Tourists Flock to Snow-Capped Galyat, Leepa Valleys 

News Desk

Islamabad:  This weekend, the enchanting hill stations of Murree, Galyat, and Leepa Valleys were blanketed in a thick layer of snow, creating a serene winter wonderland that attracted an influx of tourists eager to experience the beauty of nature’s frozen spectacle.

The snowfall, ranging from 4 to 5 inches in various areas, turned the popular tourist spots into picturesque landscapes, with snow-covered trees, roads, and buildings adding to the breathtaking view.

Local businesses experienced a boom, with restaurants in Murree, Nathia Gali, and Leepa Valley reporting a surge in customers. “Sales have skyrocketed, and we’ve seen an unprecedented rush of customers this weekend,” said the owner of a well-known restaurant in Murree.

Rashid, who runs a restaurant in Nathia Gali, added, “The snowfall has been a blessing, attracting tourists who are eager to savor our local dishes.”

With restaurants packed since Friday evening, the owner of a restaurant in Leepa Valley remarked, “We are struggling to keep up with the demand, but we’re happy to see so many visitors enjoying the area.”

While the heavy snowfall brought joy to visitors, it also created disruptions, with many roads becoming impassable due to the accumulating snow.

To address these issues, the Galyat Development Authority (GDA) took prompt action, deploying snowplows and excavators to clear the roads. “We’ve also applied salt to prevent the roads from becoming slippery and ensure tourists’ safety,” said a GDA official.

In addition, facilitation centers were set up at strategic points to provide assistance to tourists. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the tourists continued to enjoy the winter paradise, indulging in snowball fights, building snowmen, and taking photos with the scenic snow-covered backdrop.

“It’s a fantastic experience,” said a tourist from Lahore. “The snowfall has made the area even more beautiful, and we’re savoring every moment.”

Overall, the atmosphere in Murree, Galyat, and Leepa Valleys remained festive, with both tourists and locals embracing the magical winter landscape.