Tourism in Pakistan

Tourism is a growing industry in Pakistan, based on its diverse cultures, peoples and landscapes.cite web| url=http://www.unigroup.com/PTIC/body_tourism.html| title=Tourism in Pakistan| date=2005-10-20| accessdate=2008-04-05] The variety of attractions range from the ruins of ancient civilizations such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill stations, which attract those interested in field and winter sports. Pakistan is home to several mountain peaks over 7000m, which attracts adventurers and mountaineers from around the world, especially K2 [http://www.tourism.gov.pk/mountain.html PTDC page on mountaineering] ] . The northern parts of Pakistan have many old fortresses, towers and other architecture as well as the Hunza and Chitral valleys, the latter being home to the small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha community who claim descent from the army of Alexander the Great. In the Punjab is the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River and the historic city Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital with many examples of Mughal architecture such as the Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort. To promote Pakistan's unique and various cultural heritage, the prime minister launched "Visit Pakistan 2007". [http://doodhpatti.blogspot.com/2006/10/visit-pakistan-year-2007-events.html Events taking place during 2007, Press released by Tourism of Pakistan] ]

Famous Landmarks

* Minar-e-Pakistan (Tower of Pakistan), Lahore.
* Badshahi Masjid (Emperor's Mosque), Lahore.
* Shalimar Gardens, Lahore.
* SKURDU
* Hiran Minar, sheikhupura.
* Ancient city of Taxila.
* Ancient city of Harappa.
* Ancient city of Moenjodaro.
* K2, second tallest mountain in the world, Northern Areas.
* Nanga Parbat, one of the tallest and hardest mountain in the world to climb, Northern Areas.
* Wagha Border, Kasur.
* Faisal Mosque, Islamabad.
* Mausoleum of Quaid, Karachi.

List of Popular Tourist Places

* Islamabad: Faisal Mosque, Margalla Hills.
* Azad Kashmir: Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch
* Balochistan: Ziarat, Bolan Pass, Mehrgarh, Khojak Pass
* Federally Administered Tribal Areas & Northern Areas: Chakdara, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Lowari Pass, Drosh, Chitral, Garam Chashma, Kohistan District, Besham, Pakistan, Chilas, Astore Valley, Nanga Parbat, Gilgit, Parri Bangla, Naltar Valley,Bagrot-Haramosh Valley,Juglot, Gashoo Pahoot,Rama Ishkoman, Yasin Valley, Ghizar, Baltistan, Skardu, Deosai National Park, Shigar, Khapalu Biafo glacier,Sadpar lack ,Shangrilla,K2 base camp,K7,Broad Peak,Braqthok khaplu,Gondogoro-laa, Masherbrum,Hunza, Nagar, Gojal, Chalt, Aliabad, Karimabad, Altit Fort, Gulmit, Passu, Sost, Khunjerab Pass
* NWFP: Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, Mardan, Pakistan|Swat, Mingora, Saidu Sharif, Shangla District, Kalam valley, Haripur, Tarbela Dam, Havelian, Abbottabad, Thandiani, Mansehra, Kaghan Valley, Batagram
* Punjab: Murree, Cholistan Desert, Uch Sharif, Multan, Harappa, Pakpattan, Lahore, Salt Range, Rohtas Fort, Taxila, Lal Suhanra National Park
* Sindh: Karachi, Mohenjo-daro, Hyderabad, Sehwan Sharif,Gorakh Hill, Manchhar Lake, Kot Diji, Kalri Lake, Bhambore, Thatta, Chaukundi Tombs, Makli Hill, Gateway of Pakistan, Haliji Lake, Kher Thar National Park, Hostorical City Thatto and Keti Bandar, Shahbandar,Jani Bandar, Bhanbhor. Gidu Bandar.

Gallery

References

* [http://www.SAARCnation-tourism.com Tourism in Asia]
* [http://www.tourism.gov.pk Official Pakistan Government tourist portal]
* [http://www.nwfptourism.com.pk Sarhad Tourism Corporation, Govt. of NWFP, Pakistan]