It was in 1985 that the writer felt a strong urge to explore the enchanting beauty of northern areas of Pakistan. Those areas weren’t as accessible then as they are today. Yet Ms. Awan’s spirits were too high to be subdued by any challenges. Despite overwhelming odds, she travelled the entire North from Babusar Top to Chilaas, from Gilgit to Hanza & Khost Border and the snowclad valleys of Baltistan. Her first travelogue cum novel about Baltistan was published in 1986.