Planning holidays in Pakistan often proves to be a memorable experience. Legendary raw natural beauty combines with an overwhelming aura of hospitality radiated by the country's denizens. Every city has a life of its own and offers one or the other unique experience. Here is some enticing information on the country.
Date : Monday, February 28, 2011
Karachi
Karachi, the capital of Pakistan’s Sindh province and the country's largest city, seamlessly blends together a world of natural as well as man made delights. While pristine beaches such as the Hawkes Beach treats visitors to the sight of rare sea turtles and many other natural delights, the numerous malls and eating joints spoil shopaholics and gourmets for choice. Karachi also has its fair share of parks, museums and grand historical buildings such as Bagh Ibn Qasim, National Museum of Pakistan, Chaukhandi Tombs, and Mohatta Palace. For shopping, there are many swanky malls as well as traditional markets to choose from. Similarly, just a few of the hottest spots for food and dining are Okra , Cafe Aylanto, Gunsmoke, Pompeii, Baan Thai, Chatterbox, Aqua Lounge, Copper Kettle, Lal Qila , Floating Ship, Revolving Restaurant , Rangoli, Sky grill, and The Village. The Jinnah International Airport of Karachi is well served by a number of London to Karachi flights.
Islamabad
Islamabad has the reputation of being Pakistan's cleanest city and does not fail to mesmerise with its verdant gardens and tranquil lakes. Numerous mountain biking terrains make for a blissful way to combine some adventure sports with a natural odyssey. Cultural aficionados can have their fill of sightseeing in art galleries and museums like National Art gallery, Lok Virsa Museum, and Islamabad Museum. A major highlight of Islamabad's sightseeing attractions is the Taxila, one of the most sacred places for Buddhists as well as Hindus. With Islamabad being the capital city, there is no dearth of airlines serving the destination with economy as well as business class flights.
Lahore
In terms of size, Lahore is Pakistan's second largest city after Karachi and packs in numerous crowd magnets. Visitors looking for retail therapy can satiate themselves in the various markets such as Almadina Perfume Center, Camera Street, Classic, and Ferozson's. Amongst the different sightseeing attractions adorning this city, absolutely not to be missed is the immense Shalamar Gardens. Spanning some 80 acres, the garden boasts some of the most famous sights of Lahore such as Badshahi Masjid, Shahi Qila, Minar-e-Pakistan, Masjid Wazir Khan, Jehangir's Tomb, and Lahore Fort. Those looking for the finesse of Pakistani art forms just have to step into the Alhamra Arts Centre, while gourmets can sample celebrated Mughlai cuisines at the Food Street. Similarly, nightlife is pretty exhilarating with a popular spot being the Al-Hamra Cultural Centre on the Mall Road.
Peshawar
Downing gallons of green tea, munching on mouth melting kebabs, and an amazing rustic appeal, Peshawar makes for one of the most rewarding experiences of buying cheap tickets to Pakistan. A number of bustling bazaars across winding streets act as happy hunting ground for bargain hunters. Peshawar also offers ample sightseeing attractions such as the notorious and somewhat risky Smugglers Bazaar, Peshawar Museum, Bala Hissar Fort, Ghor Khatri, Ziarat Rahman Baba’s tomb, Qissa Khawani, Cunningham Clock Tower, and All Saints Church.
The Karakorum Highway
Taking the Karakorum Highway is like going on the journey of a lifetime. Leafing its way across green hills, this road goes all the way to China. The Karakorum Highway gives one the opportunity to travel on a part of the ancient Silk Road. Measuring some 1200 kms, the Karakorum Highway is a hot lure for biking tours and offers tremendous views along the way.
The following tips related to entry requirements, weather and travelling with children come in handy while travelling to Pakistan.
Entry Requirements
- Before booking Pakistan flights one should be aware of the fact that British passport require a visa. Violation of visa regulation may be considered as a criminal offence and can lead to a fine or detention.
- Quite often, journalists' visas may have more restrictions than other visas. Detailed information on the subject is available with the High Commission for The Islamic Republic of Pakistan in London.
- British nationals, who travel on a Pakistani passport, would be required to furnish the appropriate visa before re-entering the UK. Children should also have their own passports.
- Passport should be valid for at least six months while applying for a visa.
Travelling with Children
Anyone travelling alone with children may have to provide the immigration authorities with documents proving parental responsibility before leaving the country. This is all the more important if the child is of Pakistani origin.
Weather
Weather plays a major role behind the decision to visit Pakistan. While southern regions such as Karachi, Baluchistan, and Southern North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) are best visited during the months of November to March, the Northern areas of Lahore, Islamabad, Northern NWFP, and Peshawar can be somewhat comfortably visited from May to October.