From Seashore to the Land of Fairies

Karachi to Rawalpindi

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous

On 5th September 2017 we arrived in Rawalpindi by Tezgam Express a perfect budget train with AC coaches. Rawalpindi is a major hub for those who like to go to Northern Areas of Gilgit-Baltistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

As a frequent traveler, I and my family have gone to numerous spots inside Pakistan, and also on several foreign tours. On our last trip toward Northern Areas of Pakistan we cover the Gilgit side of Gilgit-Baltistan region and visited lots of places including Abbottabad, Mansehra, Balakot, River Kunhar, Naran, Saiful Muluk, Lalazar, Batakundi, Jalkhad, Lulusar Lake, Piyala Lake, Babusar Pass, Dalain, Chillas, Tata Pani, Confluence of River Indus & river Gilgit, Junction point of Karakorum, Hindukush and Himalayas, Raikot Bridge, Nanga Parbat View Point, Jaglot, Gilgit, Rakaposhi View Point, Aliabad, Karimabad, Baltit, Ganish, Attabad, Naltar, Hopper, Altit, Dauikar, Gulmit, Passu, Sust, Borith Lake and accomplished our objective of reaching Khunjerab Pass at Pakistan-China border.

This time we decided to travel toward the Land of Fairies (Fairy Meadows) and cover the Sakardu side of Gilgit-Baltistan. Fairy Meadows is at the height of 10826.77 ft. (3,300 meters) and is the first stopover for those travelling to Nanga Parbat peak. And for Skardu side, we visited Rama, Astore, Tarashing, Rupal, Deosai, Khaplu, Sakardu City, Kachura and then toward Hunza.

Following is a brief description of my visit:

• Family Members: Me, my wife and 2 Kids (a 15 years old son and 10 years old daughter)

• Transport Used: Train, Private Car (Taxi), Jeep

• Dates: From 4 September 2017 till 23 September 2017

The voyage started out on the 4th of September 2017 from Karachi to Rawalpindi via Train. By traveling on Tezgam, a perfect budget train with AC coaches, we reached Rawalpindi on 5th September 2017. We stay at my sister’s home in Pindi on 5th and 6th of September. Our real adventure begins on 7th September 2017 from Rawalpindi.