Daily Times

ey’re right when they say journey is always better than the destination. Hunza, without a doubt is stunning and awe inspiring, however, the road that leads to Hunza, meaning the journey in itself is unforgettable and harsh as it may be, is worth taking.

My photographer buddies and I headed out to Hunza, on a tour bus. The journey was long but it was worth our while.

A special shoutout to Travel & Tours Pakistan as well as Transmedia Digital Solutions for helping arrange and organise everything.

So from Islamabad we went to Hasan Abdal and from there we headed off to Abbottabad. I would especially mention the breath-taking Karakoram Highway that extends from Hasan Abdal to the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit. We stopped for breakfast at Balakot. And the journey was never-ending from there. Naran lead us to Kaghan Valley and then we found ourselves staring into the beautiful Kunhar River.

Let me tell you. Kunhar River is the most beautiful river I have ever seen in my life and rafting in that river is one experience I will cherish until eternity.

Refreshed from the rafting, we crossed Lulusar Hill and reached Babusar Top, which is also known as the Babusar Pass, only to go downwards from there. The oxygen level is a little less at the Babusar Top, which towers at a might 13,700ft. When u get out of the car your feet almost give in.

You know you can only enter Chilas before 5pm as the mountainous area can get dangerous during the evening.

So from Raikot we made our way to Juglot and taking a ride, which lasted for 24 hours, we were finally in Gilgit.

When one peers outside the bus’s window, on reaching the city of Gilgit, it feels like it’s a world of its own. It’s absolutely majestic. Gilgit is hotter as compared to Hunza.

There were the Rakaposhi on my left, and the daunting Nanga Parbat right in front of me. Towards my right were the Himalayas. We spent a night in Gilgit and during the day, finally reached the Minaar Chowk in Hunza.

There was a track that leads all the way up to this hotel called Eagle’s Nest Hotel, where we stayed and dined in. We set up our base camp beneath the Ladyfinger Peak. The food might not be that great there, but it is the fruits, which are completely appetising. I wou;d especially like to mention the cherries we had. The view is amazing from the top from where the first golden light of the sun peaks in. Another highlight is the Khunjerab Pass, which is beautiful.

The Attabad Lake in Hunza is very beautiful. The lake could be Hunza’s main beauty attraction. The lake exudes three colours, sometimes blue, sometimes green and sometimes grey.

We also wanted to look for the Markhor, which is a stunning and a pricey animal and is also said to be very delicious.

The writer is a professional photographer at Sunday Times. He can be reached at mutalsani@gmail.com