Pakistan
Overview
Due to serious political instability and major conflicts, Pakistan has been off the radar of most travelers in the last years. Although many visitors have pointed out that the state of the country is painted to be more dire than it really is by Western media, there have been repeated attacks on travel groups and visitors in recent history. As soon as the well-deserved peace for Pakistan comes to its incredibly hospitable people, its vast deserts, ancient ruins and impressive mountains will be accessible to tourists again. To the country’s north, this includes the western part of the Himalaya Mountains, and thus the K2, the second highest mountain in the world.
Top Attractions
- Explore the majestic mountains of the Karakoram Range, including the world’s second-highest peak, K2, as well as other famous peaks like Nanga Parbat and Broad Peak, offering breathtaking vistas and opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and adventure sports.
- Discover the ancient ruins of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its well-preserved Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and archaeological sites dating back to the Gandhara civilization, as well as opportunities for historical tours and cultural immersion.
- Visit the bustling city of Lahore, known as the cultural capital of Pakistan, with its historic landmarks like the Lahore Fort, the Badshahi Mosque, and the Shalimar Gardens, as well as its vibrant bazaars, traditional cuisine, and lively street life.
- Experience the natural beauty of the Hunza Valley, with its terraced fields, orchards, and traditional villages, as well as opportunities for hiking, photography, and cultural exchanges with the local Wakhi and Burusho communities.
- Explore the historic sites of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, two of the world’s earliest urban centers and UNESCO World Heritage sites, which offer insights into the ancient Indus Valley civilization through their well-preserved ruins, artifacts, and archaeological museums.
Local Cuisine
- Indulge in the flavors of Pakistani cuisine, known for its rich spices, aromatic flavors, and diverse regional specialties.
- Sample iconic dishes like biryani (fragrant rice cooked with meat or vegetables), karahi (spicy stir-fried meat or chicken cooked in a wok-like vessel), and kebabs (grilled skewers of marinated meat), as well as traditional side dishes like naan bread, raita (yogurt dip), and chutneys.
- Try Pakistani specialties like nihari (slow-cooked stew made with beef or mutton), haleem (thick porridge made with meat and lentils), and seekh kebabs (spicy minced meat skewers), as well as traditional desserts like gulab jamun (sweet fried dough balls) and kheer (rice pudding).
- Savor refreshing beverages like lassi (a yogurt-based drink), chai (spiced tea), and sugarcane juice, as well as traditional sweets like jalebi (deep-fried syrupy pretzels) and barfi (sweet milk fudge).
- Don’t forget to try Pakistani street food like samosas (deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes or meat), pakoras (spicy fritters), and chaat (savory snacks), as well as snacks like roasted corn, fruit chaat, and kulfi (traditional ice cream).
Outdoor Activities
- Go hiking and trekking in Pakistan’s northern regions, with opportunities for exploring scenic trails, high-altitude lakes, and remote valleys in destinations like the Hunza Valley, the Fairy Meadows, and the Swat Valley.
- Visit the beaches and coastal areas of Pakistan, with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving on destinations like Karachi, Gwadar, and Ormara, as well as opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports.
- Experience adventure activities like white-water rafting on the Indus River, paragliding in the Kaghan Valley, and rock climbing in the Margalla Hills, as well as opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing in the winter months.
- Explore the rivers and lakes of Pakistan, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on destinations like the Indus River, the Attabad Lake, and the Saif-ul-Muluk Lake, as well as opportunities for boat tours to explore islands, caves, and wildlife reserves.
- Discover the biodiversity of Pakistan’s national parks and wildlife reserves, with opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and nature photography in destinations like the Deosai National Park, the Khunjerab National Park, and the Lal Suhanra National Park.
Cultural Experiences
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan with visits to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions like the Lahore Museum, the Mohatta Palace Museum, and the Lok Virsa Museum, which showcase the history, art, and culture of the country.
- Explore the vibrant arts scene of Pakistan, with opportunities to attend music festivals, dance performances, and art exhibitions showcasing Pakistani and international talent, as well as workshops and classes in traditional crafts like pottery, embroidery, and weaving.
- Experience traditional Pakistani music and dance performances, such as qawwali, sufi music, and folk dances like bhangra and attan, as well as contemporary styles like pop, rock, and fusion music, which reflect the diverse cultural traditions of the country.
- Discover the history and legacy of Pakistan’s indigenous peoples with visits to historic sites like the Ranikot Fort, the Derawar Fort, and the Makli Necropolis, which showcase the art, culture, and traditions of Pakistan’s indigenous communities.
- Participate in local festivals and celebrations, such as the Basant Kite Festival, the Shandur Polo Festival, and the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, to experience the vibrant culture and spirit of Pakistan firsthand.
