Why we decided to visit Pakistan
Many people are surprised when we tell them about our trip to Pakistan, and that´s why we want you to read our 15 reasons to visit Pakistan.
A war-torn country and terrorism are the usual associations with this country. Obviously, this makes people apprehensive about visiting.
Before visiting Pakistan, we didn´t know what to expect. Frankly, we didn´t go there by ourselves either. We didn´t feel brave enough to travel to Pakistan without knowledge of the country or having local contacts. Traveling there with an agency made things much easier for obvious reasons.
We are very open-minded, so when the opportunity to travel to Pakistan showed up, we jumped on it. And we didn´t regret it. We met the most wonderful people, saw incredible landscapes, were mesmerized by the mountains, and never felt insecure.
We hope that maybe we can change your opinion or at least teach you something new about this exotic country.
Where we went to
We landed in Islamabad – the capital of Pakistan. We spent some days there before embarking on a long journey to the north. The northern areas consist of incredible landscapes with some of the highest mountains in the world. After spending some time in the north, we traveled to Lahore – Pakistan´s second-largest city. We never experienced something like Lahore before: the number of people, vibrant, colorful streets, every second something is happening.
15 amazing reasons why you should visit Pakistan
Pakistan is definitely worth visiting! After spending nearly two weeks road tripping in that country, we have compiled our list of 15 amazing reasons why you should visit Pakistan.
So, here we go:
1. Get rid of your prejudices
Terrorism, Osama bin Laden´s death in Pakistan, and the constant negative media portrayal of Pakistan don´t help the country´s image. Understandably (or maybe not), some people reacted negatively towards our travel to Pakistan or didn´t even know that one can travel there. Yes, tourism is possible in Pakistan, Pakistanis are wonderful and very welcoming, and we didn´t feel any danger. No, Pakistan is not a big desert. We all know that travel opens your mind – so instead of reacting negatively towards this country, you should first come and see for yourself.
2. A paradise for mountain lovers
If you love mountains, then Pakistan is your country! Pakistan has five mountain peaks above 8.000 meters, is home to the most famous mountain ranges, and to the second-highest peak in the world, the K2. It is so popular among mountaineers that Pakistan issues special visas for trekking and mountaineering.
3. Pakistan´s vibrant trucks
The trucks in Pakistan are vibrant, colorful, and beautifully decorated. Their truck game is on a whole different level.
The art of decorating vehicles dates back centuries ago. Pakistanis decorate their camels, boats, and pretty much any transportation. It´s a status symbol. There are a few articles that analyze this century-long tradition if you are interested to learn more. We were completely blown away by these impressive trucks.
4. On the path of the historical Silk Route
One of the most amazing feelings is to know that we are on the path of the historical Silk Route. Imagining how many civilizations and people have crossed the same road as us is mind-blowing. The Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan with China, parts of the historical Silk Route. The road stretches 1260km, passing through the world´s highest mountain ranges. The road begins close to Islamabad, leads through the northern areas of Pakistan and to China.
5. Locals will make you feel like a super star
To us, what stands out with Pakistanis is their sense of humor and openness. Sometimes we couldn´t understand each other due to the language barrier, but it didn´t matter. Pakistanis are very open with good social skills. They will make you feel welcome and communicate with you no matter the language. As a foreigner, you will be treated like a rockstar there!
Pakistanis are curious and are not shy to approach you, ask where you are from, and ask to take a picture together. Because people will constantly stop you, plan additional time wherever you go. It always felt like genuine curiosity, and we never got the feeling that they wanted some money from us or something else, like we are used to from some other countries.
Thinking back on our trip to Pakistan, the wonderful people are a highlight.
6. Cross one of the most dangerous bridges in the world
The Hussaini Suspension Bridge is one of the most dangerous bridges in the world. Seeing the pictures below, you will see quickly why. But being there is scarier than the pictures can portray. The river below is wild, and the space between the steps is wide. Crossing the Hussaini Suspension Bridge is one of the most incredible things to do in the Hunza Valley.
7. Where the most famous mountain range meet
The three world-famous mountain ranges, The Himalayas (means the “Home of Snow”), The Karakoram, and The Hindu Kush (means the “Killer of Hindus”), meet just in the northern region of Pakistan.
There is something very humbling in the experience of being surrounded by these majestic mountains.
8. Drive on the highest highway in the world
Have you ever driven on a world wonder? The Karakoram Highway is the highest paved road in the world and is considered the Eight Wonder of the World. The Karakoram Highway was built in 1960 to connect Pakistan with China. The highest point is at Khunjerab Pass, at an altitude of 4,800 meters. The Karakoram Highway attracts many domestic and foreign tourists, as a trip on this highway is epic. Not only because of the altitude but also because it passes through the world´s most famous mountain ranges: the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and Karakoram. The views are simply breathtaking.
9. A country for true adventure seekers
While in Pakistan, we could feel that this country is a haven for adventure seekers and the fearless. It is loved by alpinists, as Pakistan is home to the world´s highest mountains. You could go on an expedition to conquer the second-highest peak in the world, the K2, or some of the many smaller peaks. Then, we saw many motorcyclists roaming through the highest-paved road in the world, the Karakorum Highway, along the wild Hindus river. There is so much to explore, and it´s the perfect country to be active.
10. Admire the beautiful architecture
Yes, Pakistan has beautiful mountains, but we were equally surprised by its architecture. Pakistan is host to some of the largest mosques in the world. The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad has a capacity of 300.000 people and is the third largest mosque in the world! The Badshahi mosque is the seventh most prominent Muslim religious object in the world, dating back to the 17th century on the orders of one of the last Mogul rulers.
11. The crazy city buzz in Lahore
After we spent most of our time in the northern parts of Pakistan, we were amazed when we came to Lahore! Lahore is Pakistan´s second biggest city and is in the top 30 biggest cities in the world.
The Mughals left behind some of the most beautiful architectural monuments. It was our first time to see Mughal architecture, and so must you when you come to Pakistan!
12. Beating retreat ceremony at Wagah border
To watch the beating ceremony at the Wagha border is a real spectacle. The lowering of the flags ceremony at the Attari–Wagah border is a daily military practice that the security forces of Indian and Pakistani have jointly followed since 1959. One of the highlights of our trip to Pakistan! This ceremony displays the countries’ rivalry but also brotherhood and cooperation. The show is loud, colorful, and nothing we have ever seen before. The crowds compete with who is the loudest and cheer for their respective military.
13. On the roof of the world
The Deosai Plains, located in the Deosai National Park in Skardu, western Himalayas, in Gilgit Baltistan, is at an altitude of 4.114 meters.
You can only reach the Desoai National Park in a jeep.
14. Incredible diverse landscapes
Pakistan is home to some of the most diverse landscapes: from majestic mountains in the northern parts to green-lush valleys and even beaches, this country has it all. And that´s why it has something to offer for different tastes and preferences.
15. You will never be hungry
Pakistanis eat a lot, so the portions are very generous. There is no chance for you to stay hungry there. The people who know me know that I love to eat. Therefore, this strong eating culture is a plus for me. However, you must be aware of is that food is incredibly spicy. Everything was spicy. Even the desert we felt was spicy. I hope you can handle spicy food. Otherwise, you will have a problem. Even the non-spicy food is spicy.
15 amazing reasons to visit Pakistan - which are yours?
We hope you enjoyed reading our 15 reasons why you should visit Pakistan.
For us, our trip to Pakistan remains one of the best adventures so far. We love to go to countries that are not typical touristic places.
Have you ever been to Pakistan? If yes, what other reasons would you list to visit? If not, what did surprise you the most to read here?
