Pakistan is known in the world for its religious and cultural heritages, its diverse landscapes, and as a home to one of the three earliest civilizations in the world, the Indus Valley Civilization. The other two were Nile Valley and Mesopotamia. Pakistan emerged as a country after being separated from India in the year 1947. It stands as a symbol of the initiation and sacrifice of millions of Muslims, who once dreamed of having a country based on the principles of Islam. Pakistan is the only country in the world that was created considering Islam, and whose constitution is drafted from scratch, keeping in mind their holy book – ‘Quran’.
Pakistan is also one of the countries in our list, as this is where the Himalayan Range ends. The country is home to five of the top 14 highest mountains in the world. The list includes K2 (8611 m), which is the second highest peak in the world. Another significant mountain in the list is Nanga Parbat (8126 m). Needless to say that the two peaks, in addition to the various other peaks in Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Pamir mountain ranges, attract tourists, especially climbers, from all around the world at a great number every year.
Due to its geographical location, Pakistan has diverse landscapes – the coastal regions in the south, the deserts in the east, the river plains, the highlands and mountains in the north, the plateaus and so on. The assorted landscapes host varieties of flora and fauna. There are around 5500 species of animals in the nation, which includes Himalayan Brown Bear, Snow Leopard, Mugger Crocodile, Marco Polo Sheep, Blue Bull and so on. It has nearly 668 species of birds consisting of Acridotheres, Western Trapogan, Falcon, Eagle, Hawks and so on.
Altogether, 29 protected areas and national parks exist in Pakistan that ensure the conservation of these animals, and numerous species of plants. The biggest, and possibly the most recognized, national park of the country is Central Karakoram National Park. The reason for its acknowledgement is that it is said to have the highest concentration of mountains in the world, including K2 and sixty others that go above 7000 m in height.
The country isn’t just known for its natural phenomenon but also for its heritages – cultural, historical and religious. There are altogether 6 sites in Pakistan that are listed under the United Nations World Heritage Sites. These include Moenjodaro Ruins, Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol, Shalmar Fort and Garden, Makli Monuments, and Rohtas Fort. They are quite significant for the state as they tell the tale of the legends that once stepped on this piece of land, made it their home, and left the mark for us to unfold and wonder.
It has been ruled by the most impactful rulers in history, all playing crucial roles in shaping it into what it is today. These include the British Empire, the Mongol Empire, the Persian Empire, Alexander of Macedon and so on
Pakistan with its amazing features was able to attract more than a million tourists in 2017. This, however, is significantly less than what it used to have during the 70s. The nation was actually a part of a popular travel route known as the Hippie Trail. The people following the Hippie culture would make their way from parts of Europe to Asia, into Pakistan, India, Nepal and so on. This was considered a cheap way of travelling, and meanwhile, an effective way of spreading the culture.
So, as a whole, what can you expect as a tourist in a country like Pakistan! You can anticipate the insight into the rich history of the country and its culture reflected in all the monuments that you visit. You can expect the thrill and adventure that you’ll experience while trekking and going for rides in the protected areas and national parks in the country. Especially when you come across a rare animal or bird in the hills! You can look forward to being the audience to the serenity and beauty of various landscapes in the country with a backdrop of the world’s highest mountains. And while you’re having a great time, there’re always the very loving and helpful locals to guide you in the trip.