A former princely state, the majestic valley of Nagar in Gilgit Baltistan is situated in the shadow of the towering Rakaposhi and home to some of the most scenic lakes, glaciers and peaks in the region. Fashion blogger/style influencer Pashmina Ahmed, wife of the ruling Mir of Nagar, Mir Qasim Ali Khan, and their 4-year-old son Asher, show us a glimpse into their lives as they vacation at their family home.
Our ties to Nagar…
My husband hails from the ruling family of former princely state of Nagar. While the younger generations have grown up in the city, they have always had a strong connection to their heritage and home there. It is very important to my husband and I that our son grows up seeing Nagar, interacting with the locals, respecting the culture and building his own bond with that area. In his 4 short years, he has visited Nagar 5 to 6 times already and he loves it!
The family estate…
Our home is called the Nagar Home. Its spectacular gardens and the Old Court have become quite the popular tourist destinations – layers and layers of forest-like gardens, and a beautiful old wooden court where the Mir of Nagar resolved conflicts and issues of the locals.
The family home was rebuilt in 1956. It’s shaped like a big H and has two sections, one for visitors and one for the family. Its structure is very old and we have gradually been renovating the rooms where we stay to suit our needs. The house has a lot of history and has had many famous visitors come and stay.
A day in the life of…
My son has always been an outdoorsy child, so Nagar completely suits his personality. He plays with the sheep there everyday, we have built him a wooden swing which he loves to lay on, he camps outside in his very own tent, he goes for daily hikes with his grandma down the vast hilly gardens and back. And he loves going for drives to the glacier and riverside picnics.
Cultural norms and traditions…
Nagar is relatively conservative as compared to Hunza, however the locals have become quite used to tourists over the years. We tend to dress somewhat modestly.
The local food…
We are lucky we have a wonderful chef there who prepares delicious food for us and Asher. Nagar is known for its potatoes and so we get to eat lots of fries! Asher eats whatever is cooked at home. Generally the local food may not be to a child’s taste but there are many cafes and restaurants around Nagar and neighboring Hunza that serve Pakistani and continental food.
Off-the-beaten-track sights/activities to enjoy in Nagar…
The powerhouse, which provides electricity to the entire valley, is built above a beautiful river, it’s off-the-beaten-track and in fact, the track is quite beaten up so it is a bit of a risky drive up. But once there you can sit by the river, enjoy the softest grey sand between your toes and collect precious rocks to take home as souvenirs.
The First Mosque is another landmark worth visiting, a tiny shed-like structure which was the first mosque in Nagar built by Shah Kamal the Great.
The old polo ground is a great place to go during the day to watch young kids of all ages play volleyball and cricket; you can sit on the side benches and enjoy the noise and cheers before sunset.
Travel essentials when travelling with young kids…
When I travel with my son, I pack as though I am moving to Nagar! Those travelling with babies must make sure they have double the stock of diapers and formula as well as extra clothing to make sure they have back up in case of any cancelled flights back. Always keep warm clothing for evenings, as it can get cold even in the summer. Buy your mineral water bottles from local shops. When eating the local fruits straight off the trees, make sure to wash them in your mineral water.
Tips for a stress-free holiday with kids…
Don’t keep 5 star expectations. Go with the flow. Embrace your surroundings. Turn off the iPads, and really make the most of the outdoors.
