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Travel information Pakistan  -  Holidays in Pakistan

Provinces in Pakistan: Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Islamabad Capital Territory, North-West Frontier, Punjab, Sindh

Cities in Pakistan : Faisalabad, Gilgit, Hyderabad, Karachi, Lahore, Murree, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Swat

Pakistan borders India, Iran, Afghanistan, China and the Arabian Sea.

Second largest Muslim country in the world [ after Indonesia ].

Capital City of Pakistan: Islamabad


car hire, hostels, hotels, travel agencies, travel guides, transportation / travelling to pakistan

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Car Rental Pakistan

 Holiday Autos  -   
Holiday Autos offers the best fully inclusive car hire prices. Get cheap car hire quickly and securely online with holidayautos.co.uk, the experts in online car rental.

Hotels in Pakistan

 

National Parks

 Ayub National Park

Travel Agents / Tour Operators

 British Airways  -  Holidays in Pakistan 
From the mountainous Northern Areas to modern capital Islamabad and Lahore's Mughal monuments, hospitable Pakistan gives visitors plenty of variety. The streets of commercial capital Karachi are always buzzing, and the country's fast-growing economy lives alongside deep traditional roots.

   
Create your perfect trip to Pakistan  -  Flight, Hotel and Car



 Himalayan Kingdoms
 Worlds Apart Travel
'The rugged mountains of the Karakorum make this an ideal summer trekking destination. An amazing road system also make many beautiful remote valleys open to non trekkers.'

 Trans Pakistan Adventure Services  -  based at Islamabad
all-inclusive services for tours, treks, safaris and beach-adventure trips with featurable snorkeling, fishing, boating & crabbing, mountaineering expeditions, film/fashion photography shoots and logistical support for scientific research projects. Tours can easily be tailored according to the requirements and wishes of our valued clients; for both groups and FIT's. Extensions and combination tours with regional countries like China, Nepal, India, Central Asia and Iran are also offered.

Travel Guides Pakistan / Related books

Pakistan and the Karakoram Highway - Lonely Planet Regional Guide 
Owen Bennett-Jones, Lindsay Brown, John Mock
This guidebook includes tales of the native culture, from the pornographic cinemas in Lahore to catching crabs in Karachi. Details on excursion by jeep or steam train up the Khyber Pass are included, as are critical listings of places to stay.
Paperback 432 pages (August 2004); Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; Language: English; ISBN: 0864427093
Northern Pakistan (Footprint Handbooks) - Dave Winter
This travel guide to northern Pakistan features all the essential information for this remote region, including how to get around, trekking information, a calendar of special events and the culture of the country
Paperback 408 pages (August 27, 2004); Publisher: Footprint Handbooks; Language: English; ISBN: 1904777066

Transportation / How do I travel to Pakistan

 Islamabad / Rawalpindi Airport ???
 Karachi Airport  -  Karachi International Airport
 Lahore Airport

 British Airways  -  Flights to Islamabad

  -  Flights to Pakistan
Book cheap flights to Pakistan at ebookers and benefit from discounted airfares. View their latest offers and book your flights, accommodation, car hire and insurance online

 Airline Tickets / Bargain Flights 
Flight tickets Pakistan / Price comparison possible

 Pakistan Railway  -  timetables van express-trains

 Map Pakistan [ Uni Texas  -  Perry-Castañeda Library  -  Map Collection ]
Pakistan Map (Nelles Maps S.) 
Featuring a new-style cover and easy-fold system, this revised and updated map of Pakistan is marked with tourist attractions and public transport systems, and inset maps of major cities. Information is also provided on hotels.
Hardcover (July 21, 1999); Publisher: Nelles Guides and Maps; Language: English; ISBN: 3886185532.


Links 

 Travel Insurance

Why go there?

Pakistan is a special interest destination. Its main attractions include adventure tourism in the Northern Areas, cultural and archaeological tourism as found in Taxila, Moenjodaro, Harrappa, and early Muslim and Mughal heritage of Multan, Lahore, Thatta, Peshawar, Swat. Besides this, birds watching Jeep safaris, desert safaris, trekking and mountaineering are readily available tourist specialized products.

 PTDC  -  Pakistan Tourism Development Company
Destinations, Pakistan info, Tourist Guide, Festivals & Events, links, and more
The Sports & Tourism Wing of the Ministry is the main body responsible for making policies and plans for the development and promotion of sports and tourism in the country. The wing is also responsible for implementation of the plans and projects in these areas.

 Government Pakistan 

 Islamabad Capital Territory  -  Capital City of Pakistan
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, lies against the backdrop of the ever-green Margalla Hills at the northern edge of Potohar Plateau.

 Balochistan  -  West of the Indus Plains  -  Explore Balochistan
Though the this largest province is bigger than the British Isles, it only has a population of about one million, due mainly to its daunting arid geography. In the south of the province, Makran is almost entirely desert with low, dry hills rising from 300 meters to 2500 meters in the north. In the west there is a large salt lake, Hammum -i-Maskhel, and more expansive desert plains. This is where the Chagai and Toba Kakar Mountain Ranges form the borders of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Baluchistan is outside the monsoon zone and has, with the exception of the hilly and arid mountainous regions, a pleasant climate. The province has been influenced by the civilisations in the Indus, Dir and Swat Valleys. One of the oldest neolithic sites (6000 BC) is to be found at Mehr Ghar just south of Bolan Pass.
Most Baluchistan people are nomads who in spring and summer migrate to the hills with their cattle, goats, sheep, camels, donkeys and horses and set up khizdi (tents) and huts of twigs, branches, grass, reeds or straw. In winter they retreat to mud huts on the plains. Apart from Quetta, Baluchistan's settlements are mainly hamlets, villages or small towns built around oases and separated by vast stretches of sand or mountain.
Districts in Balochistan: Gwadar District, Kech District, Lasbela District
Attractions: Quetta, Gwadar, Ziarat, Bolan Pass, Coastline, Hinna Lake, Khojak Pass, Lak Pass and The Gorges
 Federally Administered Tribal Areas
The Tribal Areas, which cover nearly half the province along its border with Afghanistan, are autonomous regions governed by tribal law under the supervision of the Pakistani government. Because the government cannot guarantee the safety of people who enter these areas, they are closed to foreigners. Even Pakistanis need permission to enter. The increased cultivation for opium in the Tribal Areas in recent years has intensified the risks faced by outsiders who attempt to slip in for whatever reason.
 North-West Frontier
Located on both banks of the river Indus, NWFP stretches from the Himalayas in the north to the deserts in the south where it is bordered by the Baluchistan and Punjab provinces. On its western flank is the rugged terrain of neighboring country Afghanistan, which is accessed via the historic Khyber Pass through the mountains of the Sulaiman Range. The capital of the province is the city of Peshawar.
 Punjab  -  Government of the Punjab
Punjab, 'Land of Five Rivers', is the richest, most fertile and most heavily populated province of Pakistan [ the five rivers referred to are the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Indus ]
In Punjab live over 70 million people - more than half the population of the entire country.Geographically, it is a land of contrasts, from the alluvial plain of the Indus River and its tributaries to the sand-dunes of the Cholistan Desert, from the verdant beauty of the pine-covered foothills of the Himalaya to the strangely convoluted lunar landscape of the Potohar Plateau and the Salt Range. Cities in Punjab: Lahore, Multan, Jehlum, Faisalabad, Gujranwala
Site Info: History, Economy, Cultural Heritage, People of Punjab, Fairs & Festivals, Arts & Crafts, Folklore, Music
 Sindh  -  Government of Sindh
The southernmost province of Pakistan takes its name from Sindhu, a Sanskrit name for the Indus River, which bisects the province and brings it life. Until the completion of a huge dam at Sukkur in 1932 most of Sind (or Sindh) was barren desert, but irrigation has restored a wide swath through the lower Indus flood plain.
Sind was called the 'Unhappy Valley' or the 'Land of Uncertainties' by ancient travellers who marched through the scorching deserts of Persia and Baluchistan for long, wearying weeks towards the Indus - only to find its valley depressing barren. It's also a land of sheesharn and pipal trees, darting parrots, bright kingfishers that flash along the river banks, and white herons perched on the backs of water buffaloes.
In the hot season the landscape shimmers and its greys, browns and reds turn creamy-white. Wind-driven dust and sand create a haze which can turn the sun red or blot it out. Along the coast this is the time when fishing ceases and marriages take place, when at the full moon villagers, fakirs, snake charmers and musicians climb to mountain shrines for all-night feasts. In autumn the coastline is suffused with colour, the sky and sea tinted with crimson.
Cities in Sindh: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Thatta

 Faisalabad
 Gilgit
 Gujranwalla
 Hyderabad
 Karachi
Pakistan's cosmopolitan city Karachi, is located on the eastern coast of the Arabian Sea. It is the capital of the province of Sind and the former capital of Pakistan. With a population of nearly 10 million (which is rising rapidly), Karachi is undoubtedly the largest city of Pakistan accomodating people from all regions and religions.
 Lahore  -  City of Gardens
Lahore is the second largest city of Pakistan and the provincial capital of Punjab. Apart from being the cultural and academic centre of the country, Lahore is the Mughal "show-window" of Pakistan.
Lahore has something for everyone. Large number of beautiful gardens, historically exotic forts, mosques and shrines, mughal architectures and museums, shopping centres, fairs and festivals all add-up to make Lahore as Pakistan's most surprisingly colorful package!
 Multan
 Murree
 Peshawar  -  ancient and legendary city of proud Pathans
Capital city of North-West Frontier Province, frontier town and meeting place of the sub-continent and Central Asia. It is a place where ancient traditions jostle with those of today, where the bazaars in the old city have changed very little in the past hundred years except to become the neighbor of a modern university, some modern hotels, several international banks and one of the best museums in Pakistan.
 Quetta / Kwatah  -  Capital City Baluchistan  -  Fruit Garden of Pakistan
The city is still locally known by its ancient name of Shal or Shalkot. Interesting excursions possible to places like Karkhasa, Urak Valley, Hanna Lake, Pishin, Ziarat, Chashma, Zindra etc.
Quetta is one of the most important military stations of the country, occupying a vital and strategic position on account of the fact that the boundaries of Iran and Afghanistan meet here, and the Bolan Pass lies on important lines of communications. It is connected by rail with Lahore, (727 miles) away, with Peshawar (986 miles), and Karachi (536 miles). A new road connects it with Karachi through Khuzdar, Makran and Las Bela. It is also connected with Zahidan (Duzdab), Iran, by railway. Quetta tribesman are strong and silent in their bearing, they are known for their friendliness and hospitality. To make a visitor comfortable is part of their tradition.
 Rawalpindi 
Originally Rawalpindi was a village of Rawals, a tribe of Yogis. There are many bazaars in the Rawalpindi region the Raja Bazaar, Saddar Bazaar and Commercial Bazaar (Market) are some nice shopping areas. The Liaquat Bagh 'Liaquat Gardens' is a nice picinc spot for tourists. The Bara Market near the Liaquat Bagh is an all time favourite amongst tourists coming to Rawalpindi. It has a lively atmosphere and with many beautiful architectures and colors of life it is a wonderful tourist hideout.
 Swat

 Gwadar District [ Balochistan ]
Gwadar district, with its 600 kilometres long coast line and un-irrigated tracts of Kulanch and Dasht valleys, has always been an important chapter of Makran's history. The known history of Makran goes back to the time of prophet Dawood when people entombed themselves to avoid famine. The area is said to be possessed by Iranian King Kaus followed by Afrasiab of Turan and then by Kai Khusrau, again an Iranian. Then there is a long list of rulers, including Lehrasp, Gushtasp, Bahman, Huma and Darab, to the year 325 BC when Alexander the Great incidentally found the sea in this area on his way from India to Macedonia.
 Kech District [ Balochistan ]
Kech, the land of a romance legend, has always been a place of importance for its geographical location. It has been, and still is, the centre of Makran region; geographically, socially, and politically. In 1977, Makran was declared a division and was divided into three districts, namely Panjgur, Turbat (renamed Kech) and Gwadar. In 1994-95, the name of Turbat district was changed to its old name, i.e., Kech. Now the region is called Kech while Turbat town is its headquarters.
 Lasbela District [ Balochistan ]
Before its merger in Pakistan, Lasbela District was a state ruled by the Jam family of Jamote Tribe. It was notified as District on 30th June1954. The District derived its name from LAS signifying a plain and Bela means jungle, also a principal town at that time. Uthal is the present District headquarters. The District is situated on the southern coast of Balochistan. It is bounded, on the north by Khuzdar District, on the east by Dadu, Malir and Karachi, on the south by the Arabian Sea and on the west by Gwadar and Awaran Districts.
 Malam Jabba Ski Resort  -  Swat Valley in the North West Frontier Province
Commercial skiing has recently been opened at Malam Jabba. 8'700 feet above sea level, Malam Jabba Ski Resort stands on top of a mountain of the Hindukush range, north east of Saidu Sharif. It is a wonderful tourist resort offering picturesque skiing landscapes.
There is an air strip at Saidu Sharif, 45 km away with flights daily from the capital by Pakistan Airways (flights also connect from Peshawar). There's also a heli-pad at the resort.
 Takht-i-Bahi  -  Buddhist Monastery

 Balochistan Post  -  from Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan. Close to Taliban.
News, Economy, Politics, Heritage, Forum, Neighbourhood, Tidbits 
 Daily Times  -  based in Lahore
 Dawn  -  widely circulated English language newspaper
 Pakistan Times

 Radio Pakistan  -  RealAudio

Cuisine - Pakistani Recipes - Pakistani cookery

Pakistan is rich in variety of different kinds of foods. The specialties include Kababs, Dhals, Quormah, Tikkas and Nihari.
Pakistani Cuisine is generally the same thing as North Indian cuisine - see Indian cuisine

 ContactPakistan.com  -  Pakfood  -  Pakistani Recipes
Pakistani cuisine is as diverse as it's people. Most of Pakistani cuisine has Afghan-Turkic-Iranian roots, a legacy of Muslim rule in South Asia, which got 'Indianized' due to the greater usage of spices
See Chutneys / Achars, Main Course, Breads, Rice, Grills, Drinks, Desserts and Snack / Chutpatay.

History of Pakistan

Independence: 14 August 1947 (from UK)

Disputed areas: Pakistani-administered portion of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region includes Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas.

 Pakistan's History  -  Wikipedia
 Ancient South Asia, Background to creation of Pakistan, Post Independence Period, 1971 Civil War, 1977 -1985 Martial Law, The Democratic Interregnum, Return of Military Rule, Kashmir.
 Story of Pakistan  -  Comprehensive Reference on the Political History of Pakistan
The site is based on the best-selling CD-ROM "Story of Pakistan: A Multimedia Journey". The contents of the site focus on the political history of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, tracing its roots from pre-historic times, to the various dynasties that ruled the Indo-Pak Sub-continent.

Music, Art & Culture, Events & Entertainment

Pakistan has a very rich cultural and traditional background going back to Indus Valley Civilization, 2800 BC–1800 BC. The region that is now Pakistan has in the past been invaded and occupied by many different peoples, including Greeks, White Huns, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Mongols and various Eurasian groups. Thus modern Pakistani culture has its origins in the mixture of many cultures.

Pashtun Tales: From the Pakistan-Afghan Frontier -  Aisha Ahmad, Roger Boase
These oral tales were collected in the tribal areas on the Pakistan-Afghan frontier, a region described as the last free place on earth. It was here that the caravan routes from Persia, India and China once converged. With their blend of wit, fantasy, comedy and romance, they reflect the Pashtun code of honour and way of life that are now seriously threatened by social changes and recent political events. Most of them, such as the epic tale of Hazrat Ali, have never been recorded before, and might otherwise have been lost forever. Some are recognisable as universal types, such as a version of Androcles and the Lion and of the tale that provided Shakespeare with the plot of King Lear.
Hardcover 380 pages (February 6, 2003); Publisher: Saqi Books; Language: English; ISBN: 0863564380

 Music of Pakistan
By far the most dynamic and popular music of Pakistan is qawwali, which has been internationally popularized by stars like Nusrat Ali Khan. Qawwali, in multiple forms, is widespread throughout Pakistan and Northern India.

Culture Shock! Pakistan: A Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Culture Shock! S.) -  Zafar Ihsan, Karin Mittmann
Paperback 130 pages (January 1, 2004); Publisher: Kuperard; Language: English; ISBN: 1870668782

Web Portals / Search Engines / Directories

 Pak.org  -  TOPP - The Official Pakistani Portal
 Balochi Language  -  many links
 Balochistan  -  Balochistan Development Gateway
Balochistan Development Gateway (BDG) is a reference repository for an evolving body of knowledge. It hopes to link provincial and national stakeholders - government, civil society, media, experts, donors and the general public - with their global counterparts, weaving a web of information and experience sharing.
 Balochistan Districts Database 
Detailed information on each of the twenty six districts of Balochistan under more than 50 different categories.
 Islamabad.net
 Itspakistan.net  -  itsPakistan  -  all you need to know about Pakistan
 Travelweb - Pakistan ***
Fishing, Golf, Hiking / Trekking, History & Cultural, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Eco-Tours, Safaris, Shopping, Ski & Snow, White Water Sports, WildLife & BirdWatching.
 Paknet - see tourism ***
 Pakistan Aviation  -  all kinds of aviation links


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