Special Edition: Babusar to Jalkhad Drive - One of the most beautiful drives in the world!!
Babusar to Jalkhad (or Jalkhand) drive is definitely one of the most scenic drives in the world. It is a little over 27km metalled road, which takes 45 minutes by car. The Babusar Pass connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit Baltistan.
Babusar Pass or Babusar Top elevation is 4,173 metres or 13,691 feet and Jalkhad town sits at 3,140 metres or 10,300 feet above sea level.
The Kaghan mountain range, enters the Mansehra District from Kashmir, is an offshoot of the great Himalayan system. This range flanks the right bank of the Kunhar river & contains Malika Parbat peak (over 17,000 ft.), highest in the district.
Kunhar River flows southwest through the entire length of Kaghan Valley, passing Jalkhad, Naran, Kaghan, Jared, Paras and Balakot until its confluence with the Jhelum River.
On the mountains the grasslands are found where Gujjars and other nomads migrate during the summer for grazing by their sheep, goats and other animals.
Babusar Top was originally known as Babur Top, originating from the fact that the Mughal emperor Babur used to pass through this area in the early 16th century. Nowadays however, it is commonly referred to as Babusar Top.
Pyala Lake is a small but beautiful bowl-shaped lake on this route.
Lulusar Lake (also spelled Lulusir) is a lake at an elevation of 3,410 m (11,190 ft), and is the primary headwaters of the Kunhar River. This lake is about 50 kilometres (31 miles) from Naran.
The Kaghan Valley is at its best during summer (from May to September). In May, the maximum temperature is 11°C (52°F) and the minimum temperature is 3°C (37°F).
From the middle of July up to the end of September the road beyond Naran is open right up to the Babusar Pass. However, movement is restricted during the monsoon and winter seasons.