Babusar Top Road Update (18 Oct 2026): Officially Closed at 10 AM Yesterday, Tourists Report Naran Side Open

Babusar Top Road Update: 18 October 2026

The status of Babusar Top is currently confusing, because the official update and tourist reports do not match. Here is what each source says, with dates and times.

Official Update (17 October 2026, 10:00 AM)

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) Tourist Facilitation Hub (1422) issued its travel update on 17 October 2026 at 10 AM. For Naran/Kaghan, it states:

• Routes are open till Besal
• Babusar Top is closed
• The Saif-ul-Malook Lake road is open between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM
• Source: DC Control Room

The same update lists the Karakoram Highway (KKH) as open, and also reports Chitral, Swat, Galiyat, and Lower/Upper Dir as open, with Kumrat road open for 4x4 vehicles only.

Tourist Reports (17 October, Around 1:45 PM)

After that official update, tourists on the route reported that Babusar Top reopened from the Naran (KPK) side at around 1:45 PM on 17 October, after about three days, with Lulusar Lake and nearby areas open and vehicles able to pass.

Important: The official update above (10 AM) is older than these tourist reports (around 1:45 PM). Gilgit-Baltistan Police has not yet confirmed any reopening, and no newer official update has been received. Treat the tourist reports as unconfirmed, and please confirm the road status officially before you travel.

Gilgit-Baltistan Side

The Gilgit-Baltistan side of Babusar Road (Babusar Top to Chilas) remains closed due to heavy snowfall. Even if the Naran side is passable, through travel between Naran and Chilas is not currently possible.

Current Status Summary

• Official (KPCTA, 17 Oct, 10 AM): open till Besal, Babusar Top closed
• Tourist reports (around 1:45 PM, 17 Oct): Naran side open up to Babusar Top, Lulusar Lake open
• Gilgit side: closed due to heavy snow
• KKH: open (official, 17 Oct, 10 AM)
• Newer official confirmation: not yet received

What Travelers Should Do

• Confirm officially before you travel. Do not rely on tourist reports or social media alone. Snowfall at this altitude can close the road again without warning.
• If you are heading to Gilgit, Hunza, or Skardu, use the Karakoram Highway via Mansehra, Besham, and Chilas, which was officially listed as open.
• If you are visiting only the Naran side, Saif-ul-Malook Lake road was officially open from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Fill your fuel tank and carry snacks and warm clothing, as KPCTA advises.
• Check official status before you leave: KPCTA Tourist Facilitation Hub on 1422, and Gilgit-Baltistan Police helpline 15 for the Gilgit side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Babusar Top open today? Officially, it was listed as closed at 10 AM on 17 October 2026. Tourists later reported it open from the Naran side, but this is not officially confirmed.

Why do the official update and tourist reports differ? The official update was issued at 10 AM on 17 October. Tourists say the road opened later, at around 1:45 PM, so conditions may have changed since the official update.

Can I cross from Naran to Chilas via Babusar right now? No. The Gilgit side is closed due to heavy snow.

Is the Karakoram Highway open? The KPCTA update of 17 October, 10 AM, lists the KKH as open. Check current conditions before traveling.

Is Saif-ul-Malook Lake accessible? Per the official update, the road was open between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

Conclusion

The only official information available is that Babusar Top was closed as of 10 AM on 17 October 2026, while later tourists report that the Naran side reopened at around 1:45 PM. Until a newer official update is issued, plan on the KKH as your route to Gilgit-Baltistan and confirm the status officially by calling 1422 or 15 before you travel.

Source: KPCTA Tourist Facilitation Hub (1422) travel update, 17 October 2026, 10 AM; tourist reports from the route (around 1:45 PM, 17 October).