The Madina

Trip Start Dec 26, 2003

Trip End Mar 28, 2005

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Where I stayed

Gilgit Serena Hotel

Medina Hotel

Flag of Pakistan Gilgit, Northern Areas, Pakistan
Wednesday, September 1, 2004

I ended up spending about 9 days in Gilgit, resting after the Shimshal Pamir trek, preparing for the trip to Rush Phari, having a bit of a flu for a few days, taking High Tea at the Serena Hotel (the best food in the Northern Areas?) & ultimately relaxing at the Madina Guest House & Hotel.

The Madina is one of those "classic" backpacker type places & Gilgit is a great place to base oneself for treks across the Northern Areas, based on location & availability of amenities and trek food. The hotel is an oasis in a rathy dusty provincial capital.

It's the kind of place I would avoid if I were not in a country like Pakistan where there just aren't that many travellers kicking around. As one conversation between two travellers was recanted to me:

"Are there many people travelling in Pakistan?"

"Oh, no

Market scene, Gilgit

. But you'll meet them all!"

It is nice to return to the Madina after a trek & have all the hotel staff smile genuinely at you, shake your hand and say with real feeling, "Welcome back." I know that I will be coming back here a number of times more in between treks. The difficulty is not dropping into the comfort zone & just kicking back.

I have to add that I am enjoying spending plenty of time in a small area & having a base, as opposed to moving on, moving on, moving on. I guess that is what happens when you are hiking, you don't cover that much ground.

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