From Azad Kashmir to Rattu Astore

Published July 31, 2013
Rattu Cantonment, army base camp set up to communicate across other Northern regions.
Rattu Cantonment, army base camp set up to communicate across other Northern regions.
A night time view of Rattu with Pakistan Army trucks in the foreground.
A night time view of Rattu with Pakistan Army trucks in the foreground.
Rattu, a diminutive town located in Astore district, usually used as a route for traders commuting to Kashmir from Astore and other Northern areas.
Rattu, a diminutive town located in Astore district, usually used as a route for traders commuting to Kashmir from Astore and other Northern areas.
An aerial view of Tao Butt, the last civilian valley of Azad Kashmir.
An aerial view of Tao Butt, the last civilian valley of Azad Kashmir.
Fairy Meadows, the lush green plateu with Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world in the background.
Fairy Meadows, the lush green plateu with Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world in the background.
In the lower part of Neelum valley, lays the picturesque “Jagran” which is the central attraction of witnessing landscape beauty in the area of Azad Kashmir.
In the lower part of Neelum valley, lays the picturesque “Jagran” which is the central attraction of witnessing landscape beauty in the area of Azad Kashmir.

Pakistan's northers areas have attracted tourists from far off areas over the years.

Mountain climbers, skiing enthusiasts and holiday goers alike have found their ideal location in the scenic spots of Pakistan's mountainous regions.

Recently, however, the area has seen a dip in its fortunes with the shambolic security situation in the country and in its north in particular. The daring few continue to visit the picturesque region, and bring back souvenirs to show the rest what they are missing out on. — Photos by Pharan Tanveer (Student at Lahore University of Mangement Sciences)

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