MINGORA: The tourists and trekkers have thronged Gabina Jabba, a lush green area of Swat with thick forests and high alpine mountains around it.

Gabina Jabba, a Pashto word that means honey moorland, is located about 60 kilometres north of Mingora. The area has great attraction for lovers of nature and trekkers.

Among thousands of tourists and trekkers, a team of 40 local trekkers has set up a small tent village in the lap of alpine mountains with Gabina Jabba. “This is what we need to escape the tiresome routine of mundane life. Here nature can be felt and seen with all its colours and glamour,” said Akbar Khan, a teacher from Saidu Sharif. He added that he was enjoying the splashing sound of water and chirping of birds at the spot.

The site is mostly visited by local people, however, for the last few years the number of tourists has been increasing with each passing day.

“The unspoiled beauty of this spot mesmerise people and that’s why I use to come here to get relaxed and soothed,” said Tariq Aziz, a trekker from Ali Grama area in Kabal tehsil.

Social media plays vital role in fame of Gabina Jabba

He said that other tourist sites like Kalam, Behrain, Madyan and Malam Jabba remained crowded during Eid holidays where people could not enjoy calm and serene atmosphere.

“We made it our base camp before climbing up to Daral Lake. We will spend a night in this serene environment and will leave for Daral Lake tomorrow morning. I enjoy the glaciers here at both sides of our tents with splashing snow water around us,” said Suleman, a trekker.

The ‘honey moorland’ is also famous for its medicinal plants and herbs. More than 30 different types of medicinal plants grow in the area.

However, some visitors criticised the tourism department for not providing any facility to such a tourist resort.

“At least the government can construct a road and establish some facilities so that tourists can come here with ease,” said Sher Alam Khan, a resident of Lalko village.

Alam Gir, the owner of a trout fish farm and hotel at Lalko, said that he decided to open the hotel when he saw increase in the number of tourists. “Social media played a vital role in making the area famous and attracting tourists,” he added.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2016