Winter Tourism and Murree
Every year during the winter months, particularly December and January, the serene and beautiful town of Murree witnesses a massive influx of tourists. But why does Murree become such a magnet for crowds during these particular months? What drives people to brave the crowds, overburdened accommodations, and even choked roads that result from this surfeit of visitors? Today, let’s delve into this phenomenon and uncover some reasons behind it. We shall also explore how the visitors may ascertain whether ‘Is Murree open for tourists or not?’ at any time around the year.
Natural Beauty and Winter Charm
Murree is located in the heart of Pakistan’s most picturesque region, the Galiyat district. The town offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, valleys blanketed with pine trees, and winding roads draped with snow. During winters, the landscape transforms into a serene white blanket that’s irresistibly enticing. The snowfall in December and January, which engulfs the town in a white envelope, is a spectacle that’s reminiscent of a familiar setting from a fairy-tale scene. For many people, the allure of viewing this enchanting scenery is worth braving the crowds.
The Thrill of Snowfall
Another prime reason for Murree’s popularity in Winters is the thrill of experiencing snowfall. Many of Murree’s visitors are from regions of Pakistan where snowfall is rare or non-existent. For them, the opportunity to witness, touch, and play in the snow is a unique and enjoyable experience that shouldn’t be missed. Children and adults alike flock to Murree to build snowmen, engage in snowball fights, or merely enjoy the novel sensation of snow crunching under their feet.
See Also: How Much Snow Falls in Murree?
A Winter Retreat
Murree also serves as a winter retreat for those seeking respite from the harsh winter of northern Pakistan. The town’s relatively milder climate, combined with its modern amenities and high-quality accommodation options, provides a safe and comfortable refuge for those escaping extreme winter conditions.
Social and Cultural Factors
Cultural and social factors also play a significant role in the winter rush. Holidays in December and celebrations related to the New Year mean people have more free time to travel. Additionally, family visits to Murree have embedded themselves as a winter tradition in many Pakistani households, solidifying the town’s status as a go-to winter destination.
So, why do the roads leading to Murree choke with traffic due to this surge in tourism? The surge in traffic in such situations is due to the limited infrastructure available to accommodate such an influx. The city’s road network design is decades old, and ill-equipped to handle the swell in the volume of vehicles, resulting in traffic jams and congested roads. Weather-related interruptions, like snow and fog, further exacerbate this congestion which can make driving conditions hazardous.
Tourists’ Influx and Closure of Entrance to Murree
In light of a history of severe winter events, the government of Punjab has indeed taken preventative measures to manage the influx of tourists to Murree during particularly harsh winter conditions. This often results in temporary restrictions on tourist entry to ensure safety and manage potential crisis situations.
One notable instance in the recent past occurred in January 2022, when the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP) decided to extend a ban on tourist entry to Murree due to a forecast of heavy snowfall. The purpose at the core of this action was to prevent potential accidents and chaos that could arise from an excessive influx of tourists during severe weather conditions.
Similarly, after a tragic event during the same month, where 23 lives were lost due to heavy snowfall, a travel ban was imposed, stopping tourists from entering Murree for about ten days. The ban was lifted after conditions became safer.
These steps are indicative of the government’s proactive stance on managing the potential risks of high tourist influx during severe winter conditions. It underlines the government’s commitment to ensuring visitor safety and implementing strategic measures to manage and control the flow of tourists during extreme weather events in Murree.
How to Know ‘Is Murree Open for Tourists or Not?’
Information on whether Murree is open to tourists can be typically obtained from multiple sources online.
News Websites are often very reliable sources for this information. For example, publications like The Express Tribune frequently provide news about travel restrictions and entrance status to Murree.
Travel advisories also provide valuable information. As a case in point, a travel advisory was issued for tourists heading to Murree, advising them to get weather updates and traffic-related information from the control center.
Lastly, the official website of Tourism, Archaeology, and Museums Department of Punjab might periodically update the current status of tourist spots like Murree, thereby helping tourists to plan their visit accordingly.
In summary, before embarking on a trip to Murree, it is always wise to do a bit of research through various sources. For example, one may go through online news portals, and the official tourism website, and even contact the mentioned control center for the latest updates. This is necessary to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
See Also: Best Time to Visit Murree
Conclusion
Murree is a busy tourist destination. It is prone to choking with traffic at times. Tourists visiting Murree may find themselves stuck on the roads in such situations. Therefore it is advisable to make sure before leaving that the roads are open and so is Murree. We have listed some effective methods in this regard in the lines above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it beneficial to check about the entrance in Murree before leaving?
A: Yes, it is beneficial to check this before leaving for Murree, or else the hazard may be really big.