Getting lost in the charm of undiscovered lands, I have always been drawn to the road less traveled, seeking the hidden gems in places that often escape the mainstream spotlight. One of these destinations that I have had on my bucket list forever is the magnificent Falak Sar.
Climbing mountains is pure ecstasy to me. There is something about climbing or trekking to some of the most majestic mountains and then taking in the surreal view stretching like an endless canvas, reveling a breathtaking expanse that extends as far as the eye can behold.
My enthusiastic and ever-ready friends were already packing their bags as soon as I presented the idea, turning a mere suggestion into an immediate and collective adventure-ready spirit.
Hidden away in the magnificence of Swat, Falak Sar is the highest peak of the Ushu Valley. The majestic mountain stands proudly at an elevation of 5,957 meters (19,544 ft), forming an extraordinary landscape of unparalleled beauty. Falak SAR is also the highest mountain in Swat District.
In the daring expedition of 1957, Mount Falak Sar yielded to the tenacious spirit of New Zealand adventurers W.K.A. Berry and C.H. Tyndale Biscoe, who boldly conquered its majestic heights via the formidable North Ridge, marking an awe-inspiring milestone in the annals of mountaineering history.
My Exhilarating Escapade To Kalam:
Frequent journeys to Islamabad have turned the once extraordinary into my new normal. It has become our customary destination, marking the starting point for every adventure we embark on in Pakistan. Landing in Pakistan always comes with an overwhelming amount of serotonin. There is always an electrifying surge of excitement coursing through me, transforming the entire journey into a thrilling reality. We had already booked the hotel we always stay in and checked in as soon as we landed in the capital of Pakistan.
Sitting in our hotel room all my friends and I kept talking about how we hadn’t had any mishaps during our adventures. Yet, as fate would have it, the universe chuckled at our bravado. The very next day, one of my friends found themselves nursing a sprained ankle, a stark reminder that even the most audacious aspirations can be humbled by unexpected twists of destiny. According to the circumstances, we had to reshape our odyssey to the breathtaking Falak Sar, changing our climbing journey into a trekking journey.
Finally after an extended stay in Islamabad because of the unexpected injury, we were ready to take on the adventure waiting for us.
The day before continuing our journey, I had already made a phone call to our trusted jeep driver and friend, Abdul to get his jeep ready as we were back for another one of our adventures. As enthusiastic as we were about the thrilling escapade, he stood with his old but reliable jeep the next morning.
Our journey to Mingora was full of multiple stops at different locations to capture the unreal beauty in between our approximately 4-hour drive. From Mingora, we made our way to the “Switzerland of Pakistan”, Swat.
After a day’s stay, along with never-to-be-forgotten memories, we were off to Malam Jabba. While being there we couldn’t resist the skiing posters and had an epic time shredding on the snow. The next day we were back in the jeep driving to Kalam.
Trekking From Kalam to Falak Sar:
Trekking to Falak Sar posed significant challenges, yet our abundant determination made the challenging trek to Falak Sar seem considerably easier.
Uneven, rocky terrains slowed us, yet charming villages and enchanting views motivated us to persist. Looking at all the beauty around me made me feel immensely grateful that I was part of a world so rich in wonders, each moment a reminder of the incredible tapestry of life. It also reminded me of the famous Louie Schwartzberg quote, “Nature’s beauty is a gift that cultivates appreciation and gratitude.”
The journey was smooth until near the destination when my friend’s sprained feet required us to slow down. Watching his struggle, entangled in pain and guilt for slowing others, stirred profound empathy within me.
In the end, he decided not to continue further and he was not able to walk on it. Despite initial dampened spirits, witnessing steady progress and contagious enthusiasm reignited our collective determination to press on.
After inconveniences and breathtaking scenery, we reached our main destination—the Falak Sar Base Camp.
Reaching the base camp was a moment of triumph, surrounded by towering peaks and a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped mountains. The weather was unpredictable, with moments of clear skies revealing the awe-inspiring beauty that surrounded us. Settling into the base camp, the camaraderie among fellow trekkers, and the sense of accomplishment made the challenging trek worthwhile.
Falak Sar base camp offered an awe-inspiring view, making the adventure an unforgettable memory. Capturing the overwhelming view, we rested to fuel up for the journey ahead after a moment of awe. The next morning we visited the enchanting lakes near Falak Sar, Mahodand Lake, and Saifullah Lake. We also were lucky to witness the Swat valley, carpeted with brightly-colored wildflowers, and the magical Ushu waterfall as well.
To conclude our journey, we enjoyed a hearty meal at the Royal Hotel near Falak Sar. Relishing the gratitude and satisfaction from trekking scenic routes. We stayed in the hotel for a day as Abdul fetched and drove us back to Islamabad. Marking the bittersweet end to our journey home.
Conclusion:
As I bid a bittersweet farewell to the majestic peaks of Falak Sar, I felt a profound transformation within. This journey revealed nature’s beauty and highlighted the joy of companionship and new adventures. The sunset’s vibrant hues etched an indelible memory in our hearts. Undoubtedly, it was an unparalleled and enchanting experience, marking it as a truly unforgettable and beautiful trip.
To check one of my other climbing journeys, read the following article: