Tourism
Winter Tourism – A Door of Opportunities for Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan in worldly famous for having all beautiful seasons. Tourists from all over the world visit Gilgit-Baltistan to see flowers in cherry blossom, colors of autumn, lush-green plains and snow-capped mountains. But, along with this, people had to face harsh winter days for almost four months. Living in Gilgit-Baltistan during winter has a different vibe; but due to limited resources and limited recreational activities, people had to travel to different cities of Pakistan to spend their winters. To let the citizens of Gilgit-Baltistan, enjoy and praise the beauty of winter, many youth-led organizations are working to engage people in healthy activities. The youngsters have now started promoting winter tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan which will help communities grow financially, and limiting their expenses of traveling to different cities of Pakistan.
The Sports Club and Rising Federation (SCARF) founded in 2015 by the youth of Altit, Hunza is a youth-led community organization that strives to engage community in healthy and fruitful activities. The SCARF is the only organization in the region that introduced ice-hockey in Gilgit-Baltistan for the first time, and it has a title for being the pioneer to introduce ice-hockey in Pakistan as well. The objectives of the organization include women empowerment through sports, creating awareness about climate change, making Gilgit-Baltistan a hub of Winter Sports to promote winter tourism, boosting community’s financial stability, and providing a platform for young energetic players to perform on national and international level.
The Karakoram Winterlude Season IV organized by “The SCARF” was held in different parts of Hunza Valley from 13th January, 2022 to 22nd January, 2022. The pioneers of ice-hockey in Pakistan, – “The SCARF” set arenas for different winter games to engage community in healthy activities. There were total 10 teams which participated in Karakoram Winterlude Season IV; out of which 8 were boys’ teams, and 2 were girls’ teams. The event was attended by notables, Civil and Military Leadership and Government Representatives. The games included for Karakoram Winterlude Season IV were ice-hockey, glacier hike, mount-cycling, and ice-climbing. The boy-scouts, girl-guides, volunteers participated in the event with full zeal and zest.
The opening ceremony of the event was attended by thousands of fans on 13th January, 2022 at Altit Swimming Pool, Hunza. The President of “The SCARF”, – Mr. Sadiq Saleem welcomed audience, briefed them about the objectives and development of the organization. The Chief Guest for the opening ceremony was Mr. Raja Abdullah Khan Nasir, – Tourism Minister for Gilgit-Baltistan. Addressing the audience he said, “it’s a proud moment for the entire region that the ice-hockey got introduced for the first time here. I assure you to support in all possible capacities to polish your talent on government level, and as well as on personal level “. During the opening ceremony of the event, the musical band “Duo of North ft Nobody’s” also performed and released Karakoram Winterlude Season IV’s theme song. Moreover, spectators and tourists visiting Hunza appreciated the efforts of organizers for engaging girls in sports and to give them a platform to polish their skills.
The event on 16th January, 2022 was also graced by the Canadian High Commissioner in Pakistan, – Miss Wendy Gilmour, who refereed a girls’ ice-hockey match played between Serena Hotel and Ciqam. The delegates from the Canadian High Commission in Pakistan also enjoyed playing ice-hockey in a valley surrounded by the beautiful snow-capped mountains. While expressing her feelings, Miss Gilmour said, “it’s so encouraging to see communities themselves, the young people organizing sport, organizing opportunities for people to get out of doors”.
The matches were played on different days, and during the matches; people also enjoyed local songs, ice-dance, folk-music, and entertained themselves. Apart from the entertainment, people were also briefed about the civic-responsibility, and how they can grow as a responsible community. The closing ceremony was held on 22nd January, 2022 – and the Chief Guest for this event was Commander FCNA, Gilgit-Baltistan – Mr. Jawad Ahmad. While addressing the audience he said, “I congratulate you, and appreciate those who participated in games”. Furthermore, notables from the community also shared their views and appreciated untiring efforts of “The SCARF” for uniting community and engaging people in healthy activities. The main donor for the event was Jalal’s Home Solution which was entitled with the theme of the event. The other donors and sponsors include Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Serena Hotel, Special Communication Organization (SCO), Hunza Roof Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, and Rainbow Hotel.
The final matches were played on 22nd January, 2022 between Luxus Hunza V/S Old Hunza Inn, where Luxus Hunza defeated Old Hunza Inn under the captaincy of Naseer Ahmad – who is the winner of all four seasons. Similarly, in girls’ category, the final match was played between Ciqam V/S Serena Hotel, where Ciqam took the title of the winner by defeating Serena Hotel. The awards and trophies were then distributed among the players and organizers. The famous Ramboo Chacha also entertained the audience with his magical dance, and the winners celebrated their victory. The management thanked everyone for coming and participating.
The youngsters in Gilgit-Baltistan now have started promoting winter tourism in their districts which is a best thing to engage our people in healthy activities. In future, winter tourism can be used to bring educational excellence in region, to fight against poverty, and to eliminate drug addiction in our societies. The people in Gilgit-Baltistan should encourage such activities which can help our region grow economically and educationally. Through winter tourism, youngsters in Gilgit-Baltistan can open different avenues for their lives which will positively influence their future pursuits.
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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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