These are the canyonlands in Chipursan Valley, in Hunza, northern Pakistan. An arid, high altitude region with widely dispersed, well irrigated oasis-like villages surrounded by fertile farmlands. The green pool in the lower center of the photo is a deep pit where they wash the rock and gravel used for concrete and road construction. Chipursan spring water is pure, slightly alkaline, and filtered through layers of minerals giving it a green color. It is believed that this water has special properties that contribute to the long and healthy lives of the Chipursan people.