By Fakhar-e-Alam AYUBIA, May 10 (APP):As dark clouds gathered over the hills of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and rain forecasts promised relief from the scorching heat in the plains, thousands of tourists streamed into the misty valleys of Galiyat this weekend, turning the mountain resorts into a lively escape of colour, laughter and commerce. Families from across the province arrived in Nathiagali, Ayubia, Thandiyani and adjoining hill stations to enjoy cool …
As KP’s plains sizzle, tourists find relief in rain-soaked Galiyat
By Fakhar-e-Alam
AYUBIA, May 10 (APP):As dark clouds gathered over the hills of northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and rain forecasts promised relief from the scorching heat in the plains, thousands of tourists streamed into the misty valleys of Galiyat this weekend, turning the mountain resorts into a lively escape of colour, laughter and commerce.
Families from across the province arrived in Nathiagali, Ayubia, Thandiyani and adjoining hill stations to enjoy cool breezes, drizzling rain and breathtaking Himalayan scenery amid clouds-sun interplay.
Children ran through flower-covered meadows chasing butterflies, while parents sipped beverages and traditional cuisine against the backdrop of pine forests and snow-capped peaks of Malk Perbath.
For many visitors, the attraction was simply a break from the rising temperatures of the lowlands and wheat-thrashing pollution.
“The weather here feels like another world,” said Zeeshan Khan, a forest employee from Nowshera, while taking photographs with his family beneath the cloud-covered ridges of Mukeshpuri and Miranjani.
“No place carries the same natural beauty as Thandiyani and Nathiagali.”
As rain clouds rolled across the western Himalayan foothills, the popular tourist trails linking Ayubia, Donga Gali and Mukeshpuri Top filled with hikers, horse riders, amateur photographers and day-trippers eager to experience the season’s first spell of mountain rain.
The Ayubia chairlift and hilltop swings remained packed throughout the day, with tourists lining up for panoramic views of forests washed fresh by the drizzle.
The surge in visitors also triggered a seasonal economic boom for local businesses. Hotel owners, restaurant operators, horse riders and roadside vendors reported brisk activity as crowds poured into the scenic resorts.
But the influx came with complaints of soaring accommodation prices and demanded regulation of hotel prices especially at Galiyat.
Visitors alleged that some private hotels were charging between Rs10,000 and Rs30,000 per night for rooms during the weekend rush, rates many middle-income domestic tourists described as unaffordable.
“Families want to enjoy nature and rain-sun interplay, but hotel charges are becoming unrealistic,” said another tourist, Shahid Khan of Charsadda district, who travelled with friends from Swat to Galiyat after visiting Malam Jabba and Kalam.
“My visit to Galiyat is incomplete sans visit to Ayubia for chairlift ride,” he said.
Despite the costs, tourism activity remained strong, with local seasonal photographers and guides saying the possible rainy weekend had brought one of the busiest starts to the summer season in recent years.
Many tourists were seen recording short videos and selfies for social media platforms, reflecting what visitors called a growing trend of digital tourism.
Shahid believed these online posts can help showcase Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s beauty to the world.
“People now discover places through videos and photographs before visiting for practical watch,” he said. “If promoted properly online, these valleys can attract international tourists and strengthen the local economy.
Officials from the KP Tourism and Culture Department said the province possesses enormous ecotourism potential, stretching from Swat and Chitral to Waziristan and Dera Ismail Khan.
Among the destinations highlighted were Kumrat Valley, Malam Jabba, Mahodand Lake, Babusar Top, Dodipatsar Lake and the lush green forests of Khanspur and Bagnotar.
The KP government has launched several initiatives to support the growing number of visitors, including tourist police services, improved roads and low-cost camping pods in remote scenic areas.
Camping facilities established under the province’s ecotourism project in places such as Sharan, Gabeen Jabba, Bishigram and Thandiyani are providing affordable alternatives to expensive hotels, with rates ranging between Rs 3,500 and Rs 5,000 per night.
Authorities said more pods are planned for Swat, Upper Dir, Shangla and Chitral to encourage family tourism and reduce pressure on private accommodation.
Officials also credited the deployment of tourist police and improved motorway connectivity for increasing public confidence in travelling to northern KP.
With waterfalls roaring after glaciers melting, colonial-era hiking tracks reviving under summer tourism and social media amplifying every mountain sunrise, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is increasingly positioning itself as Pakistan’s ecotourism heartland.
For now, as rain clouds continue to hover over the pine-covered hills of Galiyat, the valleys remain packed with visitors chasing cool weather, adventure and a brief escape into the mountains.
