Eid tourists flock to KP as over 650,000 visit scenic spots in just three days

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) witnessed a massive influx of tourists during the three days of Eid-ul-Adha, with over 652,000 visitors flocking to scenic destinations across the province, according to the KP Tourism Authority.

According to news reports, the spokesperson for the authority apprised that the popular tourist hotspots saw record-breaking crowds. Galyat welcomed 177,000 tourists, while Naran and Kaghan valleys drew 168,000 visitors. The picturesque hill resort of Malam Jabba received 160,000 tourists, and Upper Dir recorded an influx of 85,000.

The Director General of the Tourism Authority, Habibullah Arif, credited the success of the holiday season to proactive measures taken by the provincial administration. “Following the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, all possible facilities were provided to tourists. The Tourism Police personnel played a commendable role in assisting visitors throughout Eid,” he said.

Arif also accentuated that the newly merged tribal districts of KP attracted astronomical tourist numbers, marking a positive sign for regional integration and tourism expansion.

One major contributor to the spike in tourism was the reopening of the Babusar Road on May 24, 2025, after a seven-month closure due to heavy snowfall. The route, which connects Naran in Kaghan Valley to Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan, offers a significantly shorter and more scenic alternative to the Karakoram Highway — reducing the travel time between Diamer and Mansehra from 14 to just 7 hours.

The Babusar Top, known for its breathtaking alpine views, typically remains closed from November to June. Its reopening is expected to further boost tourist traffic to Gilgit-Baltistan, reinforcing the region’s importance as a major summer travel destination.

The officials have reiterated their commitment to enhancing infrastructure and services to accommodate growing tourist interest, especially during peak holiday seasons.