Why I love visiting Pakistan and go back every year

[The Diplomat]

Abbottabad isn't recognised by Americans in their dictionary, so please don't blame autocorrect.

And its winters in Pakistan, are you excited about your trip that you intend to make in May --- June?

Lol I’m using an iPhone and you know when you
click the word in the correction box above and when ever you type a similar word that always comes up. It’s one of them.

Well I’ve got nothing booked but my holiday start in early July so probably untill 15 August.

They love it enough to kill it

You have not tried food yet.

 

[I.R.A]

Well I’ve got nothing booked but my holiday start in early July so probably untill 15 August.

Best time of the year to explore the Northern region.

 

[Arsalan]

I’m a proud British-Pakistani and usually travel to Pakistan at least once a year. I always look forward to my trips to Pakistan and I have often been asked how is Pakistan; is it the same as media portrays it to be or is it full mountains or is it very hot? I tend to answer the question by saying that Pakistan can only be understood once you visit the country, the north is cold and yes it does have mountains however the south is dry and warm, it is the heart of the economy. I compare the North and South to Nevada and Ohio as most Westerners tent to know the temperatures of both states.

It has nearly been a year since my last visit and I plan to go in the Summer. I’m originally from Lahore and I can’t wait to see the developments; Emproium Mall, Orange Train Line, Greater Iqbal Park… Despite what people say and the stories I’ve heard I tend to find Pakistan a safe place; I usually find myself staying out till 01:00 or 02:00 in the morning and I have never faced a problem once. Yes, you must be vigilant but that comes with a lot of countries; the US being one.

My escape from life is going North towards Skardu and staying in The Shangrila Hotel or crossing Abbottabad Lake on a boat, even better is spending two weeks in Gilgit. I have tended to notice that the phrase “Pakistani’s are mehman nawaaz log” is true and that no matter where you go; North, South, East or West the locals welcome you with open arms and there’s something about that which makes me feel sad when I’m at the airport waiting to board my flight… I often think when will it be the next time that I go to Pakistan and I usually start planning my next adventure before I have even left Pakistan.

In Punjab I usually spend most of my time in Lahore where I love going to the beautiful food street or Chaman and Gourmet. Walled City is something which is close to my heart and I love seeing the bazaars scattered around Walled City. Gawalmandi, M.M Alam Road, Sozo Water Park, Walton Flying Club, Johar Town, DHA, Bharia Town and Gulberg are also places of interest.

I have been South towards Karachi however only twice and I was very young and therefor don’t remember much. I do plan to go this summer towards Karachi, Gwadar, Sukkur and other cities that I can fit in my adventure… Clifton Beach, Quaid-e-Azam’s Mazar and Mohatta Place would be in this summer’s bucket list for sure!

Islamabad speaks for its self; F9, Margala Hills, 7th Avenue, Pakistan Monument, Faisal Mosque and Centauras Mall are all beautiful and Islamabad represents a sign of unity being the Capital. Army Museum located at GHQ is also a great place to go if you want a taste of history and is not too far from Islamabad.

I went to Peshawar once and I loved every bit of it; Khyper Pass. Bila Hisra Fort and Peshawar Museum are all great places to visit and give an in depth into the country’s and Peshawar’s history.

The point of this was actually to ask for any recommendations for my trip this summer however I think I got a little carried away! Anyway, Pakistan Zindabad and I’m coming for you Pakistan!


Thought you guys might be able to give some ideas of where to visit (I don't mind province or city, i'm going for the summer holidays so I have plenty of time):
@Kaptaan @waz @Sher Shah Awan @war&peace @Garfield @Well.wisher @El Sidd @Dil Pakistan @BATMAN @Divergent @django @Hell hound

Nice to read about your experience and happy that you like it here. Just picked up a point that i would like to mention before i go into details. Your plan to visit South, Karachi Gawadar and Sukkur during SUMMER! DONT!
Coming from UK you wont like the summer there. I would suggest that it will be best if you can plan a trip down to south during winters or may be in Spring or Autumn. Summers are a bit too hot and i am not sure if you would be able to REALLY enjoy!

For you stay in Punjab, people do not know much about the places you can go visit as a tourist and enjoy in Punjab. For most of us, it is all about a trip to north most of the times. However since i feel you make Lahore, i think you will like exploring bit of Punjab as well (when you have time during you days in Lahore).

Starting from South, Lal Sunhara park - Bahawalpur is the first place you can plan a day or two day trip to from Lahore.

One of the largest in South Asia, it will offer you a unique landscape, a mix of wetlands, desert and forest.
AND blackbucks!

Also in Bahawalpur you can plan and enjoy a trip to derawar fort. Specially if you have the right group of friends that you can camp with in Cholisatan desert on a full moon light and may be enjoy some BBQ and bonfire!

This can be planned as a two day trip from Lahore with the above two being two main attractions along with some smaller activities planned, such as a visit to Noor Mahal.

So this is ONE place that you can plan a day or two day trip to from your stay in Lahore.


MANY other such places that you can explore and i will try to cover a few of those later on.

 

[The Diplomat]

Nice to read about your experience and happy that you like it here. Just picked up a point that i would like to mention before i go into details. Your plan to visit South, Karachi Gawadar and Sukkur during SUMMER! DONT!
Coming from UK you wont like the summer there. I would suggest that it will be best if you can plan a trip down to south during winters or may be in Spring or Autumn. Summers are a bit too hot and i am not sure if you would be able to REALLY enjoy!

For you stay in Punjab, people do not know much about the places you can go visit as a tourist and enjoy in Punjab. For most of us, it is all about a trip to north most of the times. However since i feel you make Lahore, i think you will like exploring bit of Punjab as well (when you have time during you days in Lahore).

Starting from South, Lal Sunhara park - Bahawalpur is the first place you can plan a day or two day trip to from Lahore.

One of the largest in South Asia, it will offer you a unique landscape, a mix of wetlands, desert and forest.
AND blackbucks!

Also in Bahawalpur you can plan and enjoy a trip to derawar fort. Specially if you have the right group of friends that you can camp with in Cholisatan desert on a full moon light and may be enjoy some BBQ and bonfire!

This can be planned as a two day trip from Lahore with the above two being two main attractions along with some smaller activities planned, such as a visit to Noor Mahal.

So this is ONE place that you can plan a day or two day trip to from your stay in Lahore.


MANY other such places that you can explore and i will try to cover a few of those later on.

Thanks, a very detailed explanation of locations to visit, it’s more than appreciated.

Weather should not be a problem, I used to live in the Middle East so I know I’ll be in for 45c. Not the best time to go however summer is the only time I can explore due to college being out for vacations.

Will make sure to plan a trip to few of the locations for sure! Thanks

Desert rally b july mai hoti hai? In Cholistan.

 

[Arsalan]

Thanks, a very detailed explanation of locations to visit, it’s more than appreciated.

Weather should not be a problem, I used to live in the Middle East so I know I’ll be in for 45c. Not the best time to go however summer is the only time I can explore due to college being out for vacations.

Will make sure to plan a trip to few of the locations for sure! Thanks

Desert rally b july mai hoti hai? In Cholistan.

No problem at all!

No the desert rally is in February normally. That i why i skipped it. For summers, the best plan i can think of is a two day visit as explained above OR if you can and want to add a third day, spend that exploring sites in Multan and may be some handicraft shopping to take back as gifts to UK. In fact, now that i have mentioned it, personally, i will RECOMMEND it strongly.

Plan a three day trip, first day exploring Lal Sunhara Park, Spend night near Derawar (if you are with friends a late night bonfire and BBQ is BEST THING you can have there). Day to, explore Bahawalpur desert, fort and noor mahal, Third day, start journey back to Lahore early in morning and spend 6-8 hours in Multan exploring some selected sites and then may be some shopping:

AND ONE IMPORTANT THING, while i may have started to SOUND like a tour planner or a travel agent, I AM NOT!
It is just that tourism in Pakistan gets me all excited

Will surely share a few other day trips or two day trips with Lahore as base that you may plan during the days that you spend in Lahore. These can be some extra activities other than your planned visit to northern areas.

 

[VCheng]

Thanks, a very detailed explanation of locations to visit, it’s more than appreciated.

Weather should not be a problem, I used to live in the Middle East so I know I’ll be in for 45c. Not the best time to go however summer is the only time I can explore due to college being out for vacations.

Will make sure to plan a trip to few of the locations for sure! Thanks

Desert rally b july mai hoti hai? In Cholistan.

Get in touch with this guy, the guru of traveling in Pakistan (I kid you not):

http://www.hanifbhatti.com/

Edit: He might be easier to reach here:

https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/t/becharo-pajero-a-travelogue/186147/707

 

[lastofthepatriots]

Nice to read about your experience and happy that you like it here. Just picked up a point that i would like to mention before i go into details. Your plan to visit South, Karachi Gawadar and Sukkur during SUMMER! DONT!
Coming from UK you wont like the summer there. I would suggest that it will be best if you can plan a trip down to south during winters or may be in Spring or Autumn. Summers are a bit too hot and i am not sure if you would be able to REALLY enjoy!

For you stay in Punjab, people do not know much about the places you can go visit as a tourist and enjoy in Punjab. For most of us, it is all about a trip to north most of the times. However since i feel you make Lahore, i think you will like exploring bit of Punjab as well (when you have time during you days in Lahore).

Starting from South, Lal Sunhara park - Bahawalpur is the first place you can plan a day or two day trip to from Lahore.

One of the largest in South Asia, it will offer you a unique landscape, a mix of wetlands, desert and forest.
AND blackbucks!

Also in Bahawalpur you can plan and enjoy a trip to derawar fort. Specially if you have the right group of friends that you can camp with in Cholisatan desert on a full moon light and may be enjoy some BBQ and bonfire!

This can be planned as a two day trip from Lahore with the above two being two main attractions along with some smaller activities planned, such as a visit to Noor Mahal.

So this is ONE place that you can plan a day or two day trip to from your stay in Lahore.


MANY other such places that you can explore and i will try to cover a few of those later on.

@The Diplomat

These are my stomping grounds. There is more than one Mahal. In fact, Bahawalpur is known as the city of palaces. Also check the museum and library. Lots of history. And the food is good even in dhabbas. We don't sell people donkeys and dogs like Lahoris do.

 

[The Diplomat]

@The Diplomat

These are my stomping grounds. There is more than one Mahal. In fact, Bahawalpur is known as the city of palaces. Also check the museum and library. Lots of history. And the food is good even in dhabbas. We don't sell people donkeys and dogs like Lahoris do.

Food Street looks great though.

Can't argue with the views from Lahore's food street.
As for the rest; unity makes a good country.
Bahawalpur is a beautiful city for sure, a must visit location. I'm sure the food, culture and history is as great as other locations around Pakistan, just like Lahore's culture is one of a kind.