Second day?s target was to reach Karimabad, before sunset. And it was Election day in Gilgit-Baltistan region so I wanted to cover as much distance as I could early in the morning. I woke up at 0345 hrs and after a routine vehicle check-up and a cup of tea I left Dassu at 0500 hrs. The scenery was totally changed. You may find some greens but most of it consisted of shades between brown and yellow. But this had its own beauty and I really liked it. Road condition is really bad with few average patches.
A lot of Army was present in GB area because of the elections. I was stopped by the Army guys somewhere before Chilas. They asked the usual questions but were uncomfortable of the fact that I am travelling alone. They searched my vehicle but let me go in few minutes. I reached Chilas at 0835 hrs. Had breakfast at Shangrilla and left Chilas at 0930 hrs. After crossing Raikot bridge the road becomes super highway and the scenery around also changes. Cruising at the speeds of 50-60kph I really enjoyed driving on that road. I forgot to take the right turn to Danyor and went into Gilgit city. I asked a few locals and they told me to go back and go to the other side of the river.
I reached PTDC Hunza at 1400 hrs. It was full. I went to Karimabad and Darbar Hotel was not available either as the Chinese had rented it out till August. Embassy Hotel was full too. So I went to Eagles Nest in Duikar and it was full too or so the receptionist told me. After pushing him a bit there was one room available and I took it. The room rent varies between 4500-9500 Rs. depending upon the location of the room. The food is too expensive and spicy. I tried their hand made noodles? soup, it was OK.
The view from my room was just mesmerizing. I took a few pictures and then just sat there in the balcony and enjoyed the view as the sun went down.