Babusar Pass, also known as the Babusar Region (Urdu: درہ بابوسر), stands at an elevation of 4,173 meters (13,691 feet) and is a mountain pass located in Pakistan at the northern end of the 150 km (93 miles) long Kaghan Valley, connecting it to Chilas via the Thak Nala along the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Babusar Top, which is the highest accessible point in the Kaghan Valley by car, serves as the connection between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan.
This route is considered one of the more hazardous ones in Pakistan, with numerous accidents reported each year in the mountainous area. The primary cause of these accidents is vehicle brake failure, often due to the inexperience of drivers navigating the steep terrain. Originally referred to as Babur Top, the name reflects that Mughal emperor Babur traveled through this region in the early 16th century, but it is now commonly called Babusar Top.
Climate-wise, the Kaghan Valley experiences summers from May to September, typically seeing maximum temperatures of 11°C (52°F) in May, with a minimum of 3°C (37°F). From mid-July until the end of September, the road north of Naran remains open to Babusar Pass. However, travel is restricted during the monsoon and winter months.
The Kaghan area has good road connectivity to Islamabad and Peshawar. During winter, heavy snowfall and severe conditions often lead to the closure of the Pass, causing travelers to use the Karakoram Highway to reach the northern regions of the country.
Geographically, the mountain ranges entering the Mansehra District from Kashmir are part of the extensive Himalayan system. Within the Kaghan Valley, this mountain system achieves its highest peaks, including Babusar Top. This range borders the right side of the Kunhar River and includes Malika Parbat, which rises over 17,000 feet and is the tallest in the valley.
The mountains are also home to grasslands where Gujjars and other nomadic communities migrate in summer to graze their sheep, goats, and other livestock. On the northern side, the mountains are continuations of the same range as the Kaghan Mountains.
This range begins to diverge from the eastern side at Musa ka Musalla, a peak that reaches approximately 13,500 feet, running along the northern end of the Bhogarmang and Konsh valleys and creating a ridge to separate the two valleys.
Like Kaghan, these higher slopes are typically characterized by dense forests, although extensive logging has led to these thick forests now mostly being found in hard-to-reach areas. You can join our Naran Kaghan Tour Packages to explore this beautiful destination.
Malika Parbat is the topmost peak of the Babusar region, visible exclusively from Babusar Top. From this vantage point, visitors can admire the vast plateaus, lush green meadows, rushing streams, and the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir that beautifully enhance the scenery.
Babusar Top is a destination for nature enthusiasts, offering a variety of plant and animal species. One can spot snow pigeons, owls, snow cocks, and hawks among the picturesque pine and oak forests nearby. While sheep and wild goats are abundant in this area, farming them presents significant challenges due to the severe weather and high altitude at Babusar Top.
Babusar Pass, recognized as the highest peak in the Naran Valley, stands at an elevation of 13,691 feet or 4173 m above from sea level. It is a connecting mountain that links Kaghan with Gilgit-Baltistan through Chillas.
Babusar Top is situated in the upper Kaghan Valley within the Hindu Kush Mountain range, standing at an elevation of 4,173 meters (13,690 feet) above sea level. It serves as the highest pass used during the summer season for travelers heading to Gilgit Baltistan.
There are no hotels or camping facilities available at Babusar Top due to the freezing weather and strong winds.
All the roads leading to Babusar Top or from Babusar Top to the Chillas side are well-paved. The route from Naran involves ascending, while the descent towards Chillas or Gilgit requires a highly skilled driver.
Babusar will open in start or mid of June when the glacier melt and the heavy machinery start working to cut the icy blocks to clear the road towards Babusar Top.
You can visit many places near to Babusar Top to explore the surroundings. Most of the sightseeing places are:
From Babusar Top, you can see Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world, provided the weather is clear and there are no clouds.
When traveling from Naran to Babusar Top, the stunning Lulusar Lake is along the way. Many tourists take a brief stop to admire the breathtaking beauty of Lulusar Lake before visiting Babusar Top.
Babusar Top closes to all forms of traffic and travelers at the end of October or the beginning of November because of heavy snowfall in the area.
Visitors to Babusar Top can easily access the location using regular four-wheeled vehicles. However, Babusar Top is regarded as one of the most perilous mountain slopes, making it essential to take every safety precaution for this adventurous journey.
In the Kaghan Valley, the mountain range is the tallest in the region, featuring Babusar Top. This range borders the right side of the Kunhar River and includes Malika Parbat, a peak that rises over 17,000 feet, making it the highest in the valley.
