by Sahibzada Basit Ali
PureTravel Writing Competition 2024
After the grueling exams, my cousins and I were eager to escape the confines of our routine. We set our sights on Kumrat, a renowned gem in Pakistan’s lush, green valleys. April’s moderate weather promised the perfect setting for our adventure. With spirits high and hearts brimming with anticipation, we embarked on what would become the most unforgettable journey of our lives.
The journey itself was nothing short of an odyssey. We wound through verdant forests, the road often reduced to a muddy trail. Snow-capped peaks loomed overhead, their majestic presence accentuated by our rough, unpaved route. Our laughter and favorite songs punctuated the rugged terrain, making each mile a cherished memory.
Arriving in Kumrat, we were met with an eerie stillness. The tourist season was over, and the local hotels stood vacant. Opting for a campsite by the river, we embraced the serene beauty and the view that stretched into eternity. Yet, the absence of adequate security was a nagging concern, amplified by the fact that we were only 10th-grade students.
The next morning, we set off on a hike to a remote area, a trek that was supposed to last 5 to 6 hours. Along the trail, we noticed a group of locals trailing us. Dressed in long coats and wide-brimmed hats, their weapons slung ominously over their shoulders, they rode two motorbikes and seemed to shadow our every step.
Despite their intimidating presence, we pressed on, choosing to ignore their unsettling gaze. During a brief rest, they approached us. Their introductions were polite but their stories were riddled with inconsistencies, making us question their true motives. Nevertheless, we continued toward our destination: “Dujanga,” a local term for the junction of two rivers.
Exhaustion set in as we reached the point where we decided to turn back. It was late, and the hike back to our campsite loomed large. I ventured to the river to refresh myself, savoring the cold, glacier-fed water and the breathtaking scenery of the lush forest and snow-capped peaks. The moment felt idyllic, a stark contrast to the chaos that would soon unfold.
Returning to the rest of the group, I was met with a chilling realization. Only the driver and one cousin remained. I inquired about the others, only to learn that the strangers had arrived on motorbikes and taken them. The driver had been forced to guide them to the junction of the two rivers, with the promise that it was just a ten-minute ride away. The ground seemed to give way beneath me as panic set in.
Despite the growing dread, I waited, but the minutes stretched into hours. The group did not return. Desperation led me to convince my cousin to search for them. We climbed towards the highest peak, hoping to find some trace of our friends. The sounds of gunfire echoed through the night, heightening my fear that our friends might have been harmed.
Suddenly, two armed men appeared, running toward us. The sight filled me with terror; I feared they were coming to abduct us next. We fled, racing back to the driver. To our horror, he was gone. Alone and terrified, we prayed for the safe return of our friends.
After what felt like an eternity, they finally emerged, unharmed but irate, scolding us for our presence and commanding us to prepare food. My frustration reached its zenith. I hiked off alone, consumed by anger and disappointment, not speaking to anyone until the following day.
The next day, we planned another hike, following a route suggested by our vehicle. By 7 PM, we began our ascent through the towering forest. We encountered locals who warned us of the dangers of night hiking—wild animals and treacherous terrain. Ignoring their advice, we pressed on.
Rain soon began to pour, and without proper gear, we were exposed to the elements. Our trail markers were washed away, and we struggled to navigate. By 2 AM, we reached our destination, only to find all the hotels full and no one willing to offer shelter. We were forced to spend the night among donkeys and horses, battling the cold, relentless rain, and snow. The conditions were so harsh that survival seemed doubtful.
By morning, the sun emerged, revealing a breathtaking beauty that made our suffering seem worthwhile. Though our conditions did not allow us to stay longer, we began our journey home, our hearts full of the wild adventure we had just endured.
This journey, fraught with peril and hardship, remains my greatest adventure-a testament to resilience and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
Photo by Hussain Ali on Unsplash
