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This tent and breakfast in Hunza should be on your travel itinerary

With Khanabadosh Baithak, Ahmed and Baneen curate experiences for travellers who need a break from it all.
Updated 26 Sep, 2019


If you think backpacking across Europe after graduating college was #goals, think again.

Europe is easily accessible (even from Pakistan) — it's a convenient flight away with plenty of hotels and Airbnb options that make accommodation easy, trains that connect cities and countries with each other in just a few hours, is extremely tourist friendly and, contrary to popular belief, the visa is easy to get if you fulfill some pretty basic conditions. It’s perfect for the faint-hearted too — the ones who are happy with a no-pain picture in front of the Eiffel Tower or the Swiss Alps.

What takes real courage is going up north and exploring Pakistan knowing the flights can get delayed often, the road is long and uncomfortable, accommodation options are few and the good ones are just as expensive as anywhere else in the world.

Baneen (left) and Ahmed (right), co-founders of Khanabadosh Baithak.
Baneen (left) and Ahmed (right), co-founders of Khanabadosh Baithak.

But perhaps what takes the most courage is leaving the comfortable life in the city to go up north and make a home in the valleys to make these places accessible for others.

Very few people have this courage. Ahmed and Baneen are two of them.

A baithak for the khanabadosh

The brainchild of Ahmed and Baneen, Khanabadosh Baithak is a tent and breakfast that started off in Shigar Valley two years ago and moved to Ghulkin, Hunza just recently for the next three years. It plans to go to Sindh for the winter and for summer — time will tell.

The couple describes Baithak as one strand of a bigger vision of the Khanabadosh Collective. “It’s a manifestation in-process of a shared dream. A bunch of friends would often get together over tea for conversations, confessions, pronouncing our aspirations, burdens. In one such sitting, the word ‘Khanabadosh’ was coined as a lighthouse for all of us divergent wanderers, doers, thinkers. It’s a slowly expanding community of engineers, theatre artists, designers, writers, musicians and so on,” they tell Images.

The two add that Baithak emerged from a need to live a life away from the traffic, noise and excesses of city life. “We wanted to move away from society’s notions of success and consumerist stresses and hoped for a simple life filled with cultural richness, creativity, meaningful encounters and healthier perspectives,” Ahmed adds.

A tent with a view.—All photos from Khanabadosh Baithak
A tent with a view.—All photos from Khanabadosh Baithak

If that’s not daring, I'm not sure what is. But what’s even more inspirational is that Ahmed and Baneen moved away to make travelling and similar experiences more accessible for everyone else too.

Thanks to their tent and breakfast, people from all over Pakistan can come and camp at Khanabadosh Baithak. Not only is it an affordable accommodation space, it also gives an entirely different experience compared to other local offerings.

Baneen describes the couple as ‘experience curators’. “Maybe we are a culture startup, if that’s even a thing. Travel is just one of our mediums,” she points out.

Ahmed elaborates that their concerns are not commercial and they are not competing in the tourism space. “We are actually wary of such an expansion in the absence of policies about construction, traffic, vehicular (in)access, waste, respect for local culture. This growth is a bad idea,” he added.

The two firmly believe that before Pakistan’s travel industry thinks of expanding, environmental needs ought to be considered first.

Breaking the chains of consumerism

Bringing such an idea to life can be challenging and scary. For Ahmed and Baneen, the two quintessentially khanabadosh at heart, this has been a blessing.

They point out that a contemporary urban lifestyle and capitalism have been the biggest challenge, not just for them but to culture and the environment in general.

Autumn in Shigar.
Autumn in Shigar.

The ethos behind Khanabadosh Baithak is that it is not for tourists. It is more than an accommodation option for travellers who want to, for a short while, belong somewhere and see how life is lived there.

The pair explains that their tent and breakfast setup is meant to offer the experience of slowing down and enjoying the luxury of time. “The idea is to walk more, to eat fresh and local as much as possible. It’s not for tourists but for travellers who want to explore cultures, communities and lifestyles — with a side of entirely delectable edibles, because, well, food!”

“There is space available for campers to spend the night under a bejewelled sky, the perfect setting for a communion with nature and bonding with fellow travellers over campfire stories.”

Chai and chit chat at the baithak

Since a baithak is incomplete without chai and food, Khanabadosh Baithak has a small kitchen that is also its food lab.

Interestingly, the only things on the regular menu are chai, coffee and some basic snacks, but that shouldn’t disappoint you. There is a lot on offer besides the basics, but the options keep changing as they depend on supplies available that day. One day, you may get crepes for breakfast, but on another, you may not have the choice and will get to enjoy a shakshuka.

The idea is to use a bare minimum of processed foods and make the best of ingredients available locally. “We have some family favourite recipes, some collected over the years from our travels and then of course, things we like to eat ourselves. In our food lab, every day is a surprise for us just as much as the guests,” add Ahmed and Baneen.

Crepes for breakfast in Shigar.
Crepes for breakfast in Shigar.

Crepes with apricots and cherries, coconut cream, maple syrup and almonds to start off the day.
Crepes with apricots and cherries, coconut cream, maple syrup and almonds to start off the day.

Tharki chai and mini pancakes for breakfast at Khanabadosh Baithak.
Tharki chai and mini pancakes for breakfast at Khanabadosh Baithak.

Shakshuka, anyone?
Shakshuka, anyone?

What really makes the food special is how it's served: all meals are communal. All guests gather around the same table and end up having interesting encounters and conversations. Eating together is a beautiful and transformative experience that not only makes the food taste even better but also memorable.

At the same time, Baneen and Ahmed encourage guests to go out and explore cafes or eating options run by locals. The locals are best at regional delicacies and enjoying them is a great way to explore the area.

Curating different experiences

While the baithak has been home to many, it’s also been a source of varying experiences.

Last year, ace architect, designer and educator Zain Mustafa hosted an educational tour at Khanabadosh Baithak in Shigar, where participants spent a long weekend looking at local khanqahs.

They learned about their history and what they can teach us about our contemporary selves, and learned to sketch their structures.

This year, the Khanabadosh Collective conducted a theatre workshop for the children of Ghulkin, which culminated in a lineup of performances.

Earlier this summer, Natasha Japanwala, a writer from Karachi, hosted a writing residency in collaboration with Khanabadosh Baithak. While Natasha took care of the programme’s planning, Baneen was in charge of logistical arrangements.

Natasha Japanwala with participants of her writing residency.
Natasha Japanwala with participants of her writing residency.

A yoga class in the mountains.
A yoga class in the mountains.

Zain Mustafa’s architectural residency participants at Khanabadosh Baithak.
Zain Mustafa’s architectural residency participants at Khanabadosh Baithak.

Only recently, Baithak celebrated the Shah Jo Raag Mela for the second year in a row with the Faqirs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, who was invited all the way from Sindh to come and spread the kalaam and raag in the mountains.

“It was a humble attempt to spread the message of Shah Latif and enjoy listening to the Faqirs in a truly surreal setting,” added Ahmed.

Baneen and Ahmed shared that they have also planned Bulleh Shah Se Bhit Shah Tak — a two-week long road trip starting from Kasur, Punjab to Bhit Shah in Sindh.

“The journey was a deliberate wandering to make travel more meaningful by bringing home all that is inspiring, enriching yet unfamiliar in the lands native to our mystics. To know gurus, faqirs, artisans, local history, literature, culture and rituals; in shrines, in temples, on the streets, in fields and deserts, at baithaks and kachehris.”

These are just some of the experiences that Khanabadosh Baithak has curated for its guests. There is much more to come in the future.

What do visitors say?

When you put your heart and soul into a project, it’s inevitable that people will like it. And so it's only natural that guests who leave Khanabadosh Baithak crave to return.

Addan Nasir, a nomad at heart, told Images that he met the Baithak founders by chance.

Kids camping at Khanabadosh Baithak.
Kids camping at Khanabadosh Baithak.

“I met Baneen Api and Ahmed Bhai at a local cafe here in Islamabad through a mutual friend and in just a few minutes, I was convinced that I had to visit their campsite. I planned a trip and my experience was out of this world. I stayed with them for over a week and loved the ambiance so much that I barely even left the campsite to explore the surrounding areas. It was experiencing nature in its most purest form, away from man made worries of the city, reminding you of the things that really matter,” he said.

Addan recalls having to stay three extra days due to flight delays because of bad weather and Baithak did not charge him a single rupee for that. Where else can you find such hospitality?

Natasha, who hosted the writing residency earlier this summer, is all praise as well. “As artists themselves, Baneen and Ahmed have created a space that attracts other artists. Khanabadosh Baithak really struck me as a place where dreamers collide,” she commented.

A parting message

For all their efforts, if there’s one thing Ahmed and Baneen want to emphasise, it is to value your own country.

“It's worth your money just as much as those luxury tours to Dubai, Thailand or Switzerland. Read up about location destinations, check maps and keep an open mind. Don’t wait for a blogger/vlogger from another country to tell you your worth,” said Baneen.

At the same time, Ahmed encourages everyone to explore the lesser known.

“Be it deep into Balochistan or Thar, or high up in some valley in Hunza or Baltistan, explore, but also be respectful of the people and their cultures. For the north in particular, understand what it means to be driving along some of the world’s biggest non-polar glaciers. Be aware of the sensitivity of this terrain,” he added.

Comments

tahir Aug 21, 2019 08:50am
I love it. The rich and the bored have taken their slumming to newer heights.
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KJ Aug 21, 2019 09:11am
Excellent idea!
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N abidai Aug 21, 2019 09:18am
Good for them! Like that ,you build it,and they will come!
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Ramji SRINIVAs Aug 21, 2019 09:27am
Great article! Brings the place to life...and fantastic photos. Wish i could visit in my lifetime
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Dawn Aug 21, 2019 09:27am
Brilliant idea. Best wishes.
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Owais Khan Aug 21, 2019 09:31am
Awesome would love to visit it
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ZAHID ABBASI Aug 21, 2019 09:39am
I wish they have online touch for overseas Pakistanis to interact/book online.
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Samia Aug 21, 2019 09:52am
@tahir Ha ha ha, cynical but a spot on comment!
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Usman Ahmed Aug 21, 2019 09:57am
What an inspiration. I wish this couple all the success in life.
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Anonymouseee Aug 21, 2019 10:06am
Pakistan, the beautiful.
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shere punjab Aug 21, 2019 10:33am
The reason of low level tourism is caused by terrorism and conservative mindset of Pakistani society. People move to Europe due to freedom of navigation specially when it comes to security . Imagine if you are a woman and going to Northern area. Contrast to that if you go to Europe even as a lady you do not have any problem.
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AK Aug 21, 2019 10:58am
If you are a well settled and have strong financial background, It becomes so easy to try several new ideas and unusual things !
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SHIRAZ Aug 21, 2019 11:11am
Me and my friends, fresh out of university, did it back in 2003. With empty pockets but high hopes, we made the most of the opportunity, except for yoga which no one was interested in. Fantastic experience at a ridiculosly low cost. Good food, water proof comfy tents with proper linen, endless outings and 4x4 transport made it an experience to remember.
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Sharjeel Musa Aug 21, 2019 11:46am
A courageous attempt to break the stereotypical tourism ethos. I do believe selling natural and localized experiences matter more than selling urban accommodation in nature! Great work. I wish you all the best and intend on visiting the baithak soon.
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Ayesha Khan Aug 21, 2019 12:47pm
It all seems very inviting n if I get a chance I would never miss.
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Salim chisti Aug 21, 2019 01:22pm
We need to be one with nature and heed the call of nature when nature calls.
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Jibran Hassan Aug 21, 2019 01:47pm
a good relief from the fast paced life. a good thing about this is it is not for the rich and bored only it is also for the regular people like us , we also need such breaks to recharge and go back in the chaos of life. maybe these things would do wonders and change ones perspective towards many things. visited them in shigar valley had a great time and went back quite happy, i guess need to visit this place for more good energy see the local culture and have a great time even though i am not bored and rich still need to recharge time to time.
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S Aug 21, 2019 01:49pm
This is an excellent initiative and I would welcome more entrepreneurs with a wide scope of imagination to offer travelers and tourists alike a glimpse into simple living. Yet it is a humbling experience offering maximum exposure to nature . If more of these gypsum style hotels crop up; it would offer cheaper alternatives for people who are ambitious and want to see the whole world but don't have basic survival skills. Some help from the experts if I am not being cheeky!
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awais rana Aug 21, 2019 04:03pm
I know the couple personally. One needs quite some courage to start such a venture. I must admit they have done a good job- I have lived most of my life in Europe. But they have made the environment so cosy that i loved the whole idea. will visit them next year again. The ones who want to contact following is there email address. info@khanabadoshbaithak.com
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KHIDHR Aug 21, 2019 04:07pm
I've been to this place and would definitely recommend it! No doubt you will be dazzled by the beautiful scenery.
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Sadia Aug 21, 2019 04:24pm
Unique idea. I love to visit
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Pakistani Aug 21, 2019 05:01pm
But what about toilets? There should be modern toilets atleast for the less brave........
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Ehsan Aug 21, 2019 06:39pm
Another cool place is mountain story in aliabad.
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Faizan Taqi Aug 21, 2019 07:24pm
A modern day hipster lodge.
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ahmed Aug 21, 2019 08:31pm
Great idea by great couple. But caution - keep Hunza and the North Prestine as it is. Best wishes for success.
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Uzma Tauqeer Aug 21, 2019 09:08pm
Loved reading the article which made me want to visit this place ASAP. I with my family visited this place back in 1999. After a few years, travelled to Switzerland but honestly Pakistan is much more beautiful than Switzerland. I agree, Switzerland is much more developed than Northern areas of Pakistan, but the pristine landscape of Pakistan is breathtakingly incredible . Best wishes for Ahmed and Baneen
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Abdul Bhatti Aug 21, 2019 09:12pm
- Vey good idea.
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Parvez Aug 22, 2019 01:10am
Thank you so much for that ........ absolutely amazing.
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Anand Aug 22, 2019 03:32am
Great idea for a retreat. Keep it going Awesome article ! Thanks for posting
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Daskalos Aug 22, 2019 04:02am
Yet another middle class snobbery .
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Manab Chakraborty Aug 22, 2019 05:09am
Baneen and Ahmed, you are a true inspiration. Wish to follow your steps.
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Vikram Aug 22, 2019 07:24am
I am Indian but will love to come and visit Pakistan it looks soo beautiful . May be someday when we are not biting each other heads off.
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Sereena Aug 22, 2019 09:40am
@shere punjab As a woman, myself and other women, (in all female groups and individually) have been going to our Northern Areas for years now. It is perfectly safe, alhamdolillah, and the local cultures are far more progressive than the rest of Pakistan :)
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Sereena Aug 22, 2019 09:44am
Stayed 3 weeks at Khanabadosh Baithak this summer. Best experience ever! The food, the vibe, the conversations, the other guests and Baneen and Ahmed... all so chill and exquisitely on point ❤️
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Nalinaksha Mutsuddi Aug 22, 2019 11:10am
Highly laudable effort. I wish if I could have been there at least for once
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Sultan RIZVI Aug 22, 2019 01:46pm
Woderful idea! I would certainly like visit sometime. I have been to Hunza a couple of times from Switzerland where I live. Stayed in Hotels like Serena and enjoyed it. I would however love to experience the life being in nature without the luxury offered by the big hotels. Please inform me the exact location of it and how to contact Baneen and Ahmed if anybody knows it.
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Khawaja Waqar Aug 22, 2019 06:22pm
Excellent idea
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Sadaf Aug 26, 2019 01:42pm
Where are you these days? What are the upcoming events?
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say it Sep 30, 2019 07:38pm
Brilliant idea and initiative- good to stretch the imagination to new horizons!
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CanadianT Oct 01, 2019 10:21pm
I will love to visit there if you share some contact info of whats app
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