We had time for an easy day today which I had allowed for a visit to a 7th Century Buddha carving. Nasir, a trekking guide with the hotel, suggested that we leave around midday so we can enjoy the cool environment there during the hottest part of the day. Apparently it is a good area for picnics.
Armed with mangoes and other fruit, we taxied out to the Kargah Buddha at midday. It was a relief carved into the rockface; while I didn’t expect a Bamiyan statue, it was a little bit of a non-event. Fortunately the setting next to a gushing cascade was very pretty. We chilled our fruit in the cascade and dipped our toes in the clear icy water. It was freezing and my toes were numb after 5 seconds. We chatted and rested then ate before taxiing to another spot set by a swift roaring river for more of the same. Nasir took us into a trout farm where we had a cuppa tea.
Travelling around the Gilgit area, we noticed that the military presence is stronger. There are machine guns mounted on trucks. Nasir explained that Gilgit had some sectarian violence between the Sunni and the Shiite and the government is being quite cautious about things reigniting. He also explained that since Chinese road-workers have come to town, people have been selling their dogs as food to them!
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- Our first spot by the icy gushy cascade at Kargah.
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- Chatting near the icy gushy cascade at Kargah.
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- The Kargah Buddha relief.
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- Chatting near the icy gushy cascade at Kargah.
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- The swift roaring river where we picnicked.
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- At the trout farm.
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- Nasir, our host.
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- Marie asking for trouble, playing close to the swift waters.
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- Marie and Nasir at the river.
