The tourist trade in Pakistan is flourishing these days. It helps us to earn valuable foreign exchange. Pakistan abounds in natural beauty as reflected in the northern areas of our country. Our Swat valley reminds the European tourists of Switzerland.
There are high mountains with snow covered peaks here. Among these mountains is also the K-2 peak, the second highest in the world. The Nanga Parbat peak is the sixth in the order of the highest peaks in the world. There are glaciers in Gilgit which provide excellent opportunities for winter sports. There are many beautiful lakes in the midst of high mountains. We have many historical places worth-seeing like the site of the ancient cities of Mohen jo daro, Harappa, Taxilla, etc. We have historical monuments in and around the city of Lahore.
Five Must-Visit Locations in Pakistan
1: Shogran Kaghan also called the ‘Himalayan Hide-out’, is a valley in the north-east of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Kaghan’s scenic marvels include a village which can be reached through Balakot: Shogran. At a height of nearly 7000 feet above sea level, the immediate reaction of those fortunate enough to visit Shogran is a gasp of wonder. You can ride horses and hike to the nearby peaks including the Sri Paya and Mount Makra. You can also visit the amazing Ansoo Jheel and gaze at its shimmering blue water.
2: Saif-ul-Muluk Naran without Kaghan is like butter without bread. Another village in
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , Naran also holds the wondrous lake Saif-ul-Muluk in the shadows of the Malika Parbat. If you are lucky enough to spend a starry night at this spot, you might also start believing the famous myth about this lake! Written by a classical poet, the story is that of a handsome Prince of Persia falling in love with a fairy at this lake.But whether or not you believe in fairies, you have to admit that the beauty of the place is as close to fantasy as any place on earth.
You may also visit several woodland villages from this lake such as the Burawai and Lalazar. And if you’re in the really adventurous mood, you can hike up northwards to even more breath-taking locations like Muree, Nathiagali, Ayubia, Gilgit, Chitral and Kashmir!
3: The Deosai Plains A lush purple carpet of flowers woven with red and yellow fauna welcomes visitors to this wondrous plain. They add to the radiating beauty of the highest plateau of the world called theDeosai Plains, located between the Karakoram and the Himalayas. The Deosai Plains are officially designated as a National Park and are a protected habitat for wild life. Hence, apart from seeing the rare species of flowers, you may also come across a Himalayan Brown Bear!
After you’ve survived the wilderness, you could relax a bit by soaking your feet in the Sheosar Lake or take a breezy evening drive through the Chokar Pass.
4: Hanna Lake If you’re not in the mood to travel up north, you’ll be glad to know that even the central and southern parts of Pakistan hold beautiful tourist spots. Just 21 km away from Quetta is the homely Urak valley. Here, you can bite into a large variety of fresh fruits and take in the sweet fragrances of several different types of roses at the same time!
Besides sight-seeing here, there are many other activities such as canoeing, rowing and kayaking and just a few kilometers down from this fruity landscape is the lovely Hanna Lake, where you can rest and gaze at the beautiful golden fish. The blue green sparkles of Hanna Lake are in sharp contrast to the sandy brown background. Besides sight-seeing here, there are many other activities such as canoeing, rowing and kayaking!
5: Taxila Taxila is a location not only rich in beauty, but also history. This ancient city dates back to the time when Prince Alexander began his journey of conquest. Various ruins throughout the city are related to different times in history, and each has a story to tell. This city within Punjab is counted amongst UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.While in Taxila, don’t forget to visit the famous museum which exhibits the relics of the Gandharan civilization. It’s something you won’t soon forget.
.jpg)
