Glamping – new travel trend in Pakistan that combines nature and luxury – Gulf News

Comfort with a glorious view

Qasif Shahid, Pakistan’s fintech pioneer, believes that glamping is “the future of outdoor vacation” as it offers a strong connection with nature. His experience of staying at Katpana Desert glamping sites with family offers the best of both worlds – nature and luxury vacation. Most travellers are mesmerised by the idea of extra comfort with a glorious view. Anam Hakeem, an adventure traveller, says she was “awe-struck” looking at the view outside her tent in the morning. But her favourite part was the solar-powered rooms, a cosy dining hall and enjoying fresh food in the middle of a desert. “You don’t get to experience that in the city,” she said.

Built to accommodate two to four people, each glamp unit includes solar power, bath kit, hot shower, room service, heating and cooling. A one-night stay cost starts from Rs12,000 and goes up to Rs30,000 (US$55 to $138). The outdoors activities include bonfires, fishing, trekking, jeep safari, golf driving, expeditions, archery, kite flying and board games. Talha Kamal, a visitor, says he and his family has “one of the most relaxing and memorable trips” glamping in Skardu. “You get to experience camping with all the basic amenities in the middle of the Katpana Desert.”

Glamping trend fast picking up in Pakistan

Ali Raza, the co-founder and director of Khanabadosh Glamps, says that the “glamping trend is picking up in Pakistan” as these tourist sites are now “trying their best to match their services with hotels and to provide an environment more comfortable yet closer to nature.”

Talking to Gulf News, Ali Raza shared that when they faced hurdles at the beginning of their journey in 2018 such as convincing the people that “we cannot compare this experience with hotels in terms of both services and prices because we operate in the wilderness, in very remote areas with no proper facilities.” Raza says they decided to set up glamping sites in the deep forest to “provide a unique experience” to those eager to take the long journey that rewards you with breathtaking views overlooking the gorgeous Panjkora River and pine treetops.

Khanabadosh Glamps offer luxury domes, pods and camps in Kumrat Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The valley became a prominent tourist site after a visit and tweet of former prime minister Imran Khan. Besides Kumrat, the locally-built pods are available at Murree, Kalam, Gabeen Jabba, Sharan Forest, Kalash Valley, Hunza and Deosai. The price ranges from as little as Rs2,000 to Rs15,000 ($9 to $69) for a 2-person accommodation.