Mountains are one of the world's most important tourist’s sites. Their soaring peaks and beautiful landscapes are becoming increasingly attractive as a place of escape in a congested and stressful urbanized world. However, tourism in mountain areas presents both opportunities and dangers. Tourism revenue has become a primary source of income for many of the communities residing in the mountains but the influx of visitors in these regions poses threat to this unique and often pristine environment.1
According to some estimates, more than 50 million people visit mountains
each year. They are drawn to these areas by the physical beauty of the alpine
environment, the many forms of recreation available in mountainous terrain
and the cultural practices of the resident communities. Clean, cool air and
awe-inspiring scenery of mountain areas combined with the unique customs, arts,
crafts and culinary traditions of the mountain communities, make trips to the
highlands attractive holiday options.2
Mountains in northern Pakistan hold tremendous tourism potential. Five of the world’s fourteen peaks that are above 8,000 meters lie within Pakistan: K-2 (28,251 feet/ 8,611 meters), Nanga Parbat (26,660 feet/8,125 meters), Gasherbrum-I (26,470 feet/8,068 meters), Broad Peak (26,400 feet/8,047 meters) and Gasherbrum-II (26,360 feet/8,035 meters). Besides these mountains, this region also has the world’s longest glaciers (outside the Polar Regions): Baltoro (58 km), Godwin Austin, Chogolisa, Gondokhro and Hispar.3
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