Winter in Hunza Valley in Covid-time A little closer to the clouds - that's GhulkinIn the middle of the Karakoram, above the highway: a place in the sun, even if a bit cold in winterThree weeks of living in the village with a family are three weeks of fascination with the landscape, the people, their friendliness and respect for othersand three weeks of fun and joy, especially with the children.There is Rafia and Aliza, the two girls in the family. At 12 years, Rafia is the older, more serious, responsible one. She takes care of me and protects me wherever she can. I often feel like a little sister and nod at her instructions.Aliza is different. She is the opposite, always fun, laughing, aware of being a pretty girl, with her chic dresses and skirts. And she is brave, ambitious, persistent and always mischievous. She will become a teacher one day. I believe her every word, convinced that she will go far.A day in January begins quite unspectacularly. Everyone in the family has their job: Rafia helps prepare breakfast, Aliza tidies up the blankets, Ali the eldest has to get up early and walk 5km to school, while Nadir is only seven and a boy, so he can still be a child.I am here to capture life and the landscape in film and photos. That means I don't have a big goal. I let everything come my way and we'll see. At the end of the three weeks I gained many new friends, new experiences and a lot of respect for the people in the Hunza Valley, the people in the mountains of the Karakoram, who despite the harsh conditions are open to everything new, who receive foreigners like me with respect and a lot of warmth ,shaking my hands to say thank you for sharing life with them, even if only for a short time.I have a lot of pictures, more films, and some stories.
It's absolutely amazing that you can walk for 2 weeks in such an unique place without seeing any other groups (there one just another one). Beautiful scenery, tough terrain, good food and amazing local staff.
A great trip that I am very proud to have completed. The remoteness has a unique beauty all of its own. A very good level of fitness is required to enjoy this trek.We were helped by a great team of guides, cooks and general helpers. There dedication to helping us and looking after us was second to none.This trip is a challenge, but a very worthwhile one. You will not regret attempting it.The first look of K2 makes all the hardships of the trek worthwhile.
