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Mountain memoir of a solo journey

Ubaid Sahil

Two days ago, I decided to embark on a solo hike to Ulal Valley, nestled in the scenic mountains of Upper Swat, to reminisce about my childhood memories. I spent my early years in an underprivileged village in this valley. Ulal Valley is a mountainous pass situated above Madyan City in the upper reaches of Swat. Until this year, the road to the valley was severely damaged, only passable by 4×4 vehicles or skilled drivers. Fortunately, the road is now under construction and will soon be drivable. However, basic facilities like markets (though a few shops exist, they’re limited and built onto local houses), hotels, restaurants, and proper educational institutes are lacking in this area.

The region boasts the majestic beauty of the clear blue Ulal River and numerous small creeks suitable for swimming and fishing. A stunning yet challenging-to-reach lake lies in the remotest part of Ulal Valley, where the Ulal River originates. The region’s isolation is such that even a Google search for “Ulal Valley/Ulal River” yields no results.

While traveling in a local transport vehicle resembling a motor car but packed with 10 passengers (designed for 4 or 5), I noticed some visitors. These visitors seemed to be heading to the only park in the region. Others were seated by the Ulal River, enjoying a meal they had brought from the main city. Upon reaching my destination and being dropped off by the driver, I found myself surrounded by lush green mountains abundant with fruit trees such as walnuts, pears, persimmons, apples, and cherries. The mountain peaks, draped in fresh snow, presented a dreamy scenery over the pastures. The locals’ welcoming behavior stood out the most—they often offered local goods to strangers, whether acquainted or not. While searching for something to eat during my hike, I found no nearby shops, leaving me to trek hopelessly without food.

I began my hike alongside a small creek, surrounded by lush green plants, grass, and towering trees. Solo hiking offers an opportunity to introspect. Conversing with oneself along mountain trails can help shed tensions and resolve problems. Observing the simple yet rich lifestyle of villagers and mountain communities fosters an interest in diverse cultures and traditions. After hiking for over two hours, I reached a breathtaking pasture atop the mountain where cattle roamed freely in the open expanse. The scenery was beyond imagination. While resting on a rock, a local approached me and kindly offered a meal. Feeling hungry and empty-handed, I accepted his gesture. He led me to his modest hut-like house and served me fresh yogurt, butter, and greens. Eating those simple yet delicious offerings in a stranger’s mountain hut became one of my most memorable life experiences. I can still savor the taste of those greens as I pen down these lines. After the meal, he brewed some tea, and we engaged in a conversation about local tourism.

He mentioned that only a handful of visitors come here annually during the summer season. This spot becomes inaccessible in winter due to heavy snowfall. There is no road leading to the pasture, and locals must endure a daily two-hour journey to reach their homes. The situation worsens in cases of illness, as the nearest hospital in the main city requires a three-hour journey to access.

Seated on a cliff, immersed in the surroundings, I pondered over Pakistan’s diverse offerings. From mountains to sandy beaches, marine tourism, alpine valleys, vast plains, and beautiful deserts, the country boasts a myriad of attractions. Cultural and religious tourism serve as bonuses, but attention and recognition remain elusive. Despite being a sought-after destination for international travelers, Pakistan receives relatively few visitors annually. For instance, the Swat Valley, often dubbed “The Switzerland of Pakistan,” welcomed around 400,000 local visitors and merely 4,000 international travelers to explore its majestic beauty. Tragically, the valley’s tourism industry suffered severe damage due to catastrophic floods that ravaged the country in 2022.

The goal of attracting more local and international visitors can be achieved through various developments. Developing advanced infrastructure and facilities is crucial. Mitigating the impact of recent waves of terrorism is of utmost importance. Creating adventurous routes, establishing national parks and wildlife conservation areas, mapping memorable road trips, and inviting local and international influencers to showcase the majestic beauty of these regions are pressing needs. The SIFC can make promoting the tourism sector in Pakistan a priority alongside attracting foreign investment and boosting the IT sector. By focusing on this sector, we have the potential to generate billions in revenue from tourism.

(Ubaid Sahil is a student and writer. He can be reached at ubaidsa9@gmail.com).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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