PUBLISHED
December 22, 2024
KARACHI:
When winter units in, many vacationers in Pakistan instinctively head to acquainted northern hotspots like Murree, Nathiagali, or Hunza. These locations provide consolation, comfort, and the reassurance of well-trodden paths. But, past the overwhelmed monitor lies a world of untamed magnificence and hidden gems—locations that stay untouched by the plenty and brimming with secrets and techniques ready to be found. Few daring adventurers and content material creators chart these unknown terrains, sharing their experiences and opening doorways for others to comply with.
In a land as various as Pakistan, numerous winter wonders stay underneath the radar. Because of the facility of social media, notably TikTok and Instagram, these hidden locales are discovering their manner into the highlight. To know this fascinating interaction of exploration and expertise, we spoke to the fearless vacationers and creators who’ve ventured into the unexplored and introduced their findings again to the world. Their tales reveal not simply the breathtaking magnificence of those locations but additionally the challenges, inspirations, and impacts of unveiling Pakistan’s winter secrets and techniques.
Off the overwhelmed path
“Within the pursuit of the unknown, I’ve spent years uncovering the secrets and techniques of Pakistan’s winter landscapes,” reveals Zunair Kamboh, his voice stuffed with the thrill of a treasure hunter. “From the mangrove forests of Karachi to the snow-capped peaks of the north, each vacation spot is a brand new journey ready to occur.”
Laeeq Abbas, a seasoned adventurer with a penchant for the acute, recounts his heart-stopping journey to Rakaposhi Base Camp on his trusty Suzuki 150cc bike. “The icy roads and freezing winds had been unforgiving, however the breathtaking views of the snow-covered Rakaposhi peak had been the final word reward,” he reminisces. “It was a journey that examined my limits, but additionally jogged my memory of the awe-inspiring fantastic thing about Pakistan’s winter landscapes.”
Asif Ashoor, a vlogger and photographer with a ardour for capturing the untamed fantastic thing about Pakistan, shares his personal story of journey and discovery. “Trekking from Skardu to Astore by way of Alam Cross was a journey that pushed me to my limits, but additionally deepened my appreciation for Pakistan’s pure magnificence,” he displays. “The snow-clad peaks, the pristine valleys, and the serene lakes all mixed to create an expertise that was nothing wanting magical.”
For Zunair, the invention of hidden gems is a continuing supply of inspiration. “I’ve explored many lakes in Skardu that had been unknown to the plenty,” he reveals. “Kharfak Lake, as an example, was not well-known 4 to 5 years in the past. Right this moment, it is a widespread vacation spot, because of social media.”
Laeeq echoes this sentiment, emphasising the significance of showcasing Pakistan’s untapped magnificence. “As a content material creator, I consider it is my duty to advertise Pakistan’s tourism trade,” he asserts. “By sharing my experiences and showcasing the nation’s hidden gems, I hope to encourage others to discover Pakistan’s winter landscapes.”
“My aim is to boost consciousness about Pakistan’s various winter locations and provides folks an opportunity to expertise their pure magnificence and tranquility,” he asserts, his ardour for selling Pakistan’s tourism trade evident in each phrase,” he added.
Asif concurs, highlighting the necessity to protect Pakistan’s pure magnificence for future generations. “As a photographer and vlogger, I’ve had the privilege of capturing Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes,” he displays. “Nonetheless, I additionally consider it is our duty to advertise sustainable tourism practices and protect the nation’s pure magnificence for future generations.”
Social media affect
In at the moment’s digital age, social media has revolutionised the best way we discover and uncover new locations. For Laeeq, social media has performed a pivotal function in shaping his journey choices and content material creation. “It has opened doorways to find hidden locations and distinctive experiences by means of the shared journeys of others,” he reveals. “Platforms like Instagram and TikTok present a continuing circulate of inspiration, encouraging me to assume creatively concerning the locations I go to and the tales I need to inform.”
By offering a platform for creators to share their tales and showcase breathtaking landscapes, social media has democratised journey content material creation, inspiring a brand new era of vacationers to enterprise off the overwhelmed path. “Platforms like TikTok have been instrumental in highlighting lesser-known locations resembling Rakaposhi Base Camp in winter or the Sarfaranga Chilly Desert in Skardu,” Laeeq explains. “The flexibility to visually share the journey, the challenges, and the breathtaking magnificence of those places conjures up others to discover them.”
Asif echoes this sentiment noting that such platforms present a direct strategy to join with a wider viewers and promote tourism. “Social media has been a game-changer for my journey journeys. It not solely helps me uncover new locations but additionally offers a platform to share my experiences with a worldwide viewers.”
Drawing an analogy between social media platforms and cricket codecs, Zunair put forth an instance: “There are three classes in cricket. One take a look at match, sooner or later, after which T20. Essentially the most watched video today is just like the T20. In the identical manner, TikTok is the T20 of social media. You’ll be able to put Fb or Meta apps in sooner or later. And put YouTube in that class. In the identical manner, a few of my movies which might be viral on YouTube and Fb, After we meet within the public, they do not say that I noticed your vlog on Fb. I noticed your vlog on YouTube. No. Essentially the most seen movies in Pakistan are on TikTok.”
“If an individual is viral or has a optimistic or detrimental message, Whether or not it is your vlog or private vlog, Initially, your message reaches the general public by means of TikTok rapidly. Which is the difficulty in Pakistan. So TikTok is the very best platform for discovery,” Zunair added, highlighting the platform’s potential to amplify messages and encourage motion.
Rewarding content material
For Zunair, the true reward of sharing his journey experiences lies within the impression it has on others. “After we are in winter, you might be standing on a verify submit, or you might be standing on a lodge or a metropolis, essentially the most gratifying factor is when the passerby says, ‘I noticed your video and reached right here’,” he shares.
Laee shares a equally inspiring story of how his content material helped put a hidden gem on the map. “Considered one of my most memorable success tales is from my journey to Bilamik Valley in Skardu. Once I visited this gorgeous location, there have been solely three visitor homes, and the house owners had been disheartened as a result of lack of vacationers, regardless of the valley’s breathtaking magnificence.”
Laeeq’s choice to seize the fantastic thing about Bilamik Valley and share it by means of his TikTok movies had a profound impression, inspiring hundreds of others to go to this hidden gem. The response was overwhelming, with the variety of vacationers visiting Bilamik Valley surpassing the full quantity the valley would usually see in a complete yr. “The visitor homeowners had been so grateful that they known as me personally to thank me for placing their valley on the map,” he recounts.
Asif too had the same impact on his viewers: “Many followers have reached out to share how my content material impressed their journeys to locations like Skardu and Deosai. One household even talked about they deliberate their total winter trip primarily based on my suggestions, which was extremely fulfilling to listen to.”
Challenges and alternatives
Pakistan’s tourism trade is at a crossroads, with social media taking part in a pivotal function in shaping its future. Because the nation’s breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems achieve international consideration, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and alternatives that lie forward.
“Pakistan’s tourism trade faces a number of challenges and alternatives relating to social media promotion,” Laeeq notes. “One main problem is the shortage of correct infrastructure and services in lots of vacationer locations, which might make journey tough for guests. Moreover, restricted web connectivity in distant areas hinders constant content material creation and sharing.”
Nonetheless, he additionally highlights the immense alternatives that social media presents for selling Pakistan’s tourism trade. “Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have grow to be highly effective instruments for showcasing hidden gems and attracting each native and worldwide audiences. Viral content material can’t solely promote the fantastic thing about these locations but additionally present financial advantages to native communities.”
Suggestions for adventurers
For vacationers seeking to enterprise off the overwhelmed path and discover Pakistan’s hidden winter locations, Zunair affords a wealth of recommendation and proposals. “Like the entire of Sindh. I’m nonetheless in Sindh. Our inside is a distinct pleasure of Sindh,” he begins, his voice stuffed with pleasure. “Karachi is a distinct world in Sindh. That’s, the entire seaside is in Karachi. You are able to do the very best form of tourism in it. And within the inside, there are every kind of cultures. And in addition, the most important fort in Asia, Rani Kot.”
Laeeq’s recommendation to vacationers exploring different winter locations in Pakistan is to plan correctly and embrace the journey. To start out, it is important to analysis and put together completely, understanding the vacation spot, its climate situations, and highway accessibility throughout winters. This may assist you to make knowledgeable choices and keep away from any surprising challenges. Moreover, packing appropriately is essential, as winter locations in Pakistan could be extraordinarily chilly. Remember to carry correct winter clothes, snow boots, and necessities like gloves and thermal put on.
Security can also be a prime precedence, particularly when touring to distant areas. At all times journey in well-maintained automobiles, and in the event you’re biking, guarantee your gear is winter-ready. Moreover, respecting native communities is significant, participating with the locals, respecting their traditions, and supporting native companies. This not solely enhances your expertise but additionally contributes to the native financial system.
Lastly, when capturing and sharing your experiences on social media, make sure that your content material doesn’t hurt the atmosphere or disrupt the pure fantastic thing about the place. By being aware of your impression, you’ll be able to assist protect the fantastic thing about Pakistan’s hidden winter locations for future generations.
Asif, providing his personal set of suggestions for adventurers seeking to discover Pakistan’s hidden winter locations, says, “Plan forward, analysis the vacation spot completely, and prioritise security. Respect the native tradition and atmosphere, and all the time journey with acceptable winter gear to benefit from the expertise to the fullest.”