Tourists enjoy snowfall in Murree, some 60 kilometers north of Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Feb. 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
"I am having the time of my life. This is my second time to this valley. I visited it several years back and always wanted to come back. Today my wish became a reality," Rehman, a banker and a mother of two children, told Xinhua.
ISLAMABAD, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- With a mug of hot coffee and a plate full of winter snacks, Masood Khan, a 22-year-old university student, was feasting his eyes on the fascinating snowy landscapes in Pakistan's most popular hill station Murree, located about an hour's drive away from the capital Islamabad.
Chomping on chicken and vegetable rolls, Khan told Xinhua that coming to a snowy place with loved ones is the best feeling one can experience while appreciating the awesomeness of the winter season.
"Since the beginning of the snowfall in the mountainous regions of Pakistan, my family and I have been planning to visit Murree to enjoy the season's snowfall," he said, adding that with the mercury dropping below the freezing point, the region has been blanketed with about 15 cm of glistening white snow, warming the hearts of snow and winter lovers.
People have fun during heavy snowfall in Murree, some 60 kilometers north of Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Jan. 13, 2020. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
According to a statement by Pakistan's Meteorological Department, another spell of heavy snowfall with possibility of landslides is forecast in parts of Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province and northern areas including Murree until Friday, with tourists being advised to remain extra cautious during the spell.
Talking to Xinhua, Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Aftab ur Rehman Rana said as winter tourism booms in the South Asian country, travellers commuting towards the hilly stations must follow safety measures properly to avoid any untoward incidents.
"Tourists should wear warm clothes to protect themselves from cold-related illnesses. When travelling in vehicles, drivers should use heaters intermittently and to supply fresh air regularly as well," said the PTDC official.
For the well-being of tourists, he said all concerned departments are being vigilant and providing round-the-clock services to the people visiting these areas to make their tours hassle-free, exciting and joyous.
Tourists enjoy snowfall in Murree, some 60 kilometers north of Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Feb. 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
With the recent spell of snow, the country's hill stations have started bustling with tourists enjoying the scenic views of the snow-covered hills and immersing themselves in winter recreational activities.
With an umbrella in hand to cover her from the clusters of falling snowflakes, Bushra Rehman came all the way from eastern Punjab province to the beautiful Swat valley of KP province to enjoy the snow-covered mountain terrains.
"I am having the time of my life. This is my second time to this valley. I visited it several years back and always wanted to come back. Today my wish became a reality," Rehman, a banker and a mother of two children, told Xinhua. "There is a lot of fun here. We have played amusing snow games such as snowball fights, skiing and we rode on a chairlift to have a great view of the beautiful valley."
She said that initially her family had planned to spend two days in the valley, but they extended their stay for one more day to have some extra fun-filled time in the exquisite valley, adding that nothing beats spending holidays at breathtaking places in Pakistan.
Tourists enjoy snowfall in Murree, some 60 kilometers north of Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on Feb. 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)
As a large number of people thronged to these areas, hotels and restaurant businesses also witnessed a boost in patrons recently, with owners making substantial revenues and profits.
Muhashid Ahmed, a hotel and restaurant owner in Nathia Gali hill station, said all the major hotels in the area are pre-booked and people have to wait for days before they can get a reservation.
"We are booked up for the next two days at least ... there is no more space available in my hotel. We are looking forward to giving our guests the best service and to giving them a once-in-a-lifetime holiday experience," Ahmed told Xinhua.■
