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Story & Photos LONG TUYEN
While Pakistan continues to face security challenges in many of its border regions, the stunning natural beauty and fascinating history of its tourist areas make the country one of the most spectacular destinations on earth.
After going through strict security controls at the Islamabad, I was surprises by the capital city’s modern architecture, well-planned infrastructure, natural setting and extensive urban greenery. An abundance of parks and rows of tree-lined streets express the soul of a nature-respecting city that sprawls across a bustling downtown into quiet suburbs.
From there, a trip to the northern Hunza Valley, Pakistan’s top tourism destination, revealed the remarkable splendor of a real-life Shangri-La. The valley is set among the Karakoram Mountains, one of the highest ranges in the world, and offers epic views of numerous 7,000-meter peaks such as Rakaposhi (7,788m), Ultar Sar (7,388m) and Diran Peak (7,266m). While the scenery is unforgettable, it is important to note that trekking and climbing are serious endeavors that require considerable planning, skill and expense.
On my own journey, I was welcomed by snow- white peaks under a blue sky and the brilliant shades of late autumn foliage. Rows of maple trees along vegetable fields, forest carpets turning red and ripened fruits in the orchards captivated our hearts with the romance of nature. The weather at this time is neither too chilly nor too hot, so you can still wear light clothes while wandering in villages or walking among the fields. Endless stone walls – reminiscent of some areas of Vietnam – run over the Hunza plateau, separating fields and stone houses and leading visitors to kitchens filled with the pungent aroma of milk tea and naan. In this Central Asian region, the residents enjoy baking naan on a wood stove, sipping tea from dusk till dawn and happily inviting curious guests to share the typical refreshments.
Two highlights of my trip were seeing glaciers nestled under the majestic mountains and traveling nearly an hour on a Jeep over the sky-high Karakoram Highway, along a road considered one of the world’s most dangerous, to reach Fairy Meadows campsite. Here, snow had already covered the mountains and icicles hung from the roofs of wooden houses. Forest leaves displayed a bright yellow color, while ancient tree stumps protruding from the white snow proved excellent rest stops for tourists on our way to a lodge where a wood heater and hot food awaited. However, the friendly smiles of the locals were the most memorable sights for our group of Vietnamese tourists entering their villages. No matter who you are or where you are from, you can easily make friends with elders who climb trees and pick apples for gifts or curious pupils who follow visitors all around. Delicious seasonal fruits such as apples and apricots were dotted with the scent of cold snow from the top of the mountain, lending them an enchanting taste. Here, unconcerned by border conflicts or changes in the world, the locals calmly feed their cows with fallen leaves, drive their flocks of goats back to the barn and offer visitors the gifts of ripe fruits and warm smiles.
Due to ongoing security problems in Pakistan, foreign governments advise against travel to many parts of the country. Seek up-to-date information on areas you plan to visit before going to Pakistan.
