Anwar Hossain
Bio
I’m Anwar Hossain, a writer and storyteller passionate about history, adventure, and untold stories. I explore fascinating topics that inspire, educate, and entertain on Vocal Media.
Stories (2)
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The World's Most Dangerous Road: Karakoram Highway, Gilgit, Pakistan
The narrow roads meander through the mountains of high containers and are unstable to stick to rough edges. One is lined with scissors, the other falls into a deep valley where a hard river crashes into the rocks. At the top of the snowy sun's sparkle, its beauty concealed the fatal risks that preceded us. This is the Karakolam Highway (KKH), one of the highest and most dangerous streets in the world, linked to Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region and China's China province. This highway is not just a street, but a testament to human resilience to nature. The journey begins In the summer of 2019, Bangladesh Chau traveler Zahidul Islam ventured with three of his closest friends. They dreamed of experiencing the legendary Karakolam Highway, a street known for its breathtaking scenery and extreme danger. Their plan was to pass through the dangerous mountain paths of Gilgit-Baltistan from Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, and eventually reach the world's most paved cross-border Kungjerav Pass at an altitude of 15,397 feet. The initial stages of the trip were relatively simple. The well-planned highways from Islamabad and Abotabad allowed them to drive comfortably and enjoy the lush greenery and curved paths to Hazara. The ghosts were high, and the group often stopped to take pictures of the breathtaking scenery. However, as they went deep into the Hindu Kush Mountains, the reality of travel began to sink. The streets have become narrower, and the air thinner and the terrain are increasingly unreconcilable. Enter the danger zone On the third day, the Gilgit Group arrived in the historic city, which serves as a gateway to the most triple section of the Karakolam Highway. This is where the actual test began. Smooth streets often give rough, uneven ways lined with loose gravel and sharp curves, and can send careless drivers that have fallen thousands of feet below. The powerful Rakaposisummit (25,551 feet) was threatened in the distance, and the glacier fed the rapidly flowing Hunza River. As she climbed further, the unexpected challenge was a sudden storm. The strong winds took up dust and debris, creating visibility near zero. The rain began to fall, with the snow mixed in, making the road even more slippery. Then there was a landslide. As the rocks fell and blocked the highway, deafening rumble echoed through the mountains. The group's SUVs stopped just in time. A few seconds later, a massive boulder crashed exactly where they would have been if they had moved further. Panic in. There was no progress and was equally dangerous due to the unstable terrain. Locals and truckers experienced under these conditions advised the group to wait. Handling in the area was common and sometimes it could take hours or days for the streets to be cleared. Living on the edge As they were waiting, Zahidur and his friends saw the harsh reality of life on the Karakolam highway. They met a group of Pakistani truckers who had been stuck for more than 10 hours due to a landslide. Known for its lightly decorated trucks, these drivers regularly ignored the dangers of this route and transported goods between Pakistan and China. One of them, an elderly man named Yousuf, told the story of people who lost their lives on the streets. He pointed to the area where the bus had been torn off the edge only a few months ago and was attacked by the river. There were no survivors. Time passed and the rain stopped. Locals and stuck travelers began to remove small rocks and make the roads navigable. With the help of some truck drivers, Zahidul's group carefully steered the SUV through a narrow opening after the landslide. The street in front of me was dangerous. There was no specific section of Karakoram Highway. This means that the wrong steps can be fatal. They drove carefully and stopped a slow, steady pace. In the clouds realm Finally, the group arrived in Hunza Valley, one of the most breathtaking places in the world. Surrounded by a 7,000-meter peak, the valley houses old fortresses, pristine lakes and charming locals. As they continued, they crossed Lake Attabad, a breathtaking turquoise waters that formed in 2010 after a catastrophic landslide blocked the Hunza River. The group had to load the SUV into a small wooden boat when parts of the old Karakolam Highway were soaked under the lake. The more they climb, the thinner the air. When they approached their Khunjerab passport, Zahidul began experiencing severe illness. His breathing became a boring and boring headache. The local guide advised him to rest, drink plenty of water, take deep breaths and adapt to his height size. The final route was the toughest. The snowy streets, frozen wind and cold chewing driving made driving extremely difficult. After the group overcomes countless obstacles, she reaches the Kunge Love Pass. They stood 15,397 feet and saw the enormous arc marking the Pakistan-China border. The sense of success was overwhelming. It was a fierce, dangerous journey, but the experience was truly life-changing. Unparalleled asKarakoram Highway is more than just a street. It's a journey through adventure, challenges and history. The expressway was built by engineers from Pakistani and China between 1959 and 1979 and is a symbol of friendship between the two countries. But the costs were immeasurable - accidents, landslides and difficult circumstances left almost 900 workers dead. For Zahidul and his friends, travel wasn't just about reaching their goals. It was to experience the raw power of nature, the resilience of people, and the pure thrills of strangers. Karakoram Highway remains one of the most dangerous streets in the world, but for those who are bold enough to take the risk, it offers an unforgettable experience.
By Anwar Hossain10 months ago in History
The Devil's Breath: The Scopolamine Nightmare.
A lively street in Bogota, Colombia, with horrifying drugs lurking in the shade. Scopolamine is known locally as "devil's breathing," a powerful, odorless, tasteless substance that can take away one's will and turn it into a doll of the person who administers them. His dark reputation made him known as one of the most dangerous substances in the world.
By Anwar Hossain10 months ago in Education
