This particular show will be divided into two parts:

Pakistan
An introduction to Pakistan, a country much vilified in Western media with impressions of Islamic fundamentalism, communal violence and martial law. In actuality Pakistan contains some of Asia's most awe-inspiring landscapes, amazing trekking and a multitude of cultures with a long tradition of hospitality. The country offers a vast archaeological heritage, with sites such as Moenjodaro and Taxila & Takht-i-Baht, seats of the Indus Valley and Gandhara civilizations respectively. In addition to these sites, Pakistan boasts a wealth of architecturally significant buildings, many dating from the Moghul Empire in places like Lahore,Rothas Fort & Peshawar.

The legendary Khyber Pass is the most important pass connecting Pakistan and Afghanistan. Invaders have used the pass to reach India since the times of Alexander the Great.

A scenic flight first over the Himalayan and the Karakoram mountain ranges gets us to Skardu the capital of Baltistan. Perched at an elevation of 2286 meters, Skardu is set in a magnificent landscape of towering mountains, deep gorges, resounding waterfalls, and calm, deep, lakes. East of Skardu is another high mountain wonderland. Khaplu Village is perched on a large slope carved by glaciers and forested with various fruit trees.

Driving through the "Grand Canyon" of Northern Pakistan, we reach the ancient Silk Road town of Gilgit linking Western China with this region to see a Polo match and the impressive rock carvings of the Buddha near Kargah.

Finally we reach the Hunza Valley, also known as "Shangri La" from James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizons", an area of stunning natural beauty. Down in the valley the Hunza River thunders along; rising above that are endless terraces of orchards irrigated by the water from the glaciers nestled in the huge Karakoram Mountains towering above.

The Aftermath of the October 8, 2005 Earthquake
The Kashmir earthquake was a major seismological disturbance that occurred at 08:50:38 Pakistan Standard Time on October 8, 2005 with the epicenter in the Pakistan-administered region of the disputed territory of Kashmir in South Asia. It registered 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale making it a major earthquake similar in intensity to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. As of November, the Pakistani government's official death toll was 87,350. Some estimate that the death toll could reach over 100,000.

We will show you the incredible destructive power of the geological forces at play in the mountainous regions of Pakistan. We then visit the survivors of the affected areas in Muzaffarabd, Garhi Dopatta, Subri, Chinari, Chakothi, Dhirkot and Bagh in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as Balakot, Batgram and Becham in North West Frontier Province.

An estimated 3.3 million were left homeless in Pakistan. The UN reported that more than 4 million people are directly affected, as the winter snows start. Many of them are at risk of dying from cold and the spread of disease. We sincerely hope that our meagre efforts here can alleviate some of the suffering.

Excellent tours to Kashmir, Pakistan & India can be arranged by:
Bestway Tours & Safaris, located in Vancouver, BC.