Yes, of course, we have heard it all. The way in which Pakistan has been portrayed in the news is definitely not the complete picture. While we do understand that there are certain security measures that need to be taken into consideration, recent new trends have shown many backpackers and mountain lovers pointing in the direction of Pakistan’s Northern Areas with excitement. The UK government has issued travel warnings for the country, but after Pakistan got the top scores by several authentic and credible travel bloggers, many tourists are heading towards Islamabad to experience the untouched hidden green valleys of the country. Here are a few reasons why you need to make Pakistan your new vacation destination.

The People of Pakistan

Travellers, who have returned from Pakistan, after spending a few magnificent weeks, list this as the number one reason for having a positive experience: the kind people of Pakistan. Everywhere the travellers went, there were smiles greeting them and welcoming them into homes for dinner. Free chai cups and a place to crash for the night is only a door knock away for most British globetrotters in Pakistan. You always find someone gracious to help you with everything. This is the norm, from the fertile plains of Punjab to the high valleys in Hunza and Kunar. It is as if they have this unrelenting feeling that they are not doing enough when in reality the people of Pakistan are the most hospitable people in the world. Alex shares her hypothesis on why the hospitality in Pakistani precedes every nation in the world.

The Rocky Heights

Pakistan is the land of soaring peaks and dominating mountains. The north of the country is covered by three mountain ranges that are colliding for more space. These mountain ranges include the Hindu Kush, the Himalaya, and the great Karakoram Range. This clash of rocky titans has yielded 6 of the ten highest peaks in the world, including the famed K2 Mountain. For those who like hiking and trekking, Pakistan is an absolute heaven and often attracts professional mountaineers and adrenaline junkies. There are paved tracks for those who like to walk through the mountains as well. Learn more at the National Geographic webpage.

Safety and Pakistan

For tourists and fun lovers, Pakistan is absolutely safe to visit. This qualm is often raised by foreign travellers who are planning to visit the country. It is true that the country was hit badly by terrorism but these activities are on the way out. The Pakistani military has reduced the evil footprint of many such organizations that promote malice and cruelty over the peace. Just stay clear of the areas near the Afghan border and you will be fine. Sometime, in order to promote the growing tourism of the country, the local police station might assign a few guards for the protection of the travellers. While it feels odd at first, the guards become fast friends and increase your overall experience. The Adam and Samuel from the British Backpackers Society share their side of the security situation in the country here. Josephine found her own ten reasons and addresses the security issues as well.

Trace the footsteps of Marco Polo

The Karakoram Highway now runs through the once ancient Silk Route. In the old times, treasure laden camels and horses used the go back and forth on this route. While the Chinese brought paper, gunpowder and silk to India and further on to Arabia, the Indians and Arabs exported pottery, grains and gold to China. This road has been made anew and is now a route for not only international trade but also for motorbike adventures. The highway is a route to marvellous picturesque views and beautiful villages nestled between towering mountains.

Pounds to Rupees

Pakistan is one of the cheapest countries in the world. A dozen eggs cost less than a pound and a good meal is for just three pounds. It is possible to live in Pakistan comfortably for just one hundred pounds per week. And if you plan to tour with your Pakistani friends then they surely will not let you hire a hotel room. Instead, they would gladly offer you a comfy bed and a warm meal every day at their homes. The people of Pakistan are very hospitable. Many times when travellers were trying to find a room in an expensive hotel, their Pakistani friends pulled them back into the car and took them to their home. This not only provides you with an authentic experience but also allows you to spend your money on buying souvenirs and traditional embroidered clothes.

Hidden Temples of Beauty

Everywhere you go in the northern part of the country the traveller can find walkways, easy enough to take a stroll that meanders into the hills. On the way, the cleansing ability of nature refreshes the soul and the green of the forests cools the eyes. The air is cool and clean. The stunning tracks, some of which are just rocky pathways, seem to be an extension of nature. The smell of fresh grass growing under the shadow of the pine trees with their long needle leaves soothes the mind. These places, natural beauty spots, can be found everywhere in Pakistan. Nguyen Hoang Bao from Living Nomads, a travel blogger, discovered these hidden temples of beauty and in turn discovered himself.

The Melting Pot of Cultures in Asia

To the north of Pakistan is China, to her east is India, to the west is Afghanistan and in the south-west is Iran. Over the millennia, the cultures of all these countries have intermingled in Pakistan. Additionally, the country was a British colony, it was also influenced by the Muslim Arabs and even has a significant Greek connection. The Kalashi people living in Kalash, Gilgit Baltistan Region, are descendants of the Greek soldiers of Alexander the Great when he came to this area thousands of years ago. All of these cultures produce new exciting tastes, flavours and colours. There are festivals in Pakistan that are not celebrated elsewhere and ideologies that try to provide an answer to life in a new way.

Ancient heritage of Pakistan

Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa are a few places in the world that have been a part of the human civilization for the last 5000 years. The Indus valley civilization formed over the fertile and rich soils of the Indus River plains. Mohenjo-Daro is the oldest ruin in the world which shows the evidence of ancient planned roads, baths, temples and a functioning sewerage system. Further north are the remains of the Gandhara culture. Although the Gandhara had left their mark everywhere in the mountainous North, the city of Taxila and its museum houses a vast array of excavated statues of Buddha and the remains of stupas. Taxila is the first city of human learning where Buddhist monasteries began teaching pupils from all over Asia, almost 4000 years ago.

Business Opportunities

The business-minded would see the opportunities in Pakistan and come to the conclusion that they can grow their business here, in all directions. The people of Pakistan are skilled, hardworking and loyal, the climate is just right and the rich soil grows everything. These are the ingredients needed to catapult your business into the 21st century. Pakistan also has a promising tourism industry. One day hotels and restaurants would be overbooked, trying to accommodate the many tourists flocking to the country. It would not be a bad idea to invest in the tourism industry of Pakistan and plan for your retirement as you breathe in the fresh air and stroll in the greenery of the mountains of Pakistan.