Travelling through mesmerizing terrains of Gilgit-Baltistan is always amusing and heart touching as Nature has showered countless bounties on this region, making it a home to snow covered mountains, tall pines, flora and fauna and diverse wildlife.
Travelling on its zigzagging roads through the green forests and tall peaks, enjoying its weather and landscape, lakes, glaciers, plains and rocks is something leaving pleasant imprints in visitors minds.
But when the first rain touches the dry land of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), besides beauty, it also brings danger with it. No matter it gives life to valleys, makes rivers flow and covers the mountainsides in green. But at the same time, it can cause landslides, flash floods and road blockages.
Every year more tourists come to see GB’s natural beauty and if you also the one planning to travel during the rainy months of July and August, it’s important to stay alert and prepare well.
Because, when the ground gets wet, mountain slopes become weak and rocks can fall onto roads. The Karakoram Highway (KKH), which connects Pakistan with China, often gets blocked in areas like Chilas, Raikot Bridge (on the way to Fairy Meadows), and between Sost and Gulmit.
Although the government takes measures for the safety of travellers, yet GB being surrounded by three mountain ranges; Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush often faces natural risks like landslides and floods during monsoon.
Heavy rain and glacial melting during summer can also flood the rivers like Indus, Gilgit and Hunza. Roads to valleys like Astore, Skardu or Kaghan may also get damaged or blocked. In many places phone and internet services stop working after landslides, making it hard to contact anyone in case of emergency.
Keeping in view these challenges, the GB government takes measures for tourists’ safety but it needs well woven teamwork between the government, local communities and the travelers themselves.
“GB is an attractive tourist destination. Last year we received 1.5 million tourists,” said Iqbal Husain, Director GB Tourism Department. “We welcome them in all seasons. But, monsoon becomes tricky as we have to take extra measures during this season.”
He acknowledged hard work of authorities to ensure safety of tourists during rainy season as he mentioned to sharing advice through social media, tour companies, and guesthouses. “Visitors are told to check weather forecasts, inform local police if they’re going to far-off places and always follow local guides.”
He said some important projects are being carried out to improve safety like rerouting parts of the KKH and building new tunnels in different areas.
According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), since 2022, more than 80 large landslides blocked the KKH, over 60,000 people in GB were affected by floods and roads and bridges were damaged.
Every year, National Highway Authority (NHA) spends a major chunk of GB budget on roads repair and clear landslides especially in July and August.
But on the other hand, rain makes GB more beautiful, waterfalls flood with water, air gets fresher and local tourism experts say it a great time to visit. But, the same time they ask tourists to be cautious.
“Tourists should check weather alerts and keep their travel plans flexible. If one road is closed, they can try other safe routes or wait,” said Fatima Begum, a tour operator from Hunza since last 15 years. “They should also carry medicine, snacks, water and to be patient.”
“We also ensure that visitors have local SIM cards and emergency contact numbers,” she said and appreciated locals for often clearing roads and assist tourists. “But travelers must also respect the power of nature and avoid taking unnecessary risks.”
Ahmed Raza from Lahore who visited Skardu and Shigar in July 2023, revealing his story of vehicle struck near the Shigar Bridge said, local people were helpful but the most was their guide who had packed snacks and water. “Therefore, besides other arrangements, you also need an experienced guide who is well aware what to do when someone is trapped.”
As keeping people safe during monsoon is not just about fixing problems after they happen. It needs regular planning and action, therefore more weather stations and faster warning systems are being set up to pass alerts on time. Roads and bridges are made stronger and tunnels like Atabad and Shounter are helping a lot.
Local people are getting training in first aid and emergency response by groups like Focus Pakistan and Aga Khan Agency for Habitat. Tourists are provided safety advice at airports, hotels and by travel companies. Some tour companies now offer insurance that covers delays. Emergency teams like Rescue 1122 are getting better equipment and different government departments are working together more closely.
The rainy season in GB is a time to enjoy, but with care. When the government departments remain busy in improving roads and warning systems and stay ready to help quickly and tour companies and hotels inform guests about emergencies, the travellers must also keep themselves well informed about alerts for their safer journey.