Wrestling with Passion and Responsibility:
Academic studies were never my forte, as I was never one to be a bookworm. My interest swooped down too low to end up as a below-average student. Whether it was the absence of A-grade glory or any other reason, I found out that my true calling was not to be a doctor, philosopher, engineer, or an IT-savvy expert.
As time waltzed by, I found solace not in textbooks but on the soccer field. However, the responsibility to bear my expenses snatched away my passion. With a friend’s favour, I started covering events based on my photography skills. Granting me financial freedom and a commendable reputation but the desire to be back in sports always hit me harder.
The time passed and the dates changed, from sunrise to sunset. I pondered over whether I had lost interest again as this job did not make me feel too excited to leave bed every morning or whether I needed a break. I found my soul grappling with a perpetual question and to shush the thoughts I called my best friend Andy (Andrew). Anticipating his usual banter, I was taken aback when he suggested joining a group heading to Pakistan with his colleagues to visit the Golden Peak – The Spantik Peak, and some other destinations.
He sent me the photo of the brochure entails the itinerary of the Spantik Peak, showcasing its image and the detailing the specifications of the mountain. Spantik Peak standing tall at 7,027 meters amidst the beautiful landscape of Gilgit Baltistan. Unveiling its grandeur in the majestic Karakoram range, Spantik Peak holds its prestige in the mountaineers’ clan.
Initially dismissive and armed with a slew of sarcastic remarks, I eventually brushed off the idea, hanging down the phone. Little did I know that fate had other plans. The next day, Andy’s name flashed on my phone screen. Triggering a flood of forgotten conversations, he asked again If I had made up my mind. I replied perplexedly not up for this right now, because I had some reservations about photography shoots — While I was speaking Andy stopped me in the middle and exclaimed to me my inclusion in the Pakistan expedition, so no more ifs and buts!
Unfolding the Unexpected Adventure to Spantik Peak:
The countdown on the calendar brought me closer to the touchdown in Pakistan. I had befriended Andy’s colleagues. After a smooth journey with the group, we arrived at Islamabad Airport, where the chauffeur navigated us to the hotel. Seated beside him, I seized the opportunity to engage in conversation. Abdul Raheem revealed that he juggled his role as a part-time chauffeur while pursuing a degree in Business Administration.
That day I retrospect my days which were carefree yet I didn’t care to study. Life, I realized, wears a different face for the middle-class individuals of Pakistan where adulthood carries the dual weight of personal expenses and familial financial responsibilities. Concluding to this around 20 mins journey we checked into our hotel there. The driver informed us that the tour operator would join us in a few hours, granting us time to unwind in our respective rooms.
In brief hours we met our tour guide and the rest of the adventure fellows. Among them were globetrotters hailing from various corners of the world, all temporarily stationed in the same hotel. A handful of fellow travelers hailed from within Pakistan itself. As the meet and greet unfolded, we had our dinner at the hotel and sipped a cup of tea. After that, we went for a stroll in the streets of the capital with my newfound friends. All of them were amiable, helpful and fond of exploring this undiscovered country’s treasures.
The next day Abdul Raheem reappeared in the lobby area to take us to Islamabad Airport. As we greeted each other, his warm demeanour extended to graciously handling my bag to the van. Our tour operator has paved the way to experience a seamless journey. From there on we flew to the launch point of the destination, Skardu, a 1-hour flight away.
Journey to Spantik Peak: Unveiling the Golden Beauty
Thereupon, our tour guide began painting a vivid picture of Skardu Valley, its destinations and the itinerary ahead. I was not drawn to know about any of this fuss so I grabbed my camera and shot some great snippets of this picturesque valley and its people. Beyond Skardu lay Arandu, it is the last village that will lead to some remote campsites and eventually to our travel destination Spantik Peak.
The journey to Arandu was undertaken via a well-constructed road. A brief four hours later we were within the limits of Arandu. Travelling on the four-hour journey, I questioned if it was what I wanted. But there was no voice in my head. My soul, however, whispered to press on until Spantik Peak unveiled its majesty. The mountain itself, I mused, might hold the answers to my questions. During the Q&A session with myself, I didn’t know when I went to sleep until my group fellow shook my shoulder to wake up as we reached Arandu.
While staying for a day, our tour guide started telling us about the geography, structure and all the particulars of the mountain. My interest dwindled to the point where I wanted to tune out but some catchy information stayed up in my mind. He continues to say that Spantik Peak is popularly called Golden Peak situated in the subrange of Karakoram. The mountain is accessible via many routes and climbers in bulk come to expedite the mountain. Renowned among climbers, the northwest face of Spantik/Golden Peak boasts an exceptionally challenging climbing route famously known as the “Golden Pillar.”
The route afterwards to Arandu was inaccessible by vehicles, hence we embarked on the journey by trekking. We were stationed at some remote campsites, each for a day. Traversing from the capmsites we reached the Base Camp of Spantik Peak in three days. The trekking trails start from
- Day 1: Arandu — Chogo Brangsa
- Day 2: Chogo Brangsa — Balocho
- Day 3: Balocho — Spantik Peak (Base Camp)
After reaching each campsite everyone set up their camps and relaxed there. While I capture the remote beauty of the landscape through my lens. A food camp was also established, and our cook served us scrumptious Pakistani food especially — the chicken biryani, which tantalizes my taste buds whenever I remember.
Ascending Spantik Peak:
The long-awaited day finally arrived when our adventure group jumped off to the desired destination, Spantik Peak. The wholesome view of the mountain was an inexpressible feeling. Standing in front of a giant 7,027-meter Spantik left me jaw-dropped. The mesmerizing beauty of the enigmatic mountain stunned almost every one of us. As our eyes fixated on the mountain, the weariness of our journey dissipated, leaving us captivated by the beauty of this majestic peak.
Establishing our base camps there with our porters we spend a night there, relaxing and acclimating before the ascension. Spending the bonfire night with the locals, who were our porters and travel fellows, we enjoyed the delicious cuisines of the region. These dishes kept us warm and energetic.The locals of the region were generous and hospitable. They always kept a smile on their weathered faces, adding to the richness of our experience.
Soulful Reflections on the Summit:
As the sunrise brightens up our day we continue the journey to Camp I (5100m). Spending a day and night there, the rough weather of the mountain exposed us to its challenges. Harsh winds and freezing cold were trying hard to push us back but with our determination, we proceeded to our next spot and set our Camp II at 5650m.
As we set up Camp II, every member of the adventure group sheltered in his camp. I was also in my camp, lying on my insulated mattress, rubbing my numb legs. Hours of play never left me fatigued; instead, they fueled my day with boundless energy. In this introspective moment, my soul whispered that true fulfilment comes from doing what you love, irrespective of the robustness of the activity.
Conclusion
Although the aim was not to summit the Spantik Peak however it proved to be a blessing in disguise. In the solitude of the mountain, answers to my lingering questions about the purpose of existence became clear. Undoubtedly, the values we put in our work give us freedom but that freedom confines our soul. True solace, it seems, is a pursuit that leads our souls back to where they truly belong — nature and the universe.
After descending from the heights of Spantik Peak while I was still in the phase of self-discovery, the tour group was eager to set off for our next destination, Attabad Lake – Pakistan’s hidden jewel with a tragic backstory. Delve into the next blog to know more about it:
