Whet Your Wanderlust!
Places to Visit in 2022

Travelling is something that you should never stop doing. It is a process that helps you evolve in a variety of ways that you can’t possibly imagine unless you try it by yourself. I am sure at this point in life almost everyone has seen many travel vlogs and documentaries to help them inspire to go to a particular place or whatnot. Of course, a traveller faces many problems along the way of his/her journey, as it is not always rainbows and sunshine all the time. Among many problems, safety is the key concern of every traveller.

This issue is particularly faced by those who have little knowledge of the place they are travelling to.

• A thorough research is crucial before you travel anywhere. Make sure the place you are travelling to is safe enough to roam around freely and explore the location.
• A reasonable living accommodation is also very important. Always book your accommodation beforehand to avoid any last minute mishaps.
• One important thing to keep in mind is that anything can happen when you are travelling. You never know whether you’ll be having an internet connection, or electricity even, especially if you are travelling to a remote place. Always keep spares, like spare power banks, extra clothing (but not too much), a first-aid kit, a couple of travelling sickness medicine, etc. Always buy a local network SIM card of the region you are visiting, so that you’d be in contact in the case of emergencies.

Travelling can teach you more than any academic course taught at a university. You discover the culture of the country/city you visit. If you talk to local residents, you will likely learn about their thinking, habits, traditions and history as well.

Places to go in 2022:

Travelling to foreign countries is fun of course, but to start from your own home country is always the best idea. You get to see this whole new side of your home country while travelling through it which you’ve never thought before. Sometimes you get awestruck and wonder am I really in Pakistan? Like every place has its own beauty to appreciate, the same goes to the country as well. Every country is different in its own aspect.  You will find out how you feel about your homeland. You will realise the hospitality of the natives which you’ve never experienced before. You will find out how much you know/do not know about your own country. You will be able to observe how you react in completely new situations. You will test your language, orientation and social skills. You will not be the same person after returning home.

1. Rakaposhi Base Camp:

I don’t know about your favourite places, but going to Rakaposhi Base camp is my number one priority right now. I’ve been having this intense desire to visit the base camp of this majestically enchanting mountain for a while now. The best way to explore the mountainous regions is through hiking. To go on a hiking trail you’ll have to be in shape to ascend. Some people with altitude sickness encounter breathing problems at a certain height. Again, research about your destination and only undertake the journey which you know is possible and easy for you, otherwise you’ll get sick or hurt yourself.

The hike to Rakaposhi Base Camp is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes you can do in Pakistan. Most people hike the Base Camp with a guide in 2 - 3 days with a night camping stay at various spots, but a hike till base camp can be done in 1 day as well. The Rakaposhi Mountain is a 7,788 metres high mountain in the Karakoram mountain range located in the Nagar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The name Rakaposhi, meaning “snow-covered” came from the fact that you can see its extraordinary rise of its snow-covered peaks all the way from the Karakoram Highway route that goes through Nagar Valley. You can even see its majestic wall of snow all the way from Hunza Valley.

The base camp stands at 3,500 metres for any hikers to climb and witness the majestic mountain up close and personal. The best time to trek to base camp is from May to October.

2. Ratti Gali Lake:

The trek to Ratti Gali Lake is second on my list after Rakaposhi Base Camp. The Ratti Gali Lake is an alpine glacial lake which is located in Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir at the altitude of 12,130 feet (3,700 metres). The lake is fed by the nearby glacier waters of the mountains. It is one of the best lakes of Pakistan as well as of the world. The lake is approachable through a bank and unpaved jeep track from Dowarian. It is solely a 19 kilometres (12 miles) long track. After the jeep track there is a hiking trek full of dazzling and breathtaking views.

The end of July, August and September is the best time to visit Ratti Gali Lake. A breathtaking sight, this is a place where you can stop and breathe it in. A brown mountain range encircles the lake, surrounding its calm glacial waters. The palms of the surrounding mountains seem to be holding the lake.

3. Skardu:

It’s simply not possible to see all of Skardu in one trip, because it’s a huge region with so many attractions and thrilling destinations. If you go there three or four time even then you’d miss something. Skardu has so much to offer. Skardu is located in the Baltistan division of Gilgit-Baltistan.  In spring, you can enjoy the stunning views of apricot and cherry blossom. Similarly, in autumn you can see the colourful fall season.

From deserts to snow-capped peaks and spectacular meadows to lush green valleys, Skardu is really a wonderful place to just have a luxurious vacation.

Here is the list of top sights in Skardu:

• Deosai National Park:

Deosai is one of the most famous places to visit in Skardu. The Deosai National Park was established to secure the lives of several animal and bird species such as Snow Leopard, Red Fox, Himalayan Brown Bear, Wolf, Golden eagle, Sparrow Hawk, etc. The National Park is only visited in summer, welcomed by a breath-taking view of flowers and butterflies. Deosai is one of the most famous places to visit in Skardu. It is also called the Land of Giants, because of its elevation.

• Upper Kachura Lake:

This is the most fascinating lake in Skardu valley, with a depth of almost 60 metres and is located 20 km from Skardu city. In the local Balti language, it is called Foroq Tso. Upper Kachura Lake is one of the top places to visit in Skardu.

• Satpara Lake:

Bright Blue, bursting with a rainbow, surrounded by the glacial mountains and carrying a mesmerizing lake in its middle, this lake is the ultimate fairy-tale resort in the beautiful valley of Skardu. Satpara Lake is also known for fishing and boating.

• Basho Valley:

Basho is a lush green beautiful valley located at a distance of 20 km from Skardu Airport. The valley is famous for its pine forests. In addition to that, there are lush green meadows and waterfalls. Basho can be accessed by 4*4 vehicles and jeeps only.

• Katpana Lake and Cold Desert:

Katpana Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Skardu. Between Skardu Airport and lake, there are sand dunes. These sand dunes are no less than a wonder in between the mighty mountains of Karakoram and the Himalayas. It is also on the list of famous places to visit in Skardu. Sand dunes in Skardu are located near the Indus River covering the two main deserts; Katpana Desert and Shigar Desert. These sand dunes, also known as cold desert, hold a magnetic attraction in them.

• Lower Kachura Lake Shangrila:

Heavenly Shangrila Resort, located 35 minutes from Skardu, is built on a beautiful lake and is surrounded by fascinating sceneries. This resort is best known for boat riding in Skardu. The resort is built on the bank of Lower Kachura Lake. It is also a famous picnic point and attraction in Skardu.

• Manthal Buddha Rock:

Manthal village is located on the right bank of Hargeisa river in Skardu. The Buddhist rock is situated in this village. This Buddhist rock was engraved by Buddhists when Buddhism was practiced in Skardu.  Buddhist monks of that time engrave drawings of their visions, experiences, and images of Buddha with texts written in the Tibetan Language. These Buddhist rocks were the place of their worship till the mid of 14th century A.D before the advent of Islam in Baltistan region.

• Shigar Fort:

Shigar valley is watered by the Shigar River and is the gateway to the mighty Karakoram Mountains. Shigar is also one of the most famous places in Skardu. Shigar Valley is 23 km away from Skardu. It is an attractive village that flourishes with crops and fruits of all sorts such as apricots, walnuts, pears, peaches, and grapes. Additionally, Shigar Fort in Shigar Valley once was the residence of a local ruler and recently modernized by Agha Khan. In addition to that, there is a wooden mosque built by Kashmiri carpenters in the middle of Shigar Valley.

• Kharpocho Fort:

The ancient and famous fort gives a hilltop view of the whole town. Under the feet of Kharpocho Fort, moves slowly the powerful Indus River. Plus, there is a historical mosque that dates back to the ancient rulers of Skardu.

• Nansoq Organic Village:

Nansoq is the first organic village in Pakistan. It is located behind the well-known Kharpocho Fort. The village was visited by Prince Charles and Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall recently.

There is so much to see and admire in this world, if one country and one region has this much to offer, imagine how much this whole world has to offer to us. Nature is divine and we try as much to see the infinite nature with our finite eyes as possible. Travel more and let yourself experience the magic and awe of it.