Tourism is a growing industry in Pakistan, based on its diverse cultures, peoples and landscapes. The variety of attractions range from the ruins of ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill stations, which attract those interested in field and winter sports. Pakistan is home to several mountain peaks over 7000m, which attracts adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, especially K2. The northern parts of Pakistan have many old fortresses, towers and other architecture as well as the Hunza and Chitral valleys, the latter being home to the small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha community who claim descent from the army of Alexander the Great. In the Punjab is the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River and the historic city Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital with many examples of Mughal architecture such as the Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort.
Pakistan exhibits some of the earliest human settlements, it is home to an ancient civilization rivalling those of Egypt and Mesopotamia, and the crucible of two of the world's major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. It's far more unimaginable and contains some of Asia's most mind-blowing landscapes, extraordinary trekking, a multitude of cultures and a long tradition of hospitality.
From the mighty stretches of the Karakorams in the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching, are a few activities, which entice the adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan.
Pakistan is endowed with a rich and varied flora and fauna. High Himalayas, Karakoram and the Hindukush ranges with their alpine meadows and permanent snow line, coniferous forests down the sub-mountain scrub, the vast Indus plain merging into the great desert, the coast line and wetlands, all offer a remarkably rich variety of vegetation and associated wildlife including avifauna, both endemic and migratory. Ten of 18 mammalian orders are represented in Pakistan with species ranging from the world's smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean Pigmy Shrew, to the largest mammal ever known; the blue whale.
A large number of tourists visit Pakistan all year round. Pakistan’s historical places and natural beauty attract the foreigners who know the art of making the best out of life.
Balochistan
Balochistan the largest among Pakistan’s Provinces in terms of area covers some 3,471,90 Sq Kms. It is a land of contrast. It has places with lofty and rugged mountains under Chiltan, Sulaiman, Sultan etc. and plains, stretching to hundred of kilometres. It has a fascinating history and is typified by the warm heartedness of its people. The Balochistan coast line extends over 750 Kms from Karachi at Hub River to the Gwadar Bay on Pak-Iran border. The area is rich in fish and marine resources. Balochistan has great potential appeal as a travel destination, particularly now that access to neighbouring Iran has become so much easier. Balochistan is known for its apple produce, and the Gwadar Port promises a new era of maritime activity making it, in not too distant a future, a great seaport and the hub of economic activity in the region.
Sindh
The southern province of Sindh takes its name from Sindhu, an old Sanskrit name of the Indus River on otherwise arid basin land, which flows down its centre making it fertile. It covers an area of 1,40,914 Sq. Kms. Sindh has a rich cultural background of literature, music and arts. Sindhi artists excel in pottery, glazed tiles, lacquer-ware, quilt making and carpet weaving. Local art of ajrak and sussi, a strapped cotton cloth for women, is very popular. Sindh has rich cultural heritage i.e. Moenjodaro and Thatta, embracing a 5000 years old civilization.
Punjab
Punjab, its name meaning “Land of five rivers”, and the house of granary, is the most fertile and heavily populated province of Pakistan, covering an area of 2,05,344 Sq. Kms. Punjab truly is the land, which is enduringly antiquated and progressively modern. Although Punjab has well planned cities and beautifully conceptualized residential colonies, most of its people are rural folk for whom life revolves around the cycle of seasons, studded with a rich variety of traditions, fairs and colourful folk festivals, all around the year. The houses in the rural expanses for the most part, are built of mud and clay and strengthened with straw. They are the proud custodians of the centuries old Harappa Civilization, the grandeur of the Mughal Empire and a culture that even time could not work away. Explore Punjab by spending some time in a village, and feel the warmth, the toiling strength of its people and their craftsmanship reflected in their pottery and wearing designs.
NWFP
The North West Frontier Province (NWFP) is Pakistan’s most diverse province, covering an area of over 1,01,741 Sq Kms (including the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas 27,220 Sq Kms). NWFP stretches from the Pamir in the extreme North, to all the way south as far as Dera Ismail Khan on the banks of the Indus, encompassing high mountains, fertile river basins and semi-arid deserts. At the heart is Peshawar Valley, often referred to as the vale of Peshawar. Its rich alluvial soils, watered by the Kabul and Swat rivers, make this amongst the most productive agricultural regions in Pakistan. The mountains to the north, particularly the Hindu Kush, are amongst the most spectacular in Pakistan, offering some of the best opportunities for trekking and climbing in the world. The northern half of the province consists of five river valleys running roughly parallel, north to south namely Chitral, Dir, Swat, Indus and Kaghan. These valleys are on the northern edge of the monsoon belt, which is why they are fairly green and partly wooded in their southern sections. The North Western Province is famed for its metal ware, but proudly distinguished by the gateway to warriors known as the Khyber Pass.
The Northern Areas
Geographical and climatic diversity are two of the many features that attract international tourists to Pakistan. History, culture and religion also contribute to the Country’s potential as a tourist destination. The northern areas with their high altitude mountains of the Himalayas, Hindu Kush and Karakoram ranges attract a particular group of tourists mountain trekkers and mountain climbers.
The Northern Areas of Pakistan are unsurpassed in natural beauty. It is the confluence of the world’s three mighty mountain ranges – The Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindukush. Some of the world’s highest peaks are found here, including the second highest K-2 (Mount Godwin Austin). These attract large number of mountaineers from all over the world. In between these peaks, there are heavenly valleys, largest glaciers outside the polar areas and bubbling springs and blue lakes and rivers. The area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and just nature walking; an ideal place to be seen when you want to discover peace of mind.
Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Azad Jammu & Kashmir is a land of fascinating people, languages & culture. Its population is composed of different races claiming their descent from Semitic, Mongoloid, Aryans, Persians, Turks & Arabs, speaking different languages like Kashmiri, Pahari, Gojri, Punjabi and Pushto. The people of Kashmir are sturdy, simple, truthful, intelligent, ingenious, hardworking, skillful and deeply attached to their land.
Azad Jammu & Kashmir is very rich in natural beauty. Its snow-covered peaks, dense forests, winding rivers, turbulent foaming streams, sweet-scented valleys, velvet green plateaus and climate varying from arctic to tropical, all join together to make it an excellent tourist attraction. Valleys like Neelum, Jhelum, Leepa, Rawalakot, Banjosa, Samahni & Baghser unfold delightful scenic beauty and provide a feast of pleasure to a discerning tourist' s eyes. Azad Kashmir is also blessed with a varied mountainous landscape ranging from low hills to high mountains (2000 to 6000 m) most suitable for adventure soprts like climbing, trekking, mountaineering, summer camping and hiking. Blessed with river & streams, it offers great potential for white water sports, especially rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Azad Kashmir has a varied wildlife including Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Ibex, Grey Goral, Musk Deer, Kashmir Stag, Monal Pheasant, Western Tragopan, Snow Pheasant, Red-led Partridge (Chakor), Black Koklas Pheasant, Peacock, Eagle, Dusk Markhor etc.
