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What to do in Pakistan

Go on a mountaineering adventure

Go on a mountaineering adventure

Few other places in the world can claim as high a concentration of the greatest peaks as Pakistan. The northern region of Pakistan is home to five 8,000 meter (26,000 foot) peaks, including the world’s second highest mountain, the K2 .

There are about 150 peaks higher than 7,000 meters (23,000 feet), with hundreds more waiting to be climbed.

Mountaineers and mountain climbers from all around the world consider the Karakoram Range as one of the most challenging treks they could find.

All the peaks and routes have been designated as either open zones or restricted zones for mountaineering. For open zones, permits for climbing are granted by the Ministry of Tourism usually within 24 hours of application. On the other hand, for restricted zones, it takes 14 days for a permit to be issued. Applications are received at the Ministry of Tourism. A Pakistani liaison officer accompanies all mountaineering expeditions.

There are fixed rates or royalties for mountaineering in Pakistan. You may want to consult with the Ministry of Tourism for complete information as you plan your mountain-climbing adventure in the country.

Buy Pakistan textile

Buy Pakistan textile

Pakistan is well known for its silk-weaving industry. History reveals that even as far back as the Middle Ages, Pakistani-woven silk, gold, and silver brocades have found satisfied clientele among the Europeans and Middle Easterners. Even buyers from China have long appreciated Pakistani weaves.

The number of weavers in Pakistan increased after the country’s independence. Migrants from Delhi and Banaras set up shops in Lahore, Karachi, and Khairpur.

However, in 1971, weavers left Khairpur and settled in Orangi town in Karachi. Today, Orangi is one of the largest Khadi handloom markets in Pakistan.

Enjoy Pakistan ecotourism

Enjoy Pakistan ecotourism

One of the many things that Pakistan has to offer visiting tourists is its variety of natural wonders.

The endangered Himalayan Brown Bear is found in the Deosai Plains is found 32 kilometers (20 miles) south of Skardu. This is a national park where millions of wildflowers bloom in August. It is a paradise in spring.

From November to March, see the Salt Range, which runs east to west from the Grand Trunk Road to the Indus River. Rocks and fossils in the range provide a visual historical journey in time. Khewra is one of the largest salt mines in the world .

Enjoy bird watching at Thatta, in the calm lakes of Haleji and Keenjhar, where some forty thousand birds find refuge in the winter months. Pelicans, flamingoes, ducks, coots, herons, and purple gallinules are among the birds you can observe in their natural habitat here.

If you are a nature lover, a visit to Pakistan will not be complete without seeing Hawks Bay and Sandspit. At the Karachi coast, you can witness the nesting season of the Green Turtle and the Olive Ridley.

Watch a polo match

Watch a polo match

The annual Shandur Festival, held in July, hosts polo matches on the highest polo ground in the world. Not only can tourists watch a polo game, they can also enjoy the many sights and sounds of the festival – folk dance and music, as well as other traditional sports.

Polo is said to have originated in Central Asia as early as the 6th century. It is an equestrian sport initially used for training cavalry units who serve as guards for the king.

In the olden days, polo was played with no limit on time and number of players. The winner was determined by which team was able to achieve nine goals first.

Today, polo is played closest to its original form in the valleys of Gilgit, Chitral, and Skardu.

During the tournament at the annual festival, a tent village is set up for the tourists. The visitors are treated to varied offerings of souvenirs and crafts sold by Pakistani merchants, and an opportunity to mingle with the locals.

Go boating in Karachi

Go boating in Karachi

One of the many activities that can be enjoyed in Karachi is boating. Boats can be rented either for fishing or for sightseeing.

Bunder boating provides a satisfying experience as a fresh catch of fish or crabs can be cooked and enjoyed onboard. The crew is friendly and helpful, and will even provide the bait, tackle, and other fishing gear when needed.

For deep-sea fishing, facilities are available, but a reservation must be arranged before the actual date. Price negotiations must be done in advance, and make sure you agree on the fixed price before renting the facilities.

You might also want to try sailing up from the sheltered harbor in Kemari to Sandspit in the evenings – nothing beats the serenity of riding a boat on a moonlit night.