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Visiting Thandyani: A Dream Come True for Tourists During Eidul Fitr Holidays

During the Eidul Fitr holidays, Qaiser Khan and his family embarked on a journey to Thandyani, a picturesque tourist resort. They packed their bags with cooked food, fruits, and camping tents, fully prepared to enjoy their dream getaway.

Despite the rainy weather conditions, the family engaged in snow games, mountaineering, and trekking, immersing themselves in the beauty of Thandyani. Qaiser and his sons, Zershan and Ehtisham, even had their favorite national and cultural songs, like “Sohni Dharti” and “Monga da Khyber Zalmi,” playing on their music system. In between enjoying the activities, they dedicated their time to setting up their tents in the perfect location.

Qaiser’s wife, hailing from Wapda Town Nowshera, warmed up the famous Chappli Kabab, Paye, and Polao (rice dish) on a gas stove while making green tea for the family. As the sun disappeared behind the clouds and seasonal flowers blossomed on the Thandyani hills, the family eagerly awaited a delightful weekend without any extra costs.

Qaiser expressed his excitement, saying, “Galiyat is my favorite tourist place. I had planned a trip to Galiyat a few years ago, but due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, it was postponed. Finally, my family’s dream to witness the mesmerizing natural beauty and soothing environment of Galiyat came true.”

Choosing to bring their own tents and supplies, Qaiser explained that hotel accommodation and food expenses are often too high for an average person in Galiyat. He added, “The rent for a normal two-bedroom per night in Thandyani and Nathiyagali is approximately Rs10,000 to Rs12,000, which is beyond the means of the middle class.”

Qaiser Khan is not alone in his desire to explore the northern regions of Khyber Pakthunkhwa, particularly Malakand and Hazara divisions, including Galiyat and Thandyani. Thousands of families and tourists flocked to these areas during the Eid holidays to witness the stunning waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. The Saiful Malook, Ansoo, Dudipath, and Mahoodhand lakes, along with the colonial-era tracks, captivated their attention. Additionally, they indulged in the luxurious experience of tasting expensive trout fish and enjoying water boating in the River Kunhar at Kaghan and Khanpur dam at Haripur.

Despite torrential rains in K-P and Punjab, the response from tourists, adventurers, and sports enthusiasts in Malakand and Hazara during the Eid holidays was impressive, according to Saad Khan, the spokesperson for the Cultural and Tourism Authority.

To further enhance tourism opportunities, four Integrated Tourism Zones (ITZ) are planned for development in Mankiyal Swat, Thandyani Abbottabad, Ganol Manshera, and Madaklasht Lower Chitral. These ITZs will be constructed with a loan grant of $70 million from the World Bank. Additionally, the ITZs of Thandyani and Mankiyal will be connected to the Swat and Hazara motorways through link roads, making the entire Malakand and Hazara regions easily accessible to tourists and positioning Pakistan as an international tourism hub.

Source: The Express Tribune