Writing is such a fulfilling solitary activity. While ideas come from being in a crowd or in the midst of noise, stories are written in the peace of solitary space. When inspiration comes, writers crave a place to escape to. A place where the words will flow easily and the stories will take meaningful shape.
One such writer, who wished to connect to his roots in a region of his mother’s hometown, decided to build a place where he could write his scripts in the heart of a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the middle of a natural kaleidoscope encompassing desert, river, snow-covered mountains, and lakes, a property was developed. Decorated with antiques like hundred year old doors and old chairs and benches, adorned with paintings and photographs that would encourage inspiration, this property gave birth to more than some interesting stories.
Writer turned hotelier, he decided to share his writer’s heaven with travelers who wish to go off the beaten track. Located in the Katpana Desert or Cold Desert in the Skardu Valley, this is a little boutique hotel in the making. With dreams of promoting cultural activities and retreat-like programs, this property is quaint and raw in nature. If you choose to go off the beaten track you prepare to embrace the imperfections of the unknown. There are no five-star amenities and some of the basics like hot water is provided on a schedule. This region is limited in cell phone coverage and internet access which truly forces you to take a break from the addiction of being connected. What it does offer though is hospitality.
As rough and raw as the rugged landscape that surrounds it, the Baltistan Fort stands as a symbol of the past and the future. Designed to make you disconnect from your life and retreat into a surrounding that would hopefully recharge you. The hotel chef will treat you to some unique specialties that source their ingredients from the surrounding region of this property adding a personal touch.
The essence of this place is the history and the inspiration for its inception. Although it comes with some growing pains, our stay here has been nothing short of memorable. Wishing the hotel and its owner much growth and success as it develops into a place where people will visit and take back with them an experience to be remembered for years to come.
Haven't been there. Looks interesting.
All the best ! Enjoyed your blog today