Steps of Inspiration – Three Days Trek from Gilgit to Hunza

To celebrate the Golden Jubilee Year of 50 years of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, Ismaili Regional Council Gilgit organized a three days trek from September 6th – 8th 2007 on the Old Silk Route from Gilgit to Hunza called “Steps of Inspiration” a trek along the old jeepable road from Gilgit to Hunza. The program aims to re-capture the long cherished memories of the first historical visit of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan to Northern Areas and a momentous travel to Hunza en-route in 1960.

The visit of His Highness has dawned a new era of hope, prosperity and dignity in the lives of the community who remained in seclusion for centuries.

Total distance of this trek was 101 Km. Serena Hotels arranged T-Shirts & Caps for all the trekkers, Aga Khan Health Service provided the medical facilities with ambulance, FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance provided them technical assistance. Total 225 trekkers from Gilgit started the trek from Shah Karim hostel, but from Lower Hunza females and elders citizens also joined this trek to Hunza and about 400 trekkers attended this event.

The closing ceremony held at Diamond Jubilee School Aliabad, Certificates were distributed to trekkers, medical, transport, and media team.

The objectives of this walk were:

• To enhance, within as well as beyond the community, an understanding of institution of the Shia Ismaili Imamat in modern terminology, situated in the broader context of a correct definition of leadership in Islam.
• To consolidate the Imamat’s institutional capacity, and enhance a wider awareness of its impact in transforming the outlook and lives of the Jamat and Society at large and impact in transforming the outlook and lives of the Jamat and society at large.
• To bring the community from various culture and social backgrounds together to reinforce our common faith at the same time appreciate the cultural diversity and pluralism within the community.
• To appreciate the landmark era of development the community has passed through over the past 50 years and especially after 1st visit of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan to Northern Areas of Pakistan and pay our gratitude to the Imam for his affection, love and blessings.

Slide Show

 

Source:
Asghar Khan – Sales & Marketing Manager – Gilgit Serena Hotel and Ismaili Mail Blog