Helicopter Flights Planned For Gilgit and Skardu to Promote Tourism
This was revealed by the Director General (DG) of The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Flt Lt (Retd) Khaqan Murtaza in a press conference on Wednesday August 11, 2021, according to him helicopters are planned by the government to be utilized as a means of transportation and exploration to promote and boost tourism in Skardu and Gilgit.
His exact words were; We are planning to promote tourism in Gilgit, Skardu, and Chitral through operating big planes”. He also mentioned that multiple foreign airlines have been given permission to operate flights in Skardu and Gilgit. The airport of Skardu has officialy been given the status of an international airport with a brand-new runway under construction, Airblue; a local private airline will begin their passenger flight operation starting from mid of August, similarly North Air, a local private airline whose launch date is still mysterious, has recently been awarded a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to operate flights from and to Skardu. Multiple landing zones for the helicopters have also been built in the region. The DG of CAA also mentioned that this tourism operation will also be set off in Gwader, Turbat and Mohenjo Daro. He said; Saidu Sharif airport has also been made operational”. The DG also spoke about the precautions that are being taken against the Covid-19 virus and how the government of UAE has played an active role in this operation to ensure safety of the tourists; “UAE government has directed for rapid antigen COVID-19 test before departure from Pakistan airports and had designated certain laboratories for the purpose”, he said.
He also went on to mention that they will do everything in their power possible to curb the virus and promote tourism in the region by providing every available facility to the passengers, he added a huge chunk of the passengers that are being unloaded are from Islamabad and Peshawar after undergoing strict restrictions and checking. These latest initiatives and all the efforts that are being made to make this successful are part of the vision of Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan’s to make full use and take maximum advantage this region Gilgit-Baltistan as a touring hub.
This luxurious helicopter safari is specially designed for those who are pressed on time and intend to squeeze the enjoyment out of every second. The trip starts from Islamabad after ascending flight through the scenic Kaghan and Naran valleys, flying over the popular Saif ul Maluk lake and the old silk route across Babu sar pass where the scenery becomes more conspicuous, here after at Feary Meadows; a breath-taking spot, lunch is served, this superb place also offers the dynamic view of north face of the legendary Nanga Parbat; night highest peak in the world. From there on helicopter flies to Deosai, passing Nanga Parbat along the Astor valley. The flight over Deosai, a treeless wilderness at 13,000 feet whose heavenly air has a scent of its own, is a superb experience. The lakes of Sheosar and Satpara are also going to be visible from there and if lucky enough you might catch a glimpse of the brown bears. The flight will be terminated at Shangrila Skardu. On the second day your first stop will be Concordia, over flying the panoramic Shigar Valley and the visually stimulating Braldu Gorge. At Paiju, the mouth of Baltoro Glacier, the finest rock pinnacle in the world; The Great Trango Towers will be there to please the sour eyes. At Concordia, an Amphitheatre, the four out of the fourteen peaks will be visible, which rise above 26,500 feet. From Concordia you will be flown back to Skardu and after lunch and you will depart for Islamabad via Skardu Gilgit Canyon and the Karakoram Highway which will mark the end of the tour.
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