There are many beautiful spots to see in Pakistan, not just the Himalayan and Karakoram mountains.
There are many fascinating sites to see in Pakistan, from the modern coastal city of Karachi, to the ancient Mughal city Lahore.
This list includes a variety of landscapes, architecture and thousands of years worth of history. It also highlights some of Pakistan's most vibrant and contemporary cultural aspects. These places remind us why Pakistan is Asia's top tourist destination. Now is the time to plan your vacation!
1. Lahore
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
You should visit Lahore if you have only a limited amount of time in Pakistan. This ancient Mughal City is a Unesco City of Literature and has multiple Unesco World Heritage Sites. It's not just one of Pakistan's most historical places, but also home to a vibrant modern culture.
The Lahore Fort was recently restored thanks to the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. The Shalimar Gardens, one of Pakistan's best-known landmarks, is also one of its most impressive religious buildings. It's also worth checking out the city's culinary scene.
Tip for planning: Book a hotel near or in Lahore’s Walled City to be able to walk around many monuments.
2. Multan
The best place to spiritualise
Multan, also known as City of Saints, is an important center of Sufism - the mystic form of Islam. Multan is the oldest city in Asia. Alexander the Great, who besieged the town in the fourth century BCE.
Most beautiful are the Sufi shrines in the city, including the Tombs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, with its turquoise-tiled floor, and Shamsuddin's Sabzwari Mausoleum, which has a predominantly pink color, topped off by a yellow dome.
Tip for planning: Multan's busiest times are during Urs festivals which celebrate the deaths of local saints. Festival dates are determined by the lunar calendar, and so they change every year. Check dates when you plan your trip.
3. Karakoram Highway
One of the most spectacular road trips in the world is the 1300km (808 mile) Karakoram Highway. The road offers spectacular views of Nanga Parbat (26,660ft), Rakaposhi (7,788m/25.551ft) as well as other mountain peaks. It passes through Gilgit, Hunza and continues north to the border with China.
You can hire a driver and a vehicle locally and explore the area from Gilgit up to the Chinese border.
Tip for planning: Plan accordingly because the northern section of Karakoram Highway will be closed from January to April, due to heavy snow and ice.
4. Rohtas Fort
The best place to learn about military history
Fortifications are scattered across Pakistan, a reminder of past conflicts. One of the largest is Rohtas Fort, near Dina.
The Unesco World Heritage Site in India is the most intact and impressive example of Mughal architectural style. It has 4km of walls, 14 gates that seem impenetrable, and a complex of well-preserved mosques, stepwells, palaces, and domestic structures.
Planning tip: Rohtas lies north of Lahore, just off the Grand Trunk Road (NH5) - visit en route between Lahore and Islamabad/Rawalpindi.
5. Fairy Meadows
The best place to hike
Fairy Meadows National Park in Pakistan is one of the best places to go. The ninth highest mountain in the World, Nanga Parbat, (8126m/26660ft), rises over fertile pastures, alpine forests, and brown bears. In spring and summer, wildflowers cover the grasslands and lakes. The tranquil landscapes can be seen reflected on the still waters of the small, quiet lakes.
Tip for planning: There are some tourist cottages or guesthouses in Fairy Meadows but camping is a better way to experience nature. You can reach Fairy Meadows from Raikot Bridge on the Karakoram Highway, south of Gilgit.
6. Moenjodaro
The best place to see ancient history
Moenjodaro (meaning "The Mound of the Dead") was constructed in Sindh over 4500 years before Christ, which makes it the oldest city on earth. It was also the centre of the Indus Valley Civilisation which spanned across Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. It was the first Unesco World Heritage Site in South Asia. Archaeologists excavated huge ruins, including streets, guard towers and granaries, as well as a public bath.
7. Shandur Pass
This pass is located at an altitude of 3720m (12204ft), in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, which is one of the most scenic mountainous regions. This high pass, located near the picturesque Shandur Lake in Pakistan, is home to Pakistan's best-known polo field, where an annual tournament takes place between Gilgit and Chitral. Polo Festival is a horse-back polo match with freestyle rules. It attracts thousands.
Tip for planning: The Shandur Polo Festival is held every July from 7 to 9 but you should plan in advance as accommodation and transportation are very popular.
8. Karachi
The best place to go out at night
There aren't many Western style nightclubs to be found in Pakistan as it is an alcohol-free country (unless the government has granted you a permit). However, there is still plenty of things to do after the sun sets in Karachi. Live music venues like Base Rock Cafe, T2F and Burns Road attract a large audience. It's a unique experience that many visitors are surprised to discover in Pakistan.
9. Katas Raj Temples
The best place to find myths and stories
Before Islam arrived in Pakistan, Hinduism and Buddhism were the dominant religions. According to Hindu mythology, the pool at the heart of the Katas Raj Temples, in Punjab, was formed by the tears shed by the Hindu deity Shiva. In the Sanskrit Epic Mahabharata the Pandava Brothers were banished here.
Early travelers also mentioned the presence a Buddhist stama. You can see the remains of this stupa alongside the ruins a temple, small fort and havelis. Katas Raj is a fascinating place, even though the buildings are not in good condition.
10. Hiran Minar
The best place to go for a short day trip
The Mughal Emperor Jahangir built Hiran Minar to honor his beloved antelope Mansraj who was proclaimed by him to be the "Lord" of all animals. A 16th century tomb, pavilion, and minaret overlooks a large reservoir at the heart of what used to be a hunting grounds for royalty, but is now a wildlife preserve. It is one of Pakistan's best destinations for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
Tip for planning: Hiran Minar can be combined with Sheikhupura Fort, which is only an hour drive from Lahore.
11. Attari
The best for pomp and ceremony
Attari-Wagah is the only land border crossing between Pakistan and India. The daily Closing Ceremony, which is held every day, features some of the most outrageous military displays you will ever witness. Soldiers from both countries compete to see who can show off the best facial hair, kick the highest, or shout the loudest. Join the crowds in the seats and enjoy a fun afternoon.
.jpeg){kind=link}