Pakistan, my pakistan!
Returning to Pakistan has been a wish and a dream that finally came true after 9 years! The highlight of our 10-month trip and perfect ending to an unforgettable journey, we entered Pakistan by road from China and via the visually stunning Khunjerab Pass. While planning this last leg of our journey (in Sri Lanka) it became clear to me that if I had only one last trip I could do in my life, this would be the one! میرا دل پاکستان سے تعلق رکھتا ہے
Time spent in Pakistan
Almost 3 months – 10.5 weeks, to be exact.
Kilometers travelled
Hard to say. From China to Gilgit, then up and down the KKH a few times. We trekked in Chitral and in Hunza, we drove along the Indus to Baltistan and did our rounds there. Flight out from Islamabad.
Favorite mode of transportation
While rented jeeps are definitely more comfortable than public cars, which are preferable to hitching rides on the back of trucks, in the end I prefer my own two feet to explore the mountains.
Favorite food
Of all the food on this trip, I have to say that Pakistan probably serves the most unhealthy food. Those things we love (French Fries, Pakoras, Samosas, Parathas and the like) are all extremely oily and even the fried eggs are swimming in oil.
Best food in Pakistan probably goes to some highlights of self-cooking: The BBQ at Sajid’s place, Camille’s Yoghurt cake, the Thai Coconut Curry when we camped in Kharomabod.
Observations
- We’ve gotten older!
- People still remember us.
- Matthieu is famous in Gojal!
- It was one of the best decisions to come back. We still love Pakistan!
Lessons learned
Watch your stuff! (For some reasons we forgot and lost more things in Pakistan than in the 7 previous months combined). Inexplicable losses included Timo’s sleeping bag and Iluka’s school material, resulting in some unplanned school holidays. A few clothing items accidentally got flushed down the toilet while emptying the laundry bucket water…
Lasting impressions
Trek over Darkot Pass.
Painting Alam Jan’s wall.
Spending time with friends and seeing that there are others who want to spread the word on North Pakistan being a wonderful, peaceful and friendly place. Thank you David, Esra, Camille, the camping-truck Frenchies, Arthur, Emma, Julien…
Pakistan in one word
Soul cleansing
REFLECTIONS – MONTH 9: Sharbat and Süpürjüvn
After that delicious moment spent floating in time (see Reflections – Month 8), month 9 of our trip (still in Pakistan) passed in more active engagement and found us immersed in the local culture. Our 9-year absence from Pakistan did not seem to have diminished our... read more
Episode 7 – Scree Run
As to be expected with Matthieu Paley as a father… Iluka is turning into a real mountain goat. Kharab bakri No. 2! read more