The Hike

Me and two of my colleagues went on a hike from Thandiani to Nathia Gali via Biran Gali and Dagri Forest Rest House. I (notice singularity) got back yesterday morning after traveling all night. Although I made it to office but I was too tired and sleepy so I had to leave early. Didn't get time to write this.

It was one of the best experiences of my life. 3 nights of camping and 3 days of walking in beautiful wilderness with heavy backpack. First night was in Thandiani, then a day of hike towards Biran Gali. We camped a night there. My colleagues were all exhausted and tired. On second day's morning they decided to bailout since they couldn't go any further. It broke me pretty fucking much that after months of planning we were going back after just 1 day. We got into heated arguments. Fortunately, there was a group of supernice folks who was also hiking with us and camped in Biran Gali. One of their members was also quitting. My only option was to join them. So, I asked and they included me in.

Second day of hike was tough. It was ascend from Biran Gali to Dagri Forest Rest House. Thanks to my running, I was doing pretty good. Staying mostly ahead of the group. So after 5 hours of climb, we were at Dagri Forest Rest House. It had the view of the most amazing sunset I had ever seen. We camped there for a night.

Third day of hike was mostly descend from Dagri to Nathia Gali via Miranjani. At Miranjani, we lost the major track and got on a very steep and difficult track that took us to the valley. Nathia Gali was at top, so we had to walk up there. 5 hours after leaving Dagri, we were in Nathia Gali. Called home and everyone was mad at me since I didn't call home for two days. Had lunch there, said goodbye to the folks since they were leaving for Rawalpindi, took shower in a Hamam and changed. Then took a a ride to Murree, didn't get time to wander around since bus for Lahore was leaving soon. Although it got a flat tire in Islamabad and that took 4 godamn hours. Reached home at 7 in the morning.

My Experience:
To a regular folk it all looks crazy that someone is doing stuff like this. But, trust me, it is one of the best things I have ever done in my life. We hiked daily for almost 5 to 6 hours, stretching ourselves to the maximum. That's the best part of it. And then when we camped in all wilderness, it gave the best feeling in the world. We had to prepare our own meals and hike for water. One of the first things I realized was the importance of water. We waste so much of it. I think we are fortunate that we can actually take shower and not worry about a thing.
When I saw a road and a car after 3 days and nights I realized how life is possible at bare minimum and you can live that happily. You carry all of your belongings in a backpack, and that's enough to keep you alive. This race for finding happiness in gadgets, cars, houses and material things is all craziness. I wish I could post this right then and there because I don't think I am explaining myself better now.
This world is poisonous and I didn't have to take any of it for 3 days, 3 precious days of my life.

Update 1:
Photos, Batch 1:



Update 2:
Photos, Batch 2: Actually emailed to me by the folks I joined so they sent all that had my face rather than views. So, I won't post 'em here because of obvious reasons. Just a few...