In the intense north of Pakistan, Skardu the imperative valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, is an epitome of beauty, serenity and desert.
Paths to some of the world’s maximum mountains that includes K2, K3, and Gasherbrum; all are connected via this valley.
those towering mountains attract hundreds of climbers from all around the international every yr; some have even lost their lives in efforts to summit these steep climbs.
After Jaglot on the Karakoram highway, a narrow street turns toward Skardu. during the seven-hour adventure, one is greeted with several streams, springs, and the hospitality of the area people.
quickly after crossing the vintage timber bridge built over the River Indus, one reaches Shangrila. that is wherein Arif Aslam, Chairman of Shangrila inns, has constructed a lovely world amidst the surreal mountains.
Shangrila resorts, Skardu. — S.M.Bukhari
Inside Shangrila. — S.M.Bukhari
Garden of Shangrila resorts. — S.M.Bukhari
Braldu river. — S.M.Bukhari
Waterfall at Skardu. — S.M. Bukhari
better up is Kachhura Village, where Kachhura Lake’s crystal clear water is surrounded by using old dramatic trees.
watching the solar upward push behind the mountains is a captivating sight. This changed into the primary time, I had seen such a serene dawn over Indus.
Boating in upper Kachura lake. — S.M.Bukhari
Upper Kachura lake.— S.M.Bukhari
Entire view of upper Kachura lake.— S.M.Bukhari
Upper Kachura lake.— S.M.Bukhari
Upper Kachura lake at night.— S.M.Bukhari
The Indus River changes in the course of one-of-a-kind seasons; turquoise waters on the banks for the duration of winters and various sun shades of grey in the course of summers.
in keeping with Tibetan myths, the Indus gushes from the mouth of a lion, that’s why it is also known as ‘Sher Darya’ (Lion River).
Dusk at Indus river. — S.M.Bukhari
Dusk at Indus river. — S.M.Bukhari
Sunrise of Indus river. — S.M.Bukhari
Then there’s Kharpocho fortress searching down the hills, this production is 600 years vintage. It changed into constructed through Balti ruler Ali Sher Khan Anchan.
once taken into consideration unconquerable, this citadel is now scuffling with for survival in opposition to time. but even thru the shambles, Kharpocho still keeps its splendor. The breathless sight of the valley from the fort on a complete moon night time is a view this is tough to miss.
The sand dunes in Katpana village, also called cold wasteland, are a marvel in itself. robust winds shift the dunes as quick as nomads. At this excessive altitude and bloodless place, this desert holds odd a attraction.
Katpana sand dunes in the morning. — S.M.Bukhari
Katpana village, Skardu— S.M.Bukhari
Katpana sand dunes at night. — S.M.Bukhari
Cold desert at dusk.— S.M.Bukhari
Cold desert at night.— S.M.Bukhari
moving ahead from the Skardu Bazaar, a road leads up to the arena’s highest plains, Deosai, and on the identical street, Sadpara Lake may be seen wherein a dam has been built now.
there is best one hotel standing on the financial institution of Sadpara Lake. 1/2 of it's been submerged in water, and all that remains now are three rooms.
On a complete moon night, Sadpara Lake appears extremely mesmerising.
inside the mountains, sun sets in advance than within the plains, and the afterglow remains for numerous minutes. The c language between the sundown and earlier than dusk is an enjoy which cannot be defined in phrases to a person who hasn’t been a witness to this.
Sadpara lake at dawn. — S.M.Bukhari
Sadpara lake in moonlight. — S.M.Bukhari
Sadpara lake in full moon. — S.M.Bukhari
i was walking on a slim strip, when a window of a close-by home opened, and a boy with inexperienced eyes and a heat smile waved at me. All my exhaustion regarded to just soften away.
I then, made my way to the main avenue, crunching over fallen leaves that had included each sides of the road.
It become autumn, and the month of Muharram. a few vicinity a ways away, elegies have been being performed. Autumn, silence, and elegies made a bizarre combination, enveloping the valley in a ordinary sadness.
I so wanted to hear a whistle of a locomotive. Fallen leaves, elegies, and the whistle of a locomotive, all represent one component — separation.
Road in Skardu in autumn. — S.M.Bukhari
Road to Skardu. — S.M.Bukhari
I stored taking walks on the primary road, while all of a surprising a sound of a whistle broke the chain of my mind. It changed into a check submit of Gilgit Baltistan Scouts.
The defend on duty checked my identity card, after which said: ‘It’s Muharram, so we must be more vigilant, are you carrying some thing else?’
My reply could have been ‘reminiscences and fallen leaves’, as an alternative I simply smiled.