KP’s hill stations witness tourist influx during Eid holidays amid BBQ festivities
NATHIAGALI (APP): Northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s scenic hill stations came alive during the Eidul Azha holidays as thousands of tourists from across the country flocked to the region, filling the cool mountain air with laughter, music, and the aroma of sizzling BBQs.
Families and groups of friends poured into the lush green valleys of Nathiagali, Ayubia, Kaghan, Naran, Kalam, and Malam Jabba to escape the summer heat and celebrate the holidays amid nature’s splendor.
Among them was the family of Riaz Khan, an academician from Nowshera, who arrived early Thursday morning to avoid the heavy traffic that usually accompanies the holiday rush at Galiyat.
“We started our journey before sunrise so we could enjoy the peaceful beauty of Nathiagali before the crowds arrived,” Riaz Khan told APP while preparing BBQ near the Miranjani hiking trail.
He said, “these ancient mountains trails, waterfalls, and forests always give us peace and happiness.”
As patriotic songs including Dil Dil Pakistan, Hai Jazba Junoon, Jeway Pakistan and Sohni Dharti played from mobile phones and portable speakers, tourists celebrated not only Eid but also the spirit of national pride.
Wearing headphones and dressed in a green tracksuit, Umar Khan, Riaz’s lone son, danced along the Miranjani trail while singing national songs with friends.
“Nathiagali and Ayubia are my favorite tourist destinations,” Umar said with excitement. “This Eid, we are celebrating with full enthusiasm alongside Youm-e-Takbeer and our love for Pakistan.”
Tourists could be seen enjoying traditional foods, especially chapli kebabs and BBQ delicacies, while children played in the cool breeze and families captured memorable moments against the backdrop of pine-covered hills and drifting clouds.
“Pakistan is blessed with incredible natural beauty,” said tourist Riazul Haq during a hiking break. “From towering mountains to waterfalls and valleys, promoting these places through digital media can attract international tourists and strengthen our economy.”
He added that tourism also helps bring people from different regions and cultures together, promoting harmony, warmth and friendship.
The picturesque resorts of Nathiagali, Thandiani, Dongagali, Harnoi, Bagnotar, Kanshpur, Kaghan, Saiful Malook and Naran witnessed a significant influx of visitors from southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab during the holiday period.
Officials of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority said extensive preparations had been made to facilitate tourists and organize festive activities.
“Tourism promotes patriotism and strengthens people’s connection with their country,” said Muhammad Ali Syed, General Manager of the Tourism and Culture Authority.
He said special events, exhibitions, traditional games, cultural shows, sports competitions, and theatre performances had been planned to entertain visitors during the holidays.
Tributes would also be paid to the heroes of the Pakistan Movement and personalities who contributed to the country’s development and making Pakistan defence impregnable on May 28, 1998, he added.
The provincial government is also accelerating efforts to improve tourism infrastructure across the province.
According to officials, several hiking tracks linking Thandiani, Nathiagali, and Kaghan are planned for restoration and development, while waterfalls at Sajkot, Noori, Chajjan, Jarogo, and Umbrella are being upgraded to attract more visitors.
Authorities also announced plans to establish new camping pods in scenic locations including Kumrat, Kalam, Shangla, Chitral, and Dir to provide affordable accommodation for tourists.
Meanwhile, Omair Khattak, General Manager Investment at the Tourism Authority, said the proposed Kumrat-Madaklasht cable car project would transform adventure tourism in the region.
“The cable car project will become a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists,” he said. “It is expected to boost tourism and economic activity throughout Malakand Division.”
The proposed 14-to-16-kilometre cable car, estimated to cost around $200 million with World Bank assistance, would connect Upper Dir and Lower Chitral and include hotels, parking areas, walking tracks, and other tourist facilities.
As evening descended over the Galiyat hills, smoke from BBQ grills curled into the cool mountain air while tourists gathered around campsites, singing national songs, sharing meals, and celebrating Eidul Azha in the heart of KP’s breathtaking landscapes of Galiyat.
