Hiking tracks to lure adventure enthusiasts
PHOTO: FILE
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Culture, Sports and Tourism Department is constructing four mega trekking and hiking projects at an estimated cost of Rs11 billion for adventure lovers besides searching new avenues for tourism so that the best facilities can be provided to local and foreign tourists.
The provincial tourism department has launched various projects for the promotion of tourism in the province under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Mahmood Khan for easy access of tourists including construction road infrastructure in hilly areas.
The department is constructing roads connecting Kalam to Kumrat, besides roads from Auon to Kalash, Bamborait to Ramboor Valley, and Chitral to Garam Chashma so that tourists could easily visit the picturesque areas.
Keeping in view the huge influx of tourists, the main focus is being given to introducing new tourist destinations and avenues including valley Ganool.
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The four mega tracking projects are being constructed from Thandyani to Nathiagali, Thandyani to Barain Gali, Dagri Banglow to Miran Jani Top and will conclude at Nathiagali with a unique feature of a 40km track which has old trees dating back centuries. The track from Thandyani to Satu Banglow was built in 1902 while the third track in Kaghan was starting from Mahnoor valley to Saiful Malook Lake.
The fourth track from Shinkiari Top to Musa ka Musala is 40km long. An official of the Tourism department said that facilities like resting places, toilets and tourist guides would be provided at these treks.
Besides, a feasibility study for a cable car service from Kumrat to Madkalsht Chitral has been completed and the tourism and culture department was also taking steps for revival and protection of the centuries old Kalash valley culture.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2021.