One location you won’t see in most ‘top ten to visit’ lists for tourism or leisure is Pakistan. And for many reasons, not least because it is surrounded by Afghanistan, Iran and China, but also because of underdeveloped tourist infrastructure, accessibility challenges, frequent political upheavals and conflicts over the years contributing to insecurity concerns, travel advisories, and other issues resulting in a negative perception about the country overall.
This is gradually changing due to government initiatives to improve security, infrastructure and preservation of cultural sites, as well as finding ways to improve the environment for tourists to feel more welcome and safe.
One area that is increasingly being recognized and promoted as uniquely outstanding is adventure tourism. Adjacent to the better known Himalayas range hosting the highest peak in the world (Mt. Everest) is the Karakoram Range which lies mostly within Pakistan in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Did you know that the second highest peak in the world, K2 (8,611m above see level), lies within the Karakoram range and that the same range is host to over twenty 7-thousanders (mountain peaks over 7,000m above sea level, 4 of them above 8,000m!)? Indeed, the range boasts some of the world’s most challenging peaks, increasingly attracting high-altitude mountaineers, climbers and hike enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Ever the curious adventurer, I set off for Pakistan knowing that where there are high mountains, there are bound to be deep valleys, lakes and variable terrain to complete the environment, which would be awesome to see. I was not disappointed.
No, I had no intention of scaling any of those intimidating summits or even hiking the slopes further down below. However, as we covered the 600+ km from Islamabad northward towards Hunza Valley by road, it became evident to me that the region is totally under-rated as a tour destination.
The diversity of landforms, terrain and waterways are endless and at each turn of the road form one impressive and different landscape design after another. Due to heavy rainfall and snow-melt waters in plenty, there are many rivers flowing in abundance along the valley floors, nurturing lush greenery and adding to the beauty of nature all around.
As you drive along the busy roads built precariously along the steep mountain slopes, you keep shifting between anxiety of journey (don’t look down!) and wonder-filled excitement at the breathtaking, jaw-dropping, panoramic views (there’s another peak, the 9th highest in the world, and another, the 25th highest…!!). It’s difficult to describe the wonder of the experience as it was one amazing view after another.
Our brief yet intense itinerary done over 6-day period was:
- Hunza Valley’s Rakaposhi view point & Karimabad Bazar Eagle nest viewpoint
Boat ride on Attabad Lake (Striking turquoise lake formed by a landslide in 2010)
Passu Cone view point (+ ziplining on Hussaini Bridge)
3 junction mountain and Nanga Parbit view point
City tour of Islamabad
Side note – if you are fearful of heights or can’t do long road trips, it’s better to fly to Gilgit Airport from Islamabad and complete the rest of the journey to Hunza by road.
While long and tiring, in the end it was a worthwhile adventure discovering the amazing Northern Region of Pakistan. If you love nature and particularly mountainous terrain for gawking at or immersing in as a hiker / mountaineer, add Hunza Valley to your bucket-list.
Also note that the country is quite huge and has a lot more to offer in terms of sightseeing. Apart from majestic mountains, serene lakes and rich-flowing wide rivers, there’s rich diversity of lush greenery in forests, bountiful agricultural plantations and fruit orchards. There are also historical forts and villages to explore, as well as rich cultural heritage in traditional music, dance, and festivals to immerse in. The food was delicious too with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available in plenty!
—————————————————-
PS: If you are planning to Travel and could use some support, here are a few ways I can help you:
✔Get tips from my E-Book by clicking the link here: https://tinyurl.com/Globetrotwithease [FREE]
✔✔Work with me to get the support you need for a specific upcoming trip you are planning [Low Cost, High Value]
✔✔✔Work with me 1-on-1 to equip you with the skills of travelling as a lifestyle and watch your travel dreams come true! [Affordable and Transformative]
NOT sure? Book a chat call to explore possibilities here: https://tinyurl.com/check-in-chat-with-Mkay
——————————————————
Leave a reply