clothing, food, drinking water and emergency supplies, particularly when travelling with children or older family members.
Those planning to cross into Gilgit-Baltistan through Babusar Top should confirm the route’s reopening with the relevant authorities before starting their journey. Conditions can change rapidly, and a road that is accessible during one part of the day may become unsafe after additional snowfall.
The latest snowfall has added to Kaghan Valley’s winter scenery and attracted tourists, but safety restrictions remain important as authorities manage the impact of changing weather.
For now, Naran remains the reported access point for visitors, while travel towards Babusar Top is subject to improvement in weather and road conditions.
