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After a good local balti meal, i asked Chef Abbas of  “Khaplu Palace & Residence“ if he has something sweet to offer with local touch.

“We eat lots of apricots. Baltistan is famous for dried apricots. It keeps us warm since its cold throughout year. I can make Apricot mousse cake for you.” Said Abbas.

APRICOT MOUSE CAKE? The name itself watered my mouth and i could not wait any further to enjoy it with a warm cup of tea while enjoying the view of the 200 year old Khaplu Palace.

The balcony with the view of Khaplu Palace & Residence

It’s first week of June and i am in Baltistan. Karachi in southern coast of the country is experiencing extreme warm weather, Lahore in center is boiling hot while i can feel cold wind and see snow caped mountains right in front of me in Khaplu.

Dried Apricots are famous in Baltistan. I have seen them available at every second shop in this region since the first time i came here in 2009. Back in times i remember a Balti school friend of mine once brought dried apricots as a food souvenir for me from Baltistan. In fact, Pakistan is one of the top 12 producers of apricots.

Apricot Mousse Cake in Khaplu Palace & Residence

I love mousse cakes, my favorite had been Strawberry mousse cake but now this yummy fluffy soft apricot mousse cake by chef Abbas became my favorite one. I took my time to enjoy its every bite with tea. The only regret i have is that i had very less of it while in Khaplu. No where else i will be able to find it. I think i will have to go back there again one day.

Apricot Mousse Cake in Khaplu Palace & Residence

If you are visiting Gilgit-Baltistan, I would suggest  you to make a special trip to Khaplu Palace & Residence in Khaplu, a town 2.5 hours drive east of Skardu. Stay there, have local meals and ask Chef Abbas to make special local Apricot mousse cake for you.

Enjoy!

i see clear blue sky, i see pure white clouds, i see sand dunes, I see sand storms, I see last beam of light hitting the mountain, i see mighty river flowing, i see snow caped peaks, i see nature. I am in Baltistan.

These mountains have been calling me for 4 years. I remember my first time in 2009 when i first landed on this land. It was a dream come true. On my return, i made a bond with these mountains and asked them to make a promise; that they will call me every year to meet them. 4 years have passed and i am still meeting them every year. My affair with mountains is not less then any romantic tale.

It brings me close to nature, the Creator. Observing the last beam of light hitting snow caped peaks and then diminishing, vanishing in no time.  That is my best thing to do these days every sunset. It feels like as if the Creature has lighten up a candle made of mountain and snow.

Last beam of light on mountain, Khaplu

I feel powerful, but yet very small when i compare myself to the mightiness of nature. Not just the mountains, but mighty river flowing miles and miles, sand dunes changing its shape along the river side every day.

Khaplu to Seling

After every long day trip of photography and conversation with nature, i get to sleep in one of the most amazing hotels “Khaplu Palace & Residence“. A 200 year old palace, well preserved and now being run by Serena Hotel. Staying in such palace takes you back in history.  My room is again part of the palace, old, wooden work all over and dim lights.

Khaplu Palace & Residence

I feel alive. At least for days i will not have to face traffic jams and buildings. I will be staying a month or so in Gilgit-Baltistan, living close to nature. Reason behind is simple; i need a good conversation with myself, to explore myself.