Lasting Memories

Porter Portraits

Hanniah Tariq

Photo Feature

Gilgit-Baltistan is the northernmost territory of Pakistan, with an area of 72,496 km² and a population of two million. It is home to three of the world’s most significant mountain ranges, five of the world’s 14 highest peaks, and three of the world’s most massive glaciers outside the Polar Regions -Baltoro, Godwin Austen, and the Biafo glaciers. Mountaineering and trekking in this region is a much sought-after sport. It is also the home of extraordinary local climbers called Khurpas (the Balti word for ‘he who carries your load’). They make commercial climbing possible at great personal risk and sacrifice. Despite this, the men are gentle and extremely jovial companions to any expedition.

1. Abbas Tissar, Askoli village

2. Fida Hussain, camp cook with friends, Jhoula camp, Baltoro glacier

3. Apo Nabi Askoli, resting, Baltoro glacier

4. Asghar Askoli in his kitchen tent, Baltoro glacier

5. Mahdi Thorgu, tea break, Baltoro glacier

6. Musa Ali, assistant cook, Baltoro glacier

7. Sharing a joke, Jhoula camp, Baltoro glacier

8. Muhammad Ali Arab, Urdukas camp

9. Porter meeting on Askoli camp, Baltoro glacier

Author: See page 76

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