A land of mesmerizing valleys, towering mountains, chilly deserts, singing brooks and enchanting lakes – Gilgit Baltistan offers unlimited bounties of nature to visitors pouring in from across the country and abroad.
Boasting of world’s great mountain ranges -the Karakoram, Hindukash,and Himalayan, this region is also home to pride of Pakistan – the K-2 and Nanga Parbat, the second-largest glacier Siachen and the breathtaking Deosai plain situated at 14,000 feet above sea level.
The marvel of Karakoram Highway carved through mountains, dozens of lakes scattered all cross Gilgit-Baltistan and tall pines speak volumes of its natural beauty and serene environment always praised by nature lovers.
Despite all the natural beauty and loveable scene of the region, the potential for winter tourism is yet to be fully tapped and numerous destinations are yet to be either fully explored or developed to attract more tourists.
Winter in Gilgit-Baltistan offers yet another opportunity to experience nature’s raw beauty through festivals, skiing, snowboarding, trekking and much more and being in some money for the local people.
Living in a distant and tough region, most of the region’s population usually bank upon earning from tourism, handicrafts and dry fruits among whom tourism offering them sufficient dividend to keep the mare go.
Nearly two million local and international backpackers attended various winter and summer festivities in the area last year while more than 155 high-altitude climbers summited the world’s second tallest mountain, K2.
These activities provide for an ample opportunity of earning for the GB government and the local people and we want to see more tourists coming to GB in winter as well.
Although winter tourism is challenging and adventurous yet thy e nature loving souls do not miss to embrace the opportunity to see snow covered peaks and freezing lakes with mercury going down to around minus ten.
So, the experts and local people desire from the government to play its due role for by promoting winter sports like skiing, ice hockey and mountaineering in difficult terrains and support cultural activities and festivals.
Gilgit-Baltistan has hosted several winter festivals like Shyok Winter Festival and winter games at Khalti Lake, Naltar valley and other places, but, there is dire need to properly advertising these events and improve infrastructure to boost winter tourism.
Ice hockey stands out as a popular winter sport in Gilgit-Baltistan, with championships held in various districts. It’s Naltar and Rattu areas are famous for skiing, with the National Ski Championship attracting international participants. With increased outreach and funding, new ski resorts can be established across Gilgit-Baltistan.
