17 Places to Visit in Pakistan

Located in South Asia, Pakistan is nestled between Afghanistan and India and sits adjacent to the Arabian Sea. As one of the world’s oldest civilizations, Pakistan is revered for its cultural value and historical sites. With a religious demographic of 97% of its citizens practicing Muslim, Pakistan features many architectural structures and historical cities that are important to the Muslim faith. China and India border Pakistan to the north and the Karakoram Highway runs from Pakistan to China. The geography is varied and differs from the southern regions to the northern. There are many natural disasters prevalent to the area and these include earthquakes and floods. Heavy rains are frequent during the months of July and August. The northern parts of Pakistan have an arctic climate while the rest of Pakistan has a dry, arid climate common to the desert. Pakistan also features a number of mountain ranges that provide the backdrop for many outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, trekking, and hiking. The national language is Urdu but the majority of people do speak and understand English. Still, it is a wise idea for those visiting the nation to learn some Urdu or bring a translation book with them.

There are plenty of things to see in Pakistan and a number of activities to enjoy. Pakistan is divided into several regions with many cities that serve as popular tourist destinations. These include Karachi, Peshawar, Islamabad, Lahore, Nathia Gali, Rawalpindi, Kalam, Faisalabad, Chitral, Quetta, Minapin, Mardan, Hunza, Rawalakot and Taxila. Karachi is revered as the financial and business hub of Pakistan that is often visited by many tourists. Islamabad is much newer compared to many of the other cities and has been Pakistan’s capital since 1963. The second largest city throughout Pakistan is Lahore, located in the Punjab province. There are many sites worth visiting in Lahore, including the Badshahi Mosque. One city in particular that has enjoyed a notable reputation throughout the centuries is Multan or “The City of Saints.” Multan is renowned for its glasswork, pottery and for making the footwear Khussa. Those traveling to Pakistan from Iran will want to visit the city Quetta that is the capital of the Balochistan province. 

Quetta is located between Iran and Afghanistan and is home to much archaeological history. Located in Gilgit-Balistan is Skardu, which is a haven for those interested in outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing and trekking. In addition to the previous, there are many wonderful sites to see and things to do when visiting the country.

Here are 17 places to visit in Pakistan.

1.   The Silk Route – The Silk Route stretches from China to Europe and passes through Pakistan. It’s historical significance for Asia is vast as the route was used as the main trading transportation. Those who explore the Silk Route will see the beauty of Pakistani culture as it has been preserved over the centuries.

2.   Peshawar Museum – Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, the Peshawar Museum houses numerous collections such as Gandhara art and Islamic art. The collection includes more than 8,000 coins many of which date before Islam.

3.    Daman-e-Koh – Located in Islamabad, Daman-e-Koh, is revered for its natural beauty and has beautiful gardens and parks where you may view the city in its splendor. There are trails that lead to the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint that is the highest spot in Islamabad.

daman e koh

4.    Badshahi Mosque Located in Lahore, Pakistan, Badshahi Mosque is a free site to visit that is revered for its beauty. The architecture is Mughal and it is located near other popular tourists attractions, such as the Lahore Fort and Minar-e-Pakistan, which is a tall minaret.

   Badshahi Mosque

5.    Abbottabad – In the midst of Nathia Gali lies a resort community, Abottabad. It is a popular tourist attraction and feature a number of activities such as mountain climbing, hiking and trekking.

6.    The Raja Bazaar – The Raja Bazaar is a shopping complex in Rawalpindi that is free to enter. Those interested in finding good bargains when visiting Pakistan will want to visit the street markets as they have affordable prices.

7.    Swat Valley Kalam – The Swat Valley in Kalam is a popular tourist attraction as there are many lakes and waterfalls to behold. The valley is known for being extremely lush, green and fertile. There is the Swat Museum, which is also a heavily frequented area.

8.    Clock Tower – In Faisalabad, Punjab, the clock tower remains one of the most magnificent structures throughout Pakistan.

9.    Chitral Fort – Located in Chitral Pakistan, the Chitral Fort is a unique structure that provides plenty of enjoyment during your visit. The fort is revered for its architecture.

 Chitral Fort

10. Hanna Lake  Located near Quetta in Pakistan, Hanna Lake is one of the city’s most popular destinations for tourists. There are plenty of water activities to engage in such as sailing, canoeing and kayaking. There are also restaurants by the lake making it the perfect spot to sit back and relax.

11. Indus River – The Indus River travels through Pakistan and ultimately leads to the Arabian Ocean. You can participate in numerous water activities at the river such as white water rafting, canoeing, and sailing.

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12. Trango Towers – Those who favor rock or mountain climbing will want to visit the Trango Towers. The Towers are known worldwide for its height.

13. Baltit Fort – The Baltit Fort is located in northern Pakistan in the Gilgit Balistan area. Though the fort has been rebuilt through the centuries, the foundations are believed to be approximately seven hundred years old.

14. Banjosa Lake – The Banjosa Lake is located in Rawalakot, Pakistan and is adjacent to the Banjosa Lake Resort and Spa.

15.  Taxila Ruins – The Taxila Ruins are a free attraction that is an UNESCO World Heritage site. The area dates back to the second century B.C.

16. Bin Qasim Park – Bin Qasim Park is located in Karachi, Pakistan, and is revered for its tranquil beauty. There is no fee required to attend the park but it is designated as a family only park.

17.  Fort Bala Hisar – Located in Peshawar, Fort Bala Hisar is one of the oldest structures in the city. The fort was built in the sixteenth century and continues to draw visitors as it is a magnificent structure.

 

Those planning to visit Pakistan will need to understand local laws and customs and should take steps to ensure their safety and security. Though Pakistan is a beautiful country with plenty of historic sites to see, it is imperative that visitors check with their country’s local travel office to determine whether or not it is currently safe to visit Pakistan. Terrorism and violence must be taken into account whenever planning a trip to Pakistan. Those planning to visit Pakistan should make certain they are aware of the country’s crime rate and take steps to avoid threatening situations. Pakistan’s climate is varied with winter running from December through March. Summer runs from May until August with monsoon season beginning in July. During the summer months, Pakistan can receive extremely high temperatures with matching levels of humidity. Highs over 100’ can be experienced in Pakistani cities Lahore and Islamabad. Visitors to Pakistan should keep in mind that they are visiting a Muslim country and should curtail their behaviors accordingly. Those visiting mosques or holy places must ensure they have their shoulders and legs covered and women should wear a head covering. Certain activities considered acceptable in Western cultures are illegal in Pakistan. Make certain to know the law and behave accordingly to avoid any problems.