Pakistan is famous for lots of reasons including its most famous city Karachi. It’s the countries financial hub and it has a large seaport, plus, it’s the largest city in Pakistan. Its home to the highest ATM in the world which stands at a height of 16,007ft above sea level and it has the largest canal-based irrigation system in the world too. One more surprising fact is, it’s also home to 5 ski resorts!
The most well know and largest ski resort in Pakistan is Malam Jabba which is located in Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. It’s in the Hindu Kush Mountain Range, approximately 48 km from Saidu Sharif Airport and its 314 km from the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. Après ski is not what you would expect as alcohol is banned in Pakistan, however the delicious food more than makes up for it.
At Malam Jabba ski resort you can ski and snowboard on the 1km of slopes that are available. Due to its high altitude, over 3m of snowfall makes this ski resort snow sure. Apart for skiing and snowboarding hiking is a popular winter sport too. Its elevations are between 2469 m to 2670 m with a vertical drop of 200m and has been awarded 2.3 stars out of 5. It has 0.5km of slopes for beginners and 0.5km for advanced skiers. There are no intermediate runs, however a valley run is available. The runs are serviced by 4 lifts that can move 600 passengers per hour. The resort also boasts one large hotel.
The best 4 ski resorts in Pakistan are:
Broad Peak – is the 12th highest mountain in the world and is in the Gasherbrum Massif on the border between Pakistan and China. Its summit is over 1 mile long. Elevations are between 4899 m — 8046 m.
Gasherbrum I – is a small resort, however its vertical drop is an amazing 2155m (7070 ft). Elevations are between 5925 m — 8080 m.
K2 – is the second highest mountain in the world, if you want to be challenged visit K2. However, be warned all attempts so far have not ended well. Elevations are between 5029 m — 8611 m.
Naltar Valley – is the highest ski resort in Pakistan, its hosts the International Ski Championships, National Ski Championships, Ice hockey & Snowboarding competitions. It also boasts the highest chairlift in Pakistan. Elevations are between 2870 m — 2950 m.
Pakistan hopes for its ski resorts and winter sports venues to grow in the coming years. Its large mountainous terrain is a major factor in making this possible as it spans to the Himalayas. Pakistan’s first ski school for amateurs at Malam Jabba ski resort is growing in numbers and popularity. They are hoping these young skiers will take part in future skiing competitions as do many members of Pakistan’s military.
Pakistan has much to offer the traveller who is looking for new experiences including, skiing in the world’s most unusual countries. Its home to some wonderful attractions such as Changa Manga which is the world’s biggest hand-planted forest and wildlife preserve. Haleji Lake is famous as the largest bird reserve and sanctuary in Asia. The Tharparkar Desert is often called the “Green Desert” as it’s the only fertile desert on earth. It’s located in the Sindh Province and was once called Thar and Parkar which later merged to become Tharparkar. Soccer lovers will be fascinated to learn that around 40 – 60 million footballs are hand sewn in the city of Sialkot, which is 50-70% of the total production in the world.
Where will you go skiing and snowboarding this year? Pakistan maybe!