NDMA Temporarily Closed Some Northern Areas of Pakistan for Tourists Winter 2026

Northern

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.

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