In late July 2026, glacial melt and flash flooding disrupted the Skardu Gilgit link to Rawalpindi, stranding tourists.The only major land link with the rest of the country closed after devastating floods and landslides, leaving hundreds of visitors unable to return home and cutting off supplies to the region.
Given that hotels and guest houses were filled with stranded travellers, many tourists faced accommodation costs, uncertainty over their return and difficulty contacting loved ones. As the disruption continued, concerns grew over the non availability of food, fuel and other essential supplies. The road closure affected not only tourists but also local residents, who faced shortages of food, fuel, gas cylinders and other daily necessities, while prices of basic commodities continued to rise.
Despite the crisis, local hotel owners stepped in to help by offering discounted and in some cases free accommodation to stranded visitors.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army, the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Communication and Works Department worked round the clock to clear debris and restore the highway. Restoration efforts have been slowed by rising water levels, but heavy machinery remains on site for the season.
