The Babusar Pass Road Journey is a guided trip lasting 2 days in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan, topping out at 4,173 m. It is graded Easy — a road journey with a short stop at 4,173 m — roadside stops. 4 fixed departures are open from $180 per person, all-inclusive from Islamabad.
Babusar Pass Road Journey — Islamabad to Gilgit Over the Top
For a few summer months a road climbs out of the Kaghan valley, past Lulusar Lake, and tops out at Babusar Pass, 4,173 m, where Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ends and Gilgit-Baltistan begins. On the far side it drops in long loops to Chilas on the Indus and the Karakoram Highway, with Nanga Parbat standing over the river on a clear day. Most people drive it as a blur on the way north. We make it the trip: two days by private car with a driver who knows the pass, a night in Naran, time at the top, and Gilgit by evening on day two. The first half runs through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and we say so plainly. Local hands, fair price.
- Duration
- 2 Days - 1 Night
- Max altitude
- 4,173 m
- Grade
- Easy – Moderate
- Days on foot
- 0
- Best season
- Summer ( June - September )
- Group size
- Max 6
Babusar Pass Journey Price
From $180 per person in a group of four to six. That covers a private car or 4x4 with driver from your Islamabad hotel to your Gilgit hotel, one night in a standard Naran hotel, tolls and fuel. Meals are at your own cost. Running the other way, Gilgit to Islamabad, costs the same. Continuing on to Hunza or Skardu the same week is easy to add, so ask us.
Fixed Departures
Fixed departures are scheduled dates you join as part of a group, rather than arranging your own trip.
| Departure | Dates | Price | Availability | Deposit | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily — June 2027 | 1 Jun – 30 Jun | $180/person | 6 of 6 places | $18 | Book now |
| Daily — July 2027 | 1 Jul – 31 Jul | $180/person | 6 of 6 places | $18 | Book now |
| Daily — August 2027 | 1 Aug – 31 Aug | $180/person | 6 of 6 places | $18 | Book now |
| Daily — September 2027 | 1 Sep – 30 Sep | $180/person | 6 of 6 places | $18 | Book now |
Private & customised groups
These are private departures, priced by the size of your party rather than by a set date.
| Group size | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo (1 Person) | $380 | Private car and driver to yourself, your stops. |
| (2-3 Persons) | $240 | One car, shared, ideal for couples. |
| (4-6 Persons) | $180 | Best per-person rate for families and small groups. |
Is this trip right for you?
Yes — this is one of the easiest trips to say yes to.
Graded Easy — a road journey with a short stop at 4,173 m.
Good to know
The highest point is 4,173 m, so altitude counts here. The itinerary is built around acclimatising and your guide sets a pace that gets you there comfortably.
One thing we do insist on: travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation.
Travel Plan
Itinerary — Babusar Pass Journey
Two days: Islamabad up the Kaghan valley to Naran, then Lulusar Lake, Babusar Top at 4,173 m, the descent to Chilas and the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit.
Day 1Islamabad to Naran via the Kaghan Valley
Morning start from Islamabad north through Abbottabad and Mansehra into the Kaghan valley, following the Kunhar River to Naran. Stops along the river as the valley narrows. Night in a standard hotel in Naran.
Day 2Over Babusar Top to Chilas & Gilgit
4,173 m
Early start up past Lulusar Lake to Babusar Top at 4,173 m, the boundary with Gilgit-Baltistan, for a short stop at the top. Down the long switchbacks to Chilas on the Indus, then the Karakoram Highway past the Nanga Parbat viewpoints to Gilgit by evening.
What’s included in the price
Every fixed departure is all-inclusive from Islamabad. This is exactly what your $180 per person covers, and the handful of things it does not — so there is nothing to settle at the trailhead.
Included in the price
- Private vehicle with driver
- Fuel and tolls
- One night in a standard hotel in Naran
Not included
- Meals
- Hotels in Islamabad or Gilgit
- Personal spending
Resources
Free guides from our local team, so you arrive ready.
- Trekking gear list what to pack
- Trekking medicine & altitude staying well up high
- Maps, books, visa & permits planning your trip
Why Karakoram Venture
Because the people who take you up this mountain are from it. Our guides grew up in these valleys, and they are our own team — not a booking desk handing you to whoever is cheapest that week. Every one of them holds a guide licence from DTS Gilgit-Baltistan and the Federal DTS, renewed each year, and worked at least five years in the region before applying for it. Most also hold Wilderness First Aid.
Because the safety is real, and we will name it rather than imply it. A satellite phone travels in every camp, we hold established helicopter-rescue contacts for this region, and we tell you exactly which travel insurance to carry. Budget operators cut precisely these things, because you cannot see them on a web page.
Because the price is honest. Local infrastructure is why $180 per person covers the trip from Islamabad rather than a stripped-down base rate. Exactly what it includes — and the handful of things it does not — is set out above.
How to book this trip
More About the Babusar Pass Road
Booking & Payment
A deposit of 10% of the trip price confirms your date. Balance is payable on the day of departure.
Book through our website or directly on WhatsApp. We confirm within the hour in season.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel 3+ days before departure for a full refund of the deposit. Within 3 days the deposit is forfeit.
If Babusar Pass is closed on your date, we reroute via the Karakoram Highway at no extra cost, or refund in full, your choice.
Transportation Details
Private car or 4x4 with driver, door to door Islamabad to Gilgit. The road over Babusar is paved but steep and narrow in places.
Permits & Documents
Carry your passport and visa; there are police checkpoints on this road. No special permit is needed.
Important Notes
Carry at least 2 recent passport-size photos for verification and documentation.
A valid passport (foreign nationals) or CNIC (Pakistani nationals) is mandatory for booking and travel.
Keep your original passport or CNIC with you throughout the tour for security checks and hotel check-ins.
Foreign nationals need a valid passport and the correct visa; any NOC and trekking/restricted-area permits are arranged by Karakoram Venture.
Special Information
Professional and experienced Tour Manager available from start to end of the trip.
Delicious and fresh daily meals included from Day 1 until departure.
No complimentary meals provided on flights or during transit stops.
Follow updated state travel policies carefully for a hassle-free journey.
Transportation Details
Comfortable and spacious A/C Coaches for long trips and intercity travel.
Sturdy 4x4 jeeps for mountain roads and sightseeing (up to 7 pax per vehicle).
Reliable 4x4 vehicles (Land Cruiser / Prado) for off-road and high-altitude excursions.
Arrival & Departure Guidelines
Day 1: Report at the designated airport on time as per schedule.
Final Day: Depart after successfully completing the full itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Babusar Pass?
4,173 m (13,691 ft). It sits at the northern end of the Kaghan valley on the boundary between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, and links Naran with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway.
When is Babusar Pass open?
Usually only in summer, roughly June to September. Snow closes it for the rest of the year, and opening dates move with the season, so we confirm the road before every departure. If it is shut, we reroute via the Karakoram Highway through Besham.
Is this tour in Gilgit-Baltistan?
Half and half. Day one, Islamabad to Naran, is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. You cross into Gilgit-Baltistan at the top of the pass and spend the second half of day two there, down to Chilas and Gilgit.
Will the altitude bother me?
For most people, no. You only stop at 4,173 m for a short while and sleep much lower in Naran. Some feel breathless or light-headed at the top; we keep the stop short and carry on down.
Can we stay longer in Naran or Kaghan?
Yes. Our Naran Kaghan Tour spends more time in the valley, Saiful Muluk lake included. This journey is the faster way through, built for travellers heading on into Gilgit-Baltistan.
Can we continue to Hunza or Skardu?
Easily. From Gilgit it is about two hours to Hunza, or a longer day to Skardu. Many guests add our Hunza or Skardu tour packages straight after.
