With the current political climate and "war on terror" going on at the moment, most people wouldn't dream of travelling to Pakistan. A Pakistani friend of mine, living here in London, recently told me he wouldn't go back there now as he thinks it's too dangerous.
But I spent just over three weeks in Pakistan on my way to India last autumn and I will always have fond memories of it. I was backpacking independently and only once did I feel insecure, when in the tribal town of Quetta. There I didn't encounter any other westerners and was get some hard stares from some of the locals, but I suppose you should expect considering many members of the Taliban used to be based there.
From Quetta I took the train to Lahore, right near the Indian border.
Lahore was a vibrant, hectic city full of life and colour, with plenty to see and do, from colonial forts to bustling markets. After a few days the fast pace of the city, as well as the pollution, got to me, so I headed up north, travelling the Karakoram highway into the western Himalayas.
Even being half-Swiss and well used to mountains, the sheer magnitude of the landscape was breathtaking. Things were a lot more laid back in the valleys, and I spent many days taking in the view of the 7000 metre-(21,000ft) high peaks. I missed out on some trekking as the winter was closing in, but it was definitely something to go back for.
One of my most memorable experiences was while taking the 24-hour train from Quetta to Lahore, during which I was befriended by a 52-year-old mechanic named Bilal who proved to be an excellent companion. He proved an invaluable source of local knowledge and wanted to make sure I enjoyed his country as much as possible.
When the food arrived he refused to let me pay for it and insisted that as I was his "guest", it was his duty to pay. It was a matter of pride for him so I let it go and for the rest of the journey he paid for my food, to my slight embarrassment. I couldn't imagine the same happening back in London.
Ed/Pub:NB
Article comments
1 - Natalie Bennett
Thanks Minimus. Lovely post. There's some archaeological sites there I'd love to get to one of these days also.
2 - Aamir Ali
Pakistan is overall a safe and hospitable country with considerable archeological and natural beauty. Because of the war on terror, there is a danger of terrorist retaliation but I think even that has passed. I would encourage others to visit Pakistan if they wish.
3 - Reza Malik
Hello,
I stumbled on your blog and saw you write about my country. It is indeed not what the media says it is. One has to go there to appreciate it. I am glad you liked it although yes, the pollution is quite bothersome in the bigger cities.
4 - Dave_uk
Hi Guys seeing your site I came across this site seems Pakistan is going in the right direction all the Economic, investments in your country.
url:
http://www.pakistanbusinessnews.com
5 - Nona Garg
I really enjoyed my visit to this website.
6 - Shiana Agarwal
It was a amazing experience to visit this website and read the articles and contents.
7 - Gori Garg
The visit was useful. Content was really very informative. From ahmedabadonnet
8 - Aftab Ahmed
Pakistan is the most wonderful country for visiting purpose, I have a complete list of its visiting places if any1 is interested then he may contact vd me 2 get it.