Eid Sees Record Tourist Influx in Kaghan Valley

News Desk 

Kaghan: During the Eid al-Azha holidays, Kaghan Valley experienced a remarkable influx of over 300,000 tourists. This surge included 53,220 vehicles, comprising a mix of small and large cars, and 16,540 motorcycles.

The Kaghan Development Authority (KDA) staff worked tirelessly around the clock to cater to the needs of the visitors during this peak season.

Following directives from Advisor to the Chief Minister on Tourism and Culture Zahid Khan, and under the supervision of Director General of KDA Shahbaz Khan, special measures were implemented to ensure adequate facilities and guidance for the large number of visitors.

KDA personnel, along with traffic and tourism police, managed traffic flow and maintained cleanliness throughout the valley, addressing challenges such as waste disposal due to the high tourist traffic.

Among the visitors were 200 foreign tourists who explored picturesque locations such as Shogran, Kaghan, Naran, Siri Paye, Batakundi, Jheel Saif-ul-Malook, Lulusar Lake, and Lalazar. Efforts were also made to preserve the environmental integrity of the valley during Eid celebrations, including the safe disposal of sacrificial remains to prevent pollution.

Tourists enjoyed various recreational activities, such as rafting in the Kunhar River and adventurous zip-lining experiences.

Saif-ul-Malook Lake emerged as a popular destination, attracting a significant number of visitors amid the serene backdrop of snow-capped mountains in Pakistan’s Northern Areas.

A total of 415,731 tourists, including 415,569 domestic and 162 foreign visitors, explored various scenic spots in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during Eid-ul-Azha.

According to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Development Authority, these tourists visited picturesque locations in Dir Upper, Malam Jabba, Galliyat, Chitral Upper, Chitral Lower, Kaghan, and Naran.

Top Tourist Hotspot

According to data gathered by the PenPK.com, the highest number of tourists, around 174,720, visited the Kaghan and Naran areas, while approximately 162,872 tourists explored Galliyat. About 23,440 tourists visited Chitral Lower, and 46,631 visited Malam Jabba in the Swat district.

Galliyat attracted 162,000 tourists who enjoyed its cultural sites and historical landmarks, showcasing the area’s rich heritage. Malam Jabba in Swat welcomed over 46,000 visitors, and Upper Dir saw 23,000 tourists exploring its natural beauty.

In Galliyat, 162,000 tourists enjoyed cultural sites and historical landmarks, highlighting the area’s rich heritage. 

Malam Jabba in Swat welcomed over 46,000 visitors, while Upper Dir saw 23,000 tourists exploring its natural beauty.

Hazara Waterfalls Thrive

The Hazara Waterfalls in Jab Valley of Haripur district were a magnet for tourists during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays, providing a significant boost to the province’s tourism sector. Nestled in Jab Valley, this natural marvel boasts eight spectacular waterfalls amidst diverse flora and fauna, drawing numerous visitors.

The valley’s natural beauty is captivating, with waterfalls ranging from 50 to 100 feet tall. The journey to the waterfalls offers an adventurous trek with stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors have been drawn to the site, praising its pristine beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Located just 1.5 hours from Islamabad and a 30-minute drive from Khanpur Dam, the waterfalls are easily accessible. The valley holds immense tourism potential and, if properly developed, could emerge as a premier destination, attracting travelers from all over Pakistan.

The Hazara Waterfalls in Jab Valley offer a natural treasure waiting to be explored. With its impressive waterfalls, lush green mountains, and rich biodiversity, it has the potential to become a prominent landmark in Pakistan’s tourism landscape.

With further development, this site could offer a variety of activities such as hiking, trekking, and rock climbing, making it a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Additional input by Nazish Ibrar and APP.