ISLAMABAD: The local administration of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mansehra district on Thursday warned tourists to avoid Babusar Top mountain pass due to bad weather conditions it said could lead to avalanches and landslides.

Situated toward north of Pakistan’s scenic Kaghan Valley, Babusar Top is a high mountain pass elevated at 4,173 meters or 13,691 feet above sea level. The tourist destination, which is popular among locals and foreigners alike, remains closed from October to June every year due to heavy snowfall. In the past, several tourists lost their lives after being stuck at the pass due to landslides.

Last year, two main thoroughfares — the Karakorum Highway (KKH) and Babusar Road — were blocked after heavy rains triggered landslides at multiple locations, cutting off the Gilgit-Baltistan region from other parts of the country.

“This is to inform all tourists and travelers that due to bad weather, the Babusar Top is at risk of witnessing avalanches and landslides,” the office of the deputy commissioner in Mansehra announced in a Twitter post. “Therefore, travel toward the mountain pass should be avoided.” the deputy commissioner of Mansehra district announced in a Twitter post.

“Once the road has been cleared, the local administration will make an announcement for tourists to resume their travel,” it added.

Meanwhile, all other areas in and around Naran and Kaghan, including Gittidas, Sharan Forest, Shogran, Siri Paye, and Saiful Maluk Lake are open for travel, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development (KITE) Project announced on Wednesday.

Northern Pakistan is home to the world’s three famous mountain ranges — the Himalayas, the Karakorams, and the Hindukush. The area is blessed with high mountains, landscapes, lakes, glaciers, and valleys with breathtaking views.

With more than 20 peaks of over 20,000 feet (6,100 meters) and four over 8,000 meters, the area is a paradise for high-altitude climbers, trekkers, and hikers.