By Fakhar-e-Alam
PESHAWAR, Jun 15 (APP): The dramatic interplay of sunshine and clouds, often accompanied by moderate to erratic rainfall, paints a mesmerizing landscape at historic Babusar Top, the high-altitude mountain pass nestled in upper Kaghan Valley of Mansehra district.
Attracting thousands of tourists during summer especially holidays of Eidul Azha, travelling to Babusar Top from Naran leaves imprints of natural beauty with lakes, meadows, green hill tops and zigzagging road to be reminded in tourists minds for years.
People from all across the country throng this destination, located at a breathtaking altitude of 13,691 feet that connects Upper Kaghan and Naran in Mansehra with Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan.
“I have visited many places within Pakistan and abroad, but nothing compares to the natural splendor of Babusar—a home to thrill and adventure,” said Muhammad Imran, a 40-year-old architect from C&W Department in Peshawar.
Captivated by the awe-inspiring beauty of Babusar Pass, Imran revealed enjoying chilled drinks stored in nearby glaciers while listening the patriotic song “Dil Dil Pakistan in his car on his way to Babusar Top from Naran.
Pakistan’s flag hoisted proudly atop the pass welcomes thousands of tourists and adventure seekers each summer. Visitors are drawn to its waterfalls, pristine lakes, dodara forest, meadows and birds chirping echo through lush valleys from Kaghan-Naran to Babusar Top.
The tourist recounts his journey from Lower Naran Manshera where he enjoyed local delicacies such as Chapli Kabab, brown trout in relatively cold weather and from there, to legendary Lake Saiful Malook, famed in folklore for the Persian prince Saiful Malook and the fairy princess Badri Jamala.
“During our jeep journey from Naran to Babusar trip, we experienced hiking toward Ansu Lake, witnessing Sooch waterfall’s icy cascades amid great fun and excitement,” he shared.
The journey toward Babusar is dotted with captivating stops like glacial Lulusar Lake at 11,190 feet, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and azure waters. Small roadside shops along Bhattal town, offered unique gifts— Palosa and Ber honey, woolen shawls, caps and glacier-chilled drinks.
Sher Zaman, a local honey vendor, said the prized Palosa and Ber honey — sourced from Karak and Lachi Kohat — is popular among tourists and even exported to Gulf countries due to its purity.
However, the region’s natural charm faces threats like deforestation, glaciers melting, unregulated construction and deteriorating road conditions exacerbated by climate change and timber mafia are affecting the pristine environment.
Dubai-based Pakistani transporter Haji Ehsanullah Khan, another visitor at the Babusar Top, emphasized Babusar’s unique charm and tranquility besides cold weather. “Pakistan has many scenic historic passes but Babusar stands out for its majestic views and unique charisma of Himalayas and Karakoram ranges.”
The final stretch to Babusar involves a steep, winding ascent, offering panoramic views of verdant valleys, snow clad mountains, waterfalls and distant peaks. Many tourists, including families, enjoy these bounties of the Nature but they advise travellers to take measures for a safer drive and use tyre chains during snowfall.
Adventure cyclist and author Dervla Murphy, in her book Two Wheels Over Nine Glaciers, recounted her 1960s cycling expedition through Babusar. She highly praised the locals’ hospitality and the region’s serene lakes and green mountains.
Some historians have mentioned that Babusar Top was originally known as Babur Top, originating from the fact that Mughal emperor Babur passed through this area in the early 16th century.
Professor Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khattak, said that the economic potential of tourism in Northern Areas of Pakistan was immense and urged to focus on infrastructure development to take full advantage of this God gifted resource.
“We need to focus on domestic tourism to broaden its economic base by using digital technology in promoting tourism carried vital importance. Even the visitors can prepare videos and photos for social media for effectively highlighting Pakistan’s tourism treasures abroad,” he said.
Babusar Top offers a wide variety of plant and animal species. One can find snow pigeons, owls, snow cocks, and hawks across the beautiful pine and oak forests nearby. Sheep and wild goats are excessively found in this area but cultivation is a challenge here because of harsh weather conditions and high altitude.
Malika e Parbat is the highest peak of the Babusar region that can only be witnessed from the Babusar Top. Other exquisitely spread plateaus, lush green meadows, fast-flowing streams, and snow-covered peaks of Kashmir across this region work as a bounty to the visitors’ eye from the top view of Babusar. Sharp and steep turns of curvy roads with marvelous landscapes on both sides turn every trip into a lifetime experience.
Although this journey is thrilling and enjoying but the same time it is also dangerous and every year a number of road accidents are reported from this mountainous terrain. The most common reason for accidents is brake failure of vehicles in this steep landscape due to inexperience. Therefore, the new drivers must have complete information about its road’s bends and steeps.
Despite numerous challenges, the magic of Babusar Top remains undiminished — a journey into the heart of Pakistan’s highlands where adventure, culture and breathtaking scenery converge.
