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Published 05 Jun, 2023 03:21pm

Naran Jalkhad Road set to reopen after seven months of closure

Tourists and locals will soon rejoice as the long-awaited reopening of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road is on the horizon.

The road, which has been suspended for seven months due to heavy snowfall, will once again connect Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit-Baltistan via the scenic Kaghan Valley.

The closure of the Jalkhad road came into effect in November 2022, when heavy snowfall rendered the route impassable.

Situated at an impressive altitude of 13,700 feet above sea level, Babusar Pass experiences snow cover for approximately seven months each year, leading to the prolonged closure.

However, a glimmer of hope shines through as the snow removal efforts have commenced.

Authorities are optimistic that the road will be fully restored for traffic within the next few days, allowing for seamless travel and facilitating the much-anticipated influx of tourists to the region.

The closure of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road has had a significant impact on tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan. With the road out of commission, travelers have been forced to take the alternative route via the Karakoram Highway, resulting in increased travel time from Gilgit-Baltistan to Islamabad.

The reopening of the road is expected to alleviate these challenges and breathe new life into the local tourism industry.

In addition to the progress made on the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road, notable advancements have been achieved in other areas.

Snow has been successfully cleared from Naran to Lulusar and Chilas to Babusar Top, further facilitating travel and opening up more picturesque destinations for exploration.

As the snow gradually retreats, the anticipation and excitement for the reopening of the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road continue to build.

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