When I get exhausted from university exams, assignments, and research, I escape to explore places where nature showcases its beauty. Every location has a unique charm during a specific time of the year, which doesn't last throughout the year. I plan my travels according to the seasons, visiting places that are most stunning during that particular time.
This time, I chose Sharan Forest, Pakistan's most beautiful forest.I with my university friends made all the necessary arrangements together. We began our journey before sunrise. Luckily, the weather turned cloudy, making our trip even more enjoyable. Since we left early, the roads were completely clear.
When I venture into the mountainous world, I develop a fascination for spotting the local wildlife. Often, I encounter shepherds along the way, who have set out to graze their goats. In the mountainous regions, most people's livelihood depends on rearing goats.
We had planned to have breakfast at a hotel located by the riverbank, thanks to our early departure. The river, Kunhar, flows from the melting glacier in the distance and is infamous for claiming two or three lives every year. I threw small stones into its depths, a habit of mine, watching them skip across the water
To cross the river, a wooden bridge has been constructed. As we drove our jeep over the wooden planks, the creaking sounds were quite unsettling. It felt as if the bridge would collapse at any moment, sending us plummeting into the river below. Since we had come here seeking adventure, we were thoroughly enjoying the thrill.
We had now entered the forest boundaries. All we could see were jeeps ahead and behind us. We had to travel in 4x4 jeeps to reach this point, as the challenging terrain made it impossible for other vehicles to access. The recent rainfall had turned the path into a muddy mess.
The forest was extremely serene and quiet. The beauty of this place lies in the fact that you get to witness multiple breathtaking views all at once. We spent some time by the riverbank, which will always be remembered.
While hiking, the water we had brought with us ran out. I was searching for a spot to find clean spring water to drink. After searching, I finally found a spring. I climbed up to where the water was clear and drank from it. The taste of the water was unique. Then, we had fun splashing water on each other.
For a while, we stayed at a hotel that served as a viewpoint for the area. From this spot, the mountains stood right in front of us, as if they were face-to-face. I told my friend that one day we'd conquer the mountain in front of us, and he smiled sarcastically, knowing it was unlikely. My friend and I had organized this tour together, and we were discussing the arrangements when the photographer captured this moment.
I don't know how to pose , so when the cameraman asked me to, I just stood up. I have no idea how I looked in that pose.
These moments will be the most memorable part of this trip. Sitting by the river, oblivious to the world's news, I'm grateful for this beautiful gift of nature.
I hope you enjoyed my travelogue. See you next 💫