Hello everyone on Pantip.com....
Back again (yet again). It's starting to become a frequent occurrence for reviews. I almost have to have a trip as if I'm already attached to it. Because every time I sit down to review, it's like taking myself back there again...
This episode is :::::: Pakistan Ep.3 :::::: Pakistan ... Go with your heart, listen with your eyes...
Ep. 3: A Third Encounter with a Beloved Land
This episode marks my third visit to this captivating country, each trip fueled by a genuine desire to explore. My love for this nation, with its stunning natural beauty and welcoming people, has only grown with each visit. The overall experience has been nothing short of exceptional.
Listen with your eyes... Sometimes you don't need to hear the sound, just try to look clearly, your heart will hear it itself...
Many people may ask:
Why go multiple times? What is the reason for going?
Tourist attractions... because there are so many beautiful places, just like Thailand. One visit is not enough to see them all.
Pakistani people are all friendly, kind, and patient. This made it easy for me to make new friends.
Is it safe? Isn't it dangerous? I saw news about explosions and fighting.
It's similar to my first experience... where I thought about sitting here and there. Try going back to the first review I wrote (it's at the end of this thread). Just try to be open-minded...
The claim that checkpoints throughout the country make it unsafe because everyone knows who is doing what and where is questionable. After all, the absence of checkpoints does not guarantee safety. Additionally, news reports can be unreliable, with some being accurate and others not. Based on my personal experience, when bombs explode in our country, foreigners also perceive it as unsafe. In fact, some of my foreign friends have even canceled their trips here. However, from our perspective, there is nothing to be afraid of.
...The more I've been there, three times now, and with other people who have been there and reviewed it, the more confident I am...
However, as the saying goes, you have to experience it yourself to truly understand.
Are you having trouble?
The main difficulty might be the long travel time, as each natural attraction is quite far apart. This could be a bit inconvenient, but everything else is very comfortable.
The answer lies in the reviews or with those who have been there before. Just try to look at the picture with an open mind... and then I will take you to find the answer together ^^
This trip was joined by 11 friends I met on Pantip and various pages. We had a lot of fun, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of them for making this trip so memorable.
Let's have fun and make new friends! ^^
Travel Plan
Our trip took place between July 13th and 23rd, 2016.
The flight arrives around 11 p.m. on July 13th.
The return flight arrives at 6:30 AM on July 24th.
This trip boasts a comprehensive itinerary, encompassing nearly all major highlights, particularly Skardu and Deosai plains. These destinations are ideal for summer travel, offering lush greenery and moderate temperatures. Visiting during autumn is not recommended, as Deosai plains, situated at an altitude exceeding 4000 meters, primarily features grasslands with minimal tree cover. Consequently, autumn foliage is absent, and temperatures are frigid. In conclusion, the Pakistani summer season presents the optimal time for this excursion.
The journey begins with a direct flight from Bangkok to Islamabad, followed by a connecting flight to Skardu the next day. Domestic flights in this region are subject to frequent cancellations due to unpredictable weather conditions. Travelers should be prepared for potential delays. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have my flight take off as scheduled, unlike my previous two attempts.
Upon reaching Skardu, continue to the Deosai Plateau, home to the brown bear. It is a protected area, but the brown bears are unlikely to be seen running around like in a zoo. It's very difficult, so it's best not to expect to see them. If you do happen to see one, consider it a bonus.
The road from Deosai to Astore is rough and challenging.
From Astore to Fairy Meadows, as shown in the cover image of this review. But before you can get those beautiful pictures, you'll have to endure a nerve-wracking ride. Just like Astore, the best time to visit Fairy Meadows is during this season. During other times, the greenery disappears, leaving only brown and snow. It might be beautiful in a different way, but... you'll have to take your chances on whether the road is accessible.
Let's summarize this quickly, otherwise we won't be able to finish it. ^^ Then we'll move on to the Karakorum Highways (KKH), the highest highway in the world. Not the highest road in the world, mind you.
Fairy Meadows > Gupis Valley > Hunza > Khunjerab Pass > Gilgit > Islamabad > Bangkok.
Other reviews of Pakistan from my two previous visits can be found at the following links:
Pakistan EP.1 - Just a Glance… and I'm in Love
http://pantip.com/topic/34015062
Pakistan EP.2 - Version...Unexpected (but not disappointed) http://pantip.com/topic/35149998
Europe: Travel as you please in Europe for 21 days in 8 countries for less than 100,000 baht. http://pantip.com/topic/33726826
Europe: [The Northern Lights: Norway - Sweden]
Gazing at the sky in search of the aurora borealis.
Follow other works at http://www.facebook.com/witgoaway
Thank you for following and thank you Pantip for the space to share beautiful worlds.
Note: This trip was actually two trips in a row, almost a month long. The next trip will be an 11-day trek, which I will review in a separate post.
Image of dipping sauce attached...
Note: The images are not for commercial use unless permission is granted. Sharing and viewing are allowed for non-commercial purposes. Thank you.
Day 1: The trip began with a departure from BKK at 19:00 and arrival in Islamabad at 23:00. After drinking milk, the group went to sleep.
Day 2 :: 14-Jul-2016 Our flight to Skardu was scheduled for 8:00 AM. However, domestic flights in this region are often subject to delays due to weather conditions, as the area is predominantly mountainous. Fortunately, our flight took off as planned.
Upon arrival in Skardu, proceed directly to Kachura Lake. However, during the flight, do not miss the breathtaking views along the way. The scenery is truly awe-inspiring.
Two young men were happily playing in the water, showing off their six-pack abs as they walked by.
Accommodation on the way to Skardu
Day 3: July 15, 2016
... On the morning of the 15th, we set off from Skardu to Astore, passing through the Deosai plateau ...
Stop at the Satpara Lake viewpoint along the way.
Our jeep climbed to an altitude of about 3,000 meters, where wildflowers became increasingly abundant. As a result, our progress slowed considerably, and we frequently had to stop.
And then the heavy rain came...during the welcoming ceremony - -
We have arrived at Deosai Plains! They say we can see brown bears here, but for now, we'll enjoy watching the sheep and goats.
This is not a goat...but #this is me.
We haven't even reached Deosai yet...
The sun came out just as we were about to leave the Deosai plains.
Due to the last program today, we had to reach Rama Lake. However, we arrived too late because we were having fun at Deosai. Therefore, we had to postpone it to...
Day 4 :: 16-Jul-2016
The highlight of the trip was the visit to Fairy Meadows. This was my third attempt to get there, and I was finally successful. Let's see how far I got...
Departing from PTDC Rama Hotel, we briefly entered the Karakoram Highway on our way to Fairy Meadows. Let's take a look at the beauty of this road.
The journey to Fairy Meadows begins at Raikot Bridge, where you will transfer to a 4x4 jeep that will climb along the cliffs and mountainside for approximately 1 hour. You will then continue on foot for another 6-7 km, which is a relatively steep and narrow path that takes about 2-3 hours. If you are not up to the challenge, you can rent a horse (highly recommended). I walked the entire way myself! 55+
The road is not very steep...55+
The road is wide and comfortable.
The car took 1 hour, then we walked for 6-7 km with an elevation gain of approximately 600-700m.
Behold!
Let's take a look at Nanga Parbat, the world's ninth highest peak...
Day 5: July 17, 2016. A wonderful day... the weather was very cooperative... my goal was achieved on the 3rd attempt.
Once upon a time... like in a fairy tale...
July 18, 2016
Descending from Fairy Meadows, we headed straight to Ghizer Valley. It was almost dusk by the time we reached our accommodation.
The next morning, we were a little worried about the cloudy sky...
In the afternoon, we headed straight to Hunza, a popular destination for many.
Day 7: July 19, 2016 - Hunza and a Day of Gloom…
Weather >,,< Raining >,,< Pitter-patter...
What to do… Pick the cherries directly from the tree, huh?^^
Two hours later, the sky began to clear…
Aerial view of Baltit Fort.
Altit Fort, a breathtaking view from above.
Awaiting the clearing of the sky, we set off on a journey to Hopar Glacier.
The show also features ice climbing, but I don't want to think about what would happen if someone fell and landed between their legs.
The weather changed dramatically today. It was raining in the morning, but by the afternoon, it was completely different.
Upon reaching the accommodation, the moon was paired with the Golden Peak, a beautiful sight that rarely deigns to meet the eye during the day... it must be nocturnal.
Day 8 ::: 20-Jul-2016 To the limit... Pakistan-China border
The border must be bustling...
The border must have a market for trade...
The border is bustling with people crossing back and forth.
But this border is ... fun
The fun we had was among ourselves.
Smiles... are everywhere.
The color of Attabad Lake is difficult to describe. It's not quite blue, not quite green, but somewhere in between.
On the way back, we continued to... Passu Glacier... and couldn't resist climbing a tree to eat apricots... from the locals... The locals here are so kind, they even called us over to eat more and gave us a bag to put them in... Awesome!!!
En route to Passu Glacier
Day 9: July 21, 2016 - Up Close with Hunza
Due to the landslide caused by heavy rain on the way to Gilgit, the original travel plan to visit the valley had to be changed. Instead, we visited Baltit Fort and Altit Fort to get closer to Hunza. In the local language, Altit means "here" and Baltit means "there".
Starting from Altit Fort, which is the fort directly in front, but this picture was taken with a GoPro, so it looks like a leaning tower. ^^
May I take a picture? I'm a little shy...
The children here are shy and smile awkwardly when not being photographed, but become serious and composed when the camera is pointed at them.
While I was aiming the camera, enjoying taking pictures...>>> I was very surprised by this young lady...55+ Why did you put on so much eye shadow, girl? You went all out...
Let's move on to Baltit Fort...
And then straight into...Gilgit...
Stop at the Rakaposhi Peak viewpoint, which is 7,788 meters high.
Day 10: July 22, 2016
I parted ways with my travel companions and remained in Pakistan to await their return for our next trekking adventure, scheduled for July 24, 2016.
I will write another review of the trek separately from this post.
Thank you… to the funniest travel companions.
Thank you...Pantip, a space for sharing.
Let me end with one more picture from the next trip...
However, the review may be delayed as I will be traveling to India on August 11th.
Thank you for following. For more information, please visit http://www.facebook.com/witgoaway.
WitGoAway Traveller
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 10:26 AM