Snow Sports Thrill Tourists in KP’s Winter Wonderland
APP
Swat: As the New Year celebrations unfold, tourists from across Pakistan are flocking to the scenic northern districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to enjoy snow sports, trout fishing, and thrilling winter adventures.
The snowfall and activities such as skiing and snowboarding in Upper Swat have become major attractions, drawing thousands of visitors to picturesque spots like Malam Jabba, Bahrain, Osho Valley, and Kalam.
Annual snow sports events held in Abbottabad, Mansehra, Swat, Dir, and Chitral during January-February have proven to be a significant source of economic growth for rural areas while showcasing Pakistan as a tourist-friendly destination.
Professor Dr Naveed Farooq of Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, highlighted the cultural and economic impact of winter tourism, saying, “The surge in New Year tourism boosts rural economies and fosters intercultural interactions.”
Local businesses, including hotels, vendors, and ski instructors, are benefiting from the influx of tourists. Kamran Ali Yousafzai, manager of Swat Paradise Hotel in Kalam, noted, “Hotel revenues have increased significantly due to the overwhelming response from visitors across Pakistan.”
The KP government has announced various snow festivals, including the Kaghalasht Snow Festival in Upper Dir and events at Parwak in Upper Chitral, featuring ice hockey, skiing, and cultural performances. Other activities such as archery, mountain biking, snow rugby, and trout fishing add vibrancy to these celebrations.
Planned developments include new ski resorts in Swat, Kaghan, and Chitral, and the construction of chairlift projects to enhance accessibility. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE), supported by the World Bank, aims to establish integrated tourism zones (ITZs) in Swat, Abbottabad, Mansehra, and Chitral, transforming KP into a hub for domestic and international tourism.
To alleviate tourist congestion in popular spots like Kalam and Malam Jabba, new destinations are being developed in Sola Tanar, Puchar, and Jargo valleys, complete with camping pods and walking tracks.
Spokesperson for the Tourism and Culture Authority, Saad Khan, stated, “We are committed to preserving the region’s natural beauty while promoting tourism. New roads linking tourist destinations to the Swat Motorway are under construction.”
Upcoming events such as Kalam’s Winter Gala, an international paragliding competition in Saidu Sharif, and sports rafting on the River Swat promise to enhance KP’s reputation as a premier adventure tourism destination.
These festivities reflect a celebration of unity in diversity, bringing together people from various cultures, religions, and regions of Pakistan to share experiences and build lasting connections.
In a world often divided by cultural barriers, KP’s snow sports and natural beauty serve as a reminder that adventure, the great outdoors, and the spirit of togetherness can unite people.
