Kashmir the Disputed territory

Awais Yaqub

I made a quick trip to Kashmir's Neelum valley. Kashmir is disputed region between India and Pakistan, only Pakistani nationals with ID can enter the region. However, other nationals need permission prior to arrival. Neelum valley is beautiful valley streching 140km along with Neelum river, valley runs parrallel to Kaghan valley, curvey road often comes across indian boarder areas, during bad days it is impossible to travel on this road.
We were able to travel till Taobat, which is last village of Neelum valley and the end of the road. From Taobat, adventure seekers and nomads continue on feet to enter glorious Gilgit Baltistan Region.
Narrow and bumpy road passes through forests enriched with Cedar Deodar trees and beautiful villages with amazing Kashmir style wooden houses, maize fields surround these villages. Each village has its own hydral electricity plant built on small waterfalls, just enough to light up around 50 houses. Ancient Budhist University is located at Sharda which suggest deep connection of region with rich historic background.

Thought we thought to do landscapes at max, but when we reached our destination we were almost out of energy and presence of clouds at night time didnt allow us to experiment star trails :rolleyes

And you know what i got 5dmk2, loved using UWA, 17-40:ivar

1 . Hoteling in the region is on weaker side

2. We were not sure of place where we stayed, we couldn't hear anything but flowing river and whole hotel trembled when somebody walked

3. Decided to take a walk in bazaar, limited electricity.

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5. And light graced us next morning, and we continued to our final desitnation, Taobat

6. Saw some graveyards (different graves style then we see in cities here)

7. Came accross girls school, so many cute faces but they were very shy

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9. Small scale electric plant

10. Saw a nomad, these kids won't pose for camera

11. Kashmiri boy

12. Nomads on a way to Gilgit Baltistan region, it takes around 25 days on feet from Islamabad


13. Tired of travelling, we stopped for photo break.


14. Last village we crossed before entering our destination


15. View from above

16. Finally we reached our destination and started shooting next morning

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21. School time

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23. And we met this man on our way back!

24. Kid with hina

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26. Narrow roads and big trucks, true test of nerves

27. The Budhist University in Sharda the last pic. We were so tired we couldnt reach our gear in rest of the trip back home. i wish we stayed longer.

1andyw

Each of your travel logs is amazing. Thank you, again.

AndyW

karloznz

really makes me want to travel to some exotic location - I have traveled little - thanks for the inspiration

Awais Yaqub

Thanks Andy and Karloznz!

aj986s

Stunning.....again!

The little girl in #8 is absolutely captivating. The colors in #3 are very interesting. But #2 is a bit dark to me. Was that intentional? Ghostly, maybe?

rwells

Great images as usual Awais

schmoo

Incredible as always, Awais. The girl in #10 looks older, beyond her years. What I wouldn't do to tag along on one of your photo trips one day!

Sam

Great stuff. I too would love to tag along on one of your trips, it would be amazing, but I do have concerns about my blue eyes.

Sam

Awais Yaqub

aj986s wrote: »

Stunning.....again!

The little girl in #8 is absolutely captivating. The colors in #3 are very interesting. But #2 is a bit dark to me. Was that intentional? Ghostly, maybe?

Thanks AJ, yes i wanted to keep it dark as it was that night. probably i will need to work a little in PS as it is sooc

Awais Yaqub

rwells wrote: »

Great images as usual Awais

Thanks Randy!:D

Awais Yaqub

schmoo wrote: »

Incredible as always, Awais. The girl in #10 looks older, beyond her years. What I wouldn't do to tag along on one of your photo trips one day!

Most welcome that will be awesome!

Awais Yaqub

Sam wrote: »

Great stuff. I too would love to tag along on one of your trips, it would be amazing, but I do have concerns about my blue eyes.

Sam

Blue eyes, we have lots of them just come over

Art Scott

What a fantastic set of images. Really did well. Thanx for sharing.

ian408

Very beautiful place. It reminds me a lot of the states of Oregon and Washington. Especially the trees.

Ed911

Once again...very nice...what a great insight into your life and the lives of those around you. Keep going places and posting those wonderful images.

Thanks for sharing.

sufined

some very nice photographs here awais, loved the 5th image the most here

Awais Yaqub

Thanks guys. here is one from 1st morning

choudhrysaab

Superb Pix Awais. I've never been to Kashmir but its def. on my list of places to visit.

InshaAllah ek din Kashmir Banay Ga Pakistan!

Liquidity

Awais,

Wonderful story and pictures.

BTW, Kashmir is turning into a tourist destination (thanks to your pictures and mainstream stories):

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-15/kashmir-no-longer-world-s-most-dangerous-place-as-tourism-climbs

Awais Yaqub

Thanks Wil and Abi

I wish to visit Indian side of Kashmir someday.. lets see

dave6253

Outstanding work, sir.

CloudOnMyTongue

Wow these photos are very impressive. I hope to get there one day.

EphTwoEight

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing that part of the world. Beautiful place and beautiful images!

Awais Yaqub

Thank you friends!