ISLAMABAD, Nov 30: The Northern Areas of Pakistan now officially named as Gilgit-Baltistan have a severe winter season every year because of inclement weather condition with the temperature dripping as low as minus ten (-10). Federal Ministry of Tourism could capitalise on this otherwise fury of weather by developing skiing resorts in Skurdu as well as near Khunjerab Pass. Cross-country skiing could also be considered in Nager and Hunza.
The winter sports such as skating and ice-hockey, which are quite popular Western countries, can be developed in Gilgit-Baltistan with cooperation of the some western winter sport clubs.
The Aga Khan Foundation has already established a skating club in Khorg, Tajikistan with the technical cooperation of the Canadian skating club.
Najib Khan, Vice President of Pakistan Private Tour Operator Association assured of all out support to the Ministry of Tourism should it undertake such an ambitious venture in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He opined GB alone could earn a great deal of revenue through its enchanting tourism potential provided it got effective handling.
Gilgit Baltistan is a wonder on earth. It houses countless peaks over the altitude of 7000 metre. It features five of fourteen mountain peaks over 8000 metre. It has conglomeration of world?s might mountains ranges (Himalaya, Hindukush and Karakuram) besides, serene valley, high altitude lakes, gushing rivers and hospitable people.
Najib Khan, who also runs his travel agency ?Himalayan Holidays? said winter tourism programmes could also be arranged for Murree, Guliyat, Swat and Kalam
