VISIT PAKISTAN

A trip through Pakistan is face to face encounter with a fascinating land that has withstood countless invasions and preserved the essence of its conquerors on the form of present day monuments and archaeological heritage.

See for yourself the excavated sites at Moenjodaro and Taxila – seats of the ancients Indus Valley and Gandhara civilizations; the architectural monuments of the Moghul; the Khyber Pass – the historic inlet to South Asia – or the ancient unchanging traditions of the Kafir Kalash of the Chitral Valley. For those with an intrinsic lover of mountains, Pakistan offers pleasure of its northern mountain ranges, the Himalayas, the Hindukush and the Karakorum – a mountain wonderland unrivalled in the entire world with such formidable peaks as the K-2, the Nanga Parbat, the Rakaposhi, and the Trichmir. These ranges present an awesome challenge for those looking for trekking, mountaineering, angling, or jeep safaris. The resorts in these remote valleys made for an ideal summer get-away.

HISTORY: Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as an independent sovereign state in August 1947, as a result of the division of the British Indian Empire. The land of Pakistan (area 8, 03,950 square kilometer (including FATA and FANA), population nearly 13.60 million – 1998 Census is rich in landscapes and cultural traditions. Half a dozen civilizations have flourished here and left their imprint. Historically, this is one of the most ancient lands known to man. Its cities flourished before Babylon was built; its people practiced the art of good living and citizenship before the celebrated ancient Greeks. Pakistan traces its history back to at least 2.500 years before Christ, when a highly developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley area. Excavations at Harappa, Moenjodaro and Kot Diji have brought to light evidence of an advanced civilization flourished in the Indus existing even in most ancient times.

Around about 1500 BC the Aryans overwhelmed this region, and by and by east. Latter, the Persian occupied the northern region in the 5th century BC and again and again up to the 2nd century AD. The Greeks came in 327 BC under Alexander of Macedon and passed away like a meteor. In 712 AD the Arabs, led by Mohammad Bin Qasim landed somewhere near Karachi and ruled lower half of Pakistan for two hundred years. During this time Islam took roots in the soil and influenced the life, culture and traditions of the people. In the 10th century AD began the systematic conquest of Indo-Pakistan by the Muslim from central Asia who ruled almost the whole subcontinent up to the 18th century AD when the British became masters of the land and ruled for nearly 200 years – for only 100 years over what is Pakistan now. The Muslim revivals began towards the end of the last century when Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, a renowned Muslim leader and educationist, launched a movement for intellectual renaissance of the Indian Muslim.

In 1930, the well – known poet philosopher Dr. Mohammad Iqbal conceived the idea of separate state for the Muslims of the sub-continent in 1940 a resolution was adopted by the All – India Muslim League demanding a separate homeland for the Muslim of India. After seven years of the brilliant leadership Quid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as a sovereign state on 14th August, 1947, when the British Indian Empire was partitioned into two independent states – India and Pakistan.

GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Located in South Asia, Pakistan shares an eastern border with India and a northeastern border with China. Iran makes up the country's southwest border, and Afghanistan runs along its western and northern edge. The Arabian Sea is Pakistan's southern boundary with 1,064 km of coastline. The country has a total area of 803,940 sq. km with a land area of 796,095 Sq. km and is nearly four times the size of the United Kingdom. From Gawadar Bay in it's southeastern corner, the country extends more than 1,800 km to the Khunjerab Pass on China's border.

GETTING THERE AND AWAY: Most flights from European and Asia arrive in Karachi, though a few also go to Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Gawadar (Baluchistan). Much more interesting is taking an overland route. A railway links Lahore with the Indian railway system through Amristar, and another from Quetta crosses briefly into Iran. After the Grand Trunk Road, the most famous road into Pakistan is the Karakorum Highway, over the 4730m(15,514 ft) Khunjerab Pass from Kashgar in China; roads also run from India and Iran. A bus service between Delhi and Lahore, operating four times a week, is now up and running. Sea passage is a possibility, with cargo ships calling at Karachi from either the Middle East or Bombay.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Where to go: Pakistan is the land of contrast; not just in term of landscape, but also in terms of people and cultures. In many ways its several countries rolled into one, and so the best way to visit it, time and money permitting, is to travel slowely and extensively. Each of the region described below are just some of the highlights.

Karakorum Highway: There’s an old saying about getting there being half the fun’. This is certainly true of the journey along the KKH, where you can marvel not just at the natural landscape, but also at the ingenuity of man of man.

Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat: Be captivated by the world’s ninth highest mountain, and Pakistan’s most accessible 8,000 meters plus peak, from your camping spot in flower-strewn meadows.

Gilgit to Chitral: This is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful but challenging journeys and still relatively few visitors attempts it. Yet transport connections are improving, and for those prepared to rough it a bit, or use their feet, the attraction are almost limitless. The wonderfully rural Ishkoman and Yasin valley provide engaging diversions off the main jeep track, whilst Khalti Lake must be one of Pakistan’s most beautiful spots. Or why not head up to the Shandur Pass, perhaps in time to catch the world’s most spectaculars polo tournament.

Concordia: The trek along the Baltoro glacier to Concordia brings you into the presence of a host of peak over 8,000 meters, including K2, the second highest mountain in the world. It’s a long and demanding trek, but also perhaps the most spectacular in the world.

Hushe Valley: This beautiful valley is dominated by the towering majesty of Masherbrum peak to the north. It is accessible by jeep as for as the tiny village of Hsuhe, from where you can undertake numerous walks and treks. For the serious trekkers, this valley also provides an alternative route into or out of Concordia, over the demanding Ghondogorola.

Deosai Plateau: This vast expense of land above 4,000 meters represents an extension of the Tibetan plateau in geographical terms. Snow bound for most of the year, in early summer it is carpeted in bright flowers of every description. It is also home to the rare Himalayan brown bears.

Chalt & Chaprot Valley: The word ‘rousic’ can almost have been invented for the Chaprot Valley, ‘rousic’ with its charming walks through the fruit orchards and wheat field.

Rakaposhi: The beautiful 7,788 meters snowy peak becomes a familiar sight to those traveling up and down the KKH. It is at its most striking in the early morning light or sunset glow. For an even better appreciation, you can hike up to its base camp from Minapin in a relatively straightforward tow-day return trip.

Karimabad, Altit & Duikar: Karimabad, its scaled down neighbour Altit, and view point at Duikar high above, are the most popular spots in the famous Hunza Valley. Beautiful mountains view in all directions, charming people, village atmosphere and good choice of accommodation, continues to draw visitors. And despite what some might say, these villages are far from being “too touristy”.

The Road to China (Silk Route): The KKH does not end the Pakistani border, so there’s no need to finish your trip there. With a Chinese visa and double-entry Pakistani visa, it’s possible to head up to the Chinese Central Asian town of Kashgar for its fabulous Sunday Market, spend a few days at the beautiful Kara Kuli (Lake), and then return to Pakistan.

NWFP PESHAWAR: The bazaar of Peshawar’s Old City is a truly fascinating and absorbing experience, as well as being and excellent place to shops for everything from carpet to spices. Peshawar museum, thought not as large or famous as Lahore’s, is highly impressive.

Khyber Pass: A trip steam train on the narrow-gauge railway line from Peshawar to the historic Khyber Pass takes you through the wild Tribal Areas of the Afridi Pathans. From the top the pass you can see across the border into Afghanistan.

Takht-e-Bhai: Sites such as Taxila may be more famous, but the beautiful preserved and strikingly situated ruins of the Gandharan Buddhist monastery of Takht-e- Bhai are full of atmosphere and sure to inspire a sense of wonder at this ancient civilization.

Chitral: In the extreme north of NWFP, the Chitral region is the setting for some truly stunning mountain scenery. It’s not as well known as Hunza or Baltistan, but every bit a impressive.

Kalash Valley: Three small valleys in Chitral are home to unique non-Muslim Kalash people, whose beliefs and way of life provide a fascinating and colorful contrast to Pakistan’s otherwise male-dominated society.

BALUCHISTAN

Quetta: Although there is little in the way of historic monuments here (Qeutta was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1935), Baluchistan provincial capital has a friendly, relaxing atmosphere about it. You can also find a dazzling array of colorful Baluchi rugs, carpets, embroidered fabrics, jewellery, antiques and other items in the bazaars.

Ziarat: Within easy reach of Quetta, the hill resort of Ziarat has a refreshingly cool climate, making it a great place to escape from the summer heat. The surrounding hills and valleys, with their extensive junipers forests and cool streams, offer numerous opportunities for walking and hiking.

Bolan Pass: Baluchistan’s only rail link with the rest of Pakistan runs through the historic Bolan Pass, providing one of the most dramatic and memorable train rides in the country.

SINDH

Karachi: Karachi has a number of numerous attractions associated with the life and times of the founder of the nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. His mausoleum is one the finest monuments build in Pakistan since independence.

Makli Hills & Thatta: Covering a substantial area, and featuring over one million tombs, Makli Hill is considered to be world largest necropolis. The adjacent town of Thatta features the simple but splendid lines of Mughul era Shah Jahan Mosque.

Sehwan Sharief: Sufi saint did much to spread the message of the Prophet Mohammad throughout Sind, and at Sehwan, the resting place of a noted 13^th century Sufi mystic, you can experience living, breathing Islam in an intense atmosphere charged with piety, devotion and hope.

Moenjodaro: Perhaps the most important archeological site in the South Asia, represent, the Indus Valley Civilization at its peak, some 3500 – 4500 years ago. The state of preservation of this ancient city is a marvel even to those with only passing interest in archaeology.

PUNJAB

The Salt Range: The little visited region features panoramic views, all-but-forgotten Hindu temple and pilgrimage sites, plus a huge salt mine that provides the mineral from which the region draws its name.

Lahore: Lahore probably has more ‘unmissable’ sights than any other Pakistani city. Its Mughul heritage is beautiful encapsulated by the magnificent Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, and Jahangir’s Tomb, whilst priceless items from all periods of Pakistan’s history are on display in the magnificent Lahore Museum. Do not miss the shrine of Data Ganj Baksh, or a stroll through Lahore’s Old City.

Multan: Although the heat dust can be extremely trying at the ‘wrong’ time of year, Multan a cluster of magnificent Shrines, Tombs and Monuments that reflect the city’s strategic importance t the crossroad of sub-continent.

Ush Sharief: Few visitors make it down to Uch, which is great shame since the tombs here are one of Pakistan’s greatest sights. Approaching them from the town, you are confronted by a series of superb bricks build tombs, fabulously embellished with stunning glazed tile mosaic. But as you get closer, you realize that half of each tomb is missing, a victim of the changing course of the Chenab river. Far from reducing the impact of these magnificent buildings, this seems to enhance their appeal.

Derawar Fort & The Cholistan Desert: Hire a jeep or a camel and headed off into Pakistan’s largest desert, where you will find a series of spectacular fortresses looming out of the dunes and scrub.