2004 Volume 113 Issue 2 Pages 312-329
The Gojal in the northern part of Hunza, Northern Areas of Pakisutan, is located in parts of the Karakoram range and the Pamir plateau. This area is inhabited by “Wakhi”, a Persian speaking ethnic group.
As the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which is the main route connecting Islamabad with China, had been constructed through Gojal, the benefits of road transportation and the inflow of foreign tourists changed the situations of agriculture, tourism, and life styles of the villagers. Additionally, the development was also quickened by the promotion of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP).
In Hussaini village, the traditional agricultural system, based on the rotation system of wheat, barley, and peas has decreased, and potatoes (as a commodity) have become the main crop in recent years. Because of good accessibility to the main resources of mountain tourism in Passu village, several lodging establishments, shops, and vehicles are now owned, and almost all of the villagers have been engaged with tourism.
These changes in the region, however, are not suitable for the sustainable development of agriculture and tourism. For the future development of the region, intensive activities and efforts of villagers are necessary to establish a sustainable system supported by regional resources, i.e., natural landscapes and the traditional culture.
