Today I’m featuring a great image and a story from Hunza Valley in Pakistan by Will Hatton from The Broke Backpacker Blog.
Will is a professional adventurer and digital nomad currently on a three-year journey from the UK to Papua New Guinea. Without the use of a single flight.
You can follow Will’s adventures on Snapchat at @wthatton and on Instagram.
Photo Story: Hunza Pakistan
The ancient silk road, linking China to Europe and running all the way through Pakistan.
This was a country I had wanted to visit for years, an untouched adventure frontier of soaring Himalayan peaks, groaning glaciers, raging rivers, tattered bridges and some of the world’s most friendly people.
For days now, I had been amazed at the hospitality in the mountains. It is pretty much impossible to pay for anything in Pakistan and, once you lose your police escort, hitchhiking here is unbelievably easy.
I had caught rides in technicoloured trucks. Coils of bells clinking gently as we chugged our way up hills and past small villages.
My ancient bodyguard, Baba, who was totally wonderful yet wonderfully unnecessary, had at first disapproved but had quickly warmed up, showing me how to fire an AK and sharing a cheeky smoke with me.
I had been staying with a local man, Rehman, and his family for nearly a week. Camping out in a stone shepherds hut perched atop the lip of a glacial valley. There was no electricity, no running water, no phone signal and no worries.
Every day, I played with Rehman’s boisterous kids, getting my ass kicked at cricket and chatted with Sara, Rehman’s beautiful and intelligent wife.
The clouds danced overhead and I watched eagles play upon the thermal currents, the brilliant white of the snow and rock and ice reflecting into the sky.
Pakistan is a place that will leave a lasting impression on you, the people, the landscapes, the history; everything here is so rich, so deep, so full of meaning.
For real adventure, come to Hunza Valley in Pakistan… soon, I hope to open Pakistan’s first ever backpacker hostel!
Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
The Hunza is situated in the extreme northern part of Pakistan, bordering with the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan and the Xinjiang region of China.
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Wow, amazing photos! I hope to visit there one day! You just encouraged me to add Pakistan to my next trip.
Happy to hear that!
Marysia recently posted…Best Destinations to Visit this Autumn
Really amazing post. I would like to go there for a 1-month trip
It is my big dream too!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair 256
It’s a really great and knowledgeable blog. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks :)
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair 249
Twitter: umark3837
Pakistan is full of natural beauty. I Love my Pakistan!
My big dream!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair 231
Great article Marysia I went to Hunza in 2018 and I also went to Attabad lake it is really mesmerizing and a must go place. I was wondering how you survived without electricity and stuff like microwave and tv ??? I was quite impressed with the family you stayed with they seemed very good and nice people.
I generally have no problem with accommodations without electricity but this story is not my story :) I would love to visit Pakistan one day!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair 231
Pakistan is a full of natural beauty…
I agree, it is my big dream to visit!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair 211
Twitter: pak_villas
Thank you very much for this post, love this picture!
Happy to read you enjoyed it!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair 203
I just stumbled upon your blog on one of those ‘best blogs’ lists, and I absolutely love it
Really? I though that nobody really check those lists :)
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #159
That is absolutely spectacular
Mollyxxx
Molly recently posted…Day 206 – Abstract Palette
It really is!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #159
This is gorgeous! I would like to learn more about this country.
Ruth recently posted…Summer Hiking Bucket List
Totally, Pakistan is such a dream of mine!
Marysia recently posted…Friday Lens Affair #159