The Attabad Lake is also one of a kind, with the blue color of its water and the boat ride amidst the twists and turns of the valley.
After dwelling in the magnificence of the Attabad Lake, we headed towards the Hunza Valley, passing through the serpentine, well-constructed road of the Karakoram Highway.
Hunza has the highest literacy rate in Pakistan – more than 90% for both genders – which is phenomenal. We aimed to visit the Baltit Fort first, strolling through the valley to make our way upwards towards the fort.
As one walks through the residential area and the streets, the sight of the houses built reminds one of the huts in Santorini, Greece; that’s just how immaculately constructed, clean and colorful they are. We were offered Apples and apricots by local people. We ate as much we could and saved a few for later.
We spent a night there in camps. Cooked our food and enjoyed the great company of friends, Asfund, Usman, Hassan, Sohail, Aqib, Fayyaz (our Master Chef) and Zain. Jokes of Zain, and sohail made the environment really enjoyable. The next day we planned to see Rakaposhi’s viewpoint. Tusif had also reached to join us. And he was waiting for us at Rakaposhi viewpoint.
The sight at the Rakaposhi View Point, amidst the loud but appeasing sound of water flowing directly from the melted glaciers of the Rakaposhi Mountain, was the harbinger of the beauty that was to greet us throughout the trip.
After returning Rakaposhi base camp we felt some hunger.
Food usually takes a lot longer to cook at high altitudes, which is why we had to wait a lot before getting our hands on some French fries and tea.
Our next destination was Deosai, we chose the way through Astore because Sakardu road was under construction.
It was 7 PM when we crossed Gilgit, the way to Astore was a bit scary because there was no traffic, the deep river accompanying the road and the dark night.
We reached Astore at 11 PM. Searched for food but the hotels were closed. Finally, we found a hotel for a stay but there was no food. Again we requested Fayyaz to cook some food. He made tasty potato rice and then we slept.
The next day, our destination was Deosai Plains and after that Skardu. We rented a 4x4 because local people told that our cars will not be able to reach because of road conditions.
We were on our way at 12PM.
Years ago, I saw a documentary on National Geographic about an extraordinary place known as Deosai. The documentary piqued my interest, instigating a desire to visit these picturesque and never-ending plains. At the base of Deosai lies the Chillum Army Camp where tourists have to register before entering the Deosai National Park.
Going up the Deosai Plains is a treat in itself, with every sight more captivating and eye-opening than the previous one.
We finally reached Sheosar Lake, where it is said that the origination point of the lake remains a mystery. Standing at the bank of the lake in one of the highest plains in the world, I felt an inner peace that remains ineffable. I wanted to keep gazing at that view in rapt silence.
Because of freezing cold we could not travel to Skardu. So we decided to plan another trip to Skardu next year. Then we headed towards Gilgit and spent a day and night there in a hotel near GB Assembly.
The next evening we rushed for Feri Medows, spent a night there and enjoyed the great beauty and amazing cold weather.
The trip opened our eyes to the incredible beauty and bloom of G-B, which we were totally blind to earlier.
It was the kind of a journey we never wanted to put an end to. But we had to travel back because next Monday we had to join our office.
We took the same way reached Naran before the sunset. We found boats in the Kunhar river did boating. Then we reached the hotel in Naran.
The next morning we went to Saif ul Malook lake and enjoyed the magical beauty of the lake.
After returning, we started our journey to Lahore. And the next day was a working day in the office.