I like drinking tea. In Pakistan, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to varieties of tea! I counted seven types of chai (that’s what they call tea there) and for me, Kashmiri chai which is literally a pink coloured spiced tea was tops! I’ve asked around my local Indian friends and found out that it’s specific to that country. So at the start of the tour, I did tell the guide that I would love to try it since it’s not available in Malaysia. It’s not easy to get it there either because it’s served at special occasions only (e.g. weddings). So, I was really happy when the Hunza guides brought us to this fancy hotel for dinner one night and it was served there! I love the little touches that they think of when it comes to customer service.

When my sister told me that she was going to visit Hunza Valley in Pakistan, I was shocked. I kept thinking about the Taliban swarming the place. And the fact that Osama bin Laden was killed there was not lost on me either. I asked if she was sure that it would be safe. So much unrest, I exclaimed. She came back with hearty tales of how gorgeous the place was, and how safe it really is. I was sold. I visited in April and was blown away by the untouched beauty of the place, the honesty of its people and the general safety overall. The guides were good, knowledgeable and helpful at all times.

Someone asked me if all I ate in Hunza Valley was naan and curries. Surprise, surprise! I had the treat of all treats when the tour leader brought us to the Yak Grill. We had just finished our morning activity of crossing the Hunza River via zipline, and was so ready for a good lunch. We thought it would be the usual roti and chicken curry with a side of lentils. My, my, my, I had the juiciest yak meat burger ever! And I got to meet the yak grazing outside the Grill, right on the farm. Talk about farm to table! It was so amazing.

If not for my daughters holding me back, I would have bought the whole tray of jewellery! OMG, so very reasonable. I love shopping and bringing back things that I can remember from my trips. The precious and semi-precious stones there are so ridiculously priced within reach. When I was shopping at the local bazaar, I bumped into mainland China tourists who were chattering excitedly about how real and reasonably priced the stones were.

Wherever I go, I make a beeline for the local handicraft shops. I’ve got this thing for handwoven rugs. Janji ori ok! So, when I was up at Eagles Nest hotel, OMG, right outside the hotel was this guy selling all types of rugs – sheep (meh, got lots at home), ibex (now, you’re talking), yak (bring it on!). I spent a good hour or so poring over the many designs, mind you, each one is unique – and I finally, finally settled on the black & white yak rug that takes pride of place in my home. And the price, OMG, let’s say you’ve got to be there to believe how beautiful the price is. The Hunza people are so creative, and honest. Hey, the yak rug memang ori!

These are just some of the adjectives that come to mind when I was in Hunza Valley. It was so magical. And for a moment, I really did think there was a generous sprinkling of fairy dust all over Fairy Meadows – so breathtaking. The country side is stunning. One was spoilt for choice when it came to varieties of food available. And the people; I can’t stop mentioning how welcoming, warm and friendly they are. It felt so good to be among them. And finally, I couldn’t help but boost the retail scene a bit – I had to buy a yak rug home.