Driving the terrifying road to Noori Top in Pakistan
Noori Top is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,949m (12,956ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Province and Azad Kashmir, in Pakistan.
When was the road to Noori Top in Pakistan built?
The road to the summit was built by the Pakistan Army during the Kargil War in 1998 and was under the use of the Pak Army during the war. Now, this pass and top are used as a tourist spot.
How long is the road to Noori Top in Pakistan?
Tucked away in the Kaghan Valley, the pass is 47.4 km (29.45 miles) long, running from Jalkhand (in the Mansehra district of Hazara) to Sharda, also known as Shardi, (in the Neelam District of Azad Kashmir). The traffic on this narrow road is minimal, with few jeeps and old 4x4 trucks.
Can you drive to Noori Top in Pakistan?
The unnerving road to the summit is simply terrifying. It is called Jalkhad-Sharda Road. It’s totally unpaved (rock and soak), narrow, and has countless hairpin turns. It’s not frequently used and maintained. You gain height at every step turn, more wilderness is added by mud, gravels, and water streams. At many points, the track is so narrow that only one vehicle can go, and in case of a vehicle coming from the opposite side, then one has to stop at a widened patch so the other can go first. After rains, the road can be impassable due to mud and water streams. Highly recommended going in a group of at least two vehicles as there is zero support system available on the way. Along the way are many sections with severe drop-offs. 4x4 vehicles with high clearance only. The turns are tight and unpredictable, especially after the snow is cleared in the summers.
How long does it take to drive to Noori Top in Pakistan?
To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 3 and 4 hours. The top offers marvelous views of Karghil Mountains and Kashmir on one side and Naran Valley on the other side. An hour’s hike from Noori Top is Noori lake, which is equally gorgeous. The road from Sharda to Noori Top is scenic, passing through picturesque landscapes, lush valleys, and rugged terrain.
Is the road to Noori Top in Pakistan open?
Set high in the Lulusar-Dudipatsar National Park, the track is open only in summers. From September to February, the road is closed due to snow. And from February to May due to rain and landfalls.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: Naeem Ahmed Khokhar