IN THE SHADOW OF THE INDUS DISCOVERING THE RIVERS OF GILGIT BALTISAN
Once a central hub for explorers who wanted to confront the rugged beauty of its mountainous landscapes, things changed drastically for Northern Pakistan following the now-infamous attacks on September 11th, 2001. Links to Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda created a dangerous reputation and led tourism to decline to almost zero. For years, only a handful of individuals dared disregard the travel advisory warnings. The stories of those who did issued a subtle challenge to the media’s stereotypes, describing hospitable locals struggling to adjust to the new dynamic and breathtaking scenery.
Nearly two decades on, things are changing for the better. Imran Khan, Pakistan’s new Prime Minister, has placed eco-tourism promotion high on his priority list, inviting foreigners back to this land of majesty and mystery. Though bureaucratic struggles remain, tourists can go almost anywhere, granted you get your paperwork right. When you do, you will be rewarded with experiences that will last for a lifetime.
“It quickly became clear that there was no room for mistakes, the lines we had scouted lost in the ever-changing crashing waves.”
GILGIT-BALTISTAN; PAKISTAN’S NORTHERN TERRITORIES
Before you imagine Pakistan's rivers, first picture their mountains. In the northwest corner of Pakistan the three biggest mountain ranges on the planet, the Himalaya, the Hindukush, and the Karakorum collide, nearly touching each other. The best way to imagine these towering mountains is to think of old Walt Disney movies. Now picture where you would find the villain's castle, on
