ABBOTTABAD: The three-day Galiyat Snow Festival concluded on Monday with thrilling activities including jeep and bike rallies in the scenic Nathiagali and other picturesque spots.

Organised by Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) and Galiyat Development Authority (GDA), the festival showcased skiing, snow-tubing, trekking, biking, snow hiking, bonfire, tug-of-war, snow football, camping, archery competitions, food stalls, snow cartoons, jeep and bike rallies and other activities.

More than 30 jeep racers and 25 motorcyclists took part in the rallies from Church Park in Nathiagali to Dongagali and enjoyed the race on the white snow. The racers then came back to Nathiagali from Dongagali.

Some of the tourists and lovers of snow games also participated in archery, snow-tubing, zip-lining and other activities at Church Pak. Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Industries Abdul Karim Khan was chief guest on the occasion.

Officials of TCKP and Abbottabad administration, GDA Director Raza Habib and others were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Karim Khan said that provincial government had taken solid steps to promote tourism in the province and attract tourists to the scenic spots.

He later gave away keys of vehicles for tourists and bike squad to the GDA authorities to facilitate tourists and visitors during their stay in Galiyat.

The vehicles and bikes were provided by the World Bank under the Economic Revitalisation project for KP and erstwhile Fata to promote tourism in the province.

The participants of various competitions were also given shields and prizes for their excellent performance in different activities held simultaneously in Nathiagali, Dongagali, Ayubia, Khanispur and Mushkpuri Top.

More than 100 participants from across the country showed their skills in skiing, snow-tubing, trekking, biking, snow hiking, bonfire, tug-of-war, snow football, camping, Vlog, archery competitions, food stalls, snow cartoons, jeep and bike rallies and other activities.

Food and night music were also part of the gala, which added colours to the event. Famous singers and artists including Laila Khan performed and enthralled the audience.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2020