HUNZA is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country across all seasons due to its breathtaking views and mesmerising beauty. While the government is taking measures to boost tourism in Pakistan, the local community in Hunza is actively playing its role.

Recently, the community of Gulmit in Upper Hunza started a project ‘Ondra Poygah’, which in the local language means ‘steps towards Ondra’, the demolished fort. The project is solely by the community where no external funding is involved.

The track to the demolished fort will be unique in the sense that it will be the longest track in Pakistan with more than 2,000 steps/stairs. It will be more than four kilometres in length and will take a long time to reach the top.

From the top of the track, one can witness the mesmerising views of Attabad Lake and surrounding areas. The community volunteers work on their own, and more than 900 steps have been built so far.

The track will help boost tourism in the area and preserve the historical fort on the hilltop. The community members are participating in the construction work with great zeal.

The women volunteers of the community are also showing up for the construction work along with men, and food arrangements are made for the volunteers from local resources.

Although the Gilgit-Baltistan government has been trying its best to boost the tourism sector, it needs to support such projects too to achieve its goals. Being the longest track with steps, the government must make efforts to promote the Ondra Poygah project at the international level to attract foreigners to Pakistan.

Tariq Rahim Baig
Gulmit Gojal, Hunza

Published in Dawn, January 18th, 2021