Thousands of villagers are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage.

Caves have served as one of the earliest dwellings for human beings, but today cavemen are thought to be a thing of the past. However, in the city of Hassanabdal, only 40 kilometres from the capital, entire families continue to live in caves locally known as ‘Bhoary’.

Many of these caves are located in urban areas, in the heart of the city near Cadet College Hassanabdal, Mohallah Irshad Nagar and Green Town. Other cave dwellers live in rural areas such as Nikko, Bai etc.

These people may live like cavemen, but their homes are equipped with all modern amenities, such as running water, electricity and cable television. The caves have also been lovingly decorated and furnished by the families who call them home. Shelves have been created in the freshly painted walls and beds, tables, books and utensils fill the rooms.