Gilgit-Baltistan has multiple tourism potential and picnic sites like glaciers, pastures, plateaus, meadows, peaks, wildlife conservation areas and natural lakes at high altitudes of the Karakorum and Hindukush ranges. There are numerous small and large lakes with pristine water and scenic beauty.

Some spectacular lakes at the higher elevation of Ghizer District have not yet caught the attention of tourists owing to tricky and remote terrain. Ghizer is also called the land of lakes such as Kurumber, Utter, Shukargah, Phander, Khalti, Darkot and many more that exist in its lap. These lakes are famous for their eye-catching scenery.

In winter the lakes are frozen while in summer and autumn they accommodate migratory birds, especially ducks and swans, for a short span of time. Further, different herbs and flowers blossom in its surroundings that add to the beauty of the sight and on a crystal-clear sky all the objects along with the snow-capped mountains around the lake reflect in the unspoiled water which enthralls nature lovers.

These lakes can become popular tourist sites and a source of revenue for the government and income for local residents if the government and its tourism department along with NGOs take the following measures: 1) Roads and bridges be constructed for easy access to the lakes. 2) Motels, wayside restaurants and restrooms set along the routes. 3) Visitors should be cautioned not to disturb the wildlife and avoid littering in and around the lakes to maintain the natural beauty of the area.

Last but not the east, to attract tourists, special documentary programmes should be telecast and uploaded on the web. A few low-key festivals should be held and the events uploaded.

Karim Mohammad Khan

Gilgit-Baltistan

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2017