PAKISTAN

Pakistan 

Pakistan is one of the most intriguing and interesting countries in the world. This is because within its mountainous boundaries on one side and its desert dunes on the other, it contains a multitude of cultures stemming from a great variety of ethnic groups.

Each ethnic group, whether they live in the northern mountain peaks or the southern desert lands, bring with them age-old traditions, fascinating cultures, all varieties of food, bright clothes and enchanting myths, creating a land of unprecedented uniqueness. You need to visit Pakistan at least once in your life because the soul of the people and the beauty of its natural landscape topped with the fascinating aspects of its rich culture are sure to make it an experience you will always treasure.

The Natural Beauty

Pakistan is famous for its geographical magnificence because it contains all the varieties of natural phenomena starting from rolling hills leading to towering peaks in the north. It has vast fields and rivers, towards the province of Sindh we begin to witness oceans, and finally there are vast deserts making it a complete treasury of nature’s gifts. One reason the landscape remains so enchanting is because most of it is still preserved in its rawest and most natural form. Let us not forget that Pakistan is proud to lay claim to five of the highest and most glorious mountains in the world.

The Cultural Diversity

Pakistan has four provinces, with each having its own culture, traditions, dialect and palette of food and art. This cultural diversity stems from the ethnic variation causing it to have profound and long lasting effects on the entire culture as a whole. If you travel across the entire country, crossing over to each different province is almost like going to a new country where you will notice the difference in the way people look, dress, speak and behave. This diversity s what enriches the variety of food we have, the great range of music and instruments we play, the enriched variety of songs and literature we read as well as the great number of local dialects we own. It is a truly fascinating experience because you are able to experience a multitude of unique cultures under the umbrella of one collective culture, making your trip a lesson in diversity.

Traditional Food

The food in Pakistan is famous for its specialized use of all sorts of herbs and spices. Every traditional dish is a special concoction whose recipe has been perfected through generations to give it a perfect taste. Each dish, whether it is lentils or chicken roast or even lamb has to be seasoned and cooked to perfection, and therefore when the final dish is prepared it is a pleasure to eat every single bite. The country is also famous for its unique sweets known as ‘Mithai’, sweet goods made with local recipes and topped with an assortment of nuts. Pakistan is known for its agriculture and therefore you should be prepared to taste the kind of organic fruits and vegetables you can only dream of.

The Local Bazaars

There is a thriving market culture that is still alive in Pakistan. There are hundreds of market places in every city and district, each with their own unique culture. The interesting thing about the local bazaars is that each shop still has an owner who has been there for decades and can answer any question put forth about his trade. The owners of clothes shops will tell you about any type of cloth in the world whereas the silver jeweler will tell you about any kind of silver present anywhere in the world. This relationship that the vendors have with customers is so precious in today’s modern age of impersonal shopping that any purchase can be transformed into a great bonding session and an even greater lesson about the product.

Beautifully Ornamented Handicrafts

This country has such an abundance of craftsmen that are so marvelously skilled at producing certain goods because they have learned a particular skill from their fathers, who in turn learned it from their fathers. There are beautifully woven carpets that take more than six months to create due to the intricacy of the designs embossed on them. There are magnificent embroideries done on all sorts of clothes, special jewelry is also cut to perfection using hands instead of machines. Utensils made from copper and silver follow the same pattern of unique craftsmanship, making the country a haven for handmade handicrafts that are not available in this variety anywhere else in the world.

Entrancing Local Music

Most musicians on the outskirts of cities and rural locations along with some in urban centers, prefer to use the traditional instruments of the east such as the flute, the rubab, the harmonium and the tabla (local drum). Along with the beauty of the sound produced by these local instruments, there are notes and hymns that go back more than 1,000 years, that are sung by local musicians that can put you into a state of intoxication without any substance. No matter how many rock and metal concerts you have attended, the experience of listening to a Qawwaali (Devotional music) will be a musical experience that will resonate with you forever.

The Unique Hospitality

Anyone who comes from abroad is pleasantly surprised at how all the locals go out of their way to be hospitable to their guests. Whether you are in one of the major cities or backpacking in the Northern areas, anyone who crosses your path will tell you all you need to know about the area and the conversation will always end in them inviting you as a guest to their house for either tea or dinner. There is hardly anyone who does not offer foreigners a sightseeing tour of the area in which they are staying so that they can see all the unique things that are unknown to travelers.

Magnificent Clothes

In Pakistan you can find any kind of cotton, silk, wool, lawn and linen. It has more variety of cloth than anywhere else in the world because most women still choose to buy their own cloth and get it stitched. On top of that there is such a wide variety of skilled craftsmen who can make the most beautiful design  on any cloth using all sorts of beads and stones so you can have the kind of custom-made clothes you always dreamed of.

Passion for Sports

This country is famous for its relentless passion for sports, with cricket and polo being the national favorites. Pakistan has some of the most famous polo matches in the world that take place in Shandur, which is the highest altitude polo field in the world. Whenever there is a cricket match, a kind of frenzy appears and puts the whole country into a mood of festivity. You will see people dancing, listening to music and jeering uncontrollably every time the Pakistani team makes a goal.

Glorious Mosques

During the centuries that the Mughals reigned over the sub-continent, they hired the most illustrious artists and architects of the time to create marvelous mosques that are still as glorious as they were in their heyday, such as the Wazir Khan Mosque and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. There is also Shah Jahan Mosque in Sindh which was commissioned by the emperor Shah Jahan and is made entirely out of marble. There is a large mosque made out of one dome known as Gol Masjid in Karachi. The architecture, minarets and exquisite artwork accompanied by flawless calligraphy, make these mosques an architectural marvel that should be experienced first-hand.

Ancient Temples

There are a multitude of ancient Hindu temples in Pakistan, some that date back to the times of the ancient Hindu scripture of the Mahabharata, said to have been written around the 8th-century BC. One of the most famous Hindu temples in Pakistan are the Katas Raj Temples that have all the magnificent appeal of ancient architecture encapsulated in their perfectly-shaped domes and eloquent carvings. Along with these there are countless others that are centuries-old, such as Jagannath Mandir in Sialkot, Hinglaj Mata Mandir in Balochistan, Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi, Naval Mandir and the Goraknath temple in Kyber Pakhtun. All these temples boast impeccable architecture and carry within them the magnificence of antiquity in all its glory as they were constructed to pay tribute to some of the holiest deities of the Hindu religion throughout the centuries.

Treasure Chest of World History

The entire land of Pakistan is a unique treasure chest of history. It contains history from the time of the Buddha and some of the earliest statues of the Buddha along with significant remains of Buddhist monasteries can be found in areas such as Taxila. There are also significant remnants of the Greek world in the form of art, utensils, swords and statues from the time of Alexander the Great who invaded this land around 327 BC. There are awe inspiring temples dedicated to the various Hindu Gods due to the great prevalence of Hinduism and great mosques that echo the art of the great Mughals who were the invaders from Central Asia. In the 20th-century, great buildings were made and prestigious clock towers and railroads still stand as testament to the rule of the British.

Beautifully Decorated Trucks

Anyone who visits Pakistan is completely blown away by the mesmerizing art that fills all the trucks. These beautifully decorated trucks have become a widespread representation of Pakistani culture. There is an entire sub-culture that revolves around the ornamentation of them and there are special artisans skilled in the art to whom this task is assigned. There are a plethora of bright colors and designs, symbols and emblems, famous lines of poetry and endless birds and flowers engraved on all the huge trucks that traverse the roads of the country day and night, carrying goods from one place to another. You will never see a truck that is not a piece of unique art and each truck is a colorful representation of the thriving culture of Pakistan.

Places you Must visit 

1. Naltar valley

Naltar is famous for its colourful lakes, it is situated at a drive of 2.5 hours from Gilgit. World’s tastiest potatoes are cultivated here. Covered with pine trees, this valley doesn’t seem to be a part of this world.

If you really want to experience paradise in this world, you should visit Naltar at least once. This place will make you fall in love with it.

2. Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir

Opposite to the Keran sector of Indian-held Kashmir. From the Chella Bandi Bridge – just north of Azaad Kashmir’s capital Muzaffarabad – to Tau Butt, a valley stretches out for 240 kilometres; it is known as the Neelum Valley (literally, the Blue Gem Valley).

Neelum is one of the most beautiful valleys of Azaad Kashmir, and it hosts several brooks, freshwater streams, forests, lush green mountains, and a river. Here, you see cataracts falling down the mountains; their milky-white waters flowing over the roads and splashing against the rocks, before commingling with the muddy waters of River Neelum.

3. Shangrila resort, Skardu

In the extreme north of Pakistan, Skardu the central valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, is an epitome of beauty, serenity and wilderness.

After Jaglot on the Karakoram Highway, a narrow road turns towards Skardu. During the seven-hour journey, one is greeted with several streams, springs, and the hospitality of the local people.

After crossing the old wooden bridge built over the River Indus, one reaches Shangrila, a paradise on earth for tourists. It is a famous tourist spot in Skardu, which is about 25 minutes away by drive. Restaurant in Shangrila rest house is highlight of this place, which is built in the structure of an aircraft.

4. Gojal Valley

The Gojal Valley borders China and Afghanistan, with its border meeting the Chinese border at Khunjerab — 15,397 feet above sea level — and remains covered with snow all year long.

In the north west, there is Chiporsun, whose border touches the Wakhan region of Afghanistan. Wakhan is about six square miles in area, after which starts Tajikistan. The Karakoram Highway which connects Pakistan to China also passes through Gojal Valley and enters China at Khunjerab.

5. Deosai Plains

Deosai is located on the boundary of Karakoram and the western Himalayas, and at no point it is less than 4000 meters above sea level. It remains covered with snow for 8 months. The rest of the year, it hosts a range of beautiful flowers of all hues and colours, but not a single tree is found in this plateau spread over 3000 sq. km.

Sheosar lake is also part of this. This lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. The deep blue water, with snow-covered mountains in backdrop, and greenery with wild flowers in foreground offer such a view in summers, that one is left amused for the rest of his life.

6. Rama Meadow

Just a little ahead of Rama Village, which is 11 kilometres from Astore, is a beautiful and serene plain called Rama Meadow. 

If you ever happen to find yourself in plain, ice-cold and milk-white water flowing in streams, sheep and cows grazing in peace, pine trees, Chongra’s ice-covered peak in background, and Nanga Parbat’s southern ridge is in view, then you are probably in Rama Meadow.

7. Paye

Shogran had seen an influx of tourists, who trampled over its beauty, leaving it jaded. Siri Paye, nonetheless, still retains its strong attraction for tourists as a green plateau on top of the Hindu Kush. Engulfed in clouds and fog more often than not, it entices many as a rendezvous which allows one to observe Nature play peek-a-boo.

Here, you see numerous small ponds filled with freshwater, meet horse-riders wandering about, and smell wild yellow flowers blooming everywhere. With the Makra Peak set as a backdrop, the beauty of the Siri Paye meadows comes to life.

8. Ayun and Bamburet Valley

Ayun district is a village of Chitral. Located 12 kilometres south of the city at the confluence of the River Bamburet . There are no words to describe the beauty of the mountains surrounding the village. Beyond Ayun valley is Bamburet Valley, it is one of the three Kalash valleys. 

Bamburet is nearly two-hour journey from Chitral. Locals trace their roots to Alexander the Great and Greece. Bamburet valley is a picturesque valley with lush greenery and mountains that give you a sense of calm and solitude.

9. White Palace Swat

White Palace Marghazar is the only breathtaking location in the Swat district that’s situated at a distance of around 12 km from the city of Mingora. Not only do tourists visit Marghazar for its natural beauty and pleasant weather but also to visit the historic White Palace (1941), built during the era of Swat state.

After the White Palace was constructed on the directives of the founder of modern Swat state, Miangul Abdul Wadood also known as Badshah Sahab, Marghazar became the capital of Swat state during summer season. Even today, after seven decades, White Palace remains an attraction for tourists.

The Palace doesn’t just look beautiful in summer; even during winter it remains enchanting especially after snowfall. Also read: Swat's White Palace: Cut from the same stone as the Taj Mahal

10. Kerthar area

The Kirthar range stretches from Sindh to Balochistan, serving as a natural border between the two provinces. This mountain range includes the scenic Gorakh Hill (5700), Kutte Ji Qabar (6877) and Bandu Ji Qabar (7112). 

This region is not just known for its breathtaking beauty but also for its rich history. Spread across 150 miles, it is an ideal tourist spot due to several streams, springs and historic locations, however, it’s unfortunate that few tourists prefer to visit. The local population is eager to welcome visitors and want to make this area a better place.

11. Mubarak Village Karachi

Mubarak remains the second largest fishermen village in Karachi. Bordering with Gadani (Balochistan), the landscape encircles a stark contrast of golden hills and turquoise clear waters.

Away from the city frenzy, this place welcomes you with a lot of love. As soon as you park near the shore, numerous boats are anchored floating on crystal clear waters, beneath the expansive blue sky.

12. Rural areas near Punjab river

Punjab has been gifted with countless blessings including fertile land and lush green farms. Nature has also blessed Punjab with colors of every season, as winter ends vivid colors of spring spread around.

According to Syed Mehdi Bukhari, Sialkot, a city standing near the banks of River Chenab, is also known as the centre of artisans. Perhaps, not only the soils straddling this river, but also the people living near its banks owe their fertility to Chenab. Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Shev Kumar Batalvi, and many other fertile minds have their roots here. The River Chenab flows from Marala, 24 kilometres from the city of Sialkot. 

13. Ghanche District, Gilgit–Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan's Ghanche district stands almost aloof with its beautiful valleys and settlements inhabited by the most hospitable locals and river irrigated lands. The central location in the district is Khaplu, which is a beautiful landscape with high summits, flowing blue waters and waterfalls.

The people of this small settlement on the bank of River Shyok, are warm and loving, as they were centuries before.

Going a little ahead from Khaplu, the curvy road takes one to the delta of River Shyok, where it splits up, flowing through the gravel filled river plain. The peak of Mashabrum mountain can also be seen in the backdrop.

14. Ranikot Fort

Ranikot, with a circumference of about 26 km, is the largest fort in the world. However, this has not been enough to convince the authorities to develop it as a major tourist attraction.

This fort is easily accessible from Karachi through the National Highway. After departing from Karachi, head to Dadu through on the Indus Highway. The road is in excellent condition. It's an hour-long journey to San, the home of Sindhi nationalist, GM Syed. A little further from the town there comes a diversion. A rusty board announces that Ranikot is some 30 km away. Even though the road is in pathetic condition, the distance can be covered in 30 to 40 minutes.

15. Bahawalpur

The princely state in Punjab boasts a treasure of historic buildings, monuments and parks that many have never heard of. Bahawalpur – a city located along the left bank of the Sutlej river. Along with desert areas, Bahawalpur is known as the land of lush gardens that soothe your eyes whereas the splendor palaces don't fail to impress you.

16. Gorak Hill

Snowfall in Sindh — sounds more like fantasy but no, there’s one place in Sindh where it really snows in winter, to the extent that in 2008 the mountains got entirely covered with a layer of snow.

Gorakh is a scenic plateau situated at a height of over 5,688 feet and is part of the Kirthar Mountain Range that covers the entire Sindh’s border with Balochistan in the west.

Food you must try 

 

Pakistani food is rich, packed full of spice, generous with ghee, and unbelievably tasty. Get ready for some serious Pakistani flavor and regional specialties. Enough introductions, lets get to all the dishes.

Biryani

Biryani is a famous rice dish originated from Persia. It is a magnificent cuisine cooked in spices, saffron, and onions and has one of the best aromas. 

Every region in Pakistan has its own kind of Biryani. There is Sindhi Biryani, Hyderabadi Biryani, beef biryani, chicken biryani and more. 

Karachi has some of the best biryani places in Pakistan. Student Biryani, Indus Foods, and Biryani Center offer world’s best biryanis.

KARAHI

Karahi gosht is considered to be best cooked in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. 

In the surrounding areas of Peshawar, anything cooked in meat, be it lamb or goat meat, is ruled by the unique flavor this region has to offer. On the other hand, Chicken karahi is a specialty of Lahore food street. 

The dish is made by stir-frying pieces of chicken with tomatoes, green chili, ginger and garlic in a karahi.

NIHARI

noshed in breakfast and lunch. 

The thick curry, laden with juicy chunks of beef, cooked to perfection in the old walled city of Lahore.

It is also known as the dish of Nawabs of India as it was served to them on a breakfast before partition. 

HALEEM

Another tasty dish on the list is made up of lentils, barley, and meat. 

The thick brown, sinewy texture is a true delight for all food lovers. The best Haleem is served in a non-native setting throughout the cities. 

The generous amount of Haleem is served with lemon, fried onions and coriander at very reasonable prices to give you a true taste of Pakistani food. 

KORMA

One of the best thing ever cooked in a curry would be a Korma. 

It is cooked with yogurt infused with a taste of caramelized onions, whole garam masala, and green cardamom. 

The royal dish, Korma is considered to be everyone’s favorite in Pakistan. 

 CHANA CHAAT

Chana Chaat is one of the most loved snacks across Pakistan. 

Chana Chaat is a simple salad loaded with chickpeas, fried potatoes, dahi bara, samosa and served with tangy, spicy chutney or yogurt topped with chopped tomatoes, onions, mint and Chat masala. 

It is best enjoyed in the lingering hours before dinner and during evening tea time.

CHAPLI KABABPoi

The Pashtun styled Pakistani minced Chapli kabab are equally loved across Pakistan and in middle eastern countries. 

The dish itself originated from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and also known as Peshawari kabab. Peshawar offers the most tastiest Chapli Kababs in the country. 

It is made from minced beef or mutton with added spices and shaped into a round form of a patty. It is deep fried in a large pan and will crave you for more. 

ZARDA

Zarda is a simple and one of the most underrated dessert bringing the best of joys. 

The subtle sweetness and royal aroma of basmati rice are enjoyed over different celebratory occasions in Pakistan. The yellowish colored flavored dessert is a must try for someone who hasn’t had a bite yet. You will surely get addicted to it. 

RAS MALAI

There is something extremely unique about Ras malai. These soft, spongy cottage cheese patties dunked in saffron milk garnished with dry food is what every Pakistani crave for. 

It is widely available in bakeries and best served when it is chilled.  

SAMOSA

The triangle shaped pastries is another famous assorted snack in Pakistan. 

It is often stuffed with meat and vegetables such as mashed potatoes, peas, onions and carrot. They are crispy and often made from sturdy pastry. 

This is one of the popular street snacks in Pakistan and equally loved throughout the length and breadth of the country.

GAJAR KA HALWA

The sweet dessert is a treat and a must-have during the winter season. One of the popular halwa served during the wedding season and other special occasions. 

A warm bowl of this carrot made halwa is a roller coaster of sweetness and warmness. 

So if you happen to have a wintery season in Pakistan, don’t forget to get hands-on gajar halwa. 

BUN KEBAB

Bun kebabs are one of the famous and highly loved street food of Pakistan. 

Be it Karachi, Lahore or Rawalpindi, the roadside bun kebabs are the tastiest meal one can have. Bun Kebabs are prepared by dipping patty in egg and then fried. 

These yummy snacks are served with chutneys and ketchup. It is believed that none of the International fast food chains can compete with the taste of these Bun Kebabs. 

So do yourself a favor by munching on to these delicious roadside burgers. 

KULFI FALOODA

One of the best ‘coolants’ to eat/drink in summers. The creamy milky falooda is like an ice-cream rich in thickness, sweetness and consumed as a cold beverage in Pakistan. 

The kulfi Falooda contains a cone of kulfi, almonds, rose water, jelly, kewra and tukh malanga. 

This combination of different ingredients is a perfect way to cool it off in summers

GULAB JAMUN

Another sweet dessert whose name is enough to get your mouth watering. Nothing can stop the sweet tooth foodies from having these juicy gulab jamuns. 

These caramel colored, juicy and soft delicacies are available in every city of Pakistan. 

Gulab Jamun is a must on every desi wedding as these Jamuns drenched in sugar syrup topped with chopped almonds are filled with all the love.