Another solo trip - a tribute to KKH

[Wanderlust]

When I was on top of the mountain that descends out of Phander valley, I stopped in front of a surkari guest house. Guy there advised me to continue driving for another 5-10 minutes and there is a PTDC signboard.

Oh, so this I had missed; motel and lake is in fact before Phander valley and separated by a mountain.

[alkandar]

Nice Narration and beautiful Pictures.

[shahidgujjar]

Brother do you want to sell your msr tent

[ezisohail]

Zabardast narration

[imtishal]

A very well narrated trip I must say. And hats off to you for doing it all alone.
Your trip brought back my memories of 2011 when I traveled on this road as well, while going towards (kokhush lake and then towards chitral via crossing shandoor pass), I was there in early July so the valley was in full bloom and greenery.The valley is truly majestic and mesmerizing which starts to wrap around you after asar prayers and peaks after marib prayers, and if one is there during full moon nights..the valley will spellbound you with it's beauty and will surly make you crazy..
(disclaimer : The above mentioned symptoms will only effect you if you have love for mountains)

[ezisohail]

Well described with nice clips

[qasmi66]

Kudos for a gripping and captivating narration. Can't wait to see it completed.

[qasmi66]

Kudos for a gripping and captivating account. Can't wait to see it completed.

[suhaibshaikh]

I continued my journey on KKH that was now tempting me to hit the 5th gear

Today, all I have to do was to drive to Phunder valley so no hurry. I prepared my own tea..... desi dudh putti....neither strong nor civilized separate chai!

Thanks brother. This is Brunton stove that I had bought from US in 2010. It is still a workhorse. Fuel cartridge is Coleman having 230gm gas that was available at a store locally for Rs. 800 a piece. It can prepare breakfast, tea, coffee, noodles and for meals I use for heating the precooked saalan.

Well described with nice clips

overall till now very well narrated.. nice clicks and solo travelling is courageous and enjoyable too

[suhaibshaikh]

sir please move on.. waiting for more

[mfaizandawood]

I have been dreaming to visit this side of PAKISTAN on a bike for a long time and people like you inspires me. InshaAllah this year or next.
Can't w8 to see rest of the pics

[Alexandar1]

The benefit of travelling alone is that your thoughts and imagination are always accompanied with you. You see things more and in detail. You notice every bit of what you normally have a glance at. I think this an exciting and a very creative choice to opt for.

The only problem with travelling alone is the fear of 'what ifs' - what if any think happens to you - what if your ride breaks down, and then you are all alone to deal with it.

[Fraz87]

excellent journey but it is quite difficult to travel alone, I would die of boredom and by staying quite

[Xoofi]

Gotta catchup on this thread Missed it completely as I was in Neelum valley from last 8 days.

Looks like it will be an excellent read.. ** brings popcorn **

[arfanmahmood1]

Ma Sha Allah, Brave Effort

[Wanderlust]

When I was on top of the mountain that descends out of Phander valley, I stopped in front of a surkari guest house. Guy there advised me to continue driving for another 5-10 minutes and there is a PTDC signboard.

Oh, so this I had missed; motel and lake is in fact before Phander valley and separated by a mountain.

So for getting to Phandar lake, one has to descend back from Phander valley and after a short ride there is a left turn on not so easy 50 meters dirt track between boulders. Then this is the entrance with telenor logos. These logos are everywhere in the area; but what a joke, there are no signals except Zong and scom. My hosts at Yasin valley must be concerned about my whereabouts when last I had pinged them when I had left Gilgit.

[Wanderlust]

I was at the highly rated PTDC and phandar lake of Ghizer district where my plan was to stay for two days. But what a disappointment; it was like being in Chilas and the motel is built on a barren hill. I looked at the lake and it was also not that tempting to the eyes. Then I thought, may be its noon time and the lake will change colors around sunset and in the morning.

[Wanderlust]

With these thoughts, I booked a room overlooking the lake. Compared to Gupis, this motel is not that lavish....may be a bit old. Hot water was not available but they promised a bucket in the morning...excuse was, wood is not yet collected for geazer.

[Wanderlust]

My room had opening in front of lake where there was a separate sitting area. I sit there trying to like something in the lake. I felt Khabeiki and Jhalar lakes in the barren salt range even look better from the top. Color of the lake was dark greyish.

[Wanderlust]

I changed my plan for next day to stay in one of the guest houses mentioned on google maps inside Shandur. With no interest in the motel and the lake, I thought of getting a feeler of the track snaking inside Shandur, just to see if I can make it to Shandur lake also.

Back in Phander valley!