Confessions of a Wanderer

Khunjarab Pass
Khunjarab Pass, Pakistan-China Border

I find myself afflicted with an incurable condition known as Travelitus, a chronic wanderlust that has led me to consult numerous experts, all of whom agree on the absence of a remedy. Instead, they prescribe a constant dose of travel as the sole antidote. Embracing this advice, I annually embark on days and months-long journeys, exploring the corners of our circular planet.

My heart resonates with mountains, and I possess an innate inclination to stray from the well-trodden paths. Roads become my primary canvas for exploration.

In the course of my travels, I connect with diverse individuals – from nomads and countryside farmers to urban locals. Fortuitously, I often find myself warmly embraced by these communities, invited into their homes to share in their food, stories, and abundant laughter, despite my linguistic fumbles. The warmth, hospitality, and kindness bestowed upon me linger as cherished memories, and many of these connections have endured over the years.

The narratives within these pages are born from my travel journals, presented as glimpses into my adventures. Some depict the allure of places that have enchanted me, while others unfold as stories of encounters with remarkable people. The chronicles trace back to 1993, a significant year marking my inaugural family expedition from Lahore, Pakistan, to Kashghar, China. It is my sincere hope that these tales ignite a spark within you, encouraging you to tread unexplored paths.

In moments when I’m not traversing the globe, you’ll find me stationed at a work desk, meticulously planning my next expedition into the unknown.