I would like to share with you an article written by Kauser Hassian a chief reporter for "World Problems" magazine and freelance writer. For ten years he has worked with foreign correspondents allowing them access to restricted areas in Afghanistan and Pakistan. He also works with Prince mahir Ullah Khan as part of the "World Welfare Organisation", a Peshawar based NGO.
The truth is that Pakistan really is a great holiday destination. Be prepared for a warm-hearted welcome and expect the unexpected. Pakistan is truly a place for adventurous travel. Although these days you will predominantly see Pakistan in the headlines because of security concerns it remains a favourite holiday spending spot to many discerning, intrepid travellers. Every year a large number of young travellers, mainly students and backpackers make their way to Pakistan because Pakistan fits the needs of adventurous souls. It has everything an adventurous traveller seeks... exotic markets, historic palaces, spectacular scenery and friendly people ready and willing to share their lives and culture. Pakistan encapsulates a great variety of attractions. From hidden bazaars in the narrow streets of Peshawar to the impressive Mughal architecture of Lahore that rivals the more well known Mughal monuments of India. The Northern areas of Pakistan, now called as Gilgit-Baltistan, are a favourite of foreign tourists, full of beautiful mountains, snowy peaks, lush green pastures and some of the longest ranges of glaciers in the world. This area is also a home to three great mountain ranges, (Karakoram, Hindu Kush and Himalaya), the great K2 mountain and the long Karakoram highway built by China and Pakistan in friendship.
Pakistan is such a diverse region, it was a crossroads of various religions and settlements long before the creation of the nation that exists today. Deep in the Hindu Kush mountains of North West Pakistan lies the remote and picturesque district of Chitral and the colourful Kalash valleys - home of Terich Mir, the 14th-highest peak in the world (25,550 ft), and of the legendary pagan tribe Kalash. The Kalash people live in three isolated valleys in the remote mountains of Hindu Kush range. The culture of Kalash people is unique and completely differs from other ethnic groups surrounding them. They are polytheists worshipping their ancestral gods and hold colourful religious festivals of music and dance where they drink wine and sacrifice animals. Their women wear black gowns, and headgear decked out with cowrie shells, buttons and crowned with large coloured feathers. The men wear Shalwar Kameez, the traditional Pakistani dress. Their origins are lost in the mists of time but are said to descend from the soldiers of Alexander the Great, stranded and established in foreign lands.
The truth is that Pakistan really is a great holiday destination. Be prepared for a warm-hearted welcome and expect the unexpected. Pakistan is truly a place for adventurous travel. Although these days you will predominantly see Pakistan in the headlines because of security concerns it remains a favourite holiday spending spot to many discerning, intrepid travellers. Every year a large number of young travellers, mainly students and backpackers make their way to Pakistan because Pakistan fits the needs of adventurous souls. It has everything an adventurous traveller seeks... exotic markets, historic palaces, spectacular scenery and friendly people ready and willing to share their lives and culture. Pakistan encapsulates a great variety of attractions. From hidden bazaars in the narrow streets of Peshawar to the impressive Mughal architecture of Lahore that rivals the more well known Mughal monuments of India. The Northern areas of Pakistan, now called as Gilgit-Baltistan, are a favourite of foreign tourists, full of beautiful mountains, snowy peaks, lush green pastures and some of the longest ranges of glaciers in the world. This area is also a home to three great mountain ranges, (Karakoram, Hindu Kush and Himalaya), the great K2 mountain and the long Karakoram highway built by China and Pakistan in friendship.
Pakistan is such a diverse region, it was a crossroads of various religions and settlements long before the creation of the nation that exists today. Deep in the Hindu Kush mountains of North West Pakistan lies the remote and picturesque district of Chitral and the colourful Kalash valleys - home of Terich Mir, the 14th-highest peak in the world (25,550 ft), and of the legendary pagan tribe Kalash. The Kalash people live in three isolated valleys in the remote mountains of Hindu Kush range. The culture of Kalash people is unique and completely differs from other ethnic groups surrounding them. They are polytheists worshipping their ancestral gods and hold colourful religious festivals of music and dance where they drink wine and sacrifice animals. Their women wear black gowns, and headgear decked out with cowrie shells, buttons and crowned with large coloured feathers. The men wear Shalwar Kameez, the traditional Pakistani dress. Their origins are lost in the mists of time but are said to descend from the soldiers of Alexander the Great, stranded and established in foreign lands.
Don't let your imagination run wild and start thinking that coming to Pakistan will mean that you are stepping into a scene from James Bond or Die Hard. Bad things can happen to anyone anywhere in the world. There may be a higher risk than walking down the street in a Western city but just the other day I encountered an Australian traveller Mr Paul Roberts from Sydney, Australia wandering in the old city of Peshawar by himself and he didn't look terrified. He had been here for more than a week and he was enjoying himself - meeting locals and learning about the culture (green tea!!) I talked to him and to find out how he feels in Pakistan. This is Paul's Pakistan experience.
"Any local will tell you that the period since 9/11/01 has seen a dramatic drop in the number of tourists to Pakistan. This is a shame because the people of Pakistan are overwhelmingly some of the most welcoming and friendly people you will find anywhere on the planet. Despite battling decades of entrenched corruption and in more recent times the advent of militancy within its borders, the greatest asset of the country is undoubtedly its people. In particular Peshawar is a diamond in the rough. Located less than an hours drive from the passage to Afghanistan, the Khyber Pass. I found the inhabitants of the city most hospitable group of people I have experienced in any country in the world. As a relatively seasoned traveller I would strongly recommend any intrepid journeyman with an interest in cultural exchange visit Peshawar, the chances of getting caught up in a blast in the short time you are in Islamabad or Peshawar is very, very slim. You are much more likely to be hurt due to some of Pakistan’s erratic driving techniques. Peshawar is a beautiful city and welcoming to guests! Come and experience the amazing hospitality of the Pashtoon culture. I doubt you could walk around the city all day and not be invited for at least one cup of tea!"
My uncle is currently based in Pakistan. He is part of a team who is rebuilding towns who were destroyed by earthquakes a few years back. His photos are amazing. Pakistan really does seem to be a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Jenny