Staff Reporter Islamabad
Already famed for its civil engineering marvel, the Karakoram Highway has now been ranked among the 15 most beautiful roads of the world for its scenic beauty.
In its categorization, Wikicampers, a website providing tourist services in different parts of the world, called the KKH an ‘ideal setting for a most dizzying road trip!’
‘Let’s gain altitude again by taking the second highest asphalt road in the world,’ the website said explaining the features of the road.
The KKH connects China to Pakistan while crossing the Karakoram mountain range and running alongside certain peaks over 7,000 meters in height.
The highway is around 1,300 km long which extends from Hasan Abdal to the Khunjrab Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, where it crosses into China.
A BBC documentary had also called the KKH as one of the highest paved roads on earth which was major trade route between Pakistan and China. It also said the road was completely developed, smooth and safe.
Some other similar websites also called the highway as one of the ultimate travel destinations offering stunning views while running through the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush ranges.
Among other roads categorized by the Wikicampers included California State Route of USA, The Atlantic Road of Norway, The Col du Stelvio in Italy, Morocco’s The Dades Gorges Road, Spain’s TF 436, The Millau Viaduct of France and The Icefields Promenade of Canada.
Other most beautiful roads part of the ranking include The RN 40 or Argenitna, The Col de Sani of South Africa, The Denali Highway of Alsaka, USA, The Basque Corniche of France, The Transfagarasm Road of Romania, The Gorges du Verdon of France, and The Great Ocean Road of Australia.
Model plane enthusiasts are all set to fly their remote control aircraft in mountainous terrain of Malam Jabba during a day-long aeromodelling show, scheduled to be held on July 17.
The recreational-cum-learning activity will not only provide a new and unique experience to aeromodelling enthusiasts, but also offer an opportunity to budding ones to get first hand knowledge about landing and take off of model aircraft, Samson Group of Companies Spokesperson Samar Sabeen told APP in a telephonic conversation on Sunday.
The event was being organized by the Samson Group of Companies for creating awareness about the hobby among youth, as well as, promoting Malam Jabba as the best tourist site at national and international level.
The spokesperson said over a dozen aeromodellers would take part in show for flying their remote control aeroplanes, helicopters and drones at Malam Jabba which was 9,000 feet above sea level.
She said a learning session would also be arranged for the students of different universities and colleges of Swat and other areas so that they could learn some techniques about the sports from multiple experts invited by the Samson group.
Sabeen said special discounted packages for students were being offered to make the event a success.
Food courts, music night and other fun activities were also made part of the show to attract tourists from all parts of the country, she added.