Beauty Amidst Violence in Pakistan

Pakistan may be a small country, but it doesn’t lack much when it comes to tourist spots and history. The name of the country comes from the Urdu language, and means “Land of the Pure.” The country has endured and developed over a long history from the earliest human settlement, ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt, to the influences of Hinduism and Buddhism.

Where to go

Archaeological Sites: One of the more popular archaeological sites in the world is Moenjodaro. This site, along with Harappa, is a proof of the existence of the Indus civilization, which flourished from the third to the middle of the second millennium B.C.

Beaches: If you are up for a challenging trek to reach a lake, you definitely have to try a trek from the Saiful Mulook Lake to reach the Kaghan Valley. This high altitude lake is shaped like a tear and was discovered by a Pakistan pilot while flying above the lake. (Learn the Six tips to make trekking more tolerable)

Cities and Towns: Karachi city is the most cosmopolitan and urban city in Pakistan. You can definitely find a lot of cultural centers, national parks, and more modern establishments here. You can visit the Quaid-i-Azam Mausoleum, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, St. Andrew’s Church, as well as old buildings like the Frere Hall and Wazir Mansion.

What to do

You can explore the regions and cities. Located in the Sindh region are Mohenjodaro, an archaeological site, and the Thatta, known for its mausoleums and mosques. Another place to explore is the city of Islamabad, where you can find gardens, parks, and hills.

You can go trekking and mountaineering. Five of the world’s highest peaks are in Pakistan. Several large glaciers are also found here. Northern areas like Skardu and Gilgit are popular trekking places.

You can trail the Karakoram Highway. This highway passes through the ancient Silk Road, where you can view mountain ranges like Himalaya, Pamir, and Hindukush, along the way. This road also runs along the Indus River down to the valleys of Hunza and Gilgit.

What to remember

Here are three points to remember:

• Be sure to respect Muslim customs such as their practices during Ramadan.
• Homosexuality is considered illegal.
• Using your left hand to eat, give and receive is also considered offensive.

Sailing to a land that has its own culture, religion and beliefs that may not be the same as yours, requires an open mind, patience and understanding. With enthusiasm and a whole lot of planning, your Pakistan vacation can be fun and adventurous. If you enjoy reading this article, you’ll surely be interested in learning how to vacation cheaply.