- Historical
- Nature
- Beaches and Mountain Adventure
HISTORICAL
1. Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh)
Mohenjo-Daro is probably the most attractive historic place in the country which is famous all over the world. It is part of the Larkana District of the province of Sindh and is at the right bank of the mighty River Indus. The archeological ruins of the place take us back into the history till 3000 B.C. So, this makes it a 5000 years old city which is the oldest civilization known to man after the Chinese. It was also the urbanized and the largest civilization in South Asia. They were first discovered in the year 1922 but, it was the year 1965 when significant excavations were completed. Now, people come from all over the places to witness this historic site. It was inscribed as place of cultural significance by UNESCO in 1980.
2. Lahore Fort and the Shalamar Gardens (Punjab)
These places in Lahore tell about the charismatic approach of the Mughal dynasty when it comes to making some really attention-grabbing beautiful constructions. They both are distinct places and the royal complexes of the unforgettable Mughal era. The Fort is very prominently located in the northwest part of the Lahore city which has been renovated several times all through its history. The Shalamar Gardens on the other side is the Royal Mughal garden with beautiful lawns, fountains and construction. It was built by Shahjahan (the 5th Mughal emperor) in the year 1642. UNESCO inscribed them in 1981.
3. Makli (Sindh)
Makli is actually a necropolis in the famous and the historic city of Thatta. The history of Makli dates back to the 14th century. People flock here from different parts of the country and even from outside Pakistan for witnessing the amazing mausoleums and the monuments in the country. The best thing about the place is that it is built with the use of some really top-quality stone, glazed tiles and the bricks which represents the actual Sindh civilization of the time. UNESCO inscribed them in 1981.
4. Takht-i-Bahi (KPK)
The literal meaning of Takht-i-Bahi is the ‘spring throne’ which refers to the monastic complex of the Buddhists dating back to the 1st century BC. It is situated right up a 152 m hill and the place is about 16 km from Mardan city and some 80 odd km from the Peshawar city. It has four major parts which are its Stupas courts, monastic complex, tantric complex and a temple complex. UNESCO inscribed them in 1980.
5. Taxila (Punjab)
Taxila is a great archeological site which is very much approachable and nearby the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad. It is also UNESCO designated World Heritage site in 1980. The history of this city takes us back to the Gandhara period and now it holds the ruins of that civilization dating back 5th to 2nd Century B.C.. It used to be a very critical place in the history for the Hindus and the Buddhists. Further, it still is a great place for the visitors and also sacred for the people who follow Hinduism or Buddhism traditions.
6. Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore (Punjab)
The literal meaning of Minar-e-Pakistan is the ‘Tower of Pakistan’. It is situated right at the heart of Lahore city and it took about 8 years to complete in the year 1968. The history of this place is that the famous Lahore resolution in the year 1940 was passed at this location by the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam. It has huge gardens all around it and has become one of the finest historic tourist spots of Pakistan.
7. Rohtas Fort (Punjab)
This UNESCO protected world heritage site (inscribed in 1997) was built by Afghan king Farid Khan, also known as Sher Shah Suri in the 16th century.
The Afghan-Persian architectural layout of the fort took eight years to build.
This fort was actually built as a garrison by the then ruler of the area. It is located near Jhelum, Punjab at a distance of just about 15 km. This fort is loved by all because of its exceptional architecture and apart from this it also beautifully reflects the Islamic architecture of military. It was built with the help of architectural intelligence of the designers from the Indian subcontinent and Turkey. It has a very strategic location on top of hill which gave the then army good chance to protect themselves against the Ghakkars.
8. Badshahi Mosque (Punjab)
The Great Badshahi Mosque is one of the oldest mosques of the region which was built in the Mughal era by the Great Emperor Aurangzeb. It was constructed in the year 1671 and today it is the second largest mosque in the country after Shah Faisal Mosque. It can accommodate as much as 100,000 worshippers at a time when all its halls and courtyards are occupied. It was till 1986, that this historic mosque was known as the largest mosque in the world. But, with Shah Faisal Masjid and several other mosques in the entire world were constructed which were bigger than this one. But, that doesn’t take away any credit from this mosque as it is still one of the most frequently visited historic places in Pakistan.
9. Quaid’s Residency (Balochistan)
Quaid’s Residency is the last place where the great leader Jinnah spent the last few months of his life. It is located in Ziarat which is a picturesque hill station some 3 hours’ drive from the Quetta city of Balochistan province. It has historic relevance for the entire nation as the ailing Quaid was recommended by his doctors to live in a peaceful area such as Ziarat. It was because of the fresh mountain air and the fragrance of the place which convinced Jinnah to live here.
10. Islamia College (KPK)
Islamia College is located in the historic city of Peshawar and it was established by Nawab Abdul Qayyum and George Kepel. It has great historic relevance as the idea here was to develop not only an educational building but also to give a platform for boosting the much-needed political activities of the time. It is still in Peshawar and serving students with all the modern knowledge of the time. During the independence movement for Pakistan, Jinnah thrice visited this college to encourage the youth.
11. Ranikot Fort (Sindh)
Ranikot Fort is a historical Talpur fort near Sann, Jamshoro District, Sindh, Pakistan. Ranikot Fort is also known as The Great Wall of Sindh and is believed to be the world’s largest fort, with a circumference of approximately 32 kilometres. The fort’s ramparts have been compared to the Great Wall of China.
The site was nominated in 1993 by the Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO world heritage status, and has since been on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fort is listed as a historical site under the Antiquities Act, 1975 and its subsequent amendments, and is provided protection. Ranikot Fort is 90 kilometres to the north of Hyderabad on the national highway. There is also an easy access of about an hour’s journey from Karachi to Sann on the Indus Highway. A diversion road, starting a little distance away from Sann, the nearest town, leads to the fort along a rugged 21 kilometres road and reaches the eastern gate of the fort, known as Sann Gate. Sann is a rail head on the Kotri-Larkana line of the Pakistan Railway. It is inside the Kirthar National Park, the second largest national park in Pakistan.
The original purpose and architects of Ranikot Fort are unknown. It was formerly believed that the fort was built during the regimes of the Sassanians, the Scythians, the Parthians or the Bactrian Greeks, however, more recent evidence shows that the fort originated under the Talpurs.
Archaeologists point to the 17th century as the time of its first construction but Sindh archaeologists now agree that some of the present structures were reconstructed by Talpurs in 1812 at a cost of 1.2 million rupees. The battlements of Ranikot formed the last capital of the Amirs of Sind, when they were brought under the colonial rule of the British Empire. Radiocarbon tests were conducted at the Sann Gate on the charcoal embedded in the mortar of a collapsed pillar of the eastern gate of the fort. These tests have confirmed that this gate was probably renovated between the early part of the 18th century and the early part of the 19th century, prior to Britain invading the fort when the Kalhoras, or most likely the Talpur Mirs of Sindh ruled over the area.
The fort is huge, connecting several bleak mountains of the Kirthar hills along contours, and measures 31 kilometres in length. The fort’s wall is interspersed with several bastions, and three are of semi-circular shape. The northern part of the fort’s perimeter is a natural high hilly formation while on the other three sides it is covered by fort walls. Within this main fort there is a smaller fort known as the “Miri Fort” which is about 3 km from the Sann gate, and is reported to have served as the palace of the Mir royal family. The entire fort structure has been built with stone and lime mortar. The fort is built in a zig-zag form, with four entry gates in the shape of a rhomboid. The four gates are namely: Sann Gate, Amri Gate, Shah-Pere Gate and Mohan Gate. Two of the gates, facing each are crossed diagonally by the Sann river; the first gate is on the western side and is skirted by the river water and is difficult to approach. The southern entry gate has a double doors gate. Within the gates there are two niches which have floral ornamentation and carved stones.
Ancient Architectural Carving on the walls of Rani Kort
The Sann gate is well preserved and can be climbed to reach the top of the fort from both sides to get a scenic view of the terrain around the fort. This gate is also the entrance to the Meeri.
(Source: Wikipedia.org)
NATURE
Natural beauty is un-matched. Pakistan has world’s most beautiful places to visit, specially at its best in northern areas of Pakistan and Kashmir region. This part of the country is famous all around the world because of sky high mountains, lush green valleys, mighty rivers, beautiful lakes, and amazing wildlife. The Paradise on Earth ‘Neelum Valley’ (mini Switzerland) ‘Swat Valley’ and Mountain Kingdom ‘Hunza valley’ are the major tourist attractions in Pakistan. All these places are real natural beauty of the world.
There are also many best camping sites in Pakistan, where tourists can enjoy hiking and camping. Here, below is a list of top 10 best natural places to visit in Pakistan.
1. Neelum Valley
Neelam Valley is a 144 km long bow-shaped valley in Azad Kashmir Region. The Valley is situated at the North & North-East of Muzaffarabad (The Capital of Azad Kashmir). Running through the Lesser Himalaya, the Neelam River valley has excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides of the noisy Neelum river, lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.
Neelum valley is one of the most attractive places for tourists due to its famous lush greenery, springs, streams, lakes and hilly and sloppy mountains. Some of its famous places like Athmuqam, Kutton Jagran, Karen, Neelum, Ratti Galli, Baboon, Noori top, Sharda, Sharda Fort, Sharda University (The Oldest University of Sub-Continent), Arrang Kel, Surgon, Halmet, Taobut and many more.
In addition, Neelum Valley offers you to visit the most beautiful lake “Ratti Gali”. Patlian Lake and Baboon Top are new addition in Neelum Valley’s attractions. You can access Ratti Gali, Patlian and Baboon by 4 x 4 vehicles.
2. Hunza Valley
The Hunza Valley is a mountainous valley in the Gilgit–Baltistan region. It was formerly a princely state. The Hunza valley is situated north/west of the Hunza River, at an elevation of around 2,500 metres. The valley has three regions – Upper Hunza (Gojal); Center Hunza and Lower Hunza.
Hunza valley has many stunning sites to see. Some of these beautiful places are: Rakaposhi Base Camp; Diran Base Camp; Hoper Glacier; Passue and Gulmit; Khunjrab Pass; Atta Abad lake, Batura Glacier and Nagar valley.
Nagar Valley is also one of the best natural places to visit in Pakistan. The valley offers you to enjoy world’s biggest glaciers as well as natural landscapes. The people of Hunza are one of the best throughout the country.
3. Swat Valley
Swat is a valley and an administrative district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. It is the upper valley of the Swat River, which rises in the Hindu Kush range.
Swat is one of the Pakistan’s most popular tourist destinations. With lush forests, verdant alpine meadows, and snow-capped mountains it offers a lot to enjoy. Located at an average elevation of 3,220 ft, Swat considerably has a cooler and wetter climate compared to most of Pakistan.
Swat Valley is also called “Mini Switzerland of Pakistan”. The valley has many attractions for visiting such as Mahodand Valley & Lake, Natural Ushu Valley & Ushu Forest, Malam Jabba (Famous ski resort in Swat Valley), Madyan, Swat & Kalam vallies, Bonir, Deer and many other naturally beautiful sites.
4. Deosai National Park
The Deosai National Park is a high-altitude alpine plain and national park in northern Pakistan. It is located within Skardu District in Gilgit Baltistan. The Deosai National Park is located between Kharmang, Astore and Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan. It has an average elevation of 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level, making the Deosai Plains second highest plateau in the world after Changtang Tibetan Plateau. The park protects an area of 3,000 square kilometres. It is well known for its rich flora and fauna of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe eco region. In spring, it is covered by sweeps of wildflowers and a wide variety of butterflies.
Deosai is accessible from Skardu District in the north, Galtari Kharmang District in the south-east and the Astore District in the west. Deosai is located approximately 30 km from Skardu city and it is the shortest route to visit Deosai. Most foreigners visit Deosai via Skardu. It takes one hour to reach Deosai top via Sadpara Skardu. Another route is from Astore valley via Chilim. It is also accessible from Shila valley. The people of Galtari travel via Deosai. While it is a National Park, the Gujjar-Bakwarwal travel large distances to utilize the Deosai National Park as grazing lands. There is another route called Burgi la via Tsoq Kachura valley Skardu.
Several varieties of wildflowers grow on the plains. The Deosai National Park was established in 1993 to protect the survival of the Himalayan brown bear and its habitat. Having long been a prize kill for poachers and hunters, the bear now has a hope for survival in Deosai where its number has increased from only 19 in 1993 to 40 in 2005. During the last decade, a few but effective measures have been taken by the Government of Pakistan for the survival of brown bear in the region. In 1993, Himalayan Wildlife Project was founded with a substantial financial support from international environmental concerns. But the brown bear is still under threat. The Deosai Plains are also home to the Himalayan ibex, red fox, golden marmot (locally called Phia), gray wolf, the Ladakh urial, snow leopard and over 124 resident and migratory birds. Birds in the park include the golden eagle, lammergeier, griffon vulture, laggar falcon, peregrine falcon, Eurasian kestrel, Eurasian sparrow-hawk and snowcock.
The following species are found in Deosai: Artemisia maritima, Polygonum affine, Thalictrum alpinum, Bromus oxyodon, Saxifraga flagellaris, Androsace mucronifolia, Aster flaccidus, Barbarea vulgaris, Artemisia maritima, Agropyron longearistatum, Nepeta connate, Carex cruenta, Ranaculyus laetus, Arenaria neelgerrensis, Astrogalus leucophylla, Polygonum amplexinade, Echinop nivetus, Seria chrysanthenoides, Artemisia maritima, Dracocephalum nutsus, Anapalas contorta, Chrysopogon echinulatus and Dianthus crinitus. There were also observed some medicinal plants which are locally famous i.e. Thymu linearis (Reetumburuk), Saussures lappa (kuth), Ephedra intimedia (Say), Viola canescens (Skora-mindoq), Dracocephalum muristanicum (Shamdun) and Artemisia maritima (Bursay) etc. are used as traditional drug therapies.
5. Kalash Valley
Kalash Valley is one of the major tourist attractions in Pakistan. This is situated in the Chitral district of Pakistan. This valley has a historic background but its history has controversies. Kelash is actually a very old Greek civilization. The people belonging to this civilization are called ‘The Kelash’. They belong to old tribes and have their own religion and culture.
This is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan. In addition to natural beauty, the valley has a unique and amazing culture. People living here in small villages that they build on the hill sides. These villages are at the banks of the streams and rivers. People construct their homes with rough shaped logs. People of Kalash are cheerful. They celebrate many festivals like Uchal Festival, Phoo Festival and Chomos Festival. Also, there are many attractive sites for visiting.
6. Kaghan Valley
The Kaghan Valley is a beautiful valley in the north-east of Mansehra District. It attracts many tourists from not only Pakistan but also from the whole world. Lying in lower Himalayan mountains range, the Kaghan valley is famous for its bewitching splendor and natural beauty. It has one of the most charming tourist resorts in scenic Hazara division. There are many beautiful and attractive spots like Shogran, Jared, Naran, Lake Saiful Muluk, Lake Dudipat Sar, Lake Lulu Sar, Babusar Pass and much more to do.
The Kaghan Valley is at its best during summer. Naran is most famous spot for tourists in the valley. Thousands of people visit Naran daily. The region is Alpine in geography and climate, with forests and meadows dominating the landscape below peaks that reach over 17,000 feet.
Near the town Naran, there’s one of the highest lakes in Pakistan “Saiful Muluk”. It is a mountainous lake in the Saiful Muluk National Park. At an elevation of 3,224 m above sea level, the lake is a source of the Kunhar river.
Babusar Top is another wonderful place to visit in Pakistan. Located at an elevation of 13,691 feet above sea level, it is also one of the highest spots in Babusar Valley. The Pass connects KPK with Gilgit Baltistan via the Thak Nala with Chilas on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). It can be easily accessed by cars.
7. Murree Hills
This is a summer hill station. The summer resort and is situated in Murree, the subdivision of Rawalpindi District. Murree was the summer capital of the British Raj in the Punjab Province. People from all over Pakistan wish to go there in summer to enjoy its natural beauty. Also, in winter season for astonishing experience of snowfall.
Bhurban and New Murree (Patriata) are the main tourist centers. One of the most favorite tourist points of Murree is Galliat. It has fascinating greenery and scenic beauty that attracts tourists belonging to different regions of Asia. Most popular picnic points of Murree Hills are Dunga Gali , Muskpuri Hill , Nathia Gali, Bara Gali and Mall Road.
8. Shandur Pas
Shandur is the Highest Polo Ground on Earth. Located about 3738 meter above sea level between Chitral District and Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is often called the ‘Roof of the World’. The top is flat, a plateau and can be crossed between late April and early November.
In addition to its natural attractions, each summer a huge event called the Shandur Polo Festival is organized here. There is a polo match being played between the teams of Chitral District and districts of Gilgit-Baltistan which is also a big source of attraction for the tourists. Different people come against each other in this freestyle contest.
The Shandur Pass is one of the major mountain passes of Pakistan. Also, one of the best places to visit in Pakistan. It is generally unpopulated and passing through its snow-covered slopes in winters is an exceptionally difficult adventure. The polo ground is about 168 Km from the main town Chitral and accessible by jeep. The road is closed during winter due to heavy snow.
9. Rawalakot
Rawalakot is a town in Azad Kashmir, and is the district headquarter of Poonch Division. It is in a beautiful valley surrounded by hills, which is located 80 km away from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Rawalakot is a summer visiting point. The winters in Rawalakot are cold and chilly. There are many attractions for visitors like Banjosa; Toli Pir; Poonch River; Tatta Pani; Banjosoa Lake; Sudhngalli and many more.
10. Ziarat
Ziarat is the capital of Ziarat District, Balochistan. Also, Ziarat is a famous holiday resort of Balochistan and nearly every trip from Karachi to Quetta stops at Ziarat. It was the summer residence of the chief commissioner of Balochistan, and sanatorium for the European troops at Quetta. There is a good water supply, and the hills around are well-wooded and picturesque. A visit to Quetta is incomplete without a trip to Ziarat. Ziarat is a hill station in the Sibi district of the province of Balochistan. It remains quite cool during summer and receives enough snowfall during the winter.
11. Jehlum Valley
This is an ideal valley of Azad Kashmir region for both the domestic and international tourists. The curling river Jhelum passes through from East to West between the high green mountains of this valley. This valley has an extremely beautiful valley called “Leepa Valley”. This is the most fascinating & attractive valley in Azad Kashmir. Its lush green rice fields in summer and typical wooden Kashmiri houses present a wonderful view to the people visiting the area. Walnut, Apple, Cherry and honey of Leepa are very popular and in great demand. There are many visiting sites like Peerchanasi, Chikar, Chinary, Leepa, Chakothi, Ghari Dopatta, Chokothi Cham-fall and Zilzaal Lake.
Beaches and Mountains
Pakistan has an extraordinary and magnificent variety of landscapes ranging from five of the highest mountain peaks in the world to some of the largest and unique plateaus in the west and finally, awe-inspiring flat Indus plains in the east. It is a land in which the entire canvas of its topography is coloured with picturesque valleys, treacherous mountaintops, serene bodies of water and lush green meadows.
K2 Mountain Range
K2 is a magnificent snow-covered mountain that reflects the powerful might of nature in all of its glory, making it marvellous and terrifying at the same time. It is the second-highest mountain in the entire world reaching an unfathomable height of 28,253 feet (8,612 metres). K2 is often referred to as the ‘Savage Mountain’ because it is an excruciatingly difficult ascent with one of the highest prevailing fatality rates for all climbers who dare to climb it. Despite its unconquerable terrain and unpredictable weather patterns, it appeals to climbers from all over the world. Even though it is located on the Pakistan-China border, climbers prefer to climb it from Pakistan’s side as it is more conducive to the activity. Even if you don’t aspire to join its summit, just the mere spectacle of this mighty mountain is a perspective-altering experience that allows you to completely become immersed in the all-encompassing magnificence of mother nature.
Trango Tower
The Trango tower, located in the Baltoro Glacier region present in the Gilgit-Baltistan territory, is the most spectacular vertical alpine climb in the entire world. It has intrigued and inspired alpine climbers from all over the world to achieve its nearly impossible ascent to the top. Against the backdrop of the mighty mountain ranges of the Karakorum, the Trango Tower stands erect with all the unfaltering pride and greatness of a Greek God. It is a mesmerizing sight and an arduous climb as it is completely vertical and its sheer magnificence makes it stand out amidst the entire range of peaks that surround it.
Princess Of Hope
Along the Makran Coast Highway, there is a dazzling sculpture carved out of natural rock and mud that has been marvellously sculpted out of the skilled hands of nature itself. Due to the strong winds emanating from the Arabian Sea in the Balochistan region, this masterpiece stands as tall and proud as a princess of a great kingdom. The name ‘Princess of Hope’ was given to this magnificent natural sculpture by Angelina Jolie on her visit to Pakistan.
Baltoro Glacier
Pakistan is famous for its monumental glaciers made purely out of ice located at the core of some of the most extreme mountain ranges in the country These white castles of nature are inspiring as well as extremely difficult to reach even though the magnificent view is worth every hardship you may encounter to get there. The Baltoro Glacier is located in the Karakorum Range at an elevation of 13,895 feet and is 63 kilometres long, making it the second-longest non-polar glacier in the entire world. Trekking through it is like experiencing an ice age – you’ll be completely overwhelmed by every aspect of the glacier on a physical, mental and emotional level.
Pakistan coastal line is (approximately) 1100 kilometer long. About 770 km is untouched, clean and mostly unexplored and uncrowded. The water in summer is pleasantly warm. Visit these beaches and you will be amazed.
Somiani Beach
Somiani beach is the perfect place to practice yoga.
Gwadar Beach
Gwadar is fishing heaven
‘Do Darya’ (Twin brooks)
‘Do Darya’ is to Karachi what Monal is to Islamabad.
Sunehri Beach
Skip that trip to the Maldives. Visit Sunehri Beach instead
Cape Mount’
Combine a low-lying mountain range with the sea and you have picture-perfect ‘Cape Mount’
Hawksbay
If you haven’t visited Hawksbay, you haven’t done Karachi beaches justice.
Sea View might not be the best beach around…but this picture had us believing otherwise
Nathiagali beach
Nathiagali beach is among the hardest to access, but that’s exactly what makes it so perfect
but this picture had us believing otherwise!
Tushan Beach
Kick back and relax at serene Tushan beach
Kund Malir Beach
Kund Malir beach – just one of the many reasons to visit Balochistan
Jiwani Beach
Jiwani is known to have the best sunset.
Then there are Ormara and Pasni beaches as well.
Mubarak Village Beach is also included in the list. One of the finest and cleanest bit of Karachi coastline along with a refreshing spot for fishing. The view of Charna Island from there is just perfect
