Travellers heading towards Gilgit-Baltistan have been asked to rethink their route after the National Highway Authority issued an urgent advisory over disruption on key northern roads. The immediate message is simple: do not attempt the Babusar Highway while the closure remains in force, and check the latest local instructions before treating the Karakoram Highway as a clear run.
What the NHA advisory says
The advisory follows high-level flash flooding near Thak on the Babusar side of the northern network. That made the Babusar Highway unsafe for vehicles, according to the authority and district administration. The road is a popular summer connection for people travelling between the Kaghan Valley side and Chilas, but mountain routes can change quickly after rain, landslides or damage to a bridge.
For drivers and families travelling towards Chilas, Gilgit, Hunza or further north, the official alternative named in the advisory is the Karakoram Highway. That is not a guarantee of an uninterrupted journey. At the time of the notice, traffic on the KKH was also stopped near Shang Nullah, close to Gonar Farm, after a loaded freight truck overturned and blocked the carriageway. NHA, district administration and rescue teams were deployed with machinery to clear it.
Why this route decision matters
The Babusar option is often chosen for scenery and a direct seasonal link, but it is particularly exposed to severe weather. A closure can leave travellers stranded or force a long detour. The KKH is the principal highway link into much of Gilgit-Baltistan, yet it too runs through terrain where weather, rockfall and an incident involving a single heavy vehicle can disrupt traffic.
So the useful distinction is between an alternative route and an open road. The advisory tells travellers not to use Babusar and identifies the KKH as the route to consider. It also asks commuters to avoid unnecessary travel until the affected roads are restored and to follow instructions from the local administration at checkpoints.
Before you leave: a practical checklist
- Check the latest NHA, district-administration and motorway-police notices on the day you travel.
- Do not drive towards a closure hoping it will clear by the time you arrive.
- Keep fuel, drinking water, medicines, warm layers and a charged power bank in the vehicle.
- Build daylight and weather margins into your plan; mountain-road conditions deteriorate fast after rainfall.
- Tell someone your planned route and overnight stop, especially if travelling with children or older relatives.
Which route is affected?
| Route | Advisory status | What travellers should do |
|---|---|---|
| Babusar Highway / N-15 | Closed at Zero Point after flooding near Thak | Avoid it until an official reopening notice. |
| Karakoram Highway / N-35 | Named as alternative; temporary disruption also reported near Gonar Farm | Confirm live conditions before committing to travel. |
Plan the trip, not just the drive
Travellers often prepare their vehicle and forget the administrative basics. Carry identification and keep digital copies safely available. If your trip involves family documentation or a child travelling with one parent, our guide to getting a child’s B-Form from NADRA explains the record that families commonly need. For adults who need to renew identity documents before travelling, see the site’s guide to the new QR-based CNIC and Pak ID services.
Road journeys can also affect household planning. If you need to pay a bill while away, the step-by-step guide to checking an electricity bill online is worth saving before you lose signal. And for motorists already managing higher running costs, read our breakdown of the latest petrol and diesel price increase.
Frequently asked questions
Is Babusar Highway open?
The NHA advisory said it was closed at Zero Point because of flooding near Thak. Check for an official reopening notice before travelling.
Can I simply use the KKH instead?
The KKH was named as the alternative, but the advisory also reported a temporary blockage near Gonar Farm. Check current conditions first.
Why should I avoid unnecessary travel?
Clearance work, rain and congestion can make journeys unpredictable and may restrict access for emergency teams.
What should tourists carry?
Fuel, water, warm clothing, medicines, a charged phone and enough flexibility to postpone or stop safely.
Where should I get the newest update?
Use official NHA, local-administration and National Highways & Motorway Police channels rather than unverified posts.
Related coverage
- Pakistan flood warning: dam levels and cities at risk
- Pakistan Independence Day traffic plan
- How to check a Punjab e-challan by vehicle number
Sources: National Highway Authority advisory via the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (4 August 2026); Associated Press of Pakistan; and the National Highways & Motorway Police monsoon travel guidance. Featured image: Unsplash.
