History of Pakistan
INTRODUCTION
Pakistan is a populous multiethnic country in South Asia. Having a predominately Indo-Iranian speaking population, Pakistan has historically and culturally been associated with its neighbours Iran, Afghanistan, and India. Since Pakistan and India achieved independence in 1947, Pakistan has been distinguished from its larger southeastern neighbour by its overwhelmingly Muslim population (as opposed to the predominance of Hindus in India). Pakistan has struggled throughout its existence to attain political stability and sustained social development. Its capital is Islamabad, in the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern part of the country, and its largest city is Karachi, in the south on the coast of the Arabian Sea.
Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan – From Mountains to Mosques
Pakistan is a country filled with breathtaking natural beauty, from the towering mountains to the beautiful green valleys. Pakistan has been home to some of the world’s most magnificent landscapes and diverse cultures.
Pakistan is celebrated as the land of the pure, the land of dreamers. In its diverse landscapes and cultures, Pakistan has developed a unique identity that is preserved by its people.
Pakistan is a beautiful country with plenty of beautiful places to visit. The country’s beauty is apparent in its natural landscapes and cultural diversity. Pakistan has sites such as the Karachi beach, Hunza Valley, and the Thar Desert that have been preserved due to their ecological and cultural significance.
SWAT VALLEY:
Swat is a beautiful valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan that is engulfed in a conflict. It has been through many ups and downs, but it has never given up on its vision of being an example for peace and prosperity.
Swat Valley is a stunning example of the beauty in Pakistan. And though it has had a rough past, the present and future of this valley are shining very bright.
The Swat Valley is a very popular tourist destination in Pakistan, but many people don’t realize that the valley is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the nation. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy a wide variety of recreational opportunities that include trekking, mountain biking and horse riding.
Boyun Village
Boyun is a mountain in the Kalam area of Turkey. It has an altitude of 2,200 meters and is said to be the highest point in the area. The view of Boyun is breathtaking, with a peak situated at almost 6000 feet and offering a panoramic view of its surroundings.
HUNZA VALLEY
The Hunza Valley is a remote and mountainous region of Pakistan and it is the home of unique people who have lived there for centuries. The name ‘Hunza’ derives from the old Persian word ‘Hunush’, which means ‘hidden treasure’ because of their well-kept secret.
The Hunza Valley is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan and is believed to be the largest valley in the world.
The valley is home to a number of mountains, including Mount Tamalpais in Marin County, Mount Diablo in Contra Costa County, and Mount Hamilton in Santa Clara County. The valley is also home to the San Andreas Fault which has been the cause of a number of notable earthquakes throughout history.
Attabad Lake
The Attabad Lake is a beautiful example of an unusual phenomenon known as a fata morgana. It is said that these mirages were created by events like the sinking of Atlantis, and other powerful supernatural events in the past.
Mirages are a phenomenon that occurs when light is reflected back to the observer, creating the illusion of objects or terrain in a distant region. These mirages were once attributed to things like storms and earthquakes, but in recent years scientists have found other possible explanations.
YARKHUN VALLEY:
Yarkhun Valley is a scenic place nestled in the Ziarat-e-Bostan mountains of the Ziarat Rural District in Iran. It’s not only beautiful and quiet, but it’s also a “hidden gem” that doesn’t get as much attention as its more famous counterparts.
I visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the summer of 2017 on a tour of the country. While touring, I visited two places- Peshawar and Swat Valley. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a province in Pakistan with diverse landscapes, cities, architecture and food. The mountains are absolutely breathtaking and I can’t stop thinking about them since my visit.
The side valley of Gazin is most definitely worth a detour if you make it all the way to Yarkhun. Here, you can see the mountains of the Thoi Pass, a high-altitude pass that connects Upper Chitral with Gilgit-Baltistan. The valley is also home to three small settlements and some pre-historic sites that many visitors like to visit.
PHANDER LAKE
Phander Lake, located in Phander Village, is one of the most beautiful places to visit. The teal-coloured lake sits silently amongst light-green trees befitting a landscape painting. It offers many opportunities for activities such as fishing, boating and camping.
Despite being insanely beautiful, Phander Lake doesn’t see anywhere as close to the number of tourists as the more popular Attabad Lake does. This is because Attabad Lake is easily accessible and has no restrictions like Phander Lake.
LAHORE:
Lahore is one of the most beautiful cities in Pakistan, with its history and heritage. The city was established in the 16th century and since then, it has had a rich and diverse culture. There are many historical places to be seen in Lahore, from ancient sites like Moenjodaro to Gogra Fort.
The most famous of the city’s monuments include the Badshahi Mosque, the Wazir Khan Mosque, and of course the Lahore Fort. Add to that dozens upon dozens of beautifully preserved tombs, lively shrines and stunning gardens.
Lahore is one of the most visited cities in Pakistan, and for good reason. Topping the list of attractions are the Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, and Lahore Fort.
HINGOL NATIONAL PARK
Hingol National Park is technically in Pakistan, but it looks more like a Martian planet! The park is over 6,000-square-kilometres and contains incredibly unique rock formations, vast canyons, and mountains. The area was originally a desert and was formed during the last ice age. Approximately 25 million years ago, the region became a sea of ice as the world’s climate changed.
Many foreigners who have visited the park have reported mixed experiences. Some who were accompanied by locals have been able to spend a night/ weekend in the park, while others were not allowed in because they were not accompanied by a Pakistani.
KALASH VALLEYS
The Kalash Valleys, comprised of Bumboret, Rumour, and Birir, are home to the Kalash people, a religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan with their own beliefs, culture and language. The valleys are a UNESCO world heritage site.
The valley of Rumbur is in the northern region of Afghanistan and is one of the most striking sites in this mountainous country. The Kalash people live here in traditional homes that cling to its high hills, and the Kalash River winds through the valley.
DEOSAI PLAINS NATIONAL PARK
Deosai is the highest plateau on Earth. The beautiful snow-capped mountain can be found in the Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan, Northern Pakistan. The barren, windy, and cold environment is a testing ground for mountaineers and adventurers.
The Deosai National Park is the largest recorded Tibetan bear habitat in the world. The park comprises lush, emerald-green meadows, snow-capped peaks and glistening blue lakes. It is a popular tourist destination for those who wish to explore the beauty of Pakistan.
GORAKH HILLS
The Gorakh Hill Station is located in Sindh, but is certainly elevated as a part of the Kirthar Mountains. At 1,734 metres (5,689 feet), the top of the hills provides some of the best views one could ask for. The hill station also has a natural hot water spring that provides temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Celsius.
The journey to the mountain is through villages and small towns, waterfalls and rivers. There are two hours of bus ride from Dadu to Gorakh Hills, but for this you need to book a whole day in advance. This is because the journey takes about 8 hours. The route goes through Karachi, so it is a good place to start your journey.
SHIMSHAL
Shimshal Valley is highly regarded for its natural beauty and the opportunity to see some of the world’s rarest species of wildflowers. The valley is also home to ancient Buddhist monasteries.
Shimshal Valley has been called the Switzerland of Pakistan. The valley is a treasure trove of natural beauty and home to rare species of wildflowers. The monasteries are great for those wanting to experience the rich history of Buddhist culture.
SHAH JAHAN MOSQUE
The Shah Jahan Mosque, also known as the Jamia Masjid, is an architectural wonder that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 AD to mark his son’s wedding, this architectural gem stands today as a testament to the grandeur of Mughal architecture and Islamic art.
One of the most impressive sights in Thatta, the hometown of Shah Jahan, is the massive Shah Jahan Mosque. This holy place has been around since its inception and contains many architectural marvels that have stood the test of time.
MARGALA HILLS:
Islamabad might be a glitzy ‘new’ city, but did you know it also has a vast array of hills perfect for climbing? The Margala Hills are spread out over 12,000 hectares and contain multiple hiking routes with breathtaking views.
There are few places in Pakistan that remain so close to the city yet so deeply connected. The capital, Islamabad, is a bustling metropolis of its own. However, there are many places outside of the city that contain some of the purest and most untouched nature. One such place is the Shandur Massif which houses one of Pakistan’s most stunning mountains ranges.
ROHTAS FORT
Say hello to another of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – this time a 16th-century fortress that’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rohtas Fort is located near Jhelum in Punjab, with its stunning view of the river and spectacular gardens.
The fortress of Al-Mutasim is located in the city of Cairo and was constructed during the reign of the Fatimid Caliph Al-Mutasim. The fortress is one of the largest in the Subcontinent and has remained in remarkable condition despite its age.
It can be easy to get turned around in the sprawling grounds of the old city for an entire day. Be sure to keep your mind on where you’re going and how long it will take to get somewhere. The fort charges an entrance fee of 500 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Pakistanis, which is quite affordable compared to other nearby attractions.
KATPANA DESERT:
Though it has all the makings of a ‘warm’ desert, what makes the Katpana stand out is its altitude. It’s located at a height of 9,000 ft and temperatures in the region can drop to -10 degrees Celsius. It also has a significant amount of water in its soil which means it’s not always dry and barren.
The Katpana Cold Desert is not as cold as it sounds; it is actually a desert with a warm climate. It has beautiful turquoise lakes, towering mountain ranges, and a diverse ecosystem.
The Katpana desert is a dream destination for travellers. Sand dunes at this altitude look truly unique. Very few countries can lay claim to such a rarity. Travellers can reach the Katpana Desert easily from Saudi Arabia via Riyan city. Get an authentic source of Pakistan
