Faiza Tehseen

Global recognition of Hunza as a tourist destination is critical to unlocking its ecotourism potential and promoting sustainable livelihoods for the locals.

“Inadequate marketing, lack of proper infrastructure and seasonal accessibility issues are obstacles to tapping Hunza’s adventure  and ecotourism potential. When there is heavy snowfall, tourists cannot visit the region because of road blockades and poor communications,” said Rahat Karim Baig, deputy director of the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Department’s Baltistan chapter. Talking to WealthPK, he said it was important to ensure that roads to the picturesque region remained open round the year, especially in winter, to sustain tourist inflow.

Baig said that spanning an area of 11,695 square kilometres, Hunza is the home to a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, tourist points, and archaeological assets, including Altit and Baltit forts, historic polo-grounds, mosques, watch towers, and sacred Halekish Rocks in Ganish. “About 7,000 meters high peaks – Ultar and Lady Finger – are a heaven for adventure tourists. Besides Attabad Lake, Borith Lake and Khunjerab are also the prominent places to visit.

Duiker village, Gulmit, and Passu valleys are also popular among visitors due to their serene environment.” “Tourists also enjoy water sports here, such as jet skiing, boating, and fishing. Brushaski is the common language spoken here, but people also understand Urdu, English and a few other international languages. People are hospitable and warmly welcome their tourist guests. The young generation is keenly getting training to become professional trekkers, hikers, mountaineers and tourist guides.

They are also learning best culinary practices for the tourists belonging to different cultures,” he pointed out. Baig said different government departments and other stakeholders were working to raise awareness about responsible tourism. “However, launching carbon-neutral travel packages, conservation projects, and educational campaigns was important to make Hunza a model tourist destination,” he underscored.

Meanwhile, talking to WealthPK, Sahib Noor, Chief Executive Officer of GB-based tour operating company – Concordia Expedition, Pakistan – stressed the need for improved infrastructure, eco-friendly accommodations, seamless communication, and enhanced connectivity to make Hunza a world-class adventure and ecotourism destination. He also called for launching print and social media campaigns, travel documentaries, virtual tourism, and partnerships with international ecotourism clubs and organisations to promote the region’s tourism potential.

Credit: INP-WealthPk