Lahore offers some of the most mindbending experiences in Pakistan. Qawwali (Islamic Devotional Singing) is mind blowing. Throughout the afternoon numerous local groups peform and many travel great distances to show their talent. It usually runs for four or five hours but two hours sitting cross legged is more than enough. Audience members may throw money at the qawwali group as they perform. Friends many shower rupees over each other and the atmosphere is intense. Thursdays nights tourists flock to the Shrine of Baba Shah (few tourists but crushing local conditions) and going alone can be extremely intimidating. Hypnotic drumbeats cause Sufis to sway and whirl in a frenzy state. It is an experience that any traveler will cherish yet be in awe of and it is a must to any trip to Lahore.
The majestic Himalyas, Korakorams and the Hindu-kush mountains in the Northern Areas are must see.......You will definitely fall in love with these areas and unique culture of friendly people living here. There are numerous treks which pass through lush green pastures, sprinkling streams, freezing glaciers etc.
Instead of writing dozens and dozens of tips I will write one list that is easy to read and to the point. 1. Khyber Pass - depending whether or not the security situation is stable this journey has to be one of the most incredible , dangerous and pulse quickening rides you can go on , period. If you get to Peshawar go the Rose Hotel and ask about going and ask about the security situation. You will love it! 2. Lahore - Lahore has too many good things to mention from Mughal architecture to gardens to zoos to Islamic singing. Lahore is def one of the most fascinating cities in South Asia. It was an absolute pleasure to visit. 3. Peshawar - Afghans in the bazaars, burkas everywhere,storybook markets, smugglers bazaar on the doorstep not to mention the Khyber Pass is near makes this city one of favorite travel experiences ever. 4. Wagah - You can feel as though you are watching an international cricket match at the border closing making this place a great place to see nationalism in action. 5. Pindi and Islamabad - Visit these twin sisters cities that geographically are only kms apart but in reality leaps and bounds apart. Pindi is traditional and poor in a lot of areas but Islamabad is posh and wealthy. 6. The Himalayas - Dont have to describe this one, if you have seen them from Nepal or India you know what I mean. 7. Uch Sharif - Incredible shrine and great setting makes this place an easy day trip from Multan. This is my list for now and when I return to Pakistan next year I will go to the Kalash valleys to see the unique culture and old city bazaar and to the Northern areas along the KKH.
The Karakorum Highway was build to connect Pakistan and China with a paved road. Pakistani and Chinese worker worked together. The Chinese men building the bridges and the Pakistani making the road. It was opened to public in 1982. Since I first met a young woman, who came to China via the Karakorum Highway in 1987 I have dreamed about doing this myself. The landscape, the people, the weather - everything was just fantastic, when I did this trip in 1992. The road is open from June to October, but can be closed due to snow or landslides in this time.
This valley full of green fields and apricot trees looks like paradise . Friendly people greeting you everywhere. The women do not wear veils. Most people belong to the Islamic sect of Ismaelits. There are many schools, also some specially for girls.
The unique mughal architect is worth seen in Lahore fort. Beautifully decorated walls and top of the "Shish Mahal" (the glass palace) in Lahore fort is worth to see. The Wazir Khan Maosque in the walled city is another attrachtion.
A brick city ,almost 5000 years old with running water,comunal baths and wells in an isolated environment where u only listen to the different birds singing all day long if u contact the Archeology department in Karachi to book a room in their resthouse at the site.
This city, close to the Afghan border has a fascinating, chaotic Old Town with bazaars, donkey carts and streets filled with hordes of friendly and interested people. Walk around long enough and will certainly get an invitation for a cup of tea. Don't miss a visit to the Khan Club (see restaurant tips).
Decked out on 25th December being Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's birthday (a public holiday for this reason in Pakistan), you can visit this beautiful structure any other time of the year unless you want to beat the crowds on xmas day. Built in 1954, this Quaid's mausoleum where many pakistanis come to mark respect for their country's founder, is stunning even from a distance. The interior is beautifully decorated, with chandliers being gifted from China and a intricate ceiling with motifs dating back to pre-partition days. (see other pics on link) There is also a change of guards to watch for every few hours. (Quaid is pronounced Ka-yed with a Q sound on the K) Other Karachi attractions can be found at pakistan4ever
If you are visiting Pakistan at the end of Ramadan, you must see the activities before Eid. You can get good deals on almost everything. Another thing that i remember the most is the Basant, the kite flying festival, mostly held in Lahore, is one of the best thing you will ever see. If you like mountains or want to hike in Pakistan, you must go to the base of K2. Hire a guide from Skardu and then take a three day hike to the base of the K2. If you are not a big time hiker, pay $150 for the round trip from skardu. If that is not enough for you then rent a bike or bring one from you home country and bike upto the Pakistan-China border which is the highest border in the world. The scenery on the way to border is undescribable. A visit to Pakistan is not complete without seeing its North. For only $10, you can hire a guide which can take you for a hike in the mountains and show you the real beauty of Pakistan. Basant is the annual kite flying festival. From younger to elder, all people go on their roofs to fly kites. The skies are covered with kites all over. People fly the kites even in night time.