Four incredible reasons to travel the northern areas of Pakistan
Every step is a one step closer to nature, to self-discovery, and in a very strange way, one step closer to God.
The northern areas of Pakistan are heaven for those who seek adventure. From the highest mountains of the world, to lush green valleys and pristine lakes, the north has it all. Our travel gem.
Here, I shall take you through a visual journey of my travelling experience through the north of Pakistan. After this, I am quite sure you will be setting up your itinerary.
1) Pristine lakes and solitude
Northern Pakistan has been blessed with some of the most beautiful lakes that one could ever imagine. My favourites so far have been Karomber lake, Chitta Katha lake and Saral lake. I was once able to explore 20+ lakes in a single trekking trip to Kaghan and the Neelum valleys. Some are very easily accessible - Saiful Malook lake, for example, makes one of the most tranquil camping sites - but others, like Rush Lake, require strenuous multi-day trekking.
2) Thrilling mountain passes
If you are one to appreciate a walk in true wilderness, then these mountain passes are your calling. Difficult to cross, these passes can test the most brave hearts out there. An average trek is about six to seven hours a day on varied terrains, so mountaineering experience would definitely be a good idea. In fact, to cross certain passes, experience is a prerequisite - especially if you plan on trekking through Gondogoro La, Haramosh La, Mazeno pass etc.
3) Strenuous treks
If it looks overwhelming to you right now, you will not believe what you see when you are standing right in the middle of all its glory. These majestic beauties will humble you to the concept of nature. They say you will leave behind your worries when you travel to the mountains - but I think that the mere opulence of these breath-taking mountains give you no choice but to pay attention to them. Every step is a one step closer to nature, one step closer to self-discovery, and in a very strange yet comprehensible way, one step closer to God. If you are will to take that first step - the rest will follow. I promise you.
4) Short and quick adventures
To explain the adventure that you will behold, all I will do is quote W.B. Yeats,
The adventure awaits your presence - don't leave it hanging!
All photos: Sher Ali
This post originally appeared here.
Here, I shall take you through a visual journey of my travelling experience through the north of Pakistan. After this, I am quite sure you will be setting up your itinerary.
1) Pristine lakes and solitude
Northern Pakistan has been blessed with some of the most beautiful lakes that one could ever imagine. My favourites so far have been Karomber lake, Chitta Katha lake and Saral lake. I was once able to explore 20+ lakes in a single trekking trip to Kaghan and the Neelum valleys. Some are very easily accessible - Saiful Malook lake, for example, makes one of the most tranquil camping sites - but others, like Rush Lake, require strenuous multi-day trekking.
2) Thrilling mountain passes
If you are one to appreciate a walk in true wilderness, then these mountain passes are your calling. Difficult to cross, these passes can test the most brave hearts out there. An average trek is about six to seven hours a day on varied terrains, so mountaineering experience would definitely be a good idea. In fact, to cross certain passes, experience is a prerequisite - especially if you plan on trekking through Gondogoro La, Haramosh La, Mazeno pass etc.
3) Strenuous treks
If it looks overwhelming to you right now, you will not believe what you see when you are standing right in the middle of all its glory. These majestic beauties will humble you to the concept of nature. They say you will leave behind your worries when you travel to the mountains - but I think that the mere opulence of these breath-taking mountains give you no choice but to pay attention to them. Every step is a one step closer to nature, one step closer to self-discovery, and in a very strange yet comprehensible way, one step closer to God. If you are will to take that first step - the rest will follow. I promise you.
4) Short and quick adventures
To explain the adventure that you will behold, all I will do is quote W.B. Yeats,
“Faeries, come take me out of this dull world,
For I would ride with you upon the wind,
Run on the top of the dishevelled tide,
And dance upon the mountains like a flame.”
The adventure awaits your presence - don't leave it hanging!
All photos: Sher Ali
This post originally appeared here.