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Going to Pakistan
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Article Intro
Pakistan is a big country in Asia, bordering China, India, Iran and Afghanistan. It is an Islamic country, combining a traditional lifestyle in remote areas with the buzz of modern cities with skyscrapers and developed infrastructure.
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Pakistan is a country with rich history, which has been witnessing the main events of the ancient world and of the modern civilization. For millennia, Pakistan has been the place where one civilization and religion was replaced by other ones, thus creating a unique mixture of cultures. Each region of the country is interesting and has its own characteristics. The sights of the country range from ancient ruins to the national parks with wonderful nature.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir are the two important tourist areas in Pakistan, even though the development of tourist industry here is obstacled by their being disputed territories. The natural beauty of this land is currently not available for the tourists, since the lands are outside the safe zone border. Therefore, Neelum and Jhelum valleys cannot be reached by the vast majority of visitors.
Islamabad is Pakistan's capital, a modern and clean city with good infrastructure and a huge modern mosque. It is an important political center, so there are embassies of various countries of the world. Rawal Lake is a huge artificial lake, the source of water for Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Almost the whole area around the lake is a park with paths, trails and glades for picnics. Simly Lake is good for boating, though one can also go water-skiing, boating, and sailing here. Daman-e-Koh is a natural elevation with many viewing platforms and terraces that offer breathtaking views of the south of Islamabad and its suburbs. Islamabad’s Rose and Jasmine Garden is famous for the fact that a lot of roses and other flowers are planted here every spring. It is an exciting spectacle to see these flowers blooming, so lovers of natural beauty can be happy to visit the garden. The park is also known for relic shrubs and trees, many paths and tracks.
Karachi is the largest city of the country, which combines blocks of skyscrapers and old buildings. This former capital of Pakistan is its largest seaport and industrial center. One usually starts an excursion around this city exploring Quaid-i-Azam Mausoleum, which is dedicated to the founder of Pakistan. The Mosque of the Society of National Defense is made of white marble, and its only dome is the largest in the world. The British have also contributed to the architecture of the city building the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity and St. Andrew Church. It is interesting to visit the Zoroastrian Towers of Silence, where the bodies of the dead were traditionally left to be devoured by vultures. Saddar, the central area of the city, is populous, hectic and noisy because of traffic and bazaars. The southern district of the city, Clifton, is an exquisite seaside resort for the rich. One should also visit the largest archaeological museum, where excavations of the ancient Indian civilization are conducted. Karachi is famous for the National Museum, with its valuable archaeological and ethnographic collections.
There are 14 national parks in Pakistan. Many of them are located close to major cities. The best known parks are Kirthar Range, Margallah Hills, Chiltan-Hazara Ginji and others. Here one can see a wide variety of wildlife. Keenjhar Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Pakistan and the habitat of a large number of waterfowl.
Punjab is the richest region of Pakistan with an ancient history and culture. Here one often visits the prosperous and hospitable town of Bahawalpur, the nearby desert areas, half-destroyed ancient fortresses.
Peshawar is the capital of the north-western areas of Pakistan bordering Afghanistan. The main attraction of Peshawar is the Old Town, which houses the famous bazaar. The largest market in South Asia sells vases, blankets, swords, saddles and various handicrafts.
Planning a trip to Pakistan? View the list of Pakistan travel agents or tour operators in Pakistan to make a successful tour.
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