The Snow Leopard Foundation has been developing conservation tourism sites under its PSLEP Project. Since its inception in 2008 SLF has unprecedented local hands-on data and wisdom about the delicate ecology of natural resources, glaciers, wildlife and community, SLF also has primary data on how tourism has impacted the snow leopard habitats in Gilgit Baltistan.

It is equally important for tourists to get educated about the sensitivity of the areas they visit particularly with respect to those areas having endangered species such as snow leopards. Awareness to local communities about tourists and ecotourism is also necessary to create options of enhanced livelihood for them.

SLF is working with all relevant stakeholders including government authorities, tour operators, local communities, tourists and the hospitality industry to commit to the conservation of natural and cultural resources.

Key factors of conservation tourism in snow leopard habitats:

• It helps to minimize the effects of global warming and climate change.
• Minimize human snow leopard conflict.
• It minimizes physical, social, behavioral, and psychological impact such as damage to property, landscape or wildlife habitat.
• Development of environmental and cultural harmony through awareness and respect of the local community.
• Provides positive experiences for both tourists and hosts.
• Contributes to the local economy by purchase of locally made products.
• Allows recognition and appreciation of local culture and heritage.

Development of PSLEP Conservation Tourism Sites in Snow Leopard Habitat

As part of the valley conservation plans in each of the three PSLEP landscapes, Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) has decided to initiate the development of conservation tourism sites from Gilgit Baltistan.

Valleys Identified/selected for the first phase of sites development:

As a pilot project, SLF has selected Hopper valley, District Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan as first conservation tourism site under PSLEP project.

Snow Leopard Foundation’s Conservation Tourism Road Map

Snow Leopard Foundation aims to launch its conservation tourism pilot in Hopar Valley in 2020. SLF will be taking the following capacity and infrastructure building in Hopper valley:

• Camping site: Camping site with a capacity of 10-15 camps
• Designing and installation of signage boards from KKH to Hopar valley
• Tourist information center and information board in the village
• Training of local guides and porters
• Vocational center for women for the production of handicrafts
• Installation of dustbins for waste management
• Huts and washrooms to be constructed in the trekking fields
• Consultation with professional paragliders for setting up paragliding site in the valley
• Capacity building of villagers for growing organic produce and management of tourists

Tourists excited to participate in sustainable and mindful exploration of Hopper valley can look forward to these activities:

• Trekking the Hopper Glacier

Hopper glacier is one of the only two moving glaciers in the world and is over 18 kms long. The one-way walking distance from village to glacier is about 30 minutes and its rocky and uneven path makes it risky. However, with the right guides and safety ropes/ chains, the SLF trek make it safe and an unforgettable, once in a lifetime activity for tourists.

• Trekking the mountains and Haramosh pass

Hopper valley is surrounded by high altitude mountains which offer trekking opportunities for tourists. SLF will be offering sustainable and eco-friendly trekking with direct access to Haramosh valley which is 3 days trekking. As well as trekking the mountains that lead to the exquisite Rush Lake, touted as the highest lake in the world.

• Wildlife Sighting

Watching wild animals in their natural habitat is a wondrous treat and unique experience. SLF will have tours to the western side of valley whose mountains offer the possibility of wildlife sighting including snow leopard and ibex.

• Paragliding

Hopper valley has tremendous potential for paragliding from the mountains situated opposite Hopper glacier. A team from Bulgaria visited the valley recently and evaluated the technical requirements for paragliding. They found this location as most suitable for paragliding. The local community is building track to climb the mountain as it has another tourist attraction in the form of ruins of an ancient fort. This safe, enthralling and breath-taking adventure awaits our tourists!

• Local handicrafts and gem stones

Unfortunately, every magical holiday experience comes to an end eventually but keep the memory alive by taking a piece of Gilgit-Baltistan with you! Intricate local handicrafts and stunning gem stones of the area made sustainable and fairly traded will keep you connected to Pakistan forever.

• Camping Site

Camping is one of the tourist activities that can be the most memorable but also has the most logistical planning and implementation, as well as the most hazard of pollution and ecological degradation. SLF’s camping site not only sustainably facilitates tourists’ camping experience but ensures that local communities and environment is not negatively impacted.

If you are interested in taking part in SLF’s landmark conservation tourism initiative, please drop us a line at: info@slf.org.pk