MOUNTAINS & MEMORIES

travelogue

You know that feeling when you look at your friends and say, “We need an adventure”? Well, that’s how it all started. Four best friends, many packed bags, one road trip, and a whole lot of mountains.

It was a plan that was made in a caffeine-fuelled haze, as most spontaneous trips tend to be: “Let’s go to Skardu. You know, for the views. And, like, the Instagram stories.” Fast forward to three months later, I’m packing my bag, and it hits me - I’ve never been to Skardu, and I’m about to explore one of the most remote, awe-inspiring places on Earth. With my three best friends by my side, it was guaranteed to be a trip of a lifetime.

Being surrounded by mountains, valleys, and lakes gives you a sense of peace and perspective. The mountains remind you to breathe and take it all in. And what better time to reflect on the beauty of our natural world than World Mountain Day? Celebrated on the 11th of December, it’s a day that celebrates the role mountains play in our lives and encourages us to protect these towering peaks.

Our trip started off with journeying through Balakot, Naran, and Manthokha Waterfall, where the sound of the rushing water was so peaceful that we thought about just staying there forever. Then came Kaghan Valley, each location more picturesque than the last, with views that seemed to be straight out of a postcard. But, despite the beauty, we kept getting distracted by the occasional cow taking a casual stroll across the road. Classic mountain life.

Then we stopped at the Three Mountain Junction View. The three peaks; the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush stood there like ancient guardians, watching over the valleys and rivers below. “Why don’t we live here?” I asked, half-joking. “I mean, the Wi-Fi might be non-existent, but the view? 10/10.” We all then snapped pics like we were on the cover of National Geographic.

Our next stop was Babusar Top, and let me tell you, it was chilly. The kind of cold that made you wish you’d packed five more jackets. Snow covered everything, and of course, we wasted no time diving into snowball fights, and just embracing all the winter fun. After that, we made our way to Chillas, where we stayed at a guest house that treated us like family. It was nestled in the heart of the mountains, and when we woke up, we were greeted by a view so breath-taking that I almost forgot how freezing it had been the night before.

But let’s talk about the Sadpara Lake for a second. The water was so blue, I genuinely wondered if I’d been transported to a different dimension. It was surreal - almost like a place you’d stumble upon in a dream, except it was real and a bit too cold for comfort. As we stared at the vastness of the lake, my friend Madiha declared, “This is what paradise must look like - except with fewer mosquitoes, please.”

Then came Deosai National Park, which is essentially the definition of breath-taking. I had heard it was the land of giants, but I didn’t realise that meant ‘giant fields’ where you can’t tell where the grass ends and the sky begins. The whole place had this ethereal vibe, like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie.

But the real fun began when we reached the Sarfaranga Cold Desert. Picture this: the desert sand, the wind in your hair, and me, looking like a warrior queen on an ATV. “Who knew I had this in me?” I said, as I zoomed past my friends. Of course, they weren’t too far behind, screaming and laughing, clutching onto each other like life depended on it. “This is better than therapy,” my friend Aqsa exclaimed.

Now, here’s the part where the real adventure started: zip-lining. As a certified thrill-seeker (only when it involves minimal risk), I thought, “How bad could it be?” Well, the answer is terrifying. The zip-line was perched high above Kachura Lake, and I’m pretty sure the laws of physics were quietly laughing at me. My friend Tuba was the first to go, and let me tell you, it was like watching a rocket launch. She was so fearless that she practically did a backflip on the way down. I, on the other hand, was clutching that harness with a grip that would make a ninja jealous. “I’m doing this for the memories. I’m doing this for the ‘gram,” I told myself as I got ready to zip.

Spoiler alert: I screamed. A lot. And it was an impressive blend of high-pitched squeals and some not-so-dignified expletives. But, as we all gathered at the bottom, breathless and laughing at each other’s faces (because let’s be real, none of us looked glamorous during the zip-line adventure), we knew we had just done something we’d remember forever. Well, that and the bruises from the harness that I’ll probably still have in the next century.

On the way back from Kachura, we decided to treat ourselves to some steaming mamtus, a local delight that’s essentially a type of dumpling filled with juicy meat and served with a tangy soy or chilli sauce. The filling was savoury and flavourful, and the sauce added a nice kick. What made it even more special was that the meal was prepared by an entire family, with even the children helping out. It felt like we were getting a taste of the local culture, served with a side of genuine warmth and hospitality. After the zip-lining adventure, it was the perfect comforting treat.

As the trip progressed, our adventure reminded me of how vital it is to preserve these places of wonder - not just for the Instagram posts, but for the future of our planet.

More than the sights, the trip was about the memories - the ones where we laughed so hard we cried, the moments we stood in awe of nature’s grandeur, and the heart-pounding zip-line that will forever be the highlight of my travel stories. To my three best friends: I’d do it all again in a heartbeat, just with maybe a bit less screaming and a lot more sunscreen. But here’s where it got even better – the locals. The people we met along the way were the real highlight of the trip. They were incredibly friendly, helpful, and so welcoming that it made the journey even more special. One of our jeep drivers took it upon himself to capture some of the most stunning pictures of us at Deosai, making sure we looked like we belonged in a travel magazine. The warmth of the people added a whole new layer of charm to the already spectacular surroundings.

As we flew back home, exhausted but full of stories to tell, it hit me; the best adventures are the ones you didn’t plan for. Moral of the story is that if you ever get the chance to visit take an impromptu trip, do it. And remember, the mountains aren’t just there for selfies - they’re there to remind us of the importance of nature and how it shapes who we are. It was an unforgettable trip - the laughter, the camaraderie, and the breath-taking views that reminded us although we came for the mountains, it was the memories that we made which will stay with us.

The writer is a subeditor at You! magazine. She can be reached at wallia_khairi@hotmail.com