EXPLORING NORTHERN AREAS

Pakistan’s northern areas will emerge as one of the popular tourist hotspots with the launch of international flight operations to Skardu on August 14, 2023 — the country’s 77th Independence Day.

The national flag carrier — Pakistan International Airline (PIA) — is scheduled to debut Skardu Airport’s first international flight from Dubai that is expected to attract tourists, mountain climbers and trekkers to explore the region, which is known for its natural beauty, history, mountains, lakes, waterfalls and delicious local food.

People hailing from Gilgit-Baltistan settled in different parts of the world can now also avail the direct international flight for the nearest airport to their hometown.

The Dubai-based flydubai will be the first international airline, which is also expected to start its flight operations for Skardu in the near future. It is also expected that international flights will also be operated from London, New York, Toronto, Tokyo, Doha, Saudi Arabia and China.

Skardu Airport — the only airport on earth at 7,500 feet high above sea level. It is the only airport in northern Pakistan that can accommodate large airplanes, as the runways at Gilgit and Chitral airports are too short for long-distance flights.

GATEWAY TO PEAKS

Passengers onboard the Skardu flight will also be treated to views of the world’s highest peaks and picturesque lakes during the airjourney. According to the experts, flights will promote international tourism, trekking and expedition in the Baltistan region.

Skardu, a popular tourist site in Gilgit-Baltistan, is a gateway to four peaks, towering 8,000 metres high, attracting mountaineers and trekkers from all over the world. These are Karakorum 2, popularly known as K2 — the second highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum and Nanga Parbat — which is called the killer mountain for its high number of climber fatalities. With its three immense and complex faces exposed to avalanches, Nanga Parbat presents a real challenge in terms of route. Contrary to most other peaks over 8,000 metres, there is no obvious route to the summit of the world’s ninth highest mountain at 8,126 metres (26,660 ft) above sea level.

TOURIST HOTSPOTS

In addition to snow-capped mountains, the Gilgit-Baltistan has many tourist attractions such as iconic Shigar Fort, ancient Manthal Budha Rock, and Katpana Desert — also known as Cold Desert as the temperature drops to -25-degree Celcious (-13-degree F) in winter.

Sadpara Lake, a beautiful serene natural body of water located at a 2,600 metre altitude and spread over an area of 2.5km, is another popular attraction for tourists. Upper Kachora Lake, which is also called Shangrila Lake or ‘Roof of the world’, should also be part of the tourist’s wishlist as the surface is frozen sold in winter.

Pakistan remains a travel-lovers dream, with the most diverse natural attractions, a cradle of ancient civilisations, a heaven for mountain climbers and a region brimming with diverse religion and cultures.

Dr Hadi Shahid, partner at Alliott Hadi Shahid Chartered Accountants, said Pakistan is blessed with wonderful places which attracts tourists of all kinds and all ages. “From prehistoric places in Sindh, Punjab and North to history of conquerors, Arabs, Arians, Central Asians and Mughals, we have highly respected places of attraction for Budhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. Museums of Texila and Lahore to Badshahi Masjid and so many other places that can attract those who love art and culture. And there is no need to talk about mountains and rivers in the country,” Dr Hadi told Khaleej Times.

Faisal Awan, CEO of Al Ghazi Travel and Tourism, said Pakistan’s tourism sector is experiencing significant growth and development, attracting attention from travellers around the world.

“With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical sites, Pakistan has immense potential to become a thriving tourism destination,” he said.

Awan said Pakistan’s tourism industry has witnessed an upward trend in recent years, attracting domestic and international tourists alike. The successive governments have taken various initiatives to revive and promote tourism, recognising its potential as a key driver of economic growth, he said.

“The country’s breathtaking landscapes, including the awe-inspiring Northern Areas, serene beaches along the Arabian Sea, and historical sites such as the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Taxila, have become popular attractions for tourists. The diverse range of activities, including trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, and cultural festivals, further add to the appeal of Pakistan as a tourism destination,” according to an analyst.

The outlook for Pakistan’s tourism sector looks promising, with immense potential for further growth and development. The increasing global interest in sustainable and off-the-beaten-path tourism plays to Pakistan’s advantage, as it offers unspoiled landscapes and authentic cultural experiences.

Yasir Wisal Muhammad, a Sharjah-based travel agent and tour operator, said Pakistan’s participation in international tourism forums and exhibitions enables country to showcase its tourism potential and attract foreign investment.

“By focusing on niche markets, such as adventure tourism, religious tourism, and cultural heritage tourism, Pakistan can differentiate itself and tap into untapped segments of the global travel market,” he said. “Pakistan has the opportunity to become a sought-after destination for travellers worldwide. The country’s tourism sector holds immense potential for economic growth and development, and we must realise it,” he added.

While the growth prospects for Pakistan’s tourism sector are promising, several challenges need to be addressed to ensure sustainable development and capitalise on its immense potential.

Experts said infrastructure development is crucial to support the growing tourism industry. Many tourist destinations in Pakistan lack adequate transportation facilities, quality accommodation options, and basic amenities.

“Improvement in road networks, expansion of airports, and increased investment in tourism-related infrastructure are necessary to provide a seamless and comfortable experience for tourists,” according to a tour operator.

— muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com