Pakistan is known as a tourist heaven for the most amazing travelling sights in the world. But the most famous region for travelling is the Northern Areas of Pakistan, this wonderful journey came true through the platform of PFC which supports and organizes a union of journalists’ activities to create a positive impact of Pakistan by providing recreational activities, trips, dinners, conferences and seminars so the journalists could ease up from their fully occupied day to day routine.
Special thanks to Malik Salman, President, Pakistan Federation of Columnist who has organized this trip of media delegation to GB Astor and facilitates us with high end protocol.
Our media delegation was invited to attend the Rama polo festival and hosted by Deputy Commissioner Astor Mr. Zulqarnain. We enjoyed our stay at PTDC which is in the heart of Rama. The architecture and infrastructure of the guest house speaks volumes.
Rama the beautiful valley of Astor in Gilgit-Baltistan, where the 9th Rama Polo Festival held, our media delegation led by President PFC Mr. Malik Salman, Senior Analyist Mian Habib, Additional Director DGPR Miss Rubina along with media professionals Anchors and bloggers attended the 9th Rama Polo Festival. A large number of localities and foreign tourists attended the festival as well.
The delegation also met with Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan Khalid Khursheed and Minister of Information and Planning Gilgit Baltistan Fateh Ullah Khan briefed the delegation about Rama Festival and the ongoing projects of Rama Valley. The delegation also visited Rama Lake, Deosai and explored the beauty of northern areas.
The moment we got a glimpse of Rama Lake, we were left stunned by the beautiful blue color of the water. We even took a horse ride to reach the lake, enthralled by the beauty of the lake.
From Naran to Astor this trip was not only full of sightseeing and picturesque places; we also sang along, laughed and enjoyed our road trip together.
On our way, we stopped at Lulusar Lake, a beautiful body of water at a distance of around 40 to 50 kilometres from Naran.
After 20 more Kilometres, we reached Babusar Top – a high mountainous pass which connects Naran to Chilas and reduces travel time to Gilgit by four to five hours. Upon reaching Chilas, we checked into APM guest house where we were invited by DC Chillas.
PFC supports and organizes union of journalists’ activities to create a positive impact of Pakistan by providing recreational activities trips dinner’s conferences and seminars so the journalists could ease up from their fully occupied day to day routine
On the way, one can catch glimpses of the Nanga Parbat and the conjunction point of three of the highest mountain ranges in the world Hindu Kush, Karakoram and the Himalayas. For those who love beautiful sets of mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, fascinating culture and great trekking Astor is a true nature’s paradise.
We haven’t seen much technological advancement as guest houses and hotels doesn’t offer connectivity signals or WIFI facility, besides the weather of Astor was moderate in July.
We made our way to Deosai the next day. The valley is vegetation covered by fruit-bearing trees including apple, apricot and pear trees with other wild and planted flowers like lavender which looks even more beautiful during summer. We picked apricots from tree and enjoyed on our way. On the road sides were Shepherd with their woolen goats and cows which reminded me of the landscape paintings.
Pakistan is heavenly rich in the natural resources and beautiful northern areas accompanied by the river streams passing all through the northern areas from Kaghan to Naran all the way till Skardu. Not only are the places full of scenic beauty, but welcoming faces that will greet you wherever you go are what truly make your trip to the north an unforgettable experience.
