Bike Trip to the Unseen
They say when you travel to the northern areas of Pakistan by car, it feels like you are watching a movie.... But when you travel there on a bike, you are actually starring in one.
These 1400 kms were unforgettable. The diversity of landscape, the changing climate and the warmth in people's smiles made this trip a breathtaking experience. Kohistan Mountain Range to the great Hamalayas, every landscape amazed us inside and out. The Karakoram Highway and it's coverage pattern is so diverse that just when you think you have seen a spectacular view that you never saw before, it just brings up another wonder. The scale of this landscape is huge. Weather varies from very hot to cool and then very cold. The route is tough, but as soon as you cross the Raikot bridge, it suddenly makes you forget every hardship you had before on route. We used to take stops to ease our muscles, but after Raikot, we took stops to enjoy the different landmarks. The stoney Chillas to the Snow covered ice-cube like Rakaposhi, from blue Attaabad lake to the towering Passu Cones, from Cherry and Apricot gardens, hanging Hussaini bridge to the lush green Naran valley, one can only think how amazing this country is.
We were all smiles and no worries. We were taken by the locals more like celebs. They welcomed us wuth open arms. people of Gilgit and especially Hunza were so welcoming, so simple and yet so modern in their daily life, it is truly inspiring. Educated, well-mannered and very helpful. They will stop and ask you if everything is alright and greet you with a smile. We took a photo break and child came to me with fresh apricots in his little hands and gave them to me saying “Uncle Khubani Khaogy”. These people won our hearts and earned our respect.
For me this tour meant a lot. It was a dream that I had always wished for to come true. I hadn't seen North before, and through this trip I saw it all the way, and how!!! A motorbike tour, to the unseen and unimaginable beauty of my country. Pakistan You Beauty!!!
