First Snowfall turns Galiyat into a winter wonderland, opening new livelihood opportunities

NATHIAGALI,  Nov 15 (APP):The first snowfall of the winter season transformed the picturesque Galiyat and adjoining mountain valleys into a breathtaking winter wonderland, attracting thousands of tourists from the plains who flocked to the scenic destinations to witness nature’s spectacular display of white beauty.

As delicate snowflakes descended over Nathiagali, Ayubia, Dongagali, Khanspur and surrounding areas of Abbottabad district, pine forests, mountain slopes, rooftops and winding roads were wrapped in a pristine white blanket, creating a magical landscape that offered visitors a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The snowfall brought an extraordinary change to the otherwise tranquil hill resorts, filling them with the laughter of children, the excitement of families and clicking of cameras as visitors captured memorable moments against the backdrop of snow-covered mountains and misty valleys, sharing their experiences with loved ones through social media.

For many tourists, particularly those arriving from the relatively warmer plains of Peshawar, Mardan, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other cities, the first snowfall was not merely a weather event but an opportunity to experience winter in its most enchanting form.

Families walked through snow-covered pathways, children played with freshly fallen snow, youngsters built snow figures, while elderly visitors admired the mountains disappearing behind drifting clouds.

For photography enthusiasts, every turn offered a new frame, with snow-laden pine trees and mountain ridges providing a spectacular natural backdrop at Nathiagali, Thandiani, Ayubia in Abbottabad district and Naran, Kaghan and Babusar Top.

The changing weather added further charm to the Galiyat experience following recent snowfall at Nathiagali and Naran, where at one moment, thick clouds enveloped the mountain peaks and moderate snowfall reduced visibility and moments later, sunshine broke through the clouds, illuminating the snow-covered heights of Mukshpuri and Miranjani at Galiyat.

Nathiagali, one of the country’s most popular winter destinations, witnessed a substantial influx of domestic tourists for weekend following the Meteorological Department’s snowfall forecast. Hotels, motels, guesthouses and private accommodation facilities remained heavily occupied as families traveled from different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.

Nearby Ayubia also attracted considerable attention, particularly its famous chairlift, where families queued up to enjoy an aerial view of the snow-covered forest and surrounding mountains. The ride offered visitors an added thrill, turning an ordinary excursion into a memorable winter adventure.

“The chairlift ride at Ayubia takes tourists to a new height of thrill and excitement,” said Sundas Omar, a lecturer and resident of Bannu, while enjoying the scenic surroundings with her family.

She said the natural beauty of Khanspur, Dongagali and Bagnotar had left a lasting impression on her, adding that the snowfall and chilly breeze had further enhanced the attraction of the region.

“I also visited Saiful Malook lake before coming here, where the floating clouds were equally mesmerizing. Every hill station has its own attraction and distinctive natural beauty in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” she remarked.

Beyond its scenic appeal, the early winter snowfall brought a welcome economic boost to communities whose livelihoods are closely linked with tourism.

Hotel owners, restaurant operators, transporters, shopkeepers, horse riders, local guides and photographers witnessed increased business as tourists poured into the region. Several residents also opened additional rooms in their homes to accommodate visitors, converting available space into a source of seasonal income.

Along the roads connecting Nathiagali, Ayubia and Dongagali, local horse riders offered short rides to children, while photographers helped families preserve their winter memories.

These small tourism-related activities provide an important source of income for local households, particularly during the peak tourist season.

The snowfall also revived activity in Naran and Kaghan valleys of Mansehra district, while Kalam, Bahrain and Malam Jabba in Swat and Kumrat in Upper Dir remained prominent attractions for winter visitors.

In Naran and Kaghan, tourists enjoyed horse riding, boating and trout fishing along the River Kunhar, while adventure lovers explored accessible snow-covered locations and high-altitude destinations.

The weekend rush was particularly encouraging for local businesses, which depend heavily on tourist arrivals to sustain their seasonal earnings.

The growing tourist influx, however, once again highlighted the issue of excessive hotel charges and rising prices of essential commodities during peak snowfall periods.

Sundas urged the district administration to monitor accommodation rates, ensure reasonable prices of essential items and make adequate parking arrangements at major tourist destinations to facilitate visiting families.

Qasiar Khan, a retired WAPDA employee, also expressed concern over reports of excessive hotel charges, saying some private hotels were charging between Rs 12,000 and Rs 20,000 per room per night in Nathiagali, Naran-Kaghan and Kalam that needed to be checked by administration.

He said unchecked overcharging could discourage middle- and lower-income families from visiting these beautiful destinations, depriving local communities of the wider economic benefits of tourism.

“Nathiagali and Kalam possess extraordinary natural and mountainous beauty. Such places should be made accessible and welcoming for tourists rather than becoming prohibitively expensive,” he told APP.

He appreciated the traffic police of Abbottabad and Mansehra for managing traffic during the snowfall and facilitating visitors, while also acknowledging the efforts of the Galiyat Development Authority and Swat traffic police.

Some budget-conscious tourists opted for camping and brought their own bedding and equipment to enjoy the snowfall without spending heavily on hotel accommodation.

Camping activities were reported in several destinations, including Kaghan, Naran, Ayubia, Khanspur, Baragali, Dongagali and Thandiani.

Improved facilities and tourist facilitation. With the growing popularity of winter tourism, the provincial authorities have also stepped up efforts to improve facilities and ensure safer travel for visitors.

Tourism Police, local police, district administration officials and the Galiyat Development Authority remained engaged in facilitating tourists and clearing snow from roads. Tourist facilitation and guidance centers have also been established by the administrations of Abbottabad and Mansehra to provide information and assistance.

KP Culture and Tourism Authority’s rest houses, hotels, motels and guesthouses received bookings from visitors, while tourism-related businesses remained active throughout the weekend.

Tourists have been advised to obtain updated travel advisories from tourist reception centers established at the Mansehra and Abbottabad toll plazas on the Hazara Motorway or consult the authority’s online platforms before extending their stay or resuming their journeys.

Several communication, road infrastructure and beautification projects in Kaghan-Naran, including parks, highways, link roads and improvements to tourist sites, have also contributed to making the valley more accessible and attractive.

Beyond snowfall, KP eyes year-round mountain tourism. The first snowfall has once again highlighted the enormous potential of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s mountainous landscape, prompting tourism authorities to look beyond conventional summer tourism and develop new attractions for winter visitors.

Officials said camping pods had been established at Bamboret in Kalash Valley, Shaheed Sir and Allai in Battagram, and Mahban and Malka in Buner to provide relatively affordable accommodation facilities for tourists.

Around 10 additional tourist destinations have also been identified for camping pod facilities, including Jarogo Waterfall, Solatar and Kalam in Swat; Lashkargaz, Broghal and Solar spot in Chitral; Kumrat in Upper Dir; Alpuri in Shangla; Samana Top in Hangu; and Larum Top and Bin Shahi in Lower Dir.

Plans for establishing three new ski resorts in Kaghan, Chitral and Swat are also aimed at promoting winter sports and attracting foreign tourists and adventure enthusiasts.

Four additional hill stations, two in Kaghan and one each in Chitral and Abbottabad, have also been proposed to ease pressure on heavily visited destinations such as Kalam, Nathiagali and Kaghan.

The provincial authorities are further exploring the potential of tulip cultivation in Naran and Kaghan, where climatic conditions are considered suitable for the crop. Officials believe growers could earn around Rs100,000 from produce cultivated on one kanal of land.

A Battakundi-Lalazar chairlift project is also under consideration to introduce another major attraction in the picturesque Kaghan Valley.

These initiatives reflect a broader effort to diversify tourism activities, generate employment opportunities and provide local communities with sustainable sources of income throughout the year.

Raja Fazal Khaliq, Secretary Tourism, Culture, Archeology and Museums, said that instructions have been issued to accelerate measures on a priority basis for promotion of winter tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that measures should be accelerated for early construction of 14 new tourist destinations and construction of rest areas at tourist places to bolster snow sports.

Fazal Khaliq said that Tirich Mir Summit and Falak Sair Summit at Buner should be introduced at international level and tourist facilitation centers should be enhanced. He said more new rest areas should be constructed for tourists at hilly stations to facilitate snowfall lovers, while 14 new tourist destinations should also be completed as soon as possible.

Director General Tourism Authority Shahid Khan Mohmand said that training has been started for promotion of snow tourism in Chitral and Swat, in which training is to be provided in various adventure tourism activities, including rock climbing, paragliding, ice hockey, and boating.

Tourist facilitation center and stalls at Nishtar Hall Peshawar to be completed by next month, while construction work is underway to provide rest areas and other facilities for tourists at various waterfalls of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

As evening descended on Nathiagali and Ayubia, the mountain peaks gradually disappeared behind a blanket of mist while chilly winds swept through the snow-laden pine trees.

The roads remained busy as visitors continued to enjoy the rare spectacle, reluctant to leave the enchanting winter landscape.

For tourists arriving from the crowded and relatively warmer plains, the first snowfall offered a refreshing escape into a world of white mountains, crisp air and unforgettable family moments.

For local residents, it brought renewed hope of a prosperous winter tourism season, while for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it served as another reminder of the economic opportunities hidden in its magnificent mountainous terrain.

The first snowfall has once again demonstrated that the real charm of winter tourism lies not only in reaching a destination but also in experiencing the journey through nature’s changing colours, landscapes and seasons.