Solo traveler

by Uzair Taga (Pakistan)

Making a local connection Pakistan

It was the second week of September, and a bright sunny day, as we set out from Lahore on our journey to the northern areas of the country. My wife and I had been planning this trip for weeks but were still apprehensive on what was to come since we had never ventured this far up north. We hadn’t seen most of the places that we planned on covering but were excited nonetheless, since we were about to make our journey across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) to Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Hunza is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my life. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides with some of the most amazing peaks visible including Rakaposhi (7,780 metres), Diran (7,266 metres), Lady Finger (6,000 metres) and Ultar Sar (7,388 metres). The moment we got a glimpse of Attabad Lake, we were left awe-struck by the beautiful blue color of the water. We even took a boat tour across the lake, enthralled by the beauty of the lake and the destruction that lay underneath it. At certain places, you can still see the top of trees and the previous Karakoram Highway submerged – a testament to the former landscape. The next day, we visited Altit Fort, which was built by the rulers of Hunza more than a thousand years ago. The most spectacular part of the fort is that it is built right on the edge of the rock with a steep fall below. Its unique position allows an excellent vantage point for photography. Pakistan has so many beautiful places that are waiting to be explored. I would recommend anyone fond of traveling to visit Gilgit, Hunza and the surrounding areas. Not only are the places full of scenic beauty, but what makes your stay truly memorable is the hospitality of the people. The friendly and welcoming faces that will greet you wherever you go are what truly make your trip to the north an unforgettable experience.