PAKISTAN NORTH
1. PUNJAB NORTH (Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad)
The most populous and agriculturally fertile region in the country and home to many historical shrines and mosques
Lahore – City of the Mughals, bustling and a very historical city that shouldn’t be missed.
Faisalabad – A major city in Punjab, famous for its textile industry
Sialkot – The city of sports goods, famous for its exports industry, one of the oldest cities in the region.
ROHTAS FORT. World Heritage Site. Following his defeat of the Mughal emperor Humayun in 1541, Sher Shah Suri built a strong fortified complex at Rohtas, a strategic site in the north of what is now Pakistan. It was never taken by storm and has survived intact to the present day. The main fortifications consist of the massive walls, which extend for more than 4 km; they are lined with bastions and pierced by monumental gateways. Rohtas Fort, also called Qila Rohtas, is an exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture in Central and South Asia.
Rohtas Fort, built in the 16th century at a strategic site in the north of Pakistan is an exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture. The 70-hectare garrison consist of massive masonry walls more than four kilometres in circumference, lined with 68 bastions and pierced at strategic points by 12 monumental gateways.
It follows the contours of its hilltop site. An interior wall partitions the inner citadel from the remainder of the fort, and an internal water supply in the form of baolis (stepped wells) gave the fort’s garrison self-sufficiency in water. A beautiful mosque known as Shahi Masjid is situated near the Kabuli Gate, and the Haveli (Palatial House) Man Singh was constructed later in the Mughal period. Based essentially on Turkish military architecture developed in reaction to the introduction of gunpowder and cannon, it also transformed into a distinct style of its own.
Sophistication and high artistic value of its decorative elements, notably its high- and low-relief carvings, its calligraphic inscriptions in marble and sandstone, its plaster decoration, and its glazed tiles.
The garrison complex was in continuous use until 1707, and then reoccupied under the Durrani and Sikh rulers of the 18th and 19th centuries respectively. A village grew within the walls, and exists day. Rohtas Fort is unique: there are no surviving examples on the subcontinent of military architecture of this period on the same scale and with the same degree of completeness and preservation.
TAXILA. World Heritage Site. From the ancient Neolithic tumulus of Saraikala to the ramparts of Sirkap (2nd century B.C.) and the city of Sirsukh (1st century A.D.), Taxila illustrates the different stages in the development of a city on the Indus that was alternately influenced by Persia, Greece and Central Asia and which, from the 5th century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D., was an important Buddhist centre of learning.
Prehistoric mound of Saraikala represents the earliest settlement of Taxila, with evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age occupation.
The Bhir mound is the earliest historic city of Taxila, and was probably founded in the 6th century BC by the Achaemenians. Its stone walls, house foundations, and winding streets represent the earliest forms of urbanization on the subcontinent. Bihr is also associated with Alexander the Great’s triumphant entry into Taxila in 326 BC.
Sirkap was a fortified city founded during the mid-2nd century BC. The many private houses, stupas, and temples were laid out on the Hellenistic grid system and show the strong Western classical influence on local architecture. The city was destroyed in the 1st century by the Kushans, a Central Asian tribe.
Khanpur cave, which has produced stratified microlithic tools of the Mesolithic period, and a number of Buddhist monasteries and stupas of various periods. Buddhist monuments erected throughout the Taxila valley transformed it into a religious heartland and a destination for pilgrims from as far afield as Central Asia and China. The Buddhist archaeological sites at Taxila include the Dharmarajika complex and stupa, the Khader Mohra grouping, the Kalawan grouping, the Giri monasteries, the Kunala stupa and monastery, the Jandial complex, the Lalchack and the Badalpur stupa remains and monasteries, the Mohra Moradu monastic remains, the Pipplian and the Jaulian remains, and the Bahalar stupa and remains. The Giri complex also includes the remains of a three-domed Muslim mosque, ziarat (tomb), and madrassa (school) of the medieval period.
Khewra Salt Mines, Located near Kallar Kahar about 160 kilometres from Islamabad and 260 kilometres from Lahore these are the world’s second largest salt mine. A tourist train runs inside the mine tunnels and passes through some incredible sculptures & structures made up of salt. There is also a twelve-bed therapy centre inside the mine called the Khewra Asthma Clinic, which have the reputation of having healing powers owing to health benefits of its micro-climate. Shops inside the mine sells crafted lamps, sculptures and ornaments made up of salt.
Tentative WHS
Archaeological Site of Rehman Dheri Tentative WHS (30/01/2004). Rectangular mound covering some twenty two hectares and 4.5 metres above the surrounding field. The final occupational phase was a large walled rectangular area with a grid iron network of streets and lanes dividing the settlement into regular blocks. Walls delineating individual buildings and street frontages are clearly visible in the early morning dew or after rain and it is also possible to identify the location of a number of small-scale industrial areas within the site marked, as they are, by eroding kilns and scatters of slag. The surface of the mound is littered with thousands of shreds and artefacts, slowly eroding out of room fills.
The archaeological sequence at the site of Rehman Dheri is over 4.5 metres deep, and covers a sequence of over 1,400 years beginning at c.3,300 BC. The site represents following periods: I c.3300-3850 BC, II c.2850-2500 BC, III c.2500-1900 BC
Although its excavators have cut a number of deep trenches or soundings into the lower levels, the areas exposed have been too limited to undertake a study of change in layout and the spatial distribution of craft activities.
It was abandoned at the beginning of the mature Indus phase by the middle of the third millennium BC. It represents the most exceptionally preserved example of the beginning of urbanisation in South Asia.
Hiran Minar and Tank, Sheikhupura Tentative WHS (14/12/1993). Constructed in brick, the minar (tower) is circular and tapers towards the top, which is flat, with a parapet wall. There are 210 square holes on the outer surface of the minar, arranged at regular intervals i~ 14 rows. A spiral straircase consisting of 108 steps has been provided ins-.de the minar. Alongside the staircase, there are 11 ascending rectangular arched openings provided for air and light. The minar is divided into six tiers of different height. The base of each tier has projected moulding and the lowest tier has an arched opening for an entrance. The entire exterior as well as interior of the minar has lime plaster, apparently with some floral or lineal fresco paintings. The thick lime plaster applied over the surface of the lowest tier has been divided into decorative panels or arched niches and horizontal bands in high relief. Facing the grand minar on the east side is a big tank with a causeway leading to the octagonal baradari (pavilion) built in the middle There is a square pavilion at each corner with a gateway to the baradari.
The tank is rectangular in shape, each side has a ramp and a parapet wall and is flanked by four staircases of 8 steps. During Mughal days, a channel was cut from the Aik rivulet and connected with the tank at its north-west corner; in addition, an elaborate system for filling up the tank with rain water from the catchment area was devised.
A causeway, standing on 21 pointed arched pillars, connects the main baradari with the gateway. In the centre of the tank has been erected an octagonal platform with a low parapet wall on all sides. Over the platform stands the beautiful baradari in the same plan, The baradari was constructed under the orders of the Emperor Jahangir in 1620 A.D. for use as a royal residence.
The Salt Range and Khewra Salt Mine Tentative WHS (12/04/2016). Rising abruptly from the Punjab plains west of the River Jhelum and ending equally precipitously on the Indus River, one hundred and eighty kilometres in the west, the Salt Range is a long linear formation of sheer escarpments, jagged peaks, rolling hills and desolate ravines. Nestling between these hills, are fertile valleys scattered with lakes and irrigated by spring fed streams. The Salt Range originated 800 million years ago when evaporation of a shallow sea followed by under thrusting of the Indian Plate formed a range that stretched for about 300 kilometres. The range derives its name from the occurrence of the thickest seams of rock salt in the world embedded in the Precambrian bright red marls of the Salt Range Formation. The Salt Range constitutes a narrow zone of localized strong folding, faulting and uplift, in contrast to the open folds of low structural relief in the Potwar Plateau and no deformation at all in the immediately adjacent Punjab Plain.
It represents an open book of geology with richly fossiliferous stratified rocks, all excellently exposed due to lack of vegetation. The exposure shows tectonic features and a diverse range of floral and faunal fossils including well preserved complete body fossils of invertebrate and vertebrate fauna, their skeletal grains, faunal molds and castes along with a large variety of ichno-fossils.
Hominidae remains have been found. Hundreds of edged pebble tools were discovered dated to 500,000 – 125,000 bp).
Historical sites dating from the 4th c. when Alexander the Great fought his last battle with Raja Porus at the bank of Jehlum River, through the Hindu Shahi period, the Mughal Empire to the era of Sikh rule and the British Colonial occupation. Fortresses, monasteries and temple complexes such as Kafirkot and Malot (9th – 19th c.), Nandna, Tilla Jogian and the World Heritage site of Rohtas perch on high mountain platforms overlooking important passes through the Salt Range.
Habitation sites and ancient centers of religious pilgrimage such as Katas Raj and Mari Indus, early Mughal sites such as Takht-e-Babri, the throne of Emperor Babar and his Bagh-e-Safa considered to be the first Mughal Garden in Asia, are found in Kallar Kahar in the middle of the Salt Range.
Step wells, stone lined tanks, sacred ponds and banyans (Ficus indica) and groves spanning many periods are scattered across the landscape.
OTHER DESTINATIONS
Katas Raj Temples, Chatwal
Canal View Mosque, Gujranwala
Ayub NP
Chinji NP
Kala Chitta NP
Murree Kotli Sattian Kahuta NP
Basan is a spring time kite flying event during the Basant Panchami festival in the Indian Subcontinent. It falls on Basant, in late January or early February marking the start of spring. However, people also observe the celebration on other times during the Spring season. The festival is associated with Sufi saints and shrines across India and Pakistan.
A popular Basant Mela is held in Lahore that remains the regional hub of the festival throughout the Punjab region.
Cities of Asia and Oceania
OKARA
SARGODHA
WAH CANTONMENT
GJURAT
JHANG
JHELUM
KASUR GUJRANWALA/KAMOKE World Cities and Popular Towns
CHINIOT
Omar Hayat Mahal
FAISALABAD. Third-most-populous city in Pakistan and a major industrial and distribution centre because of its central location in the region and connecting roads, rails, and air transportation. Agriculture and industry remain its hallmark. Faisalabad Airport (LYP)
Lyallpur Museum
SHEKHUPURA. The 16th largest city of Pakistan by population. The city is an industrial center, and satellite town, located about 38 km northwest of Lahore.
LAHORE Capital of Punjab and the country’s 2nd largest city, as well as the 26th largest city in the world. Lahore is one of Pakistan’s wealthiest cities and is one of Pakistan’s most socially liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan cities.
Lahore reached the height under the Mughal Empire between the late 16th and early 18th century, and served as its capital city for a number of years. The city was captured by the forces. Lahore eventually became capital of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century, and regained some of its lost grandeur. Lahore was central to the independence movements of both India and Pakistan. Lahore experienced some of the worst rioting during the Partition period preceding Pakistan’s independence.
Lahore is a major center for Pakistan’s publishing industry, and remains the foremost center of Pakistan’s literary scene. The city is also a major centre of education in Pakistan with some of Pakistan’s leading universities based in the city. Lahore is also home to Pakistan’s film industry, Lollywood, and is a major centre of Qawwali music. The city also hosts much of Pakistan’s tourist industry, with major attractions including the Walled City, the famous Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques, as well as several Sikh and Sufi shrines.
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore. World Heritage Site. These are two masterpieces from the Mughal civilization, a fusion of Islamic, Persian, Hindu and Mongol sources (from whence the name Mughal derives) dominated the Indian subcontinent for several centuries.
The 21 monuments preserved within the boundaries of Lahore Fort comprise an outstanding repertory of the forms of Mughal architecture at its artistic and aesthetic height, from the reign of Akbar (1542-1605) through the reign of Shah Jahan (1627-58). Equally the Shalimar Gardens, laid out by Shah Jahan in 1641-2 embodies Mughal garden design at the apogee of its development. The fort contains marble palaces and mosques decorated with mosaics and gilt. The elegance of these splendid gardens, built near the city of Lahore on three terraces with lodges, waterfalls and large ornamental ponds, is unequalled.
Fort Two distinct royal complexes are 7 km. from each other. They evolved during the 16th and 17th centuries.
The Lahore Fort, situated in the north-west corner of the Walled City of Lahore. From the 11th century, the Fort was destroyed and rebuilt several times by the early Mughals during the 13th to the 15th centuries. The 21 monuments remaining are outstanding Mughal architecture from the reign of Akbar (1542-1605): standardized masonry of baked brick and red sandstone courses relieved by Hindu motifs including zooomorphic corbels, through that of Shah Jahan (1627-58), characterized by the use of luxurious marbles, inlays of precious materials and mosaics, set within exuberant decorative motifs of Persian origins.
Masjidi Gate is flanked by two bastions and the Khana-e-Khas-o-Am (Public and Private Audience Hall). Akbar’s successor, Jahangir, finished the large north court (1617-18) begun by Akbar and, in 1624-25, decorated the north and north-west walls of the Fort. Shah Jahan added a fairy tale-like complex of buildings surrounding the Court of Shah Jahan (Diwan-e-Kas, Lal Burj, Khwabgah-e-Jahangiri, and the Shish Mahal, 1631-32, one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, sparkling with mosaics of glass, gilt, semi-precious stones and marble screening).
The Shalimar Gardens, constructed by Shah Jahan in 1641-2 is a Mughal garden, layering Persian influences over medieval Islamic garden traditions, and bearing witness to the apogee of Mughal artistic expression. The Mughal garden is characterized by enclosing walls, a rectilinear layout of paths and features, and large expanses of flowing water. The Shalimar Gardens cover 16 hectares, and is arranged in three terraces descending from the south to the north. The regular plan, enclosed by a crenellated wall of red sandstone, disposes square beds on the upper and lower terraces and elongated blocks on the narrower, intermediate terrace; within, elegant pavilions balance harmoniously arranged poplar and cypress trees, reflected in the vast basins of water.
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Tentative WHS (14/12/1993). The mosque and its vast courtyard are raised on a platform approached by a handsome 22 steps. The double storey entrance is elaborately decorated with framed and carved panelling on all its facades. At the four corners there are square minarets surmounted by pseudo-pavilions of red sandstone with white marble cupolas. At the four corners of the courtyard are the tall octogonal minars (towers). Four smaller minarets, also octogonal, are attached to the corners of the prayer chamber. Above them rise three grand bulbous marble domes. The red sandstone of the building is decorated externally with unobtrusive lines and patterns in white marble inlay. The embellishment of the prayer chamber in the interior and exterior with Zanjira interlacing and flowers with their spidery tendrils, and treated in bold relief, is a unique work of unsurpassed beauty and workmanship in Moghal architecture. The inscription on the gateway indicates that it was built in A.H. 1084 (1673-74 A.D.)
Tombs of Jahangir, Asif Khan and Akbari Sarai, Lahore. Tentative WHS (14/12/1993).
Jahangir’s tomb. A single storey, square structure, with a platform, tall octagonal corner towers and a projecting entrance bay in the middle of each side. The exterior has a red sandstone facing with rich panel decoration inlaid with marble decorative motifs. The four corner towers, with white marble cupolas, rise in five stages to a height of 100 feet with a zigzag inlay of white and yellow marble : the building is divided into a series of vaulted compartments. The interior is embellished with floral frescoes, delicate inlay work (pietra dura) and brilliant marble intersia of various colours. The marble cenctaph with its delicate and colourful pietra dure is engraved with the ninety-nine attributes of Allah.
Asif Khan’s tomb. Octagonal with a high bulbous dome in the centre of a vast garden. The exterior was originally adorned with rich stone inlay work and the interior decorated with very bold stucco tracery, tile mosaic and ghalibkari. The high bulbous double dome was originally covered with marble veneering.
Akbari Sarai. Between the other two, the open courtyard by a raised terrace with rows of 180 small cells, two stately gateways of usual Mughal style beautifully decorated with frescoes and ghalibkari.
Wazir Khan’s Mosque, Lahore Tentative WHS (14/12/1993). 279 ° x 159′, the mosque is entirely constructed in cut and dressed bricks, a two-part courtyard flanked on 3 sides by 32 small hujras, four corner minars (minarets) and five domes.
Transportation: Lahore Airport (LHE), Lahore Junction Station, Lahore Metro, Shalimar Express (Karachi-Lahore)
Army Museum
Chughtai Museum
Fakir Khana
Lahore Museum
National History Museum
National Museum of Science and Technology
Shakir Ali Museum
Unicorn Art Gallery
Sheesh Mahal (Lahore Fort)
Badshahi Mosque
Cathedral Church of the Resurrection
Dai Anga Mosque
Grand Jamia Mosque
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Wazir Khan Mosque
Arfa Karim Software Technology Park. Modern Architecture Building
Lahore Zoo
Botanical Gardens Jallo
PIA Planetarium
Emporium Mall
Faletti’s Hotel, Hospitality Legend
Anarkali Bazaar, Market
Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park. Urban Legend
Minar e-Pakistan. Monument
RAWALPINDI Commonly known as Pindi, is the fourth-largest city in Pakistan. Rawalpindi is adjacent to Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad, and the two are jointly known as the “twin cities” on account of strong social and economic links between the cities.
Rawalpindi is located on the Pothohar Plateau, known for its ancient Buddhist heritage, especially in the neighbouring town of Taxila – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ]
In 1765, it came under Sikh rule, and eventually became a major city within the Sikh Empire based in Lahore. The city was conquered by the British Raj in 1849, and in 1851 became the largest garrison town of the British Indian Army. Following the partition of British India in 1947, the city became home to the headquarters of Pakistan Army hence retaining its status as a major military city.
Construction of Pakistan’s new purpose-built national capital city of Islamabad in 1961 led to greater investment in the city. Modern Rawalpindi is socially and economically intertwined with Islamabad. The city is also home to numerous suburban housing developments that serve as bedroom-communities for workers in Islamabad. As home to GHQ of Pakistan Army & Benazir Bhutto International Airport, and with connections to the M-1 and M-2 motorways, Rawalpindi is a major logistics and transportation centre for northern Pakistan. The city is also home to historic havelis and temples, and serves as a hub for tourists visiting Rohtas Fort, Azad Kashmir, Taxila and Gilgit-Baltistan.
Rawalpindi Station
Pakistan Army Museum
Lal Haveli
Gulshan Dadan Khan Mosque.
Raja Bazaar. Market
SIALKOT. Pakistan’s 13th largest city in north-east Punjab—one of Pakistan’s most industrialised regions. Along with the nearby cities of Gujranwala and Gujrat, Sialkot forms part of the so-called “Golden Triangle” of industrial cities with export-oriented economies.
Sialkot is wealthy relative to other cities in South Asia, and has an entrepreneurial spirit, Sialkot Airport (SKT)
Iqbal Manzil. Musuem, House Museums
Villages and Small Towns
GONDAL
MARALA
MURREE HILL STATION is a mountain resort town, located in the Pir Panjal Range about 30 km northeast of Islamabad. Altitude 2,291 metres. Construction was started in 1851 as a sanatorium for British troops. Murree became a popular tourist station for British within the British India. During colonial era access to commercial establishments was restricted for non-Europeans including the Lawrence College.
Since 1947, it continues as a popular hill station, noted for its pleasant summer. The town also serves as a transit point for tourist’s visiting Azad Kashmir and Abbottabad. The town is noted for its Tudorbethan and neo-gothic architecture. The town is considered by some of its locals and by adherents of the Ahmadiyya movement to be the final resting place of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Patriata Cable Car
Murree Wildlife Park
TAXILA*World Heritage Site. See Above
Taxila Museum
Vestiges of the Past: Bhir, Sirkap, Sirsukh
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ISLAMABAD CAPITAL AREA
Cities of Asia and Oceania
ISLAMABAD The capital city of Pakistan, ninth largest city in Pakistan, and Islamabad–Rawalpindi metropolitan area is the country’s fourth largest with a population of about 3.1 million. Built as a planned city in the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad is noted for its high standards of living, safety, and abundant greenery.
Eight zones, including administrative, diplomatic enclave, residential areas, educational sectors, industrial sectors, commercial areas, and rural and green areas (several parks and forests, including the Margalla Hills National Park and the Shakarparian.)
The city has the highest cost of living in Pakistan, and its population is dominated by middle and upper middle class citizens. The city is home to twenty universities. The city is one of the safest in Pakistan, and has an expansive RFID-enabled surveillance system with almost 2000 CCTV cameras.
Lok Virsa Heritage Museum
National Art Gallery
Pakistan Museum of Natural History
Sir Syed Memorial Museum
Aiwan-e-Sadr (Presidential Palace) the official residence and workplace of the President of Pakistan. The first President who lived there was Ghulam Ishaq Khan, in 1988. Aiwan-e-Sadr is located in northeastern Islamabad on Constitution Avenue between the Parliament Building and the Cabinet block of the Pakistan Secretariat. Residences for the Presidential staff are also located behind the Presidency, known as the President’s Colony adjacent to 4th Avenue.
Faisal Mosque. The largest mosque in South Asia and the fifth largest in the world.
Supreme Court of Pakistan. Modern Architecture Buildings. Designed by the renowned Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange, in a modernist style complementing the Parliament Building.
The Court complex judges’ chambers, a separate building consisting of the law library, various meeting spaces, and auxiliary services including a lecture auditorium. There is an Elizabethan-styled Entrance Hall, cafeteria, conference rooms, and a vintage Dining hall, that resembles the Victorian era. The Supreme Court Library contains the collection of 72,000 law books, reports and journals is situated in the basement.
The Centaurus. Modern Architecture Buildings. Is a 36-floor hotel, three 23-floor residential and office towers and a five-story shopping mall with more than 300 shops.
Play area for children and “The Centaurus Cinema, and the food court all on the 4th floor.
Entry Fee controversy. In what it called a move to avoid ‘over-crowding’, Centaurus Mall in a public notice said visitors will have to buy a coupon to enter the mall, which is adjustable against shopping at the mall on the same day. The public notice listed 23 types of people who will not have to purchase the entry coupons. Those exempted include all women and children under 12, senior citizens, lawmakers and executives, diplomats and foreigners, journalists, and lawyers, members of country clubs, registered engineers, doctors, and teachers. Further, the notice said, “famous players of hockey, cricket, football and golf” and “celebrities” do not have to purchase the entry coupon.
Margalla Hills NP. includes the Margalla Hills, which form’s the foothills of the Himalayas, along with Shakarparian Park and Rawal Lake. Established in 1980, it is the third largest in the world with an area of 17,386 hectares (42,960 acres). Tilla Charouni (1604m) is tallest peak in the park. Margalla Hills are a tourist destination, with Daman-e-Koh and Pir Sohawa serving as popular hill stations, while Shakarparian Cultutal Complex and Lake View Park are popular picnic spots. The park is rich in biodiversity, especially Sino-Himalayan fauna, most notably gray goral, barking deer and the Leopard, 402 bird varieties, 38 mammals and 27 species of reptiles.
Lok Mela festival. A folk dance, music and arts festival is organized by Lok Virsa. The festival’s aim is to showcase traditional arts to from the region.
Islamabad Zoo
Rose and Jasmine Garden
Pakistan Monument
Golra Sharif Railway Museum
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KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA (Peshawar, Chitral, Bannu, Swat, Swabi)
Includes the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas) (formerly known as the North-West Frontier Province)
Primarily Pashtun, the area is very rugged and mountainous yet extremely hospitable.
Peshawar- Capital city of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it is the gateway to the Khyber Pass and is one of the ancient walled cities of Pakistan. It used to be the capital of the Gandhara civilization which stretched to Japan. The city was in ancient times surrounded by high walls with 20 entry gates. Much of the surrounding area is still under the jurisdiction of tribal law. These areas can only be visited with a permit from the relevant authorities.
The Khyber Pass, Afridis. Visit the legendary 1,067m- (3,501ft-) high break in the sheer rock wall separating Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Northern Pakhtunkhwa (Dir, Swat, Asgharabad, etc) has some of the most wild and beautiful scenery in the country.
Chitral, Hindu Kush Mountains north of Peshawar.
Kalasha Valleys – witness the decline of a truly unique cultureIt – inhabited by the Kalash people, the last of the non-Islamic tribes of Kafiristan. This valley is noted for its hot springs and trout-filled rivers.
Swat Valley, East of Chitral. An area of wild mountains and fantastic alpine scenery. In ancient times, it was home to the famous Gandhara school of sculpture, a manifestation of Greek-influenced Buddhist forms. The ruins of great Buddhist stupas, monasteries and statues remain. It also boasts popular mountain retreats such as Miandam and Mingora.
Peace has returned to Swat Valley and the army holds full control with lots of Foreign Nationals working in the form of NGOs. Road infrastructure was destroyed due to the 2010 floods but the army does massive efforts to restore the infrastructure.
Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol. World Heritage Sites. This Buddhist monastic complex (Throne of Origins) was founded in the early 1st century. Owing to its location on the crest of a high hill, it escaped successive invasions and is still exceptionally well preserved. Nearby are the ruins of Sahr-i-Bahlol, a small fortified city dating from the same period. On various hilltops ranging from 36.6 metres to 152.4 metres in height, typical for Buddhist sites. The complexes cover an area of around 33ha.
The Buddhist monastery was in continual use until the 7th century AD. It is composed of an assemblage of buildings and is the most complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan. The buildings were constructed of stone in Gandhara patterns (diaper style) using local dressed and semi-dressed stone blocks.
Today the ruins comprise a main stupa court, votive stupas court, a group of three stupas, the monastic quadrangle with meditation cells, conference hall, covered stepped passageways and other secular buildings.
The second component, the Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol, is located approximately 5 km away in a fertile plain. The ruins are the remnants of a small ancient fortified town of the Kushan period. The town is set on an elongated mound up to 9 metres high and surrounded by portions of the defensive walls in “diaper” style characteristic of the first two or three centuries A.D. The area covered is 9.7 hectares.
The original sculptures from the site have been removed and are housed in the Peshawar Museum.
Archaeological Site of Ranigat Tentative WHS (30/01/2004). This famous Buddhist site is located in Tehsil Totalai with remains scattered in the valley along the ridge.
Mansehra Rock Edicts. Tentative WHS (30/01/2004) are cut into the surface of three large boulders on the side of a rocky outcrop close to the city of Mansehra. They record fourteen edicts (Asoka’s dharma or righteous law) of the Mauryan emperor, Asoka (r. c. 272-235 BC) and represent the earliest irrefutable evidence of writing in South Asia. They are written from right to left in the Kharosthi script. The edicts are located besides one of the ancient routes connecting the Vale of Peshawar to the regions for Kashmir, Gilgit and Central Asia in the north and to the great city of Taxila in the south.
Shahbazgarhi Rock Edicts Tentative WHS (30/01/2004) are cut into the surface of two large boulders on the side of a small rocky outcrop in the Vale of Peshawar. The record fourteen edicts of the Mauryan emperor, Asoka (r. c. 272-235 BC) and represent the earliest irrefutable evidence of writing in South Asia. Dating to middle of the third century BC, they are written from right to left in the Kharosthi script. The presence of Kharosti suggests that the influence of Achaemenid rule in this region, the province of Gandhara, outlived the short Alexandrian interlude of the fourth century BC. The fourteen major edicts recorded at the site present aspects of Asoka’s dharma or righteous law. The edicts are located beside one of the ancient trade routes connecting the Vale of Peshawar with the valley of Swat, Dir and Chitral to the North and the great city of Taxila to the South East.
OTHER DESTINATIONS
Kurram District (Parachinar). M@P:
Kashmir Line of Control
SWAT Valley
Cities of Asia and Oceania
DERA ISMAIL KHAN
KOHAT
MARDAN
MINGORA
Swat Museum
PESHAWAR
Gateway to the Khyber Pass and is one of the ancient walled cities of Pakistan. It used to be the capital of the Gandhara civilization which stretched to Japan. The city was in ancient times surrounded by high walls with 20 entry gates. Much of the surrounding area is still under the jurisdiction of tribal law. These areas can only be visited with a permit from the relevant authorities.
Peshawar Airport (PEW)
Pashtoon Cultural Museum
Peshawar Museum
SSAQ Qayyum Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
Sethi House Museum. House Museum
Bala Hisar Fort
Mahabat Khan Mosque
Peshawar Zoo
PIA Planetarium
Qissa Khawani Bazaar. Market
Villages and Small Towns
BIRIR
CHITRAL
Museums: Chitral Museum
Religious Temples: Chitral Shahi Mosque
Indigenous Peoples: Kalashs
M@P: Upper Chitral District (Mastuj etc – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa extreme northeast)
Khyber Pass is a mountain pass that connects the town of Landi Kotal in Afghanistan to the Valley of Peshawar at Jamrud by traversing part of the Spin Ghar mountains. An integral part of the ancient Silk Road, it has long had substantial cultural, economic, and geopolitical significance for Eurasian trade. Throughout history, it has been an important trade route between Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent and a vital strategic military choke point for various states that came to control it. The summit of the pass is 5 km (3.1 mi) inside Pakistan at Landi Kotal, while the lowest point is .46 km (0.29 mi) at Jamrud in the Valley of Peshawar. The Khyber Pass is part of Asian Highway1 (AH1).
The inhabitants of the area are predominantly from the Afridi and Shinwari tribes of Pashtuns.
Well-known invasions of the area have been predominantly through the Khyber Pass, such as the invasions by Cyrus, Darius I, Genghis Khan and later Mongols. The Khyber Pass became a critical part of the Silk Road. The Parthian Empire fought for control of passes such as this to gain access to the silk, jade, rhubarb, and other luxuries moving from China to Western Asia and Europe. Through the Khyber Pass, Gandhara (in present-day Pakistan) became a regional center of trade connecting Bagram in Afghanistan to Taxila in Pakistan, adding Indian luxury goods such as ivory, pepper, and textiles to the Silk Road commerce.
The Afridis and the Afghan Shinwaris have regarded the Pass as their own preserve and have levied a toll on travellers for safe conduct. Since this has long been their main source of income, resistance to challenges to the Shinwaris’ authority has often been fierce.
For strategic reasons, after the First World War the government of British India built a heavily engineered railway through the Pass. The Khyber Pass Railway from Jamrud, near Peshawar, to the Afghan border near Landi Kotal was opened in 1925.
The Pass became widely known to thousands of Westerners and Japanese who traveled it in the days of the hippie trail, taking a bus or car from Kabul to the Afghan border. At the Pakistani frontier post, travelers were advised not to wander away from the road, as the location was a barely controlled Federally Administered Tribal Area. Then, after customs formalities, a quick daylight drive through the Pass was made.
The area of the Khyber Pass has been connected with a counterfeit arms industry, making various types of weapons known to gun collectors as Khyber Pass copies, using local steel and blacksmiths’ forges.
During the War in Afghanistan, the Khyber Pass has been a major route for resupplying military armament and food to the NATO forces in the Afghan theater of conflict since the US started the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Almost 80 percent of the NATO and US supplies that are brought in by road were transported through the Khyber Pass. It has also been used to transport civilians from the Afghan side to the Pakistani one. Until the end of 2007, the route had been relatively safe since the tribes living there (mainly Afridi, a Pashtun tribe) were paid by the Pakistani government to keep the area safe. However, after that year, the Taliban began to control the region, and so there started to exist wider tensions in their political relationship. Since the end of 2008, supply convoys and depots in this western part have increasingly come under attack by elements from or supposedly sympathetic to the Pakistani Taliban.
Khyber Train Safari
Attock Fort, Attock Khurd:
Vestiges of the Past
Ranigat
Sheri Khan Tarakai
Takht-I-Bahi
Chitral Gol NP
Lulusar-Dudipatsar NP
Saiful Muluk NP
Sheikh Badin NP
Lakes:Lake Saiful Muluk, Lulusar Lake
Jarogo Waterfall
Sajikot Waterfall
Sanghao Cave
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AZAD KASHMIR (Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley)
Pakistan administered portion of Jammu & Kashmir region.
Muzaffarabad. Capital of Azad Kashmir and a very picturesque city.
Arang Kel is a village and tourist spot in the Neelam valley of Azad Kashmir. It is located on the hilltop above Kel at an altitude of 8,379 feet (2,554 m). To reach Kel, people usually enter into the Neelam valley from Muzafarabad.
The village is accessible by a 2km (1.2 mi) trek from Kel. It can also be accessed by a kilometre-long chairlift administrated by Pakistan Army, then a 1-hour hike to the village.
Ramkot Fort, Bhali:
Red Fort, Muzaffarabad:
Gumot NP
Machiara NP
Panjal Mastan NP
Pir Lasura NP
Poonch River Mahaseer NP
Toli Pir NP
Dhani Waterfall. It is the highest waterfall in Neelum Valley.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++TILGIT-GALTISTAN – Gilgit-Baltistan (Skardu, Diamer)
SEE
Gilgit-Baltistan borders Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province to the west, a small portion of the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan to the north, Xinjiang, China to the northeast, the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to the southeast, and the Pakistani-administered state of Azad Kashmir to the south.
Mountains. Gilgit-Baltistan is home to five of the “eight-thousanders” and to more than fifty peaks above 7,000 metres (23,000 ft). Gilgit and Skardu are the two main hubs for expeditions to those mountains. The region is home to some of the world’s highest mountain ranges. The main ranges are the Karakoram and the western Himalayas. The Pamir Mountains are to the north, and the Hindu Kush lies to the west. Amongst the highest mountains are K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) and Nanga Parbat, the latter being one of the most feared mountains in the world.
Glaciers. Three of the world’s longest glaciers outside the polar regions are found in Gilgit-Baltistan: the Biafo Glacier, the Baltoro Glacier, and the Batura Glacier. There are, in addition, several high-altitude lakes in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Karakoram Highway is the major highway of Gilgit Baltistan which connects the Gilgit Baltistan with rest of Pakistan in south and with china at its north end. It is also termed as 8th wonder of World. It is highest paved road in world which connects major valleys of region.
Valleys. Some of the world highest and beautiful valleys. These include Ghancha, Shiger, Astore Valley, Gilgit, Ghizer Valley, Hunza Valley, Skardu and Nagar Valley.
Central Karakorum National Park Tentative WHS (12/04/2016). An extreme mountain area between Skardu and Gilgit. Declared in 1993, the largest protected area in Pakistan, covering over 10,557.73 km2. The area is part of the Asian high-mountain system of Hindukush- Karakorum-West Himalaya – a place of superlatives: the highest park in the world, sixty peaks over 7,000 m, ten of the world’s highest and most famous mountains, four peaks over 8000 m.a.s.l. and K2, the second highest peak in the world.
The park is in a highly active tectonic zone. About 60 million to 20 million years ago, the Indian continental plate subducted under the Eurasian plate and, with the effects of extrusion and uplift of the Indian plate, several immense mountains were formed making it one of the most tectonically-active locations in the world.
Glaciers. Almost half of the park comprises glaciers with the longest glaciers outside the Polar Regions. Famous glaciers such as Hispar, Biafo, Baltoro and Chogo Lungma form complex glacial systems occupying valleys and in some cases entire watersheds.
Upsurges: in the last century, 26 surges were detected in the Karakoram Range, rapid advances that involved at least 17 glaciers. In 1955, Kutiah glacier advanced 12 km. in only three months, the fastest glacial surge ever recorded. Glacier tongues enlarge and push forward at a rapid pace, becoming devastating flows of ice and rock, blocking valleys, closing roads and caravan routes and creating lakes.
This trend in upsurge is part of a complicated phenomenon known as the “Karakoram Anomaly,” where glaciers in the Karakoram mountains have overall remained stable and even increased in mass, in contrast to many glaciers nearby and worldwide which have receded during the past 150 years, particularly in recent decades. The area has a unique weather pattern that keeps the ice cold and dry during the summer months. Unlike the rest of the Himalayas, the Karakoram region is not negatively affected by summer monsoon season, when although the ice melts a little, the melting is offset by heavy snowfall in the extremely cold winters.
Landslides are common. Bring disaster and destruction, but also creat new landforms with potential for habitation and agriculture. Most villages and their fields are often located on land resulting from former landslides.
Diversity. The Karakorum Range lies in a transitional zone between arid Central Asia and the semi-humid tropics of South Asia. Within the CKNP there is a variety of ecosystems, from rock cliffs to juniper shrub land, conifer and broadleaf forests and alpine pastures, home to a very high level of biodiversity. These diverse ecosystems provide a refuge for threatened species of mammals such as arkhor, musk deer, snow leopard, Ladakh urial and Marco Polo sheep, and also for important “flagship” species including the Himalayan Ibex and Lynx, Blue Sheep and Grey Wolf.
90 species of birds use alpine and moraine lakes as important stopovers on the Indus flyway and are part of one of the largest migratory bird routes in the world.
Human impact. There are 230 settlements of approximately 115,000 people living immediately adjacent to the park, the borders of which have been designed to exclude all villages and pasture lands. However, these communities have traditional rights in the park area to access seasonal pastures for grazing, hunting, collecting firewood, timber and medicinal plants.
Deosai National Park Tentative WHS (12/04/2016). A high-altitude alpine plain (plateau) and national park at an average elevation of 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level and considered as the second highest plateaus in the world after Changtang Tibetan Plateau.
Sheosar Lake is in the western part of Deosai National Park.
Balti people call this place ‘Ghbiarsa’ referring to ‘Summer’s Place’ because it is only accessible in summer.
Bara Pani is the largest of the rivers that traverse Deosai National Park.
The Deosai National Park is located between Kharmang, Astore and Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Pakistan. The park protects an area of 843 square kilometres (325 sq mi). It is well known for its rich flora and fauna of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe eco-region. In spring, it is covered by sweeps of wildflowers and a wide variety of butterflies.
Access: Deosai is located approximately 30 km from Skardu city, the shortest route to visit Deosai. Another route is from Astore valley via Chilim. It is also accessible from Shila valley. It is also accessible from Mehdiabad via Mehdiabad-Dapa Road.
The people of Galtari travel via Deosai. While it is a National Park, the Gujjar-Bakwarwal travel large distances to utilize the Deosai National Park as grazing lands.
The soils are severely eroded, coarse and mixed with gravel and stones. In flat areas between mountains, soil is deep with marshy vegetation.
The park was established in 1993 to protect the Himalayan brown bear and its habitat. Its number has increased from only 19 in 1993 to 40 in 2005.
Also the Siberian ibex, Kashmir musk deer, Himalayan wolf, Snow leopard, Himalayan marmot and over 124 types of resident and migratory birds: Golden eagle, Lammergeier, Himalayan vulture, Laggar falcon, Peregrine falcon, Eurasian kestrel, Eurasian sparrowhawk, and Himalayan snowcock.
HUNZA VALLEY The most beautiful valley of Gilgit Baltistan with an Upper, Central and Lower Hunza.
Hunzakuts. Indigenous Peoples
KARIMABAD (Hunza Valley). The major city of valley. Has all facilities for mountaineers and tourists.
Baltit Fort. Tentative WHS (30/01/2004). Baltit Fort is situated in Karimabad, once was capital of the state of Hunza, now Tehsil Headquarter of District Gilgit. It is approached by Karakuram Highway from Gilgit, the capital of Northern Areas.
The Baltit Fort stands on an artificially flattened spur below the Ulter Glacier. Strategically located with a commanding view of the Hunza Valley and its Tributaries, its inhabitants controlled the seasonal trans-Karakuram trade between south and Central Asia.
The Baltit Fort is rectangular in plan with three floors and stands on a high stone plinth Inhabited by the Mir, or ruler of Hunza until 1945.
The core of the structures, a single defensive timber and stone tower, had been built in the eight century A.D. This tower was augmented by additional towers and linked by a single story construction consisting of small rooms and sub-surface storage chambers. The complex was then later expanded by the addition of a second, and then a third floor. The structure’s stone walls, built in an area of frequent seismic movements, were provided with a traditional internal framework of timber for greater stabilisation.
Altit Fort. An ancient fort at Altit town in the Hunza valley and originally home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza state, the Mir, although they moved to the younger Baltit fort nearby three centuries later. Altit Fort and in particular the Shikari tower is around 1100 years old, which makes it the oldest monument in the Gilgit–Baltistan.
The Altit Fort was in great disrepair, but has recently been restored by the Aga Khan Trust. It is characterized by small rooms and low portals with exquisite wood carvings. Open since 2007.
Attabad lake is a major lake of the Hunza valley. It was created during landslide at Hunza River near Attabad village on 4 January 2010.
Hussaini Suspension Bridge is long wooden suspension bridge over Hunza river near the village of Husaaini. It is also called Indiana Jones Bridge. It is termed as one of the most dangerous bridges in the world. Tourist take it as a challenge to cross the bridge. 193m long. Wood deck. It is believed that the bridge was washed away in a 2011 monsoon.
Those living in the Gilgit-Baltistan region were cut off from the rest of Pakistan until 1978 due to the mountainous terrain and lack of roads. You could take a small airplane, but that was reserved for only the richest citizens. For everyone else, the only way to travel was by walking across mountain passes to Rawalpindi. In 1978, the Karakoram Highway was completed and the region was connected, but inter-region travel remains as difficult as it was 100 years ago.
Regular aspects of travel through this region include the rickety cable and plank bridges which cross Northern Pakistan’s mountain streams and rivers. Among these is the Hussaini Hanging Bridge, crossing Borit Lake in the Upper Hunza. This rope bridge is both long and poorly maintained. Many planks are missing, and strong winds shake the bridge as you cross it. As of now, there is only one suspension bridge connecting the Hussaini Village with Zar abad (located across the Hunza River)
Despite its dangerous looks, however, the Hussaini is is a relatively safe bridge and has become one of the most sought after tourist attraction, with hikers testing their nerves as they carefully work their way across.
Ticket price for visiting the place is 200 pakistan rupees. There is a small Juice Outlet that serves the fresh cherries juice and it is a must try. Locals from the village have also setup small stalls of dry fruit which are cultivated by them.
Skardu Valley is located at confluence of Indus and Shiger rivers surrounded by majestic peaks of Karakoram.
OTHER DESTINATIONS
Shandur Polo Festival
Manthokha Waterfall. In the Kharmang Valley, almost 80 kilometres (50 mi) away from downtown Skardu, it is 180 feet high
The waterfall is a mystic place featuring lush green pastures, fresh gurgling streams, towering rocky mountains of Karakorum and indigenously designed restaurants and much more. The main highlight is the local trout and a fish farm grows trout for tourists.
Villages and Small Towns: Ganish Ghizer, Passu
Baltistan Far East (to Ladakh) XL.
Ganche District (easternmost)M@P:
Shigar Fort, Shigar
National Parks
Broghil Valley NP
K2 NP
Khunjerab NP
Manglot NP
Shandur NP
Baltoro Glacier Trek. Baltoro Glacier, at 63 km (39 mi) in length, is one of the longest glaciers outside the polar regions. In the Shigar district and Karakoram mountain range, the Baltoro Muztagh lies to the south and east of the glacier, the Masherbrum Mountains lie to the south. At 8,611 m (28,251 ft), K2 is the highest mountain in the region, and three other Eight thousanders lie within 20 km. Siachen Glacier is separated from the Baltoro glacier by the Conway Saddle (or pass).
The glacier gives rise to the Braldo River which is a tributary of Shigar River, which is a tributary of the Indus River. Several large tributary glaciers feed the main Baltoro Glacier, including the Godwin Austen Glacier, flowing south from K2; the Abruzzi and the various Gasherbrum Glaciers, flowing from the Gasherbrum group of peaks; the Vigne Glacier, flowing from Chogolisa, and the Yermandendu Glacier, flowing from Masherbrum. The confluence of the main Baltoro Glacier with the Godwin Austen Glacier is known as Concordia; this location and K2 base camp are popular trekking destinations.
The trough of this glacier is very wide. Small valley glaciers form icefalls where they meet the trunk glacier. The sidewalls vary from very steep to precipitous. The glacier has carved striations on the surrounding country rocks. Moving ice has formed depressions, which serve as basins for numerous glacial lakes.
The glacier can be approached via the Balti town of Skardu.
A list of notable peaks adjacent to or near the Baltoro Glacier includes:
- Biarchedi, 6,781 m
- Broad Peak, 12th highest in the world at 8,047 m.
- Chogolisa, 36th highest in the world at 7,665 m.
- Gasherbrum III, 7,946 m. (Often regarded as a subpeak of Gasherbrum II.)
- Gasherbrum II, 13th highest in the world at 8,035 m.
- Gasherbrum IV, 17th highest in the world at 7,932 m.
- Gasherbrum I, 11th highest in the world at 8,080 m.
- K2, 2nd highest in the world at 8611m
- Masherbrum (K1), 22nd highest in the world at 7,821 m.
- Mitre Peak, 6,010 m.
- Muztagh Tower, 7,273 m.
- Snow Dome, 7,160 m.
- Trango Towers, 6,286 m. (Their vertical faces are the world’s tallest cliffs.)
- Uli Biaho Tower, 6,417 m.
Concordia and K2 Trek. The Godwin-Austen Glacier is close to K2, and its confluence with the Baltoro Glacier is called Concordia, a popular trekking destination as it provides views of four of the five eight-thousanders in the region.
It receives its name from Henry Haversham Godwin-Austen, an early explorer of this region. K2 was originally named Mount Godwin-Austin in his honour.
K2 from Concordia
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NOMAD MANIA Pakistan – Punjab North (Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad)
World Heritage Sites
Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
Rohtas Fort
Taxila
Tentative WHS
Archaeological Site of Rehman Dheri (30/01/2004)
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore (14/12/1993)
Hiran Minar and Tank, Sheikhupura (14/12/1993)
The Salt Range and Khewra Salt Mine (12/04/2016)
Tombs of Jahangir, Asif Khan and Akbari Sarai, Lahore (14/12/1993)
Wazir Khan’s Mosque, Lahore (14/12/1993)
Airports: Islamabad International (ISB)
Railway, Metro, Funiculars, Cable Cars
Khyber Train Safari
Pakistan Intercity Railway Experience
Shalimar Express (Karachi-Lahore)
Castles, Palaces, Forts
Rohtas: Rohtas Fort
Sheikhpura: Sheikhpura Fort
Religious Temples
Chatwal: Katas Raj Temples
Gujranwala: Canal View Mosque
World of Nature
Ayub NP
Chinji NP
Kala Chitta NP
Murree Kotli Sattian Kahuta NP
Rivers
Chenab River
Indus River
Jhelum River
Ravi River
Sutlej River
Festivals: Basant
Caves: Khewra Salt Mine
Cities of Asia and Oceania
OKARA
SARGODHA
SHEKHUPURA
WAH CANTONMENT
GJURAT
JHANG
JHELUM
KASUR
GUJRANWALA/KAMOKE World Cities and Popular Towns
CHINIOT
Castles, Palaces, Forts: Chiniot: Omar Hayat Mahal
FAISALABAD World Cities and Popular Towns
Airports: Faisalabad (LYP)
Museums: Faisalabad: Lyallpur Museum
LAHORE World Cities and Popular Towns
World Heritage Sites: Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore
Tentative WHS
Badshahi Mosque, Lahore (14/12/1993)
Tombs of Jahangir, Asif Khan and Akbari Sarai, Lahore (14/12/1993)
Wazir Khan’s Mosque, Lahore (14/12/1993)
Airports: Lahore (LHE)
Railway, Metro, Funiculars, Cable Cars: Lahore Junction Station, Lahore Metro, Shalimar Express (Karachi-Lahore)
Museums:
Army Museum
Chughtai Museum
Fakir Khana
Lahore Museum
National History Museum
National Museum of Science and Technology
Shakir Ali Museum
Unicorn Art Gallery
Castles, Palaces, Forts: Lahore: Sheesh Mahal (Lahore Fort)
Religious Temples
Badshahi Mosque
Cathedral Church of the Resurrection
Dai Anga Mosque
Grand Jamia Mosque
Sacred Heart Cathedral
Wazir Khan Mosque
Modern Architecture Buildings: Lahore: Arfa Karim Software Technology Park
Zoos: Lahore Zoo
Botanical Gardens: Lahore: Botanical Gardens Jallo
Planetariums: PIA Planetarium
Malls/Department Stores: Emporium Mall
Hospitality Legends: Lahore: Faletti’s Hotel
Markets: Lahore: Anarkali Bazaar
Urban Legends: Lahore: Gulshan-e-Iqbal Park
Monuments: Lahore: Minar e-Pakistan
RAWALPINDI World Cities and Popular Towns
Railway, Metro, Funiculars, Cable Cars: Rawalpindi Station
Museums: Pakistan Army Museum
Religious Temples: Pindi: Gulshan Dadan Khan Mosque
Castles, Palaces, Forts: Lal Haveli
Markets: Raja Bazaar
SIALKOT
Airports: Sialkot (SKT)
Museums/House Museums/Plantations: Iqbal Manzil
Villages and Small Towns
GONDAL
MARALA
MURREE HILL STATION
Railway, Metro, Funiculars, Cable Cars: Patriata Cable Car, Murree
Zoos: Murree Wildlife Park
TAXILA*
World Heritage Sites: Taxila
Museums: Taxila Museum
Vestiges of the Past: Bhir, Sirkap, Sirsukh
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NOMAD MANIA Pakistan – Islamabad Capital Area
Cities of Asia and Oceania
ISLAMABAD World Cities and Popular Towns World Capitals
Museums
Lok Virsa Heritage Museum
National Art Gallery
Pakistan Museum of Natural History
Sir Syed Memorial Museum
Castles, Palaces, Forts: Aiwan-e-Sadr
Religious Temples
Faisal Mosque
Pindi: Gulshan Dadan Khan Mosque
Modern Architecture Buildings
Supreme Court of Pakistan
The Centaurus
World of Nature: Margalla Hills NP
Festivals: Lok Mela festival, Islamabad
Zoos: Islamabad Zoo
Botanical Gardens: Rose and Jasmine Garden
Monuments: Pakistan Monument
Railway Museums: Golra Sharif Railway Museum
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Villages and Small Towns: Arang Kel
Castles, Palaces, Forts
Bhali: Ramkot Fort
Muzaffarabad: Red Fort
World of Nature
Gumot NP
Machiara NP
Panjal Mastan NP
Pir Lasura NP
Poonch River Mahaseer NP
Toli Pir NP
Lakes: Banjosa Lake
Rivers: Jhelum River
Waterfalls: Dhani Waterfall
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NOMAD MANIA Pakistan – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Peshawar, Chitral, Bannu, Swat, Swabi)
M@P:
Kurram District (Parachinar)
Upper Chitral District (Mastuj etc – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa extreme northeast)
World Heritage Sites: Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol
Tentative WHS
Archaeological Site of Ranigat (30/01/2004)
Mansehra Rock Edicts (30/01/2004)
Shahbazgarhi Rock Edicts (30/01/2004)
XL
Kalash Valleys
Kashmir Line of Control
SWAT Valley
Cities of Asia and Oceania
DERA ISMAIL KHAN
KOHAT
MARDAN
MINGORA
Museums: Swat Museum
PESHAWAR World Cities and Popular Towns
Airports: Peshawar (PEW)
Museums
Pashtoon Cultural Museum
Peshawar Museum
SSAQ Qayyum Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology
House Museums/Plantations: Sethi House Museum
Castles, Palaces, Forts: Bala Hisar Fort
Religious Temples: Mahabat Khan Mosque
Zoos: Peshawar Zoo
Planetariums: PIA Planetarium
Markets: Qissa Khawani Bazaar
Villages and Small Towns
BIRIR
CHITRAL
Museums: Chitral Museum
Religious Temples: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Chitral Shahi Mosque
Indigenous Peoples: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa : Kalashs
M@P: Upper Chitral District (Mastuj etc – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa extreme northeast)
Railway, Metro, Funiculars, Cable Cars: Khyber Train Safari
Roads, Road Bridges and Tunnels: The Khyber Pass
Castles, Palaces, Forts: Attock Khurd: Attock Fort
Vestiges of the Past
Ranigat
Sheri Khan Tarakai
Takht-I-Bahi
World of Nature
Chitral Gol NP
Lulusar-Dudipatsar NP
Saiful Muluk NP
Sheikh Badin NP
Lakes
Lake Saiful Muluk
Lulusar Lake
Rivers
Indus River
Kabul River
Kunar River
Zhob River
Waterfalls
Jarogo Waterfall
Sajikot Waterfall
Caves: Sanghao Cave
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NOMAD MANIA Pakistan – Gilgit-Baltistan (Skardu, Diamer)
M@P: Pakistan – Gilgit-BaGanche District (easternmost)
Tentative WHS
Baltit Fort (30/01/2004)
Central Karakorum National Park (12/04/2016)
Deosai National Park (12/04/2016)
Borders: Afghanistan-Pakistan, China-Pakistan, India-Pakistan
XL: Baltistan Far East (to Ladakh)
Villages and Small Towns
Ganish
Ghizer
Karimabad (Hunza Valley)
Passu
Castles, Palaces, Forts
Hunza Valley: Altit Fort
Hunza Valley: Baltit Fort
Shigar: Shigar Fort
World of Nature
Broghil Valley NP
Central Karakoram NP
Deosai NP
Hunza Valley
K2 NP
Khunjerab NP
Manglot NP
Shandur NP
Lakes
Attabad Lake
Borit Lake
Khalti Lake
Lower Kachura Lake
Naltar Lake
Phander Lake
Rama Lake
Satpara Lake
Rivers
Indus River
Shyok River
Trails 1 – Treks
Baltoro Glacier Trek
Concordia and K2 Trek
Festivals: Shandur Polo Festival
Waterfalls: Manthokha Waterfall
Pedestrian Bridges: Hussaini Suspension Bridge
Indigenous Peoples: Baltistan : Hunzakuts
