Kotli Sattian to get chairlifts

Sources say hilly tehsil being developed as new tourist attraction

RAWALPINDI:

The tourism department has announced plans to transform Kotli Sattian, the second-largest hilly tehsil in Rawalpindi district, into a prominent tourist destination. Recognised for its natural beauty and elevated location surpassing Murree, Kotli Sattian will see the development of a new resort equipped with modern facilities, including European-style chairlifts, to promote tourism.

According to sources, an immediate study will be conducted to determine the optimal route for installing the chairlift, with a feasibility report to be prepared simultaneously.

Approximately Rs3 million has been allocated for the chairlift route study and feasibility report preparation. The contract for this study and report will be awarded in August, welcoming international companies to participate in the bidding process.

They said the first grand resort will be constructed in the scenic Chewra Hill area of Kotli Sattian, with an estimated cost of Rs6.3 million. Construction is scheduled to commence in late August or September.

Under the previous Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf central and provincial governments, Kotli Sattian was designated as a tourist destination, resulting in the construction of resorts amidst the rugged mountains of the region. The Panj Pir hilly spot stands out as a particularly stunning location in Kotli Sattian.

Over the past three years, the number of tourists visiting these high-altitude destinations has significantly increased.

From these elevated tourist spots, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mangla Dam and the border between Azad Kashmir and Occupied Kashmir through binoculars.

Sources further said the tourism department anticipates a remarkable surge in tourist numbers with the installation of the latest chairlift.

Kotli Sattian boasts more natural beauty scenes compared to Murree, they added. The development of modern transportation infrastructure, including well-constructed roads, is currently under way to enhance accessibility to the area.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2023.