During temporary closures, local administrations keep rescue services and road maintenance teams on high alert to handle any emergency situations. Snow clearance machinery is deployed at strategic locations, and daily road safety inspections are conducted to minimize risks before reopening.
Guidelines for Tourism and Transport Operators
Tourism departments and district authorities issue official guidelines to hotels, guest houses, and transport operators prior to reopening. These guidelines include checking vehicle fitness, winter tires, and emergency kits. Additional police deployment is planned to ensure effective traffic management and crowd control at tourist sites.
Current Winter Closures of Northern Tourist Destinations in Pakistan
Gilgit Baltistan Region:
| Area Name | Area Type | Closure Reason |
| Babusar Pass | Mountain Pass | Heavy snowfall & extreme cold |
| Babusar Top | High Altitude Route | Snow, ice & unsafe road conditions |
| Deosai Plains | Plateau | Heavy snow (Winter closure) |
| Fairy Meadows | Meadow Route | Snowfall & landslide risk |
| Naltar Upper Areas | Valley Route | Snow blocked roads |
| Astore Rama Road | Upper Valley | Winter snow closure |
| Khunjerab Pass | Border Pass | Seasonal winter closure |
| Shandur Pass | High Pass | Snowfall & winter closure |
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Region:
| Area Name | Area Type | Closure Reason |
| Naran to Babusar Route | Valley Route | Heavy snowfall & slippery roads |
| Saiful Muluk Lake Road | Upper Lake Road | Ice & snow (Unsafe for vehicles) |
| Lulusar Lake | High Altitude Lake | Winter snowfall & road blockage |
| Jahaz Banda Meadows | Meadow | Snow blocked trekking routes |
| Kumrat Upper Valley | Valley | Snow & ice road closure |
| Lowari Pass | Mountain Pass | Heavy snow & extreme weather |
| Kalam Upper Areas | Valley | Snowfall (Access blocked) |
Islamabad Region / Galiyat:
| Area Name | Area Type | Closure Reason |
| Murree Expressway (N-75) | Highway | Temporary closure/restricted for heavy snow & fog |
| Nathia Gali Upper Trails | Hill Trails | Extreme snow, ice & slippery risk |
| Ayubia National Park Trails | Hiking Trails | Winter safety closure due to deep snow |
| Donga Gali to Koza Gali | Connecting Road | Blocked for all traffic due to 4+ feet snow |
| Abbottabad-Murree Road | Main Route | Slippery conditions & power lines repair |
Advice for Tourists During Closure Periods
Authorities advise tourists to choose lower-altitude destinations that are safe during the winter closure period. Off-season travel planning and advance bookings are encouraged to reduce crowding during peak season and ensure a smooth travel experience.
Phased Reopening and Travel Restrictions
After reopening, limited access is often provided initially, allowing only daytime travel while night stays remain restricted. Full access is gradually restored once weather conditions stabilize and safety is confirmed. Travelers are advised to plan flexibly and follow updated information from local authorities.
