Islamabad: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is all set to resume its air safari flight to take travellers on a scenic journey with stunning views of the world’s highest mountains and turquoise lakes. The move is aimed at attracting more tourists to the country’s picturesque northern region.
Pakistan’s flag carrier will resume the service on June 12 after two years of suspension due to operational issues. The flight service has been renamed ‘Sadpara Air Safari’ to honour Pakistan’s celebrated mountaineer who tragically lost his life during the K2 winter expedition this year.
PIA in its official statement invited the travellers to be part of “once in a lifetime experience where you will have an excellent view of the world highest snowy mountains” and nature’s magnificence.
From the comfort of an aircraft, the passengers can enjoy the unique experience of being on top of the world and relish the panoramic views of K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, and other mighty towering Nanga Parbat and Gasherbrum peaks, the lush green Deosai plains and the sparkling Saif ul Malook lake.
During the one hour flight, the travellers will enjoy the up-close gorgeous scenes with the pilot narrating the facts about the peaks and the places. The inaugural flight of PIA air safari will fly every Saturday from Islamabad to Skardu and the one-way fare will be Rs25,000 (US$161).
After landing at Skardu Airport, the adventure will continue as the passengers can enjoy complimentary hi-tea at the Shangrila Hotel. The return flight would depart after two hours of arrival.
Pakistan is home to five of the 14 highest peaks (8,000m) in the world. There are more than a hundred peaks that are above 7,000 meters. The country’s scenic northern Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa regions attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recently issued license to a new private airline ‘North Air’ to promote Pakistan as a global tourist destination.