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. 

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

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.  

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.

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!

Trip to Toli Pir

Toli Pir is located in Azad Kashmir, Tehsil Poonch, District Rawalakot. It’s a hill top area with height of approximately 8800 ft above sea level. Its only 20 minutes’ drive from the district Rawalakot and the Poonch river can be seen from this location. It is the highest mountain located in vicinity of Rawlaakot. 
This trip was planned by our finance teacher of Comsats. We gather at 7 o clock in morning at parking area of Comsats University. Coaster was hired for group of 30 people. Bus was departed at 8 o clock with all the class mates.

It took almost 3 hours 20 minutes to reach the District Rawalakot as we adopted the route from GT road towards Kahuta. Road is congested and narrow because of single road for two way traffic, secondly there were many blind curves that requires to be cautious while driving. If you have no experience of driving in hilly areas, it is strongly recommended to hire experienced driver and enjoy your tour.

Though road conditions are not good but scenic beauty of Pines tree make your trip amazing. All over the route you would see greenery, small huts and not to forget the height area view. Till Rawalakot there is not even a single reasonable place where one can stop for the refreshment, so it is recommended to take your meal along with you for enjoying the picnic as well.

We stopped at Dhabba in main city of Rawalakot for refreshment. Weather was bit cold even in month of May. So we ordered chicken karahi along with chowpati for whole class. Food was delicious and everybody enjoyed it. After  having food from Dhabba, bus was departed towards Toli Pir. It took us almost 20 minutes to reach the parking area of Toli Pir.

People say that if there is any heaven on earth then it is Kashmir, Toli Pir proved it right. It’s a 15 min walk from the parking area to the top of Toli Pir hill and literally you can feel the clouds here. It’s the place of peace where you can get out of your anxiety and depression and the view let you think, how beautiful God has created nature. It is one of the most beautiful discovery of my life in which nature was seen from very close.

Tourism May Proves to be a Helping Hand Towards Pakistan’s Falling Economy

Pakistan has everything from the world highest mountains to deepest rivers and sea, weathers from summer to winters, spring to autumn, from deserts to beaches, from snow to valley, Pakistan has every possible thing that is essential, and the things tourists are looking for. The only thing that Pakistan is lacking in this industry is maintenance of tourist’s attractions and proper decor needed. But new government has did many things in recent months to boost tourism in Pakistan like it is discussed in previous blogs that the visa policy for tourists is changed and tourists can get it easily and also on the spot visa can also be provided and many facilities like Helicopter service will be provided to tourists from hotel to destination and back. The thing to boost tourism to that extent that it can improve the Pakistan economy is the proper marketing channel that is the need of the time to improve the Pakistan image and make the tourists and the foreigners realize that there are many beautiful places to explore.

As of statistics given on Emerging Pakistan Tourism contributed 2.7% of GDP and it is expected to grow double in the upcoming years. To increase the tourism in Pakistan media can play a vital role by publishing the interviews of foreigner’s visitors and by showing the hospitality of Pakistani people. And by engaging the foreigner’s bloggers and you-tubers with them to show case the true positive image of Pakistan. More the tourism activities in Pakistan more the economy moves towards stability.

Memorable Journey Towards the Heart of Mountains

Shogran is the Pakistan’s most beautiful hill station, situated in a green plateau in the Kaghan Valley northern Pakistan at a height of 2,362 metres (7,749ft) above sea level.

Shogran is located at 34 kilometres away from Balakot. I went there with my family, cousins and relatives on 8th September 2018. The transport we prefer was Toyota Hiace. We went straight from Islamabad to Abbottabad, Usmania resturant. We all had lunch over there. Food was delicious. Then after eating, we started our journey towards Shogran. The road from Islamabad to Abbottabad is good, but the road that takes you to the Shogran hills is not constructed well. The road from kawai to Shogran was okay at that time but not due to poor maintenance is not so good. We went from Kawai to Shogran in 30 mins. It is a beautiful place where the air is so fresh, the mountains are so close and seemed ready to welcome us. The must visit place in shogran is Forest Rest House. It has a big grassy lawn, with an outstanding view. Me and my relatives, we all sat there on the fresh green grass and enjoyed our snacks. All the uncles and boys played bat ball on the garden, while the women and the girls were enjoying their badminton racket match. There are some markets on the hill which provides you tea, coffee, chips and some of the shops has traditional things like cloths, bags, shawls etc. Hotels and motels are available on a very affordable price. One of the best hotels to stay were Arcadian Spruce woods, Pine Park Shogran, Cedarwood. We stayed for a night in my friend’s hotel over there. It has nice and big bedrooms. His farm was well maintained and clean. There was a lot of beautiful birds, ducks in the farm. We did bbq at night, and then we had some soup. The stars seem so close at night, the sky looks like it has diamonds in it. The wind was so cold at night that we did a bonfire on a side and enjoyed gossips. Mobile phone service is also available there.

The next morning, we woke up to a beautiful view, nice and shinny day. We did our breakfast. We enjoyed a lot while drinking tea with such an amazing weather. After breakfast we had to go back, as we went there for a day, but we all were sad to leave such a nice place where anyone can live for there whole life. We took a lot of photos in the morning for memories. And then we started our journey again back to Islamabad.

Trail 5 Margalla Hills

Trail 5 Margalla Hills

One of the most popular and best tracks is located at F-5 Margalla Road Islamabad. This track is almost 3.8 km long, divided into three routes. First route of 1.8 km is simple and straight to hick as there is no steep path and route is clear from rocks, this route leads to the spring where hikers can fill their bottles with cold water stream.

There is steep route as well also known as “trail 5 dangerous”. So, it gives a good combination of tough and relax time. “Trail 5 dangerous” has steep slippery path and it is highly not recommended for beginners to use and as well as not to return from this track especially. 

My journey to trail 5 started with group of my Comsian fellows. We were 15 people, bunked the International Relation class and gather at trail 5 for getting out of monotonous routine. We started our hiking session at 0900 PST in crew form.  All mates were wearing joggers, highly motivated as they were mentally ready for 3 hours continuous hike session.

Initially route was like piece of cake, everybody passed it easily. After 1.5 hours of hick we decided to take break for 30 minutes near water spring as everybody were exhausted. So, we filled our bottles here and opened our lunch boxes for restoring the drained energy.  After the break, again hiking session begins.  Our group was divided into 2 directions, one towards normal track and other towards dangerous track. I opted towards dangerous track as it was shortcut for reaching near Pir Sohawa road. It was in short million-dollar view from the curve of the steep mountain, where one can observe the nature closely. 

There were monkeys spotted at track, it is highly recommended to hold stick or teaser to avoid any sort of unfortunate accident. Though chances are very less, but still accident can be happened anytime and after all it’s a wild animal. (P.S The boy climbing at tree is Sedrick J Nicholson who was our CR at that time.)

The moment we reached Pir Sohawa Road was not less than “EID” for us, after 4 hours of hick we were able to reach this place. At the point everybody was just like, now no more steps! So, we decided to hire careem/uber. Unfortunately, our 3g was not working at that point so we decided for plan B. Plan B was to find some lift! 15 people were fitted in 3 vehicles successfully and were dropped at “Monal Resturant”.

At Monal, the moment we sit for lunch each and every person consumed almost one liter of water. After 15 minutes order was placed in which we ordered chicken karahi, malai boti, chappati, lasagnia, pizza and sandwiches.  Gossip session started till the arrival of our food! The level of hunger was at its peak and my fellows were like “Kab Ayay Ga Order”. Finally, after 30 mins order was placed and yes it was amazing.

After having food from Monal, we departed from Monal by hiring a single cabinet. All fellows were settled in back of Cabin. It was really an amazing trip and a day well spent with best people of that time. I didn’t remember what I ve studied in my IR Class but i do remember this day, and it is one of the golden day of my life.