Babusar Pass and Lulusar: A Complete Guide

Babusar Pass is the high crown of the Kaghan Valley. This lofty pass marks the top of the whole valley. Grand views of Nanga Parbat reward the traveller here. Nearby the blue Lulusar Lake mirrors the snowy peaks. A winding road climbs to the summit each summer. This guide covers Babusar Pass and Lulusar for the curious traveller. It explains the setting the views the lake the river the road and how to visit.

This guide offers a general overview. Details and figures vary between sources.

Quick answer: Babusar Pass also called Babusar Top, is a high mountain pass at around 4,173 metres, on the boundary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan. As the highest point of the Kaghan Valley, it links Naran with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway. On clear days it offers grand views of Nanga Parbat. Nearby rests the blue Lulusar Lake the source of the Kunhar River. Babusar rests around 70 kilometres from Naran, open from summer to early autumn.

Highest point of Kaghan Valley

Babusar Pass rests at the head of the Kaghan Valley. It is located on the boundary of two provinces. Around 4,173 metres lift the pass above the sea. Snowy peaks ring the lofty summit.

A great height marks the mountain pass. It ranks as the highest point of the whole valley. Few roads in the country climb so high. So the pass rewards the bold traveller.

A high boundary runs across the top. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spreads to the south. Gilgit Baltistan opens to the north. So the pass links two great areas.

A key route crosses the pass. It joins Naran with Chilas far below. A great highway waits beyond it. So the pass opens the way to the north.

Views from the Babusar pass

Babusar Top is famed for its grand views. Snowy peaks fill the far horizon. A great panorama opens on clear days. Photographers find beauty at every turn.

A vast panorama rewards the traveller. Snowy peaks stretch out on every side. Green meadows roll down from the summit. Clouds drift below the lofty top.

Nanga Parbat crowns the distant view. This giant rises far to the north east. Its white summit gleams on clear days. Few sights match this mighty peak.

Malika Parbat rises nearer the pass. It crowns the peaks of the Kaghan Valley. Snowy summits of Kashmir gleam beyond. So the view spans range upon range.

Lulusar Lake

Lulusar Lake gleams along the road to the pass. Its blue water mirrors the peaks around. Green meadows ring its quiet shores. Travellers pause here on the way up.

A blue lake rests below the pass. Lulusar gleams at around 3,410 metres. It ranks as the largest lake of the area. Snowy mountains ring its clear water.

A calm mirror marks the lake. Still water reflects the peaks above. Green banks invite a quiet picnic. Photographers prize the tranquil scene.

A protected park guards the lake. Lulusar rests in a national park. Rules keep the wild country safe. So the lake and its valley stay unspoiled.

Where the Kunhar is born

Babusar holds the birthplace of a great river. Streams and springs rise around the pass. Their waters gather into the Kunhar, so the river of Kaghan is born here.

Many streams rise near the pass. Snowmelt feeds them through the summer. Cold clear water tumbles down the slopes. They gather into a growing stream.

Lulusar feeds the young river. Its outflow swells the Kunhar below. A growing river then runs the length of Kaghan. So the lake gives life to the valley.

A long journey follows for the river. Kunhar waters flow past Naran and Balakot. It joins the Jhelum far below at last. So the pass feeds a mighty river.

Road and the meadows in Babusar pass

Babusar Pass is famed for its winding road. Hairpin bends climb to the lofty top. Green meadows spread along the way. This journey rewards the traveller well.

A winding road climbs to the summit. Sharp bends twist up the mountainside. Steep drops fall away beside the track. Careful driving suits the high road.

Green meadows spread along the route. Lalazar charms with its flowered slopes. Nomads graze their flocks in summer. Tents dot the high grasslands then.

Trekking trails wind out from the pass. Paths climb to valleys and meadows. Quiet routes reward the keen walker. Fresh air and fine views await.

Reaching the Babusar pass

Come in summer for the open road. Mid June to late September clears the pass. Snow shuts the top the rest of the year. So the window for a visit is short.

Reach the pass through Naran. Roads climb from Naran towards the top. A steady drive takes a few hours each way. Chilas waits on the far side below.

Base yourself in Naran below. Hotels and guesthouses serve the visitor. A day trip reaches the pass and back. Book ahead in the busy summer season.

Plan the high country with care. Thin air marks the great height. Warm clothes help even in summer. Bring supplies as facilities thin out up top.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Babusar Pass? Babusar Pass also known as Babusar Top, is a high mountain pass at around 4,173 metres, on the boundary between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit Baltistan. It is the highest point of the Kaghan Valley and the highest point on the Naran Babusar Gilgit road, linking Naran with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway. Resting around 70 kilometres from Naran, it marks the top of the valley, where the green Kaghan country meets the drier mountains of Gilgit Baltistan. A winding paved road reaches it, climbing from Naran to the summit.

What can you see from Babusar Top? Babusar Top is famous for its sweeping mountain views, taking in a full panorama of snow capped peaks. On clear days the mighty Nanga Parbat the ninth highest peak in the world, rises to the north east. Nearer at hand rises Malika Parbat the highest peak of the Kaghan area. Snow covered peaks of Kashmir gleam beyond, while green meadows roll down from the summit and clouds often drift below the top. A stone marker at the summit notes the great height. This whole scene makes the pass a favourite spot for photography.

What is Lulusar Lake? Lulusar Lake is a beautiful blue alpine lake at around 3,410 metres, on the road between Naran and Babusar Top, some 48 kilometres from Naran. As the largest lake in the Naran area, it is famed for clear water that mirrors the surrounding peaks, ringed by green meadows and snowy mountains. This lake is the source of the Kunhar River. Its waters flow on through the whole Kaghan Valley. It rests within a national park that protects the area. A popular stop on the way to the pass, it is a fine place for a picnic and photographs.

When is Babusar Pass open? Babusar Pass is usually open from around mid June to late September, once the winter snow has cleared enough for the road to be used. In some years the road may open a little earlier or close later, depending on the snowfall. Yet the pass is always shut through the winter, when heavy snow blocks the high road. Even in summer the weather at the top can change quickly with rain and cold common at such heights. Those planning to cross should check conditions and aim for the height of summer, when the road is most reliable.

How do you get to Babusar Pass? Babusar Pass is reached by road from Naran, in the Kaghan Valley a drive of around 70 kilometres that climbs to the summit in a few hours. Most visitors base themselves in Naran around seven hours from Islamabad. From there they make a day trip up to the pass, often stopping at Lulusar Lake along the way. From the top the road descends the far side through the Thak valley to Chilas, where it meets the Karakoram Highway towards Gilgit Baltistan. A paved but winding road with sharp bends and high drops, should be driven with care.

Gateway to Gilgit Baltistan

Babusar Pass is the gateway to the north. This lofty pass crowns the Kaghan Valley. Grand views of Nanga Parbat reward the traveller. Nearby the blue Lulusar Lake mirrors the peaks. A winding road climbs to the summit each summer. Few passes on earth blend such height and beauty.

You may come to Babusar for the views the lake or the road. This pass rewards the visit either way. You can gaze on the distant snows of Nanga Parbat. You can rest by the blue water of Lulusar. You can climb the winding road to the lofty top. Come to Babusar Pass and discover the gateway to the north. This is the high crown of Kaghan.