Derawar Fort
Pakistan
Pakistan is a land of diverse landscapes, rich history, and immense cultural heritage. Geographically, it spans from the rugged peaks of the Hindu Kush, Himalayan, and Karakoram mountain ranges in the north, home to some of the world's highest mountains, to the vast plains of the Indus River and the arid deserts in the south. The country also features a stunning coastline along the Arabian Sea, providing a mix of landscapes for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Pakistan’s history stretches back thousands of years, with the ancient Indus Valley Civilization laying the foundation for one of the world’s earliest urban societies. The region has been a crossroads of various cultures, from the ancient Aryans and Persians to the influences of Alexander the Great, Mughal Empire, and British colonial rule, each leaving behind their own architectural and cultural imprints. Today, landmarks like the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro, the majestic Badshahi Mosque, and the vibrant Lahore Fort stand testament to its rich past. Despite its wealth of history and natural beauty, Pakistan’s tourism potential remains largely unexplored. From the breathtaking landscapes of Hunza Valley to the untapped treasures of historical sites and cultural festivals, Pakistan holds an abundance of opportunities for eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural exploration, making it an emerging gem for global travelers
Table of Contents
Badshahi Mosque
1
Lahore
Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, is a city brimming with history, art, and vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the stunning architecture of the Lahore Fort and the nearby Shalimar Gardens, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase the decadence of the Mughal era. The Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest in the world, is a must-see for its gigantic courtyard, beautiful red sandstone structure, and i detailed white marble. To dive deeper into Lahore's rich history, visit the Lahore Museum, where an extensive collection of artifacts—from Gandhara sculptures to Islamic manuscripts—offers an interesting journey through the region’s past. Meanwhile, the ancient Walled City provides a glimpse into centuries-old traditions with its labyrinth of narrow streets, bustling traditional bazaars, and historic sites like the Delhi Gate and Wazir Khan Mosque.
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Gandhara Sites
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The Gandhara Buddhist civilization was around for over one thousand years, but reached its height between the 1st–5th century CE. The most well-known and intact archaeological sites are located in Taxila and Takht-i-Bahi, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as scattered around the Swat Valley. You can also admire the renowned artistic style developed by Gandhara, which fuses Greco-Roman style art with Buddhist ideas, at the Taxila, Peshawar, and Swat museums, all of which have outstanding collections. Many of these sites reveal ancient monasteries, stupas, and educational centers that once drew students and monks from across Asia. The region’s art and architecture also played a key role in shaping early Buddhist imagery that later spread along the Silk Road.
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Takht-i-Bahi
Harappa
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Indus Valley Sites
The Indus Valley, also referred to as the Harappan civilization, is one of the cradles of civilization and thrived at about the same time as Egypt and Mesopotamia, from 3,300–1,300 BCE. Known for its advanced urban planning, the cities feature well-organized streets, effective drainage systems, and impressive structures. Though much about the civilization remains mysterious due to the undeciphered script, evidence of extensive trade and a prosperous, structured society suggest a high level of cultural and technological development. Small sites are scattered across Pakistan and northwest India, but the two biggest and most important are Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. Ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover new insights into daily life, revealing items such as pottery, tools, and ornaments that highlight the skill of Harappan artisans. The civilization’s sudden decline remains a topic of debate, adding an element of mystery to its already fascinating history.
​Thatta is a historic city in southern Pakistan, located in the Sindh province, known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Once the capital of the Sindh region during the Mughal era, Thatta boasts a mix of Islamic, Persian, and Indian influences. Surrounding Thatta are four important historical sites:
Makli Necropolis: The largest graveyard in the world, featuring stunning tombs and mausoleums of Sindhi rulers, saints, and scholars from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Shah Jahan Mosque: A Mughal-era mosque renowned for its exquisite tile work and architectural elegance, built during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century.
Chaukandi Tombs: A complex of elaborate sandstone tombs from the 15th to 18th centuries, known for their intricate carvings.
Bhanbhore: An ancient walled city, thought to be the port of Debal where the first muslim invader, Muhammad bin Qasim landed in 711 CE to conquer Sindh.
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Thatta
Makli Necropolis
Hunza Valley
Hunza Valley is a picturesque mountainous region in northern Pakistan, renowned for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear rivers, and towering peaks like Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar. Located in the Gilgit–Baltistan region, this area has a vibrant culture, friendly people, and the historic Baltit and Altit forts, which were stops on the old Silk Road and date back centuries. The valley is a popular destination for trekking, adventure tourism, and experiencing the natural beauty of the Karakoram Range. Visitors can also explore traditional villages such as Karimabad, known for its terraced fields and local handicrafts. In spring and autumn, the valley transforms with colorful blossoms and golden foliage, adding even more charm to its already breathtaking scenery.
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Hunza Valley
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Kalash Valley
Kalash Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is renowned for its vibrant culture, colorful festivals, and traditional wooden houses, offering visitors a rare glimpse into a community whose customs and way of life remain strikingly different from those of surrounding populations. The Kalash people are an indigenous community with a history steeped in legend and mystery, often believed to be descendants of Alexander the Great’s soldiers who settled in the region over two thousand years ago. Living in the remote mountain valleys of the Chitral District, the Kalash remained relatively isolated for centuries, which allowed them to preserve many aspects of their ancient culture, including traditional rituals, festivals, and their own language. They have also retained very distinct physical features, and a non-Islamic, polytheistic belief system.
Village in Kalash Valley
Photo by Anita Schneider @anitaschneiderphotography (instagram)
Rohtas Fort
7
Ancient Forts
The ancient forts of Pakistan, scattered across the country, reflect its rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Notable examples include the imposing Rohtas Fort, a 16th-century military stronghold built by the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, and the Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert, which dates back to the 9th century and served as a key defensive post in the region. These forts, often perched on strategic hilltops, played significant roles in regional defense and governance, offering a glimpse into Pakistan's complex past. Many forts, such as the Lahore Fort and Bala Hissar Fort in Peshawar, showcase unique architectural styles blending Islamic, Mughal, and local influences. In addition, forts located in the mountainous regions along the historic Silk Road, like the Altit and Baltit Forts in Hunza, served as critical checkpoints and protection for caravans traveling through the treacherous mountain passes. Today, these historic sites attract tourists and historians alike, preserving the legacy of Pakistan’s military, political, and cultural history across both plains and highlands.
The tombs of Multan, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan, are a testament to the city's rich history and Islamic heritage. These tombs, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, are known for their distinctive architectural style, featuring intricate tile work, domes, and elaborate decorations. Notable examples include the tombs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Bahauddin Zakariya, which attract pilgrims and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural legacy of the region. Many of these tombs also reflect a blend of Persian, Central Asian, and local architectural influences, highlighting Multan’s role as a historic center of trade and Sufism. The surrounding courtyards and mosques often host religious gatherings and festivals, allowing visitors to experience the living traditions that continue to thrive alongside these historic monuments.
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Tombs of Multan
Tomb of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam (Multan)
​The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is a spectacular mountain road that connects Pakistan to China, traversing through the rugged landscapes of the Karakoram Range. Often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the KKH is one of the highest paved roads in the world, offering breathtaking views of towering peaks like K2 and Rakaposhi, as well as passing through remote villages and valleys. The highway is a key trade and travel route, symbolizing the historic link between the two countries and showcasing the engineering marvel required to build it through such challenging terrain. However, the KKH can also be a daunting experience, with narrow roads, steep cliffs, and frequent landslides that make travel treacherous, especially during harsh weather conditions. For many, the highway offers both awe-inspiring beauty and a thrilling, yet sometimes terrifying, journey through one of the most remote regions in the world.​​​
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KKH
Karakoram Highway
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Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park, located in northern Pakistan, is one of the highest plateaus in the world, often referred to as the "Land of Giants." Stretching over 4,000 meters above sea level, the park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including vast, rolling plains, colorful wildflowers, and dramatic mountain views. Driving across the park offers an unforgettable adventure, as visitors navigate rugged, unpaved roads amidst breathtaking scenery, sometimes encountering wildlife like brown bears and Himalayan ibex. The journey is challenging yet rewarding, offering a true sense of isolation and natural beauty. The park is also a critical habitat for endangered species, including the snow leopard and red fox, and supports a variety of migratory birds, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. Its brief summer season, between June and August, brings fresh blooms and greenery to the plateau, offering one of the region’s most scenic landscapes.
Deosai National Park
How To Get Around
If you enter the country by air, your first stop will most likely be either Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore since these have the largest international airports. If visiting the north, it is also possible to fly directly to Skardu from U.A.E if you don’t want to transit through another city. Once inside Pakistan, the country is very well connected through the air, and flying is a good way to travel as it can be more comfortable and save time. In the northern areas, public transport usually exists in the form of minivans or small buses. These can take you between all the major towns in the mountains. There are also options to rent a vehicle if flexibility is a priority. These options exist in the south as well, along with various train routes. However, when inside the city and driving between cities, it is recommended to have a hired guide and driver or to take private transport of some sort. It is best to be accompanied by someone who has local knowledge and can speak Urdu. There are many checkpoints, both police and military and having an experienced guide can facilitate these interactions and make sure they go smoothly.
Safety
The safety of Pakistan is often misunderstood and misrepresented due to sensationalized and skewed portrayals in the media. While the country does face security challenges, including terrorism and political instability in certain regions, the media often exaggerates these issues, painting a picture of an entire nation in peril. International media outlets, in particular, tend to focus heavily on negative stories, failing to highlight the country's many positive developments, such as economic progress, cultural richness, and improved security in key areas. In reality, many parts of Pakistan, including major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, are relatively safe and thriving. The portrayal of Pakistan as a constant hotbed of violence or danger overlooks the resilience of its people and the significant efforts made by the government and security forces to ensure public safety
Suggested Itineraries
North- 2 weeks
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Day 1: Fly to Skardu and drive to Shigar
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Cold Desert
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Amburiq Mosque
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Shigar Fort
Day 2: Drive across Deosai Top to Astore
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Deosai National Park
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Manthal Buddha Rock​
Day 3: Astore to Hunza
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Rama Meadows
Day 4-6: Hunza
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Passu
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Khunjerab Pass
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Hopper Valley
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Baltit & Altit
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Ganish Village
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Petroglyphs
Day 7-9: Drive to Chitral via Shandur Pass
Day 10: Kalash Valley
Day 11: Swat Valley
Day 12: Takt-i-bahi and Peshawar Museum​
Days 13-14: End in Islamabad
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Rohtas Fort
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​Taxila​​​​​​
Shigar
Thatta
South- 2 weeks
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Days 1-3: Start in Islamabad
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Taxila
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Kewhra Salt Mines
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Katas-raj temples
Day 4-6: Lahore
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Lahore Fort
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Badshaihal Mosque
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Shalimar Gardens
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Lahore Museum
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Wagah Border
Day 7: Drive to Multan
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Harrapa
Day 8: Multan
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Tombs
Day 9: Bahalwapur
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Derawar Fort
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Sadiq Garh Palace
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Uch Sharif
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Noor Mahal
Day 10: Mohenjo-daro
Day 11: Ranikot Fort
Day 12: Drive to Karachi
Day 13-14: Karachi & Thatta
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Banbhore
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Makli
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Chaukandi
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Shah Jahan Mosque​​​​