I think I have fallen in love with Pasu - Upper Hunza - Gojal. Went there for the first time last year in July with my family. Have been longing to be there again ever since. The longing became too intense lately, hence I drove 24 hours non stop without breaking the journey, only small stop overs for meals etc. I even managed to convince my younger brother and two of my friends to join me in this lunatic journey.
Once there, had dinner at my favourite Glacier Breeze Restaurant and went to sleep after watching the sky full of stars. I bet one cannot see more stars in a single sight elsewhere. The morning was awesome. It was at least - 5 degrees. The streams were frozen, the lake of Batura Glacier was frozen, the famous Pasu cones were over shadowing the whole landscape. Pasu Glacier was there quiet and fresh. It was serenity and calmness unlimited. I hate to be back so soon.
It isn't just the destination alone. The journey itself was exciting and rewarding. Turquoise waters of the Indus never left sight. The sights of mighty Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi. The vast and rugged terrain and landscape of the KKH and its waterfalls. The confluence point of three great mountain ranges Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindukush. The convergence point of Indus and Gilgit rivers and the list goes on.
We had three choices of rides for this journey. Unfortunately, none of them is an SUV or 4x4. There were two Altis, a Cultus and a Honda Accord CM5. Considering the dynamics of the journey, we selected Accord being the most comfortable and powerful.
We set off at 8 pm on 4th Feb from Lahore via M2 and reached Besham at 6 am, stopping at Kallar Kahar for dinner. Had Breakfast at Pattan and continued with our journey. The road from Dasu till Shatial (almost 100 km) is in a very very bad state. We covered this distance in almost 5 hours with a small stop over at Samar Nullah.
The road from Shatial to Chilas was much better. From Chilas to Raikot it was again intermittently bad and okay. From Raikot onward, one feels as if travelling in an altogether different country. The return was almost the same. Started at 8 am from Pasu on 6th Feb and reached Lahore at 6 am on 7th Feb.
Mods: I know this is not a 4x4 Adventure but I did not find any section for non 4x4 travels hence posting it here. Either leave it here or move it to the relevant section please. Thanks
