Tourism
Harnessing Gilgit-Baltistan’s Tourism Potential
Pakistan decided to issue on-arrival visas to groups of tourists from 24 countries, notably USA, China, UK, France, Norway, Austria, Finland and Greece etc starting from January 2018. The news will be welcomed in the tourist resorts like Gilgit-Baltistan, visited by 6212 foreign tourists in 2017, according to government sources. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) reported that foreign tourists tripled –1.75 million – in 2016 as compared to 2013.
Historically, foreign tourists – enchanted by the natural beauty, cultural and historical landmarks and hospitality of the GB people – made the area their place of choice. Between 1980s and late 1990s, American and European nationals, mostly backpackers, could be seen roaming the streets of Gilgit, the picturesque headquarters of GB. Visiting Gilgit in 1979 renowned historian John Keay observed in his book Gilgit Game “The orchards are justly renowned for their apricots, grapes and apples, and there is even an embryonic tourist industry; a couple of rest houses and a projected luxury hotel cater for the adventurous visitor come to eye the mountains”. As the area became more accessible, tourism picked up. However, domestic visitors largely ignored GB, mainly because of the accessibility, expenditure and exposure issues. Since 2015, nonetheless, thousands of them have thronged the area.
The recent influx, consistent with a rise of tourism in the country, follows the improvement in Karakorum Highway (KKH), stable peace conditions in and growth in the social and electronic media.
Traditionally, the tourist infrastructure of the area was primarily aimed to cater for adventure travelers after the opening of KKH in early 1980s. Later, the PTDC and privately-owned motels along with guest-houses were built forecasting visits/revisits of high-paying foreign guests. The motels, besides stay, also offered guided tours/treks of the many landmarks around cities of Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Shigar and Skardu. If John Keay visits Gilgit or Hunza in 2018, he will be greeted with star-status motels unlike the “dusty little bazaar” and “embryonic tourist industry” he saw on his first visit.
Hotel owners in GB—especially Hunza and Gilgit– admit that during the heydays of international tourism, they used to shun domestic tourists –some even told up-front that they were not welcome- considering the higher spending capacity of the foreign counterparts. International tourism sharply declined in the wake of 9/11 and later the killing of multinational trekkers at Nanga Parbat in 2013. The motel owners realized that their earnings were now tied to domestic tourists. Many who had built grandiose motels on bank loans, faced default as their revenues nosedived.
With the growth of social and electronic media, stability of peace in the region and wider country, GB’s natural, cultural and historical sites received greater projection. Moreover, GB Government’s “Visit Gilgit-Baltistan” initiative brought the region into national and international focus. Participation in the international travel fairs like ITB Berlin and WTM London encouraged potential visitors. Sarfranga Cold Desert Jeep Rally at Skardu in 2017 and many other regional (Shandoor Festival) and district level tourism festivals showcased the region at the national and international stage.
As the law and order situation in the region steadily improved, UK became the first Western country in 2014 to lift travel advisory against visits by its nationals to GB. Foreign tourism received a boost. The recent summit attempt by Polish and French climbers’ to Nanga Parbat — where about a dozen climbers were killed by terrorists in 2013 — shows growing safety perception.
As it happened, the upsurge in tourism also betrayed the inadequacy of the region’s tourist infrastructure. Despite “Visit Gilgit-Baltistan” mantra, the region was ill prepared to house, let alone provide for the needs of thousands who came to the region for relaxation. During the summer of 2016-17, the peak season of tourism, some first-time travelers reportedly spend the nights in their vehicles after failing to get a room in the overwhelmed hotels despite exorbitant rents. A few camped in the parking lot of markets, roadsides, crop fields, orchards, make-shift ‘rest houses’ and wherever they could hinge a tent. GB government announced a tent city as free lodging to deal with the deluge; however, it was anybody’s guess as to how facilities would be ensured. Meanwhile, a POL crisis also hit the region as the fixed quota from PSO got exhausted. Tourist complaints about inadequate living, dining and information facilities made headlines in the local papers.
According to Mr. Muhammad Ali, Joint Secretary of Pakistan Association of Tour Operators, there are only 540 rentable hotel rooms in Gilgit, Hunza and Nagar, the three districts of Gilgit Division. The figure looks insufficient to cater for the increasing number of visitors. Mr. Ali represented Pakistan–along with GB Government– in 2017 at the ITB in Berlin and later at the WTM in London. “There are 54 hotels with 709 rooms in the whole Baltistan Division, comprising the districts of Skardu, Shigar, Kharmang and Ganche” Ali told me. He suggested increasing the number of quality hotels in GB besides updating the designated tourist list, prepared in 1996, to include new tour operators and discard the defunct ones.
However, in the backdrop of GB’s long experience of handling tourists of all hues, the wrongs can be righted.
Firstly, tourism policies in GB need to look beyond the “Visit Gilgit Baltistan” framework. The paradigm shift from “visit-GB” to “what-now-when-they-have-visited” will help explore better ways of facilitation, management and resource mobilization. More tourist facilities can be introduced by roping in the NGOs such as Serena Hotels and Hashoo Foundation.
Secondly, hotel rents should be rationalized and fixed before the tourism season and monitored for compliance by the district authorities. The hotel owners, making a windfall out of the choice less tourists, act to kill the golden goose by overcharging, for GB still relies on word of mouth for promotion of its tourism.
Thirdly, tourism needs to be treated as an industry in GB with great socio-economic benefits for all sections of the population. Besides better infrastructure and information, adequate projection of the lesser-known yet culturally and historically important areas is needed. For example, the region’s unique cuisine and Buddhist footprints in Gilgit, Ghizer and Skardu have so far been neglected.
Fourthly, the acquisition of tourist visa needs to be made easier. The recent on-arrival visa facility is a step in the right direction. GB, and for that matter the whole country, cannot expect to sustain the recent boost in tourism without facilitating those visiting us from inside and outside the country
Last but not the least, the legendary hospitality of the region’s inhabitants—often ignored by non-local policy drafters— can be capitalized. In fact, local hospitality is a frequently cited hallmark of the region by outgoing visitors; tourists and otherwise. India is already treating hospitality as an industry. To cement it, public awareness campaigns regarding the importance of treating the tourists well –already considered ‘guests’ by the majority of the locals–needs to be initiated. Tourist information desks, set up by the government, can play an important role in this regard. This assumes more importance in the era of CPEC.
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Altit Fort Hunza is a hidden gem in the heart of the Hunza Valley, Pakistan. This ancient fortress, dating back to the 11th century, offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
This is an ancient fort in the Altit town in the Hunza valley in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. It was originally home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza state who carried the title of ‘Mir‘, although they moved to the somewhat younger Baltit fort nearby three centuries later. The Fort and in particular the Shikari tower is around 1100 years old, which makes it the oldest monument in the Gilgit–Baltistan. The fort has received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2011.
Why visit Altit Fort Hunza?
- Historical Significance: As one of the oldest surviving monuments in the Hunza Valley, Altit Fort provides a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
- Architectural Marvel: The fort’s intricate woodwork, carved balconies, and beautiful murals are a testament to the craftsmanship of its builders.
- Panoramic Views: Perched on a hilltop, Altit Fort offers breathtaking vistas of the Hunza Valley and surrounding mountains.
- Cultural Experience: The fort serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts and traditions of the Hunza people.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site highlights its cultural and historical importance.
Tips for Visiting:
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather for visiting.
How to Get There: You can reach Altit Fort by trekking from Karimabad or hiring a taxi.
Entrance Fee: There is a small entrance fee to enter the fort.
Things to Do: Explore the fort’s chambers, visit the museum, and enjoy the panoramic views.
Don’t Forget: Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and architecture.
Here are some additional photos:
This fort is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Pakistan. Its historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural richness make it a truly unforgettable experience.
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On World Tourism Day 2024, a significant panel discussion was held in Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, to explore the potential of community-centric tourism as a driver for sustainable economic development and cultural preservation. Experts, government officials, and industry leaders convened to discuss strategies for empowering local communities through tourism initiatives.
A significant panel discussion titled “Community-Centric Tourism: Promoting Indigenous Culture for Sustainable Economic Empowerment” was held at Serena Hotel, Hunza. The event brought together experts, government officials, and industry leaders to explore how community-centric tourism can preserve cultural heritage and foster sustainable economic empowerment in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The discussion highlighted the potential of local traditions and crafts as tourism drivers, helping to preserve Indigenous culture while creating economic opportunities for local communities. Lal Bano, one of the panelists and Manager of Karighar, highlighted how community-focused initiatives empower local artisans, especially women, by providing platforms to showcase their crafts and preserve traditional skills. Her insights emphasized the vital role these programs play in fostering economic independence and cultural preservation.
Zameer Abbas, Secretary of Tourism, Sports & Culture, Gilgit-Baltistan, emphasized the government’s role in supporting sustainable tourism, outlining initiatives that encourage cultural preservation while boosting tourism opportunities. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships to ensure long-term benefits for local communities.
The event also focused on the challenges of promoting sustainable tourism in mountain regions. Raja Ali Anwar Khan, General Secretary of the Gilgit Baltistan Association of Tour Operators, offered insights into responsible tourism practices that protect the environment and benefit local populations economically.
Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah, Vice Chancellor of Karakoram International University, added academic perspectives, emphasizing the role of education in promoting sustainable tourism models that balance environmental, cultural, and economic goals. His input underscored the need for a well-rounded approach to tourism development in the region. The panel discussion concluded with several key takeaways, including the need to preserve indigenous culture as a core tourism component and strategies to empower local communities through tourism-related opportunities.
Recommendations were made for stronger collaborations between the government, the private sector, and local communities to support sustainable tourism practices in Gilgit-Baltistan. By focusing on local communities, promoting indigenous culture, and adopting responsible practices, tourism can contribute to the region’s long-term prosperity.
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