The Travel North is focused on capturing and presenting the magnificent scenery of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.
Babusar Pass is one of the most reacting and spiritually phenomenal passes in the world which joins the natural and full green Kaghan valleys with the barren and tough Gilgit Baltistan region. This marvellous highland terrain has stunning views; hence it provides a resolution for those travellers who want both adventure and beautiful scenery. No matter if you are driving from Naran or driving towards Gilgit this travel guide would provide you with all the necessary information to make the most out of your trip to Babusar Pass.
Located at an elevation of 4,173 meters or 13,691 feet above sea level Babusar pass is also referred as Babusar top. It belongs to the great Karakoram Highway, which is the only road connection of the northern areas of Pakistan and serves as a way to the fascinating mountainous region of Gilgit–Baltistan. Looking down from Babusar Pass tourists can get a magnificent view of the high hills filled with snow, vast green pastures and valleys holding fresh water lakes and rivers.
This is not just a beautiful view point but is an important topographic pass as well as it connects the Kaghan valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Chilas and Gilgit of Gilgit-Baltistan.
It is advised to go Babusar Pass in summer season that is from June to September. At this time the pass is usable and the climate is perfect for tourism as well as other activities. There is still snow on the pass by the end of May but the roads become open and accessible in mid-June. This means that travellers can keep very comfortable temperatures within the range of 15 to 20 Celsius during the day when going for a road trip.
On the other hand, the winter season starts from October through to May experiences snow resulting to closure of the pass. It gets very cold; temperatures may drop below freezing, and the conditions become impassable for wheeled vehicles.
Since of the height, climate of this area is very volatile, and there are many natural disasters at Babusar Pass. In the summer the temperatures are mercifully mild, though it can still be thin on top, particularly first thing in the morning, and towards late afternoon. Tourists should dress warm while touring the park even when on a summer vacation.
While the monsoon in the area might be experienced during July and August, the worthwhile of the valley is augmented by the fresh greenery. There are normally no clouds after the rains and this makes it easy to have good view of the surrounding mountains.
During winter, as described above, the pass is completely covered by snow and the night temperature can be as low as -20C, or even – 4F. Those who like to travel should not travel during winter unless you have taken your best equipment to handle the extreme weather.
The Babusar pass is used as a route for people from Kaghan Valley moving towards Gilgit. Distance between Naran which is a tourist destination in Kaghan valley and Gilgit through Babusar Pass is about 180kms or 112miles. This route is a scenic but a little difficult one to drive because of the kind of landscapes surrounding the mountains and valleys.
Naran is the first point where one can start with his journey towards Babusar Pass. The highlight of this town which is a major tourist destination, is that it provides lodging and eateries in addition to the Saif-ul-Muluk Lake.
The next stop at the trail is Jalkhad which offers view of the open green meads behind and high mountains in front. It’s an ideal place for a short break given the many attractions of natural coups in the area.
The Lulusar Lake is a high-altitude lake and it is an important karst landscape of the region at the elevation of 3,410 meters (11,190 feet) in route Babusar Pass. Clean water from the lake is visible giving beautiful scenery with the reflection of mountains around it.
The highest point on Babusar Pass is at the top where two valleys with mountains can be seen in different directions. This place, however, used to be visited for photography and inhaling fresh mountain air.
Babusar Pass is followed by Chilas, which is also located at the Gilgit-Baltistan province of the country and a small town in comparison to others in the region. It does not boast of hills and valleys like the Kaghan Valley as the territory here is irresponsible and barren.
The last on the list of tourist destinations is Gilgit- the heart of great Karakorum, that is a starting point for trekking and climbing activities. Historically and culturally, Gilgit has lots to offer, and visitors get a glimpse of the area’s history and culture.
The overall status of roads much better now a days but still the route has sharp turns steep climbing at number of places and sometimes roads are bad at some places. The drive is so exciting and needs careful manoeuvres especial at the top of the passes where the roads are often narrow.
The stretch from Naran to Jalkhad is asphalted and reasonably well-maintained running through a pine forest and alongside Kunhar River. However, the more you go up the mountain, the stunning rocky views you get.
Following the Jalkhad, road starts again to ascend towards Babusar Pass. There are actually Australian rules to obey and the ground becomes rougher, it also gets cold nearer the summit.
After getting at the summit, it offers an excellent and spectacular view of the valleys and other mountains. At this altitude the air can be rather thin so you may feel a little short of breath, it’s advisable to take things easy and revel in the beautiful views.
Babusar Pass is at striking height of 4,173 meters or 13,691 feet above sea level. This makes the climate at a high altitude and the altitude causes thinner atmosphere, and comparatively cooler temperatures even during the summer months. People should be careful of altitude sickness if they are not used to high altitudes when travelling.
Signs that you or someone around you is suffering from altitude sickness are headache, dizziness, and short breath relief. These symptoms can be prevented by taking a rest during the climb and drinking a lot of water. However, if the symptoms get worse, then the best thing a climber can do is to try and go lower in altitude.
At Babusar Pass, travellers get splendid sceneries, and thus it could be regarded as a photographers’ delight. From the top they have chance to make a fantastic view to the surrounding valleys, mountain ranges and glaciers.
Tents can be pitched all over the top area especially near the summit where travellers have population for a picnic in natural environment. Just keep close to mind to wash up after yourselves in order to retain the natural clean look of the place.
For the more energetic there are many treks which begin at Babusar Pass or in its vicinity. These treks provide tours to the areas of such valleys where one can feel lonely in the mountains.
This region also contains different species of the wildlife such as Ibex, Marmots and even Snow Leopards. Even though many varieties of animals are shy and elusive, you should try to come across them during your motorcar journey.
A 4×4 vehicle is advisable for this kind of route, particularly for the offbeat part of the road reserve. Always make sure your car or any other vehicle is properly road worthy before you hit the road.
Some people didn’t manage to fill their vehicles’ tanks after Naran due to the absence of fuel stations further up the mountain.
At the top of Babusar Pass even in summer time the climate can be cold. Take a piece of warm clothing especially if you will be spending some time there or if you are going camping.
To cater to the needs of tourist there are very few food and water resources at Babusar Top that’s why it is always safer to carry our own food and beverages.
Be cautious that road can be significantly narrow and winding at time especially when you are almost at the top of the pass. Be careful with weather changes on the route since changes may make a drive more difficult.
The Travel North is focused on capturing and presenting the magnificent scenery of the Northern Areas of Pakistan.