Trip to Gilgit Baltistan

Our trip to Hunza started form Islamabad, so we took a coaster that took us to the Gilgit Baltistan. There were 3 stops in the middle. The coaster departed at 8 pm and that is good because you can spend your time travel time sleeping and won’t feel the tiredness of long journey. Though views were interesting but long travel time just make it monotonous. In whole tour I was like when will reach our destination. You won't find hygienic bathrooms on the way so keep your own detergents and toilet roll for the way. Also, if you're going with a lot of people its best to get your own transport like a bus/van/coaster so that you don't have to worry about the transport there. Car renting is extremely expensive there. We luckily got a car to take us to Skardu since it was already going there but in 5000 PKR! but the usual cost only starts around 15000 PKR(too expensive). And when we wanted to come back no one quoted less than 20,000 PKR which is why we took public transport back from Skardu which cost us only 650 PKR each. For our way back, we went by air since we really didn't want to travel another 16 hours after an exhausting trip. Going was fine but we predict ourselves to be exhausted by the end and didn't think we could have done our way back comfortably by road.

Following were the discovered destinations in whole trip:

• Pine Hut, Gilgit
•  NLI mess, in Bunji Gilgit 
• Shangrila Lake
• Skardu Sukh naala/valley
• Karimabad, 
• Hunza Attabad Lake, Hunza 
• Altit Fort, Hunza 
• Kha Basi Cafe

Hacks for Travelling

Afraid of the packing? Don’t stress yourself when you can follow these simple packing hacks for travelling. 

1. Start rolling your clothes This one is very essential for the back packers who packs a month’s clothes in it. Don’t fold your clothes but roll them. This will save up to tons of space in your bags. 

2. Zip-lock bags: From keeping liquid to spill all over your belongings, use Zip-lock bags. Not only saves your clothes but also save up loads of space. Make intelligent use of Man’s small-blessed invention. 

3. Laundry Detergents Save yourself in case of spill emergency or avoid buying new clothes when laundry detergents can help clean clothes in easy ways. The best part is it can fit in the pockets of your bag packs. 

4. Avoid extra packing; Shop at thrift stores This one helps in ways you can’t imagine. Pack your bags only with the necessary items rest is covered by thrift stores. Make space for the souvenirs. 

5. Personal item: Pack CAREFULLY! Use your personal Item carefully, instead of carrying a small fashion bag, bring out a comparative big one for enough space which can be of use later. 

6. Snacks Are you planning a fixed budget trip? Don’t forget to pack snacks like you are feeding an army. This will save you few bucks especially on the Airports. 

7. Empty water bottle Travelers usually pay for overpriced water bottles at the airports especially. Save yourself by putting empty water bottles in your bag packs and filling them after passing through security. 

8. A book or E-reader What if your plane is delayed, what if you miss a flight. What if you are running low of your phone battery? You can spend that time reading a book. It can be about your next destination. What’s better than knowing pretty much everything about the place you are about to visit. 

9. Follow 3-1-1 rule and know your Airline baggage policy Avoid any trouble during your travel, be aware of the baggage policy of the airline you’re travelling in and yes most importantly follow the rule for carry-on luggage. 

Food Vlogging Flourishing Pakistan Reputation

Many vloggers from Pakistan  and outside Pakistan are showing our traditional foods which are attracted by the world of tourism. The tourist visits Pakistan to see their historical buildings, mesmerising landscapes, but now they do admire visiting to enjoy our traditional foods. Through vlogging many foreigners are visiting to Pakistan to enjoy their street foods. This help them also to get aware of our values,cultures and norms.

Mark Wiens Having Qadri Nali Baryani In Karachi

Through vlogging it has been neglected that Pakistan is a terrorist country anymore, because people manifest so much love and respect to the foreigners, that the negative perception created by main stream media of  has been proved wrong.

Coconut stall in Port Grand Karachi

Now the Pakistan is not only famous for his beauty but also famous for its delicious foods.The quality of Pakistani street food is that it classed both desi foods and fast foods. There are number of street foods in Pakistan. Foreigners prefer street food because they get everything at one place. 

Foreigners are attracted by the street food because the food is prepared in front of them.  They can add new experience into their life by entering into the small streets and bulks of restaurant's in that place which shows the culture of Pakistani people. They can enjoy experiencing that because they usually don't have this kind of taste in their country and when they go back into their country they can reminisce that joy.

Why Pakistan is Still behind many Countries in Tourism

No doubt Pakistan is blessed with many beautiful eye-catching attractions but still there are many loopholes in the Country’s policy. Even many tourism reforms were introduced like visa on arrival, free visa policy, helicopter service etc. but issue is why will people visit Pakistan and if the Pakistan has blessed with so much natural landscape then how will the foreigners know about this beauty even when our own people are not aware. Before going towards the reasons why Pakistan is still behind in tourism, it is necessary to know where the Pakistan stands. According to the ranking that was published by United Nations Tourism Organisation France is the most visited country with nearly 87 million international visitors, and the Asian Pacific tourism stats are given below:

1. China has 61 million tourist arrivals
2. Thailand has 35 million tourist arrivals
3. Japan has 29 million tourist arrivals
4. Hong Kong has 28 million tourist arrivals
5. Malaysia has 26 million tourist arrivals
6. Macau has 17 million tourist arrivals
7. India has 16 million tourist arrivals
8. Singapore has 14 million tourist arrivals
9. South Korea has 13 million tourist arrivals
10. Indonesia has approximately 13 million tourist arrivals

Pakistan is no where near to top 10, according to an estimate there are total 323 million International tourist arrivals in Asia-Pacific, out of which Pakistan got only a share of 1.75 million. There are many reasons for Pakistan’s undergrowth in Tourism, but these 3 reasons have more weightage.

No Proper Communication Channel

There is not a single channel that is properly communicating the positive image of Pakistan, the beauty of Pakistan, there are only the bloggers that are communicating the true image of Pakistan through their experiences and by writing their travel stories. But our country only appreciates International Bloggers, the National bloggers also need appreciation to continue their good work and government need to establish a active communication channel.

Poor Maintenance

There are many tourist places all around the world that are older than the tourist places in Pakistan, but they are properly managed and maintain need and are in their true shape. In Pakistan, the roads towards northern areas are broken and in very bad condition and no repairment work is in process. No maintenance of historical places like Rhotas Fort etc.

Poor Security System

No security measures are taken to boost tourism, many tourists face issues of harassment and they find no medium to forward their complains ab such incidents, no translators for international tourists. No contingency plans for unknown situations.

The government and we as a nation must have to work on these problems to solve them and be a proud and peaceful nation and regain their lost value.

Industrial Trips With beautiful Destinations can Boost Tourism

Mujahid group of companies is one of the known names in the oil and steel industries. Mujahid group of companies is located in Hattar, district haripur. Mujhahid group started with their oil industry and after achieving success in this field they launched another subsidiary by the name of Mujahid enterprises (steel re-rolling mills) in 2008. 

A trip was organized to visit mujahid group of companies for class of MBA section E as a class assignment for subject fundamentals of project management taught by Sir Farid. This visit was organized by Jamal Yaqub a student of MSPM section-d. Transport was organized by Qurat-Ul- Ain and Abdullah Tahir.  Abdul Wahab and Tayab Ali were responsible for arranging a first aid box. Habibullah and Qamar Abbas were the photographers for the trip. Asma and Saad Hassan were responsible for the finances and the food during the trip. Ahmer and Daniyal were responsible to bring a wireless audio system for entertainment during the trip. And then at last Danyal and Hamza shah organized a small recreational tour to Mabali Island in Khanpur.

We were told to gather near Sir Syed Block, Bahria University on 21st April, 2019 at 0730 hrs. Where we took a group and departed from Bahria University, at 0830 hrs. Our first stop was at Mian Jee Resturaunt, where we were served with a traditional breakfast. There we stayed till 0945hrs then we departed for Hattar, during the journey in bus we had a lot of fun, we stopped at Golra Chowk from where we had to pick our teacher sir Bashir. Then we started our journey but there was a little misunderstanding due to which the driver took a wrong route. This created a little tension in start but then all settled down. We arrived at mujahid group of companies at 1125 hrs.

We were first taken to the oil mills. there we had to wait for the person who was to guide us during the tour , so we were taken to a room to wait there. In the oil mills we were not allowed to take photos so they collected our phones there.when the guides were ready we were divided into two groups of 20 people in each group, one group was headed by sir farid and other by sir bashir . first we were taken to the can packaging of ghee where we saw how the cans are made and filled . then we were taken to the part were the ghee and oil are packed in plastic packets we were also taken to the part were the byproduct of the oil and ghee , soap was produced. Then we gathered near the office where we took some photos and left for the steel mills

At 1230hrs we arrived at steel mills where before starting the visit we were served with juices and water. Then were guided by Mr. Nazir Bangash to visit all the process of how the scrap is converted to steel bars, we saw there how the scrap is melted and then taken to other process. There we got to know that the scrap was imported from Europe the and the plant was imported recently from china, it was on trial so that is why there were some errors during the rolling process, we were also shown  where they check the quality of the steel. After a thorough visit of the steel mills we were served with lunch after that sir Farid and sir Bashir awarded shield to Mr.  Nazir Bangash and we took a group photo which was later published in news paper.

After awarding them the shield we departed from Hattar at 1345hrs. After a very nice and informative tour we had planned to have some recreational activities for that we arrived at Khanpur from where we headed to Mabali island in small boats there we all had some real good fun. We departure from Manali at 1845hrs.

We arrived at 1900hrs. We had our dinner at Resturaunt. After having dinner we departed for university at 2030hrs and we arrived at 2100hrs

It was a very nice informational and fun tour. We had a lot of fun.

Shogran: Final Trip before Ramzan

As, the discussion started to plan a trip to visit any decided beautiful place, in start I was not sure that it will happen. Because many people were not willing to go and in choosing a place everyone had its own opinion. Everyone was not willing, so a separate group was created and only those class mates were added those who some willingness. Then after many ups and downs a plan was created on which everyone agrees that we will visit Kawai and it is situated in Kaghan Valley.

Outside of Mian G Resturant

On next morning we have to start our journey in two cars and the time decided was 7 A.M but one car started on time but other was 1 hour and 30 minutes late then we communicate with other people to reach at “Mian G restaurant to have some breakfast we ordered there the famous Mian G “Shahi Daal” and Omelette with Lassi  but the food was just fine.

After that we start our journey towards Kawai water fall, as we were on lead then we took benefit of it and stopped a car on a bridge side to have some clicks there.

On The Way to Kawai

When we reached, I really liked this water fall as it is modified into steps and this makes the water fall more beautiful, the water was so cold that it is hard to keep the feet in water. We spend and hour there and ordered tea and pakoray, pakory’s were fine but the tea was tasteless.

At Kawai waterfall

Then after spending some time the girls had to go back and we 5 decided to get more of this trip and then we did a call that to know if we can visit Lake Saif ul Malok but the ways were block after Naran, then we decided to go for Shogran. It took us 30 minutes to reach to Shogran but road was in a bad condition. After reaching Shogran we were enjoying the whole atmosphere and while sitting beside the Governor House and enjoying the views while having some cold drinks. After clicking some photos of different points at Shogran we started our journey back to Islamabad while enjoying singing old songs.

View of Shogran

Mukshpuri: The Best Road Trip

One day group of our friends decided to visit to Mukshpuri in 2017 and after a lot of discussion we 4 (Me, Bilal, Asfand and Zesshan) agreed on the plan. So, the next day early morning we started our journey towards Mukshpuri but we reached there by local transport and it was hell fun. When we reached Nathiyagali, we stayed there for some time and just try to rid of the tiredness and click some photos there. The mountains and the road sides were full of fresh snow as you see in the picture.

Nathiyagali Road-Side

Then we started our journey again toward Mukshpuri and before going for the Mukshpuri hike we saw a board of Ayubia Pipeline Track, then we decided to go there first and we were amazed to see the snow very fresh like before us no body was there, like no footsteps were there.

Ayubia Pipeline Track

After that we did a Mukshpuri Hike of 1 hour and 30 minutes, people from different cities came there to see the beauty of the Mukshpuri. We prepare a track for sliding there and enjoying sliding in snow and we enjoyed a lot of snow fighting. After that we roll back and have a dinner in a nearby restaurant and have some fight there over dinner. But we spend a superb day and it is the beautiful memories that stays and matter at the end. But as I mentioned we reached there by local transport that is why we have some difficulty in finding the transport to go back home. So, it is recommended that if you people want to avoid such inconvenience prefer your mode of transport.

Mukshpuri Hiking Track

Swat and Kalam has the potential to Replace Murree

When we visited Swat and Kalam in 2007 our day was wasted just in travelling. After 6 hours of drive we reached Mingora and stayed there and was so tired to visit any place that day.

From many years Murree is considered as the closest place to visit that is why when someone want to go to visit a good and peaceful place they consider Murree for it. For the people of Islamabad, it is more like neighbor’s house and this is the reason on every vacation the families visit Murree and, on every occasion everyone has to face huge traffic and difficulty in reaching and in going back home.

I do agree that the Murree is a beautiful place to visit but not in the peak season, people must have to taste other destinations and when there is a destination like Swat and Kalam then who is not willing to go there when there is not such a difference of time visiting Murree or Swat.

Now, the people do not have to be worried about the traffic like in Murree in peak season and now the Swat and Kalam is not like the previous ones, many development works are in progress that will shrink the distance for the people who want to visit a different place on this Eid. The good news is

Swat Motorway is going to complete on 25th of this May and it will be open for traffic and this motorway linked with Peshawar-Islamabad motorway and will reduce the journey from 6 hours to 3 hours from Islamabad.

Another good news is that other project is also in pipeline for the construction of Chakdara-Kalam expressway and it will connect Swat Motorway and these construction projects will bring business and tourists to Swat and Kalam and this will be a 4 lane expressway, this will smoothen the traffic.

Travel for the sake of Food

Bangkok Thailand

When it comes to food street, then Bangkok Thai street ranks at number one in world. The speciality lies in the taste, cost and convenient meals that not only fulfil your hunger but also connect you with the culture of city.

When you are new to Bangkok the first thing that comes in mind is what to expect from Bangkok food street?  The answer is that in Bangkok street food comes in many forms, it can be offered on roadside cart, there can be number of stalls in a row or it can be normal restaurant with table chairs.

Following are the food that you can try in Bangkok:

Papaya salad, Fried rice, Noodles, steamed chicken, grilled chicken, fish BBQ cooked in salt.

Often people are worried about the hygiene of food, the basic tip is to go to the busy places as they would use fresh ingredients.

As mentioned earlier food streets are everywhere in Bangkok but when it comes to the variety and hot spots then Chinatown is the place.

Chinatown is also knows as food heaven of Bangkok. People visit Chinatown after sun set in search of special street side food. The energy that comes from the rows of wooden shops is just contagious! it would led to you to visit again and again. For best experience plan your visit during New year, and you will observe Chinatown at its best. Chinatown is an experience that is simply worth it and not to miss.

Pakistani Food Street

Food Street Lahore

Pakistani food is known to be one of the best desi food in world. From most famous Savor Pulao to Charsi ka Tikka, there is huge variety of meals present in food streets. In Pakistan special place is allotted to the food street with controlled entry system for security purposes. Unlike Bangkok most of the food is offered in proper restaurant instead of road side stalls.

Food Street Lahore

Islamabad Cricket Stadium Food Street is one of the renowned food street located in capital of Pakistan. There is huge variety of meals that includes Shinwari tikka, Rayn, Steam Roast, Chicken Karahi, Mutton Karahi etc. Pakistani’s are known to be foody people and from sunset to 12 o clock in normal days food street is full of traffic.

The major problem that Pakistani food street now a days facing is use of unhygienic practices due to which there were number of serious incident happened like food poisoning, diarrhea etc.

On the other hand there are restaurants that are very conscious about their reputation and offer best food in town. Kartarpura is the food street that need not be missed, located at Raja Bazar side in Rawalpindi. There is Nihari of Kala Shah that is reputable and renowned because of its more than 40 years of service. Kala Shah Nihari is famous because of its taste, people have to weight in ques for their turn and most of the time their stock get ran out because of their high sales. Similarly case is with other renowned names.

Pakistan is full of foodie people, even from foreign countries people visit Pakistan because of its diverse nature of food. Government must consider ensuring hygiene practices in local restaurants for promoting food industry of Pakistan and increasing revenue.  

Pakistan General Post Office Time to Mint Money From Tourism

Post office has opened 36 rest houses for the tourists. Now you can stay at less than RS.1200 per day. The post office has opened their rest houses for all tourists in order to have increase in the monthly earnings. These rest houses and hotels have low prices than the other rest houses and hotels of the market. It’s a cheerful update for all the backpackers that they can enjoy a room in budget.

"In the total earnings, there will be increase of Millions. These rest houses are located in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and other cities of Pakistan", said the post office.

Among these rest houses, 11 are of A category, 20 are of B category and 5 are of C category. The rent of “A” category rest houses is RS.3000; whereas, of “B” category is RS.2200 and the rent of C category is Rs.1200. The only aim of them behind the opening of these rest houses is to have an increase in the earnings. This will undoubtedly enhance the GDP of Pakistan.

The good part is that government is now using best use of its capitals to upsurge its revenues. This will not only increase the revenues of Pakistan post office but also help and increase number of the tourists to stay in budget accommodations. It’s a win-win situation that overall leads to the great benefits for the economy of Pakistan.

The auxiliary proposal is that this strategy can be adopted by other state enterprise which can add revenues from tourism rather than relying on their pure functions. One of the examples is of Pakistan Railway. The problem of recovery of its own land became a dispute for Pakistan Railways in year 2017. It was recorded that it was 4120 acres of land which worth around Rs. 89 billion. This encroachment was conducted in country by government and private organisations, counting the Rangers and Army in them. Billion rupees of land have remained occupied for commercial plots, housing and cultivation purposes, making the organisation frustrated. To avoid this they should develop rest houses and earn from their legal property. As we are observing an era of great tourism ahead in Pakistan, so all the public limited companies should increase side profits from this strategy.

Rapid Look on rest houses Locations of Post office:

• The A category rest houses are open in Rawalpindi, Karachi, Multan, Jehlum, Mianwali, Peshawar, Lahore, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Quetta.
• The B category rest houses are in Murree, Attock, Chitral, Abbottabad, Ayubia, Mīrpur Khās, Sorab, Amri, Taftan, Kalat, Muzafarabad, Mirpur, Kotli, Gilgit, Skardu, Sust, Gujarat and Layyah.
• The C category rest houses are available in Pindi Point Muree, Saidu Shareef, Bannu, Ziarat and Sialkot.

Everyone Need such Friends – Memorable Visit to Rawalakot

This is the backside of Lake.

One of our friend in NUML invited us to visit him in Rawalakot in 2016 and we the best buddies make a plan to visit him and the Kashmir side. So, as decided we three (Me, Bilal and Asfand) reached Faizabad, one thing I want to mention here we go on local Hiece and I recommend others who are not professional drives do not try taking your car to such places.

So, we start our journey by buying some snacks and coke and the journey was mesmerizing wherever you look you will see only mountains some covered with snow. When we enter Rawalakot our friend picks us in his car and straight we go for lunch. After finishing the lunch, we started our beautiful journey towards Banjosa Lake, the lake is very beautiful and in winter it freezes. Because of snow we have to park the car on some distance to Lake, we enjoyed a lot there, lots of snow fighting, the bridges coved with snow, it was the month of February and we have great time there.

This is the screenshot of the video of snow fighting

We spend a half day there it was such an amazing place and I never seen such place in my life before and I really enjoying everything. After that in evening we start our journey toward our next destination Toli Pir, as we started our journey towards Toli Pir we see the road sides covered with snow a crane was working there to clear the snow to stabilize the traffic. As the crane was working we get out of the car and start asking the people who are coming from Toli Pir their experience there and they said there is so much snow and we stuck there and now after a couple days the snow is clear and we are coming back. That is why I recommend you if you want to visit this in winter no doubt it will be amazing but come with complete preparation and have some extra budget to any of the undecided situation.

On the way to Toli Pir

After the crane clear the snow we started our journey again but we unabled to reach Toli Pir because the car stated was slipping and we decide to stop the car and enjoy snow hike and return back. That day I miss Toli Pir but I am overwhelmed to come back in winters anytime.

Minimarg is Now Wide-open for Tourists By Government Of Pakistan

Government of Pakistan has certain to allow domestic and foreign travellers to visit Minimarg valley of Astore district. Now Afterwards June 15 ,2019 tourists can stopover at the Minimarg and adore the most beautiful part of Gilgit-Baltistan. After Independence of Pakistan, this is for the first time that Minimarg valley will welcome travelers both domestic and global.

I had merely just heard about Minimarg, a beautiful town near to the Indian borderline. It’s around 35 km from Chilam post. First you had to get approval from Army, as 80 brigades is placed at Minimarg. We needed reference of at least captain rank officer who can call at Chilam post to move forward. Thanks to this government this tension has been resolved.

A stunning lake, Rainbow lake is situated close to Domel that is a village in the very distant Minimarg valley in Astor District. Time stops at Rainbow Lake. I consider this is the greatest I can label the fascinating beauty of this lake. Rainbow Lake is small in size however do not lack in beauty. It is nourished by fresh water small streams from neighboring mountains. Rainbow Lake is gifted with crystal pure water that change shades from greenish-blue color to lime throughout different periods of daytime. The lake holds big sized brown Trout fish and is famous among the trout fishermen.

Yet, Rainbow Lake and Minimarg Valley is very hard to reach. Minimarg Valley can merely be come within reach through 14,500 foot great Burzil Pass. It remains blocked due to dense snow fall that remains there around 7-8 months in a year. Possible times to go Minimarg are June, July and August.

Quick Suggestions:

As we share boarder with India so we have to be watchful. Allowing without reference is fine but do have standard identity card check and entry exit evidence of tourists.

There are no sound rooms available apart from Army guest houses. Not everyone appreciates camping. So I suggest to balance between Mother Nature and constructions, there must be decent class camps built-in for tourist.

Don't leave plastic waste there. Avoid littering and abolishing the region by cutting out branches, as it all destroys the beauty of wildlife. We have to practice it like it is made of glass, be careful with nature and leave it as we see it.

The Excuses Everyone Listen while making Plans With Friends

Just for Fun

Everyone like to visit to the new places but there are few boring souls that are not interested to go on any trip and I am blessed with such friends. I always see many of the stories of the friendship goals and travel squads, but my friends did not give me any chance to upload such a story with such captions. Now I am going towards the out of the box excuses that most of the time I listen, when I am trying to make some plans:

My family will not allow me:

”In short abba ni maany gy” most of the time this is the biggest weapon for the friends who are not interested to make any plans always destroyed it by saying this. Even they don’t talk about the plan with their parents and make them agree that friends are forcing me to go with them, but this is not the case with my friends. They are the astrologists, they already know that their parents will not allow them, so they don’t even discuss once. LOL

I Have no Money:

When my friends little grows up the excuses was getting more lame, I will not go because I have no money like we are going Dubai for picnic. If I argue that ask your parents that friends are going on a trip and I also want to join them, but no they always say that I do not like to ask my parents about money but when they have to fuel up, printing notes or any other thing then they will ask their parents that give me money you bough me a car and support me to get admission in university. LMAO

One Who can’t Wake up Early:

The out of the box excuse that I have listened while making a plan for a one-day trip. We friends decided to leave early at 7 and will reach home at 10 everyone agrees but there is a one who is saying that I can’t wake up early, make some plan at night like we have to take torch with us to see the beautiful landscapes. 

Legends:

There are also some other categories of friends who always trying to say no for a plan but not openly just taking the shoulders of other to fire the bullet like if he is not going then I am also not going. Will discuss in some other blogs.

Suggestion:

Time Flies but memories last for ever. Try to avail opportunity to grab as much memories as you can!

KPK To Gilgit-Baltistan

Safety Precautions in Chilas for Vehicle Life

and In Kohistan for Your Own Life!

Lulusar Lake

After my first experience of camping, the cold night stay in Naran ended. We refreshed ourselves in the morning with a mug of tea. Shut our camp and packed the things back to the trunk. It appeared a headache if you have to organise this on early morning. We continued our journey from Naran towards Babusar top. On the way we enjoyed the Lulusar Lake view from Road. The Lulusar Lake is more similar to a calm river type lake moving beside the road. Its aqua colour does appeal the eyes of every tourist travelling from Naran towards Babusar Top.

Weather gets colder and colder as you move towards Babusar top. When we reached Babusar top it was the place for Mother Nature lovers only. As its not much to do there and quality of food is below average, the thing you do there is take a strong wind walk with a majestic view of mountain ranges connecting at this point. It’s the shortest approach towards Hunza side from Chilas, but only opens for limited months. It is said that there are very rare places where you can travel to the height of 4,173 meter in your car. We friends were lucky because usually the way from Babusar top is blocked because of heavy snowfalls. We didn’t stay there for long and continued our journey.

Zigzag Chilas Road

The Road to Chilas is one of the most dangerous paved roads. You have to keep a temperament to keep the vehicle slow in a snake type zigzag slope. Some cars brakes do get hot there, so have to keep it slow and avoid heavy-duty breakdowns. The tough braking wears the brake pads faster. It can similarly overheat and harm the rotors each by generating glazing. In adding to this, around each part of the vehicle will be suffering additional stress. As the burden of the car moves forward your car shocks and coils compress placing more weight on the suspension, ball bushings, joints, wheel bearings, etc. This transference of burden will place the tires in additional friction, triggering them to wear sooner. Your car alignment slants can transform as well under these situation which lead to affect the tires.

Stone Homes In-between Chalas and Kohistan

In 2011 and 2012 the security was wicked in Kohistan. The Kohistan police use to stop busses to travel at night. Sometimes at that place they use to stop and transfer traffic in form of conveys to protect the traveller's. When we entered Kohistan it was day time and the security was not rigid, only our Identity cards were checked. So I do recommend travelling from Kohistan at day period to evade any misfortune or difficulty from security. Try not to stop your car if some random people came across you especially near Harban Nala place as there are many incidents recorded of men executed for just having a dissimilar set of religious opinions. Though I was prepared for this all because of news circulating in media but fortunately this all appeared fake to me. However the situation of living style in that place is rigid, still I didn’t found anything to be petrified of. All appreciations to Pak Army that the security situation is controlled there now as compare to the period between 2010 and 2013.

PART 3: First Nightly Stopover Beside The Fairy Land ‘NARAN’

Jheel Saif Ul Malook

It’s always tough to bring beauty into words, still expressing my best. After having lovely breakfast in Kunhar river we packed our luggage back into the trunk. Almost after 8 hours from Islamabad we were in Naran Bazar. Without wasting time we took stove and things to make tea from car and rent a jeep for Jheel Saif Ul Malook. After some quarrel the jeep was hired for Rs.2500. One of most treacherous roads I have experienced was from Naran Bazar to Jheel Saif ul Malook. There are two main well known hazardous jeep tracks in the way to china boarder from Islamabad where true skills of 4*4 jeeps can be experienced. One is Raikot to Fairy Medows and the other is to Jheel Saif Ul Malook from Naran Bazar. Traitorous great altitude, uneven narrow mountain roads and local driving techniques will makes you sit pretty attentive. On left hand the mountains and the other side the straight steep slopes will make the blood pump hard. The drivers know where to keep the speed and where to stop to give way to the approaching jeeps from another side. It’s a true talent gain from their experience. 

After 45 minutes of bumpy road when we reached an altitude of 3,224 meters and 10,578 feet above sea level and saw the blue sparkler clear and freezing water in a bowl shape lake, fenced by massive glaciers it took away our all travelling wooziness and it appeared all worthy. The spellbinding view of clouds touching the mountains and cold breeze along fog crossing us is magical experience. We had to hike around 5 minutes down from jeep stop to lake where we can find small stalls of food items. 
I do recommend you to experience egg Pakoras and a cup of tea with it. We sat there for hour and enjoyed the mesmerising view. we came across a person who told us the very famous story of that place. As the story was love triangle between prince of Egypt Saif-ul-Malook, the gorgeous fairy known as Badi-ul-Jamaal and the Safaid Diyo (white giant). There is a lake around hour tracking from jheel Saiful Malook known as Ansu jheel which is said to be created out by the tears of white giant in loss of fairy. Rent of horse was Rs.500 per horse and the guide was hired for Rs.500. We planned to camp in Jheel Saif Ul Malook but due to security we were not allowed to camp around. We came back to Naran Bazar and visited local shops there. 

The Next Morning at Kunhar River

After some time we camped near Kunhar river and cooked food by our self. Played cards at night and enjoyed the lovely dinner with friends. We tie a shopper of mangoes and dip it in Cold Kunhar River and in no time the mangoes were chilled and tasted delicious. We slept in camp with the peaceful sound of river.