MINGORA: A large number of tourists flocked to Swat to experience the country’s highest zip line at 9,200 feet high Malam Jabba ski resort.

The newly installed zip line is about 1,000 feet high and about 2,000 feet long and its speed can reach to 80 kilometres per hour.

The tourists in Malam Jabba, queuing to experience the adventure of the newly installed zip line, said that they were excited to have an opportunity of sliding down the wire for the first time in life.

“I have seen zip lining on TV and on internet which always fascinated me. When I learnt that a zip line was installed in Malam Jabba, I decided at once to visit it and experience the thrilling ride. Today my dream is coming true to and I am excited,” said Jamil Ahmad, a tourist from Peshawar, who was waiting for his turn.

Ski resort now offers adventurous facility to visitors

Sara Yousaf, a tourist from Lahore, who visited Malam Jabba with her family, said that she was excited to experience adventurous activities. “We all are excited to have this adventurous trip and experience wall climbing and zip lining in Malam Jabba. I want to experience zip lining because I have never done it before,” she told Dawn.

The tourists who whizzed down the wire said that it was a true adventure and a unique experience for them.

“I must ask everyone, who loves adventure and challenges, to come and have a ride in the zip line here because it is an once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure lovers. For me, it was a thrilling and soul-boosting activity,” said Ibrar Khan, a tourist from Islambad.

Some tourists said that at first they were worried to experience the ride of the zip line but felt better once they started sliding down the rope.

“At first I had mixed feelings of excitement and anxiety but once I started flying down, I became better and I made video and even took selfie,” said Faisal Khan, another tourist.

Malakand Commissioner Riaz Khan Mehsud, who inaugurated the newly installed zip line, said that he was happy to a facility of international standard for tourists.

“Swat valley is a paradise for tourists. About one million tourists visited it during Eidul Fitr. We made special arrangements to facilitate them. The opening of zip line facility is a unique adventure for tourists and will help to boost tourism in this area,” he said.

The commissioner said that promotion of tourism was top priority of government.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2019