Our First Trip to Gilgit-Baltistan and its Beautiful Scenery

When a mountaineer is called by the mountaineers, he stands on the paths of the mountaineers, regardless of the day, time, weather, pocket, and being with someone or not. I am also counted among such mountaineers, so as soon as I was called by the mountaineers, I stood alone. No day, no night, no weather, no conditions, no expenses. This was my first trip to Gilgit-Baltistan with my Best friend Sahar. Initially, my intention was to be confined to Hunza but Allah Almighty created such conditions that I went to Khunjerab Pass near the Pak-China border.

We left on Sunday, 8th June 2019 our first journey from Rawalpindi to Gilgit-Baltistan on unseen, unknown paths began. The Babusar Pass was also closed in June this year due to record snowfall. So all the roads beyond Mansehra were new to us. Traveling on the Karakoram Highway (KKH-National Highway No. 35), Besham left. He reached Thaha Kot via Shankiari, Buttal, and Batgram. After crossing the famous bridge of Thaha Kot, walking in the company of Sindh, they soon reached a great height.

We had to spend half an hour walking along the river in Dasu. The rock of the mountains was being blown up with dynamite to build the road. After Dasu, our destination was the famous place of Chilas. From Mansehra, National Highway No. 15 passes through Balakot, Kagan, Naran, and Babusar Pass and joins KKH at the same place. After the Chilas, the next two places are very important. Gunner Farm and Rai Kot. From these places, paths lead to this dangerous mountain of the world which is known to the world by the name of Nanga Parbat and the name of the killer mountain.

At 8,126 meters (26,660 feet), it is the ninth highest mountain in the world and the second-highest in Pakistan. Gunnar Farm leads to Diamer Fees and Raikot to Nanga Parbat Ferry Meadows / Raikot Fees. There is also a third base camp on Nanga Parbat. Rupee fee. In the Astor Valley, a road leads from Tarshang to the village of Rupal. Nanga Parbat in Rupel Valley is the only mountain in the world which rises 4,570 meters vertically. This feature distinguishes it from all the mountains in the world.

From Karakot Bridge, the Karakoram Highway descends to the famous site of Jaglot. Jaglot is one of the most unique places in the world. The world's three highest mountain ranges, the Karakoram, the Himalayas, and the Hindu Kush meet here. The city of Gilgit has located at a distance of 47 km from Jaglot and 630 km from Islamabad on the banks of the river Gilgit. This capital of Gilgit-Baltistan province is surrounded by the dry heights of Karakoram. After staying overnight in Gilgit, he left for Hunza the next day. I intended to return after a tour of Baltat Fort in Karimabad but I met a young Saif in Aliabad. He advised going sust instead of Karimabad. There were many places on this route that I could visit. I thought it was appropriate, so I decided to go lazy and got into the wagon.

Ultra peak. After viewing Mount Lady Finger, Ataabad Lake, Flea Cones, Flea Glacier, and Lake Batura, we reached Sost in the west. The famous and beautiful places of Karimabad, Ataabad, Shashkat, Gilmat, Hussaini, and Flea are located on the Karakoram Highway. Hunza tunnels have also been constructed on the same highway.

Two of the five tunnels, Tunnel No. 2 are three and a half kilometers long and Tunnel No. 4 is two and a half kilometers long. Apart from me, there were only two tourists from Soost who belonged to Karachi. Deepak and Fars. Salam dua from these young people soon turned into sincerity. In the morning it became a program to go to Khanjrab together. All three benefited from the fact that the burden on the individual budget was significantly reduced.

After reserving a car in the morning, we left for the Pakistan-China border Khanjrab Pass. This part of the highway is adorned with the amazing mountains of Karakoram. Rocks are different in shape. Some are layered, some are variable. If there is a spot like a slate, then there is a full one. In this journey, the national animal of the beloved homeland, Markhor, also appeared. Marmots are numerous here. The yak is a pet. Their herds roamed freely under the supervision of herdsmen. After traveling for an hour and a half, they reached Khanjrab Pass. The valley has widened. It is a very beautiful area. The mountains were covered with snow. The ground was covered with spotless white snow. Since Khanjrab Pass is the highest used border in the world at an altitude of 16,002 feet, there was a blood-curdling cold even in June. Strong and icy winds were blowing. There was also snow which lasted for half an hour. There were 3 more tourists from Pakistan besides us. There were also some tourists from China with whom I spoke The conversation was limited to Hello, Hi, and How are you because the Chinese did not know much English and I did not know Chinese.

Khanjrab came back from the pass slowly. Now we intended to go to Borth Lake and return to Gilgit after spending the night by the lake. so we book a car from Aliabad which drop us on Hussaini . From here, the distance to Lake Borth is only 3 km, on which we took a short circuit and walked for 20 minutes to reach the lake. Lake Borth is a saltwater lake. It does not get water from anywhere and does not discharge water from the lake. You can also swim in the lake. There are flea cones on the east side and Gult Towers on the west side. The lake is at an altitude of 8,500 feet above sea level. Lake Borth is also accessible by car, but the road is rough and rough.

After spending the night on Lake Borth, Husseini left the next morning. After a tour of the famous Husseini Suspended Bridge, a motorcyclist took a lift to Gilmat. Lake Ataabad is only 4 km from Gilmat. Intending to walk this path, I set off for the lake. After an hour's walk, he landed on the shores of Lake Ataabad, 25 km long. The lake came into being in January 2010 after a landslide blocked the Hunza River. Over time, its depth reached 357 feet. Not only Ataabad village, Shashkat, and large parts of Ainabad but also a part of Karakoram Highway were submerged in the waters of the lake, after which Hunza tunnels were constructed in the Karakoram Mountains along the lake.

Visiting Ataabad Lake

After visiting Ataabad Lake, We took a lift in a private car and reached Aliabad. We have now received the most beautiful gift of travel. Rakapushi, who had been hiding in the clouds as he left, was now in front with all his veils, relics and charms, tearing down all the curtains. What more could a climber want? This was the most beautiful page in my book Tourism. Rakapushi, nature's most beautiful industrial masterpiece, is undoubtedly the most beautiful mountain in the world. This mountain, which is covered in spotless white snow from head to toe, has reached an altitude of 7,788 meters (25,700 feet). Will stay with me in the evening, I traveled from Gilgit and Gilgit for 23 hours and reached Rabwah to remember the beautiful Jalwa of Rakapushi.

Gilgit-Baltistan is not only a dear homeland but also one of the most beautiful regions in the world. The area from Aliabad to Khanjarab Pass is full of breathtaking views of the mountains, amazing rocks of the mountains, and lush springs of the valleys. The people of this region, who have attractive land features, are also helpful, friendly, and hospitable. The special mercy and grace of Allah, the Lord of the worlds, was with me on this memorable journey to Gilgit-Baltistan. This was my first solo journey not only to Gilgit-Baltistan but also to the mountains up to Khanjrab Pass which was very successful with the help of ALLAH Almighty and His bounties. Praise be to ALLAH.