Northern Pakistan drags me in yet again, with its gracious people as well as amazing sites, scenery and food…..
This time, flying into Islamabad and going by road proved to be a bit difficult as a little known NOC by the Ministry of Interior was required (yet noone knew about it), so to SWAT Valley we went, and then driving back to Islamabad to catch a flight to Skardu.
I love Mingora and the food and people….
Though we had to skip the Chitral and Kalash Valley because of the NOC and the police not letting us pass, we ended up having a pretty good time as you make your own fun when life throws you curves. Driving back from Mingora to Islamabad and staying the night, we flew to Skardu and got a transport to Gilgit to meet our good friend Manzoor who I respect and admire as a guide and person.
Hunza always holds a place close to my heart as the Altit fort and walk along the windy roads of Karimabad and the valley is just what the doctor ordered if you are feeling blue, the windy streets offer a glimpse of the life of people and you may even meet interesting people who have cats with white sweaters sitting on cars while being photographed. I guess it is not enough that people can influence social media but now their cats…Lets just say, no hope for humanity!!!!
Near Karimabad in Ganish town which was an old fort on the silk road trade route with different cultures coming together at different points in history. It was pretty near walking around this place and seeing the people and all of the history carved into wooden pillars and doors.
Next was onto the main part of the Karakoram highway, passing some magnificent scenery that I never get tired of yet again. The Petroglyphs from times past are always interesting to look at on the side of the road as it shows what life was like eons ago. The old Brick Factory and tower is always a welcome site to photograph. Moving along we hit the great Attabad Lake which was formed some years ago from a landslide and the crystal blue water are breathtaking. I also got a glimpse of the Luxus Hunza hotel which I have stayed at before and it showed just how land degradation and global warming have affected an area. The hotel was cut off by road due to a torrential downpour. The Hussaini Suspension bridge and Passu Cones I will never get tired of, nor will I get tired of the Khunjerab National Park in which you have to travel to in order to hit the Pak-China border at the top. Unfortunately, not a lot of animals out due to the weather, but I love being at the top of that pass and looking at the highest land border and highest ATM in the world!!!!
New Valley’s in the Hunza area is always a welcome site. This valley about a two hour drive from Hunza offered some great views of trekking trails, although the trek up was a difficult one, but the villages were brilliant with dried apricots, goats, and butterflies out everywhere!!
Another new valley I got to photograph was Naltar Valley which is a hidden gem. With the small town and beautiful glacial lakes, it is amazing that these places are not visited more. Roving bands of goats and Sheep dot the area with the occasional herder popping his head out. I loved this place and the calm serene atmosphere it offered…
Next up was the great road through Gilgit to see the Buddha in the rocks as well as a stop to look at where the Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Himalayas meet. A sunny view let us also see Nanga Parbat in broad daylight!!!!
Skardu area including the famous Shigar Valley which is a stopping point for K2 trekkers is one of my favorite places to visit. This Shia based community is very rural and offer some great landscapes to and from, as well as the people being so humble and friendly in and around the town. On the road back…..the Goats invaded the highway!!!!
Skardu never ceases to amaze me with its beautiful lakes, hidden villages that tourists do not go to, great food namely trout, and views from the fort that look out on a different perspective in the city. Walking through the city is daunting but plenty of photography to be had while searching for old coins and paper money!!!! The sunsets that only Zeus can create were better than average with a colossal amount of colors and shapes in the mountains and clouds.
Lets hope I will get back again……