Peshawar:
The dramatic interaction of sunlight and clouds, accompanied by the light to the erratic rain, creates an impressive show in Babusar Top: the historic mountain pass perched in the Kaghan Superior Valley of the Mansehra district.
Every summer, and especially during EID holidays, this majestic destination attracts thousands of tourists from all over Pakistan. Orange to Babusar leaves lasting impressions with its pristine lakes, green meadows, green hills and winding mountain roads.
Located at an impressive altitude of 13,691 feet, Babusar Top serves as a natural bridge between Alto Kaghan and Naran in Mansehra and Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan. “I have traveled a lot inside Pakistan and abroad, but nothing compares with the natural greatness of Babusar. It is a paradise for emotion and adventure,” said Muhammad Imran, a 40 -year -old architect from the department of C & W in Peshawar.
Imran related his experience of drinking cold drinks to the glacier while listening to the patriotic anthem “Dil Dil Pakistan” during his trip to the top. The Pakistani flag that fluttered on the pass serves as a proud welcome to thousands of tourists and adventure seekers.
From the lovely waterfalls and glass lakes to the Dodara forest and singing birds that resonate in the valleys, all Kaghan’s stretching to the top of Babusar is a paradise of nature lovers. Imran shared the most prominent aspects of his trip, which included savoring Chapli Kababs and brown trout in the fresh climate of Lower Naran and visiting the legendary Saiful Malook lake, tied to folklore about the Persian prince Saiful Malook and the Badri Jamala Hada princess.
“During our Jeep’s trip from Naran to Babusar, we walk to Lake Ansu and witness the frozen waterfalls of the Sotoch waterfall, an unforgettable experience,” he added. Throughout the route, the captivating stops include the Lulusar Glacial Lake, located at 11,190 feet in the middle of snow -covered spikes and calm blue waters. Little stores on the road on Bhattal Town offer local specialties such as Palosa and Ber Honey, wool shales, naturally cooled caps and drinks.
Sher Zaman, a local honey seller, highlighted the popularity of Palosa and Ber Honey, originated from Karak and Lachi (Kohat), tourists from Among. He pointed out that these varieties are even exported to Gulf countries due to their purity.
However, the ecological charm of the region faces serious threats for deforestation, melting glaciers, construction without control and the deterioration of roads, everything worsened by climate change and illegal felling.
Haji Ehsanullah Khan, a Pakistani conveyor based in Dubai who visited the pass, praised Babusar for his unique serenity and panoramic views. “Pakistan has many picturesque mountain passes, but Babusar stands out for his dominant views of the ranges of Himalaya and Karakoram.”
The final stretching to Babusar implies a steep and winding ascent, which offers panoramic views of lush valleys, frozen waterfalls and distant spikes. Tourists, especially families, immerse themselves in natural beauty, but also warn the new visitors who conduct care, especially during snowfall, and use tire chains on slippery roads.
The renowned cyclist and author of the Irish adventure Dervla Murphy, in her book Two Wheels about nine glaciers, recalled with affection her bicycle expedition of the 1960s through Babusar, praising the hospitality of the locals and the serene lakes and mountains of the region. Historians point out that Babusar Top may have been called Babur Top, which is believed to be named Emperor Mughal Babur that went through this area at the beginning of the 16th century.
Professor Muhammad Naeem Khattak emphasized the immense economic potential of tourism in the areas of northern Pakistan. “We must invest in infrastructure and use digital tools to promote national tourism. Social networks can be a powerful tool to highlight Pakistan’s natural treasures to the world.”
