Blogs from Pakistan, Asia - page 2

I was warned. Can you come earlier? I was asked. It will be a busy time. I was reminded. It will be no problem. I was placated. I was scheduled to arrive in Pakistana few days before the start of Ramadan, the holiest time of the year for Muslims, and then the majority of my travels would coincide with an religious observation for nearly the entire country. I briefly weighed the options and knew that as traveling goes, this was my chance. Delaying my travels could result in life getting in the way and the trip never happening or in me simply dying because I was so starved for an international adventure. Either way, the show must go on as they might say. I had traveled in Muslim countries before during the holy month and it ... read more

I love great conversation. I like sitting with old friends or new friends and letting the hours slip by as we revel in stories, laughs and thought-provoking questions. I like sitting under a shade tree for impromptu talks. I like the randomness of those talks that make a road trip entertaining. I like long dinners that turn into dessert and then into after dinner drinks all because no one wants the conversation to end. I like the way long walks can lead to unexpected stories. I like being in groups where the conversation teaches me something about someone else or even about my self. I like when someone invites me to meet at a coffee shop or when wine is served on the porch. I just really like connecting with others during those precious moments of ... read more

Pakistan is known as a tourist heaven for the most amazing travelling sights in the world. But the most famous region for travelling is the Northern Areas of Pakistan, which was yet to be explored by me, and my dream journey came true through the platform of #PFC which supports and organizes a union of journalists' activities to create a positive impact on Pakistan by providing recreational activities, trips, dinners , conferences and seminars so the journalists could ease up from their fully occupied day to day routine. special thanks to Malik Salman President Pakistan federation of columnist who has organized this #pfc trip of media delegation to #GB and facilitate us with high end protocol. “This tour is organized to promote the culture and tourism of gilgit baltistan #GB the tourist's Heaven. From Naran to ... read more

Day 25 Sleeping in Rama Cool view from the hotel, we're packed and ready early. Too early for breakfast it seems. We and every other guest sit and wait very patiently for some action. And sit. And wait. It's not memorable but it's no big deal. Really looking forward to this day- the plan is to drive to Deosai National Park, up to a lofty altitude of 4114 m. It covers an area of about 3,000 km 2. It's the second highest plateau in the world after Changtang Tibetan Plateau (on the list). Whilst it's snow bound from November through May we are getting to experience autumn through the pass- (NOTE- spring is meant to be spectacular with the plateau covered in wildflowers and migrating butterflies). So off we go, once again traversing now sort of ... read more

Day 23 Sleeping in Khaplu (2601m) Tour 2- North Pakistan Adventure is to commence today. I email conversed with a few companies but ultimately went with Iman Rahim from Snow Leopard Tours in Melbourne. We went back and forth to eventually come up with an itinerary and costing that we were happy with. Bottom line- private tour for 2 for 14 days with guide, driver, all meals (bar lunch), decent car and all transport, all entry fees and accommodation for USD $1235 each. This would cover Skardu-Khaplu-Machulo Village-Deosai National Park-Rama Lake-Fairy Meadow Trek-Gilgit-Hunza-Karimabad- Ganesh Village-Hopper valley-Gulmit-Ghulkin Glacier Trek- Borith Lake-Passu-Shimshal Village-Sost -border crossing into China (Tashkurgan) .... phew! Iman was easy to deal with, we were on almost the same time zone, all of the correspondence was professional and detailed and it was easy to make ... read more