Winter has its own charm. Wrapped up in a blanket while sipping coffee or tea, and sitting in front of a fire, I am always reluctant to leave cozy settings.

But when the opportunity arose to go to the hilly areas, I jumped on it -- eager to have the surreal snowfall experience in the Galiyat and Chitral, and get a glimpse into the life of people who are used to it.

Life in the snow-shrouded terrain is different, difficult even -- as it becomes hard to walk and drive through the snow-covered tracks and roads. Though the visibility is poor for long-distance travelling, the sight of fresh snow falling in the hazy environs is awe-inspiring. Common sights also include people pushing their vehicles stuck in the snow, cleaning the rooftops of their houses, and gathering around stoves to keep themselves warm as a sheet of snow covers everything in the outdoor.

It is amazing how the people living here survive the hardships that come --considering how difficult it is to even wash one’s hands and face with the water there being too cold to touch and turning to ice within minutes.