Hi guys,
I have read a lot of encouraging stories about the return of tourism and skiing to the Swat valley, and am interested in visiting the resort this winter if possible. I am a Canadian who has been to Pakistan before in summer / fall 2008 as a cyclist on an overland journey, and this trip I am interested in winter recreation opportunities. Any information on other interesting areas to snowshoe, XC ski, or just chill out and sip tea watching the snow fall would be welcome.
Swat is now off / close for the foreigners after attack on Malala Yousafzi. We are quite optimistic about it but now valley of swat is (no go Zone) for the foreigners.
northern pakistan is the best place to visit now but cold because winter starts.the places are naltar valley,skardu and hunza valley were you will find snowshoe ski
NP
Skiing used to be done in Malam Jabba, Swat and that was the famous ski resort in Pakistan but unfortunately it is no longer done. Swat valley is now off-limits to foreigners and one need NOC (Non-Objection-Certificate) from interior ministry in Islamabad or Home Department in Peshawar. You have to apply for it 14 days prior to your departure. There is no guarantee for it, they may issue or may not. Naltar valley near Gilgit is another choice.
As #3 states Malam Jabba was and is the #1 ski area in Pakistan. The government was encouraging tourism back to Swat but only really domestic tourists. Foreign tourists had to get the NOC as detailed by poster #3. You could try and get the NOC if you have time to spare.
If not then I suggest visiting some of the tourist guys in Gilgit. Naltar valley has skiing opporunities that the military use and sometimes give permission for others to use and snowshoe or ski touring to Fairy Meadows could definitely be done in winter if you have the right equipment and support.
Have fun JJ
The ski resort in Naltar is only reserved for Pakistan air force & army so that 's not possible although you could get permit (which takes about 12days) to ski/or visit in Malam Jaba (Swat) from the home department of KPK province.
@NP
From whom one could get the permit in order to ski in Naltar & what re the procedures???