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| ANDARAB LAKE(KOH LAKE: mean color changing) |
"The roar of our car engine was drowned out by the serene, untouched beauty of the northern peaks of Pakistan as we five friends from Malakand embarked on our long-awaited summer escape. As we found our way through the rugged terrain, the landscape transformed before our eyes. From lush valleys to towering cliffs, each turn brought us closer to our destination and further from our daily routines. After months of relentless studying and sleepless nights, the end of our 6th semester finally arrived, and with it, the promise of summer freedom. Five friends from Malakand, who had weathered the storm of academic stress together, were about to embark on an adventure that had been the talk of our dorms for weeks:
A trip to the stunning Andarab Lake in Kalam, Swat. It was 191 kilometers away from our home a journey that promised not just scenic beauty, but an exhilarating escapade into the wilderness.
"Our trip began on July 1, 2024, a date that marked both the start of our summer vacation and the beginning of an epic journey. The car was packed with essentials: backpacks crammed with supplies, snacks for the road, and a hefty dose of anticipation. As we piled in and set off, the hum of the engine and the view of the rolling hills gradually gave way to the thrill of the unknown.
The Track to Andarab lake is not for the faint-hearted. It winds through rugged terrain and is renowned for its perilous glaciers. As we approached the treacherous stretches, the scenery was both awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking. The glaciers, with their sheer, icy faces, seemed to mock our bravery. Each turn presented a new challenge, with the feet skirting dangerously close to the edge. The images of the icy expanses-soon to be posted with this blog-capture just a fraction of the sheer magnitude of the obstacles we faced.
TRACK TOWERD OUR FIRST CAMPSITE
After hours of navigating and hiking on these perilous paths surrounded by breathtaking meadows, we finally reached our first campsite: a modest tent pitched on the edge of a roaring river. The setting was as breathtaking as it was intimidating. The river, swollen with melting glacier water, thundered past just a few feet from our tent, its relentless roar a constant reminder of nature's raw power.
As the night fell we could not continue our hike so we decided to campAs night fell, the wilderness came alive with sounds that were both beautiful and unsettling. The locals had warned us about the potential dangers-wild animals prowling in the darkness, their eyes gleaming ominously in the moonlight. The fear of an unexpected encounter with these creatures was palpable. We huddled together, sharing stories and trying to mask our growing anxiety with laughter.
BROEN BEAR
SNOW LEOPARD (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344804721_Conflicts_Involving_Brown Bear_and_Other_Large_Carnivores_in_the_Kalam_Valley_Swat_Pakistan)
Sleep was elusive that night. The river's roar was a constant reminder of our vulnerability, and every rustle or snap in the underbrush sent waves of unease through our group. We lay awake, eyes wide open, listening intently for any signs of movement that might herald a wild visitor. The fear was real, but so was the thrill of being so close to nature's untamed side.
Despite the discomforts, there was a certain magic to our situation. The crisp night air, the vast star-studded sky, and the sound of the river all combined to create an experience that was both exhilarating and humbling. We were far from the comfort of our daily lives, immersed in an adventure that tested our limits and forged deeper bonds between us.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our adventure as we continue to explore the breathtaking landscapes and uncover the hidden gems of Kalam. From serene lake vistas to more unexpected surprises, our journey was far from over, and the best was yet to come.
TO BE CONTINUED...
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