PESHAWAR: Malaysian bikers left the Shandur Top for Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday after spending night in a tent village set up near the world’s highest polo ground (3,700 metres).

“This [Shandur Top] is a marvelous place to stay in a tent village, especially in moonlit night,” said leader of the Malaysian Ipoh Bikers Club Wasi bin Abdul Majeed, according to an official statement issued here on Friday.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority has organised the tour for foreign motorcyclists in collaboration with the Saiyah Travels and Malaysian Ipoh Bikers Club to ‘show scenic places to foreign tourists and promoting adventure tourism activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’.

After night stay at the tent village, the bikers left for Hindurab, Phandar and Gilgit-Baltistan.

The tourists reached Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on May 13 from Islamabad and will cover 1,950 kilometres distance after passing through the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalaya mountain ranges. They visited scenic places and stayed at tourist destinations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Earlier, the 22 Malaysian bikers arrived at Booni after crossing the Lowari Top. They also visited Garam Chashma and Qaqlasht meadows.

The residents accorded a warm welcome to them on arrival in Booni. They also attended the Chilim Jusht festival in Kalash valley and stayed in Fizzagat area of Swat valley.

“Pakistan, particularly tourist spots in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are really beautiful and the people are very hospitable and friendly,” said Malaysian biker Azlan bin Mohammad Saeed.

He said the residents warmly welcomed his team during visit to various places.

“We have fully enjoyed the tour and feel honoured after seeing generosity and hospitality of people towards us,” he said.

Mr Azlan said he felt safe and secure and advised foreigners to visit Pakistan to enjoy the beauty of nature and hospitality of people.

The bikers said they loved the local food and enjoyed visit to tourist and heritage sites in the province.

Published in Dawn,May 21st, 2022