Paris — In the early 2000s, a French tourist embarked on a journey via Karakoram Highway. He decided to travel to Pakistan and explore the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Jean-Luc, his penname, had heard a lot about the KKH or Karakoram Highway, which is said to be the world’s 8th wonder, and he knew he had to experience it for himself.

Jean-Luc landed in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, and from there, he took a flight to Gilgit. “As I arrived in Gilgit, I was struck by the breathtaking views of the Karakoram mountain range,” he told FormalPost. He could see snow-capped peaks towering above the horizon, and he felt a sense of awe and wonder.

Jean-Luc’s journey on the Karakoram Highway began in Gilgit, and he travelled all the way to the China-Pakistan border. The road was better and winding, but the scenery was simply magnificent. He saw emerald green valleys, glistening streams, and wildflowers growing alongside the road as he passed through Hunza valley.

As Jean-Luc travelled along the Karakoram Highway, he had many joyous moments. He met friendly locals who welcomed him with open arms in Nagar and Hunza valleys and shared their stories and traditions with him. He tasted delicious local cuisine, and kebabs, and drank hot cups of chai with the locals chapati.

Jean-Luc also had many emotional moments during his journey. He visited ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples in Gilgit city, and he was moved by the sense of peace and tranquility he felt in those places. He saw poverty and hardship in some of the villages he passed through in Diamer valley, and he was touched by the resilience and determination of the people who lived there.

One of the most unforgettable moments of Jean-Luc’s journey was when he reached the Khunjerab Pass, which is the highest paved international border crossing in the world. He stood at an altitude of 4,693 metres, with snow-capped peaks all around him, and he felt a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment.

As Jean-Luc’s journey on the Karakoram Highway came to an end, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences he had had and the people he had met. He had seen some of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders and had learned so much about a new culture and way of life.

In the years since his journey, Jean-Luc has often thought back on his time on the Karakoram Highway. He still feels a sense of wonder and awe when he remembers the snow-capped peaks and emerald green valleys, and he remains grateful for the opportunity to have experienced the world’s 8th wonder.