Many times we friends made plans to go out, but either someone didn't have money or someone didn't get permission from home. Now, it's the final semester of our degree, and we have decided that this time we will definitely go.
We were as happy about completing our degree as sad that the time has come to shoulder our own responsibilities. Up until now, our parents were responsible, and now our real test begins. Yet, they still encourage us until we stand on our own feet. I believe there is no relationship in this world more precious than that of parents.So, we were talking about going somewhere to escape the tension of these exams, away from the endless traffic noise of the streets, to take a deep breath of relief. Working in the same routine feels like we've become robots.
Finally, this time, friends were determined to go. It's the last semester, and after this, everyone will head towards their own destinations. We thought to create some memories together to make the university life chapter even more beautiful. I contacted tour guides to find out which place would be best for a one-day trip during these days. Everyone pointed out that given the season, Shogran and Siri Paye Meadows are the best options. These places have become the center of attention for tourists these days.
Friends said that you have to organize this, just tell us the budget and we'll handle the rest. I had organized events at the university before, so it wasn't too difficult for me because of my experience. We finalized the weekend for the trip, mentioned the departure and arrival times, and announced the trip. We only approached adventurous people and finalized two saloon coasters.The departure was at 5 AM, and everyone in the group was informed to arrive at the designated place by 4:30 AM. It was also mentioned that anyone who was late would be left behind. It was very important to be punctual because if we were late, we would miss out on the sights. Fortunately, everyone arrived on time, but there was a slight delay in the arrival of the coasters.
We picked up those staying in the hostel from the university and the day scholars from their nearest station. Due to the temperature and the possibility of rain there, most of the students were carrying umbrellas and coats.
We departed from Islamabad by 6:00 AM, with our first stop planned at Balakot where breakfast was arranged. Dancing and joking with each other in the car, we reached the hotel in Balakot by 9:30 AM. The hotel staff was already there to welcome us. We were forty-three students, with the number of boys and girls being roughly equal.
On the way, we saw a beautiful tunnel that reduced a distance of about 20 kilometers to just one kilometer by cutting through the mountains, which you can see in the video.
As we finished breakfast, a light rain started, making the weather more beautiful. Right next to the hotel, the Kunhar River was flowing, compelling its viewers to admire its beauty. It comes from the melting glaciers, flowing through the mountains to reach this point. I don't know where the river goes beyond this point. After capturing this beautiful scene in our eyes and memories, we moved on.
Our destination was Siri Paye Meadows, and the vehicle was to take us only up to Kawai, from where the route to Shogran starts. Due to the dangerous path, the vehicle couldn't go any further. From there, we had to take a jeep driven by the locals. For most of the locals there, this is their livelihood. It's amazing how God has created such difficult paths, yet provided them with a means of earning a living.
I had already made a deal with the jeep drivers, and they were there waiting for us before we arrived. We hired nine jeeps to ensure everyone could travel comfortably. The jeep driver warned us beforehand, saying we should say our prayers as the road ahead was dangerous. The girls in my class thought he was joking. As soon as we reached Shogran, the real journey to Siri Paye began, and it was indeed very bumpy.This was my first trip on such a dangerous track, and I was scared that it might be my last. The path was already dangerous, and the mud from the rain made it even worse. Our nine jeeps were driving in a line.
On one side was the mountain, and on the other, a deep ravine hundreds of meters deep. The jeep's tires were right on the edge of the ravine. One small mistake, and the jeep would go over the edge. But the drivers were very skilled,their entire lives had been spent driving these jeeps. Those who were laughing before were now sitting like statues out of fear, while some were making fun of their fear. I was sitting in the front seat, trying to pretend I wasn't scared, but inside, I was terrified.
We were about to reach Siri Paye, but we found out that due to the snow, the jeeps couldn't go any further, and we would have to hike. Already scared, we quickly got out of the jeeps when we heard this. I gathered everyone and gave them important instructions. There was a shoe stall nearby where we could rent shoes. To avoid damaging their shoes in the mud, everyone rented shoes. We then started hiking. Due to the weekend, it was very crowded. Many people were going up, and some were coming down, having reached in the morning. I reminded everyone to be cautious and punctual. Everyone used tree branches as support for the climb.
The path was safe, but the mud from the rain made it difficult. This was a first experience for all of us, and we were enjoying it a lot. We had a speaker with us, which helped keep the group together. The boys' group moved quickly, while the couples, talking softly, enjoyed the beautiful journey towards the destination. In the distance, we saw a mountain peak covered in snow, glowing blue under the sunlight.
As soon as I saw this view, all my fear and fatigue disappeared. I was mesmerized by the sight. A voice from behind said, "This is nothing; the real view is yet to come." We continued our journey, enjoying every moment. We forgot all our life's goals, sorrows, worries, and pains.our only goal was to see that view. The world seemed beautiful, and I wondered how God created all this. Finally, we reached our destination, almost 3000 meters above sea level. There was an endless series of mountains. I sat on a quiet spot at a height and was stunned by the view.
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At that moment, my mind was occupied with only two things: the view and the God who created it.
When I took a deep breath, the cool air refreshed not only my body but also my soul. The group enjoyed sliding down the mountains, quickly climbing up and then sliding down peacefully.
Everyone enjoyed to the fullest, dancing to the music from the speaker, and even the people there joined in our dance.
The sun was setting, having served the world all day. It was now time for it to rest. We started heading back to our jeeps, seating everyone in the same order as before.
The return journey began, and the fear of the path was now gone. Everyone was now enjoying the path that had scared them before. Sometimes, certain paths frighten us, but once we gather the courage to cross them, the fear loses, and we win.
We had arranged for dinner on the way back, which was ready when we arrived at the hotel. The food was delicious. I paid the hotel bill, and we set off for home. The excitement had now worn off, and everyone was tired. Some were reminiscing about the view and discussing it. The night view in the mountains was very beautiful, as the stars came down from the sky. This scene was created by the lights of the houses in the mountains. After reaching the university, we dropped the girls at their hostel, and the boys walked together to their hostel.
It was an end to beautiful trip.
You can watch my video here!
Thank you so much.