PAKISTAN

The top tourist attractions in Pakistan are not generally popular in the world similar to its neighbors Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. Since the beginning of the controversial War of Terror around 2003, all places in Middle East unsympathetic to the Western alliance have become virtually ground-zero territories. Although Pakistan is officially against terrorism, its borders with Afghanistan and Iraq have become a hotbed of rebellion. Yet contrary to the exaggerated infamy that the media purported, like India, Pakistan also has a lot to offer to its outsiders. This formidable nation caught in the middle of the contentious regional conflict is not bereft of beauty. Tourists know some places in this Islamic country that are worth visiting.

1. Lahore City

There is a famous quote stating, “If you haven’t been to Lahore, you haven’t lived yet”. Although this applies to locals, the same sentiment can be appreciated by the tourists who have been there. Lahore City is one of the most popular of the top tourist attractions in Pakistan for its very strong roots to its ancient heritage. Ox or mule drawn carts with raw goods, horse-riding gentlemen dressed in traditional kameez shalwar, and women in translucent robes showing their stark henna tattoos beneath their clothing – this is the anachronistic reality that tourist would see. Interacting with this environment proves spectacular.

2. Karakorum Highway

This is reputedly the most elevated highway in the world. Its trail ends as far as China eastward. What is fascinating about this highway is that this passage is very conducive for those who enjoy an epic road trip, with a seemingly endless view of the far flung Indus beaches.

3. Karimabad Village

Karimabad Village lies at the verdant Hunza Valley. With more than half of the entire country dominated by dry terrain, Karimabad Village is a jewel settlement for eco tourists. Other than the splendor of cozy climate and vegetation, this village is alive with all pleasantries of life. Food, wine, artifact shopping and traditional Ismaili music is at the heart of the local’s everyday life, and tourists who long for a home would yearn to belong in this exotic world.

Lake Saiful-muluk near Naran

4. Lake Saiful Mulk

This landmark lake is located around Pakistan’s snowcapped mountains. Due to its very pristine environment, local legends have become a recurring theme that light-hearted tourists would enjoy. The legends are even more conducive to the imaginative minds of the travelers’ children. One of the best ways to enjoy one’s stay in Lake Saiful Mulk is to try horse-treks. A couple of pounds are a petty price for an adventure of a lifetime.

5. Taxila

Taxila is one of the top tourist attractions in Pakistan that would stimulate the minds of scholarly tourists with a strong affinity to world history. Although 18 locations have been unearthed, the chief archeologists of UNESCO World Heritage believed only 8% of the entire ancient ruin was excavated. Aspiring historians will witness how ancient Pakistani civilization was built here.