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
Badshahi Mosque
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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. The Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest in the world, is a must-see for its grandeur and intricate design. To dive deeper into Lahore's rich history, visit the Lahore Museum for fascinating exhibits and information, while the ancient Walled City provides a glimpse into the past with its narrow streets and traditional bazaars.
2. Gandhara Sites
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 which all have outstanding collections.
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3. Indus Valley Sites
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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 and structured society suggest a high level of cultural and technological development. Small sites are scattered across Pakistan and North-west India but the two biggest and most important are Mohenjo-daro and Harappa.
Takht-i-Bahi
Makli Necropolis
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4. Thatta
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.
5. Hunza Valley
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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 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.
6. Kalash Valley
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Kalash Valley is a unique and culturally rich region in the Chitral District of Pakistan, famous for its indigenous Kalash people, who have their own distinct language, religion, and traditions. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the valley is known for its colorful festivals, traditional wooden houses, and the Kalash people's vibrant culture, which includes polytheistic beliefs and ancient rituals that set them apart from the rest of Pakistan's population.
Hunza Valley
Tomb of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam (Multan)
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.
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8. Tombs of Multan
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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.
9. KKH
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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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10. 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.
Karakoram Highway
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​​​​​​
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
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Banbhore
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Makli
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Chaukandi
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Shah Jahan Mosque​​​​