As we continued our drive through the gorgeous landscapes of Pakistan, we headed into remote territory. This is Machlu Valley. Deep inside unexplored remote Pakistan! The reason is that a visit to Machlu Valley on a clear day will reward you with stunning views. Due to our calamitous nature, we got plenty of cloud cover, which also opened us up to another experience we didn’t expect. We were heading eastward into K2 territory, so for those who wish to undertake the K2 treks, you will pass through here, and if that doesn’t whet your appetite for that behemoth of a challenge, then nothing will. K2 is not easy.

We came to a checkpoint after passing that picturesque scene of a shepherd with his flock as the gorgeous mountain range was shimmering in the backdrop with a lake pinned in. It was time to present our case.

We were here to see the view our new friend Abbas had told us about. Due to it being close to the Indian border, there would be clear security patrols. Nothing to worry about. It’s just a border zone between two nuclear powers; Pakistan and India. You can only gain entry here with Pakistan identity cards (Essentially Pakistani passports but not entirely carrying the same weight). We were about to try our luck.

We were denied entry. We were disappointed because the discussion took a half-hour where all sorts of questions were asked, but we didn’t want to dwell on the decision and abruptly made our exit to leave the militarized zone. Despite not being able to access this viewpoint, we had witnessed some majestic views of the most beautiful country in the world already, so we weren’t overly concerned, it was just the time that we had taken there, and with every passing moment, more clouds seem to enter the sky until we were completely overcast. The good views were now hidden.

As we approached the Sailing bridge, more clouds seemed to merge out of nowhere; however, we could still make up the outlines of the mountains in front of us. There were so many!

A regular sight on your backpacking Pakistan trip will be the number of tiny trees you will see. This is all due to Imran Khan and his reforestation program. It genuinely was so lovely to see that even in a country as separated as Pakistan and remote villages, there was new life everywhere. Solar energy and growing new trees are two facets of Imran Khans’ revolutionary program for a more prosperous Pakistan. InshaAllah, he can see it through as Pakistani politics are a ‘complicated’ affair, shall we say.

I must say, head to the eight-minute mark of this video, and the next 90 seconds sum up our trip through Pakistan for me. I hope you can see and feel the authenticity of our emotions as we explore this incredible place. Sitting there, on the side of the road, breathing in the fresh mountain air, legs dangling off the road, facing an array of enormous mountains. Well, that really enables one to take stock of one’s life. Travel. Not because you can, but because it opens you up to places like this, and the memories will last with you forever.

I’ll leave you to enjoy the mountains of Pakistan Machlu Valley.

Toodles

USEFUL TIPS FOR BACKPACKING PAKISTAN:

How to Visit Machlu Valley, Skardu, Pakistan

This sounds like it would be a complicated journey, but in truth, it’s pretty simple. As is the norm in this area of Pakistan, you will first need to head to Skardu, Pakistan. Skardu will be the central point for a lot of your excursions. Skardu certainly was for us, as you can tell from the numerous videos we have filmed there. We documented our flight from Islamabad to Skardu, showing you how to make that journey.

Once in Skardu, ask your hotel for the bus to Khaplu, and they will tell you where to go. We cannot give you a pinpoint location because there isn’t a bus station for departures going to Khaplu. You won’t find any schedules online, nor will you find an actual bus station. The buses depart for Khaplu on the edge of town, and your hotel will direct you there.

Tickets to Khaplu from Skardu will cost 300PKR per person for the minibus with a food break after an hour or so, and if you’re lucky, your bus won’t break down as ours did. Trust us, take the bus and enjoy the most amazing Pakistani food on route to Khaplu; you’ll have a chance to visit the colourful teeny tiny village of Gol, which serves up some of the best food in Pakistan!

Once in Khaplu, your accommodation will be able to sort you with a driver for the day. To travel around Khaplu, 1,000 PKR is more than a fair price, and for the drive back to Skardu, it should be around 6,000PKR with stops at Machlu Valley, Sogha Lake, Saling and Manthoka waterfall. I wouldn’t recommend you miss any of them, it takes a lot to get into this area, and those four areas are well worth visiting.

Enjoy! and don’t forget to tag Calamity Travels on Instagram. We’d love to see if you enjoyed backpacking Pakistan as much as we did!