Babusar Pass Closed After Heavy Snowfall

Babusar Pass has been closed to all traffic after heavy snowfall made the high mountain route unsafe. Travellers heading toward Gilgit-Baltistan should avoid the pass until authorities announce that it has reopened.

Diamer Police ordered the temporary closure after fresh snow at Babusar Top. The advice is clear for drivers and tourists: do not plan a trip through Babusar for now, and use the Karakoram Highway instead if travel is necessary.

Police have also asked people to call helpline 15 before leaving, so they can check the latest road situation first. In the mountains, conditions can change fast, and old travel advice can quickly become useless.

Other Roads in Gilgit-Baltistan Are Also Affected

The weather is not causing trouble only at Babusar. Rain, snow and landslides are affecting road links across Diamer, Astore, Ghizer, Skardu, Hunza, Nagar and Ghanche.

Temperatures in higher areas have dropped close to zero, and several link roads have become dangerous. This means drivers may face slippery roads, poor visibility and delays even on routes that are still open.

The Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road is also closed beyond the upper parts of Kaghan Valley because of snowfall and unsafe conditions. That matters for travellers who often use this route as part of a northbound trip.

For readers planning mountain travel, this is not just a Babusar issue. We have seen similar closures hit northern routes before, including Babusar Top Route Closed After Fresh Snowfall and Skardu Road Closed After Landslide Near Shangus.

Why the Route Is Dangerous Now

Babusar Pass sits at high altitude, so it is one of the first roads to face winter-like problems when weather turns bad. Heavy snow can block the road surface, make bends slippery and reduce driver control.

There is also a risk of landslides in the wider region. Even if the snow is not deep in one spot, loose rock and ice can still make the road unsafe. That is why the closure applies to all traffic, not just small vehicles.

The Karakoram Highway is being suggested as the alternate route, but drivers should not treat it as risk-free. Snowfall and landslides can also affect parts of that highway, so checking conditions before departure is still important.

What Drivers Should Do Before Leaving

If you are planning a trip north, the safest move is to wait until Babusar is officially reopened. For now:

• Avoid Babusar Pass completely

• Call police helpline 15 before departure

• Check weather and road conditions again just before travel

• Avoid unnecessary trips during snowfall or landslide warnings

• Carry warm clothes, water, snacks and other basics if travel cannot be delayed

This closure will affect tourists, transporters and local families who depend on the route for travel between northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. For now, the main message is simple: do not rely on Babusar Pass until the official reopening is announced.

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