Rawalpindi is adjacent to Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad, and the two are jointly known as the “twin cities” on account of strong social and economic links. Rawalpindi has been inhabited for thousands of years and has ancient Buddhist heritage, unlike Islamabad, which was constructed in 1961 as a purpose-built national capital city. Its deep history is apparent … More Jingle Trucks in Rawalpindi
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
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 