My unquenched thirst for travel adventures led my perpetually wandering spirit to Pakistan, a place capable of utterly defining my very existence and providing a strong sense of ancestral belonging. I started my journey in Islamabad, the bustling capital city of Pakistan – a place of increased familiarity since my childhood and a strategic location in my explorative journey.

Here, I sourced an experienced driver and a knowledgeable tour guide to help me maximise my escapade. I commenced my adventure towards the heart of the Karakoram Mountain, hoping to find a source of raw, untamed natural beauty. As the road wound its way through towering mountains with lush valleys, the scenic drive alongside the Karakoram Highway led me to Gilgit – the gateway to the Hunza Valley – a place renowned amongst the community of travellers for its unrivalled serenity and tranquillity. As the car entered the Valley, the boundaries of reality became questionable and a deep feeling of having reached a fairytale landscape took over me.

My senses became overwhelmed by a cool, fragrant air adorned with the scent of wildflowers and mingled with the sight of the Hunza River, racing its way through the valley with its crystal clear water mirroring the snow-caped mountains above. I decided to allocate extensive time to explore this realm of rich cultural heritage and after several days I found that indeed, the Hunza Valley delivered its portion of unspoiled natural magnificence- beyond my expectation and has left an indelible mark on my soul during this unforgettable journey last summer.

Nestled amidst this natural and captivating backdrop, I found undisturbed traces of human existence as the traditional stone houses with intricately carved wooden balconies blended effortlessly within this grand scenery and added a touch of old world charm to this presentation of rich cultural heritage. In search of further human traces, I found my way towards the local bazaars of Karimabad. The colourful stalls were a delight for anyone’s senses: overflowing with handmade crafts, vibrant textiles, and delicious local delicacies.

I sampled the famous Hunza apricots, renowned for an exquisite flavour, and sipped eagerly on steaming cups of butter tea while listening to the stories shared by the friendly locals so keen to share insights about their unique way of life. This unforgettable experience was enhanced with a visit to the ancient Baltit Fort, perched unapologetically high above Karimabad, the main form of civilisation found within the valley. Its old structure bore symbolised a centuries old history and offered me a glimpse of the human determination to continue its uninterrupted existence within the region.

Prompted by well-intended locals, I stood on the ramparts and as I waited for the sun to set behind the silhouetted peaks, I felt a profound sense of peace and wonder and with it. I immediately understood the source of their determination to remain in this isolated valley. I would spend the remaining part of my evening mixing with the villagers, sitting by a cracking bonfire beneath a heavy blanket of stars and listening to their mesmerising traditional music played by nostalgic local musicians.

As their haunting melodies seemed to echo the spirit of the untamed mountains laying in front of me, I felt a deep connection with my heritage and alongside it – a profound sense of connection with the universe and all its hidden wonders. Leaving the enchanting Hunza Valley was a melancholic farewell to a place that had etched itself into my soul.

I will treasure the memories of this journey forever. The breath taking landscapes, the warm hospitality and the rich tapestry of experiences. Each moment exploring the valley brought me closer to my own identity and left me with a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of people and places. Here, I found once again that the beauty of travelling does not derive just from the destination we choose to visit but from the transformation it brings to our own understanding of the world. This journey to Pakistan will forever hold a special place in my forever wandering heart a a strong reminder of the power of exploring and discovery in shaping who we are.