Lost With Purpose

Spring is here in Ishkoman Valley… but it’s a bit early.

The almonds blossomed a bit too soon. The snow line is still a bit too high. The ground is a bit too soft, the air a bit too warm.

For now, it’s useful. Villagers are using the early spring weather to plant crops earlier. Shepherds are enjoying warmer nights in the high pastures.

But what does this mean for the future?

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If you’re planning to come and see blossoms in Pakistan this year, come visit us at . Things are all quiet and peaceful on the Ghizer side 😊 But don’t wait too long, spring is early this year!

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Climate change in the mountains, spring in Gilgit-Baltistan, cherry blossoms, almond blossoms, Chatorkhand, Ghizer District

Okay actually it was two days ago but I hadn’t finished the post yet 😂

Sometimes when I look back on my old blog and social content I cringe. The proclamations I made, the way I viewed the world… was I blind? Ignorant? What was I thinking?!

But then I remember that growth is gradual. We don’t go out into the world immediately understanding every injustice, seeing every flaw. Learning, like travel, takes time and patience and keen observation.

Over the last 10 years, I’ve seen many things, and made equally as many mistakes. But I’ve also learned many lessons, and with time, I learned to tread more gently whether I’m navigating a mountain trail or a totally foreign culture.

10 years is a long ass time. I feel like I should be making some grand proclamation or big celebration… but honestly, in all these years, my travels have humbled me and reminded me how small I am in our universe, rather than the opposite.

So rather than drag this on, I’ll just end with a simple thank you. Thanks to all of you who have followed along on this journey (some of you since 2016!) and stuck with me through all the rants, tirades, missteps, and silences. Thank you for your patience as I explored everything from broke backpacking to tour guiding to motorcycle adventures to shepherd life. Thank you for checking me when I veer too far, and offering a hand when I start to go under.

The world and the internet both can be hard places at times, but you all made this corner of both a little bit better.

Here’s to another 10 years of living✌🏼

Bouncing along jeep roads built into the sides of perilous Karakoram cliffs.

Diving into the beating heart of a bazaar in one of the oldest cities in the world.

Warming your hands on a cup of chai with shepherds in high alpine pastures.

If any—or all—of these sound like a good time, this is the tour for you.

This autumn, I'm running a collaboration tour with my friend and fellow travel writer ! After several years of adventuring together, we decided we want to show some of you our favorite places across Pakistan in a way that's accessible to all kinds of travelers: 4x4 trucks!

We'll take you to some of Pakistan's most remote corners and offbeat delights. Places you've dreamed of visiting, and places you might never have heard of at all. Come and experience them with us.

Questions? Ask them in the comments!

Want to know more about the trip and how to sign up? Comment "Pakistan" and I'll send you everything you need to know ✌🏼

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Note: Sorry, we cannot accept Indian nationals on this tour. One day, but not today!

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Pakistan tour, adventure tours, travel by 4x4, small group tours, collaboration, off the beaten track travel, offbeat destinations, women-led tourism, responsible tourism