Changing weather conditions

During breakfast we are fascinated by the streetlife of Abbottabad. The rough looking men and the women who are all covered up make it an interesting scene. We film and take lots of pictures. Then it’s time for the second stage of the Karakoram Highway also known as the high road to China. The road which is in perfect condition leads us through lush green valleys in between the mountains. Herds of sheep and goats cross the road every now and then and fresh water streams flow through the valleys. Then we see the first snowy peaks and we are excited. The sheer beauty is just breath taking. But we also see dark clouds on the horizon. One moment it is warm and summer like weather, the next moment it is cold, raining and more like autumn.

Luckily for us we have cold weather clothing from the North Face and a Webasto heating system in the car, both keeping us nice and warm. Then the rain suddenly changes into hail. This worries as we look at our altimeter. We are only at 1200 meter knowing it is snowing much higher and much earlier then expected. We hope that the Khunjerab pass at 4700 meter doesn’t get blocked before we want to cross it. We will have to keep an eye on the weather the next few days….. it isn’t until late in the afternoon when we reach besham, a little town with as little to offer. A short stroll to the town reveals nothing rewarding. Soon we find ourselves tucked in between the sheets writing this diary entry!