Pakistan2023

One of the countless vehicle bridges in remote North Pakistan, usually at high altitude and crossing precipitous drops into raging glacial meltwater rivers far below. This is in Hushe Valley on route to K2. We came here in 2000 but had to stop here as the previous bridge, a village and much else had been crushed in a giant flood and landslide, which is fairly common in these parts. I snapped this before we crossed and continued along the narrow road ahead, marked by the stone wall…which is the only support that these roads have on these unstable slopes. This is very remote territory, with tiny conservative villages dotted along the river gorge. Outsiders are usually mountaineering expeditions to K2 or the other 7-8000 meter peaks. We are at around 3500 meters here. Have a marvellous weekend ❤️ Thanks if you visit….very much appreciated

Crossing one of the more user friendly footbridges over an icy and torrential glacier melt river. I always cover up fully against the sun, as being a fair skinned person, have had my share of sun induced skin cancers, and up at these altitudes the air is thin, the sun strong. I wanted to prove I could go unflinchingly across….. Maybe it will make you laugh..,

Remote Baltistan, on the road to K2 at high altitude. This man had walked from the distant village below..where the hedges and fence rows are. Here narrow river valley strips are hard fought and cultivated, always with the ever present threat of earthquake, landslides. Life is simple and harsh. Winters brutal, long, and isolated. People are friendly and welcoming. And the scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful. The mountains in the background are all 7000+ meters. Have a splendid Friday..and a spectacular weekend. Keep well and happy. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR VISITS AND FOR YOUR KIND COMMENTS…I REALLY DO APPRECIATE THEM VERY, VERY MUCH

Lengthy rafting jaunt on the Hunza River amid the 6000+ meter peaks. A calm section. The water is icy…straight off snow and glaciers. It was a test for my arthritis (and osteoporosis) to sit and paddle for a long period of time. I enjoyed it very much, but found it hard to get to my feet after! ;))

From high in North Pakistan, with its stone fences/ walls. On the way up to Passu Glacier and Borith Lake. A large boulder brought down in one of the frequent landslips or earth tremors lurks above the road, in wait…. This is a very unstable landscape. We are at around 3000meters here. Thank you for your visit and any comment. I do appreciate them very much. Have a first rate Friday and a most enjoyable weekend

Happy Friday. Have been super busy. Will get to visit you on Sunday evening! Finally, sorry. This is at 4000 meters altitude on the remote road into the Chipurson Valley, alongside the Afghan Wakhan Cirridor. For some reason…I think as a remote village land demarcation, we came upon this gate and stone fence. It certainly would not keep out the snow leopards! The day after we passed through the relative of our dear friend lost livestock right here to snow leopard predation. This is wild, remote and exhilarating country. Have a weekend which brings happiness doing what you wish to do, in a place you wish to be..in health and peace.

a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/tigerlily5141/52145134"> Climbing up the 4000+ meter Passu Glacier in the Hindu Kush in North Pakistan. I have arthritis so it can be a bit of a challenge but I needed to prove I could do it. Thank goodness for walking poles as the track is along the edge of a 1000m fall into the ravine below, in parts.

At 4700 meters in the Pamirs is the border post between Pakistan and China, the highest international border crossing in the world. The Karakoram Highway is the road here, built at the cost of some thousands of lives over these lofty peaks. It is closed for around 6 months of the year as it is under snow and -40C. When open, it is surprisingly busy considering the sparsity of population in these vast and very elevated areas of both countries. It was early summer here, snowing lightly. The world’s highest ATM is also here, as a matter of interest. Lots of freight trucks pass through from Xinjiang in China. The Chinese built this ghastly grey Imperial gateway. The first time I passed across here in 2000 there was only a bollard at this spot, with CHINA on one side and PAKISTAN on the other. No people, no buildings, no fences or gates….just marmots and a couple of yaks. Hope your Friday is fabulous. May your weekend bring you pleasant things. ❤️

In a higher altitude mountainous area, wood is in short supply. Most fences are dry stone walls. Precious timber is saved for gates and ladders. Gulmit village, North Pakistan. In this troubled world, may your Friday be peaceful and positive.