50 KarimabadThe incredible views and atmosphere of Heider Inn made spending an
additional day, primarily to see if my cold wouldn’t improve, before
setting off. Unfortunately, electricity in these remote areas was
unreliable, and power was lost three times during my attempt to send
an email; how frustrating. Still, I couldn’t complain as most smaller
villages had power only on alternative days.
Karimabad
An overcast and rainy day made for lying in. Breakfast was milk tea
and pancake (a thick pancake with jam). Lunch was more Hunza food
consisting of pizza (onion, tomato and cheese sandwiched between
two chapattis). Supper was the usual communal one, followed by a
few beers and much jabbering with other travellers.
Karimabad is one of those places where people come for a day but
stay for a week, and I could see why. A walk around the hamlet
revealed a fascinating old, renovated fort, built in the 8th century BC.
A steep hike ran through a small settlement en route to the fort,
offering unobstructed views of Karimabad and the valleys beyond.
Karimabad – Gilgit – 106 km
Well-fed and rested, Ernest and I departed Karimabad for Gilgit. Still,
not far beyond Karimabad, we found the path blocked due to a
landslide. There wasn’t a great deal one could do but wait until the
debris was cleared. Waiting, boulders came rolling down the
mountain, making all scurry in different directions. I never imagined I
would need to run for my life from rocks rolling down a cliffside.