Faiza Tehseen

Promoting Kharmang district of Gilgit-Baltistan as a tourist destination globally will not only help boost the local economy but will also go a long way in preserving this historic and wonderful tourist spot.

Speaking to WealthPK, Rahat Karim Baig, deputy director of the Baltistan chapter of GB tourism department, said: “The Kharmang district located in the Baltistan division is full of breath-taking natural beauty, cultural heritage, historical sites, and architectural wonders. Also called Kartaksha in the local language, the district is one of the five main valleys in the GB region.” Baig said Kharmang is also known as the ‘land of forts’. “The word Kharmang is of Balti origin consisting of two parts: Khar means fort and Mang means abundant.

Due to the strategically important geophysical features of this area, Ali Sher Khan Anchan, the famous Balti king, the 15^th ruler of the Maqpon dynasty, built many forts here and during his era, the area was named as Kharmang or the land of forts.” He said, “Kharmang district is also famous for its fascinating waterfalls – Manthoka and Khamosh. A good number of tourists also visit the other tourist places in Kharmang, including Dapa, Katisho and Mehdiabad. Fishing is a favorite pastime for tourists here.

Trout fish is available across this valley making it a paradise for fishing and trawling hobbyists.” Baig said that amid the Karakoram mountain range, the challenging trekking trails lead to alpine lakes, meadows, and snow-capped peaks. “Mesmerising Buddhist rock inscriptions and carvings are also a treat for visitors and pilgrims, a vivid reminder of the region’s historical significance as a corridor for pilgrims, traders, and conquerors. Traditional crafts, festivals, and local cuisine – yak butter tea and apricot based desserts – showcase strong Tibetan influence here and are a wonder for the tourists.”

He said: “Despite its unparalleled appeal as a visiting heaven, Kharmang district is not well promoted at both the national and international levels. Underdeveloped infrastructure and lack of accessibility to many places is a challenge.” “Easy accessibility to different areas of Kharmang, strong infrastructure, proper accommodation, hospitality and medical facilities, internet access and seamless communication can help attract tourists. The development of Kharmang district through public-private partnerships can generate jobs for local communities,” the GB tourism department official underscored.

Speaking to WealthPK, Sahib Noor, Chief Executive Officer of GB-based tour operating company, Concordia Expedition Pakistan, said, “To transform Kharmang into a tourist hub for adventure and ecotourism, it is necessary to ensure provision of modern facilities.” He said strategic initiatives, such as conducting virtual tours and promoting the region’s tourism potential through print and social media, are critical for attracting tourists. “Increased tourist footfall will not only provide a sustainable income source for local communities but also add wealth to the estate coffers.”

Credit: INP-WealthPk