Malam Jabba: A rising skiing destination draws sports enthusiasts in droves
SWAT (APP): Malam Jabba–the rising skiing destination of Pakistan is attracting adventure sports enthusiasts in droves amid great fun and laughter.
Lcated in the scenic Swat Valley of KP, Malam Jabba is the epicenter of skiing lovers these days amid rise and fall on its sloppy snow tracks.
“Skiing is my favourite sports and no place is better for snow sports in Pakistan than Malam Jabba,” said Faraz Khan, an immature skiing player of Peshawar here.
While enjoying skiing alongwith friends, he said the snowfall coupled with skiing, trekking and trout fish made it an ideal winter sports destination of Pakistan.
“The ski slopes here cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced skiers, thanks to the development of high-quality infrastructure, ski lifts, and professional training facilities” Faraz said.
“The new year tourism surge in Swat is not just an economic boon but also a platform for intercultural interaction and bolstering of rural economy in KP,” said Professor Dr Muhamnad Naeem of the Swabi University while talking to APP.
Vendors, shopkeepers, and hospitality workers in the region are seeing a rise in revenue, making this seasonal influx of tourists vital for the livelihoods of many in Swat.
“The revenue of hotels, inns and makeshift restaurants increased due to new year celebrations in Swat,” said Shahzad Khan, a manger of Swat Continantal hotel at Malam Jabba.
“The response of snowfall lovers arrived from across Pakistan are overwhelming these days and our rent charges are minimum compare to four stars hotels here” he told APP.
In recent years, both private and government investments have played a major role in improving Malam Jabba’s infrastructure besides easy mobility due to Swat expressway
Modern ski lifts, a range of hotels, and improved access roads have made the area more accessible to tourists. The government’s focus on tourism has also led to a series of events and festivals aimed at promoting the region’s winter sports.
While the development of skiing in Malam Jabba has brought socioeconomic benefits to the region, it has also raised concerns about the environmental impact and preservation of local culture.
Efforts are being made to strike a balance between tourism and sustainability, ensuring that Swat’s natural beauty and heritage are not compromised.
Omar Khattak, General Manager Tourism Authority said a mega project has been prepared for organizing different winter sports and tourism events in various districts including Swat this year.
Kalam’s winter gala and tour-de-cycle race was recently organized in Swat while first-ever sports rafting at River Swat planned besides an international paragliding event at Saidu Sharif. A skiing event at Malam Jabba was also planned.
To reduce tourists’ load at Kalam, Malam Jabba and Bahrian, he said that the new tourists spots would be developed at Sola Tanar, Puchar and Jargo valleys besides walking tracks to promote snow sports in Swat.
To maintain natural beauty and avoid pollution at tourist spots in Swat, camping pods would be established at new tourists’ destinations besides Kalash culture events in Chitral. To link new tourist destination with Swat Motorway, huge amount were being spent on development and construction of new roads.
Omair said that four integrated tourism zones (ITZs) would be established at Mankiyal Swat on 754 kanal land, Thandiani Abbottabad on 640 kanal, Ganol Manshera on 480 kanal and Madaklasht Lower Chitral on 540 kanal with assistance of World Bank under Khyber Pakthunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE) that on completion would make Pakistan especially KP an international centre for domestic and international tourists.
Sports theme park would be constructed on 400 kanal land at Hund in Swabi district for which MoU has already been signed.
In Nathiagali Abbottabad, a three-day snow festival would be arranged by Galiyat Development Authority (GDA) where thousands of snow sportsmen and tourists would participate during this winter.
The mesmerising natural beauty of Ayubia, Donga Gali, Khanaspur, Mushkpuri snow clad top where adventure sports lovers would take a free chairlift ride at Ayubia in Abbottabad.
Mountaineering, hiking, sculpture paintings, tug of war, paintball competitions, archery, snow-tubing, music, bike race, snowball, skiing, skating, and snow football matches besides food stalls and cultural events would add colour to Nathiagali and Ayubia snow sports festivals.
He said that KP government has planned construction of three new ski resorts in Kaghan, Chitral and Swat while Battakundi-Lalazar chairlift project was under consideration.
New camping pods at Larum Top and Shahin Bin Shahi Lower Dir, Kumrat Dir Upper, Broghal and Sorlaspur at Chitral Upper, Shangla, Samana Haripur, Sulatharn Swat and Kalam would be setup.
As the season progresses, the northern KP promises even more opportunities for cross-cultural exchanges, fun-filled adventure, and economic growth.
In a world where cultural divides often take center stage, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s winter attractions serve as a reminder that sometimes, all it takes to unite people is a shared love for adventure, the great outdoors, and the spirit of togethernes.
As global interest in adventure tourism continues to rise, Malam Jabba is positioning itself as a prime winter destination in Pakistan.
With plans for further development, including the expansion of the ski slopes and increased accommodation options, the future of skiing in Malam Jabba looks promising.
It is expected that more international skiers and tourists will be drawn to this charming, emerging destination in Pakistan.