Jovago Pakistan has recently interviewed Mike Horn, a South African-born Swiss professional explorer, a motivational coach for Kolkata Knight Riders and South African Cricket team.
He also visited Pakistan to explore K-2. Read his interesting interview here.
Who is Mike Horn? Tell us a little detail about yourself.
Born in South Africa, living in Switzerland, professional explorer. 50 years old, I have 2 daughters.
What was the primary reason to visit Pakistan?
Primary reason to visit Pakistan was to climb the beautiful mountains in the Karakoram mountains range.
What was your perception about Pakistan before your very first trip to Pakistan?
I love wild places with natural beauty, I do not listen to the media much, I like making up my own mind about places instead of being influenced by bad media about certain places in the world!
How will you describe your trip to Pakistan in three words?
Exciting, Adventurous and Educational!
You have visited India too. What differences have you found between the two countries?
Each country has its own charm in different ways. India seems to be easier to visit as a tourist, but I like destinations that are not so touristic, and Pakistan offers that. Once you leave the big cities you find the most amazing people ready to share their ways of living with you.
How many Pakistani cities you have visited so far?
Not many. Mainly Islamabad and the Northern regions of Pakistan the Hunza valley and Skardu. I love the Karakoram Highway, the deep canyons and the rivers flowing in the bottom of the canyons. In the cities, I never stay a long time.
What 3 places you will recommend to every foreigner to visit in Pakistan?
Definitely Hunza, Skardu Valley and the Karakoram Highway.
You belong to Switzerland which, itself, is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. What makes Pakistan different?
The people, the food, the landscape, the culture. Pakistan is a young country and can develop in an amazing destination!
If you get a chance to visit Pakistan again, which 3 destinations you would like to explore?
There are so many places and mountains up North that I have not seen and climbed so I will go back to the North and maybe go and visit my friend Wasim Akram that have invited me to Karachi.
What were some of the problems you faced in Pakistan as a foreigner?
Administration problems, waiting for permits to climb that was promised.
What will be your answer if anyone asks you, “Why Should I visit Pakistan?”
Pakistan will surprise you in all aspects! Natural beauty, culture, people -wise. It is a country that grows on you, the more you know the more you want to know.
Out of the different types of cuisines you had in Pakistan, which one was your favorite?
Dal and rice with Chapatti.
Share one of your most memorable moment or incident in/about Pakistan.
Invited by a farmer family and sharing a meal with them in their house. Was an amazing experience. People with very little willing to give you everything they have to make you feel at home. After reaching the summit of broad peak, sharing the joy and happiness of reaching the summit with the porters and village people are very special.
Any ending note for readers?
Don’t always listen to the media. The beauty of Pakistan can be found when you go there looking for it! I have been there 5 times and I always come back Feeling enriched.
With this Jovago ended the interview with Mike.
Image source: Images have been taken from social media platforms after approval.
