Blessed with plethora of natural wonders, Pakistan will take you by a swift breeze. The mighty mountains, welcoming valleys, pristine lakes, glistening rivers, untouched beaches, bustling cities, and appeasing cuisines will leave you in awe of it. With a country as diverse as Pakistan, it becomes little painful from where to start off and what to leave. But number of beautiful places makes it easy. Due to political instability and presence of extremists the country has been off the radar of explorers, but the beauty of it doesn’t fails to claim itineraries from world around. So here we are to help you with the best places to visit in Pakistan.
Lahore – This city is a treat of rich culture, fine artistry, and heritage in abundance for Travellers. The legacy of Mughal Empire and Colonial British still is reflected in open spaces, forts, and monuments. Top attractions in here include ShahiQila, and the historic Minar-e-Pakistan. You will also admire the grandeur of Shalimar Garden, and shopping spaces in Anarkali Bazaar. The mosques of Lahore come with great architecture, and gastronomyonFood Street and M MAlam Road is must have.
Islamabad – The capital city is pretty peaceful and adorned with serene landscapes. The place you can’t miss in here is Faisal Mosque with a facade and four minarets, situated at foothills of Margalla Hills which is quite popular amongst hikers. On foothills of this hill is also Saidpur Village that is a Mughal era heritage site. The views are city are breath taking from Daman-e-Koh and worth in itinerary. LokVirsa Museum is another must visit for peek into Pakistani Culture.
Karachi – The once capital and a cosmopolitan of Pakistan has many monuments for the founder of country in Quaid-e-Azam Museum, Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, Wazir Mansion and Bagh-e-Jinnah. Another must see is Mohatta Palace with architectural marvel and lavish interiors. Other top attractions in here include State Bank Museum, National Museum of Pakistan and Pakistan Air Force Museum. Having food at Port Grand is just more than appeasing and experience not to be missed.
Mohenjodaro – It is the historic site of Indus valley Civilization with traces and remains of earliest settlements known to mankind. History buffs will love this one, a site more than 4000 years old. It is also a spectacle of town planning in times where there weren’t any towns or planners around. It had an efficient water management structure with public baths. The sites are well within reach from city of Karachi and also declared as UNESCO World Heritage site.
Neelum Valley – This beauty belongs to the Azaad Kashmir, based around the River Neelum of Lesser Himalayas. It is known for its lush greenery, scenic views, green hills around, milky white streams, lakes, springs, and quaint settlements distributed across. Top attractions in here include Athmuqam, KuttonJagran, Karen, Neelum, Ratti Galli, Baboon, Noori top, Sharda, Sharda Fort, Sharda University (The Oldest University of Sub Continent).
Hunza Valley – This beauty is located in the Gilgit District, and is quite popular for its picturesque scenery. It was formerly a princely state, and is made up of Gojal (Another popular valley),CenterHunza and Lower Hunza. This place is your window to see World’s biggest glaciers, in their natural habitat. Top attractions in here include Rakaposhi Base Camp, Diran Base Camp, Hoper Glacier, Passue and Gulmit, Khunjrab Pass, Atta Abad Lake, Batura Glacier and Nagar valley.
Shandur Pas – Shandur is home to Highest Polo Ground on earth, and is quite popular for it. The top of it is flat like roof on over 4000 ft. above the sea level. The snow covered mountains make this place a picturesque spot, but Travellers flock in here travelling on only means Jeeps, for Polo. Every summer it hosts Shandur Polo Festival, and there are matches between Chitral and Gilgit Teams. Travellers enjoy taking part in this freestyle game. It is a must visit for sporty travellers.
Murree Hills – It is a summer retreat and quite a popular hill station of Pakistan. Murree is a sub division of Rawalpindi. Summers in here are time of experiencing beauty of nature, and winters to witness the snowfall. Two regions namely Bhurban and New Murree are the top tourist regions of this place. The top attraction of Murree is Galliat that has gained prominence due to green landscapes. DungaGali, Muskpuri Hill, NathiaGali, Bara Gali and Mall Road are also must see.
Wagah Border – Located at the conjunction of outskirts of Amritsar India, and Lahore Punjab, is the symbol of distant peace in form of Wagah Border. Considering the tense relations between India and Pakistan, this place becomes more crucial to see forces of both countries facing each other. If you have the VISA of other country, you can also pass through the Wagah border. As an everyday ritual, troopers from both countries perform a parade, bring down banners, and do a handshake.
Khewra Salt Mine – Chance to tour world’s second largest salt mine doesn’t comeevery day, but is 180 odd kilometres from Islamabad. It is located on foothills of salt Range in Punjab. The thrill of riding into the mine on carts is matchless. Inside there are caves made entirely of salt, a number of saltwater pools, and some miniature salt structures. The complex also has a medicinal facility that works on curing asthma and other respiratory diseases using salt Therapy.
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