12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the most underrated travel destinations going around. It’s more than just what you see in the media about a corrupt government, terrorism and the like. This negative portrayal of what is actually a beautiful country is the reason that the Pakistan tourism industry has all but ceased to exist. Not only is Pakistan is safe to visit, but it is full of multiculturalism, colourful festivities, stunning landscapes and much, much more.
If you’re looking for Pakistan travel advice, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 13 reasons to visit Pakistan.
1. Breathtaking Landscapes
A trip isn’t complete without some incredible photographs of stunning landscapes, right? Luckily, Pakistan has plenty on offer. A tour of this country will bring you to mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and even glaciers in the Kaghan valley, among many other stunning valleys. On the other extreme, you can experience rich deserts that spread far and wide. The geographical diversity of this country is not to be missed. The best part? Most of Pakistan’s natural destinations are extremely well preserved, making them pristine and picturesque.
2. The Rich Culture
Photo by Hassan Wasim on Unsplash
A trip isn’t complete without some incredible photographs of stunning landscapes, right? Luckily, Pakistan has plenty on offer. A tour of this country will bring you to mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and even glaciers in the Kaghan valley, among many other stunning valleys. On the other extreme, you can experience rich deserts that spread far and wide. The geographical diversity of this country is not to be missed. The best part? Most of Pakistan’s natural destinations are extremely well preserved, making them pristine and picturesque.
3. Scrumptious Traditional Food
One of the best things about travelling is experiencing all the immensely different flavours each country has to offer. And Pakistan is no exception to the rule. With a focus on organic agriculture, Pakistan uses tasty produce for its local dishes, accompanied with an array of herbs and spices to create intense flavours. Enjoy the many different dishes available, including mutton chops, haleem, nankhatai and many more throughout Pakistan’s cities.
4. Unique Mosques and Temples
Photo by Hussain Ibrahim on Unsplash
Dotted around the country, you can find beautiful mosques and temples that put others to shame. Badshahi Mosque in Lahore (pictured above) is a stunning dome structure with intricate design features. While another must-visit mosque in Sindh is known as Shah Jahan is constructed entirely from marble. Meanwhile, other mosques are covered in intricate artwork which make them extremely unique architectural structures to admire. In addition to mosques, the many religions in Pakistan mean that you can also find temples that belong to the ancient Hindus. Filled with rich history and ancient architecture designs such as domes and carvings, you won’t want to miss these incredible structures.
5. Pakistan is Safe
As mentioned previously and contrary to popular belief and assumptions, it is actually safe to travel to Pakistan. It’s important to note that Pakistanis are anti-Taliban, and you won’t be in immediate danger. Police escorts may occasionally accompany you, if only to make sure you are safe. However, when I was there it felt like the whole country was behind the movement of improving their global reputation and invested in changing the unjust perception most of the world has of Pakistan. It was wonderful to see and experience for myself.
In my own personal experience, I never felt in danger once while travelling in Pakistan for 2 weeks. In fact, I felt safer than I would in a lot of other Western countries. My favourite example to share with people is this: At 1:30am in the morning we were walking the streets of Islamabad to find some food after a long return trip back from Chitral. No problems, no issues, didn’t feel nervous once. I probably wouldn’t be walking out at that time in some place in London! How funny is that?
The main thing to remember is this: If you don’t put yourself into a situation that encourages something bad to happen you’ll be fine… Same rule you’d apply in any other country you’d travel to right?
Key takeaway is this: Pakistan has some of the nicest people I’v ever come across and as a whole their culture is extremely welcoming and hospitable. I whole heartedly felt safer there than I have in other more ‘tourist friendly’ places I’ve been to in my life. So please, don’t judge the country (or any place for that matter) until you’ve experienced it for yourself!
6. The Epic Treks
Photo by Abdul Rafay Shaikh on Unsplash
Photo by Khadija Yousaf on Unsplash
A backpackers dream, Pakistan has plenty of trails for you to hike to your heart’s content. Trekking is one of the best ways to experience the stunning landscapes Pakistan has to offer. With options for day treks or lengthy expeditions, you can choose a trekking itinerary that suits your preference. A hike not to be missed though is The Fairy Meadows where you can view the stunning mountain; Nanga Parbat.
7. Local Music
Pakistan has plenty happening, and local music is bustling. Using traditional instruments, the locals are able to create a sound that oozes their cultural history. Take in the harmonious sounds of the flute, local drums called tabla, rubab and harmonium accompanied by the voices of the locals. The tunes are guaranteed to resonate with you and have you swaying along in no time.
8. The World’s Largest Fort
One of the heights of Pakistan tourism is Ranikot Fort. Located roughly 90kms North of Hyderabad, this impressive structure dates back to the 17th century. Spanning a circumference of nearly 32kms, this amazing piece of architecture has even been compared to The Great Wall of China in terms of its size. Viewing Ranikot will also allow you a stunning view of the mountainous landscape and make for a great photo opportunity. It’s something you just have to see to believe.
9. A World of Sport
You wouldn’t immediately think it, but Pakistan is full of sport culture. Their popular national sports include cricket and polo, so it’s highly recommended you experience one of these events for yourself while you’re there. The hype around these sports means they are full of energy, cheer and plenty of music and dancing to go with. Go Pakistan!
10. It’s Cheap!
Photo by Pixabay
Unlike many of the world’s destinations, Pakistan is reasonably priced. Although it depends how you like to travel and where you like to stay, but as a general rule of thumb it’s not an expensive place to visit. While accommodation can sometimes be pricey, there are plenty of camping options for the avid backpacker, and sourcing a couch-surfing host is another easy option to help save some extra dosh.
11. The Decorated Trucks
Unique to Pakistan, huge trucks and buses are decked out with amazingly beautiful designs. These works of art will have your jaw dropping as you whip out your camera to snap a few pictures. With engraved designs, carvings, and colourful displays of symbols, birds, flowers, and emblems, you won’t see any two trucks that look the same. This is a cultural phenomenon in Pakistan, and a must-see experience.
12. It’s Different
You don’t often hear about people rushing off to Pakistan. It’s all about trips to Europe or America. But Pakistan offers something that is very different, such as everything listed above. If you decide to visit Pakistan, you’ll be the one raving about your amazingly unique trip upon your return.
So there you have it! If you’re wondering to yourself; should I go to Pakistan? The answer is yes.
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Ryan is an entrepreneur from Toronto, Canada who moved to London, England quit his job as a PE teacher and started two successful companies by the age of 29 working out of his home office.
Ryan is a digital marketing consultant who helps business leaders and entrepreneurs rebrand themselves and their companies and profit wildly in the process.
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