GILGIT, Aug 2: The possibilities of establishing Asia’s largest skiing base in Northern Areas was discussed at a meeting, presided over by the Northern Areas Chief Secretary, Maj Fazil Durrani, during his tour to Babusar and Ghiridas, in Diamer District recemtly.

Ghiridas, a vast and enchanting plateau at a height of over 1200 feet above the sea level, about 70kms off the Karakuram Highway (KKH) in the Northern Areas could be one of the heavens for the skiing-lovers.

The Northern Areas administration has in principle decided to request the federal tourism ministry to carry out a feasibility study on the proposed site as it has a great potential to become one of the Asia’s popular skiing bases which could attract skiers and thrillers from all over the world.

The whole belt from Kaghan to Babusar has many beautiful valleys, lakes, peaks and other touristic spots. Ghiridas is stretched on an area of 15 kilometres with suitable slopes for skiing. If properly developed it can serves at a venue of world skiing competitions which will eventually become one of the most touristic destinations and bring foreign exchange to the country.

There is no such base at present in Asia as large as this. However, a thorough survey of its feasibility is needed to be carried out.

Experts say that the skiing base can be developed with a little investment. A world standard hotel and a link road from Chilas-Kaghan Road to the site are to be constructed to turn this vast plateau into a wonderful skiing base. Mr Durrani said that he would soon send a proposal to the ministry in this regard.