Visitors travel the scenic route to enjoy snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes and breathtaking views.
A large number of tourists have reached Murree and Galiyat to enjoy the snowfall. PHOTOS: Agha Mahroz/EXPRES
Moderate rain and snowfall at the picturesque Babusar Pass in Upper Kaghan made the weather intensely cold, while filling the tourists with excitement and amazement. Visitors who came with their families from the plains of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa were delighted to witness snowfall on the famous Babusar Top, famous for its stunning natural beauty and mountain splendor.
Malaika Bibi, a seventh grade student from Peshawar, was overwhelmed by the snowfall and the grandeur of Pakistan’s landscapes during her visit to the Babusar Pass. Accompanied by her parents, Malaika fulfilled her long-cherished dream of visiting Babusar Top, which connects Upper Kaghan (Mansehra) to Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan at an altitude of 13,691 feet above sea level. The journey, marked by snowy routes from Naran-Kaghan, serene lakes, lush valleys and hoisting of the national flag at the peak, made the experience unforgettable for her.
“I have been eagerly waiting for this snowfall. My father, a government official, promised me this memorable trip. I am very grateful to my sweet dad for fulfilling my childhood dream today,” Malaika said while playfully throwing snowballs at her brother at Babusar Top.
He said the stunning views of small and big glaciers in the snow-capped mountains, including Malika Parbat of the Himalayas, along with Saiful Malook Lake, Ansu Lake and Lulusar Lake, left tourists mesmerized. The icy waters of Kunhar River, trout and Soan waterfall along the route to Upper Naran further enhanced the charm of the trip.
Street stalls in Bhattal town offer Palosa and Ber honey to travelers, along with woolen chaddars and other clothing to keep them 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 comes from Karak and Lachi in Kohat district, well known for Palosa and Ber honey.
However, unplanned construction along roads, rapid melting of glaciers and poor communication infrastructure are negatively affecting the natural beauty of the region. Nasir Khan, a tourist from Wapda town, Nowshera, said his trip to Babusar started from Naran, a popular tourist town in the Kaghan Valley. “We enjoyed Chapli kebab and Peshawari pulao before heading to the famous Saiful Malook Lake, known for the folklore of 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 has a unique charm due to its heavy snowfall and majestic landscape. Nasir said he rented a jeep for Rs 20,000 for the Naran-Babusar trip, adding that the brown trout in the Saiful Malook lake amidst snowfall and the cold breeze from the snow-capped peaks of Malika Parbat enhanced the beauty of the Kaghan valley.
“Our next destination was Ansu Lake, located about six kilometers northeast of Saiful Malook. The climb was steady and scenic despite the snowfall,” he said, adding that the icy waters of the Sooch waterfall were among the most visited attractions. The route is characterized by rivers, dense forests, grasslands and unexplored waterfalls, offering spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and valleys on the way to Babusar Top.
Tourists also enjoyed Lake Lulusar, a glacial lake located at an altitude of about 3,410 meters (11,190 feet). Its blue waters, contrasted with snow-capped peaks, make it a picturesque stop. The final stretch up to Babusar Top is a thrilling drive with hairpin bends and steep climbs, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges as well as nearby valleys, including parts of Azad Kashmir.
