Peshawar:
The dramatic interaction of Sunshine and Clouds, accompanied by light to erratic precipitation, creates a breathtaking spectacle with Babusar Top – the historic mountain pass perched high in the upper valley of Kaghan of the Manshra district.
Each summer, and especially during the Eid holidays, this majestic destination attracts thousands of tourists across Pakistan. The trip of Naran to Babusar Top leaves lasting impressions with its virgin lakes, its green meadows, its green and rolling hills and its winding mountain roads.
Located at an impressive altitude of 13,691 feet, Babusar Top serves as a natural bridge between Haut Kaghan and the Naran in Manshra and the Chilas in Gilgit-Baltisan. “I have traveled a lot in Pakistan and abroad, but nothing compared to the natural greatness of Babusar. It is a paradise for the thrill and the adventure,” said Muhammad Imran, a 40 -year -old architect of the C&W department of Peshawar.
Imran told his experience of sipping icy drinks on glaciers while listening to the patriotic anthem “Dil Dil Pakistan” during his road to the top. The Pakistani flag floating at the top of the pass serves as a proud welcome to thousands of tourists and adventure researchers.
Enchanting waterfalls and crystalline lakes with the Dodara forest and chirping birds echoing through the valleys, the whole section of Kaghan-Naran in Babusar Top is the paradise of a nature lover. Imran shared the protruding facts of his journey, which included the flavor of Chapli Kababs and the brown trout in the cool climate of Lower Naran and visiting the legendary Lake Saiful Malok, linked to folklore on the Persian Prince Saiful Malok and the Princess of Fairy Badri Jamala.
“During our JEEP trip from Naran to Babusar, we hike to Lake Ansu and witnessed the icy waterfalls of Sooch Waterfall-an unforgettable experience,” he added. Along the route, captivating stops include Lulusar glacial lake, nestled at 11,190 feet in the middle of snowy peaks and quiet blue waters. Small roads of roads in the city of Bhattal offer local specialties like Palosa and Ber Honey, wool shawls, caps and naturally cooled drinks.
Sher Zaman, a local honey seller, underlined the popularity of Palosa and Ber Honey – at the source of Karak and Lachi (Kohat) – among tourists. He noted that these varieties are even exported to the Gulf countries because of their purity.
However, the ecological charm of the region faces serious threats of deforestation, the melting of glaciers, uncontrolled construction and the deterioration of roads – all aggravated by climate change and illegal forest exploitation.
Haji Ehsanullah Khan, a Pakistani transporter based in Dubai visiting the pass, congratulated Babasar for his unrivaled serenity and his panoramic views. “Pakistan has many picturesque mountain passes, but Babusar stands out from its dominant views on the chains of Himalayas and Karakoram.”
The last Babusar section involves an steep and winding ascent, offering a panoramic view of the lush valleys, icy waterfalls and distant peaks. Tourists, in particular families, soak up natural beauty, but also expect new visitors to drive carefully, especially during snowfall and use tire chains on slippery roads.
The famous cyclist of the Irish adventure and author Dervla Murphy, in his book Two Wheels on nine glaciers, remembered his 1960s cycling expedition with Babusar, praising the hospitality of residents and serene lakes and mountains in the region. Historians note that Babusar Top may have originally called Babur Top, who would be appointed after the emperor Moghol Babur who crossed this region at the beginning of the 16th century.
Professor Muhammad Naeem Khattak underlined the immense economic potential of tourism in areas in northern Pakistan. “We have to invest in the infrastructure and use digital tools to promote internal tourism. Social media can be a powerful tool to highlight the natural treasures of Pakistan in the world.”
