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PAKISTAN
  General information
Capital Islamabad
Currency Pakistani rupees (PKR)
Area 796,095 square km
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Weather and when to go
Climatic conditions are mainly influenced by the mountains of Himalaya and by the Indian Ocean. There are sometimes artic winters in north. Average temperatures are relatively high not only in summer but also in the winter in northwest. Climate is mostly hot mainly in dry desert. South is characterized by a monsoon season with considerable rainfall and a dry season with lesser rainfall.
When to go to Pakistan? If you are looking for a trekking, you can start in April and end in October. For tours and trips in coastal south and northwest area we suggest November, December, January and February. Northern parts of Pakistan is better to visit from May to September. Be aware of monsoons (July - September).
Top places of interest and picks, Top attractions in Pakistan
Islamabad
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Islamabad is a capital city and has a twin city Rawalpindi.
Shah Faisal Mosque - designed by a Turkish architect, Vedat Dalokay. The Mosque was built between 1976 and 1986 and still is the largest mosque in Pakistan. It is a modern geometrical interpretation of a desert tent with 88 m minarets. It is a the national mosque of Pakistan and one of the landmarks of Islamabad.
Margala Hills - located near Islamabad are beautiful hills with hiking routes.
in the vicinity
Taxila - one of the richest archaeological sites in Pakistan.
Karachi
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Karachi was a capital city. Karachi is still a cosmopolitan mega-city, on of the biggest cities in the world. Karachi is the well known place in Sindh.
Mohatta Palace - designed by an architect Agha Ahmed Hussain. It looks like stone palaces in Rajastan, India. Today it is a Museum devoted to the arts of Pakistan.
Wazir Mansion - is a place where Mahammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan was born.
Jinnah House Museum - this museum shows Jinnah and Fatima's private apartments.
National Academy of Performing Arts - this building was designed by a architect Agha Ahmed Hussain. Note nice cupolas and balustrades.
National Museum of Pakistan - has a large collection of coins and sculptures.
Frere Hall - one of thebuildings from the days of the British Raj (the period of British colonial rule in South Asia - the dominion).
St. Patrick’s Cathedral - one of the first churches in Karachi.
Empress Market - a popular market from the end of the 19th century.
in the vicinity
There are nice beaches as Sandspit Beach, French Beach and Clifton Beach. The Arabian sea at Sandspit south west of Karachi is very calm and quiet from October to March, but very rough during the monsoon season.
Karakoram Highway
It is a 1 200 km wonder of engineering and a co-operation between two countries Pakistan and China and it is the only road between China and Pakistan. The Karakoram Highway (the abbreviation KKH) connects the Silk Road oasis of Kashgar with Rawalpindi and Pakistan's capital city Islamabad, via the 4 730 m Khunjerab Pass, the semi-mythical Hunza Valley and the trading post of Gilgit. It is a spectacular journey across the Western edges of the Himalayas.
Moenjodaro
One of the most exciting attraction in Pakistan Mohenjo-daro (known also as Mohenjodaro or Moenjodaro) is located in the province of Sindh. These ruins are one of the early urban settlements in the Idus Valley and also in the world. Mohenjo-daro was built around 2600 BC. The ruins of the ancient settlement were discovered only in 20th century and they are designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruins shows the most developed, significant and an advanced Indus valley metropolis.
Harappa
Harappa is located in Punjab. These ruins are also very important. The site shows the ruins and artifacts of the Idus Valley Civilization. The script from Harappa and Mohenjo-daro remains undeciphered.
Shangrila in Skardu
Shangrila was named after a book titled “Lost Horizon” by James Hilton. Shangrila Resort Skardu is also known as "Heaven on Earth", is nestled amongst some of the world's highest peaks. It encircles the heart shaped Kachura Lake and is surrounded by fruit laden orchards and flower filled gardens. Skardu attracts a large number of trekkers and mountaineers
Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur Museum - a large collection of artefacts, handicrafts, graphic arts, coins etc.
Central Library - a well stocked library.
Jami Masjid Al Sadiq - a wonderful mosque
Lahore
Lahore Fort - is a top attraction of Old City.
Badshahi Mosque - is one of the biggest mosques in the world and the second largest mosque in Pakistan. Badshahi Mosque is located in front of Lahore Fort. This mosque known also as Emperor's Mosque was built in 1673 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The interior has rich embellishment in stucco tracery and lining with a fresco touch. The exterior is decorated with stone carving as well as marble inlay on red sandstone. It is a nice landmark of Lahore.
Lahore Museum - has many wonderful galeries.
Lahore ZOO
Kalasha Valleys
The Kailash are an isolated pagan tribe living mainly in Kalasha valleys (Birir, Bumburate and Ramboor) in Chitral District. The Kalash people are considered as direct descendants of the Greek armies of Alexander the Great. The meaning of Kalasha is those who wear black robes. A culture in rich thanks to their wonderfully uniqueg customs, lifestyle and ceremonies. Kalasha Valleys are located in the south of the Chitral district, in the Hindu Kush region of Pakistan.
Peshawar
Bala Hisar Fort - you can admire a panoramic view of Peshawar and the entire Peshawar valley from this historical fort.
Peshawar Museum
Sunehri Mosque
Mahabat Khan Mosque
Ghanta Ghar - Clock Tower of Peshawar
Parks in Peshawar: Bagh-e-Naraan - the most beautiful park in the city, Army Stadium - a nice for familes and Tatara park - a nice park for families and children, Panch Tirath - originally an ancient Hindu place.
K2
The highest peak of Pakistan / India with 8611 m altitude is also the second highest peak in the world. In Pakistan you can see also the famous Nanga Parbat.
Preference Family and Kids, Couple, Group, Seniors, Single, Biker, Skier, Adventurer, Explorer, Outdoor traveler, Sportsman
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History, Practical info
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The Map of Pakistan
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The most popular holiday resorts
Will be added later.
Trip plan
10 days - Karakoram Highway
1 or 2 days
Islamabad
Rawalpindi
2 or 3 days
Islamabad
Peshawar
Kalash Valleys
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