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
From Khaplu, we drove about three hours to Shigar, encountering scenic views, more impressive suspension bridges, laboring roadwork, and terraced villages. We settled into another historic fort-palace, converted into a lovely boutique hotel, built in the 17th century. The rooms at the Serena Shigar Fort were especially unique, all resembling their original layouts. My room … More Shigar, the Heart of Baltistan
Upon arriving to the town of Khaplu, which once acted as the second-largest kingdom in old Baltistan, having guarded the trade route to Ladakh, we were immediately charmed. Tree lined dirt roads following babbling creeks, that broke from the Indus River and Shyok River, where families hung drying laundry, and children played joyfully with farm animals. We … More The Small Kingdom of Khaplu
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
Across the river from Hunza Valley is Nagar Valley. From Karimabad, the route to reach the town of Nagar, the largest town in the valley among 24 villages, follows windy dirt roads along cliff sides, crossing the Hunza River and Nagar River junction. As we approached Nagar Valley, we became surrounded by some of the … More Nagar Valley & Hopper Glacier
Karimabad truly feels like a dreamy utopia, nestled in a lush valley surrounded by dramatic snowy mountain peaks. Upon checking-in to the lovely Hunza Serena Inn, I literally had to pinch myself to be sure I wasn’t staring at a digital green screen simply projecting such a stunning backdrop. Almost too beautiful to be real! … More Karimabad, Hunza Valley
Not long into our continued journey down the Karakoram Highway, view of the stunning Attabad Lake and its uniquely bright turquoise water caught us all by surprise. How is such pristine color even possible?? The lake was formed in 2010 due to a massive landslide creating a dam, blocking the Hunza River flow. Sadly, many villages … More Attabad Lake & Hussaini Suspension Bridge – Gems of the KKH
From Kashgar, we started the infamous Karakoram Highway, one of the highest paved roads in the world (maximum elevation is 15,466 ft). The highway traces one of the many paths of the ancient Silk Road. A path crossed and written about by Marco Polo. The highway was built by the governments of Pakistan and China. … More Crossing the Khunjerab Pass from China into Pakistan
Wandering Ways 