The Heritage of Pakistan: Cannot miss cultural, historical and natural sites to visit

Pakistan is a country full of rare and historic sites to visit and history to discover. It is a place which can make your travelling experience more beautiful and colourful.

In international media, Pakistan’s terror struck side has been dominant; however it is a country full of rare and historic sites to visit and history to discover. It is a place which can make your travelling experience more beautiful and colourful.

1. The Natural Beauty:

From the beautiful valleys of the North to the deserts of the South, Pakistan has a lot to present.

I. Kalash Valley:

The valley situated in the North of Pakistan in the Chitral District is a major tourist attraction. The land not only attracts people over its beauty but also it’s history which connects them tot the Greek civilization.

The Kalesh people are known for their cultural dance which it they perform at their festivals; Uchal, Phoo and Chomos festival.

II. Swat Valley:

Known as the Mini Switzerland, Swat Valley is located in the Khyber Pakhtunkwa province of Pakistan. The valley is full of breathtaking sites such as Ushu Valley and Forest, Malam Jabba(Ski Resort), Madyan, Bonir and Der.

It is also the hometown the youngest Nobel Peace Laureate, Malala Yousafzai.

III. Shandur Pass:

Shandur is the highest polo ground, which is situated between Chitral and Gilgit, Khyber Pakhtunkwa, Pakistan. It is called the ”Top of The World”. Every summer a polo festival is organised here at the altitude of 3738 metres.

IV. Cholistan Desert:

The desert located in the South of the Punjab Province, is known for it’s semi nomadic lifestyle. People here usually move in order to find food and water sources. It is know for it’s jeep rallies and terra cota.

2. Historical Sites:

Cultural and historical diversity, gives us many historical sites to visit;

I. Harappa and Mohenjo Daro:

The leftovers of the Indus Valley Civilization can be seen on these two sites. They attract huge numbers of local and international tourists. Harappa is situated in Central Punjab, whereas Mohenjo Daro is located in the Sindh Province.

II. Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens:

Lahore fort is an example of the dynamic Mughal Empire and their love for construction. It shows how much time and effort was put in the building of the unique Mughal architecture.

Alongside the fort, are located the Shalimar Gardens, which portray the love for nature by the Mughals. The gardens were designed for the emperor’s leisure.

III. Rohtas Fort:

Rohtas Fort which then was a strategic asset for then emperor Sher Shah Suri, is now a tourist attraction. It’s beautiful and exceptional architecture reflects the Islamic culture. It is designed by architects from the subcontinent and Turkey. It is located near Jhelum in Punjab.

IV. Walled City of Lahore:

Located in the northwestern side of the city, it is the example of the Mughal architecture, as well. It is commonly known as ”Androon Sheher (Interal City)” by the locals.

V. Katas Raj:

Katas Raj, a compound of temples is a sacred place for Hindus. It consists of seven ancient temples, the oldest aging back to the 6th Century A.D. These temples are build around a pond which is held holy to the Hindus.

VI. Taxila Museum:

The Taxila Museum preserves the collection of the Gandhara Civilization(600BC-700BC). It is connected to two gardens, which are maintained for the tourists’ relaxation.

VII. Jahangir’s Tomb:

Lahore stores a lot of Mughal architecture; including the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. He was buried here in 1627.

3. Sufi Culture and Sufi Shrines:

Sufism is a mystical belief in Islam; where they believe Allah lives in the heart of man. The believers detain themselves from daily lives and spend their lives to seek inner peace and divine love for Allah. There are many Sufi shrines in Pakistan, most famous of them all are:

I. Data Darbar:

Situated in Lahore, it is one of the most visited sufi shrines. It is the shrine of the sufi saint, Hazrat Abul Hassan Ali Hajvery; famously known as Data Ganj Baksh.

II. Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar:

Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a famous sufi poet’s shrine in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh is visited by people in huge numbers. They go there to give their regard to their guide towards religion.

III. Rukn-e-Alam:

This sufi shrine is located in Multan in Punjab. It is the shrine of the sufi saint Sheikh Rukn-ud-din Abul Fateh.

IV. Shrine of Bulleh Shah:

The shrine of one of the most famous sufi saint and poet, Bulleh Shah is located in Kasur in Punjab.

V. Shrine of Abdullah Shah Gazi:

The shrine located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan is on of the most visited shrines of Pakistan, where people to show their gratitude toward their saint.

VI. Shrine of Khawaja Ghulam Farid:

The sufi saint’s shrine is located in Mithanpur, Ranjanpur, Punjab; where people come in huge numbers.

Despite its predicament, Pakistan has a lot to exhibit! For all who love to travel; Pakistan should be one of their choices!