NARAN Valley — With the Eid ul Adha holidays just 8 days away, thousands of tourists heading toward Hunza-Skardu are eagerly asking one question, will the Babusar Top route be open in time for the holidays?
According to live, on-the-ground updates sent to ‘The Pak Pulse’ by our special correspondent in Naran, heavy machinery is working around the clock to clear the massive snowpack blocking the pass. While initial official estimates targeted May 20 for the road opening, local conditions suggest a slight delay.
Current Road Status – How Far Can You Travel Right Now?
Our correspondent, reporting live from the final accessible point near Lulusar Lake on May 18, confirmed that heavy snow clearing machinery is working. Travelers can currently drive smoothly from Naran through Batakundi, Jalkhad and all the way to Besal (famous Moon Restaurant) without any major hindrances.
The main hurdle begins just past Besal:
- The road is fully cleared up to Lulusar Lake and extends about 3 to 4 kilometers beyond the lake.
- Heavy snow-clearing machinery is currently operating at a dangerous, sharp turn roughly 4 km past Lulusar Lake. This is the absolute final accessible point for vehicles right now.
- Glaciers and heavy snow walls still block the remaining stretch leading up to Babusar Top.
New Reopening Dates – Will it be Open on Eid
While administration officials previously hoped to open the pass by May 20, the sheer volume of snow means the fully cleared route is now expected to open by May 22 or May 23.
Fortunately, because Eid ul Adha is confirmed at May 27, the road is highly likely to be completely operational before the holiday rush begins.
This reopening is critical this year. Alternative routes to Gilgit-Baltistan have recently faced severe landslides, making the safe and scenic Babusar Pass the most anticipated route for Eid travelers.
ALSO READ
Eid ul Adha 2026: Three Public Holidays Confirmed from May 27 in Pakistan
Lulusar Lake is Still Frozen
For tourists hoping to see the deep blue waters of Lulusar Lake, the current view is a winter wonderland. The entire lake remains heavily blanketed in snow.
However, with intense sunshine hitting the valley over the last few days, the snowpack is melting rapidly. Local guides predict that after another 3 to 4 days of continuous bright sunshine, the ice will begin to crack, restoring the lake to its iconic crystalline appearance just in time for Eid.
Eid Travel Advice: Avoid the Naran Congestion
If you are traveling with family, local hospitality experts advise skipping the main Naran town for overnight stays. Naran has become heavily congested, noisy and crowded with individual commercial traffic, which often ruins the peaceful family experience.
Better Alternatives for Stays:
- Burawai: Located just past Naran, Burawai is emerging as a premier choice for families. It features operational mobile networks, high-speed internet, much colder and more pleasant weather and less traffic congestion.
- Besal: For adventure seekers, Besal offers container hotels, glamping and 24-hour electricity powered by local turbines.
Warning: Hotel Prices to Skyrocket Post-Eid
If you are planning to book accommodation, act immediately. Booking slots for the Eid holidays are already filling up fast, with some prime dates completely sold out.
There is also a massive price gap to keep in mind:
- Rates Before Eid: Budget and standard rooms are currently hovering between Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 5,000 per night.
- High Rates After Eid: Due to the massive expected influx of tourists once Babusar Top opens, hotel operators are planning to hike room rates to Rs. 10,000 or higher starting from the first day of Eid.
Stay tuned for immediate, live updates as the machinery is getting closer to the Babusar Top.
By
