Wanderlogs
Aneeqa Ali – Rooted in the Road
I started The Mad Hatters in 2017 with six months of savings, zero background in tourism, and every person I consulted telling me the same thing: this isn't a woman's field. If you insist on doing this, find a man to run it and stay in the background. I decided right then — I was not giving up.
I had spent years traveling solo across Pakistan, watching gaps in the industry that nobody was addressing, especially for female travelers. So instead of complaining, I became the change.
Building a tourism business here means navigating things you can't control; pandemics, political unrest, regional conflicts.Things change at a very fast pace. So, I stopped making five-year plans. I just show up fully, every single day, and give it everything I have.
And the reward? It comes when a traveler goes home with a completely different picture of Pakistan. That's what keeps me going. Every one of them becomes Pakistan's ambassador — and that, to me, is everything. My message to the world:
منزل تو ملے گی بھٹک کر ہی سہی
گمراہ تو وہ ہیں جو گھر سے نکلے ہی نہیں
Failure is better that never giving it a shot. Go out, work hard and belive in yourself.
Gear pick
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH
Wanderer
— Built for both city streets and trail weekends, Wanderer combines a breathable cotton-linen blend with clean, utility-focused design. Lightweight, versatile, and finished with discreet zip pockets, it’s made for movement without compromising style.
The relaxed structure makes it easy to layer across changing weather and different settings. Whether packed for a weekend escape or worn through everyday routines, Wanderer is designed to adapt effortlessly.
Field guide
Trekking Solo
Helmet first
— Researching routes, weather, and emergency contacts reduces uncertainty before the trek begins.
Trust your instincts
— Discomfort is enough reason to leave, change plans, or avoid a situation.
Share your route
— Updating friends or family about timings and locations adds an important layer of safety.
Pack for independence — Offline maps, power banks, and first-aid supplies matter even more when trekking alone.
Confidence matters — Appearing prepared and self-assured can help discourage unwanted attention.
Solo trekking builds resilience — Navigating trails alone strengthens confidence, adaptability, and self-reliance.
