Administration Closes Popular Tourist Route
The Mansehra district administration has temporarily banned tourists from travelling to Lake Saif ul Muluk amid warnings of heavy monsoon rainfall, flash floods and possible cloudbursts.
The Naran–Saif ul Muluk road has been closed to all types of traffic until further notice. Authorities said the restriction was introduced as a precaution to protect tourists, drivers and local residents.
Balakot Assistant Commissioner Hasrat Khan said the ban was imposed on Friday following requests from the National Disaster Management Authority and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall in Naran and other areas of Kaghan Valley. Officials fear intense downpours could trigger sudden flooding, landslides and cloudbursts in mountainous locations.
An official order stated that travel to the lake would remain suspended until authorities determine that conditions are safe.
The closure currently affects the road connecting Naran with the popular alpine lake. Tourists have been advised to avoid attempting the journey through private vehicles or local jeeps.
Authorities have also placed government departments and Rescue 1122 teams on high alert across Kaghan Valley.
Emergency workers are monitoring vulnerable roads, rivers, seasonal streams and areas with a history of landslides.
Heavy Rain Triggers Wider Hazards Across Upper Hazara
Heavy monsoon rain has already caused landslides, road obstructions and flash flooding across parts of Upper Hazara.
The River Kunhar and several seasonal streams have experienced increased water levels. Officials have warned that additional rainfall could create dangerous conditions in low-lying and riverside areas.
Mountain roads are particularly vulnerable because loose soil and rocks can fall without warning after prolonged rainfall.
Cloudbursts also pose a serious danger in narrow valleys. Intense rain over a short period can rapidly increase water levels and leave tourists with limited time to reach safer ground.
The administration has advised visitors to postpone non-essential travel to Naran, Lake Saif ul Muluk, Kaghan Valley, Babusar Top and other upper tourist destinations until weather conditions improve.
Local residents have also been urged to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers, streams and landslide-prone slopes.
Officials said road restoration and inspection work would continue when weather conditions allowed. The route will reopen only after authorities are satisfied that travel can resume safely.
The restriction comes during the peak summer tourism season, when large numbers of visitors travel to Naran and surrounding attractions.
Lake Saif ul Muluk is among the most visited destinations in northern Pakistan. Tourists normally reach the lake through a steep mountain road using four-wheel-drive vehicles.
The difficult route can become especially dangerous during heavy rain because of poor visibility, falling rocks, flooding and damaged road sections.
Traders Warn Closure Could Damage Seasonal Businesses
Business representatives in Kaghan Valley have urged the district administration to reconsider the restriction.
Hussan Deen, chairman of a local traders’ organisation, said weather conditions in Naran remained pleasant. He argued that travel to the lake could continue because rescue teams and government departments were already on alert.
Traders said hotels, restaurants, transport operators, jeep drivers and shopkeepers depend heavily on summer visitors.
Many businesses in the valley operate for only three or four months each year. Extended road closures during this period can cause significant financial losses.
Deen said restrictions on access to major attractions could discourage tourists from visiting the entire valley.
However, the administration has maintained that public safety must remain the priority while severe weather warnings are active.
Officials have not announced a specific reopening date.
The decision will depend on rainfall, road conditions and updated assessments from meteorological and disaster-management authorities.
Tourists planning to visit Kaghan Valley have been advised to follow official updates and confirm road conditions before beginning their journey.
