Many have compared Swat Valley’s beauty to Switzerland. They both provide stunning views of snowcapped mountains as a scenic backdrop. At the base of the Hindu Kush mountains, the valley has become a picturesque tourist destination within Pakistan. Visitors are often surprised to learn about the valley’s rich history with Buddhism. Once the cradle of … More Swat Valley, Gandhara’s cradle of Buddhism
It was the 17th day of our journey and the last leg of our epic roadtrip, en route to Islamabad. The capital of Pakistan since the 1960’s and the ninth largest city in Pakistan (although, the Islamabad-Rawalpindi metropolitan area is the fourth largest in the country). About two hours out, we passed through Abbottabad, the city … More Islamabad
Departing Astore Valley, we continued south on the Karakoram Highway towards Islamabad. However, we still had a two-day journey ahead of us to reach the capital of Pakistan. As we approached the city of Chilas for lunch, views of Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world (26,660 ft) came into sight. Chilas is the entry … More Venturing Over Babusar Pass
The Deosai National Park is a high-altitude alpine plateau, situated at an average elevation of 13,497 ft above sea level, making it the second highest plateau in the world (after the Changtang Tibetan Plateau). Deosai means ‘the land of Gods’. The park protects an area of 1200 square miles, and is stunningly gorgeous in springtime with wildflowers galore and a wide variety of butterflies. We traversed … More The Deosai Plateau
Duikar is a small village about 30 minutes from Karimabad, perched on a hilltop about 10,000 feet high. The rightfully named Eagle’s Nest Hotel offers sensational views of surrounding peaks, while enjoying tea from their rooftop terrace. The most notable peak, to us anyhow, was the 19,600 foot rock-spire, Bublimotin, also known as Lady Finger. … More Eagle’s Nest, Onward to Gilgit
Wandering Ways 