Hidden Valley Diaries

Introduction After a long and unusually hot summer, we can finally feel a change in the air. The days are slowly becoming cooler, the evenings feel more pleasant and nature seems to be preparing for one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, autumn. Living in the mountains, autumn is something we look forward to every year. After spending months surrounded by the heat of summer, the changing season brings a refreshing feeling and a completely new look to our surroundings. The First Signs of Autumn The change doesn't happen overnight. It begins quietly. The green leaves that stayed fresh throughout the summer slowly start changing their colors. Some begin turning yellow, while others take on beautiful shades of orange and red. The cool breeze becomes more noticeable, especially in the mornings and evenings. The sunlight also feels softer and the atmosphere starts carrying that unmistakable feeling that autumn is approaching. It's nature's way of telling us that another s...

  Introduction There is something special about evenings in my village. They are not filled with traffic, crowded streets, or the noise of a busy city. Instead, they arrive slowly and peacefully, surrounded by mountains, fresh air and the familiar sounds of village life. After a long day, the evening is when everything begins to slow down. People finish their work, families return home and the mountains become even more beautiful as the sunlight begins to disappear. For me, these ordinary evenings are some of the most beautiful moments of village life. When the Day Begins to Slow Down As the sun starts moving behind the mountains, the atmosphere of the village changes. Farmers begin returning from their fields after completing their day's work. People finish their daily responsibilities and start heading toward their homes. The roads become quieter and the cool mountain breeze begins to replace the warmth of the day. There is a peaceful feeling in the air that is difficult to descr...

Introduction In today's world, life is becoming faster every day. People are always busy with work, responsibilities, technology and the constant pressure to achieve more. Sometimes, in the middle of all this busyness, we forget that happiness can be found in the simplest things. I feel fortunate to live a simple life in my village, surrounded by beautiful mountains, fresh air, nature and most importantly people who genuinely care about one another. My life may not be luxurious but I love it exactly the way it is. A Life Close to Nature One of the biggest reasons I love living in my village is the connection we have with nature. Every morning, we wake up surrounded by mountains. The fresh air, green fields, flowing water, birds singing and changing seasons are all part of our everyday lives. We don't have to travel somewhere special to enjoy beautiful scenery. Nature is right outside our homes. Sometimes, simply sitting outside with a cup of tea and looking at the mountains is ...

Introduction Sometimes, we don't need to travel far away to have an unforgettable day. Sometimes, a mountain, good company, some delicious food and a beautiful view are enough. Recently, we went on a picnic on top of a mountain and it became one of those simple experiences that we will remember for a long time. Living among the mountains, we are surrounded by natural beauty every day. But this trip gave us an opportunity to leave our routine behind and enjoy that beauty from a completely different perspective. The Journey to the Top Our journey began with a climb up the mountain. The trail wasn't always easy, with some steep and rocky sections but we enjoyed every part of it. We walked together, talked, laughed and stopped from time to time to admire the scenery. As we climbed higher, the view became more beautiful. Looking back, we could see our village becoming smaller below us, while the surrounding mountains appeared taller and more magnificent. The journey itself ...

  Introduction After days of fear, uncertainty and hardship today feels different. The flood that affected our village brought difficult moments for many families. Homes were affected, farmland was damaged, roads were disrupted and people had to leave their houses and move to safer places. But thankfully, the situation has improved. The water has gone down, the danger has passed and families have started returning to their homes. Once again, we can hear the sounds of everyday life in our village. Above all, we are grateful to Allah for protecting our people and bringing peace back to our community. Returning Home One of the most emotional moments after the flood was seeing families return to their homes. For days, they had been staying in safer places, uncertain about when they would be able to return. Today, they are finally back. Walking through the doors of your own home after being away because of a disaster is a feeling that is difficult to describe. Even if the house needs cl...

  Introduction Natural disasters test more than our homes and land, they test our humanity. They reveal who we are when everything around us becomes uncertain. Over the past few days, our village has faced one of the most difficult times in its history. Continuous heavy rain and flooding brought fear and hardship to many families. Homes were affected, farmland disappeared beneath the water, roads became impassable and many people were forced to leave their homes. But amid all the destruction, one thing remained stronger than the flood itself, our unity. The people of my village stood together, proving that when a community is united, no challenge is faced alone. A Community That Refused to Give Up When the situation became dangerous, no one waited to be asked for help. Young people immediately stepped forward. Without thinking about themselves, they rushed to help families who were trapped or in danger. They carried children and elderly people to safer places, helped move household...

  Introduction Nature has a way of reminding us that everything is connected. Today, a massive flood struck the village of Mayoon. Although the flood did not directly hit my village, its impact reached us in an unexpected way. The flood blocked the main Ishkoman River, which flows through my village Hasis. As the river became blocked, water backed up and spread into our village, submerging homes, farmland and even a school. Families were forced to leave their homes and move to safer places. It has been a heartbreaking day for everyone in our community. An Unexpected Disaster No one expected that a disaster in another village could affect us so quickly. When the flood blocked the river upstream, the water could no longer flow normally. Instead, it spread into our village, turning fields and familiar places into flooded areas. Seeing homes and farmland under water is a painful sight that none of us will forget. Hasis in a Difficult Time Our village, Hasis has always been a peaceful p...

Introduction Some of the most unforgettable nights in life do not happen in luxury hotels or busy cities. They happen under the open sky, surrounded by mountains, where nature becomes your roof and millions of stars become your companions. During the warm summer nights in my village in Gilgit Baltistan, we often sleep outside our homes. It is a tradition that has been part of our lives for generations. The cool mountain breeze, the peaceful silence and the breathtaking night sky create an experience that no building or room can replace. Every time I lie down beneath the stars, I am reminded of how small we are in this vast universe and how beautiful our world truly is. A Summer Tradition When summer arrives, the days become warm but the nights remain pleasantly cool. As evening falls, families prepare their beds outside in the open air. Children excitedly help arrange the blankets while elders sit together, sharing stories from the past. There is no need for air conditioners or closed ...