14 Fascinating Reasons You Should Visit Pakistan At Least Once In Your Life

I grew up listening to the stories of my grandparents who moved from Pakistan to India during partition, and that remains one of the prime reasons that nation intrigues me. With the way contemporary fiction writers describe Pakistan’s lanes and kebab corners, it seems like a country that's no different from mine. And honestly, I can't thank it enough for giving the world the best looking man on earth right now - the gorgeous Fawad Khan.?

But there’s a ton more.

1. Pakistan is home to the ruins of Harappa and Mohenjodaro, the two most iconic cities of the Indus Valley Civilisation.?

Visiting Harrapa and Mohenjodaro will take you back to your history textbooks, and that’s the reason going here is on top of our list. Harappa is located in Pakistan’s Punjab, closer to Lahore. Mohenjodaro is slightly away, located in Sindh. The experience of visiting these places will be a mind blowing one because you’ll be stunned at these well developed cities from 2600 BCE.?

2. The mountains, lakes and waterfalls at Kaghan valley will make you believe in magic.?

Kaghan Valley is located in the beautiful town of Naran, in Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the Pakistan. This valley is known for its spectacular mountains, lakes and waterfalls. The Kunhar River, swollen by glacier melt, passes through this town as it meanders its way through the valley, an experience which is truly magical. Apart from that, Naran itself has many scenic places to go to including lake Saif-ul-Malook, Lalazar Babusar, Noori Valley and Purbi Valley.

3. In Pakistan lies another masterpiece built by Shah Jahan, Shalimar Gardens.?

Shah Jahan’s father, Jahangir had built the Shalimar Bagh in Srinagar in 1619. Years later, Shah Jahan recreated that beauty in Lahore. These gardens are enclosed by red sandstone, minarets, pavilions and a number of tall trees surrounding the waterways. Shalimar Gardens has nearly 400 fountains which add to the uniqueness of this place. It is here where the line ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya, O Jamyai Nai’ ( He who has not seen Lahore, has not been born) will make perfect sense.

4. Along with the splendid Badshahi Masjid at Lahore, the finest example of Mughal architecture.?

The Badshahi Masjid was built by Aurangzeb in 1673. It is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture and is a major tourist attraction in Lahore. The courtyard of this mosque extends to 2,76,000 square feet making it one of the largest in the world. The intricate carvings in red stone take you back in time. It’s interesting to note that this mosque was a military regiment first run by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, then by his son, Sher Singh, and eventually by the British.?

5.?The Lahore Fort is where you’ll literally live history.?

During Ghazni’s reign, the Lahore fort was made of mud and its present structure was built by Akbar around the 16th century. This fort has been remade again and again. The fascinating fact is that everyone who has ruled Lahore, be it the Mughals, Sikhs or the British, has added some of their own architectural bits to it.?

6. It would be truly special to see the beating retreat ceremony from the other side of the gate in Wagah.?

You have seen the beating retreat ceremony from this side of the gate. To hear Pakistani music and see the guys marching in green will be quite an experience. ?

7. Rama meadow is a place you’ll love to get lost in.?

There’s a gem located in the Gilgit-Balitsan province of Pakistan - the dazzling Rama meadows. The roads that lead to this place are rocky and bumpy, but you pass through quaint villages that have a charm of their own. Clear water flowing in streams, sheep grazing?peacefully, snow-covered mountains in the background will take your sorrows away and force you to stay here forever.?

8. Because Pakistan houses the world’s largest fort, Ranikot?

Ranikot’s is a splendid piece of architecture that’ll remind you of some of the forts in our country. It’s isolated and mysterious which makes it charming in its own way. This fort is also known as the ‘Great Wall of Sindh’ and offers a panoramic view of the landscapes from both sides. Pictures you’ll capture here will be ultimate cover photos for your Facebook profile.?

9. The Anarkali market in Lahore is where a normal person is bound to become a shopaholic.?

How can any vacation be complete without shopping? The Anarkali Bazaar is one of Lahore’s oldest markets and a place where you’ll probably find treasure. From handicrafts to clothes and jewellery, you will find everything here. Liberty Market is another great place for shopping. When in Pakistan, run after the exotic Ajrak printed fabric and their locally made kajal. Don’t worry, bargaining is allowed.?

10. You?have to experience Punjabi hospitality from the other side of the border.?

In Pakistan, just like India, Punjab is considered the land of food, dance, fertile soil and hospitality. Sialkot is called an artisans' hub, while Bahawalpur boasts of its vintage architecture as it has plenty of historic buildings in its kitty. Five flowing rivers including Chenab and Sutlej remind you of the stories your dadaji narrated to you, and the chilled lassi will make you realise that the taste is hardly different.?

11. Hiking at Margalla hills of Islamabad will be an incredible outdoor experience.?

If you like adventure, Pakistan has a lot of things to do. Hiking in the Margalla hills of Islamabad is one. Wildlife is incredible here with some lesser known animal species including the boars, pangolins, birds, jackals, and even the endangered Margalla leopard. There’s a hill station named Murree nearby which was a sanatorium for the British in the 19th century. ?The views here will leave you speechless. If you’re lucky, on clear days, you can see as far as Kashmir.?

12. There is no mutton chop, biryani or nankhatai that can match what you get in Pakistan.?

Foodies should head straight to Lahore as there’s a great variety of mutton chops, haleem, kulfi, nankhatai and even kulfi falooda available in different corners of the city. Just make sure you go on an empty stomach because you’ll be tempted to eat more and more.

13. It’s in Pakistan that you’ll fall deeply in love with truck art.?

Karachi is called the center for truck art in south Asia. There are other places in Pakistan including Rawalpindi, Swat, Peshawar, Quetta and Lahore where you can spot magnificent pieces of truck art.?

14. When you’re heading to the land of sufi music, how can you miss out on the Qawaali??

From Dargahs to cultural events, qawaalis are everywhere. When in Pakistan, the sufi flavour must not be missed. ?