Pakistan is a blessed country with the rare landscape, towering mountains, plateaus, plains, deserts, rivers, lakes, lush green valleys, and sunny beaches. It is the home of the mighty mountain ranges, the Karakoram, Himalaya, Hindukush, and Pamir. The North and North Western parts are mountainous. Five out of fourteen 8000M peaks in the world are in Pakistan, including K-2 (8611 meters). There are over 100 peaks between 7000 & 8000 meters, 351 peaks between 6000 & 6500, and numerous peaks of 5000 meters and above among which many are unclimbed.  A number of the longest glaciers out of the polar region, including Biafo (63 kms), Baltoro (62 kms), Batura (58 kms), & Hispar Glacier (51 kms), are situated in Pakistan.

Pakistan is also a land of the world’s oldest civilizations. The legacy of our predecessors is so rich and diversified that the Pakistani nation is right to feel proud of its glorious past. The intriguing records of the Gandhara civilization, discovered in the 20th century, are found at the archeological sites spread over Taxila, Swat, and other parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).   Over 5000 years old Indus Civilization; comprised of two large cities, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, and more than 100 towns and villages are known to be the earliest urban culture of the Indian subcontinent.  It is in Pakistan that one can witness the unique architecture of the great Mughal dynasty during which many monuments were built, including the palaces, tombs, and forts, stand today signifying their glories. The World Economic Forum placed Pakistan among the top 25 per cent of global destinations for its UNESCO ‘World Heritage Sites.’

Baluchistan is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of land in the country. Besides being blessed with nature’s bounty of mineral resources, it also has immense natural beauty. There are a number of valleys brimming with wildlife and natural marvels. Mountains, plateaus, oasis, deserts, waterfalls, etc. A perfect option for those who want to enjoy nature and its rustic beauty. 

Pakistan is also a land of spiritual endowment, homes the resting place of many spiritual saints from all religions, be it the Sufi mystics of Islam; the Hindu Tiraths dating back to 3,000BC; the disciples of Buddha attaining ‘nirvana’ buried under the remains of Gandhara civilization; or Baba Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion who was born in 1,469AD at Nankana Sahib, about 72km north of Lahore. The opening of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur in 2019, to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak was the major feat of the government of Pakistan. Pakistan emerges as a center of interfaith harmony and a symbol of goodwill for the Sikh community. 

10 Reasons to explore Pakistan

1. High Mountain ranges and Glaciers

Visiting Pakistan as an adventure enthusiast will provide you with an amazing and unique experience. Pakistan is known for its majestic mountain ranges, such as the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, Karakorum, and Pamir. Among the world’s fourteen 8,000m peaks, Pakistan is fortunate to have five, including the renowned K2. Moreover, there are more than 100 peaks ranging from7,000m to 8,000m and hundreds of peaks over 6000m. Additionally, Pakistan is home to some of the longest glaciers, such as Baifo (67km), Baltoro (62km), Batura (58km), and Hisper glacier(51km). There are many unclimbed peaks, unexplored trekking routes and valleys with their raw beauty.

2. Ancient Civilization

Travelling to Pakistan offers the opportunity to explore the world’s oldest civilizations. It provides a unique and enriching experience. Pakistan takes pride in its remarkable past, thanks to the diverse legacy left behind by our ancestors. The fascinating remnants of the Gandhara civilization can be discovered at various archaeological sites in Taxila, Swat, and other parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). Additionally, the Indus Civilization, dating back over 5000 years, showcases our ancient history with prominent cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. Witnessing the birthplace of human society and earliest traces of civilization in Pakistan is truly astonishing.

3. Home of spiritual saints

Pakistan is a land that holds great significance for various religions, including Sufi, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture, spiritual practices, and historical heritage. The remains of the Gandhara civilization house the final resting place of Buddhist disciples.

Moreover, Pakistan holds a special place in the hearts of Sikhs as it is the birthplace of their founder, Baba Guru Nanak, who was born in Nankana Sahib in 1469AD. The country is also adorned with ancient Sufi shrines, with the Data Darbar in Lahore, also known as Ganj Bakhsh being a popular destination for millions of tourists each year. There are many famous sufi shrines and tombs such as

• Tomb of Jalaluddin Bukhari
• Tomb of Pir Sadruddin in Uch Sharif
• Tomb of Bahauddin Zakriya in Multan
• Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif
• Tomb of Bibi Jiwindi in Multan
• Shrine of Shah Rukn-e-Alam
• Shrine of Shah Shams Sabzwari Tabriz in Multan
• Resting place of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in Hala

It is believed that visiting this sacred place brings peace, blessings, and healing to individuals. Exploring such remarkable shrines will undoubtedly give you peace and blessings.

4. Global recognition

Pakistan is highly regarded worldwide for several reasons. In 2023, Pakistan was declared as the best tourist destination. According to the annual barometer report, the tourism industry in Pakistan has experienced a significant recovery and improvement following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, as stated by the United Nations Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Additionally, Pakistan secured the top spot on Condé Nast Traveller’s list of the 20 best holiday destinations in 2020. Another remarkable achievement was when the British Backpacker Society (BBS) declared Pakistan as the world’s third-best adventure destination for the year 2020. In the previous year, the BBS also ranked Pakistan as the top travel destination globally, highlighting its friendly nature. Furthermore, Forbes included Pakistan in its prestigious list of the “10 Coolest Places to visit in 2019.”

5. The hospitable people

Pakistani people are renowned for their warm hospitality. They are incredibly welcoming and open-hearted, greeting their guests with a friendly smile and ensuring their comfort. The people of Pakistan are known for their generosity and kindness, always willing to assist visitors. Those who travel the country have a delightful experience and perceive it as a secure destination. The local people highly value their guests and strive to provide them with a positive and memorable experience.

6. Pakistani cuisine
Travelers are drawn to Pakistan for its cuisine. Pakistani dishes are bursting with flavour, and the wide variety of spices. These diverse dishes are a magnet for food enthusiasts. Each region in the country offers a unique culinary experience that will leave you in awe. If you’re a food lover, don’t miss out on the incredible street food scene in Pakistan. The traditional cooking techniques will mesmerize you and provide the perfect opportunity for exploration. Pakistan is renown for its delectable cuisine, which is brimming with an array of flavours and aromatic spices. Among the most liked dishes in the country are

• Biryani
• Chicken Karahi
• Haleem
• Nihari
• Seekh Kabab
• Chicken Tikka

These culinary delights showcase the rich culinary heritage of Pakistan and are sure to leave your taste buds craving for more. Your trip to Pakistan is complete without indulging in the delightful desserts. Every bite will bring you joy and satisfaction. Prepare yourself for a journey of new tastes and flavours as you explore the different corners of Pakistan.

7. Diverse culture

Pakistan has a rich and diverse culture, with numerous ethnic groups each possessing their own distinct customs, language, and traditions. The country is home to a staggering 74 different languages, with Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, and Shina being among the prominent ones. Urdu serves as the national language. Travelers have a plethora of experiences awaiting them in Pakistan, as every destination offers a glimpse into unique traditions, languages, and music. The country’s arts and crafts are truly remarkable, while the soul-stirring Sufi music and qawwali performances are bound to leave a lasting impact.

8. Festivals
Pakistan offers a multitude of reasons to visit, and one of them is its vibrant celebrations and festivals. These festivals provide an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience something truly amazing. Among them, you can participate in religious festivals like Eid Ul Azha and Eid Ul Fitar, where you can witness the religious practices. Additionally, there are traditional festivals that allow tourists to explore the rich cultural activities, music, dance performances, and more. Each festival brings a unique joy and experience, and some of the well-known ones include the Basant festival, Shandur Polo festival,

Loke Virsa Mela, Jashan e Bahara, and Chilum Joshi festival. Come and be a part of these colourful celebrations in Pakistan.

9. Historical sites

Pakistan owns numerous historical sites that offer a captivating insight into the past and its rich history. These sites provide a distinctive experience for tourists, allowing them to delve into various architectural styles ranging from Hindu to Islamic and Mugul. Moreover, visitors have the chance to deepen their knowledge about the fascinating history and remarkable architecture of these sites. Nestled in picturesque locations, these temples showcase exquisite carvings, making them an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts. Among the noteworthy sites are Hiran Minar, Nor Mahal, Katas Raj Temple, Lahore Fort, Takht e Bahi, and Rotas Fort.

10. The Bazars

Pakistani markets are truly captivating and one-of-a-kind, drawing tourists from all corners of the globe. These bustling bazaars beautifully showcase the country’s rich culture, craftsmanship, and local traditions. Among the oldest and most renowned bazaars is Raja Bazar in Rawalpindi, which dates to the time of Hindu Pak partition. Another gem is Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore, where you can find incredible bargains on a wide range of items. Pakistani bazaars are a treasure trove of handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, traditional clothing, exquisite pottery, and hand-woven carpets. When visiting Pakistan, make sure to explore other must-visit bazaars like Zanib Market in Karachi and Shahi Bazar in Hyderabad. Each bazaar offers its own unique experience and specialties. The friendly shopkeepers add to the charm.