Fakhr-e-Alam Peshawar: The captivating journey to Babusar Top is not merely a drive but an adventure, with clouds hovering overhead and the potential for rainfall at any time. “I have eagerly waited for this joyful day as my father, a government servant, promised me this memorable visit on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day,” said Abdul Hadi, and eighth-grade student. Hadi expressed his gratitude while enjoying soft drinks chilled in glacier’s icy waters at Babusar Top, where the national flag flies proudly on all government buildings, houses, and shops amid the magic of Jashn-e-Azadi. Narrating the story of the captivating journey, Abdul Hadi, a resident of Peshawar, explained the stunning beauty of the waterfalls emanating from the melting of small and large glaciers on the snow-clad mountains such as Malika Parbat in the Himalayas, Saiful Malook, Ansu, and Lulusar Lakes. These natural wonders take tourists into a lap of serenity. The gushing waters of the Kunhar River and the abundance of trout fish, along with the glaciers’ waters and the Sowani Waterfall en route to Upper Naran, add an additional charm to the captivating journey. Tradition and Myth Hadi’s father, Waheed Khan, shared that their Naran-Babusar journey began in Naran, a popular tourist town in Kaghan Valley, where they enjoyed chapli kabab along with Peshawari pulao before proceeding to the famous Saiful Malook Lake, known for the fairytales of the Persian Prince Saiful Malook and the fairy princess Badri Jamala. While Pakistan is home to many passes, including Bolan Pass, Khyber Pass, Lowari Pass, Malakand Pass, and Broghil Pass, the beauty of Babusar carries a unique charm and distinction for visitors. Hiring a jeep for Rs 10,000/. for the Naran-Babusar trip, Waheed described their adventure. After enjoying free boating and brown trout at Saiful Malook Lake amid waterfalls emanating from the snow-covered peaks of Malika Parbat, their next destination was Ansu Lake, located about six kilometers northeast of Saiful Malook with a steadily climbing road. Hidden Gems of Mountains The roadside shops in Bhattal town offer travelers gifts of Palosa and Ber honey, along with woolen chaddars and other garments. Noor Khan, a honey seller, told APP that these special honeys are also being exported to the Gulf due to their purity. These products mostly come from Karak and Lachi Kohat, areas known for Palosa and Ber honey in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the unplanned construction of houses along the roadsides, the fast melting of glaciers, and poor communication infrastructure have negatively impacted the region’s beauty. The route to Babusar Top is characterized by its scenic beauty, featuring rivers, dense forests, meadows, and unexplored waterfalls. “The ascent is gradual but noticeable, offering spectacular views of the surrounding snow-clad peaks and valleys on the way to Babusar Top,” Waheed told APP. The family also enjoyed Lulusar, a glacial lake located at an altitude of about 3,410 meters (11,190 feet). Its azure waters, set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, make it a picturesque stop. The final stretch to Babusar Top was a thrilling drive, with hairpin bends and steep ascents. The pass itself provides panoramic views of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges, as well as the valleys surrounding Azad Kashmir. Omair Khattak, General Manager of Investment at KP Tourism Authority, revealed plans to link Babusar Pass with Ghanool Manshera Integrated Tourism Zone (ITZ), which will be constructed with the assistance of the World Bank. ITZ Ghanool Mansehra will be established on 59.6 acres, ITZ Mankiyal Swat on 29.5 acres, ITZ Madaklasht on 540 Kanals, and ITZ Thandiani on 640 Kanals of land. As a pilot project, ITZ Ghanool, with a proposed cost of Rs 5.5 billion, and ITZ Mankiyal, with an estimated cost of Rs 2.9 billion, will be developed first to promote sustainable tourism. The rules and regulations for Mankiyal and Ghanool ITZs have been prepared and will be completed following the models of ITZs in Malaysia and Indonesia. These ITZs are expected to create 200,000 direct and indirect job opportunities and attract USD 2.8 billion in investment. Timeless Journey Ms. Dervla Murphy, an Irish adventure cyclist and author, wrote in her book “Two Wheels Over Nine Glaciers” about her memorable journey from Naran to Babusar to Gilgit on a bicycle in 1960. She was highly impressed by the hospitality of the region’s residents and its mesmerizing natural beauty, including lush green mountains and serene lakes. The road to Babusar Top is challenging in some areas, especially for new drivers, due to falling glaciers and waterfalls, as well as its deteriorated condition. The impacts of climate change are evident in the region, with fast-melting glaciers being a clear indication. As visitors travel through some of Pakistan’s most stunning mountain scenery, they are provided with a memorable experience, perfect for nature lovers and mountain sports enthusiasts. Likewise, Abdul Hadi was overwhelmed by the grandeur of Pakistan’s mesmerizing beauty as he traveled to the famous Babusar Pass on the eve of the 77th Independence Day celebrations. Accompanied by his parents, Hadi’s dream of visiting Babusar Top—connecting Upper Kaghan Manshera with Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan, over an altitude of 13,691 feet above sea level, with the national flag hoisting high—came true as he witnessed its picturesque waterfalls, serene lakes, and the melodious chirping of birds in the lush green valleys along its routes from Naran-Kaghan to Babusar Top, doubling his joy. Post Views: 125