A Journey of Friendship and Adventure.

A Journey of Friendship and Adventure: Hosting Kim in Hunza

As I stood on the Karakoram Highway, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was about to meet Kim, a friend from Germany, for the first time. We had spent countless hours chatting online, and I was eager to host her in my hometown of Jamalabad, Hunza.

Kim's journey to Hunza was not an easy one. She traveled for 18 hours from south Pakistan, braving the challenges of the Karakoram Highway. As I waited for her, I felt a sense of pride and responsibility as her host.

When Kim finally arrived, we exchanged warm smiles, and I was struck by how natural it felt to meet her in person. We walked to my home, where my family was waiting to welcome her. My sister had prepared a warm cup of tea, which Kim gratefully accepted after her long journey.

As Kim rested, I planned our itinerary for the next few days. We would embark on a hike to Boybar Valley, a scenic trek that would take us through breathtaking landscapes and picturesque villages.

The day of our hike arrived, and we set off early in the morning. Kim was determined to reach an altitude of 3,000 meters, and I was proud to support her on this journey. As we hiked, we shared stories, laughed, and marveled at the beauty of the valley.

Our journey was not without its challenges. Kim struggled with altitude sickness, and we had to take regular breaks to rest and rehydrate. But despite these challenges, Kim's determination and resilience inspired me, and we eventually reached the scenic Avgarch Valley.

As we explored the valley, Kim achieved her goal of reaching an altitude of 3,400 meters. We celebrated this milestone with a warm cup of tea and a sense of pride and accomplishment.

The next day, we embarked on a more challenging hike to Boybar Valley. The snow-capped mountains and scenic landscapes took our breath away, and Kim eventually achieved her highest altitude yet – 3,500 meters.

On our last day together, we spent our morning biking to the Sost market to buy meat for our new guests. Despite the freezing cold, we enjoyed the ride together. Afterward, we attempted to bring a cow from the irrigation channel of Jamalabad, which proved to be a fun and memorable experience for Kim.

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on our incredible journey together. Hosting Kim in Hunza had been an experience I would never forget, and I knew that our friendship would last a lifetime.

As Kim prepared to leave for Skardu the next morning, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Saying goodbye to someone you've shared so many incredible experiences with is never easy. But I was also grateful for the time we had spent together and the memories we had created.

I wish Kim all the best on her future adventures and look forward to staying in touch.

Location:_Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

_Date:_ November 2024