Islamabad, Feb 17: Kaghan Valley, a popular winter tourism destination, has seen a significant decline in snowfall this winter, directly affecting the tourism industry. For years, millions of tourists have flocked to the region’s beautiful locations like Shogran, Kaghan, and surrounding areas, eager to witness the enchanting snowfall. However, this year, most mountain ranges remain dry, as snowfall has been limited compared to previous seasons. The usually snow-covered areas, which attract tourists in the winter months, have failed to live up to expectations.
Historically, snowfall would begin soon after winter’s onset, blanketing Kaghan Valley in a thick layer of snow. This year, however, even the monsoon season saw only minor snow accumulation, leaving the landscape largely barren. The lack of sufficient snowfall has caused winter tourism in the region to slow down compared to prior years.
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Winter tourism in Kaghan Valley is heavily dependent on snow. As winter progresses, access to areas like Naran is often restricted due to heavy snowfall. However, places such as Shogran, Mahandri, and Khaniyan remain accessible, as these areas are prime spots for tourists to enjoy snowfall. Sadly, the region has seen far less snow than usual, and with just a month and a half left in the season, it’s unlikely that snowfall will improve. If this trend continues, it could affect the tourism industry’s future growth in the area.
The hotel industry, which thrives on winter tourism, often offers discounts during the winter months to attract visitors, particularly in December and January. In recent years, a good number of tourists still visited Shogran and Kaghan, enjoying the crisp weather and what little snowfall there was. However, if climate change continues to disrupt snowfall patterns, the long-term impact on the tourism sector could be significant.
Professor Muhammad Rafique of Degree College Balakot, who has studied the region’s climate change trends, explains that the reduction in snowfall is largely due to rising global temperatures. The increase in the Earth’s temperature, driven by global warming, is having a direct impact on snowfall in colder regions. Additionally, glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, and the duration of winter is shortening.
Deforestation in the mountainous areas has also contributed to local climate changes, further diminishing the likelihood of snowfall. Urbanization and industrial pollution are exacerbating the situation by raising temperatures in the region, resulting in less snow. Furthermore, pollution in the atmosphere leads to the accumulation of black carbon on snow surfaces, accelerating the melting process.
The shifting weather patterns, including changes in monsoon seasons, air pressure, and rainfall systems, are also negatively influencing snowfall. Natural phenomena like El Niño and La Niña can have unpredictable effects on the region’s climate, reducing the frequency of snow.
Additionally, local activities such as agriculture and unsustainable land use are further stressing natural resources, altering the area’s climate. If we fail to protect the environment, the tourism industry and the region’s overall climate could suffer even more severe consequences in the future.
To ensure the continued success of winter tourism in Kaghan Valley, it’s crucial to address the effects of climate change and adopt more sustainable practices to preserve the environment.
