Tourists throng hilly areas to enjoy snowfall

With the onset of the snowy season, a number of tourists from across the country have started visiting the hilly areas to enjoy the enhanced beauty of nature during snowfall.

Despite the biting cold, a great rush of tourists was witnessed on popular tourism destinations including Murree, Malam Jabba, Kalam, Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Hunza, Ziarat, Chitral and Kashmir.

A large number of families have planned to visit these areas with their families to enjoy the picturesque beauty of hilly areas and enjoy snowfall, taking advantage of winter vacations announced till January 8.

Chief Executive Karakoram Explorers Mubarak Hussain told APP that the number of local as well as international tourists is increasing significantly after the first snowfall of the season.

He added that at some destinations, visitors are facing issues related to lodging and increased rates as several hotels and other businesses had already been closed before the start of the current snowfall spell in November.

Taking advantage of the winter vacations, a number of families are visiting tourist destinations but they should ensure safety measures before travel, he added.

Hussain said that Naran-Kaghan Road is closed since November 2022, and the only available route to these destinations is Karakoram Highway. He advised the visitors to check weather advisory, road situations and routs before leaving for these destinations.

Salma Kanwal a tourist said that snowfall is the favorite time of her children and they were much excited about playing in the snow, making snowmen and taking selfies to share with their friends. "Pakistan is a very beautiful country with diverse weather and locations to explore," she added.

Ali Raza, a student who is visiting Swat to enjoy snowfall said that due to winter vacations and snowfall, there is a huge rush of visitors in Swat. “Many hotels are already booked and we are we could only get one room for seven people on a double rate. He urged the authorities concerned to take serious action against the profiteers who are taking advantage of the situation.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2023.