I am a civil engineer by profession, and trekking has been my passion since I was young. Pakistan is uniquely positioned at the confluence of the majestic Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush mountain ranges. With over a hundred peaks exceeding 7,000 meters, Pakistan is home to five of the world's 14 highest peaks.
For trekkers worldwide, exploring Concordia and the K2 Base Camp is considered a dream adventure. Back in 2015, this trek became my greatest aspiration. The journey to K2 Base Camp demands a minimum of 18 days, making it a challenging expedition.
The biggest obstacle standing between me and this dream was my job. At the time, I was working in the private construction sector, where getting an 18-day leave seemed almost impossible. However, I chose to defy these constraints, resigned from my job, and embarked on this once-in-a-lifetime trek on July 24, 2015.
To reach K2 Base Camp, one must first travel to Skardu. I opted for a flight from Islamabad to Skardu, a mere 45-minute journey. Little did I know that this would turn out to be the most breathtaking flight of my life. Flying alongside the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range, the aerial views were nothing short of extraordinary. The sight of some of the world’s tallest mountains, along with mesmerizing valleys, lakes, and glaciers, from the comfort of my airplane seat, was an unforgettable experience etched into my memory forever.
Shortly after takeoff, the plane flew over the enchanting Northern Areas of Pakistan. I was fortunate to witness iconic landmarks such as Saif-ul-Malook, Naran, Lulusar Lake, and an array of towering peaks, including the mighty Nanga Parbat, Laila Peak, Seiri Dorkush, Kampire e Dior, Rakaposhi, Batura I, II, III, IV, V, VI, Sang-e-Marmar, Passu Sar, Diran, Shispare Sar, Ultar Sar, Miar Chhish, Lupghar Sar, Momhil Sar, Trivor Sar, Malubiting, Khunyang Chhish, Spantik, Haramosh, Mlangutti Sar, Bularunsar, KCH E, Disteghil Sar, Yazghil Sar, Pumari Chhish, Yukshin Garden Sar, Yutmaru Sar, Hisper Sar, Glotter Peak, Kanjut Sar, Kapaltang Kun, Gloster Sar, Lukpe Lawa, Broad Tower, Baintha Brakk, Latok, Crown Peak, Skamri Peak, Chongtar, Skyang Kangri, Biale, K2, Skil Brum, Muztagh Tower, Praqpa Ri, Payo Peak, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, II, III, IV, Thyor, Summa Ri, Koser Gunge, Choricho, Marble Peak, Mango Gusor, Yermanendu, Masherbrum, Mandu Peak, and Chogolisa—all in a single flight. Witnessing these snow-clad giants left me utterly spellbound.
The sheer magnificence of Nanga Parbat (8,125m), the stunning Rakaposhi (7,788m), and the mighty K2 (8,611m), the second-highest peak in the world, towering above all others, left me deeply mesmerized. Witnessing such wonders of nature felt like a divine blessing, a reward from the Almighty.
I captured photographs of these legendary mountains and lakes from the airplane, determined to preserve this memory. Upon returning home, it took me nearly a year to identify and label each peak and its altitude on the photographs. To accomplish this, I relied on various aerial surveys and references from the Karakoram Range. This meticulous process not only deepened my admiration for these mountains but also allowed me to relive the journey through each image.
This unforgettable flight and the trek to K2 Base Camp remain cherished milestones in my life, serving as a testament to the beauty of following one’s dreams against all odds.
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| INDUS RIVER AT SKARDU |
