Adventures on the Karakoram Highway: A Journey Through Gilgit-Baltistan – May 28th: Karimabad

What is it like to have a sister? I never really felt this before. But when I see that people have their sisters come for extended visits, and they seem to be the only guests that women never get tired of, I start to wonder what a relationship with a sister would be like... If I had a sister, how would I share everything with her after returning from Karimabad? Or maybe I would call her from there... just like I did with Hira.

Before moving forward, let me clarify that today's entire post is solely dedicated to Karimabad and to all the sisters out there, who share a special bond with eachother. Why?

Karimabad, located in the Hunza Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a town rich in history and culture. Known for its historical Baltit and Altit forts, it was once the capital of the Hunza state. Surrounded by towering peaks like Rakaposhi and Ladyfinger, Karimabad offers breathtaking views and is a hub for tourists seeking outdoor adventures. The town, sitting at 2,500 meters, enjoys a pleasant climate in summer. Renowned for its sustainable living practices, high literacy rate, and unique local cuisine, Karimabad is accessible via the scenic Karakoram Highway.

_{Love at first sight: Rakaposhi peaks}

This place: It's a world of its own—a city that has a kind of laid-back vibe. When we set out for Karimabad in the morning, my husband remarked that we've traveled thousands of miles, yet the AC is still on in the car, and we don't even feel the cold. So, what's the point of coming all this way...

But as we moved closer to Karimabad, the scenery kept changing, and so did the weather. A gentle, cool breeze began to greet us.

What a breathtaking view it was, those beautiful snow-covered mountains... My heart just wanted to keep gazing at them, never getting enough.

Ah, the tunnel again...

Human ingenuity truly leaves you speechless, I swear. Cutting through these rugged mountains, I can only imagine how much blood and sweat must have gone into creating this. I'm always mesmerized, no matter how many times I pass through them. This is nothing short of a marvel.

Can you read the board? If there is a language barrier, let me tell you a little more about the old silk route:

The old Silk Route near Karimabad in Hunza is a historic trade route that was part of the ancient Silk Road, connecting China with the Mediterranean. This section, known for its challenging mountainous terrain, was crucial for the transport of goods like silk and spices. Today, it attracts tourists for its historical significance and stunning landscapes, with the modern Karakoram Highway following much of the same path.

_{I have tried to demarcate the route with yellow arrow head and red line}

Just reading about it was enough—I couldn’t let go of the old Silk Route after that. Honestly, I still get goosebumps. You know, that place still stands, with rows of trees here and there. I was so captivated by the scene, believe me... that I started imagining horsemen, people walking with their trade goods… it felt like I was seeing that ancient time unfold right before my eyes.

We stopped wherever we could along the way. Here are some candid shots of the kids. These moments are the beauty of life too. Sometimes, it feels like our entire lives revolve around them.

After stopping here and there, we finally reached our rest stop. The staff there gave us such a warm welcome. Do you see this cherry tree? They served us fresh cherries right from it. Then came a fantastic cup of tea along with hot, crispy French fries...

While having tea, I called Hira to get some information about Karimabad. She visited here last year, you know. She told me not to miss the bazaar—it has amazing cafés, including women-run ones, and the pastries are exceptional.

_{Our rest room in Karimabad}

The pictures below are from the bazaar. Wow, what a sight, we could see Rakaposhi from everywhere. It was so enjoyable to roam around the market. We also saw some foreigners there.

This picture is of a boys' school ground here. You know, I feel the happiest when I see children engaged in extracurricular activities like this. I think these positive activities are so important in life... And they are also a way to stay away from so many wrong things. This is such a happy sight for me!

Have you ever seen the sunset with snow-covered mountains in the background? When the last rays of the sun hit the snow-capped peaks, it creates a breathtaking view. Don't believe me? Look for yourself:

Beautiful! Isn't it?

We did quite a bit of small shopping in the market. Postcards and fridge magnets were at the top of the list. By now, the aroma of food had spread throughout the market... and we were really hungry as well. This café, called 'Silk Route Café,' caught our eye from afar due to its nice ambiance. It had horns as door knobs.

The café's interior was also quite interesting... there were some old books, a Buddha statue that probably was found after an excavation, and pictures on the walls... It was a lot of fun! We loved the place to bits...

Last but not least, the food. The man at the desk asked us, 'Would you like to have the food inside? Or on the rooftop?' Of course ROOFTOP was the answer! Why? Because we could gaze at Rakaposhi while having our food. The night was beautiful, so many memories in making...

The food was incredible. I would definitely go back to Silk Route Café if I get the chance and if life permits!

There's still a lot more to tell you—Karimabad isn't over yet. Stay tuned for more cool details and stories. You won't regret it! I promise!

To be continued...