Pakistan Best Places Travels. Pakistan, a land of rich culture, history, and natural beauty, has always been on my travel bucket list. And finally, I got the chance to visit this beautiful country with Explore Pakistan, a tour operator that specializes in off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our 10-day journey took us through some of the most stunning landscapes and historic sites in Pakistan. Here’s a detailed account of our trip:
Day 1: Islamabad and Rawalpindi We arrived in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, and were greeted by our friendly tour guide. After checking into our hotel, we set out to explore the city. Our first stop was the Faisal Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. The mosque's stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere left us in awe. Next, we headed to the Lok Virsa Museum, which showcases the cultural heritage of Pakistan. We learned about the country’s traditional arts and crafts, music, and dance forms. We also visited the vibrant bazaars of Rawalpindi, where we tried some delicious street food.'
Day 2: Taxila and Peshawar
We started our day with a drive to Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 6th century BC. We explored the ruins of the ancient city and visited the Taxila Museum, which houses a collection of Gandhara art.
In the afternoon, we drove to Peshawar, the capital of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Peshawar is known for its rich history and vibrant culture. We visited the Peshawar Museum, which houses a collection of ancient artifacts and Gandhara art.
Day 3: Khyber Pass and Landi Kotal
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the historic Khyber Pass, which has been an important trade route between Central Asia and South Asia for centuries. We drove through the pass to reach the town of Landi Kotal, where we visited the famous Khyber Rifles Mess and the Michni Post, a military outpost.
The scenery in the Khyber Pass is breathtaking, with towering mountains and lush green valleys. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 4: Swat Valley
We headed to the beautiful Swat Valley, also known as the Switzerland of Pakistan. The valley is known for its lush green forests, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear rivers. We visited the ancient Buddhist stupas and monasteries in the town of Mingora, including the Butkara Stupa and the Swat Museum.
We also visited the Malam Jabba Ski Resort, which offers stunning views of the valley. It was incredible to see the locals skiing on the slopes in traditional clothing, a testament to their resilience and love for their culture.
Day 5: Kalam and Mahodand Lake
On day 5, we drove to the picturesque town of Kalam, located in the upper Swat Valley. We hiked to the beautiful Mahodand Lake, which is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine forests. We also visited the nearby Ushu Forest and the Biryani Glacier. The beauty of the place left us speechless.
Day 6: Hunza Valley
We headed to the stunning Hunza Valley, which is known for its breathtaking landscapes and friendly locals. We visited the Baltit Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Altit Fort, which offers panoramic views of the valley. We also visited the stunning Attabad Lake, which was formed by a landslide in 2010.
The hospitality of the people in Hunza was heartwarming. We enjoyed traditional Hunza food and learned about the local customs and traditions.
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