Mohsin Khawar Photography
Photographer / Architect / Creative Director / Travel Blogger
KALAM VALLEY PAKISTAN
Posted on September 1, 2020
Hello Friends!
I recently visited Kalam Valley which is located in Swat district of Pakistan for the first time and what a visual treat it was. Thankfully there is an expressway to Swat and the new road from Bahrain to Kalam is also built, which makes your travel super easy. But the major highlight on this trip for me was extremely hospitable and friendly people, who will offer you tea, food and free stay. They are extremely helpful in guiding you and will even stop their vehicles for tourists. I was traveling with my family and had no issues whatsoever.
Since tourism is actually booming in Pakistan, i experienced some good hotels in Swat (Mingora) and Kalam. One can stop by at Mingora, a fully developed city, for a break if needed before heading towards Kalam. On your way, do not miss stopping by all river side chai (tea) dhaabas.
You can make a base at Kalam and then take jeep tours to places like Shahi Bagh and Kumrat. I will advise not to take your own car to such places even if its a 4×4 because the tracks are rocky, but worth it. You can easily get jeeps with drivers from Kalam. One important thing is to keep some cash because there is no ATM in Kalam. Last ATM you can get is at Madyen on your way. I hope the government or banks will work on it because i foresee a lot of tourism happening in this region. I would also like to request the authorities to place as many dustbins as they can to keep Kalam clean and ask the restaurants not to litter the rivers.
Over all, what a wonderful experience to explore these scenic places full of kind people, amazing food (don’t miss the river fresh trout) and breathtaking visuals. I hope you will enjoy the photographs that i took!
Long Live Pakistan!
Love,
Mohsin Khawar
Writing from Pakistan (Sept 2020)
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An Evening At Karon Beach
Posted on June 21, 2020
I normally do not take my professional camera at cafes but this was right after my shoot. This pandemic is definitely making me miss all the travel and delicious food. These photos were taken at Karon Beach.
Enjoy Phuket Thailand my friends!
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Pompeii – Italy
Posted on May 6, 2020
Pompeii was an ancient Roman city which got buried under the nearby Mount Vesuvius’s eruption in A.D. 79.
It was then excavated in 19th century with the help of many archaeologists and architects. From its restored architecture, we can figure out the lavish lifestyle of romans, the villas they had, their interest in art and fresco, and the kind of utensils they used.
Urban planning is one of the key highlights of this ancient city with streets, squares and trade hubs properly planned. It is situated in the province of Naples near the sea, which shows it was an important ancient city for trade and business.
Objects buried beneath Pompeii were well-preserved for almost 2,000 years as the lack of air and moisture allowed little to no deterioration. However, once exposed, Pompeii has been subject to both natural and man-made forces, which have rapidly increased deterioration.
It is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Italy and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I had a limited time to photograph Pompeii with light quickly disappearing but tried to cover the most of it.
Hope you will enjoy the photographs.
Best,
Mohsin Khawar
(Photographed in September 2019)
Gurdwara Baba Sri Chand – Bhuman Shah
Posted on March 20, 2020
Gurdwara Baba Sri Chand is located at Bhuman Shah in Depalpur, Okara ( A City of Pakistan in Punjab province). It was built by Mahant Harbhajan Das in Samvat 1967 (1910 AD). It is a double story building with a big hall inside. Walls are decorated with fresco artwork narrating tales of sikh origin.
This historical site is a beautiful piece of architecture but needs some preservation.
Mohsin Khawar
Photographed in February 2020
Naples – Italy
Posted on January 31, 2020
Naples, Italy – Travel photographs by Mohsin Khawar
Available on Shutterstock and Istock by Getty Images for purchase.
Links in the About section of this website.
Salzburg – The City Of Mozart
Posted on January 2, 2020
Salzburg, Austria – Travel photographs by Mohsin Khawar
Available on Shutterstock and Istock by Getty Images for purchase.
Links in the About section of this website.
General Post Office – Lahore, Pakistan
Posted on December 26, 2019
Architectural photographs of General Post Office (GPO) Lahore, Pakistan by Mohsin Khawar
Built in: 1887
Architect: Sir Ganga Ram
Location: Mall Road, Lahore.
You can buy these images at https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/mohsinkhawarphotography
Venice, Italy – The City Of Canals
Posted on December 17, 2019
Venice, Italy – Travel photographs by Mohsin Khawar
PAKISTAN – Best Holiday Destination For 2020 says Condé Nast Traveller
Posted on December 15, 2019
Best Holiday Destination For 2020 says Conde Nast Traveller
“The adventure traveller’s must-visit goes from strength to strength
Thwarted by tales of terrorism and Taliban rule, Pakistan’s tourism industry has been stymied for the past two decades. But ancient valleys, relaxed visa restrictions and a high-profile royal visit in the offing mean this remarkable country is finally getting the focus it deserves.
Because this is a place of exquisite landscapes, where green spaces are overlooked by towering mountains. In fact, Pakistan has more peaks taller than 22,965ft than China and Nepal combined, making it an almost magnetic spot for adventure travellers and intrepid hikers. Visitors can follow in Michael Palin’s steps while traversing the 12,250ft Shandur Pass, home to the world’s highest polo field, or meet with the Kalash people of the Hindu Kush, famed for their cowrie-shell headdresses and brighter-than-bright embroidery. In Lahore, the sight of 100,000 worshippers crammed into the sandstone 17th-century Badshahi Mosque will leave you breathless, while Mughal-era architectural masterpieces stand resplendent on bustling street corners.
‘Having operated tours in Pakistan since the late 1990s, I’ve had a ringside seat to its troubled tourism industry, but finally it seems to be improving,’ says Jonny Bealby, founder and CEO of adventure-tour operator Wild Frontiers. ‘A focus on security measures, which saw the British FCO lift its advice against travel to large parts of the north, and the election of Imran Khan, who has vowed to increase international tourist numbers, has already had an impact,’ he says.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are also due to visit this Autumn to witness the magic of the mountains first-hand, while many of the frustrating permits previously required to travel here have been dropped. Hardy visitors will find that little has changed since Mughal times – with the peaks’ gemstone mines, fairy meadows and winding trails worn into the ground by heavy-laden yaks – while the Karokoram, stretching upwards from the north-west frontier and carved into the ancient bedrock, is one of the world’s most astonishing highways.”
Source: http://www.cntraveller.com
