Since you're blackmailing me - I will share a few pictures - for privacy reasons cannot share the others. I do expect to get leads on a car & driver after this post.
As for the trip itself - in summary:
- Peshawar city tour - seeing all the main attractions. My heart bled for Peshawar. It's such a historical city with so many sights to behold. What has terrorism done to it?
- Reached Dir via Swat - very calm & peaceful but a bit intimidating because of the presence of troops and rangers - couldn't visit Takht e Bahai for this purpose. Overnight in Dir which is surprisingly a beautiful place with relatively cold climate but sadly non-existent facilities for tourists.
- We had to spend a couple of days in Kalash but due to the heavy rainfalls serious landsliding had blocked the route from Ayun to Kalash. The journey from Dir to CHitral was amazing - especially crossing the Lowari Top but again sadly no basic amenities during the journey, esp toilet facilities. Lowari Top enthralls passengers with its scenic views and entering the Chitral valley introduces you to stunning landscape. Spent the night in Chitral with fantastic views of Trich Mir.
- Exciting journey to Mastuj which is a very underrated place. Overnight in PTDC nestled amongst majestic mountains. Visit to the impressive Chitral fort.
- Continued our journey to Phander. Highlight of the day was the jaw-dropping Shandoor Pass. It broke my heart to be the only visitor on the Polo Ground - the first year that the festival did not take place. Continued to Phander - gorgeous scenery along the way. While staying in PTDC Phander - you feel as if you're part of a painting. Time stands still, the valley is so quiet and pretty.
- Continued our journey to Hunza - the Rakaposhi captivated us throughout the journey. Hunza is a tourist friendly place. Overnight at Eagle's nest was a wonderful experience.
- Crossed the Atabad lake to reach Gulmit. The Atabad lake is Allah's miracle - the most stunning body of water i've seen. Views of the Passu cones was a visual treat.
- Visit to Khunjerab Pass which is a fabulous experience in itself. The only turn off was seeing the baby snow leopard who is treated by a circus clown by the tourists.
- Journey to GIlgit via Naltar. Naltar valley is one of THE most gorgeous places in the world. Untouched and pristine. The green Naltar lake, the flora and fauna, the snow capped peaks.
- Overnight in Skardu - charming town to live in
- Crossed the impressive Deosai Plans to reach Astore valley which comes a close second to Naltar. You travel through the endless seeming Deosai National Park to reach Sheosar Lake (where the temp is around 5c at an altitude of almost 14k feet) at the second highest plains in the world. Rightly called the land of giants, the journey to Deosai is spell-binding, the plateau itself, enchanting. You are surrounded by mountains and feel close enough to touch the clouds. Unparalleled experience. Subhan Allah!
- PTDC Rama gives you a surreal experience. Allah has Blessed Pakistan with the most magnificent landscapes.
- Tarshing Valley - what a place - nestled in the feet of the awe-inspiring Nanga Parbat - this is my happy place. It has a magical quality about it - you forget your worldly problems and feel calm and tranquil. Overnight in Chilas.
- Babusar Pass - one of the loveliest passes in the world. Kaghan valley is picture perfect.
- Back to Isb via Shogran, Balakot, Mansehra, the Galiyat, Murree.
I met some of the most genuine people on this trip who lead a different life from us but are happier and have a heart of gold. May Allah bless them, bless Pakistan and bless us all - May he guide us to lead our lives without every forgetting 'which of Allah's favours will we deny?'
I can write words and words about this trip but it was very special - something which you has touched your soul and the memories of which you will cherish forever. There are many details which I am omitting for lack of time - dozens of small towns we visited enroute which were equally mesmerising
