A high mountain pass where Kaghan meets Gilgit-Baltistan, with sweeping views, cool winds and the road to Chilas, Gilgit and Hunza.
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Babusar Top is the high mountain pass that links Kaghan Valley with Chilas and the Karakoram Highway in Gilgit-Baltistan. For many travelers it is the dramatic doorway into GB, where green valleys give way to bare, towering mountains and the scenery grows bigger with every turn of the road.
From the Gilgit-Baltistan side, the road climbs from Chilas through Babusar Village in steep switchbacks, with views of the Indus valley dropping away below. At the top, the air is thin and cold, snow often lingers beside the road into summer, and on clear days the ridges stretch to the horizon. Many road-trip travelers use the pass to enter GB and continue towards Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu.
8 Days / 7 Nights
8 Days / 7 Nights
Conditions can change within an hour, with sun, fog, rain and snow possible on the same day. It is much colder and windier at the top than in Chilas, where summers are hot.
Drive via Abbottabad, Mansehra and Balakot, then follow the Kunhar River upward to Naran.
Continue through Battakundi and past Lulusar Lake, then climb the final switchbacks to the pass.
From the top, the road drops through Babusar Village to Chilas on the Karakoram Highway.
Late June
Snow along the road, opening dates vary year to year.
July to early September
Best time. Road usually open, snow partly melted, clearest views. Busy on weekends.
Late September to October
Very cold, with early snow and a risk of closure.
November to May
Heavy snow. The pass and road are closed.
Travel smart
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Babusar Top is suitable for most travelers who are comfortable with a long, winding mountain drive.
Snow, landslides and weather can close the pass at short notice.
Leave at dawn to reach the top and return before afternoon weather.
A 4x4 and an experienced driver are strongly recommended.
Fuel is limited near the pass.
Carry a warm jacket, windproof shell, hat and gloves, even in summer.
Walk slowly and rest if you feel dizzy, nauseous or have a headache.
Shops near the top are very limited.
ATMs are limited outside Chilas and Naran.
Tell family your plan and expected return time before you go.
Conditions along the Karakoram Highway can change, so confirm before you go.
Carry your rubbish back with you and keep the pass clean.
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Explore Babusar Top in Gilgit-Baltistan and get directions easily.
Gilgit-Baltistan
It is a high pass on the border of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, linking Chilas with Kaghan Valley.
Let us handle the transport, drivers and stays while you enjoy the pass and the mountains beyond.
