Today — September 4, 2026: Babusar Top Open, Night Travel Restricted as Snowfall Returns
NARAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — Fresh snowfall and rain have returned to the Babusar Top area, but the route remains accessible for tourists during permitted hours, according to a ground report by our correspondent who visited Naran and Babusar Top today, September 4.
The latest ground situation is broadly consistent with the weather and road conditions described in the accompanying field footage.
Travel restricted after evening hours
The most important issue for tourists is the timing restriction on travel toward Babusar Top.
According to the ground report, vehicles reaching the final checkpoint are being asked where they are going and when they plan to return. Travellers heading toward Babusar Top are being allowed to continue, but they are being told to return within the permitted time.
The route is not available for normal overnight travel. The report says movement is restricted from around 5–6pm until 6am, making an early-morning departure from Naran essential for tourists planning to reach Babusar Top and return the same day.
Earlier tourism information has also documented daylight-only movement on the Babusar route, although exact checkpoint timings can change with weather and local administration decisions.
Snowfall reported on September 3 and September 4
The field report says snowfall occurred at Babusar Top on September 3, while rain and wintry weather were again present during the morning of September 4.
Temperatures around the higher sections can fall rapidly. The report notes temperatures around 2°C, meaning rain can potentially turn into snow if temperatures fall toward freezing.
This is particularly relevant because Babusar Top rises to approximately 4,173 metres (13,691 feet) above sea level, making weather conditions much colder and more changeable than in Naran.
Naran–Babusar route remains active
Despite the weather, the latest ground report indicates that tourists are still travelling toward Babusar Top.
Motorcycles and private vehicles were seen on the route, while hotels, restaurants and tourist activities in the upper Kaghan Valley were reported to be operating.
The journey from Naran to Babusar Top is roughly 65 kilometres, passing through locations including Batakundi, Barwai, Jalkhad, Lulusar Lake and Gittidas before reaching the pass.
Early departure remains critical
The field report estimates that tourists leaving Naran around 8–9am can reach the Babusar area around 12–1pm, depending on stops and road conditions.
The recommended travel pattern in the report is to cover the Babusar route early and use the return journey to stop at scenic locations along the way. This reduces the risk of reaching the checkpoint too late in the afternoon.
Tourist facilities remain open
The latest report says hotels and restaurants around the tourist belt are still operating.
Tourist attractions and activities, including ziplining and swings, are also reported to be open. There is currently no indication from the ground report that the tourist infrastructure has entered its seasonal shutdown.
However, conditions can change quickly as temperatures fall and snowfall increases.
Gilgit-Baltistan route remains an important consideration
Babusar Top provides a seasonal connection between the Kaghan Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chilas/Gilgit-Baltistan. The pass is normally affected by heavy snowfall later in the year and eventually closes for the winter season.
The correspondent’s report says the route is expected to remain usable through at least September 15, with a possibility of continuing into October if weather conditions remain favorable.
The October expectation should be treated as a seasonal forecast rather than a confirmed closure date.
Babusar Top Situation at a Glance
The latest field report from Naran and Babusar Top covers snowfall, weather conditions, travel restrictions and the current status of tourist facilities.
| # | Latest Update | Current Situation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | September 3 Snowfall | Snowfall was reported at Babusar Top on September 3. | SNOWFALL |
| 02 | September 4 Weather | Rain and wintry weather were reported again on September 4. | WINTRY |
| 03 | Temperature | Temperatures were reported at around 2°C at the higher elevation. | 2°C |
| 04 | Route Status | The route remains accessible during permitted travel hours. | OPEN |
| 05 | Night Travel Restriction | Movement is reportedly restricted from approximately 5–6 PM until 6 AM. | RESTRICTED |
| 06 | Tourist Traffic | Tourists are still travelling toward Babusar Top. | ACTIVE |
| 07 | Hotels & Restaurants | Hotels and restaurants in the reported tourist areas are operating. | OPEN |
| 08 | Tourist Activities | Tourist activities, including zipline and swings, are reported to be operational. | ACTIVE |
| 09 | September 15 Outlook | The ground report expects the route to remain open at least until September 15, subject to conditions. | OUTLOOK |
| 10 | October Outlook | The route could remain operational into October, depending on weather and official decisions. | POSSIBLE |
| 11 | Morning Departure | Travellers are advised by the field report to leave Naran early in the morning because of the evening movement restriction. | TIMING |
| 12 | Road Conditions | The latest footage shows tourists and vehicles continuing to use the route, while weather remains the main changing factor. | MONITOR |
Points concerning current weather, tourist activity and facilities are based on the September 4 ground report. The September 15 and October statements are outlooks and remain dependent on weather conditions and decisions by the relevant authorities.
Our Correspondent’s Words
Our correspondent reported from Naran and Babusar Top today that the route remains open during permitted hours, with tourists and local facilities operating normally. Fresh snowfall and wintry weather were observed, while 2°C temperatures at higher elevations highlight the changing conditions. Night travel remains restricted, and the route’s status after September 15 will depend on weather and official decisions.
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