Laram Top in Dir attracts tourists

A large number of tourists have reached the historic Laram Top in Dir Lower after the valley received several inches of snow during the recent spell.

Talking to The Express Tribune local residents said that Laram Top is one of the highest places in the district which is located 8,000 feet above sea level and before partition it was frequented by British officers along with their families in summers but became a forgotten name after independence.

“People from Punjab and all over the province are visiting the spot after the Muree tragedy forced them to look for alternatives,” they said, adding that unfortunately there is no restaurant or hotel in the area to facilitate the large influx of tourists.

“The problem is that there is no night stay available in the valley. Local residents, who have land there, have constructed summer houses which can be used but these houses are not available commercially,” he said, adding that there is a single Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) rest house but it is available only to government officers.

Local residents demanded that the Laram Top should be developed on modern lines which will not only provide job opportunities to the locals but also facilitate the tourists.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2022.