At the end of year 2014 I had set some traveling goals for myself. Though I didn’t travel frequently this year but still I was able to fulfill some of the wishes from my travel wishlist of 2015. Here is year 2015 in review.
The first major trip I did in 2015 was a road trip in May around Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan. I started my journey along with 4 other friends in Rav4 Toyota jeep 4. Went to explore Kailash valley in Chitral. We got bit disappointed at Kailash valley and decide to go to Shandur lake. We went to explore Shandure lake and came back to Islamabad via Ghizer, Gilgit, Babusar pass, Naran route.
Road trip to Shandur lake Chitral Ghizer Gilgit Baltistan / photo by Sher Ali Photography
Then I lead a strong team of 15 trekkers in July to Karomber lake. We started our journey from Islamabad towards Yasin valley in Gilgit Baltistan. Crossed the Darkot pass (4,703 m) to reach Chikar in Broghil valley, Chitral, KP. Explored Broghil valley all the way to Karomber lake (which lies on the boundary of Broghil valley in Chitral and Ishkoman in Gilgit Baltistan). We came back to Gilgit city via Mastuj, Chitral. Finally reached back home in Islamabad via Babusar, Naran route.
Karomber lake Ishkoman Gilgit Baltistan / photo by Sher Ali Photography
In August I did a short 3 days trek to Ratti Gali lake. Spent a chilling night on the bank of Ratti Gali lake. Next day we went to Arang Kel (one of my favorite places in Pakistan) to spend a night under milky ways galaxy.
Arang Kel, Neelum valley, Kashmir, Pakistan / photo by Sher Ali Photography
In the last week of October I went to explore Hunza valley in autumn. I was supposed to go with couple of friends but all of them quite the plan at the last minute so I had to travel alone this time. Though I didn’t find great weather over there but I was able to explore upper Hunza up to Sost.
Before the last sunset of 2015, I went for a day hike to Mushkpuri top.
Which treks did you do in 2015 (Please share your travel experiences of year 2015 in the comments below)?
Traveling is living!
Samrah Shahid
January 17, 2016 at 4:41 pmHi,
Loved reading ur interesting traveling experience in Pakistan. In 2015, I travel to Islamabad for the first time in my life. Basically i belong to Karachi and other than Karachi I have visited Lahore only (just for 2 days). In end of October 2015, I planned to travel to Pakistan for 15 days and see Islamabad, Pindi, Murree and Lahore, which was my initial plan with my sister. My main aim was to see Autumn season and discover the beauty of Autumn in these cities. I was done with my exploring list in above mentioned listed cities.
I couldnt go to Lahore for several reasons, like first I wasn’t allowed to travel alone. Second, my sister wasn’t daring enough to travel via bus or train with me. third, my aunt wasnt allowed to take us there. (I stayed at my aunt’s place in Pindi) So the planned changed and in the end we get to see Islamabad, Murree, Pindi and Taxila. Yes! Taxila, which i never heard about it; but thanks to my aunt who was aware about this city and took us there to explore.
I was suppose to go for trekking at Margalla hills with my friends but unfortunately i had convenience problem, so couldn’t make it. Although I did i expecienced a little bit while we where in Saidpur Village and my aunt told me there is something up there (behind Des Pardes Restaurant) as they say “Zinda Peer Baba” who lives. I was trilled to hear that and decided to explore. We went up there through the bushy staircase but thanks to my sister (elder sister) who was really scared. **face palm**.
Anyway I am planning to travel more and get to see the northern part of Pakistan in 2016 (if my parents allowed again to travel) Hopefully this time it might be Hunza, Dosai Plains, Chitral, etc.
The Silent Traveler
January 17, 2016 at 4:55 pmYeah, it is difficult for females in Pakistan to travel alone as their parents wouldn’t allow them but then there are some females who travel and explore a lot more than many males.
If you have desire to travel then you can always join the trips of commercial tourism companies as lots of females travel with them hence you and your parents will feel a lot safer than traveling alone.