Showing posts with label Pakistan. Show all posts

Indiana Jones would be proud of this�� Passu, Pakistan

Location: Hussaini Village, Northern Territories, Pakistan (36�25'25.26"N 74�52'54.78"E)
Date: 2 July 2007; 9.15am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Apart from trekking the Karakorum Mountains, one of the most amazing experiences in Pakistan is crossing the suspension bridge across the Hunza River from Hussaini Village to Zar Abad. This rope bridge is long and un-maintained, missing a few planks. There are actually two bridges; the old one was broken and hangs in tatters right next to the current one. Crossing the bridge is quite a challenge, not only because of its condition, the length and the quick flowing river underneath but also the precariousness due to its shaking by strong winds brought by the flowing river. However to the locals, this is their only means to cross the wide river and they cross it as if walking on land, without much of a blink of the eye. There is another suspension bridge across the river slightly further south- better condition but just as scary. Apart from the sense of adventure, one can also enjoy the fabulous view of the Passu Cathedral (mountains in photo) from here. This place is highly recommended and is a �must-go� for anyone travelling the Karakorum Highway.

Technorati Tags: Pakistan,Hunza River,Passu,Passu Cathedrals,Hussaini,suspension bridge,Karakorum Highway

The summit of K2 (Chogori) peeking out of the clouds

Location: K2 summit from Concordia, Pakistan (35� 44' 0? N, 76� 31' 0? E)
Date: 9 July 2007; 75.30am
Camera: Canon 400D with EF 70-200/f4 IS L
My trek to the K2 Base Camp 3 years ago was not as tough as I expected. The altitude was high but was not as exhaustive as I can remember compared to the trek to Everest Base Camp. I guess one reason is that we had porters for the K2/Concordia Trek- which anyone trekking to Concordia must, because of the lack of villages and supplies on the way- whereas I did then Khumbu trek to Gokyo and EBC all on my own i.e. carrying my own pack, without any porter or guide. Furthermore trekking alone in Khumbu, I could walk as far or as long as I like- and tend to do further/longer most days- while in group trekking, the distance walked each day is not as demanding. Regardless it is always a sense of achievement reaching the Base Camps.

Technorati Tags: K2,Pakistan,Concordia

Porters on Baltoro Glacier on way to Concordia, Pakistan

Location: On Baltoro Glacier, Concordia, Pakistan (?35� 43' 60 N 76� 16' 60 E)
Date: 6 July 2007; 7.25am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

I have never been on an expedition-type trek until the trek to Concordia/K2. All my previous treks including those in the Himalayas, China, NZ, South East Asia and so on are mainly without guides or porters. Even if there are guides involved, there are no porters to carry our belongings. So the trek to Concordia was a new experience, and quite an interesting one. As there are no villages or any means to get food/water all the way to K2 Base Camp, all the supplies must be carried for the 10+ days return trek. Similarly all the necessary cooking and eating utensils as well as bedding needs (tents and sleeping bags etc) must be brought on the trek. There were about 10 of us and we had up to 30+ porters at the beginning of the trek. The number slowly dwindles as some were sent back along the way as supplies were consumed- the porters are aware that their services are only needed for part of the trek. This is important as they are paid by the days (and distance); so it is necessary that they know what they are going to be paid for- unlike some stories that I heard in Nepal where trekkers engaged guides/porters for a certain trek but send them back when they met friends on the trek and decide to pool their resources by using less guides/porters. This is rather unethical and is rumoured to be common practice by trekkers of particular nationalities. Porters make a hard living and they are an essential and important component of long and arduous treks, and more so, on climbing and other expeditions. They should and must be treated with respect.

Mighty Mitre Peak at Concordia, Pakistan

Location: Mitre Peak at Concordia, Pakistan (?35.7�N 76.48�E)
Date: 10 July 2007; 11.25am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5
One of the best places on earth to enjoy mountainscape is the Concordia of Pakistan. Nepal and Tibet are great places as well, especially for the Himalayan Mountains and of course Mount Everest (Sagarmartha in Sherpa language and Qomolongma in Tibetan). Concordia is special compared to the other two because it is not Himalaya (ha,ha) but Karakorum, which to me is more spectacular with their more jagged and muscular profile. Furthermore, Everest can be seen at these two other places with relative ease- one can fly by helicopter to the Everest View Hotel at Khumjung (Nepal) or drive on a 4WD all the way to the so-called Everest Base Camp in Tibet, China. However, if one wants to see K2 (the second highest mountain on earth), there are no shortcuts- one will have to trek many days including sleeping on glaciers- to the Concordia. One of the most distinct mountains at Concordia is the Mitre Peak (6,010m). The Mitre Peak here is prettier and looks more like the Christian bishops� mitre headwear than its namesake in Milford Sound of New Zealand.

The "Eye"- Pakistan truck painting

Location: Gilgit, Pakistan (35� 55' 0 N 74� 17' 60 E)
Date: 27 June 2007; 1.15pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Trucks in Pakistan are often painted with dazzling arrays of images in a kaleidoscope of colours. These images could be landscapes, mythical figures, religious verses, portraits or calligraphic poetry. Every panels of a truck- the sides, back, doors or front- could be adorned by such paintings. Some of these paintings are painted for luck, protection or to stand-out among the crowd. Truck painting is peculiar to Pakistan- one do not see such a phenomena in other South Asian countries such as India or Afghanistan. Such trucks are truly masterpieces on four wheels.

Location: Lahore Fort, Lahore, Pakistan (31� 35' 25? N, 74� 18' 35? E)
Date: 26 June 2007; 10.15am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Lahore Fort is one of the major representative Mughal architecture and the only one in Pakistan. Its origin was obscure and supposedly dated back to the 1st century. However the present structure was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar Khan. There are few structures within the fort, including the magnificent Moti Masjid. It is a nice place to spend a few hours, away from the hustle and bustles of Lahore.

Sunset over the Gilgit Valley, Gilgit, Pakistan

Location: Jama Mosque, Gilgit, Pakistan (35� 55' 0 N 74� 17' 60 E)
Date: 19 July 2007; 6.05pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

Gilgit is a major centre of transport and hub for anyone travelling in the Northern Region of Pakistan. It is the gateway to the various regions around here that are stubbed with marvelous and majestic mountains. It is also a town torn apart by religious strife, mainly between the Sunnis and Shiites. Sectarian violence between these two Muslim streams were so bad in 2005- where there were bomb blasts in the mosques and fights that left several dead- the two major mosques in the town had to be closed off to the public. Things sort of cooled down now but the tensions are still simmering below the surface; though none of these is obvious and should not deter anyone from going to this beautiful town and region.

Jama Mosque is one of the biggest mosques in Gilgit. It is visible from most parts of the town. It lies in front of the road junction leading to one of two bridges that span the Gilgit River, the Gilgit Pul. This is an old solid hanging bridge which can even handle cars.

Technorati Tags: Gilgit,Jama Mosque,Gilgit Pul

Praying to Allah beside the Mountain Gods, K2 Trek, Pakistan

Location: Khuburtse Campsite along the Concordia Trek, Pakistan (35�41'42.28"N 76�11'0.85"E)
Date: 9 July 2007; 5.45pm
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5

I just read the sad news of 11 climbers died on the slopes of K2. Reading the news brought back memories of the rugged beauty of the place.

Khuburtse is one of the campsite along the Concordia Trek to K2 Base Camp. It is set beside a stream along the mess of rocks and ice of the Baltoro Glacier. Among other things, it has a spectacular view of the Trango Towers group, as above. It is more or less one of the compulsory campsite on the route to K2 base camp. However being remote does not stop the devoted, such as porters and guides to spend time to pray.

Technorati Tags: K2,Khuburtse,Pakistan,Concordia,Baltoro Glacier

The summit of K2, world's 2nd highest mountain, Pakistan

Location: K2 summit from Concordia, Pakistan (35� 44' 0? N, 76� 31' 0? E)
Date: 9 July 2007; 5.45pm
Camera: Canon 400D with EF 70-200/f4 IS L
This is the summit of K2, the second highest mountain in the world,. This was taken from Concordia, the confluence of the Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier, in the heart of the Karakoram range of Pakistan. This photo is the result of post-processing; there was no perfect reflection of the sun at the summit at that moment. But it definitely look dramatic.

The beautiful Sufi Tombs of Uch Sharif, Pakistan

Location: The Bibi Jawindi's Tomb, Uch Sharif, Pakistan (29� 14' 0? N, 71� 4' 0? E)
Date: 10 February 2008; 8.42am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5
Uch Sharif is a small town, south of Bahawalpur in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is situated in the Thar Desert and so is very dry and hot. It was believed that this is the town "Alexandria" founded by Alexander the Great but historical records showed that the town existed at least 200 years before him. During the early Muslim period, Uch was a major and important center of Islamic studies.
Uch Sharif is well known for its Sufi shrines, domed tombs that were built for various Sufi (mystic) saints. It is on UNESCO's World Monument Watch as there had been great damages to the various tombs, mainly from elements of nature and neglect. These tombs are now under restoration- the process, as is common in Pakistan, is painfully slow- it has been under restoration for the last few years and may take another few years
Getting to see these tombs take a bit of effort and therefore there are not many foreigners who come by. This is perhaps a blessing as there are no souvenir or snack stalls these around shrines which are right in the middle of the village- they are only ancient village dwellings and a mosque around it. There is no entrance fee either.

Technorati Tags: Pakistan,Uch Sharif,Bahawalpur,Punjab,sufi,Thar Desert,Multan

Location: near Goro II Base camp, Pakistan (35�44'48.00"N 76�24'28.00"E)
Date: 12 July 2007; 10.45am
Camera: Canon 400D with Sigma 17-70/f2.8-4.5
The effects of wind and sun on glaciers over the centuries create natural wonders such as these icy outcrops protruding from the rock-strewn glacier. The Ice Sharks (they look like the fins of sharks) can be as high as 50m. Such Ice Sharks are distributed over a section of the Baltoro Glacier on the Concordia trek to K2 Base Camp. All trekkers have to navigate their way between such Ice Sharks on the way to Concordia.

Technorati Tags: Concordia,Pakistan,Baltoro Glacier,Goro II Base Camp

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Indiana Jones would be proud of this�� Passu, Pakistan