Cold Weather Returns to Gilgit-Baltistan After Snowfall

Snowfall in several areas of Gilgit-Baltistan has brought a sudden return of cold weather to the region, despite the typically warm conditions of May. Tourists in the Diamer and Chilas regions experienced an unexpected delight as snowflakes fell, transforming the landscape and lowering temperatures.

The mercury dropped below freezing at Babusar Top, Nanga Parbat, and Battugah Top following the snowfall. As a result, the Babusar-Naran highway has been closed to traffic, while landslides at the Kohistan Jajal point have also disrupted the flow of vehicles on the Karakoram Highway.

Babusar Road, which links Naran in Kaghan Valley with Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan, had only recently reopened after being closed for seven months due to winter snow. Babusar Top and Babusar Pass, situated at an altitude of 13,700 feet, are popular tourist destinations but typically remain closed from November to June each year because of heavy snowfall.

Tourists visiting Gilgit-Baltistan often choose the Babusar Pass route to enjoy the cool weather and scenic views, but the latest snowfall has once again made travel difficult in the area.