Visitors flock to scenic routes to enjoy snow-capped peaks, frozen lakes and breathtaking views
A large number of tourists have reached Murree and Galiyat to enjoy the snowfall. PHOTOS: Agha Mahroz/EXPRES
Moderate rain and snowfall at the scenic Babusar Pass in Upper Kaghan turned the weather intensely 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 on the famous Babusar Top, known 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. Along with her parents, Malaika fulfilled her long-cherished dream of visiting Babusar Top, which connects Upper Kaghan (Mansehra) with Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan at a height of 13,691 feet above sea level. The journey, marked by snowy routes from Naran-Kaghan, serene lakes, lush valleys and the hoisting of the national flag on the summit, made the experience unforgettable for her.
“I had been eagerly waiting for this snowfall. My father, a government servant, promised me this memorable trip. I am very thankful to my sweet father for fulfilling my childhood dream today,” Malaika said as she playfully threw snowballs at her brother at Babusar Top.
She said the stunning view of small and big glaciers on snow-clad mountains including Malika Parbat of the Himalayas along with Saiful Malook Lake, Ansu Lake and Lulusar Lake mesmerized tourists. The icy water of Kunhar river, trout fish and Soan waterfall along the route to Upper Naran further enhanced the charm of the journey.
Roadside stalls in Bhattal town offer Palosa and Ber honey to travelers along with woolen chaddar and other clothing to keep warm. Umar Khan, a local honey seller, told the media that these special honeys are also exported to the Gulf countries because of their purity. He added that most of the honey comes from Karak and Lachi in Kohat district, which is known for Palosa and Ber honey.
However, unplanned roadside construction, rapid glacier melting and poor communication infrastructure adversely affect the natural beauty of the region. Nasir Khan, a tourist from Wapda Town, Nowshera, said their journey to Babusar began from Naran, a popular tourist town in the Kaghan Valley. “We enjoyed Chapli kebab and Peshawari pulao before heading to the famous Saiful Malook Lake, known for the folklore of the Persian prince Saiful Malook and the 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 scenery. Nasir said he hired a jeep for Rs 20,000 for the Naran-Babusar trip, adding that brown trout at Saiful Malook Lake amid snowfall and the cold breeze from the snow-capped peaks of Malika Parbat enhanced the beauty of the 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 surrounding snow-capped peaks and valleys on the way to Babusar Top.
Tourists also enjoyed Lulusar Lake, a glacial lake located at an altitude of about 3,410 meters (11,190 feet). Its azure waters, set against snow-capped peaks, make it a picturesque stop. The final stretch to Babusar Top is an exciting drive with hairpin turns and steep climbs that offer panoramic views of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountains and nearby valleys, including parts of Azad Kashmir.
