CHITRAL: The Chitral Valley is awaiting tourist arrivals this winter despite road accessibility all through the year.

The all-weather road, which is available to visitors due to the completion of work on Lowari Tunnel 10 years ago, removed hurdles to winter tourism in the region.

The people related to the tourism sector told Dawn that tourist arrivals in the valley were almost zero, though they expected an influx of tourists after the construction of the tunnel.

Sheikh Faruq Iqbal, a Chitral-based tour operator, told Dawn that snowfall brought a large number of tourists to Kumrat valley in Upper Dir district in the winter season, while the number of winter tourists reached its threshold in Kalam of Swat district in the months of January and February.

He said there seemed to be no reason for the absence of tourists from the valley, though there were attractive places, the people were hospitable, and all the facilities needed for a winter tourist spot were there.

Mr Iqbal said after leaving Lowari Tunnel, tourists entered snowy paradise in Chitral, with pine trees and hills providing a dream-come-true scene to those who had never seen a snowfall.

“From the tunnel, one descends into the first Chitral village after passing through the plateau to see nothing but snow for one and a half hours. You can’t have such a view anywhere else,” he said.

The tour operator said the meadows of Lowari Pass, Madak Lasht and Kalash valleys, Golen, and Upper Chitral areas were second to none as winter stations as they remained clad in snow, providing an ideal environment for snow sports, especially skiing and snowboarding.

“The scene of snowflakes falling from the sky in Kalash valleys and Madak Lasht has its own charms, making those moments unforgettable for tourists,” he said.

He added that it was the failure of the tourism department to project the region as a tourist destination.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2024