Garam Chashma Trip 2024: A Journey to Paradise in the Mountains
The Journey Begin
Our adventure to Garam Chashma started bright and early at 10 AM, with our trusty Suzuki Cultus ready to take us on another unforgettable journey. After countless trips together, this reliable companion has never let us down, and today would be no different.
Our destination was the renowned Injigaan Hotel in Garam Chashma, famous for its natural hot spring swimming pool – a therapeutic retreat we’d been eagerly anticipating.
A Route That Takes Your Breath Away
The journey to Garam Chashma is nothing short of spectacular. As we wound through the mountain roads, we were greeted by cascading waterfalls that seemed to dance down the rocky cliffs. The route offered us the perfect opportunity to stop and savor fresh seasonal fruits from local people, their sweetness enhanced by the crisp mountain air.
Near Shasha mountains, we couldn’t resist pulling over for some photographs. The scenic beauty was too captivating to pass by without capturing these memories. Further along our route, we encountered a fascinating sight – a handmade wooden bridge crafted by locals, daringly constructed without any boundaries or railings. The rustic engineering was both thrilling and photogenic, and we spent time photographing this remarkable structure.
Local Encounters and Warm Conversations
One of the highlights of our travels is always the people we meet along the way. We had wonderful conversations with the locals, learning about their daily lives and the history of their villages. Their warmth and hospitality reminded us once again why we love exploring the authentic side of Pakistan.
We had hoped to find the famous local trout fish (known as “trout in mough”) during our journey, but unfortunately, it wasn’t available at our first stops. Little did we know, this disappointment would later turn into a delightful surprise.
After a quick snack break at a local shop, we continued toward our destination, our excitement building with every mile.
Arriving at Paradise: Injigaan Hotel
When we finally reached Garam Chashma and checked into the Injigaan Hotel, we were blown away by the beauty of the property. The hotel exceeded our expectations with its excellent amenities and thoughtful design.
The hot water spring pools were the crown jewel of the property – there was a separate pool for adults and a shallower one designed specifically for children. The staff’s cooperative nature made our check-in process smooth and welcoming.
Our room was a dream come true. The pool view from our window showcased both the inviting pool below and the majestic mountains beyond – truly breathtaking scenery that made us feel like we were staying in a postcard. The bathroom featured a hot water tub, adding an extra touch of luxury to our mountain retreat.
A Spiritual Journey: Visiting Pir Nasir Khusro’s Shrine
After settling into our room, we decided to explore the spiritual heritage of the area by visiting the nearby memorial of Pir Nasir Khusro.
Pir Nasir Khusro and His Place in Chitral
Pir Nasir Khusro was a renowned 11th-century Persian poet, philosopher, traveler, and Ismaili missionary, celebrated for his deep wisdom, spiritual insight, and poetic brilliance. Though originally from Khorasan (present-day Iran/Afghanistan region), his influence reached many parts of Central and South Asia, including Chitral.
In the Chitral region of northern Pakistan, Pir Nasir Khusro is revered for spreading knowledge, Islamic teachings, and philosophy. The Pir Nasir Khusro Ziyarat (shrine) in upper Chitral is believed by locals to have been visited by the saint during his journeys. This site holds deep spiritual significance and attracts many followers and admirers, especially from the Ismaili Muslim community.
Witnessing the Miraculous
During our visit to the shrine, we had the privilege of seeing some holy belongings that locals claim were sent by divine powers. We offered Surah Fatiha and continued to explore the sacred space.
One of the most fascinating aspects of our visit was witnessing what locals consider to be miraculous evidence of Pir Nasir Khusro’s presence. We saw a stone with multiple distinct holes, which descendants and locals believe were created when the saint struck the stone with his walking stick. The precision and depth of these holes were remarkable, especially considering this was long before any drilling machinery existed. The sight filled us with a sense of wonder and spiritual connection.
After our shrine visit, we took a peaceful walk through the beautiful gardens surrounding the area. There, we had the incredible fortune of meeting a descendant of Pir Nasir Khusro himself. Our conversation with him was deeply enriching as he shared stories about the saint’s teachings and his blessed connection with divine love. These personal accounts added layers of meaning to our spiritual journey.
Mountain Hospitality at Its Finest
Following our spiritual experience, we had an unexpected encounter that perfectly exemplified Pakistani hospitality. We met a family – friends of friends – and were warmly invited to their home. The father graciously took us up the steep mountainside in his jeep, as our Cultus wouldn’t have managed the challenging terrain.
What followed was an extraordinary feast featuring authentic local cuisine. We were served Cheera Shapik, a traditional dish made with pure ghee and milk cheese that was absolutely delicious. The meal was complemented by perfectly roasted chicken and chai made with fresh local milk. The flavors were incredible, and the warmth of our hosts made the experience even more special.
After wonderful conversations and this memorable meal, we made our way back down to the market where we had parked our car. We bid farewell to our gracious hosts and spent some time shopping for local products to take home as souvenirs.
Hot Springs Bliss
Returning to our hotel in the evening, we quickly changed into our swimming costumes and headed straight for the hot spring pool. Although we’re not expert swimmers, the experience was absolutely magical. The water temperature was perfect – not too hot, not too warm – just right for complete relaxation.
The pool was fed directly by natural hot springs, making the experience feel authentic and therapeutic. We spent blissful time floating and soaking, feeling our travel fatigue melt away in the mineral-rich waters. It was pure therapy for both body and soul.
After our rejuvenating soak, we headed back to our rooms for hot showers, feeling completely refreshed.
A Culinary Surprise
That evening, we visited the hotel’s café, where the staff continued to impress us with their exceptional service. We casually mentioned our earlier disappointment about not finding trout fish during our journey. To our delight, the staff went above and beyond to make it happen for us.
Our dinner that night was a feast to remember: fresh local trout, perfectly prepared rice, and flavorful chicken curry. Finally getting to taste the famous trout made the meal even more satisfying. The fish was incredibly fresh and delicious – definitely worth the wait.
After our hearty dinner, we took a leisurely evening stroll through the hotel’s beautiful gardens and captured some stunning night shots of the property. The ambient lighting and mountain backdrop created perfect photography opportunities.
Morning Adventures in the Apple Garden
The next morning, after a delicious breakfast, we discovered another delightful feature of the hotel – their own apple garden. We spent the morning picking fresh apples straight from the trees, an experience that connected us directly with the land and its bounty.
During our time in the garden, we encountered some local shepherds with their adorable flocks. We couldn’t resist taking photographs with the lambs and kid goats – they were absolutely precious and added a charming rural element to our mountain adventure.
The garden provided the perfect backdrop for an impromptu photography session. The combination of fruit-laden trees, mountain vistas, and authentic rural life created some of our favorite shots from the entire trip.
The Road to Birzin
After checking out of the Injigaan Hotel and loading our luggage into our faithful Cultus, we decided to extend our adventure based on a recommendation from our host family’s father. He had suggested we visit Birzin, near Gobore, and we’re always up for exploring new destinations.
The drive to Birzin was an adventure in itself, featuring steep and somewhat dangerous mountain roads that tested both our nerves and our driving skills. However, the dramatic landscapes and the thrill of the journey made every challenging turn worthwhile.
In Birzin, we continued our tradition of connecting with locals, engaging in meaningful conversations, and learning about their way of life. These authentic interactions always provide us with the most valuable insights into the places we visit.
Journey Home
As evening approached, we began our journey back home to Dolomuch. The drive back gave us time to reflect on the incredible experiences we’d had over the past two days – from spiritual encounters and natural hot springs to mountain hospitality and scenic adventures.
Final Thoughts
Our trip to Garam Chashma was everything we had hoped for and more. The combination of natural beauty, spiritual significance, therapeutic relaxation, and warm human connections made this journey truly special. The Injigaan Hotel provided the perfect base for our adventures, offering both comfort and authentic mountain experiences.
From the miraculous sites at Pir Nasir Khusro’s shrine to the healing waters of the hot springs, from mountain hospitality to apple picking adventures, every moment of this trip created memories we’ll treasure forever.
Garam Chashma has earned its place among our favorite Pakistani destinations, and we’re already planning our return visit. For fellow travelers seeking a perfect blend of relaxation, spirituality, and natural beauty, we couldn’t recommend this mountain paradise more highly.
Until our next adventure, Noshad & Atiqah – Noshiqaa
Have you visited Garam Chashma? Share your experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow our journey for more travel adventures across beautiful Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Garam Chashma is very family-friendly. Injigaan Hotel has a separate shallow pool designed specifically for children, alongside the adult hot spring pool. The hotel staff is cooperative and accommodating for families. The area offers safe walking opportunities, cultural experiences, and the apple garden provides fun activities for kids. The natural hot springs are therapeutic and safe for children under supervision.
