Tourism returns to Kaghan after five-month closure

MANSEHRA: Tourism activities in Kaghan Valley are set to resume shortly after more than five months of suspension, as authorities accelerate restoration work on key roads, the district administration announced on Saturday.

Assistant Commissioner Balakot Hasrat Khan said that the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad (MNJ) Road has been cleared up to Battakundi and would soon be opened for smooth travel for visitors from across the country and abroad.

He said restoration work on connecting routes, including Manoor Valley Road and access to Lake Saiful Muluk, was also in progress and expected to be completed within days.

Officials said snowfall in November last year had forced closure of the valley’s main routes, cutting off tourism access during the winter season. Efforts are now underway to fully restore connectivity, including the possible reopening of traffic between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan via Babusar Top.

The administration said heavy machinery has been deployed to clear snow and landslides, while work continues to ensure safe travel conditions for tourists.

Authorities added that senior officials, including the chief minister and provincial tourism authorities, are monitoring restoration work and have directed departments to ensure improved facilities for visitors.

Meanwhile, Naran police station has also resumed operations after remaining closed for over five months. Police said additional posts along the MNJ Road will be reactivated in phases to ensure security for tourists and travellers once traffic resumes.

Officials expressed confidence that tourism in the valley would gradually return to normal as roads are fully restored and services are reactivated.