Babusar Top Reopens as Eid Tourism Season Begins
Babusar Top has been reopened for traffic after months of seasonal closure, giving tourists and transporters a key northern route just as Pakistan enters the busy Eid and summer travel period. The Mansehra District Administration confirmed that glacier-clearing work has been completed, allowing movement to resume on the high-altitude road linking Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit-Baltistan.
The reopening is expected to ease travel for thousands of visitors planning trips to northern Pakistan during the holiday rush. Officials said major glaciers blocking the route have been removed, restoring access to one of the country’s most scenic and strategically important mountain corridors.
Babusar Top usually remains inaccessible during winter because of heavy snowfall and dangerous road conditions. The route is commonly shut between November and December and reopens only after snow clearance teams determine that the passage is safe enough for vehicles.
Local authorities said the reopening would support tourism, business activity and inter-regional movement. The restored road provides a shorter alternative for travellers heading towards Gilgit-Baltistan from other provinces, reducing pressure on longer routes and improving access to northern destinations.
The development comes as Pakistan prepares for a major Eid al-Adha travel wave. Tourist spots including Murree, Naran, Kaghan and Gilgit-Baltistan traditionally witness a sharp rise in visitors during Eid holidays, creating both economic opportunities and traffic-management challenges for local administrations.
In Murree, police have already announced a special security and traffic plan for the holiday period. Authorities said more than 700 personnel would be deployed, while restrictions under Section 144 would remain in place until May 31 to prevent aerial firing, weapon displays, one-wheeling and other unsafe activities.
Police have also introduced digital support for tourists through the Safe Tourism Murree mobile application. The service is designed to provide live traffic updates, emergency help and a direct communication channel with the district police officer, allowing visitors to plan safer journeys during peak movement.
The reopening of Babusar Top is likely to benefit hotels, transport operators, food businesses and local communities that depend heavily on seasonal tourism. With improved road access, northern areas may see stronger visitor inflows, especially if weather conditions remain stable and authorities maintain road safety checks.
Officials have urged motorists to inspect brakes, tyres and overall vehicle fitness before travelling on mountain roads. The next challenge for local administrations will be to balance tourism revival with safety, crowd control and emergency preparedness during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.