CHITRAL: The stakeholders have proposed constructing walking trails and installing chairlifts to connect the three Kalash valleys of Birir, Bumburate and Rumbur with a view to boosting tourism in the region.

The three Kalash valleys, with Bumburate situated in the centre, are separated by two deodar forest mountains.

As the mountainous routes are difficult to trek the residents use the routes along the streams flowing through mountain beds to reach the valleys.

Hazratullah, a tour guide in Bumburate, said walking trails along the zigzag routes through the upper forests of the three valleys would be a fascinating activity for a tourist.

He said setting up of camping pods on mountain tops would provide the hikers an ideal facility for night stay, giving them a rare and unique experience.

He said these routes of the valleys had never been explored Shahzada Sirajul Mulk, a member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Tourism, said the valleys could prove to be a paradise for the tourists if walking trails wee established.

He said tourists could start an adventure trip to the Kalash valleys right from Orghoch village near the Chitral town, taking two days.

He said an abandoned British-era jeep-able track could be turned into the shortest trekking route right from the Ayun village to Bumburate.

Mr Mulk said a walking trail could also be established along a hitherto unexplored natural lake named Bao to connect the three valleys.

He, however, said installation of chairlifts was not feasible due to unavailability of uninterrupted electricity supply to the area.

Published in Dawn, January 10th, 2021