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CRAIG AND BRIDGET'S |
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ADVENTURE |
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We took two vacations in the summer of '99--the first was to the Hunza region of northern Pakistan. This is perhaps the best known and most frequented by tourists. However, this summer, it was relatively empty because of the Kashmir conflict. This region is said to have inspired the myth of Shangri-La and for good reason -- it is absolutely gorgeous and quite tucked out of the way. Most Hunzans are Ismaili Muslims who seem fairly well educated and practice a softer form of Islam than the common Western stereotype of Muslims. |
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Note: click on just about any picture to see the larger original, most are about 50-70K. |
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After one failed attempt because of stormy weather, we flew from |
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The Karakoram Highway The Karakoram Highway (aka KKH) runs right through Hunza and most tourists don't stray too far from it. A lot of people drive from Gilgit all the way up to China over the highest border crossing in the world (2.8 miles high). We didn't go that far but I was so impressed by the tremendous beauty of the drive. Although often not a true "highway" by US standards, it is quite well built and generally pretty safe. |
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There are some really terrific suspension bridges in Hunza but this was my favorite. Besides being both high and long, you go on to the bridge directly from a narrow tunnel. It really bobs and sways! Our driver said that it was built in the '50s. I think these bridges are a marvelous example of appropriate technology. |
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