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Gilgit-Baltistan: Mountaineering in GB
Mountaineering is a common sport in G-B, which houses some of the world’s highest peaks, including Karakoram-2 (K2), the world’s second highest peak. Tourists and climbers from across the globe flock to the region, especially in the summers, attempting to scale the peaks and all the while providing much-needed job opportunities to the hundreds of locals involved in the profession.
“The mountains in G-B are a challenge as well as an opportunity for the youth of the region,” said Sakhi Hassan, a trainer who runs Khurpa Care, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that provides trainings to local porters and climbers. “If they excel in the sport they can earn fame as well as money, as did many others in Skardu in the past,” said Hassan. Nisar Sadpara and Hassan Sadpara are two fine examples of porters who became internationally acclaimed climbers. He said that aside from the fame, the monetary rewards are also quite fulfilling, adding that a senior porter earns around Rs150,000 in one mountaineering season.
Hassan said that a rock climbing competition recently organised by Khurpa Care in Skardu attracted a staggering number of youth from Balti, who aspire to become climbers and porters. They know that their lives are at risk, but the inspiration from the achievements of local heroes is one strong factor that keeps them motivated, he said.
Recently, a famous high-altitude porter from Skardu, Nisar Sadpara, along with three other climbers went missing while attempting to scale Gasherbrum-I peak in the Karakoram region of the Himalayas. Nisar was Pakistan’s youngest mountaineer to climb K2. Moreover, 138 people including army troops and civilians were buried under a massive avalanche in Giari, Siachen.
“It is refreshing to see that the youth of Skardu are interested in climbing despite the risks involved,” said Hassan.
He said that his NGO has trained over 400 men, including high and low altitude porters in Skardu, enabling them to pursue careers in the filed. The trainings are certified by International Mountain Leadership Institute, a US-based mountaineering school, to maintain the quality and standards of the trainings.
Gilgit-Baltistan:Tourism- One of the Most rapidly Growing Industry in the World
Karachi (Dawn): It is an important means of income generation, job creation, poverty reduction, foreign exchange earnings and promotion of cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. From the prospect of Pakistan it can be a massive source of earning as our country possesses fascinating views.
Sadly, no attention is being paid by authorities towards developing tourism in the country.
Last year I had been on a visit to ‘fairy meadows’, situated at the foot of the great Nanga Parbat. My two-week-long trip started from Karachi, crossing Chillas and then straight to the destination.
It was an adventurous trip, and not a luxurious one or even somewhat near that. All across the route, the government’s effort regarding the tourist’s facilities were nowhere to be seen.
Although this country can earn much through tourism, little attention is paid by the government towards this sector.
As summer vacations are about to start, the tourism season would be at its peak, so in order to make maximum profit, there are several things that can be done by higher authorities.
First, tourist’s security is a major concern. These recent years our tourism industry has been badly affected by insecurity and terrorism issues.
People’s safety is the greatest duty of the government, however recent killings, blasts and crime reports, especially in Gilgit
Batistan, has created a bad image for local and foreign tourists.
Second, focus should be put on the infrastructure and renovation and safety of historical structures. This land holds a blend
of history in its ancient artefacts which are a prime attraction for tourists from all around the world. Moreover, much focus
is required on the construction of quality resorts and hotels, especially in Gilgit Baltistan.
Last but not least, although this country provides picturesque panoramas, however it fails to draw a large number of people
towards it. For this, the government should run international and local advertisements calling on people to pay visit to this
wonderland. At the same time it should provide all necessary facilities to make the journey more enjoyable for visitors.
Gilgit Baltistan Bulletin 