1. Northern areas of Pakistan
Pakistan’s Northern Areas are very fascinating. It is here that the world’s three famous mountain ranges meet, the Himalayas, the Karakorams and the Hindu Kush. The whole of Nothern Pakistan has become to be known as a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers and hikers. Skardu, Hunza and Chitral recall Shangrilla.
(i) Skardu
Skardu, Capital of Baltistan is perched 2438. 40 metres (7,500 feet) above sea level in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakoram mountain range. The journey is full of thrills and itself be regarded as the high light of the visit. Baltistan is known as Little Tibet since its life style reflects that of Roof of the world and the Land of Lamas. Its borders are on the Chinese province of Sinkiang and Indian Occupied Kashmir. The tourist season is from April to October. Baltistan is known for its Pattu hand woven woolen cloth, for jackets and coats etc.
(ii) Gilgit
At an elevation of 1453.90 metres (4,770 feet) lies the Gilgit Valley. The quaint little town of Gilgit has spectacular scenic beauty. It’s a heaven for seekers of solitude and peace. The peak tourism season is from May to mid October, though the tourist season is round the year. Six miles from Gilgit is a beautiful rock engraving of Buddha, carved out of the rugged mountain side at the mouth of the Kargah Nullah. A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 20 miles jeep drive from Gilgit town.
The bridge of the fast flowing Gilgit river is the largest suspension bridge in Asia (600 feet long six feet wide permitting enough for one jeep at a time to cross). The favourite sport in Gilgit is Polo, which local folks claim to have originated here.
(iii) Hunza
The visitor to Hunza are overwhelmea by the rugged charm, the fragrant breeze singing through graceful pine trees and the velevet like green carpet of wheat fields, set against the backround of snow covered mountains. Situated at an elevation of 2438.40 metres (8,000 feet), the Hunza valley torist season is from May to October Most of the people of Hunza are ismaili Muslims. The local language is Brushuki. The Hunza river, fed by glaciers and mountain streams, sustains rich orchards of apricots, apples, plums, cherries, peaches and grapes. The people of Hunza are noted for their longevity. Their way of life and the mountains surrounding and their homes make them sturdy and nimble footed. The women of hunza, in their baggy trousers, their heads covered with embroidered caps, work in the field, tend cattle heavy loads. Karimabad, the Capital to Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi 7787. 94 metres (25,5551 feet). The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight producing an atmosphere at once ethereal sublime. The fairy-tale like Castle of Baltit, a mile from Karimabad, is a Hunza landmark built about 600 years ago. The Batura Glacier is 48.28 km (30 miles) from Karimabad.
Karakoram Highway
A new all weather road, the Karakoram Highway connecting Rawalpindi/Islambad with China’s Sinkiang province runs through the Northern Areas. The 804.67 km (500 miles) dual carriage metalled road starts from Havelian 99.77 km (62 miles) from Islambad and winds through Abbottabad - Mansehra – Takhot – Beesham- Pattan – Sazin – Chilas – Gilgit – Hunza to the Chinese Frontier across the Khunjerab Pass. The road built by the Pakistan Army engineers in association with Chinese experts and technicians has been described as a marvel of civil engineering and even as The eight wonder of the world It was completed in 15 years.
(iv) Chitral
The Chitral Vally at an elevation of 1127. 76 metres (3,700 feet) is favourite with mountaineers, anglers, hunters, hikers, naturalists and athropologists. The 7787,64 metres (25, 550 feet) Trichmir, the highest peak of the Hindukush mountain, dominates this 231.87 km (200 miles) long exotic valley. Chitral district has Afghanistan on its north, south and west. A narrow strip of Afghan territory, wakhan, separates it from the Soviet Union. The tourist season in Chitral is from June to September One of the major attractions of Chitral are the Kalash Valleys – the home of the Kafir – Kalash or wearers of the Black Robes a primitive pagan tribe.
(v) Swat
The lush-green Valley of Swat, with its rushing torrents, icy cold lakes, fruit-laden orchards and flower-decked slopes is ideal for holiday makers intent on relaxation. It has a rich historical past. This is the Garden of the ancient Hindu epics, the land of enthralling beauty where Alexander over to the plains of Pakistan. This is the valley of the hanging chains described by the famous Chinese pilgrim chroniclers, Huain Tsang and Fa-Hian in the fifth and sixth centuries. Swat was once the cradle of Buddhism. It was the home of the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture. The ruins of great Buddhist stupas, monasteries and statues are found all over Swat. The valley of Swat sprawls over 10360 sq km (4000 sq miles) at an elevation of 975. 36 metres (3200 feet).
Saidu Sharif
Headquarters of Swat, Saidu Sharif houses the Swat Museum which contains one of the finest collection of Gandhara art in the world. The othe well-known beauty sports of Swat are Mingora, Madyan, Bahrain and Kalam.
(vi) Kaghan valley
A holiday in the Kaghan Valley, the Himalayan hide-away, north east of the Hazara district of Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province, is an unforgettable experience. Its mountains, dales lakes, water-falls, streams and glaciers are still in an unbelievable pristine state, an unspoiled paradise. The valley extends for 154.50 km (96 miles) rising from an elevation of 2133.60 metres (7000 feet). To its highest point, the Babusar Pass, at 4145.28 metres (13600 feet). Kaghan is at its best during the summer months (May to September). Balakot is the gateway to the Kaghan Valley. Balakot has the shrines of Syed Ahmed Shaheed and Ismail Shaheed Brelvi, the Sub-Continent’s great freedom fighters. Lake Saiful Muluk has a touch of the unreal about it, nestling 3200.40 metres (10,500 feet) high in the shadow of the Malika Parbat (Queen of the mountains) 5291.33 metres (17360 feet) high. We can go boating on the lake, Kaghan is noted for its artistically-carved walnut handicraft, embroidered shawls, shirts, woolen blankets and namdas (woolen felt rugs).
2. Important cities of Pakistan
(i) Peshawar
Peshawar derives its name from Sankrit word Pushpapura meaning the of flowers. These flowers were even mentioned in Mughal Emperor Babur’s memories. He marched through historic Khyber pass to conquer South Asia in 1526 and up the Mughal Empire in the Indo-Pakistan Sub-Continent.
Alexander’s legions and the southern wing of his army were held up here in 327 B.C at a fort excavated recently. 27 ½ km (17 miles) north-east of Peshawar at Pushkalavati (lotus city) near Charsadda.
The Pass and Valley have resounded to the tramp of marching feet as succwssive arnies hurried down the cross roads of history, pathway of commerce, migration and incasion, by Aryans, Scythians, Persians, Greeks, Bactrians, Kushanas, Huns, Turks, Mongols and Mughals, Peshawar is very much a frontier town. The formatlities of dress and manner give way here to a free and and easy style, as men cncounnter men with a firm hand clasp and a strainght but friendly look. Hefly handsome men in baggy trousers and long, loose shirts, wearing bullet studded bandoliers across their chests or pistols at their sides as a normal part of wedding celebrations. It is the land of the Pathans a completely male dominated society, the biggest tribal society in the world. Hoary with age and the passage of twenty-five centuries; redolent with the smell of luscious fruit, roasted meat, tobacco smoke and horse-carriage traffic, tall houses and narrow lanes is old Peshawar. Today, the Pathans guard the Pakistan – Afghan border along the great passes of the Khyber, the Tochi, the Gomal and others. The well-known places inside and outside Peshawar are Balahisar Fort, Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Chowk Yaadgar, Warsak Dam, the Khyber Pass, Darra, Takht-e-Bahi, Shahbaz Garhi and Charsadda.
(ii) Rawalpindi/Islamabad
The twin cities Rawalrindi/Islamabad lie against the back drop of Margalla Hills on the Potohar Plateau, the path of nany invaders of South Asia Scholars believe, on the basis of some archaeological discoveries, that a distinct culture flourished in this plateau as far back as human history goes. The town of Rawalpindi was restored after being destroyed by the Mongols by a Gakkhar Chief flavor while Islamabad has emerged as one of the new national capitals of the twentieth century. Its construction began in 1961 and some of the world’s most distinguished planners and architects participated in its development. The natural beauty of the surroundings is preserved in an atmosphere of relaxed spaciousness and interesting architecture.
The worth seeing places of Rawalpindi are National Park, Army Museum, Liaquat National Hall, Rohtas Fort, Mangla Dam, Misriot Dam and Rewat Fort.
The worth seeing places of Islamabad are Shakarparian Hills, Rawal Lake, Daman-e-Koh, Rose and Jasmine Garden Ayubia, National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Shah Bari Latif, Tarbela Dam and Jamia Masjid.
(iii) Murree and the Gallies
It is a two-hour drive to Murree and Gallies from Islamabad. Murree is situated at a distance of 64 km from Rawalpindi. Here are snow-covered peaks. It is a famous tourist resort in Pakistan. Its height is 2258. 1 metres. Thousands of people flock here to pass summer holidays. During the rainy season, June to July the hilly resorts of Khairagali, Doongagli and Nathiagali offer a cool respite from the torrid heat of the plains, perhaps the most sought out is the beautiful Nathiagali perched 2501 metres (8,200 feet) high. Here picnickers can pink bunches of wild straw berries or just wander around and enjoy the scenic environments.
Ayubia, which is 29 km (1 miles) from Murree, is famous for its, and Bhurban, which is 9 ½ km (6 miles) from Murree is known for its forests and nine-hole golf course.
(iv) Taxila
Taxila, 35.40 km (22 miles) north of ARawalpindi ranks among the great archaeogical finds of the world dating from 500 B.C to 500 A.D It was famous as a Centre of Gandhara art of architecture and sculpture, education, culture andreligion in the days of Buddhist Glory. At Taxila we come face to face with the Great Buddha. There are also the imprints of Alexander of Macedonia, Asoka, the famous Buddhist King and the Emperor Kanishka, perhaps the greatest of them all.
(v) Lahore
Lahore is a well-known historical city of Pakistan. It is the hub of culture and provincial capital of the Punjab. In 1021-23 A.D. Lahore was occupied by Mahmood Gaznavi. It reached the peak of its glory during the reidn of Mughal rulers, especially during Akbar’s regime who made it his capital. The Mughals endowed the city with some of its finest pieces of architecture. Shalamar Garden was laid out by Emperor shah Jehan in 1642 A.D. The British built some important buildings like the High Court, Government Colleges, the Central Museum, National College of Arts, Montgomery Hall, Tollinton Markets,the Punjab University (old campus) and the Provinical Assembly. Modern shopping centres, townships, WAPDA House, Alfalah Building, Fortress Stadium, New Campus of the Punjab University, the Minar-e- Paksitan, the Masjid-e-Shuhada and the Islamic Summit Minar are also outstanding structures of historical importance. Some worth seeing places around Lahore are Hiran Minar, Jallo Park, Changa Mamga, Harrapa and Multan.
(vi) Multan
The historical city of Multan is connected by rail, road and air with Lahore. The Shrines of early Muslim sufi saints like Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Hazrat Zakaria Multani (R.A.) and Hazrat Shams Sabzwari attract a large number of people from all over the country throughout the year and particularly at the annual Urs celebrations. Multan is famous for its embroidered fabrics, carpets, glazed titles, pottery, camel skin products and wood work.
(vii) Quetta
At the mouth of the Bolan Pass lies the city of Quetta, the fruit garden of Pakistan and the capital of the province of Baluchistan. Quetta is surrounded by imposing hills on all sides. The inhabitants are mainly Pathans, Baluchis and Brahuis. People are strong and hospitable. The main thoroughfare and the commercial centre of Quetta is Jinnah Road where offices are located. Shahrah-e-Pehlavi has many important buildings. Prominent bazaars of Quetta are on Shahrah-e-Iqbal Here we can find colourful handicrafts particularly Baluchi mirror-work embroidery which is admired all over the world. Carpets with their pleasing and intricate designs, fur coats, jackets, waist coats, sandals and other creations of traditional Baluchi skills. One can see the indigenous system of karez in Baluchistan. Karaez means an underground water channel by means of which the land to be irrigated can connected to the base of the source of water.
Places of interest are Hanna Lake, Ziarat, Prospect Point, Fern Tangi, Bund Khushdil Khan, Sandeman Tangi, Chutair Valley, Zindra, Sibi, Kalat, the Bolan pass (main entrance to Quetta), Lak Pas and the Khojak Pass (near the border with Afghanistan at Chaman).
(viii) Karachi
Karachi is the biggest city of Pakistan. It is spread over a large area Its history is as 2,300 years historians have different views. Some say that it is the same place where the boats of Alexander the great stopped. At that time it was known as Karakona. Others are of the opinion that Karachi is the same Debal Port where the first Muslim Arab Muhammed Bin Qasim fought Raja Dahir and defeated him in the year 712. During the Kalohras rule it was known as Kalachi and it made much progress.
The British conquered Sindh in 1834. The British General Charles Napier took special interest in Karachi. He built large barracks for the British Army, a high tower of light in Manora for the safety of ships and a zoological garden. Quaid-e-Azam made it the capital of Pakistan. Its streets have so much light that people call it City of Lights.
Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, near the mouth of River Indus, Karachi holds a key position. It is the capital of Sindh province and the major port of the country and also an international air port. Since independence many industrial, commercial and residential areas have come up, like Landhi, SITE, Korangi, P.E.C.H.S. the Defence Housing Society, Nazimabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Federal B area. New Development include the Aziz Bhatti Park, the Fatima Jinnah Park, the Safari Park the Aquarium at Clifton, the National Museum, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the State Bank, the Habib Bank Plaza, the police head office, the Jubbilee Insurance Building, the Civic centre, Chief Court, Tughlaq House, the port Trust and the Quaid-e- Azam’s Mausoleum.
The well-known beaches of Karachi are Hawkes Bay, Sandspit and Paradise Point. Around Karachi the worth seeing places are Chaukundi, Bhanbore, Haleji Lake, Kerthar National Park, Thatta and Keenjhar Lake.
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