SKARDU, July 1: Hundreds of mountaineers, trekkers and tourists have reached Baltistan in connection with the golden jubilee celebrations of the K-2 ascent. Due to the influx of the tourists and expedition parties, tour operators are facing an acute shortage of porters.

A good number of foreign and domestic tourists is also being seen at various tourist spots, including Sadpara Lake, Katchura Lake, Khaplu Shigar and the local markets. Most of the local hotels and motels are packed to capacity with increasing number of tourists.

According to a report, above 3000 foreign tourists will visit Baltistan this year to celebrate the year of K-2. The first man who first successfully climbed K-2 in 1954, Mr Lacedelli reached here on Tuesday along with some of his friends and other climbers to participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of K-2.

Four paragliders from New Zealand and England have been attracting the people in Skardu city for the last two days. They are flying over the city for the last two days from a top near Sadpara Lake.

Thousands of people including men, women and children came out of their houses to view the thrilling and enjoyable flying demonstrations. Due to low air pressure they were forced to land at nearby villages Tsethang and Manthal.

However, one of them successfully landed across the city near the airport on Sunday. Talking to Dawn the pilots Mr Leroy (New Zealand), Ms Acromania (New Zealand), David Snoden (England) and Fyyhunza (England) said that they intend to fly from Skardu to the K-2 base camp as part of the celebrations. "Baltistan is much beautiful and peaceful, we enjoyed very much flying over this beautiful area.''