VAGABONDING AROUND PAKISTAN

by Faisal Iqbal (Pakistan)

A leap into the unknown Pakistan

Being a travel photographer, traveling around country was on my to do list for sometime. A backpacker on budget, first I travelled around northern region of country exploring astounding GILGIT BALTISTAN having mountains so awe inspiring one can forget to breath while laying first glance on them. Then backpacked to secluded valleys of Chitral and Bamboret having a distinct culture and religion, inhabited by women who are heavenly gorgeous in their multicolored embroidered attires. Hailing from north, exploring south and tropics of Pakistan was an idea excited me to my core. Formulation of fault free traveling pattern required some planning. Finally, I started my second part of Pakistan exploring journey. To reminisce my childhood, my first destination was KARACHI the city of lights. Strolls around old bazaars and buildings, inbreathing the serenity at the shores of Arabian sea, eating spicy biryani tender kababs and palatable sea-food were the experiences that shall always hold special place in my heart. My next stop was Pakistan's most remarkable and noted port of GWADER in Baluchistan. My stay there spanned around 3 days,Those three days were spent mostly on beach. Due to area being underdeveloped, hygienic food sources were scarce. But when one experience those other worldly sunsets every privation can be ignored. Being a fan of golden hour my camera clicked numerous breathtaking pictures of those majestic sunsets. A walk on wooden track built on beach while seeing a setting sun reveled my soul to brim. A very unique thing I saw Was local kids hunting seagulls using fish as bait, Afterwards, those hunted birds were consumed as cooked meals. While shooting vlog, my new found avocation I got bitten on my foot by a giant crab at sea shore. The Bite was inflamed and needed medical attention which compelled me to pack my bag and go back to Karachi. Though locals in Gwader tried home remedies on bite but they weren't of much benefit. I call that bite farewell gift from enigmatic Gwader. After healing my inflamed injury my next stop was a beach named GADANI in Baluchistan. Gadani beach was really clean trash free and less crowded as compared to other beaches I had visited prior to it. When ships get old and rusty they are brought to Gadani to cut into pieces. Then these pieces are auctioned to different Companies. Packing my bag once again I traveled towards southern part of Pakistan PUNJAB. My next stop was MULTAN city of saints. Visiting all those shrines of pious Muslim saints revamped my faith as a devotee. Accompanied by an old friend I visited FORT MUNRO a hill station 185km away from Multan. Fort Munro was constructed by Britishers in late 19th century. Locals mostly are nomads. There were two lakes and atop mountain were ruins of the fort. While heading towards fort, I saw few small streams and creeks heaving with flowing water. As we reached the top of mountain it started to snow heavily there, blanketing earth with starkness everywhere. For my friend's family accompanying me, this experience was like cherry on top as Multan being one of the hottest region in Punjab, for them it truly was an escaping experience. After having time of our life at fort we reached back Multan late night. I the backpacker once again zipped my bags and headed straight to LAHORE the city of gardens. I went to Lahore fort(Shahi qila) built by mughals in late 17th century and also explored badshahi mosque another masterpiece built by mughals. Later I enjoyed yummiest Lahori food at a roof top restaurant giving an enthralling view of both ancient but well preserved wonders. Lahore was the city that I consider climax of my homeric journey. Yes I came back to MANSEHRA my home town with a lighter pocket but my heart was stuffed with ample memories. This trip truly enlightened and aware me to new peaks allowing me to give exposure to beauty of my beloved country PAKISTAN through this writing, my photographs and vlogs.