Winter in Pakistan; The first snowfall in Gilgit-Baltistan turns the northern mountains into a beautiful winter wonderland. The interior of the Chilas, Diamer, and Kaghan Valley had a perfect morning, enjoying the soft snow which covered the trees and roofs, and the roads and mountains which were snow-draped.
For the locals, the snowflakes usher in the winter season. The colder temperatures guarantee still, sharp weather which, along with the frost, captures the attention of many tourists and the snow-draped landscape.
Chilas and Diamer districts were the first to enjoy light snowfall. The once dry and bold peaks were now covered with a soft, snow and bright reflection of the sunlight of the day. The locals report it to be one of the brilliant snowfalls in a long time.
On the other side, Kaghan Valley in the district of Mansehra, also participated in the winter celebration. The tourists were bedazzled with the view of the snow covered trees and the frosty air. They enjoyed it so much, that they above it was like a scene out of a fairytale.
One of the season’s key attractions, Babusar Top, has received close to six inches of snowfall. Babusar Top is 13,700 feet in height above seal level. Babusar Top connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Gilgit-Baltistan through the Babusar Pass.
For people travelling to Hunza, Skardu, or Naran, the pass is a very popular route. The pass provides stunning views and scenery of the valleys and the peaks of the Babusar Top. This route does become very dangerous however, as the winter season gets worse. Because of the snow and icy winds, the roads become very difficult and every year the Babusar Pass gets closed because of snow and landslides from November to June.
Having made plans for the traveling season, the authorities have said travelers need to come before the pass gets closed.
The snow hasn’t just stopped at Babusar, popular tourist destinations like Saif-ul-Malook Lake, Batta Kundi, Jelkhad, Besar, Koh-e-Safaid, and Noori Top have also had beautiful snowfall.
At Saif-ul-Malook, one of the country’s most visited alpine lakes, the turquoise waters now reflect the snow-covered, almost-mirrored slopes as the lake is almost surrounded by snow. Along with the scenic snow-covered areas, the calm waters of the lake make for a beautiful sight, but it is bitter cold as roads are nearly closed. Residents say this is the best time for nature lovers, but a few warm layers, safe travel, and time to appreciate the challenge areas are necessary.
The snow has now reached Kalam Valley. Now, the cold, icy winds have taken hold of the town, a.k.a. the Kalam, and the temperature has taken a dramatic fall. For those from Kalam, this is a long winter and the change is constant and ruthless.
In these areas, for the people, snow is a cultural and seasonal livelihood as the change of seasons brings winter tourism for the people, and this is a time of plenty. Residents take pride in providing warm chapshuro and yak karahi, cozy cabins, and jeeps for tourists.
Lodging proprietors in Naran, Kaghan, and Chilas have been getting ready for tourists wanting to see the first snow of the season. “Every first snowfall, people call to reserve rooms from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad,” said one of the Naran hotel managers. “Snow is a signal. Snow brings people, and people bring life to our towns.”
Having been to the North during snowfall, one becomes accustomed to the magic of enjoying snowfalls with a cup of hot chai. The warmth bathed in winter is etched in the memory of every traveler, whether in a roadside teahouse, a winter cottage, or during snowfall on the plateau.
Southerners recently snowed in along the mountain and posted their joy on social media highlighting snow and winter beauty in the mountains of pictures and the hashtags #GilgitBaltistanSnowfall and #BabusarTop. For many, it was a snowfall celebration and the wonderland beauty of the north was indeed a sight to behold.
While the snow created scenes for a postcard, it reminded the onlookers and travelers the unpredictability of winter. As there becomes the possibility of extreme cold and poorly visibility, the travelers planning to go for a drive through Naran or Kaghan are urged to take special caution as well as for the Babusar Pass which is notorious for night time driving.
For anyone going to high-altitude locations, snow chains, appropriate vehicle maintenance, and warm clothes are a must. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) expects more snow and rain in the next few days, indicating a quick intensification of the winter season.
It is the perfect time to travel north to witness these wonders. The roads are clear, and the locals are very accommodating. The beauty of the region is breathtaking, and the experience of the hospitality is even better, however it is essential to travel in accordance to your surroundings, and to respect the environment and all it offers.
For most Pakistanis, the snowfall within Gilgit-Baltistan is not merely a shift in season, but a tribute to the beauty of nature, a symbol of resilience, and an indication of the countless warm nights that lie ahead.
