Winter Tourism and Power Shortages in Gilgit-Baltistan

By Ashiq Faraz

Currently, in various districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, especially those with heavy snowfall and colder temperatures, arrangements are being made for winter sports. Ice hockey, in particular, is becoming prominent, while efforts are also being made to include traditional games, which are now fading and easy to organize, to enhance the charm of these events. Programs have already been held in Skardu, Hunza, Ghizer, and Astore, though they have also faced various critiques and discussions. On the other hand, the Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, along with some members, is currently in the United States to promote tourism. We will see what comes out of this effort.

Gilgit-Baltistan holds a unique position in South Asia for adventure tourism, which is why mountaineers and tourists from all over the world come to conquer its towering peaks and glaciers. In addition, the region’s landscapes, culture, and diverse geographical features attract visitors in large numbers. In recent years, both domestic and international tourists have flocked to the region, which has led to disputes over land ownership and investments in the tourism industry.

In the summer, when the entire region is covered in greenery and blooming flowers, the melting waters of glaciers rush down, and apricot trees take on a purple hue, people who are captivated by the charm of these moments, as described by Mustansar Tarar, come here. This tourism is the lifeblood of the region’s economy and a major source of employment. Unfortunately, in recent years, haphazard construction and unplanned land distribution have led to a situation where these job opportunities are slipping away from the hands of local people.

A long-time friend, who has been living abroad for several years, shared a strange dream they had. They dreamt of seeing tall, glass-and-steel buildings being constructed in Skardu, with people from the local community cleaning the windows. Upon inquiring, they discovered that these were local people now working as laborers, because the land and buildings were no longer owned by them. Let’s hope that this remains just a dream.

However, the ongoing constructions to provide accommodation and dining facilities for the increasing number of tourists do not match the region’s environment, and there is no mechanism for proper evaluation or monitoring of these projects. This is a separate issue that is not the focus of this discussion.

In tourism development, the provision of better residential facilities is incomplete without reliable electricity. However, in Gilgit-Baltistan, electricity remains a significant challenge. The region’s primary energy source is hydroelectric power, and the rivers and streams, gifted by nature, are ideal for this purpose. Several surveys and studies suggest that thousands of megawatts of electricity could be generated from these rivers, but the necessary action has yet to be taken. The electricity situation in Pakistan itself has been peculiar. When IPPs (Independent Power Producers) were given contracts, it was revealed that some companies were receiving subsidies without producing even a single kilowatt of electricity, as contracts had been signed with kickbacks from those in power.

This is the scenario facing the energy sector, and in such circumstances, how can the tourism industry flourish? How can tourists be expected to visit Gilgit-Baltistan in the winter when even in the summer, electricity remains erratic?

CNN, one of the world’s most popular news channels, has included Gilgit-Baltistan in its list of 25 must-visit destinations for 2025. Similarly, the New York Times published a travel story on January 27, 2025, under the title “Places to Go.” The noteworthy aspect of this story is that the newspaper has consistently published an annual list of top tourist destinations over the last 20 years, from 2005 to 2025. The article highlights that tourism trends have changed significantly, with the advent of smartphones, Instagram, and Google Maps. Previously, tourists relied on print materials and carried checks or cash for their travels. Bookings were made through telegraphs or faxes, but today everything has gone digital—bookings, marketing, money transfers, maps, and even friendships.

This transformation is driven by electricity. When winter tourism is to be boosted, essential facilities like heating guesthouses, providing hot water for baths, and ensuring comfortable accommodations cannot be met without a reliable power supply.

At present, the possibility of meeting these needs with wood and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is limited. Wood is scarce in the region, and using LPG from cities, especially for commercial purposes, is expensive and environmentally harmful. There is plenty of water, but electricity is not being harnessed from it.

About five or six months ago, the Vice-Chancellor of a Malaysian university specializing in tourism and hospitality management, along with some staff members, visited Skardu. During a tourism training session at the Mishah Burum Hotel in Skardu, the Vice-Chancellor remarked that while Gilgit-Baltistan is incredibly beautiful, electricity and fast internet are essential for promoting tourism. Unfortunately, both of these services are still slow and unreliable here.

In conclusion, while the region’s tourism potential is immense and recognized globally, it is severely limited by the lack of reliable electricity and essential infrastructure. If these challenges are not addressed soon, Gilgit-Baltistan may struggle to capitalize on its growing tourism sector.