Babusar Valley: A heaven in the hills

Tourists from mainland Pakistan can reach the valley via Naran Kaghan while those coming back from Gilgit can start their journey to the valley from Chilas at Zero Point on the main Karakorum Highway.

Babusar valley connects Gilgit-Baltistan with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Famous for its snow-capped mountains, Babusar is also rich in terms of flora and fauna. Tall pine trees and ever-green juniper trees add to the beauty of this valley.

Relentless deforestation and logging have marred its natural beauty due to the negligence of relevant quarters.

Residents of the area lack basic health, education, and transport facilities even though these are the people who need them the most.

Also, the area does not have a single school for girls. Needless to say that most of the residents also lack electricity.

Recently, Diamer Deputy Commissioner Fayyaz Ahmad and Chilas Assistant Commissioner Hussain Shah revived the Bungalow Babusar track, a three km long route to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and opened it for tourists.

The move was part of an effort to bring Babusar’s beauty to the fore.

With the construction of Naran Kagan Road, access to Babusar has been made easier. The lack of facilities for tourists in the area is a major obstacle in the path of tourism to flourish in the area.

Restoration of the Bungalow Babusar track can pave way for exploration of the valley’s rich culture besides supporting the local economy.

Article source: https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/gilgit-baltistan/item/114336-heaven-in-the-hills.html