Pakistani Tourist Destinations Naran and Kaghan Closed Due to Snowfall and Freezing Temperatures

Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have led to the closure of the picturesque Naran and Kaghan valleys in Pakistan to tourists, as the district administration deems the travel conditions hazardous. The region's beauty is being compromised by the severe weather, and local authorities are urging initiatives to boost winter tourism in the area.

As reported, the district administration has advised against visiting Naran and Kaghan due to the risk of hazardous travel conditions. Routes leading to the Kaghan Valley were blocked in early November, and subsequent closures were implemented to ensure public safety. Many hotels in the area have been closed for the season, resulting in disruptions to essential services, including electricity. The access road connecting Gilgit-Baltistan to Kaghan is shut down, severely restricting access to the region.

While the snowfall has rendered these areas inaccessible for tourists, others such as Balakot and Shogran remain open for visitors at the moment. The district administration is encouraging tourists to opt for these accessible locations instead. However, local authorities are facing a significant challenge in unlocking the tourism potential of Naran and Kaghan, primarily due to the recurring access restrictions during the winter months.

Meanwhile, the severe weather in Pakistan's northern areas has also taken a toll on other aspects of life. Temperatures have dropped below freezing in regions like Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following widespread rain and snowfall. Thunderstorms and further rain and snowfall are predicted for northern Balochistan, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir, and the Pothohar region in the coming days.

Analysts and the district administration agree that the tourist industry in the Kaghan Valley has faced significant challenges this year, including a previously reported 15-day closure of the Kaghan Highway following the damage to the Mahandri Bridge in the July floods. The current snowfall and freezing temperatures are the latest hurdles in the pursuit of winter tourism; however, officials from the Kaghan Development Authority are working to ensure safe travels and ongoing guidance during the winter months in the remaining accessible areas.