Visitors flock to the scenic drive to enjoy snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes and breathtaking views
A large number of tourists reached Murree and Galiyat to enjoy the snowfall. PHOTOS: Agha Mahroz/EXPRESS
Moderate rains and snowfall at the picturesque Babusar Pass in Upper Kaghan made the weather extremely 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 famous Babusar peak, renowned for its breathtaking 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 Babusar Pass. Accompanied by her parents, Malaika fulfilled her long-held 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 snow-covered roads from Naran-Kaghan, serene lakes, lush valleys and hoisting of the national flag at the top, made this experience unforgettable for her.
“I was looking forward to this snowfall. My father, a government official, promised me this memorable trip. I am very grateful to my sweet papa for fulfilling my childhood dream today,” Malaika said while throwing snowballs at her brother at Babusar Top.
She said the breathtaking views of small and large glaciers in the snow-capped mountains, including Malika Parbat of the Himalayas, as well as Saiful Malook, Ansu and Lulusar lakes, left tourists mesmerized. The icy waters of Kunhar river, trouts and Soan waterfall along the road leading to Upper Naran further enhanced the charm of the trip.
Roadside stalls in Bhattal town offer Palosa and Ber honey to travelers, along with woolen chaddars and other clothes to keep warm. Umar Khan, a local honey seller, told 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 their Palosa and Ber honey.
However, unplanned roadside construction, rapid melting of glaciers and poor communication infrastructure are harming the natural beauty of the region. Nasir Khan, a tourist from Wapda town, Nowshera, said their journey to Babusar started 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 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 landscapes. Nasir said he hired a jeep for Rs 20,000 for the Naran-Babusar journey, adding that the brown trout of Saiful Malook lake amid snowfall and cold breeze from the snow-capped peaks of Malika Parbat enhanced the beauty of 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 Sooch Waterfall were among the most visited attractions. The route is characterized by rivers, dense forests, meadows 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 around 3,410 meters (11,190 feet). Its azure waters, backed by snow-capped peaks, make it a picturesque stopover. The final stretch to Babusar Top is an exciting drive with hairpin bends and steep climbs, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, as well as neighboring valleys, including parts of Azad Kashmir.
