We reached Shogran at around 1:30 pm and got ourselves checked in at Pine Park Hotel, which is the best place to stay at Shogran (so we were told). The season is off these days (September) and all the hotel rooms were available at throwaway prices. We had the option of getting a standard double room with mattress OR there was another attractive deal of getting a cottage with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We decided to pamper ourselves, and got a cottage. Normal rate of a cottage during season is Rs.7,000 – 8,000 per night however, due to off season, we got it really cheap at Rs.2,200 after much haggling ? with hot water throughout the day (normally hot water is available only for 4-5 hours daily in the morning from 6-11 am).
The room was fine and the hotel was also nice, but the food was really pathetic and so was the tea. However, the breakfast was really nice and we had Parathas, Omlette and Toasts. We tried tea at 3 different restaurants just to have a better taste, but could not find a perfect cuppa tea at Shogran. So if you are a tea lover, don’t forget to take your own kettle and ingredients. The only good food that we could find was the dinner at a place called Manshi Bareeze restaurant (referred by Mr. Liaqat, the caretaker of the Governor House) , which is not far from Pine Park hotel. Karahi Chicken and Channay Ki Daal with fresh roti by the log-fire was really interesting and we ate well, finally.Next day we had plans of visiting Sri and Paya, the two places we had as a must see on our agenda, but unfortunately, it started raining the next morning and we were told by the hotel management not to go to either of the places, as it was a tricky and dangerous route in rain (one has to go there by 4WD jeep, available for hire at the hotel). So we dropped the idea and left for Naran, which according to the hotel management is a safer bet and one can do travel to, even during rain (the road by the way, is not all that good to travel by a saloon car). We left for Naran at around 12:30 and reached Naran by 4:00. The total distance from Kidwai to Naran is approx. 80 kms, but the road makes it a travel of approx 3 – 3:30 hours.
The room was fine and the hotel was also nice, but the food was really pathetic and so was the tea. However, the breakfast was really nice and we had Parathas, Omlette and Toasts. We tried tea at 3 different restaurants just to have a better taste, but could not find a perfect cuppa tea at Shogran. So if you are a tea lover, don’t forget to take your own kettle and ingredients. The only good food that we could find was the dinner at a place called Manshi Bareeze restaurant (referred by Mr. Liaqat, the caretaker of the Governor House) , which is not far from Pine Park hotel. Karahi Chicken and Channay Ki Daal with fresh roti by the log-fire was really interesting and we ate well, finally.Next day we had plans of visiting Sri and Paya, the two places we had as a must see on our agenda, but unfortunately, it started raining the next morning and we were told by the hotel management not to go to either of the places, as it was a tricky and dangerous route in rain (one has to go there by 4WD jeep, available for hire at the hotel). So we dropped the idea and left for Naran, which according to the hotel management is a safer bet and one can do travel to, even during rain (the road by the way, is not all that good to travel by a saloon car). We left for Naran at around 12:30 and reached Naran by 4:00. The total distance from Kidwai to Naran is approx. 80 kms, but the road makes it a travel of approx 3 – 3:30 hours.
Ruins of Muree
Chair liftMurree is known as the Queen of Hills. Murree is only an hour's drive northeast of Islamabad and an ideal getaway if you are tired of the heat of the capital. Murree is one of the most popular summer resorts in Pakistan.At the northeast end is Kashmir Point, with views across the valley of the Jhelum River into Azad Kashmir. At the southwest end is Pindi Point, looking back towards Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Between the two runs The Mall, at the center of, which is the main shopping area, where most people congregate. Chair Lifts in Murree give a ride from Bansara Gali (below Murree) to Pindi Point, the other to the top of Patriata hill (on the road to Karor).On the way to Murree you can also visit 'Chatter Park' a small theme park. There are also many other parks on the way into Murree.
Siran and Kunhar (Nain Sukh?) are well known rivers of the district. The Siran issues from Panjool and flows through the western plain of Pakhli. Two canals have been taken out from the Siran river, the upper Siran canal at Dharial and lower Siran canal at Shinkiari. From Pakhli the Siran runs into the Tanawal hills and joins the Indus at Tarbela in the north west. Its total course is between 70 to 80 miles, and it irrigates 6,273 acres of land. The Kunhar bursts out from the lake Lulusar at the head of Kaghan valley and after a turbulent courses of 110 miles falls in the river Jehlum at Pattan. Since the land upon its bank is little level therefore, its water is not used for irrigation purposes. Some other notable bourn and nullahs which flow in district Mansehra are Pootkattha (Mansehra), Nadi Unhar (Shergarh), Butkus (joins the Siran near Icharian) and
Mansehra is a gate way to the tourism. And has played and playing a vital role in the development of tourism. Mansehra itself is a little city but lies in the center that’s the reason it is very important. Mansehra is a beautiful area and has very famous areas around itself which are always very brilliant and give a nice look to the eyes and are the best example of the natural beauty. I was always keen to let people know that how important it is to have a special arrangement to coming to this area. First of all I want to give a little bit of summary of what to see here. Very west of the city Mansehra, there lies an area named as TANAWAL which is such big area that contains 84 villages in itself. This area is very good and attractive and is full of Pine trees. Unfortunately this area is never given importance that’s the reason it doesn't have any special arrangements for the tourists to stay. So if one is interested to come to TANAWAL then he must go early in the morning and must be back before the sun set.
Lake Saif-ul-Maluk is situated at 3000+m, about 40 minutes jeep ride from Naran. Best time to visit is early in the morning when the air is cool, resulting in a picture perfect reflection on the lake. Camping facilities are also avaialbe, but you will have to check with the hotel that you will stay at. Nice view of Malaka Parbat.A fairy tale called Saiful Muluk, written by the famous sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, is associated with the lake, which discuss a prince who fell in love with a fairy princess. The impact of the lake beauty is of such extent that people believe that fairies come down to lake in full moon.
Lake Saif-ul-Maluk is situated at 3000+m, about 40 minutes jeep ride from Naran. Best time to visit is early in the morning when the air is cool, resulting in a picture perfect reflection on the lake. Camping facilities are also avaialbe, but you will have to check with the hotel that you will stay at. Nice view of Malaka Parbat.A fairy tale called Saiful Muluk, written by the famous sufi poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, is associated with the lake, which discuss a prince who fell in love with a fairy princess. The impact of the lake beauty is of such extent that people believe that fairies come down to lake in full moon.
Abbottabad Cricket Stadium
Night View in abbottabad
Night View in abbottabadAbbottabad is the most exquisite major city of Pakistan not far from Islamabad. It is north-west of Islamabad just 65 miles away on a beautful road that leads to Muzaffarabad, capital of the Pakistani controlled Kashmir (Azad Kashmir), the Kaghan Valley, Gilgit, Skardu and China. This city is at the begining of the world famous "slik route", that is now considerd as a living wonder of the world. This road ultimately leads to mountains like the K2, Nanga Parbat and many other world's highest mountains that are more than 8,000 metres above the sea level.Abbottabad is also home to the Pakistan Miltary Academy (PMA), Kakool. So be aware that there is a large military presence in the town.Evergreen Abbotabad has a cooler weather in the summer and snowfall in the winter. A lot of fresh water springs and surrounding snow top mountains.Abbottabad is also known as city of schools and colleges there are 33 medical colleges in pakistan while 5 of them are in abbottabad it is a beautifull city.Its lovely to go up to the top of Shimla Pahari and look down upon Abbottabad and hear the sounds of the town wafting upwards.
Lake Saiful Malook 
Inside the Gracier
Lake Saiful Malook
Naran is the middle point of Kaghan Valley and it is a place where you defiantly want to spend few days of your leisure. This is the place of out-door pleasure. Here you'll depart from the river Kunhar and on both sides of road there are vast fields. Don't look here and there the melody you are hearing is provided by the river Kunhar who is with you on same level. If you like climbing this is a place for you because there are mountains all around you. You can explore the scenic and picturious landscape and valley's by climbing up hiking.
Golden Temple of the Sikh's; Amritsar - LEH, India
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The Golden Temple of the Sikh's in Amritsar, India. 1977.
The wheat and barley harvest has begun and crops are being harvested in preparation for the long, cold winter ahead.
Our group cycles over the Altit Bridge, which connects the small village of Altit with its neighbor, Karimabad, in the Hunza valley.
The early morning sun hits 7754 meter high Rakaposhi, once called, "the greatest manifestation of mountain grandeur I have ever seen," by the intrepid explorer Wilfred Thesiger.
Baltit Fort, the former home of the Mir of Hunza
Altit is a small suburb of Karimabad, the largest town in Hunza, with spectacular views and a lifestyle that alleges that many of its inhabitants live to be well over 100 years old.
View of the Hunza River Valley at Passu. This was the route taken by various British legations to Kashgar during the days of The Great Game...the great politicial game of intrigue between Russia and the British Empire in Indai. The trip from Lahore to Kashgar could take six to eight weeks...in good conditions
Zaver Pearl Continental Hotel Gwadar
The beautiful town of Passu sits along the Hunza River, at the base of the Passu Glacier. Several years ago the glacier and melting snow, mixed with rain, caused major flood and runoff damage resulting in the damming of the river. Pakistani airforce jets had to bomb the dam to allow the river to run and prevent further flood damage to the valley.
Hunza, a remote mountain kingdom, may have been the inspiration behind James Hilton's "Shangri-La." The area opened up in the 1970s following the completion of the Karakoram Highway (KKH); an engineering marvel tracing the old silk route from Pakistan into China.
The fair skinned and light-eyed Hunzakuts claim to be descendants of soldiers lost from Alexander's army as he invaded India. Their language, Burushaski, provides linguists an enigma as it is unrelated to any other language known to man.
The beauty of this mountain paradise is matchless; from the soft blossoms of the apricot trees to the dark snowcapped rock monuments of Rakaposhi (7788 m.) and recently climbed Ultar (7388 m.) jabbing a vivid blue backdrop high above.
Hunza is probably Pakistan's most visited valley, by the tourists. It is a fairy tale land surrounded by beautiful rugged & snow capped mountains. Only at a distance of 100 Kms. from Gilgit Hunza is a small town on Karakorum Highway. At the altitude of 7000 - 800 feet it is the first main town or stop if you are entering Pakistan from China.
The central Hunza known as Karimabad is basically a town of just 6 villages. The first main villages as you come from Gilgit on the main Karakorum Highway is Aliabad. There there are spectacular views of Rakaposhi mountain (7788 meters), PTDC Motel Hunza and other small hotels are located on the main Karakorum highway here. Just above Aliabad on the hill are Altit and Baltit villages the heart of Hunza. There is a very interesting Bazaar and two Forts in Altit & Baltit Villages. The Baltit fort has recently been restored and converted into a guided museum.
Hunza is undoubtly the Shangri-la of James Hilton's novel The Lost Horizon. It is probably the most Photogenic point in the world. There are numerous tours and activities available from Hunza Below you will find some options for bus/culture tourist where as for the adventure lovers there is more info on our Adventure Tours section.
The central Hunza known as Karimabad is basically a town of just 6 villages. The first main villages as you come from Gilgit on the main Karakorum Highway is Aliabad. There there are spectacular views of Rakaposhi mountain (7788 meters), PTDC Motel Hunza and other small hotels are located on the main Karakorum highway here. Just above Aliabad on the hill are Altit and Baltit villages the heart of Hunza. There is a very interesting Bazaar and two Forts in Altit & Baltit Villages. The Baltit fort has recently been restored and converted into a guided museum.
Hunza is undoubtly the Shangri-la of James Hilton's novel The Lost Horizon. It is probably the most Photogenic point in the world. There are numerous tours and activities available from Hunza Below you will find some options for bus/culture tourist where as for the adventure lovers there is more info on our Adventure Tours section.
Places in Hunza
Karimabad: As described above is the main bazaar of Hunza full of colorful shops with local dry fruits (Dried Apricots, Apricot Nut, Almonds, Walnuts Mulberry, etc.) At the end of bazaar is the Baltit village and Baltit fort which are restored by the Aga Khan fund for Culture & heritage. The fort has been brought into a guided museum you can spend time in the for visiting different sections of the fort and viewing the slide show in the small hall of the fort.
Duikar: At an height of 10000 feet above sea level this is a beautiful spot to see sunrise. You can see 8 peaks above 7000 meters from here each gets the sun light one by one as sun rises.
I have many fond memories from all my visits to Singapore and it has become almost like a second home to me. I can find my way around here much better than some cities down under.My first experience here was in 1969 as an eight year old enroute to Perth from Amsterdam. This was only as a brief stopover to change flights but even way back then I remember the airport as a hub of much activity with people coming, going and selling.Between 1983 and 2008 I have visited Singapore some eight times either as a destination in itself or as a brief stopover when going to someplace else.My recollections are of a city full of friendly faces, fine foods and fun filled days. My latest trip was no exception.As with my 2005 visit, I was able to catch up with some great VT'ers and share some local experiences that you won't find on any day trip provided by tour operators.No sooner had I been dropped off at the Queen Street Terminal, after arriving from Malaysia, and I was looking at my map to get my bearings when someone stopped to offer some assistance.This happened three times in the space of about half an hour while trying to find directions to my hotel. In fact, one gentleman stopped to help at a red light for a pedestrian crossing. In the time that it took for him to explain directions to me the light had gone green and then red again. While waiting for the light to turn green again, I apologised to him for having missed his opportunity to cross but he just smiled and replied "No problems!".I do love this city :
Modern buildings alongside Dubai creekDubai has developed from a small town into an ultra-modern metropolis in the last half century.While oil revenues were initially the catalyst for this phenomenal growth, Dubai is no longer dependent on oil production for its prosperity. In fact, today less than 10% of Dubai's GDP derives from oil, and the city has established a diversified economy in which tourism and consumerism play a vital role.The city of Dubai is split by a creek, with Deira on one side and Bur Dubai on the other. The luxury beach hotels are situated several miles from the city, in the area of Jumeirah.Dubai already exhibits some stunning architecture, such as the Burj al Arab hotel, the Emirates Towers, the Dusit hotel and the National Bank building, but future developments promise to be mind-blowing!One such major development is that of Palm Island, a residential, commercial and beach district which is in the process of being built. The development is to be shaped like a palm tree and will stretch from the shore near Jumeirah. Around 150km of extra beach will be created and the luxury beachside apartments have already been snapped up by the likes of the Beckhams and Tom Cruise, so rumour has it.Other developments in the city include a marina with luxurious apartment blocks, which is to be connected to the creek by flooding the land around it; the world's largest shopping mall, complete with a huge aquarium; and the world's tallest building.Despite all this development, the core of Dubai is still traditional, with bustling souks,(dedicated to gold, spices, fruit and vegetables amongst other items). The presence of dhows being loaded with goods for exporting to Iran, Pakistan, India and other countries in the region, also conjures up images of the city's past as a major trading centre. And, of course, the abras (wooden water taxis) which transport locals and tourists across the creek are anything but modern!Dubai is a fantastic city, with a forward-looking outlook. It has successfully modernised and developed an infrastructure that is capable of sustained development in future, but has also managed to retain its traditions. I will be amazed if Dubai does not become one of the world's key cities in the 21st century!
Port of Naples
Castel dell'Ovo (Capri in distance)
Romantic Naples, two hours south of Rome, is the largest city in southern Italy. It has some of the world's best opera and theater houses and is often called an open-air museum, due to its many historic statues and monuments. Join families on promenade as the sun sets on the Bay of Naples. View finds from Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale or revel in the art and architecture of Museo Cappella Sansevero, built in the late 1500s.
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