Islamabad is a young city, founded in 1960. The city’s architects designed it in the shape of a chessboard. Each cell in the city has its own center and market area. Behind one of the main markets, there is a vast network of hidden alleys rarely visited by tourists. Everywhere you look, there is beautiful yet decaying architecture reminding of the colonial era. 

Exploring it feels like entering a surreal world. Together with our friend and mountainguide Khushlim we had the chance to enter this secret world.

From sewing machines to copper pots and other surprises like a place which seemed to be a drug dealers kitchen, as seen in the series „Breaking Bad“, but revealed itself to be an artificial gemstone workshop. 

In other areas, old carpets are burnt to extract precious metals like gold and silver……or incredibly detailed wedding dresses where tailored by men…

…and of course many chai chai chai…