Ancient Bazaars, Lanes
& Havelis of Rawalpindi
Take a stroll through the centuries old bazaars of inner city, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, where each street specializes in some ancient trade or craft and everything seems in furious motion and very calm and laid back at the same time!
The numerous cafes & food stalls add delicious aromas to the air. There is a distinct feeling of timelessness, despite the modern vehicular traffic added to the fray.
Buried inside the labyrinth of narrow lanes are some ancient gems of architecture forgotten in time and sadly neglected. There are remnants of some exquisite Hindu & Sikh temples and beautiful historical mansions owned by wealthy Hindus who migrated to India in 1947. Extremely Callous how these historical and beautiful structures have been neglected & left to the elements.
Kite flying and kite duels are a favorite activity in these densely populated neighborhoods. Basant, the advent of spring, is especially synonymous with kite duels, music and feasts.
One of the Oldest mosques in Rawalpindi, the Markazi Jamia Masjid, built around 1903 in Mughal architecture style, is situated amongst old buildings on the busy Jamia Masjid Road. Rich art work of bold & beautiful mosaic, intricate tile work and frescos in vibrant colors with beautiful calligraphy make it stand out. It's also known for its advanced acoustics design.
Northern Pakistan
A mere one hour's flight from Islamabad,the world changes.You find yourself amongst some of the tallest mountains in the world,where the three great ranges of the Karakorum,the Himalayas and the Hindukush converge. Breath takingly beautiful where the stark,snow capped mountains contrast with the lush,blossoming valleys and the many aquamarine,crystal clear rivers and streams which converge to make the mighty river Indus of the plains below.No cameras can capture the gorgeousness of the vistas here.
Shangri-La
Located in the Picteresque Skardu Valley of Baltistan,NorthernPakistan,around the Lower Kachura Lake,aka Shangrila Lake,is this famous resort.Its spectacular location alone warrants a visit when in the area.
Life Shots
 Upper Kachura Road,Baltistan,Northern Pakistan |  A friendly shepherd along the Blind Lake track in Baltistan. |  Selling Camel rides around the Khewra Salt Mines in Pakistan for a living |
|---|---|---|
 Inner city lanes, Lahore, Pakistan |  |  Lahore, Pakistan |
 |  |  |
 Buckingham palace guard and a tourist intent on a selfie with him! |  A Common sight in the cities and villages around the mountainous region of Pakistan. These poor villagers trap monkeys and then train them to perform stunts/acts for a living. A Quite brutal process, unfortunately, but allowed unchecked. |  Village Basti Awan,Pakistan |
 A rabbab player with his son. |  inner city lanes,Lahore |  Endless grind of life (inner city, Lahore) |
 Daily Military Dusk rituals at Pak-India border at Wagah. |  Cooking in rural Pakistan |  selling sherbet and surfing.(Lahore streets) |
 |  |  Tea Party. London |
 Reading the Morning paper. inner city, Lahore |  |  Posing in Barcelona |
 |  Guavas in season. Lahore,Pakistan |  |
 |  |  Beast of burden. rural Pakistan |
 Watching the world go by |  |  Day begins on the streets of old city, Lahore. |
 Brick Kilns, Punjab,Pakistan |  Old city, Lahore awakening with day break. |  Daily commerce of life. Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
 Mending shoes. |  |  village kids,Bhakkar,Pakistan |
 Lahore Railway Station |
Contact
The Buddha Monument
The Manthal Buddha Rock,situated in the Skardu Valley,represents the late phase of the"Golden Era Of Buddhism"in the upper Indus Valley,between the 8-10 centuries AD.This relief on a large yellow rock depicts the meditating Buddha surrounded by small Bodhisattvas and two standing Metreyias(future Buddhas) A local tradtion of throwing stones at a particular spot on this rock, for your wishes to be granted, does not help in protecting this priceless historical edifice,offically protected by the antiquities act though it is.
Portraits
 White BeardAG0I0669 |  Twins? |  PINDI BAZAAR1G0I0772 |
|---|---|---|
 Etched time AG0I0091A shepherd around the Blind Lake. Northern Pakistan |  A Feather in his cap AG0I9883A proud ex-serviceman in Shigar, Baltistan,Pakistan |  Happy BakerHappy Baker. London |
 Border GuardBorder Guard, Wagah,Pakistan |  Border guard 218530304572_3f61643e30_oBorder Ranger,Pakistan |  BagpipesAG0I6470Bagpiper, Edinburgh,Scotland |
 William Wallace AG0I6458William Wallace Impersonator, Edinburgh,Scotland |  ReminicingOld man,Pakistan |  Tea break |
 Guard Samandar KhanSamandar Khan, Rawalpindi |  Lost Childhood | Musician & Son |
 Village Head |  Samandar Khan17963349283_2ef343a00d_o |  Musician's son17962325114_4ca9e5634d_o |
 Barkat20698569306_7eb6e46134_o |  Duplicates |  contemplating |
contemplating 2 |  bhakkar man |  FairiesAG0I8528 |
 Old man2AG0I8255 |  bored |  village girl IMG_9987 |
 Village boy |  Water buffaloWater Buffalo,Pakistan |  Husky quebec2010 220.JPGHusky,Quebec |