Disappearing Tongas of Lahore - Once The Poor's Rolls Royce

The horse driven carriages have ruled the world for since time immemorial. Once these elegant carriages were the prestigious means of transportation for the rich and famous. By and by, these start to vanish from usual city roads as dirt roads disappeared and metaled roads came to accommodate cars and other means of transportation.

However, these continued to be a major to subsidiary means of transportation in our part of the world for a considerable period of times. And were used in cities as late as 70 and 80s. I remember, we had a stable called "Astabal" near in our house in Lahore and tonga stand nearby where one could hire a tonga for any destination in the city. Occasionally, the licensing teams would come and new tonga licenses were issued after giving many tests to the horses to ascertain their roadworthy strength, the same we now licensing authorities give roadworthy certificates to vehicles. 

Photo taken by me while travelling in a train

Abdullah, one of the kochwans (tonga driver) was our favourite for he had decorated his carriage very elegantly with brass couplings and plates polished everyday and a pedestal mounted bell horn. We loved riding his tonga and he would occasionally allow us to press the bell horn, a feel I still remember.

In Lahore, the single horse drawn carriage was known as Tonga or "Tanga" (in local language), similar to the one in above photograph. In Karachi, these were called Victoria for these resembled the carriages of England and the design came to this part of the world when the British came to the Indian subcontinent.

Lahori Tonga - Photographer Unknown

The tongas in Lahore were of two types: the straight carriage tongas, which were the usual sights, and the Lahore Tonga. The latter was unique design but very uncomfortable to ride. I wonder who designee it and why.

As of now these tongas are no more to be seen in the cities, but are still being used in the villages a cheap and affordable means of communication. I shot the above photo from the moving train a while ago when passing through a village.The state of the tonga speak of the poorness of its owner and the people who travel in these. But for them, it is still their Rolls Royce.

If you ever want to ride a in Lahore, do visit old Lahore, specially the Bhaatti Gate where local tour operators have these tongas specially prepared for tourists and you can have a ride of the old Lahore and be fascinated with the glory and awe of the narrow alleys overlooked with tall buildups, though now in much dilapidated condition. When the tip top of hooves of the horse of the tonga resounds among the rather closed environment of the walled city, it leaves reverberating memories of the once glory of the old Lahore where princes and wazirs once rode on their royal carriages.

Tourists from Abroad enjoying Tonga Ride in Old Lahore [Photo] 

One may also have a tour of famous old Anarkali Bazaar, now turned into a food street near the Tollington Market on the Mall Road. Here one can also have a hearty dinner in pure Lahore style with heavily oiled dishes which leave the diners licking their fingers even when the dishes have been wiped empty.

Watch this video below, though not in English, but it gives the viewers a good view of riding a tonga and walking through extremely compressed alleys of old Lahore:

So when in Lahore, look for tonga tours especially when you are in the vicinity of Old Lahore and Old Anarkali Bazaar. Believe me memories of tonga rides would stay in your memory chips for a long time. And do not miss to disembark at some eatery serving pure desi Lahori foods and lassi. If you are a early riser, then head for Old Lahore for breakfast of Halwa and Puri. This is something that very special to Lahore.

Photo[Header]: Source Unknown | 
References | Top 5 favourite breakfasts of Pakistan | The Lahore Fort Road Food Street | Eateries of Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore | Lakshmi Chowk - The Heart of Lahore | Nostalgic eateries of Lahore |

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Balochistan the Unexplored Travel Destination: Living with a Nomad Balochi Family

The onset of summers makes a large number of tourists moving from plains of Pakistan to the northern areas to escape the scorching heat. This year, there has been an unexpected  influx of tourists  not to Murree, the otherwise favoured hill station, but far up north to Gilgit and beyond, Naran and Babusar Top, and then descending to Hunza and onward to Khunjrab Pakistan-China border.

more and more tourists from abroad are touring Pakistan, taking back fond memories of love, warm hospitality and meeting with diverse people of Pakistan. I  have already shared experiences of Kimberley Clark and Drew Binsky. 

Now here is yet another daring lone lady venturing the unexplored travel destinations in Balochistan province of Pakistan, the barren, arid, almost vast lifeless stretches of muddy plains and muddy mountains and still enjoying her sojourn with people in their original nomad living. 

I am talking of Rosie Gabrielle, the lone motorcyclist, who dared the unexplored vastness of Balochistan and experienced staying with a Balochi family not living in some city but out in nowhere in a makeshift tent with no amenities of life whatsoever. Her travel across Pakistan is something different. Her account shows a life different in Pakistan than what media tells the world. She is simply inspired by their plain hospitality and love for others and her love for them - the ordinary people.

Despite the poverty, the family welcomed Rosie Gabrielle who stayed with them, lived the life they lived without any comforts of life. Yet the family was hospitable and staying with them was a experience of lifetime for Rosie. The woman of the house truly touched her heart, says Rosie. She ate with them, had her hair done up, dressed like them and played with their children. Recently she did a fundraiser to provide them with solar panels so they can have fans for the hot summer heat.  

Saying more would deprive you of the charm her video carries, so just watch her video as shared on YouTube and see her lifetime experience of living with a Balochi family and experience what she did not expect:

I will share her videos of travel in Pakistan, but seeing the video don't you think how safe is Pakistan where a lone female biker can roam in the wilderness all by herself and does not even feel threatened living with people she didn't know at all!!

Photo: Screen shots | References | 1 | 

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Kimberley Clark and Pakistan

Pakistan is a unique tourist attraction in the world. Ask anyone in the world, "Do you want to travel to Pakistan?" and many would have their fingers crossed to answer yes. But those who come to Pakistan, instantly fall in love with Pakistan, its people, its landscape and above all the warm hospitality they receive wherever they go, that they don't want to leave Pakistan. ANd even when they are back in their homes, their heart stays back in Pakistan.

Out last post "10 things that will make you fall in love with Pakistan" was also from one such traveler, Drew Binsky, who came to Pakistan ad had so much fun loitering around in the streets, eating in small road side eateries and travelling all around without any fear and made friends while never wanting to leave Pakistan.

Same was true for the recently outgone German ambassador to Pakistan, Martin Kobler, who too was often seen riding a bicycle or driving an old volkswagen and mixing with ordinary people, the real people of Pakistan. I would write a separate post on him shortly.

But today, we are with Kimberley Clark who too "Came (to Pakistan), Saw and Fell in Love" with Pakistan.  When she disclosed her plan to visiting Pakistan, everyone was skeptical and asked her if she really wanted to go to Pakistan for Pakistan has always been projected negatively in the world media. And Kimberley Clark would reply, "That is why I am going there to find out."

And when she came here, went around and met people, she was amazed to know how fascinating this country has been. She was overawed and deeply inspired by Pakistan's culture, rich heritage, historical and naturally gifted place and treasures. She watched the colours, majestic landscapes and smiles on its people and their unmatched hospitality wherever she went, weather in cities, villages, secluded places in the mountains. She met hospitable people with open hearts offering her free housing, food and even many gifts of the area.

She even dared to cross the Hussaini Wala Suspension Bridge, near Hunza, considered to be one of the most dangerous suspension bridge as can be seen in the photo below:

Watch the video below Kimberley Clark had made and listen to her sharing her experiences of love and eternal friendship - certainly one of the most genuinely comprehensive and illustrated Tours Promotion documentary on Pakistan:

She is gone back, but the nostalgia will always occupy a special portion of her memories for there is not country like Pakistan, there are no people like Pakistanis who leave a lifelong loving impression whosoever comes here and spends some time among its indigenous people. Thank you Miss Clark, your appreciation,insights and thoughtfulness about Pakistan and of gesture of your goodwill shall be always be remembered.

Whe are you coming to Pakistan?

Photos: All photos are screen shots from the video shared above 

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Pakistan: Your Travel destination in 2019 - Part XI: Borith Lake and Ghulkin Glacier (Gilgit Baltistan)

Many years ago I watched the film Beyond the Last Mountain for the mere name fascinated me. But those who dare and go on adventure tour to the northern areas of Pakistan and wander between the mountains valleys, they often find a fascinating world hidden beyond these mountains. And the the mountains are never ending, for when one thinks that this is the last mountain, there is yet another mountain behind ever mountain and yet another wonderland awaiting to be explored and loved forever.

However, the journey in quest to see what lies beyond the last mountain is not easy.  The moment one leaves the spectacular Karakoram Highway, there commences a nerve breaking endless journey on narrow mountains tracks studded with rocky stones, the shock of which can be felt no matter which vehicle you are sitting in. And that is where sturdy 4x4 age tested Jeeps come handy. In fact tourists, trekkers and adventurists hire these Jeeps right at the Road Head from where the mountain tracks branch off from the last metaled road. The drivers of these Jeeps are locals who can handle the toughness of the stony tracks and negotiate hair raising turns and bends.

I am always for look out for place unheard so that my readers get to see these beautiful otherwise hidden places to show to the world the beauty that awaits them to explore. And the video that I have shared below is one such effort to show to my readers the less heard Borith Lake and Passu Glacier.

Borith Lake, located approximately 2,600 metres (8,500 ft) above sea level,  is a lake in Gulmit, Hunza Valley in Gilgit–Baltistan, northwest of Husseini, a village near Gulmit, Gojal, in the upper Hunza. The crystal clear water of the lake is so far unpolluted and clean as it is watched by its snow covered protectors from behind the rocky ridges.

In order to reach the lake, one has to leave the Karakoram Highway at village Husseini and then has to travel on an unpaved jeep track for about 2 kilometers over watched by rugged stony mountains. The Lake is a sanctuary for migrating birds and is often visited by bird-watchers and nature lovers. From March to June, the lake is home to ducks of many species who rest here on their way northwards to the cooler waters of central Asia. The birds revisit from September–November with the onset of winter towards the north.

Before reaching the Borith Lake, one skirts the Ghulkin Glacier which feeds the Borith Lake. A longer walk to Passu Gar Glacier is another attraction, crossing both Ghulkin Glacier and Borith Lake. Having crossed Ghulkin Glacier by the same route, hikers can continue on the southern side of Borith Lake past the settlement of Borith Bala and the now deserted settlement of Shahabad. 

Passu Glacier as seen from KKH [Photo: Waqas Salim Jami/Facebook]

Watch the video below by a group of adventures who dared to tap the unbeaten tracks and reach beyond the mountains:

After watching the video, you too would realize that Pakistan is a sure destination to visit to cherish its memories forever !!
Photo | References | 1 | 2 | 3 |

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Pakistan: Your Travel Destination in 2019 - Forbes Tells

Pakistan offers startlingly striking scenery. Add to this the warm welcome of the people, the glacial blue of Atta-abad lake, the centuries of history, the juxtaposition of granite to greenery, the chance to walk through an age old-apricot orchard along water channels cut by hand, and the blazing snow-covered glory of Rakaposhi, and you must acknowledge there is a grand adventure to be had. - Forbes

And the claim is nothing but fully justified. Those who haven't seen Pakistan or staying away from it just because of some negative propaganda, mist listen to those who come here and do not want to go back - and even they go back, they come back again fro there is so much to bee seen of the untapped beauty that resides in the valleys guarded by towering snow capped mountains and welcomed by warm hospitable people.

Come visit the land of five of the Eight Thousanders,, the K2 (second highest peak after Mt Everest), Hunza, the beautiful place where people do not age, the mountain ranges of the Karakoram, the Himalaya and the Hindukush - all await you this year and tears after.

Watch the spectacular video about Pakistan's loveliest travel destinations:

Have you packed up your luggage to visit Pakistan already?

Photo | More Information and Destinations in Pakistan | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

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Pakistan: Your Travel Destination 2019 - Part VII - Pir Ghaib (Bolan), Balochistan

Balochistan province, that is the largest province of Pakistan as far land mass is concerned, is mostly an arid desert and mountainous. There are large tracts of treeless in most of the province due to lack of rainfall. But wherever there is water available we see lush green orchards, apple gardens and water falls. 

Pir Ghaib is one such place which located amid barren rocky mountains is a cool refreshing place with a waterfall and blue green water pond, surrounded by tall palm trees and lush green bushes. This serves an attractive tourist resort, specially in summers, when the area around is baked by strong sun rays. Pir Ghaib waterfalls is in fact a beautiful cascade located some 70 kilometers away from the province's capital Quetta.

Pir Ghaib literary means a pious man who disappeared or an invisible saint. No one is really sure why the place is so called but folklore legends relate that a saint and his sister had come to the area to convince the locals who worshiped fire to convert to the true faith of Islam. When the local king came to know of the presence of these two "dis-tractors" he dispatched a contingent to catch or kill the duo. When being persuaded in a gorge, the two decided to split lest being caught together.

[Photo: Facebook/Hunza]

While the sister followed the gorge, the saint fled into this arid landscape with the army in hot pursuit. And found his way up the Bolan mountain but reached a dead end. It is said that he started clawing at the mountain and when soldier almost reached him, the saint vanished inside the rock. And from that point a stream sprang in a form of waterfall that cascaded down into the area and filled it up and formed a pond. Due to presence of water, vegetation started to grow and soon became an oasis. Since that day, this oasis is called Pir Ghaib - the Invisible Saint.

And the amazing part of the folklore is that till date no one has been able to locate the source of water that oozed out of the rocks !!

There is a grave downstream the gorge there is a grave which is said to be the that of invisible Saint’s sister, known as Bibi Nani, located under a bridge by the rocky bank of a seasonal stream.

There are no details available as to how and when did Bibi Nani die or how was she buried at this place. Although not a saint herself, her grave is revered as such. In mid October, 1986, a huge flood struck the area and destroyed much of the habitats, roads and bridges not even spared. But astonishingly the grave of Bibi Nani was spared. Due to this fact, the grave of the Bibi assumes much reverence by the people of the area.

Many tourists from adjoining areas and as far away as Quetta visit this place, specially in summers to enjoy the cold water of the oasis, take a dip or just walk around or sit under the shade of the palm trees. Unfortunately there are no facilities available except for a small shop selling eatables and chips. Tourists normally carry their meals or cook here in the absence of an eatery.

You may like to watch this informative video below which describes the history and tourist facilities available around the place and how to get to this oasis from Quetta:

If you happen to be in Quetta, do take a time out and visit Pir Ghaib - it is something that you will really love it. 
Photo: Pir Ghaib (Screenshot) - Photo Grave Bibi Nani | References |  1 |  2 | 3 | 4 | 

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Pakistan - Your Travel Destination in 2019: Part V - The Train Wading through Sea of Snow (Balochistan)

There are many videos on the social media networks showing trains passing through heaps of snow, shoveling away showers of snow to the sideways as the travel through tons of snow stacked on the railway tracks. It is really fascinating to watch such videos.

The Quetta section of the railway in Balochistan province of Pakistan passes through very high elevations including one Kan Mehtarzai once again. The place between Kuchlag and Muslimbagh became the highest railway station of Asia, located at a height of 2,224 metres (7,295 feet). I wrote about Kan Mehtarzai in one of my earlier posts. and it too gets covered in snow during winters.

Many years ago, I had a chance to travel by train to Quetta in winters and saw snow covered surroundings as the train moved on. In those days there were no cell phones, what to talk of camera phones so that I could take videos or even still photos of the area. I regretted to even not having my camera with me.

But recently I came across a video on Facebook which brought back the nostalgia of my earlier visit to Quetta by train. And this video by someone lucky enough to have preserved a beautiful scene of train wading through a sea of snow at Kolpur railway station near Quetta. It is really amazing scene and I must appreciate the train drivers who drive their trains through the severely cold regions in trains that are not even air conditioned engines.Even most of the train is not air conditioned and one can imagine the plight of passengers inside. However, despite all odds, the travel goes on and people keep moving and train drivers continue to brave through the seas of snow everyday, every winter, each year.

Watch the beautiful video below showing the train braving through enormous sea of snow:

If you happen to be visiting Pakistan in winters, do take a ride to Quetta by train - you will simply love it.

Also read my posts: Breakfast at Kan Mehtarzai

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Pakistan: Your Travel Destination in 2019 - Part II (The Heaven on Earth)

Tourists abound Switzerland each year to be closer to Nature in its purest form. But those who dare and venture into the scenic Northern Areas of Pakistan are spellbound to see another Heaven of Earth. While most of Pakistan's Northern Areas remain virgin, the much visited places leave the tourists spellbound for they may have never expected such natural beauty to have been there in Pakistan.

Pakistan is among those fortunate countries who have five peaks towering more than 8,000 metres, called the Eight Thousanders, including the mighty K-2, the second highest mountain of the world after the Mount Everest. But it is the most deadliest for the climbers as it is said that out of four climbers, one never returns. Scary, well yes, but the mountaineers from around the world still dare and come every year to scale this huge pyramid shaped mountain peak. Even K-2's famous base camp Concordia is a haven for the trekkers, though an adventure in itself.

We have lot to share as far northern areas of Pakistan. Some we have already shared and more leaves to be shared. There are places that takes days to reach on foot, but once there, one forgets about the hardships one has faced reaching there. Recently, there is a hike in youth of Pakistan venturing into the desolate mountains, crossing roaring rivers and walking on hair-raising mountain tracks where even a slip can cost one's life. But this does not deter the adventurers and each day a new area is explored, an unbeaten track walked on and rising and setting of sun watched in awesome lonesome landscape amid whistling sound of the winds, that sometime even rip through one's body leaving one chilled and numb.

The social media is abound in videos by tourists and foreigners coming to Pakistan and admiring the natural beauty of every part of the country, specially the northern areas of Pakistan. The rugged mountain tracks and inviting mountain peaks are a haven for trekkers and mountaineers.

This also reminds me of a series of posts I shared of Mary Loosemore, who along with a group of adventurers came to Pakistan some years ago and explored the Hindu Kush mountain range of Pakistan. Do read my blog by searching posts related to her adventure stories. Herein under is just one such video which leaves tourists spellbound of the awe inspiring landscapes, the very indigenous people and their warm hospitality.

This is just the second post of the series and we will add many more ind days to come to introduce to you the realities that are hidden from the outer world. Do give us your feedback if you have been to Pakistan or intend doing so in days to come.

Photo: Shangrila - Skardu, Pakistan | References: | Eight Thousanders of Pakistan  | 1 | 2 |

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Pakistan: Your Travel Destination in 2019 - Part I (Crossing Borders on Foot)

Pakistan is one of the gifted countries of the world which takes you from the beeches of the Arabian Sea in the south to the snow clad towering mountains in the north through deserts and lush green plains. Each place has a charm of its own with different people of varying culture and language - but equally hospitable and extremely friendly, always extending a hand to let you feel at home.

There is much to see and eat in Pakistan. From the roadside vendors and eateries that sell indigenous, spicy and mouth watering locals delicacies to starred hotels where one can eat the same dishes in cozy air conditioned environment served by waiters clad in starched uniforms and wearing that friendly smile one comes across everywhere in Pakistan. But the joy of eating amid the indigenous people in the roadside eateries has its own charm which cannot be described in words but to be felt personally. And one can never forget children in streets running to greet a forefinger and insisting a snap with them.

Pakistan can be reached through international airlines that connect cities of Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta or else one can enter by road from either India, Iran, Afghanistan or even China. Each land route entry has its own charm for these let you enter Pakistan and giving you a opportunity to straightaway get into touch with locals of different provinces of Pakistan shaking hands with traditional warmth and welcome.

We have started this series of posts to share experiences of foreign tourists who are amazed to find a Pakistan much different to one's perception. In fact the media around the world which once projected Pakistan as a Taliban country with people skirting by with guns in their hands, has now started to realize that Pakistan is far different from what has once been projected.

In fact those who come to Pakistan go back with very pleasant memories that they cherish for a long time besides sharing these with their friends which compels them to include Pakistan as their top travel destinations in their travel plans.

In this post, we are sharing experiences of Karl Rock who crossed over to Pakistan from India through the famous Wagha Border at the outskirts of Lahore. And here devours on beef haleem, one of the delicious dishes of Pakistan. Watch the video below and be amused by his experiences and MAJOR FALLS!!

I hope you enjoyed this beginner - stay tuned for many more such surprising experiences from tourists around the world.

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Unique Cheesy Pizza of Spontini Milano

There are more Pizza lovers in the world than any other single food. These come in many forms, hard crust or soft, spicy or extremely spicy, beef, chicken, pork or even vegetable. All sell alike to satisfy taste buds of pizza lovers. 

But if you go to a pizza shop and are offered only one type of pizza and when you reluctantly accept to eat, you instantly fall in love with that type of pizza and you always walk up to the same pizza shop?

Well although I am not a much pizza man but my children surely are. While in Milano, Italy my two sons had a wind of a particular pizza shop which incidentally was located very close to the hotel we were staying. So we walked over to the place and ordered the only kind of pizza available and waited patiently, watching others whose orderd had been served eating their order with much delight. The cheesy stuff was enough to fill my mouth with all the water of my body.

Oh I forgot to tell the name of the place, but you would guessed it from the photos I have shared above and in between the post - Spontini Milano  !! From the Tuscan “Cibi Cotti” rotisserie, to Pizzeria Spontini, pizza by the slice since 1953, the name is the place for real pizza lovers.

 Waiting for the surprise of our lives

And when our order was served, I reluctantly calved out a small piece which came to my mouth with long cheezy strings. And when I tasted it, I fell in love with this cheeze only pizza isntantly. It melted in my mouth. giving me the joy of my life. 

The piece served looked so big and at first glance I thought I would I be able to finish it. But when the eating got going, the place was empty in no time and I instantly rushed to counter to order more for us.

The huge size of the pizza piece can be well imagined from the photos shared above and pizza lovers would know how enormous one piece was. And One thing that amazed me was that the pizza was sold by weight and not by size. And pizza lovers both locals and tourists were buying in large quantities for obvious reasons.

So when you are in Milano Italy next time, do not skip the meal of your life at Spontini Milano - and if you miss, you will regret reading my post for the second time. Remember there is only pizza shop in Milano and that is Pizzeria Spontini.

Photo Header | All other photos were shot by me at Spontini Milano - 2014

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Fascinating Pakistan - Passu Cones

Karakorum Mountain Range which dominates the other two mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the the Hindu Kush in the northern areas of the Pakistan not only has four of the fourteen eight thousanders of the world, including the seconder highest mountain peak of K2, it also has a large number of seven thousanders and awesomely beautiful mountain peaks. While I have been talking of other eight thousanders of Pakistan, let me digress from these and talk about one of the most photographed mountain shapes and tops - the Passu Cones.

These number of conical projections get their names from the village Passu located along the Karakorum Highway besides the Hunza River and the fact that these are located near the tongue of the Passu Glacier, and just south of the tongue of the Batura Glacier - the 56 km long glacier which is the seventh longest non-polar glacier in the world. The Batura Glacier also reaches very near to the highway. 

The Passu Cones are in fact part of the 6,106 metres (20,033 ft) high Tupopdan Mountain, spread over some 20 kilometers, and are also called the "Passu Cathedral" for its massivity and vast frontal shape. 

A rather full view of the Tupopdan Mountain and its famous Passu Cathedral

The Tupopdan mountain is located to the north of the Passu village, part of the Upper Hunza Valley of Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan.

Passu Cathedral is also called the "Sun Drenched Mountain" or "Mouthful of Sun Mountain" as its pyramidal cones shine as the sun rays fall on to these. One onlooker has described the sun rays falling on to the cones in awesomely captivating words: "The first light over Passu cathedrals makes a setting for a beautiful and colorful show, with sun's rays hitting the ridge at an angle resulting in a panoramic dance of light and shadows observed on the mountain ranges."

I once ventured to go to the Khunjrab Top at the Pakistan-China border, at the end of perhaps the highest metaled road - the Karakorum Highway (KKH). Ahead of Hunza, we stopped at the Rakaposhi view point, about which I have already written and the hearty breakfast we had before moving on to Khunjrab. However, en route we were told that the road near the village of Sust, a border/custom  check post, was closed and that we should not venture forward. 

A spectacular view of the Passu Cones or the Passu Cathedral while driving on the KKH

However, our journey gave us a good chance to see the Passu Cones and I still remember its massivity, grandeur and typical coned shape peaks. In fact, the Passu Cones are the most prominent and eye-catching objects as one reaches the Passu village. In those we did not have digital cameras and the photographs which I took got misplaced over the years except the only photo of I and may family posing in front of the rising slopes of Rakaposhi.

Road travel from Gilgit to Gulmit - Passu village and Tupopdan Mountain - Google Map

There are two suspension bridges over River Hunza for trekkers to further their adventures on foot to explore the mountains and glaciers ahead. These two bridges are known as the Hussaini Bridge (photo above) and the Passu Bridge. It really requires guts to walk across these bridge as these are not in a very good state of maintenance.

Words and photos alone perhaps cannot explain the grandeur of the Pass Cathedral unless one sees its from one's eyes either on the site itself or through a video. I am sharing one of the many videos on Passu Cones and I am sure this will not only leave a meaningful impression on my readers but will also compel them to plan a trip to see this beautiful mountain and its conical peaks. This video has been shot by a para glider that starts from the Ata Abad Lake and shows the massive Tupopdan Mountain and its cones beside the Ghulkin, Gulmit, Passu and Batura glaciers - an awesome video worthy of the beautiful scenery below:

If you are planning a visit to Passu Cones, you will have to drive some 150 kilometers on the KKH ahead of the city of Gilgit, the China Town of Pakistan, and some 14 kilometers ahead of the small town of Gulmit.
Photos: Northern Areas of Pakistan 

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Fascinating Pakistan: Skardu - the Cold Desert

 

One hears of cold arctic desert covered with thick layers of ice or the Gobi Desert of Mongolia - the hottest desert of the world. But you may be surprised to know that there is one 'cold' desert located almost at the height of 8,000 feet, above mean sea level, surrounded by snow clad mountains in Pakistan near the city of Skardu - the road way to world’s highest mountains that includes K2, K3, and Gasherbrum. 

Since the temperature falls below freezing point in winters, the desert is rightly called the cold desert - or may I say the coldest highest desert in the world - or better name it a desert above the clouds!!

The beautiful sand dunes of Katpana Desert at Skardu, the main city of the Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan, are one the favourite tourist destinations. Owing to its location at this high altitude, it is rightly known as the cold desert. 

A spectacular view of the sand dunes

A rare phenomenon: desert at foothills of snow clad mountains

These vast stretches of sand dune exits along the course of mighty River Indus, which start from the Khaplu Valley to Nubra Ladakh and Shigar Skardu valley. However its largest area can be seen in the Skardu and Shigar valley.

I first saw this beautiful natural phenomenon when I visited Skardu many years ago. I could see these sand dunes from the airplane window as these are very close to the Skardu airport. I took a few shots, but lost these over a period of time. Strong winds shift the dunes as quickly as nomads. At this high altitude and cold region, this desert holds strange a attraction. 

An awesome view of Skardu desert near Shiger

Now watch a beautiful drone video capturing the vast stretches of cold desert in Skardu Valley:

(The second part of the video shows the beautiful road to the Shigar valley of mighty K2. An amazing road looks very beautiful through the lens of this drone.)

There are many other spectacular sightseeing places in and around Skardu. Some of these are:

• World’s second highest plains, Deosai
• Sadpara Lake - one a monumental lake now being consumed by making of  a dam (photo below)
• The 600 years old Kharpocho Fort - built by Balti ruler Ali Sher Khan Anchan.
• Shangrila Resorts built on cold icy waters of Skardu Lake. There is no better place in Skardu than to lodge at the Shangrila Resorts to enjoy the pure natural beauty of Skardu.

If you wish to visit Skardu and its sand dunes, beside its many other attractions, do plan a visit in summers as the winters are very severe. You may take a flight from Islamabad to Skardu. But due to weather turbulences, the flights are often disrupted. One can also opt to take the land route on the Karakorum Highway, the KKH. After Jaglot on the Karakorum Highway, an almost seven hours narrow road leads towards Skardu. So do keep Skardu as of your travel destination next time you plan to visit an adventurous journey to Fascinating Pakistan.

Photos: Northern Areas of Pakistan
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