Setting Off for the Northern Areas
On June 26, my wife Tahseen, our two kids Affan and Zeeshan, and I decided to embark on a spontaneous trip to the northern areas of Pakistan. Living in Multi Orchards, we often find ourselves craving the serenity and beauty of the north. Initially, we planned to visit Sahran Forest and Naran, Kaghan Valley. However, we quickly pivoted our plans and chose to spend a night at our favorite getaway spot—Cordillera Resort in Balakot.
Cordillera Resort: Our Home Away From Home
Cordillera Resort is a gem nestled in Tranna, Balakot. Having stayed there a few times before, it has become our favorite place to unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty. The resort features a garden, shared lounge, terrace, and a delightful restaurant. The 3-star hotel offers excellent amenities, including free private parking, car rental services for exploring the surrounding area, and a 24-hour front desk.
Resort Overview: Set across the N15 highway from the Kunhar River, the resort is surrounded by trees and mountains. It’s just 66 km from Kaghan Valley and 7 km from Balakot, a town rebuilt after the 2005 earthquake. The rooms are bright, featuring balconies with stunning views, flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and sitting areas. Each room has an en suite wet room, providing a comfortable and modern stay.
Accommodation: Cordillera Resort offers various accommodation options tailored to different preferences. Whether you choose a cozy Triple room, an elegant Standard room, or an opulent Deluxe suite, each option ensures comfort and luxury. During our stay, we found the service and cleanliness to be top-notch. The staff was incredibly polite, and there were no hidden charges at check-out.
Restaurant: The resort’s restaurant is a highlight, offering mountain views and a wide variety of dishes. The complimentary breakfast buffet includes parathas, channay, aloo bhujia, bread, butter, jam, juices, and tea. We thoroughly enjoyed the meals, adding to our pleasant experience at the resort.
Changing Plans and Heading to Bhurban, Murree
After a restful night at Cordillera Resort, we decided to change our plans due to the rush in Kaghan Valley. Instead, we chose a scenic route from Balakot to Garhi Habibbullah, Muzafarabad, and finally Bhurban. Our destination was the luxurious PC Bhurban, a 5-star hotel known for its exquisite amenities and breathtaking views.
PC Bhurban: A Luxurious Retreat
Arrival and Check-In: We arrived at PC Bhurban around 12:30 pm and were warmly welcomed by the staff. The check-in process was smooth and efficient, with the front desk staff providing us with all the necessary information about our stay. We were then escorted to our room, where we were greeted with stunning garden and mountain views.
Rooms: Our room was spacious, elegantly decorated, and equipped with all modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, minibar, and a comfortable sitting area. The private balcony offered a breathtaking view of the surrounding nature, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Khyber Hujra Restaurant: In the evening, we dined at the Khyber Hujra Restaurant, set in a serene jungle environment. We ordered Dam Pukhut with Afghani naan and salad. The dish was flavorful and delicious, with tender meat and perfectly baked naan. The ambiance of the restaurant, combined with the excellent food, made for a memorable dining experience.
Chef’s Garden Cafe: The newly opened Chef’s Garden Cafe was another highlight. They offer herbal teas and sandwiches, which were perfect for a light afternoon snack. The cafe’s ambiance was peaceful, surrounded by lush greenery and vegetables in pots making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind.
Activities: After dinner, we explored the various activities PC Bhurban had to offer. The kids had a great time in the play area, which was well-equipped and safe. We then enjoyed some freshly baked brownies from their bakery, which were rich and chocolaty, a perfect treat to end the day.
Nadia Restaurant: The next morning, we enjoyed a complimentary luxury breakfast buffet at Nadia Restaurant. The spread was impressive, featuring a variety of options from fresh fruits and juices to traditional Pakistani breakfast items. The quality and taste of the food were excellent, providing a perfect start to our day.
Additional Amenities: PC Bhurban also offers a beautiful trekking area in the jungle, which we explored during our stay. Although there was a swimming pool, the kids couldn’t use it due to the timing. We also enjoyed a leisurely walk in their beautifully landscaped garden and attended a live musical night, adding a touch of magic to our stay.
Heading Home
After a delightful breakfast and a morning spent enjoying the hotel’s amenities, we reluctantly packed up and prepared to head home. Our journey back took us through the scenic route to Islamabad, where we reflected on the wonderful memories we made during our trip.
Lessons Learned from Our Family Trip as an Entrepreneur
Our recent family adventure to the northern areas of Pakistan was not just a delightful experience but also a valuable learning opportunity, particularly from an entrepreneurial perspective. Here are some key lessons I took away from our trip:
1. The Importance of Flexibility: Originally, we planned to visit Sahran Forest and Naran, Kaghan Valley, but we had to change our plans due to the rush in Kaghan Valley. This taught me the importance of being flexible and adaptable in business. Markets and conditions can change unexpectedly, and being able to pivot quickly is crucial for success.
2. Pre-Planning and Resource Management: Booking our stay at Cordillera Resort ahead of time ensured we had a comfortable and reliable place to stay. This emphasizes the importance of planning and resource management in business. Proper planning can prevent last-minute issues and ensure smooth operations.
3. Enhancing Customer Experience: Both Cordillera Resort and PC Bhurban highlighted the significance of providing a high-quality customer experience. From the well-maintained rooms to the attentive staff, every detail contributes to customer satisfaction. As an entrepreneur, investing in quality service and customer experience is paramount.
4. Exploring New Opportunities: Choosing a scenic route from Balakot to Bhurban via Garhi Habibbullah and Muzaffarabad opened up new experiences for us. This taught me to always look for new opportunities and avenues in business. Exploring different routes and strategies can lead to discovering hidden potentials and growth.
5. Building Strong Relationships: Spending quality time with my family during this trip reminded me of the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships, both personally and professionally. Networking and fostering good relationships with clients, partners, and employees can lead to long-term success.
6. Embracing Simple Pleasures: Enjoying simple pleasures like a meal with a mountain view, walking in landscaped gardens, and indulging in freshly baked brownies highlighted the importance of appreciating small wins in business. Celebrating small achievements can boost morale and keep the team motivated.
7. Leveraging All Available Resources: Utilizing all the amenities offered by both resorts, such as kids’ play areas, trekking paths, and live musical nights, enhanced our stay. In business, it’s essential to leverage all available resources and tools to maximize efficiency and output.
8. The Impact of Staff on Business Success: The polite and helpful staff at both Cordillera Resort and PC Bhurban significantly contributed to our positive experience. This reinforces the importance of having a dedicated and well-trained team. Employees are the backbone of any business, and their performance directly impacts customer satisfaction and business success.
9. Valuing Nature and Sustainability: Being surrounded by the stunning landscapes of northern Pakistan reminded me of the importance of nature and sustainability. Businesses should strive to be environmentally conscious and sustainable, which not only helps the planet but also appeals to a growing number of eco-conscious consumers.
10. Balancing Innovation and Tradition: Our trip was a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. Balancing innovative approaches with traditional values can create a harmonious business environment. Innovation drives growth, while tradition keeps the business grounded and connected to its roots.
Our family trip to the northern areas was not just a getaway but a journey filled with learning and reflection from an entrepreneurial perspective. These lessons will not only enhance our future travels but also influence how I approach my work and business strategies. If you’re an entrepreneur, remember to be flexible, plan ahead, enhance customer experience, and leverage all available resources. Here’s to continuous growth and valuable lessons!
Useful Links:
- Cordillera Resort Website Link: https://cordilleraresort.com/
- Cordillera Resort Instagram Page Link: https://www.instagram.com/cordilleraresort/
- Cordillera Resort Facebook Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/CordilleraResortBalakot/
- PC Bhurban Website Link: https://www.pchotels.com/pcbhurban
- PC Bhurban Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/pearl_continental_bhurban/
Warm regards,
Qasim
