Yarkhun Valley, Baroghil Pass, Lake karambar, Upper Chitral, July 2012

[rahatlatif]

Our next destination was the beautiful village called Kishmanjah. This is the gateway or entery into the mighty Baroghal pass/valley. Time to oil our body and mind as for the next 4 days its all about the strength endurance and will power. Had to disembark from our vehicle and take on our feet.

Majestic Mominabad ! under the shadows of Koyo Zom

[nmumtaz]

Thanks everyone for appreciating. Since it was a fairly long tour with rapidly changing scenes and scenarios therefore I have to describe it in segments so that everyone better understand this area.
Let me give you a summary of what we did and how much we travelled on day 1. I guess a single picture should give you enough idea. but i will be more than happy if you keep asking for the details.

[nmumtaz]

After after making arrangements for our luggage, porters and donkeys it was time to move on from Kishmanjah at about 6 am in the morning. Here a brief look at what we were upto. Destination was the small village of about 4-5 houses called GAREL where we were supposed to spend our 2nd night.
Kishmanjah is at about 10000 feet and we had to ascend gradually to an altitude of 12500 feet at Garel. So took the precaution of taking medicines for high altitude sickness. We were told that Garlic works well so took some with us.

[nmumtaz]

Now here are the scenes starting from Kishmanjah upto Ishkawaz. Got our selves mentally ready for a hard tough but exciting trekk along some of the most spectacular valleys never seen before. So here we go......

[nmumtaz]

Brief stopovers at places to find some energy and strength. The best part was fresh water was abundant everywhere and a quick tang refreshments was doing magic to our energy and strenth.

[nmumtaz]

Time to move on and on. Excitement building up at every turn and corner.

[nmumtaz]

Passing through streams, crossing some bridges and toiling between some large rocks and boulders the move is on towards ISHKAWAZ.

[nmumtaz]

Reaching ISHKAWAZ where you will find the last post of Chitral Scouts. After that you are all on your own (as far as security is concerned Just kidding BTW this is perhaps the most peaceful region in the world. Your only enemy is harsh blistering sun and high altitude if you are not adequately acclimatized.
Time for me to get on to the horse as my shoes started to pinch me badly with blisters appearing already on my heels.

[nmumtaz]

Another two and half hours to trek before we reach our resting place for the night- Garel. Our minds and thoughts already getting engulfed by the pure magic of the area as we gradudally ascend to a height of 12000 feet.

[nmumtaz]

From Ishkawaz to Garel.

[nmumtaz]

Reaching Garel. One of the most lush green valley with carpeted grass and wild flowers in abundance. Temperature rapidly falling and height going up here comes the "feel" of getting on to the ROOFTOP of the world as this area is known. In september this area becomes the biggest congregation place of YAKS roughly about 15000-20000 of them assemble to have a grand family re-union Many people from far and wide visit this place just to see this grand spectacle.

[nmumtaz]

Just short of Garel I began to experience the effects of high altitude and suddenly developed headache and nausea. I could hardly make it to our resting place and for once I started to imagine that its all over for me as far as going any further is concerned. The feeling was really sickening and terrible.I just managed to just lay down early and was fighting through out the night against the sickness. But by the grace of Allah I was absolutely fine in the morning and my enthusiasm returning back quickly. So if this happens to anyone of you, just dont panic, take some good rest and the effect should go off well in time.

[nmumtaz]

This brings to an end of this episode. Next up is even more exciting part from Garel to Zhail where we had to establish our camp and prepare for the final push to the ultimate destination- Lake Kurambara. I hope you have been enjoying thus far as much as we actually did (Minus the Altitude sickness so stay tuned for the rest of the story. Cheers!!

[nmumtaz]

By the way let me introduce you to our team.
Fist me- Dr. Naeem Mumtaz from Peshawar and a surgeon by profession. My third visit to chitral. My love for this area and its people ever so increases with each and every visit for very obvious reasons.

[nmumtaz]

Next is Dr. Siddique Ahmad from chitral but practices in Peshawar. A very good surgeon and the main architect of this whole trip. He is most willing to help anyone who wishes to visit chitral.

[nmumtaz]

Here we have Dr. Israr Ahmad from chitral and a brilliant orthopaedic surgeon.

[nmumtaz]

Here is Mr. Qasim a forest officer at chitral. He is really a humble person and a great helping hand.
Below him is Mr. Chishti our guide and tour driver. I must admire the driving skills of this man. Has the guts and heart to take us at unimaginable routes with his pickup. Truly an inspiring personality.

[nmumtaz]

And last but not the least here is our ultimate guide and support member, Mr. Bashir also know as "Chairman" in the area. He is very well know in this entire region and made everything so easy and simple for us. Just ask for him if you happen to visit this area. He is always more than willing to help his heart out.

[zahid135]

Doctor Sb.
Amazing shots and very well narrated.
The purity of environment is clearly visible.
What a wonderful place.
Thanks for sharing..................

[nmumtaz]

Thanks Zahid for the appreciation. I would like to encourage everyone to have a go at this wonderful region atleast once in a life time. Its clearly way different place with its own unique flavour. And u r absolutely rite. The Environment is absolutely crystal clear, free of human interference for a large part.
In this thread we are about half way along the route. Things go even brighter and more spectacular as we progress farther and higher.