Raja Bazar is a vibrant commercial area in the heart of Rawalpindi, a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. It is a historic market that has operated for over a hundred years, attracting visitors from all over the region who shop, eat, and socialize. It has witnessed numerous changes but has remained essential to the city’s cultural and economic fabric. Let’s delve into the rich and colorful history behind this iconic market with Crossroads Adventure, exploring its evolution from a small marketplace to a thriving commercial hub that continues to capture the fascination of visitors to this day.

Early Days of Raja Bazar

Raja Bazar was established in the early 20th century by local merchants and traders looking for a place to sell their wares. At the time, Rawalpindi was an important military and administrative center for the British Empire, and the market was strategically located near the railway station and the army cantonment. The market started as a small bazaar with just a handful of shops and vendors, but it quickly grew in size and popularity. Residents and visitors from nearby areas flocked to Raja Bazar to buy and sell textiles, spices, jewelry, and household items. As the market expanded, more vendors and traders began to set up shops in the area, contributing to its dynamic and diverse character.

Rawalpindi has a rich and complex history that dates back to ancient times. The city has been inhabited by various groups over the centuries, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims, and has been a center of trade and commerce for much of its history. During the colonial period, Rawalpindi became an important military and administrative center for the British Empire. The city served as a base for the British Army and was home to numerous government offices and institutions. It led to an influx of people and resources into the city. This Bazar emerged as a hub of commercial activity due to its strategic location near the military and administrative centers.

It remains integral to Rawalpindi’s cultural and economic landscape today. This Bazar is a testament to the city’s history and heritage. It also continues to draw visitors worldwide interested in exploring this vibrant city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Raja Bazar through the Ages

Raja Bazar has witnessed many changes and persevered through various challenges, including natural disasters and political unrest. In 1935, a massive earthquake struck Rawalpindi, causing significant damage to the market and the surrounding area. Despite this setback, the vendors and traders in Raja Bazar quickly rebuilt their shops and resumed business. During the split up of India and Pakistan in 1947, Rawalpindi was one of the cities most affected by the violence and unrest that accompanied the division of the subcontinent. The market suffered damage during the riots, but once again, the traders and vendors showed their resilience and worked hard to rebuild and restore their businesses.

Recently, it has faced challenges from the rise of modern and online shopping centers. However, the market has continued to thrive and remain relevant in the modern era. Today, Raja Bazar is a bustling commercial center that attracts thousands of visitors each day. The market is known for its vibrant and colorful atmosphere, unique products, and affordable prices, making it a popular destination for shoppers of all ages and backgrounds. It has remained relevant over the years because of its ability to adapt to changing times. The vendors and traders in the market have embraced new technologies and marketing strategies to attract customers and keep their businesses competitive. For example, many of the shops in Raja Bazar now have an online presence, allowing customers to order products and deliver them to their doorstep.

The significance of Echonic Bazar in Rawalpindi

Raja Bazar is more than just a market; it is a cultural and economic hub that plays an essential role in shaping the identity and sense of community in Rawalpindi. One of the most significant contributions of Bazar to the city is its role in fostering a sense of community among its residents. A market is where people from different backgrounds and walks of life come together to buy and sell goods, exchange stories, and share experiences. The market’s vibrant atmosphere creates a sense of belonging and unity that many cherish in Rawalpindi.

It has also played a vital role in shaping the local economy. The market is home to many businesses and entrepreneurs, from small-time vendors selling handmade crafts to larger retail shops and restaurants. The diversity of businesses in Raja Bazar has helped create a dynamic and competitive local economy. Moreover, it has become a cultural landmark in Rawalpindi, with many residents and visitors considering it a must-visit destination. The market is known for its unique products, traditional crafts, bustling atmosphere, and the city’s cultural heritage. The market has also inspired local artists, musicians, and writers, drawing inspiration from its colorful and vibrant character.

Temples in Raja Bazar

Several Hindu temples in Raja Bazar are of historical significance. One of the most notable temples is the Laxmi Narayan Mandir, located in the heart of the bazaar. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Laxmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity. The temple’s intricate carvings and colorful decorations testify to the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans who built it. Another notable temple in this Bazar is the Hanuman Mandir. This temple is devoted to Lord Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god known for his strength and devotion. The temple’s architecture is reminiscent of traditional Hindu temples in India, with its domed roof, intricate carvings, and brightly colored decorations.

Apart from Hindu temples, it has also been under the reign of Sikhs. During the Sikh rule in the 18th and 19th centuries, the bazaar saw significant growth and development. The Sikhs introduced new markets, infrastructure, and commercial activity, which helped establish Raja Bazar as a prominent trade center.

Let’s Visit the Historic Bazar!

After exploring the rich history and enduring legacy of Raja Bazar in Rawalpindi, it’s time to experience this cultural and economic hub for yourself. With Crossroads Adventure’s assistance, you can explore the market’s vibrant atmosphere, unique products, and affordable prices. It is not just a need; it’s a cultural landmark that has played a vital role in shaping Rawalpindi’s identity and sense of community. From its early days as a collection of small shops and stalls to its present-day status as a crowded center of commerce and culture, the market has persevered through various challenges and remained an integral part of the city’s heritage.

Now is your chance to visit this historical bazaar and experience the vibrant atmosphere and unique products. Crossroads Adventure can provide a personalized market tour, highlighting the most exciting shops and vendors and helping you immerse yourself in the market’s cultural and economic significance. So why wait? Book your visit to Raja Bazar today and experience the market’s enduring legacy. From the colorful history to the bustling atmosphere, there is always something unique for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant center of commerce and culture. With Crossroads Adventure, you can be sure of a memorable and enjoyable visit to one of Rawalpindi’s most iconic landmarks.

The post The History of Raja Bazar appeared first on Crossroads Adventure.

Pakistan’s cultural heritage sites are safeguarded under the Antiquities Act 1975. Designated as protected monuments, numerous special measures have been implemented to promote and preserve these sites, primarily Muslim sites. However, of the 145 monuments in Punjab, only one is a Hindu temple, indicating that there are currently no conservation measures actively in place for other existing temples.

The Hindu Temples

Hindu temples are scattered throughout numerous Pakistani cities, with varying degrees of upkeep. While some remain frequented by worshippers inside and beyond the country’s borders, others have been neglected and left to deteriorate. Many of these sites have begun to fall into disrepair, and without adequate protection, their future is uncertain. Hindu temples in Pakistan boast impressive and captivating architecture, providing a unique experience to tourists and worshippers alike.

The management and restoration of religious sites could lead to the region’s development of religious and cultural tourism. Increased visitation from Hindu pilgrims around the world is expected to promote tourism activities and nurture interfaith harmony in the country. It is anticipated that tourist activity in the region will result in economic growth and create a positive image of Pakistan.

Hindu Temples in Rawalpindi

Before the Partition of India, Rawalpindi boasted the most significant Hindu and Sikh populations of the cities, eventually becoming part of Pakistan. However, its diverse religiosity was significantly diminished when most of its Hindu and Sikh residents migrated to India, thus taking their significant religious and historical legacies with them. As a result, many of these places of worship have since been converted into living spaces, scrap yards, and storage facilities.

The renowned Krishna Temple, which lies in the heart of the lively old district of Rawalpindi, has a long history. According to a plaque at the entrance, the temple was constructed by Ujagar Mal Ram Richpal in 1897. Following the Partition of India and Pakistan, his descendants moved to India and have since become untraceable.
The Krishna Temple in Rawalpindi is the largest temple of its kind and can accommodate up to 2,500 people. Hindus from Rawalpindi and its nearby areas come here to celebrate traditional religious festivities such as Holi and Diwali. Although slightly worn, the temple’s structure remains an excellent example of Hindu temple architecture, boasting an intricately embellished spire that towers over the adjacent market area.

The Government of Pakistan has recently taken action to acknowledge the significance of the religious and cultural heritage of its non-Muslim population by renovating and expanding the Krishna temple. It will allow more devotees to be accommodated in the sacred space. The Krishna Temple of old Rawalpindi is one of many centuries-old temples urgently needing attention from authorities. Since Partition, several other temples in the area have been subjected to the destructive forces of time and are in danger of being lost if not addressed soon.

Katas Raj Temple

The Katas Raj Temples, located on the outskirts of Chakwal in the Pakistani province of Punjab, date back to between 615-950 CE. It is the only Hindu site from the region to have been included in the provisional list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With deep-rooted historical and spiritual significance, Katas Raj is held in high esteem by Hindus both within and outside of Pakistan.

Legend has it that the pond in the middle of the Katas Raj temple was filled with the tears of Lord Shiva, who had shed them in grief after his wife passed away. It is believed that as he flew with her remains, two drops of his tears landed in two locations – one in Katas Raj and another in Ajmer, Rajasthan, forming two ponds.
The Katas Raj Temples boast a rich history not limited to Hinduism. According to Alexander Cunningham, the first Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, the complex was built upon the ruins of a 61m high Buddhist Stupa, surrounded by flowing streams. The remains of these structures are still visible within the temple grounds today.

The Katas Raj Temples have stood as a testament to the 1500-year religious history of Pakistan, demonstrating the transition between Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam throughout its various eras. Guru Nanak took residence in the Sikh gurdwara close to the temple complex in the 11th Century, and Al-Biruni is thought to have lived there as he studied Hinduism. As a result of this layering of different religions, these temples provide critical insight into the cultural identity of Pakistan.

Recent years have exposed the impact of decades of neglect through structural failures, vandalism, and the drying up of a sacred pond. This mainly generated international attention to the deteriorating site, eliciting an outcry. The state of dilapidation at the Katas Raj temples has been of particular concern since an incident in the past. The issue was brought to the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2018, and at the end of that year, the site welcomed Indian pilgrims for a Hindu ceremony after decades of neglect.

Sun Temple of Mulasthana

The Sun temple in Multan, Pakistan, has a long and storied history. It was initially mentioned by Greek admiral Skylax in 515 BC during his invasion of northern India. Hsuen Tsang, a Chinese pilgrim from the 7th Century, recorded details of the opulent temple in his accounts. He noted the Sun God’s golden idol and its dancing girls with awe.

The city of Multan, located in the province of Punjab, has been referred to by various names throughout its history, such as Mulasthana, derived from the Sanskrit words Mula and Sthana, meaning original adobe. According to Hindu religious belief, twelve Sun Temples were constructed by Samba, son of the Hindu God Krishna, scattered throughout the Indian subcontinent. The one located in Multan is believed to be the oldest among them. The Sun Temple, believed to have been the largest temple in the city, has long attracted pilgrims from far-reaching locations. Moreover, this site is highly venerated for its contribution to the derived namesake of Multan – a city possessing a deep-seated association with Hinduism.

The Sun Temple, lauded in historical narratives for centuries, is now a forgotten relic of the past; its site is suffering from encroachment and neglect by both authorities and the public. It serves as a vivid reminder of how cultural heritage sites can be detrimentally affected by religious conflicts. The centuries-old Sun Temple of Multan, Pakistan, has been largely destroyed and all its idols removed. Only rarely is the temple still used to pitch tents for Muslim pilgrims who come to Multan for the Urs (death anniversary) of nearby saints. Moreover, its majestic spiritual grandeur has been forever lost to posterity, as the temple’s roof has caved in and significant portions demolished.

Hinglaj Mata Temple

Hinglaj Mata is an ancient temple situated in a small cave in the Kheerthar hills of Baluchistan. The temple has remained a popular pilgrimage destination for thousands of devotees from within and across the border to partake in its traditional rituals. These rituals have been carried out for generations, making it one of the oldest religiously-significant sites still in existence today.

The Temple of Hinglaj Mata is located in a remote part of India and does not feature artificial idols. Instead, a shapeless stone is used for religious rituals. According to Hindu mythology, the Hinglaj temple was built at this location as the head of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, had fallen there after she passed away. Hinglaj Mata is believed to be a powerful deity who grants her devotees blessings and divine grace. The Hinglaj Mata Temple, a revered Hindu site, is also venerated by some Muslims who refer to it as Nani Mandir and the goddess Bibi Nani. It is believed that Bibi Nani is the protector of the region, and Muslims from neighboring locations also partake in the annual pilgrimage, which Hindu devotees attend.

The temple site has been safeguarded against vandalism and mob attacks by Muslim residents, preserving the state of the temple and avoiding a similar fate as other temples in the country. It is due to the collective efforts and collaboration between local Hindus and Muslims.

Lava Temple

The Temple of Loh, also known as the Lava Temple, is located next to the Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort. It has been abandoned for some time but is said to have been dedicated to the son of the Hindu Lord Rama. Historians believe that the birth of Lord Rama’s son, Loh, may have occurred at this temple.

The city of Lahore, formerly known as Lavpor or Loh Kot, denotes the deep connection it shares with Hindu mythology, considering ‘Loh’ derives from Lord Rama’s son. This association is further reinforced by the Temple of Loh, which lies within the Lahore Fort and is believed to be as old as the city itself. Although open to tourists, this site is less visited than other attractions within the fort, and no religious ceremonies are being held here.

Recent archaeological findings have revealed that the temple at Lahore Fort was once more prominent than its current size of a few square meters. During excavations at the Royal Kitchen, remnants of a structure and fresco work were discovered, indicating that they had once been part of the temple. However, it is still being determined what stood in this area before the fort was commissioned by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Ending Remarks!

Pakistan, now predominantly Muslim, has strong Hindu and Buddhist roots dating back thousands of years. Despite this rich cultural heritage, many of these religious sites are in various disarray due to administrative negligence and religious or political disputes. While there have been some promising attempts at preserving these sites, a more concerted effort is necessary to save them from being lost to time.

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Indus Civilization:

The Indus civilization, also well-known as the Indus Valley Civilizations (IVC) or Harappan civilizations, is one of the earliest known urban cultures of the Indian subcontinent n the world. The IVC flourished between the 26th and 19th centuries BCE and is considered a highly advanced civilization with impressive technological achievements. Some of its most famous ruins include the city of Harappa, which has been excavated to a great extent, and Mohenjo-Daro, which is still partly intact.

Discovery and history of IVC

The Indus civilization was first identified in 1921 at the site of Harappa in the Punjab region. In 1922, the Mohenjo-Daro (Mohenjodaro) site was discovered near the river in the Sindh region. Both sites are in present-day Pakistan, in the Punjab and Sindh provinces. The ruins of Mohenjo-Daro appropriated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980. Archaeological evidence suggests that the civilization was widely dispersed throughout the region. Vestiges of the civilizations have been found as far from Sutkagen Dor in southwestern Balochistan province near the shore of the Arabian Sea, at Ropar (or Rupar), in eastern Punjab state, and northwestern India. Later exploration established its presence southward down the west coast of India, 500 miles southeastern of Karachi, and as far eastern as the Yamuna River basin, 30 miles north of Delhi. It is thus the most extensive of the world’s two earliest civilizations, though Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations began somewhat before it.

The Indus civilization comprised two large cities, Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, and more than 100 smaller towns and villages. The two cities were each about one 1-mile square, suggesting that there was centralized political power, either in two separate states or in one large empire with two capitals. This practice has parallels in later Indian history. Harappa may have succeeded Mohenjo-Daro, which is known devastated more than once by exceptional floods. The population of Harappa is estimated to have been between 23,500 and 35,000. The population of Mohenjo-Daro is estimated to have been between 35,000 and 41,250. On the Kathiawar Peninsula, the southern region of the civilizations appears to be of later origin than the significant Indus sites.

The Indus civilization is thought to have evolved from neighboring villages or earlier civilizations, using Mesopotamian-style irrigation to take advantage of the fertile Indus River valley. They could control the annual floods that fertilized and destroyed the land, allowing them to establish a secure foothold in the area. With a growing population, they would find expansion along the riverbanks an inevitable next step. The ancient civilizations known as the Harappan civilization was primarily farming, with crops such as wheat and barley being the mainstay of their diet. They also engaged in a significant trade, although evidence of this is often elusive. In addition to crops, domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, cattle, and chickens were also present, and there is evidence that pigs, camels, and buffalo may also have been domesticated. The Asian elephant was probably also domesticated by the Harappans, and its ivory tusks were used extensively.

Political system and Society

Although there is a developing body of archaeological proof, the social and political structures of the Indus state are still unknown. Nevertheless, the apparent craft specialization and localized craft groupings at Mohenjo-Daro and the significant divergence in house types and sizes indicate some social stratification.

The extensive trade network and well-regulated production centers supplied imported raw materials and distributed finished goods throughout the region, culminating in the establishment of Harappan colonies in Mesopotamia and Badakhshan. Moreover, the exceptional uniformity of measures throughout the Indus valley and the development of such civic works as the great granaries imply a powerful degree of political and administrative authority over the area.

Further, the widespread circumstances of inscriptions in the Harappan script indicate using a single lingua franca. Nevertheless, these aspects of the Indus civilization are more than contemporary Mesopotamia due to the ineligibility of captions that can be read and interpreted.

Crafts and Artifacts

Some of the best-known artifacts from the Indus civilization are small seals. These seals were typically cut from steatite, also known as soapstone. They were carved in intaglio, a type of engraving, or incised with a copper burin, a cutting tool. The majority of seals appear as humpless unicorns or bulls in profile. Others depict the Indian humped bull, elephant, bison, rhinoceros, or tiger. The animal stood in front of a ritual object, which has been identified as a standard, a manager, or an incense burner. Many of the seals contain scenes that appear to be of mythological or religious significance.

During this period, copper and bronze were the primary metals used to manufacture tools and implements. These items included flat oblong axes, knives, chisels, spears, arrowheads (of a type exported to neighboring hunting tribes), trim saws, and razors. These could be created through simple casting, chiseling, and hammering techniques.

Scripts and Measures

Maintaining such a large and complex network of relations – as evidenced by the size and consistency of the Harappan state and the extent of trade contacts – would have required an equally well-developed communication system. Unfortunately, the Harappan script has long defied attempts at decipherment, meaning that the language remains unknown. However, relatively recent analyses of the order of signs on the captions have led several scholars to believe that the language is not Indo-European, nor is it closely related to Sumerian, Hurrian, or Elamite.

The script of the Indus Valley civilization still needs to be discovered. However, it appears to be related to the Dravidian language family, spoken throughout the south side of the Indian peninsula. A confined member of this class, the Brahui language, is spoken in west Pakistan, an area closer to those regions of Harappan culture. The script was written from the right to the left side and is known as one of the 2,000-odd short inscriptions that have been recovered so far. These inscriptions range from single characters to those with about 15-20 characters. In addition, there are over 500 signs that appear to be compounds of other signs, but it still needs to be determined whether these signs are ideographic, logographic, or other.

Some have suggested that particular curious objects may have been accurately made into optical squares, which surveyors could use to offset right angles. Because of the accuracy of much of the architectural work, this theory appears entirely plausible.

Foreign union and Trading

The Indus civilization had a remarkably consistent level of material culture, suggesting a closely knit and integrated administration. Evidence of the actual exportation of objects can be challenging to find. Still, the wide dispersal of chert blades made of Sukkur stone and the factory’s enormous scale at the Sukkur site strongly suggest a trade. Other items indicate trade, such as the almost identical bronze carts discovered at Chanhu-Daro and Harappa. It suggests that these two cultures had a common origin.
There is literary and archaeological evidence for trade between Mesopotamia and the Harappan civilizations. Harappan seals have been found at Ur and other Mesopotamian cities, and a Persian Gulf seal has been found at Lothal, providing evidence for sea trade between the two regions. Goods such as timber, precious woods, ivory, lapis lazuli, gold, and luxury items like carnelian beads, pearls, and shell and bone inlays (including the distinctive Indian kidney shape) were exchanged for silver, tin, woolen textiles, and grains and other food from Mesopotamia.

Copper ingots have been imported to Lothal from Magan (possibly present-day Oman). After the Old Babylonian Period, trade between the two cultures wholly halted.

Urban system decay and the end of the Indus civilization

It is uncertain how and when civilizations came to an end. The decline probably occurred in several stages over a period that could be a century or more. A reasonable estimation would be the period between 2000 and 1750 BCE. The end of the urban system in the Indus region does not necessarily mean a complete lifestyle change for the population. However, it involves the end of whatever social and political control system preceded it. After that date, cities and many of their distinctively urban traits – such as the use of writing, seals, and specialized urban crafts – disappeared.

The end of Mohenjo-Daro is known and dramatic, and sudden. Riders attacked the city in the center of the 2nd millennium BCE. Who the attackers were is a matter of conjecture. Nevertheless, it adheres that the Indus Valley Civilization was succeeded by poverty-stricken cultures that drew elements from both the sub-Indus heritage, Iran, and the Caucasus. Urban civilizations were dead in the northwest of the Indian subcontinent for many centuries.

The evidence suggests that the Indus Valley civilization was succeeded by poorer cultures that drew elements from both the sub-Indus region and Iran/the Caucasus. Urban civilizations were largely absent from the northwest of the Indian subcontinent for many centuries. There appears to be an absolute cultural continuity between the late Indus phase and the Copper Age cultures in Kathiawar and beyond. These cultures form a material bridge between the end of the Indus civilization and the developed Iron Age civilizations that arose in India about 1000 BCE.

Gandhara Civilization

The Gandhara Civilization, also known as the Indo-Gandhara Civilization, was an archaeological culture that flourished in Gandhara, present-day Pakistan, and Afghanistan between the 1st millennium BCE to the rise of the 2nd millennium CE.

The civilization was notable for its Buddhist art, monuments, and sculptures. During the period between the reigns of various significant powers, Buddhism was held in great reverence, and the artistic tradition of Indo-Greek developed following Alexander’s invasions into India. The Gandharan period is a direct predecessor of the Kushan Empire.

The edge of Gandhara

Gandhara is mentioned in historical sources dating back to the region of the Achaemenid the Great (r. c. 550-530 BCE). However, in the 7th century CE, Gandhara was described in detail when the Buddhist monk Xuanzang (Hsuan-Tsang, 602-664 CE) made a pilgrimage to the region. He visited the Gandharan region during its decline after it had achieved its most incredible feats. Following ancient Buddhist sources, he accurately described the area and its various cities and sites. It is the first account that survives to the present day and has helped researchers identify Gandharan remains.

Gandhara is traditionally considered a triangular tract of land extending approximately 100 kilometers from east to west and 70 kilometers from north to south, primarily situated west of the river and bounded on the north by the Hindukush Mountains. However, some scholars believe that Gandhara proper may have also included the Peshawar valley and the hills of Swat, Dir, Buner, and Bajaur – all of which are located within present-day Pakistan. In addition, greater Gandhara’s influence extended to the Kabul basin in Afghanistan and the Potwar plateau in the Punjab, Pakistan. At times, the influence advance as far as Sindh, Pakistan, where stupa and Buddhist city remains are visible, built over the even older remains of Mohenjo-Daro.

Well-known cities of Indo-Gandhara include Taxila, Peshawar, and Mardan, where ruins have been discovered and continue to be found.

Origin of Gandhara

The name Gandhara is thought to come from the words Qand/Gand, meaning “fragrance,” and Har, meaning “lands.” So, in other words, Gandhara is the “Land of Fragrance.”

Another more apparent supported theory is that the word Qand/Gand, developed from Kun, means ‘well’ or ‘pool of water.’ Indeed, the word appears with other place names associated with water, such as Gand-ao or Gand-ab (pool of water) and Gand-Dheri (water mound). Moreover, the region is known today as Tashkand (stone-walled pool), and Yarkand are thought to have been named for its many lakes.
Finally, it is supported by the fact that the Peshawar vale still has good drainage, even during the rainy season, which results in a lake-like appearance to the marshes.

The political background of Gandhara

Gandhara was ruled by several major powers of antiquity, including:

1. Persian Great Achaemenid Dynasty (c. 600-400 BCE)
2. Macedon Greeks(c. 326-324 BCE),
3. Mauryan Dynasty of Northern India (c. 324-185 BCE),
4. Indo-Grecian of Bactria (c. 250-190 BCE),
5. Scythians of East Europe (c. 2nd century to 1st century BCE),
6. Parthian Dynasty (c. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE),
7. Kushans of Middle Asia (c. 1st to 5th century CE),
8. White Huns of Middle Asia (c. 5th century CE)
9. Hindu Shahi Family of North India (c. 9th to 10th century CE)

It was followed by Muslim conquests, after which we come to the medieval time of Indian history.

Achaemenids and Alexander Dynasty

Gandhara was part of the Achaemenid Empire for a brief time, but the Achaemenid occupation did not last long. Later, it was known as a state of the Achaemenids, paid tributes, and offered generosity to Alexander, who conquered the empire. The Achaemenid in Gandhara continued from the 6th century BCE to 327 BCE.

According to reports, Alexander the Great crossed through Gandhara and into Punjab to form an alliance with Raja Ombhi, the ruler of Taxila. This alliance was formed to combat Raja Porus, causing great unrest in the Taxila region. The Battle of Hydaspes was crucial in Alexander the Great’s conquest of India. However, his stay in India was short, and he soon moved south through the Indus River valley and into Gedrosia (modern-day Balochistan). From there, he continued into Persia, where he eventually died.

When Alexander the Great conquered the region of Gandhara, he encouraged the Greek soldiers, artisans, and other followers to intermarry and blend with the locals to integrate them into the Greek civilizations fully. However, when Alexander the Great died in June 323 BCE, his occupying Greek force began their journey back home, leaving behind those who had stayed with their new families. Over time, these people gradually became more Indian than Greek.

Mauryan Dynasty

King Chandragupta of Magadha conquered the Indus Valley in 316 BCE, annexing Gandhara and making Taxila the capital of the Mauryan Empire. Chandragupta was achieved by his own son Bindusara, who was, in turn, succeeded by his son Ashoka. Ashoka was a famous propagator of Buddhism who built multiple monasteries and spread the edicts of Dharm over the subcontinent.

These Dharmarajika monasteries are east of the Tamra at Taxila, famous for their stupa. It is said that Ashoka buried several artifacts of Buddh, and Dharmarajika, Mankiyala, and Sanchi are said to be contemporary stupas.

Indo-Grecian of Bactria

In 184 BCE, the Grecians firm in Bactria, modern North Afghanistan) invaded Gandhara again under king Demetrius. He built a new city on the opposite river bank from Bhir Mound. The embodiment of Taxila is known as Sirkap. It was built on the plan of Hippodamian following a grid model.

The Demetrius kingdom consisted of Gandhara, Arachosia (now Kandahar in Afghanistan), Punjab, and Ganges Valley. It was a multi-ethnic society where Grecians, Indians, Bactrians, and Western Iranians lived together. It is evidenced in second-century BCE Taxila, such as a Zoroastrian sanctuary at Jandial, just north of Sirkap.

Parthian Dynasty

The gradual takeover of Punjab by the Scythians of middle Asia began in 110 BCE. The tribes had been addicted to invading northern areas such as Bactrian but were kept back by the Achaemenids. So instead, they had resolved in Drangiana, present days in Iran, and Punjab, infiltrating through the southern Indus Valley. After taking over Taxila, these Central Asian tribes slowly assimilated into the local culture.

During the first quarter of the 1st century CE, the Parthians began to take over the Greek kingdoms in Gandhara and Punjab. Gondophares, a Parthian leader who lived in Taxila, is said to have been baptized by the apostle Thomas. This claim is possible, as the city already hosted several religious beliefs and accommodated a Christian one nearly 2000 years ago.

Kushans Tribe

The Kushans migrated to Gandhara from Central Asia and Afghanistan around the 1st century CE. They selected Peshawar as their powerful seat and expanded into east India to establish the Kushan dynasty, which lasted until the 3rd century CE. In 80 CE, they wrested control of Gandhara from the Scythe-Parthians. The central city at Taxila was refounded at another site and given the new name Sirsukh.

The Kushan is the high point of Gandhara art and culture and is considered the golden age in this region’s history. The area at the time featured a military base 5 km wall long and 6 meters thick. It became a Buddhist activity hub and hosted pilgrims from Central Asia and China. The end of the Kushan era saw a succession of short-lived dynasties taking control of the Gandhara region, resulting in constant raiding, invasions, and turmoil. Then a succession of eras by the Sassanian dynasty, Kidarites, and the White Huns led to day-to-day religious, trade, and social activity coming to a standstill.

In 241 CE, Persia, under the kingship of Shapur I, defeated the area’s rulers and annexed Gandhara to the Persian Empire. However, the Sassanians could not rule the region, and it fell to the descendants of the Kushans. The latter is the Kidarites or Kidar Kushans, which means little Kushans.

The White Huns

The Kidarites maintained the region, continuing the traditions of the Kushan predecessors until the middle of the 5th century CE. Unfortunately, the White Huns, or Hephthalites, invaded the region at this time, causing physical destruction. The Huns also adopted the Shivite faith, which caused Buddhism to decrease in importance.
During the White Hun aggression, the religious personality shifted towards Hinduism, and Buddhism was shunned in its favor. This change in religious character led to a decline in the Gandhara region. The White Huns allying with the Gupta Empire against the Sassanians caused Buddhism to extend the religion through northern China. Hinduism then swayed the region, and the Buddhists moved away. The following centuries saw invasions from the west, especially Muslim conquest, which led to the eventual obscurity of the remaining remnants of the older culture. The old cities and places of worship fell out for the next 1500 years until they were rediscovered in the mid-1800s CE by British colonial explorers.

Gandhara has had several dynasties over the centuries, but archaeological evidence shows its cultural tradition has persisted throughout these changes. Although the territories are spread over a large area, the cultural boundaries of regions such as Mathura and Gandhara are well-defined. They can be identified through countless archaeological remains.

The Gandhara Art

Gandharan art can be traced back to the 1st century BCE. It included sculpture, painting, pottery, coins, and all the associated elements of an artistic tradition. However, it took flight during the Kushan era, under Kanishka in the 1st century CE. Kanishka deified the Buddha and arguably introduced the Buddha image. Thousands of these images were produced and scattered in every nook of the region, from Buddhas to monumental statues at sacred worship sites.

During Kanishka’s time, Buddhism second revival following Ashoka. The biography of the Buddha became the matter for all aspects of Gandharan art. To this day, a large number of Buddha images can be found in chapels, stupas, and monasteries. The artwork was solely dedicated to propagating religion to the items of everyday use were replete with religious imagery. The Bodhisattva is a critical element of Gandharan art, representing the Buddha’s state before enlightenment. Various Bodhisattvas from the Buddha’s previous lives in Gandharan art, with Maitreya, Avalokiteshvara, Padmapani, and Manjushri.

Compared to the Buddha, the Bodhisattva sculptures and variations in jewelry, loincloth, headdress, sandals, etc. So the incarnations of the Bodhisattva are recognizable from their clothing, postures, and mudras.

The Bottom Line!

Gandhara was a well-developed region with a rich and diverse culture. Due to its strategic location between India, Persia, and China, it was constantly visited by traders, pilgrims, monks, and travelers worldwide. Gandhara was the perfect stopover for anyone traveling between India and Persia, and as a result, it became a highly cosmopolitan region. The exact route that Islam entered the region is likely the same route that resulted in the final decline of Buddhism in the area. For centuries, even after Gandhara collapsed, this route continued to be used until the Age of Discovery.
The riches of Gandhara were well known to treasure hunters for centuries, but they were not rediscovered until the British era ruled the Indian subcontinent. Finally, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the traditions of lost civilizations were regained and brought to light.

The post The World’s earliest Civilizations in Pakistan appeared first on Crossroads Adventure.

The UNESCO World Heritage Sites are areas of great significance to cultural or natural tradition, as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The convention was established in 1972 to protect these heritage sites. Heritage refers to cultural and natural assets with historical, aesthetic, scientific or spiritual value. Cultural heritage includes monuments, buildings and sites with historical or architectural importance. In contrast, natural heritage refers to physical and biological formations, geological sites and habitats of threatened plant and animal species.

There are currently six world’s top Heritage Sites in Pakistan, with 26 on the tentative list. The first three sites were listed in 1980 and included the Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro, the Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi, and the Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol. Two additional sites were recorded in 1981, with the most recent being added to the list in 1997 (Rohtas Fort). All six of Pakistan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are cultural.

Moenjodaro:

Mohenjo-Daro is an ancient site located in the northern Sindh province of Pakistan. The site consists of a group of mounds and ruins on the rightward bank of the Indus River. The site of Mohenjo-Daro is thought to derive its name from the local phrase for “mound of the dead.” The site’s archaeological significance was first noted in 1922, shortly after the discovery of the nearby site at Harappa. Subsequent excavations have revealed that the mounds likely contain the residue of what was once the largest city in the Indus civilization.

The Moenjo-Daro ruins, located in the Indus valley, are one of the earliest physical confirmations of urban planning. The site is vast and dates back to 3000 BC. As one of the first Indian cities, it shows evidence of complex street and drainage systems. Archaeological findings suggest that the ancient city was wealthy, with gold and lapis lazuli among the items uncovered. The city layout is an indication of its former inhabitants’ prominence. However, experts warn that without proper preservation, the site will be entirely gone by 2030.

It is the best site for travelers interested in architecture, urban planning and ancient Indian history.

Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol:

The Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist monastic complex was founded in the early 1st century. Its location on the topknot of a high hill protected it from successive invasions, and it is still extraordinarily well preserved. Nearby are the other ruins of Sahr-i-Bahlol, a small protected city dating from the same period. The Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and the nearby City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol are some of the most impressive relics of Buddhism in the Gandhara region of Pakistan. Both components of the inscribed property date back to the same era.

The Buddhist Ruins of Takhi-i-Bahi, founded in the early 1st century A.D., are located on various drifts ranging from 36.6 metres to 152.4 metres in height. The compounds cover an area of 33ha. The Buddhist priory was in continual use until the 7th century A.D. It is composed of an aggregation of buildings and is the complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan. The buildings were constructed using stone in Gandhara patterns (diaper style) and locally dressed and semi-dressed rock blocks set in lime and mud mortar. Today the site comprises a central stupa court, a votive stupa court, a set of three stupas, the monastic courtyard with meditation cells, a meeting hall, covered stepped passageways and other secular buildings.

The Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and the Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol were both identified as protected memorials under the Ancient Preservation Act (1904) and afterwards under the Antiquities Act (1975) of the Federal Government of Pakistan. Proposals to amend and strengthen the Antiquities Act are currently under consideration. The Takht-i-Bahi ruins are effectively owned by the federal Department of Archaeology, while the Sahr-i-Bahlol ruins are mainly private property owned by the local Khans. The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recently declared the whole mountain area of 445 hectares an Archaeological Reserve to control urbanization. It has resulted in a revision of the property boundaries being seriously considered, acquiring the land around the site and creating a larger buffer zone. However, adequate documentation of the remains is still needed, as well as enhanced capacity building for artisans in traditional building techniques.

As the UNESCO heritage of Pakistan is constantly under threat, the Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol are an essential testimony to a past that is being rapidly obliterated. The site is a reminder of the diverse and rich cultures that have shaped Pakistan over the centuries and should be preserved for future generations. One must visit the Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi to understand the richness and culture of the Gandhara region truly.

Rohtas Fort:

The Rohtas Fort, also known as the Rohtas Castle, is a 15th-century fort located in the Rohtas district of Punjab province, Pakistan. The fort is situated on an elevated hilltop overlooking the Beas River valley. It was initially built by the Tomar Rajputs in the 12th century and later occupied by the Mughal Empire and Sikh Empire before becoming part of British India. In 1758, it was captured by Afghans and passed to the Durranis in 1793. After the Third Anglo-Afghan War, it became part of British India again. The Pakistani Army now administers the fort.

The Rohtas Fort, built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541, remains intact today. The fort’s walls stretched for over 4 kilometres and served as a deterrent for rebellious members of the public and the return of emperor Humayun. The fort is a bold example of the capabilities of the Muslim military architecture of the time. It is of particular importance culturally as it is the only existing example of architecture created at the time of Sher Shah Suri’s rule. Despite its military use, the detailing on the fort is quite beautiful, and its location on a hilltop means it boasts exemplary views of the surrounding landscapes.

Rohtas Fort is an excellent example of a Hindu-Mughal-style fortress with an alternating red sandstone and yellow limestone facade. It has a large central keep with five wings framing courtyards and terraces. The fort is also notable for its bastions, machicolations and crenellations. The fort also has temples within its walls, including a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva and a Muslim mosque.

Mansehra Rock Edicts:

Mansehra Rock Edicts, also known as the Mansehra Stele or the Edicts of Ahura Mazda, is a set of inscribed rock slabs discovered in 1933 near the town of Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The inscriptions record Zoroastrian religious doctrine and practices dating back to the 6th century B.C. The mandate is also significant historically because it provides one of the earliest written records of the Pashto and Balochi languages.

The inscription was discovered on two sandstone columns that measured about 3.5 meters high and 1 meter wide. The height and width are unusual for carvings, as they usually only feature images that are within 2 meters tall and 1 meter wide, making it difficult for people to see them from a distance. The inscription is in two columns, with the left column dated 511 BC and the right column to 357 BC.

The inscriptions on the rock edict are in Pashto, Balochi, Sanskrit and Aramaic. The inscriptions are about Zoroastrianism’s religious doctrine and practice, the dominant religion in ancient Iran. The text tells of how Ahura Mazda created heaven and earth, ordained priests and laws for humanity, and appointed a champion to protect his people from evil. There is also a reference to a festival celebrating victory over Angra Mainyu.

The Mansehra Stele is significant historically because it provides one of the earliest written records of the Pashto and Balochi languages. It is also one of the few survivors of Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion in ancient Iran. Finally, the inscription is culturally significant because it tells of religious doctrine and practices still practiced by Zoroastrian Muslims today.

Taxila:

Taxila, also known as Takshashila or Taksali, was an important city in ancient Pakistan. It is located about 25 kilometres northwest of Peshawar and was one of the most renowned universities of its time. The town was founded around 560 BC by the Achaemenid king Darius I, who named it after his ancestor Taksha-Sena. Taxila served as an essential center of learning for students from all over the Near and Middle East.

The University of Taxila is one of the oldest universities in Asia and is regarded as one of the most favoured universities in the world. The university is home to many famous scholars, including Aryabhata, who developed mathematics; Jamshid ibn al-Jawzi, who developed astronomy; and Biruni, who studied philosophy and theology.

The University of Taxila is also notable for its Buddhist and Hindu scriptures collection. The university’s library has more than two million manuscripts and books, making it one of the world’s largest collections of Buddhist and Hindu scriptures. In addition, Taxila is an important archaeological site because it is a shelter to one of the world’s oldest universities and a significant collection of Buddhist and Hindu scriptures.

Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens:

Lahore Fort is a historic fort and palace in Lahore, Pakistan. The Mughal emperor Akbar built the fort between 1563 and 1574, considered one of the most critical Mughal architectural projects. The fort is also significant historically because it was the first city in Muslim-controlled territory to be captured by an army from outside of the Islamic world.

The Shalamar Gardens are a garden in Lahore, Pakistan, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East. The fort was built, destroyed and rebuilt several times between the 13th and 15th centuries. It is home to marble palaces, motifs and intricate detailing, which highlight the use of symbols in the Mughal design. The sandstone walls are inlaid with detailed motifs and precious materials. The Shalamar Gardens are a pinnacle of Mughal garden design and influenced much of the later Indian architecture and design. The gardens were built in 1892 by Ranjit Singh, the last Sikh ruler of Punjab. The gardens are notable for their Italianate features and have been called the “most beautiful garden in Asia.”

The Shalamar Gardens are an important archaeological site because it shows the Mughal & Colonial Heritage of ancient times and they are one of the few remaining examples of European-style gardens in South Asia. In addition, they are home to one of the world’s vast collections of roses.

End Line!

Just like popular heritage sites, some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pakistan are lesser known but no less significant for that, including Makli Hill, Shah Jahan Mosque, Tomb of Hazrat Rukn-e-Alam, Thandiani Zenda Wildlife Reserve, the Barmaktun Fort, and Wazir Khan Mosque. These sites are worth a visit for anyone interested in history and culture, provide a glimpse into Pakistan’s rich and varied heritage, and are sure to impress.

The post UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pakistan appeared first on Crossroads Adventure.

In this article, we have gathered information on some of the most notable shrines in Pakistan, their historical background & some interesting facts related to them which will surely make you curious and ultimately compel you to visit them.

Here is the list of the 5 most prominent Sufi shrines in Pakistan:

1. Bari Imam Sarkar – Islamabad
2. Golra Sharif Darbar – Islamabad
3. Data Darbar – Lahore
4. Dargah Baba Farid Ganj Shakkar – Pakpattan
5. Ghamkol Sharif Darbar – Kohat

Famous Sufi Shrines in Pakistan – A Brief Historical Background & Important Terminologies

The arrival of Muslims in the Indian sub-continent was the forerunner of a great revolution. Their appearance affected everything everywhere. A significant change took place in every field of human life. The natural abilities of the primitive and non-primitive inhabitants here, which remained hidden for centuries due to superstition, and sectarian narrow-mindedness, shone with the arrival of Muslims. A new philosophy of life, the idea of untouchable worship, and lively thoughts came into existence in the culture of Pakistan and India.

Who are Sufis?

Those special servants of Allah Ta’ala, who sacrifice their lives for the love of Allah and His Beloved, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (peace be upon him) and walk on the path of true love, are called “Awliya-e-Allah”.

Not only great conquerors, rulers, and experienced soldiers had a part in establishing Islam in the Indian subcontinent with national & spiritual revolution, but the scholars and Sufis also worked in the same way. Rather, the truth is that Sufis were the foremost in these kinds of great goals and pure ideas. The Sufis are not only familiar with the worldly sciences but also rich in knowledge and deeds. They are true sympathizers, sincere, and well-wishers of mankind in the form of good manners and morals.

What is a Dargah or the Holy shrine of the Sufi Saint?

A Dargah is a tomb over a Sufi saint’s grave, often referred to as Dervish, Fakir, or Awliya-e-Allah. This is also the holy shrine of the Sufi Saint.

How to define Urs?

Urs is a death anniversary of the Sufi saint usually held at the saint’s shrine. This event occurs annually, in the form of a public gathering on the specified date of the Islamic month. The believers always celebrate Urs like a wedding ceremony. According to believers, it is the time to rejoice as the demise of a Sufi saint ultimately results in union with the Divine.

What is Langer?

At every Sufi shrine in Pakistan, the custodians or organizers distribute free food – Langer. Every visitor irrespective of age, gender, race, caste, color, or class gets the eatables. In most of the shrines, they serve meals 3 times daily while in some shrines people can eat 24 hours a day.

5 Most Famous Sufi Shrines in Pakistan

Even the great emperors could not do the work of promotion and propagation of Islam in Indian Subcontinent. While destitute fakirs and dervishes did great efforts for this mission. So, Pakistani land is blessed as every part of it has the influence of famous Sufi saints.

Sufi Shrines in Islamabad Capital Territory

Bari Imam Sarkar

The most notable shrine at the heart of the Capital of Pakistan is Darbar Bari Sarkar. He is the 17^th-century Sufi saint locally known as Bari Imam. The full name of the Sufi saint is Syed Abdul Latif Kazmi Qadri R.A. The Government of Pakistan maintains the shrine of Bari Sarkar. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb paid tribute to this great personality. He built the shrine with a silver mirror. New construction removed the old design. Bari Imam died in 1705 and was buried at Nurpur Shahan, a village in Islamabad.

Interesting Facts

Mela Bari Imam Sarkar

Every year millions of people come to celebrate the Urs of Bari Imam, known as Mela. Visitors often group together and carry a special basket full of red roses called Dali and walk barefoot all the way to the shrine.  

Cave of Loh-e-Dandi

Hazrat Bari Imam spent 12 years of Hermite life in this cave where wild animals often visited him. This cave is near Margalla Hills, Islamabad.

The story of Giant, snake, and Bari Imam Sahib:

In the cave of Loh-e-Dandi, a stoned huge leg cut in half attracts the tourist’s attention. Folk stories narrate that it’s the Giant’s leg that continued to disturb Hazrat Bari Imam during his time of worship. He also turned the snake due to the same reason.

In almost every Sufi shrine, only men can enter the tomb of these great Islamic personalities.

Darbar Golra Sharif

The second most acknowledged shrine in Islamabad. It is at E-11 Markaz. The most esteemed personality of Golra Sharif is Pir Mehr Ali Shah. He was born on the 1st of Ramadan 1275 A.H. in Golra District in 1859. The shrine’s custodians take care of the system and the Government of Pakistan does not maintain it.

Interesting Facts

Custodians organize urs annually which attracts thousands of devotees every year. Every Urs is usually 2-3 days long. It ends with “Chadar Poshi” – a huge number of red roses spread over the grave of the Sufi Saint. The custodians organize a mehfil daily where a team of devoted Qawwal recites famous kalam in a melodious voice.  

Famous Sufi Shrines in Punjab, Pakistan

Data Darbar in Lahore – The Famous City for Shrines

The shrine of the greatest Sufi Saint of all times, the advocate of peace & harmony – Shaykh Syed ʿAlī al-Hujwīrī, or as Dātā Ganj Bakhsh is situated West of Bhatti Gate near Old City in Lahore which is also known as “Data Di Nagri. The shrine of this 11th-century Sufi saint is the oldest and the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia. His real name was Syed Ali Abul Hasan bin Usman Hajveri. He was born in Hajver in Ghazni (Afghanistan).

Hazrat Ali Hajveri is commonly known as Data Sahib (The one who gives). Another famous name is Ganj Bakhsh (the Bestower of Treasures) because of his generosity towards the less privileged. Data Sahib converted thousands of atheists & non-Muslims to Islam and is the author of the famous book on mysticism “ Kashaf-ul- Mahjboob”. The Urs of Data Sahib is celebrated annually on the 18th-20th Safar, the Islamic month.

Interesting Facts

Prior to the start of Urs at Data Darbar, the organizers arrange a “Rose-water Ghusl” ceremony. Notable figures from the Government wash the grave of the Sufi saint properly with several liters of pure rose water. After the shrine-washing ritual/ Ghusl ceremony, the Urs begins officially.

Dargah Baba Farid Ganj Shakkar – Pakpattan

Hazrat Baba Farid al-Din Mas’ud Ganj-e-Shakar was born on the 29th Shaban in 569 A.H. in Khotwal, a village near Lahore. Baba Farid R.A.’s Khanqah is a well-known moral and spiritual institution. Many aspirants, scholars, dervishes, and Sufis benefited from this spiritual institution.

Pak Pattan was a well-known center of Sufi thoughts because of Baba Farid’s efforts. He was well-educated and well-versed in Arabic, Persian, and other languages. But he only used Punjabi, the language of common people. His all couplets are in Punjabi with Persian script. He usually rejected cash whenever any emperor presented gifts. He only thought about the welfare of the poor so always accepted food and other gift items for the public kitchen.

Devotees come to the shrine daily from within the country and abroad. Many people commemorate his Urs (death anniversary) on the fifth, sixth, and seventh of Muharram. Guru Nanak Dev Ji includes Farid’s Sayings in Guru Granth Sahib as part of the chapter.

Interesting Facts

There are two gates on the Mazar, named Noori Darwaza and Bahishti Darwaza. Bahishti Darwaza opens only once a year, and thousands of people visit it during the Urs. Famous folk tales narrate the reason why millions of devotees come here. According to believers, the one who passes through Bahishti Darwaza comes under Divine protection and gains peace & harmony. On this gate/door, there are silver and gold decorations in floral patterns.

Darbar Ghamkol Sharif – Kohat

This is the famous Sufi Shrine of Hazrat Zinda Peer R.A and situated in Kohat, KPK. He was born in 1912 in Jungle-Khail, Kohat. Khawaja Syed Zinda Pir Khan Saab devoted himself to religious studies from a very tender age and used to fast daily. During his first Hajj in 1952, he was instructed by Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) to go toward the mountains in Kohat where he spent the rest of his life while sitting.

Interesting Facts

It is the most largest Sufi shrine in Pakistan between mountains and covers almost thousands of acres. It accommodates more than 2.5 lac, people at a single time during the annual Urs held by the custodians of the shrine. Every facility from free food to free health & medical services is available to everyone.

Famous Sufi Shrines in Pakistan – FAQs

How can I make a trip to visit Sufi Shrines in Pakistan?

Learn Sufism & plan the Sufi Shrines of Pakistan tour with Crossroads Adventure. With Crossroad Adventures, you’ll have access to the best of the best when it comes to guides and destinations.

Can I see them all during my trip or do I need to make multiple trips to different cities?

We offer a variety of tours to different destinations. There are different packages. You can pick & choose according to your convenience.

Are there any restrictions on traveling to Sufi shrines in Pakistan?

The simple answer is no. At Crossroads Adventures, we take world-class measures to keep you safe during your trip with us. We also follow Covid-19 guidelines. So, if you are passionate about travel and adventure – come together for an unforgettable experience. See the world in a whole new way.

What should I bring with me to a shrine when I go there?

We at Crossroads Adventure take care of everything on your behalf. Get the inside scoop on what to see and do before you even get there – with experienced guides by your side.

The post Sufi Shrines in Pakistan – Top 5 You Must Visit appeared first on Crossroads Adventure.

Faisal Mosque Islamabad

Top 12 fascinating places in Pakistan must visit

Pakistan is a multi-destination land that projects enthralling traveling adventures to its visitors. It not only hosts magnanimous natural attractions in the form of 5 top lofty mountains of the word with snowy peaks, the far-fetching deserts of Thal, and Thar, the green-carpeted hills of Abbottabad, and Swat, the chilled water high altitude lakes, the cultural heritage sites, the architectural masterpieces of Mughal, and colonial period, and diversified distinguishing culture of different regions. When you plan a trip to this exceptional land, you would be confused to choose your priority list. This article is written to minimize your frustration if you are planning to visit Pakistan later or sooner. We would present you with the essential things which you must undertake during your journey to make it memorable for you.

Here is a list  of top 12 fascinating places in Pakistan you must visit

1. A Visit to Mughal Heritage Sites in Lahore

Mughal emperors ruled the region from 15th century AD to 19th century AD. During their rule, they founded the unmatched architectural masterpieces with the amalgamation of Persian, and Hindu art. The distinguishing memories of the Mughal era are in the form of the grand Badshahi Mosque knows for its extended yard and Islamic art and calligraphy along with the architectural magnificence. The Shahi Fort is no less than an unprecedented wonder of the world with its beauty, delicacy, and design. Don’t forget to visit Wazir Khan Mosque for cognizance about exceptional Islamic Art. Minar e Pakistan and Allama Iqbal Tomb would add spice to your journey.

2. A Special Visit to Old Bazaars

Yes, these are the locations where you could find a glimpse of the entire culture of the region. So, you never prefer to ignore such a mesmerizing destination right? If you are in Karachi pay a visit to the famous Bohri Bazaar, in Lahore visit Anarkali Bazaar likewise in Peshawar visit Qissa Khawani Bazaar. In the same manner, every city of Pakistan carries one or more such antiquated Bazaars where you would find every single item you need. If you are a foodie you will have a wide range of dishes, if you have to carve for shopping you would find a magnanimous variety of clothes, shoes, jewelry, shawls, caps, local handicrafts, and much more. Hence it is suggested to find time for paying a visit to the local bazaar in every city you come across.

3. Plan Special Adventure to Islamabad

The city is termed as the second most beautiful capital of the world. It was founded in 1960 on the pattern of modern Urban planning structure. It is known for its natural beauty, the majestic city is surrounded by Margela Hills. If you love hiking choose one of the trails to execute your plan. Apart from natural beauty, the city also carries architectural masterpieces like the grand Faisal Mosque with distinctive art, a great hall without any single pillar. The next interesting piece is the Pakistan Monument. Similarly, the Lok Virsa gives a deep insight into the different cultures across the country.  You would like to dine outdoor among the pine trees right? Margella restaurant would be a better choice. There is much more to experience in this beautiful city.

4. Pay Homage to Shrines in Multan

This southern Punjab city is known for the abundance of Sufi Shrines. If you incline the soul-refreshing Sufi Music, a craving for the unique Islamic calligraphy, and a love for distinctive high-quality architecture, you must give time to different shrines and other artifacts of this magical city. The holy sites like the Tomb of Shah Shams Sabzwari, Tomb of Shah Rukh Alam also known as Bahauddin  Zakaria, Mausoleum of Bibi Pak Daman would engage your enervated soul.  The other interesting sites which you should prioritize are Ghanta Ghar, Delhi Gate,  Fort Kohna, and the beautiful white building of Multan Garrison Mess.

5. Spare Time for Historical sites.

The country hosts 26 World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO. Since the regions remained as the center for enriched cultures in history thus, their marks, and ruins are still present to speak for their glory. Pay an unforgettable visit to the sites of the grandeur Indus Valley Civilization in the present-day Harappa and Mohenjodaro cites. The other important site is the Taxila, and Swat Valleys which carries the remains of the unexplored Buddhist Civilization. You can witness the glory of this magnificent civilization in the beheaded Stupas, the magniloquent Monasteries, the Stone carvings, and also the local museums carry some items like jewelry, weapons, handicrafts.

6. Wagah Border Ceremony

If you are in Lahore then keep in mind to attend the glorious parade for the lowering of the flag from the special security forces of Indian, and Pakistan on both sides of the border every evening. Since 1959 the custom is followed. The customize lifting ceremony of guards in the presence of cheers from the crowd is worth watching. More vigor is added on special occasions like Independence day on 14th August, or Pakistan day on 23rd March. The magnificent parade lasts for 45 minutes. It will add vigor to your adventure.

7. Hiking to Lake Saif Ul Mulook

If you want to release your stress, take refuge in the natural wilderness. Prepare yourself for a memorable experience of natural exploration through an adventurous walk to the lake of fairies surrounded by lofty mountains with snowy peaks. It is present in the suburb of the serene Naran Kaghan Valleys of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Provine. You can reach this majestic place through a Jeep Drive, Horse riding, or walk. You would love to enjoy camping beside the majestic lake. According to the local folk’s tales, every full bright moon night fairies visit this enchanted lake for a fortnight bath. The breathtaking beauty speaks for its glory.

8. Visit the Khewra Salt Mine

If you are in Pakistan, must plan a journey for the sightseeing of the city of salt. Khewra Salt Mines are the second largest salt reserves in the world located in the Jhelum District. You would witness marvelous monuments in a salt cave surrounded by pools of saltwater. The miniatures of Minar e Pakistan, Great Wall of China, Allama Iqbal Statue, and a beauty Mosque made up of colorful salt bricks.  Several restaurants would serve your hunger.  You would enjoy a train safari. It is the central point of salt therapy to treat various diseases, you can also avail yourself an opportunity for such sound therapy.

9. Enjoy Pleasure in the Majestic Natural Setting of Fairy Meadows National Park

Do you love trekking? If so, don’t skip the walking to the Nanga Parbat Base Champ in the charming grassy land which carries wild fragranced flowers, cool breeze, pine trees, freshwater lakes, and mountainous view of the lofty peak, the grand icy topped Nanga Parbat at a magnanimous height. This enchanted place is located in the District Diamer of Gilgit Baltistan Province. This national asset host the distinguishing species of flora, and fauna.  It will add beauty, and vitality to your journey.

10. Get Yourself Engage in the Delighted Hunza Valley

If you want to witness the abundance of nature, along with the hospitability and simplicity?  Hunza valley is worth mentioning place. A beautiful valley traversed by the mighty Hunza River, surrounded by peaks like Rakaposhi, inhabited by the most civilized and beautiful people of the reason with enriched culture. Apart from the serene terraced fields, far-fetching fresh fruit gardens, the local unique carpet weaving center for the disabled, the place is famous for the twin Alit, and Baltit Forts. You can further explore the beauty of surroundings like the enraptured Passu Cones, the magniloquent Attabad lake, the Rakaposhi viewpoint, and much more.

For a deeper insight into the region visit

11. Get Relaxed in the Shangrilla Resort

A beautiful resort has been waiting for your entrance in a sanguine milieu of the magnificent Skardu Valley. This masterpiece has been constructed alongside the blue freshwater Kachura Lake. Surrounded by mountains of Himalayas, Hindukush, and Karakorum range. You can reach the Karakorum base champ if you strive for it. Enjoy your feast in the breathtaking beauty of nature. You can also experience boating and walking to the upper Kachura Lake.

Hopefully, this guide has been successful in presenting you with a clear view of the most wanted things you can get along with during your trip to Pakistan. If you want to explore more join the CrossRoads Adventure.

12. A Thorough Exploration of Karachi

Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan which hosts the 3 most significant sites. The first one is Mizar e Quaid also know as Quaid Museum, it is the resting place of the great founder of the country. You must undertake a visit especially during the time of sunset to experience the natural setting. While being in  Karachi you must pay a visit to the one Dome Mosque to witness the architectural magnificence. The next recommended spot is Clifton Beach to take the sun bask in the serenity of the Arabian sea. If you can manage to pay a visit to the shrine of Laal Shahbaz Qalander to recharge your tired soul with Sufi music and dance which act as a tonic for lifeless mind, and heart.

To find out tour packages to this area please check out the below links

https://crossroadsadventure.earth/photography-voyages/

https://crossroadsadventure.earth/photography-voyages/

For guidelines and updates on Covid 19 please follow the below link

https://covid.gov.pk/

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Beautiful lakes of Pakistan. Dudipatsar lake

A life without adventure in life is like a body without a soul. Don’t spend your summers lying on the bed or doing work in an office. Have the courage to get up, pack your stuff and move into the natural world of multispectral lakes to bring vigor to your dull life. The Northern Areas of Pakistan, a mesmerizing region nestled amidst the mighty mountain ranges, is a destination that captures the essence of heaven on Earth. Traveling to several beautiful breath-taking lake sites in Pakistan would be a marvelous idea, however, that needs courage and you will have to show it. Stretching from the north to South Pakistan is blessed with several mesmerizing lakes each offering opportunities for recreational activities such as Jeep Safaris, Camping, Rafting, Boating, bonfires, and many more activities like this. For your ease, we have listed below the Top 15 beautiful lakes in Pakistan

The Majestic Lake Saif ul Muluk

In the KPK province and district Mansehra is where the unparallel fairy tale lake is located. It is approximately 9km north of the exhilarating Naran Valley. You can reach there via jeep drive or trekking. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of mighty mountains especially the Malika Parbat known as Mountain of the Darkness, where according to the folk tales the fairies reside. Being the most popular lake, it is easily accessible during summers, you can accompany other tourists on the way.

The Unmatched Ansoo Lake

The unique Ansu Lake is present in the distinguishing Kaghan Valley of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. the lake got its name from the world Ansoo in the Urdu language which means tears. It is an eye-shaped lake that is why it is assumed that the eye is filled with tears. It provides a scenic view of the Hindukush Range mountains especially the majestic Malika Parbat. The best way to reach there is trekking through the natural wilderness during summers, as winter snow covers it entirely.

The Magniloquent Lulusar Lake

A beautiful chilled water body is present in the external Kaghan Valley of KPK province in Pakistan. Lulusar Lake is known for its magnificent height of 3,410m and for the scenic view of snowy peaks around it. The water appears green and the cool breeze prevails in the surrounding.

Dudiptsar Lake

This enriched lake provides magnificence to the Lulusar-Dudiptsar National Park which is present in the northern part of the serene Kaghan Valley of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province.  Ideal place for encamping on the fresh grass beside the sweet water lake, encapsulated by snow-capped mountains.

Satpara Lake

Satpara lake also known as Fairy’s Lake is situated in the Skardu District of  Gilgit Baltistan Province. It is one of the great fresh blue water lakes surrounded by rocky mountains, famous for its mesmerizing height, 2,636 meters above sea level, and holds the dignified status of being the largest Fresh Water Lake in the country. It is also one of the main water sources for Skardu city. This natural masterpiece is present in between the great Deosai National Park, and the main Skardu City.

The Snowy Rush Lake

The Rush lake is an alluring high altitude lake, 5,098m above sea level, and is considered as one of the greatest alpine lakes in the world. This exceptional water body is present in the Nagar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan.  It is termed the 25^th highest lake in the world. It is accessible during summers through the perpetual experience of trekking. On the way, one can explore the photogenic views of the great Malubiting, Phuparash Peak, Spantik, and Ultarsar heights.

top 15 beautiful lakes in Pakistan

The Renowned Sheosar Lake

Sheosar Lake is surrounded by grassy high lands in the Deosai National Park and is the ultimate choice. if you are interested to experience beauty on the roof of the world then this lake is the right choice for you. This extremely high altitude 4,142 meters freshwater reservoir is another natural wonder. You can access the place via Skardu, and Astore,  by trekking or a jeep drive. Being part of Reserved Park the surrounding is filled with distinct species of animals like Golden Marmot, Snow Leopard, Foxes, Ibex.

The Glorious Attabad Lake

Attabad lake holds great significance due to its unique birth. Back in 2010, a massive landslide in the Gojal Valley of the Gilgit Baltistan region blocked the passage of the Hunza River, thus the water submerged the surrounding place as well as 18km of the Karakorum Highway. Now you will find a deep blue lake in the lap of rocky mountains, with a width of 13miles, and a depth of 100 meters. You can experience free boating in sanguine surroundings. The lake is located in upper Hunza called Gojal valley.

top 15 beautiful lakes in Pakistan

The Beautiful Karambar Lake

It is another high-altitude water body present in the Ishkomen Tensil of District Ghizer in Gilgit Baltistan. It is ranked 31^st in the world, and 2^nd in Pakistan in terms of height, 4,304 meters. Keep yourself at ease, get access to this region through Gilgit City, 205km away.

Karambar lake is stretched across 3.9km with a depth of 52 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains offering spectacular views.

The Delighted Kachura Lake

Known for its enchanting beauty, the mesmerizing Kachura lake is in Skardu city of Gilgit Baltistan Province.  With an average height of 2,500 meters, this exceptionally beautiful place is segmented between upper Kachura and Lower Kachura Lake. The lower Kachura Lake is also known as Shangrila Lake and is famous for the majestic Shangrila Resort in its surrounding. A comfortable place, where you find peace in beauty. The spectacular beauty combines with serenity also termed Heaven on Earth. Similarly, the Upper Kachura Lake is at the feet of the great Karakorum, and the Himalayan Ranges, with a depth of 70meters, totally freezes during winter, and 15 C during summer, thus, you can freely enjoy scenic beauty during summers.

The Distinctive Ratti Gali Lake

Now, turn to the Patch of Heaven on Earth, the Kashmir Valley. This enraptured glacial Alpine Lake is present in the maleficent Neelam Valley. The approximate height is 12,130 feet, and the water runs down when the glaciers melt by golden sun rays.  It is totally covered lake in the feet of icy mountains and doesn’t possess any of the inlets for springs, and rivers. If you wish to get there then the best season is summer.

op 15 beautiful lakes in Pakistan “,

Shounter Lake

A  Beautiful scenic Lake located in the calmed Shounter Valley, part of Neelam Valley. At an elevation of 10,200feet, this exceptional reservoir is filled with chilled fresh water from the melting glaciers. You will find natural abundance in the region, whether, it is the snowy peaks or the grasslands filled with flora, and fauna especially the large number of Iris Hookeriana are present in this lake. Need to get refreshed there? Plan your journey during summers otherwise, you would find yourself in the land of snow during winters. The easy access is from the Kel region via a jeep track. Once reached you can enjoy camping in the refreshing settings. Ultimately you will find yourself in luxury beauty.

The Adventurous Mahodand Lake

Nature is blessed in its utmost to this exceptional Lake, termed as Lake of Fishes. Located in the Kalam Valley of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, the elevated 2,900 meters, luxurious natural setting attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is present 40km away from the main Kalam Valley. The best time to visit is the summers when the place is filled with wildflowers fragrance. Encapsulated by the Hindukush Mountain Range, lush green meadows, and Pine forests, filled by the melting glaciers. You can explore the region through camping, boating, outdoor cooking, and other related activities.

The Glorious Swaik Lake

Swaik Lake is an unequaled blue watered lake present in Tehsil Kallar Kahar in District Chakwal in Punjab Province. Its approximate height is 754meters and is easily accessible in all seasons. Its prolonged waterfalls males it for swimming. You can get there through 45-minute trekking from the M2 motorway. You can experience cliff diving and also explore the beautiful surrounding through walking.

Haleji Lake

Are you excited to visit the Largest Bird Sanctuary of Asia, then it is here, the grand Haleji lake. If you are a professional photographer, then try out the lake for capturing clicks of unique bird species especially during summers as birds travel down to Haleji from Serbia.  It is a magnificent freshwater lake located in District Thatta of Sindh Province.

Hope that it is now easy for you to select the destination of your choice, nature is calling you, answer its calls, and delve down into the calmness of mother nature. If it is hard for you to begin the adventure alone, accompany other like-minded individuals in a setting of a professional tourism campaign, try out the Crossroads Adventure for safe, and exploration of nature.

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Historical & heritage sites in Pakistan. Badshahi mosque

Pakistan is blessed with enriched culture. The region remained the center for the Ghandhara Civilization stretched across vast areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, holds the great  Indus Valley Civilization also known as Harappa Civilization on the plains of Indus River Basin. The Mughal Period also added to the cultural beauty. Cultural and heritage sites in Pakistan

Moreover, the Sufi Shrines acted as centers of cultural Heritage. You can satisfy your archeological cravings, and also provides an opportunity to conduct a thorough historical study. Pakistan’s magnificent cultural heritage includes archaeological sites, stupas, forts, shrines, tombs, buildings, residences, monuments, and places of worship. It is a great place for Cultural Tourism. Get ready for the marvelous experience of visiting the distinguishing historical places.

WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN PAKISTAN:

There are six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pakistan

1. Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi & Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol, 1980
2. Archaeological Ruins of Moenjodaro, 1980
3. Taxila, 1980
4. Ancient Monuments at Makli, Thatta, 1981
5. Fort & Shalamar Gardens in Lahore, 1981
6. Rohtas Fort, 1997

CULTURAL SITES IN KPK: Cultural and heritage sites in Pakistan

• Gorkhatri, Peshawar

Gorkhatri means “Warrior’s Grave”. It is a public park built at the site of ancient ruins. It was identified by Sir Alexander Cunnigham with the Kanishka Stupa.

• Sethi Mohallah, Peshawar

It is an old traditionally arranged neighborhood. It contains seven South Asian Style Mansions built by Sethi Family. These Mansions are famous for their wooden cravings.

• Islamia College, Peshawar

It is one of the oldest institutions of Higher Education in Pakistan. Its historical roots are traced back to the Aligarh Movement. It provides higher learning in arts, languages, humanities, social sciences and modern sciences.

• Mahmood Ghaznavi Mosque, Swat

It is one of the oldest mosques in Pakistan. It was discovered by the Italian Archeological Mission in 1985. The mosque represents the splendid design of old Muslim Architecture.

• Manglawar Stupa, Swat

It was truly a holy place marked by a colossal rock image of Buddha.

• Amluk-Dara Stupa, Swat

It is a part of the Gandhara Civilization. The stupa is believed to be built in the 3rd Century. It was first discovered by a Hungarian-British archaeologist Sir Aurel Stein in 1926.

• Shahi Mosque, Chitral

The mosque was built on the orders of Shuja ul-Mulk in 1924. It is the oldest mosque in Chitral.

• Chitral Fort

The Fort is situated on the Bank of the Chitral River. It was built in 1774 during the reign of Shah Katur ll.

• The Fort of Nawab Shah Jahan, Dir

It is a historical fort located in the district Dir.

• Handyside Fort, Kohat

The fort was built by the British Indian Army in the British colonial era. The fort is named after the Frontier Constabulary combatant, Eric Charles Handyside, who was killed fighting the rebels in 1926.

• Mirpur Mound, Haripur

Mirpur Mound is an archaeological site located in Haripur District.

 CULTURAL SITES IN GILGIT-BALTISTAN: Cultural and heritage sites in Pakistan

• Chaqchan Mosque, Khaplu

The Mosque was built in 1370. It is a perfect blend of Tibetan, Mughal and Persian styles of architecture.

• Khaplu Palace, Khaplu

It was built in the mid 19th Century. It served as the Royal Residence for the Raja of Khaplu

• Alam Bridge Inscriptions, Gilgit

Alam Bridge inscriptions refer to the archaeological inscriptions on the rocks near the Alam Bridge. The inscriptions are in Kharoshti and Brahmi script and are mostly animal carvings and Stupas.

• Baltit Fort, Karimabad

It was founded in the 14th Century and it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative list since 2004. The fort is now a museum run by the Baltit Heritage Trust.

• Altit Fort, Altit

It was built in the 11th Century. It is the oldest monument in Gilgit-Baltistan. It was originally home to the hereditary rulers of the Hunza who carried the title Mir.

• Amburik Mosque, Shigar Valley

The mosque was built by Sayed Ali Hamdani and is among the famous landmarks in Baltistan. It is one of the oldest mosques in GB.

• Shigar Fort, Shigar Valley

It was built in the 17th century by the Raja of Amacha Dynasty of Shigar. The fort was restored by Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan from 1999 to 2004. The Fort is now used as a luxury hotel managed by Serena Hotels.

• Skardu Fort, Skardu

It is also called Kharpocho means “King of Forts”. The fort was built by King Ali Sher Khan Anchan at the end of the sixteenth century. It was part of his many military campaigns to annex the areas of Baltistan to the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. Cultural and heritage sites in Pakistan

 CULTURAL SITES IN BALOCHISTAN:

• Pirak Mound, Village Kalochi

It is an archaeological site and is part of the Indus Valley Civilization. The mound is 8m high and covers approximately 12 acres. The site was discovered by Robert Raikes in 1963.

• Nindo Damb, Wadh

It is an archaeological site. Archaeological investigation of the site suggests that the Nindo Damb complex was occupied by the Harappans before the Kulli civilization arrived.

• Kharan Fort, Kharan

It is a historical Fort located in the Kharan District of Balochistan.

• Bara Bagh Cemetery, Lasbela

It is an ancient cemetery of the Jams of Lasbela of the Lasbela princely state

• Quaid-e-Azam Residency, Ziarat

It is where Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent the last two months and ten days of his life. It is the most famous landmark of the city, constructed in 1892 during the British Raj. It is declared a heritage site and is of great architectural importance.

CULTURAL SITES IN INTERIOR SINDH:

• Jamia Masjid Khudabad, Dadu

The mosque was built during the reign of Yar Muhammad Kalhoro between 1700 and 1718.

• Tomb of Mian Ghulam Kalhoro, Hyderabad

It is the Shrine of Mian Ghulam Kalhoro who was died in 1772. He is believed to be the founder of the city of Hyderabad.

• Tombs of Talpur Mirs, Hyderabad

These tombs are also known as Cubbas. These are a complex of tombs of the ruling Talpur Mirs of Sindh who reigned from 1784 to 1843.

• Ranikot Fort, Jamshoro

It is also known as “The Great Wall of Sindh”. It is believed to be the World’s largest fort. The fort’s ramparts have been compared to the Great Wall of China.

• Kot Diji Fort, Khairpur

It was formally known as Fort Ahmedabad. It was built by Mir Sohrab Khan between 1785 to 1795. The fort sits above a pre-Harappan civilization archaeological site dating from 2500 to 2800 B.C.E.

• Sateen Jo Aastan, Sukkur

It is the resting place for the Seven Female-friends. According to folklore, these female friends resided here. It is located on the left bank of the Indus River near Rohri, Sindh. In reality, however, this is the burial place of Mir Abu Al-Qasim Namkeen a ruler from Sukkur. The tomb complex was ordered to be built by him. It was constructed in ochre stone. Inscriptions and Quranic verses in the finest Naskh script adorn the walls and interior of these structures. The famous blue tiles of Sindh were used to enhance the aesthetic impact. Cultural and heritage sites in Pakistan

• Moomal Ji Mari, Ghotki

It is an archaeological site in a village near Mirpur Mathelo. The mound of Moomal Ji Mari is about 15 feet high. Glazed and unglazed shards of pottery of different kinds were observed on the mound.

• Fort Umerkot, Umerkot

Umerkot Fort was built by Rana Amar Singh in the 11th century. Emperor Akbar was also born in Umarkot Fort when his father Humayun fled from the military defeats at the hands of Sher Shah Suri on 15 October 1542.

• Naukot Fort, Tharparkar

It was built by Mir Kalam Ali khan in 1814. It is also called “The Gateway to the Thar Desert”. The fort is developed of burnt bricks in mud mortar.

• Churrio Jabal Durga Mata Temple, Tharparker

It is a historic temple and is visited annually by 200,000 pilgrims on Shivratri. The valuable and multi-colored hill supporting the temple is mined for its rare and expensive granite, which is posing a serious threat to the temple.

• Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta

It is also known as Jamia Masjid of Thatta. It was built in the 17th Century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It is also notable for its geometric brickwork and elaborate display of tile work.

• Makli Necropolis, Thatta

It is one of the largest funerary sites in the world. Makli Necropolis features several large funerary monuments belonging to royalty, various Sufi saints, and esteemed scholars. The site houses approximately 500,000 to 1 million tombs built over a period of 400 years from the 14th to 18th Century.

 CULTURAL SITES IN PUNJAB:

• Tomb of Lala Rukh, Hasanabdal

This tomb is traditionally attributed to Princess Lala Rukh, daughter of the Mughal emperor Akbar.

• Attock Fort, Attock

Attock Fort was built from 1581 to 1583 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akber. It was built under the supervision of Khawaja Shamsuddin to protect the passage of the Indus River. The Fort was used as a key defense line against the Afghan invaders. Today the fort remains in the control of the Pakistan Army.

• Noor Mahal, Bahawalpur

It was built in 1872. It belonged to the Nawabs of Bahawalpur during British Raj. A map and coins of the state were buried in its foundation as a good omen. Noor Palace covers an area of 44,600 square feet. It has 32 rooms including 14 in the basement, 6 verandas and 5 domes. The design encompasses features of Corinthian and Islamic styles of architecture with a tinge of subcontinental style. It is owned by Pakistan Army. It is now open for general visitors, students trips and other interested persons.

• Derawar Fort, Bahawalpur

Derawar fort was first built in the 9th century AD by Rai Jajja Bhati. It was later rebuilt in its current form in 1732 by the Abbasi Ruler Nawab Sadeq Muhammad This fort presents an enormous and impressive structure in the heart of the Cholistan Desert. Approximately 130 km south of the city of Bahawalpur, the 40 bastions of Derawar are visible for many miles in the Cholistan Desert.

• Shrine of Jalaluddin Bukhari, Bahawalpur

It is one of the five monuments in Uch, Pakistan which is on the tentative list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Rohtas Fort, Jehlum

It was built in the 16th Century by Raja Todar Mal on the orders of Sher Shah Suri. The fort is known for its large defensive walls, and several monumental gateways. It was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

• Katas Raj Temple, Chakwal

It is also known as Qila Kastas. It is a complex of several Hindu temples connected by walkways. The temples were visited by India’s former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani in 2005.

• Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam

The shrine is considered to be the earliest example of Tughluq architecture. The tomb was built between 1320 and 1324 CE by Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq. Central Asian and Persian architectural styles found at the tomb, such as the use of brick, glazed tiles, and wooden roofs.

• Pharwala Fort, Rawalpindi

The fort was built by the Gakhars in the 15th century. is naturally defended from one side by a small Himalayan range and the other by the Swaan River. The fort is open to Pakistani visitors only.

• Sirkap, Taxila

It is an archaeological site on the bank opposite the city of Taxila. The city of Sirkap was built by the Greco-Bactrian king Demetrius after he invaded ancient India around 180 BC.

• Taxila Museum

The Museum was constructed from 1918 to 1928. It is home to a significant and comprehensive collection of Gandharan art dating from the 1st to the 7th centuries CE. Most objects in the collection were excavated from the ruins of ancient Taxila. There are some 4000 objects displayed, including stone, stucco, terracotta, silver, gold, iron and semiprecious stones. Mainly the display consists of objects from the period 600 B.C to 500 AD.

• Rawat Fort, Rawalpindi

It was built in the 16th century to defend Pothohar Pleatu from the forces of Sher Shah Suri. The fort was the scene of a battle between the Gakhar Chief Sultan Sarang and Afghan king Sher Shah Suri in 1546. The fort also contains a mosque with three domes. The grave of the Gakkar chief, Sultan Sarang Khan is present within the fort.

• Archaeological Site of Harappa, Sahiwal

The site of the ancient city contains the ruins of a Bronze Age fortified city, which was part of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The ancient city of Harappa was heavily damaged under British Rule when bricks from the ruins were used as track ballast in the construction of the Lahore–Multan Railway.

• Hiran Minar, Sheikhpura

It was built in the early 17th century during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. It was built in a hunting reserve used by the Mughal Royals.

• Shahi Eid Gah Mosque, Multan

It was built in 1735 CE during the reign of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. The mosque’s exterior is embellished with glazed blue Multan-style tiles, while the interior is ornamented with intricate mosaics.

• Ghanta Ghar, Multan

It is the city government headquarters of Multan. It was built in 1884 A.D. during British Raj.

• Bhong Mosque, Rahim Yar Khan

It was designed and constructed from 1932 to 1982. This mosque won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1986 for its design, architecture and beautiful calligraphy.

• Faisalabad Clock Tower

It is one of the oldest monuments still standing in its original state from the period of the British Raj. The foundation of the majestic Clock Tower was laid on 14 November 1903 by the British lieutenant governor of Punjab Sir Charles Riwaz. The clock is placed at the center of the eight markets that from a bird’s-eye view look like the Union Jack flag of the United Kingdom.

• Gurudwara Janam Asthan, Nankana Sahib

It is a highly revered gurdwara that was built in the 16th Century at the site where the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, was believed to be born. The current gurdwara was built by Ranjit Singh in the 19th century. The shrine is frequently visited by Sikhs as part of a pilgrimage route in Pakistan.

• Qila Sheikhupura

It is a Mughal-era Fort. It was built in 1607 during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The fort was drastically altered during the Sikh era, with numerous buildings constructed

• Sialkot Fort

It is one of the oldest forts in Pakistan. At present, few ruins, including a bastion, are all that is left of the Fort.

• Sialkot Cathedral

It was constructed from 1852 to 1857.

 CULTURAL SITES IN KARACHI:

• Wazir Mansion

It was officially known as the birthplace of Quaid-e-Azam. It was built from 1860 to 1870 with stone masonry in lime and jute mortar.

• Chaukhandi Tombs

These tombs form an early Islamic cemetery. These tombs are notable for their elaborate sandstone carvings. They are built in the funerary architectural style typical of lower Sindh.

• Khaliq Deena Hall

The building has a hall that is used for various events, a library, and a room that serves as the office of a local NGO. It was built in 1906 by Ghulam Hussain Khaliq Dina.

• Frere Hall

It was built in 1865. It now serves as an exhibition space and library.

• Quaid-e-Azam House

It is also known as “Flagstaff House”. Quaid-e-Azam lived here from 1944 to 1948. His sister, Fatima Jinnah lived there until 1964. The building was later acquired by the Government of Pakistan in 1985 and conserved as a museum.

• Mazar-e-Qaid

It is also known as Jinnah Mausoleum. It is the final resting place of Quaid-e-Azam. It was built in 1971 and is the iconic symbol of Karachi.

CULTURAL SITES IN LAHORE:

• Badshahi Mosque

It is a Mughal-era Mosque. The mosque represents Mughal architecture. The exterior of the Mosque is decorated with carved red sandstone with marble inlay. It was constructed by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb between 1671 and 1673. It is the 2nd largest Mosque in Pakistan and is widely considered to be one of Lahore’s most iconic landmarks.

• Lahore Fort

It is also called Shahi Qila or Royal Fort. It spreads over an area of 20 hectares. It contains 21 notable monuments. The Fort was first built in the 11th Century with muddy bricks. It was almost entirely built in the 17th century when the Mughal Empire was flourishing.

• Sheesh Mahal

It is also called the Palace of the Mirrors. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632. The ornate white marble pavilion is inlaid with pietra dura and complex mirrorwork of the finest quality.

• Chaburji

It is a Mughal-era monument. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1646. It previously acted as a gateway to a Large Garden

• Shalamar Gardens

It is a Mughal Garden Complex that was built by Shah Jahan in 1642. These gardens were laid out to create a representation of earthly utopia. In 1981 the Shalimar Gardens were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Tomb of Anarkali

It is an octagonal monument that was built in the 16th century. It is considered to be one of the earliest Mughal tombs still in existence and is considered to be one of the most significant buildings of the early Mughal period.

• Jahangir’s Tomb

It was built in 1637. It is a mausoleum built for Mughal Emperor Jahangir. It is located in Shahdra Bagh along the Banks of the Ravi River. The site is famous for its interiors that are extensively embellished with frescoes and marble, and its exterior is richly decorated with pietra dura.

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I bounded over the mountains, by the sides of the deep rivers, and the lonely streams, Wherever nature led. -William Wordsworth . Deosai National Park 

Deosai national park

William Wordsworth rightly said ‘One impulse from a vernal wood May teach you more of man, of moral evil and of good, Than all the sages can’. And what if you get a chance to ‘immerse yourself in this ‘impulse’ from a vernal wood, in some far-off fairyland with intoxicating beauty?. The Deosai National Park that is located in Gilgit-Baltistan is one such place where one would be lucky to quench his wanderlust. Deosai National Park 

Deosai Plains are situated at an average elevation of 4,114 metres (13,497 ft) above sea level and considered as the second highest plateaus in the world (the highest is Tibetan Plateau in central Asia) Deosai is located on the boundary of the Karakoram and the western Himalayas that has bestowed it the appeal and fascination of both the mountain ranges. It remains covered with snow for 8 months. The plateau spread over the area of 3000 sq. km. The park is part of the Conservation International Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot and has been termed as natural world heritage by UNESCO.

The etymology of the word Deosai. Deosai National Park 

The Beautiful name of the plateau ‘Deosai’ is originated from the folk tale commemorated by famous poet Mian Muhammad Baksh in his poem, “Saif al-Mulook”; the word ‘Deosai’ means ‘the Shadow of the Giant’: the word “Deo” being a contraction of ‘Deva’, and the word ‘Sai’ being one of ‘Saya’ i.e. ‘Shadow’. Balti people from Skardu call this place ‘Ghbiarsa’ referring to ‘summer’s Place’ as it is only accessible in summer.

Deosai National Park

Weather and Climate

The weather in Deosai is mostly unpredictable as sometimes it starts snowing in summer. The majestic view of Sunlight and clouds playing hide and seek further embellish the beauty of the place. You’ll be surprised to see how sunshine is over cast by clouds in just a blink of an eye. Icy winds and thunderstorms can cloak you even in the mid of summer.

What adds to its exquisiteness and splendor is the strange fact that Deosai has a deafening silence, a silence spanning over centuries. The silence is so deep that one can hear his own heartbeat, the silence is so calming that it will possess you for life. The silence is so magnificent that life will seem to stop unless a marmot’s whistle fills the valley and transports you back to the real world.

Deosai’s Flora and Fauna

It is well known for its rich and amusing flora and fauna of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau alpine steppe ecological-region.

In spring, it is covered by sweeps of wildflowers of all hues and colors and a wide variety of butterflies. The sight of endless flowers is unforgettable, just like Wordsworth could never forget the sight of daffodils, you’ll cherish the memory of infinite little flowers of numerous shades and sizes, dancing elegantly in a cold breeze. And the butterflies just complete the picture of a perfect fairyland that is worth exploring from one end to the other. However, in this vast plateau, no tree is to be found.

Sheosar Lake–the jewel in the crown of Deosai

Sheosar Lake is located in Deosai, It is situated at the height of 4,142 meters (13,589 ft). Sheosar in the local language means ‘andhi’ (blind). This lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. The deep blue water, with snow-covered mountains in the background, and lush green foreground covered with flowers offer a breathtaking view. If the weather is clear, the world-famous killer mountain Nanga Parbat’s snow-covered peak can be seen easily. And if the lake is calm, then Nanga Parbat’s image is reflected on the surface of the lake as if someone has dissolved white paint in the blue waters.

Wide Variety of Wildlife in the plateau. Deosai National Park 

With so much nature to explore and enjoy, Deosai also gives you a wide variety of wildlife. How will you ever forget the sight of brown bears, Himalayan ibex, or cute chubby marmots?. The Deosai Plains are also home to the Himalayan ibex, red fox, golden marmot (locally called Phia), gray wolf, the Ladakh urial, snow leopard, and over 124 types of resident and migratory birds. Birds in the park include the golden eagle, lammergeier, griffon vulture, laggard falcon, peregrine falcon, Eurasian kestrel, Eurasian sparrow hawk, and snowcock.

 Delicious snow Trout

There are several springs in Deosai, brimming with trout fish serving as food for locals and bears alike. The waters of the Deosai plateau are home to the local snow trout which reach an enormous size. If you know how to fish, you can catch fresh snow trout there on your own, and that simply tastes like heavens.

A perfect Camping site. Deosai National Park 

If you love camping and have more time, it is strongly suggested to camp there. You’ll not need to worry about water, as there is abundant fresh water available in Deosai. All you need is your camping apparatus and some food. The night view will be another splendid slight that Mother Nature has bequeathed to this piece of land. The wonderful starry night with a full view of our milky way will intoxicate you for decades to come.

To sum up, what are you waiting for? Grab your backpack and book your flight to the northern areas of Pakistan to have one of the memorable journeys of your life. Deosai National Park 

For further details and packages please reach out to us at info@crossroadsadventure.earth or Whatsapp us at +92 3445053818

Link for visa-related information.

https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/

Link for Pass track app

https://passtrack.nitb.gov.pk/login

Link for tours to Deosai National Park

https://crossroadsadventure.earth/product/fairy-meadows-deosai-rama-hunza-photography-voyage/

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View of Altit fort Hunza

Why Visit Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most blessed regions that is gifted with spectacular landscapes, diverse cultures, and fascinating history. The confluence of mighty peaks of Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindukush stretching across the northern areas to the gold carpeted deserts of Thar, Thal, and the Cholistan located in Sindh and Punjab; Why visit Pakistan

Pakistan is a paradise for tourism. It is consecrated with magnificent tourist sites almost all across the country. Captivating natural sites coalesce with historical places in ways that confer it an aura of some fairyland. Domestic and foreign tourist all over the world visits northern areas of Gilgit Baltistan; which is as beautiful as Switzerland, Canada or US, to say the least.

Last year, Forbes magazine placed Pakistan in its list of ‘10 coolest places to visit. Likewise, British Backpacker society also declared Pakistan a hotspot for tourists. Similarly, there are numerous stimulating travel sagas of travelers whose visits to Pakistan were extremely enriching and transformative.

Moreover, the improved security situation has facilitated the increase in annual tourist arrivals in Pakistan by 300% in the last few years with the number of tourists reaching 1.75 million before the corona pandemic. Also, domestic voyagers have increased by 30% as per the report of the state Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation.

Interestingly, six Pakistani sites have been enlisted as ‘world heritage sites’ by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) including, the glorious Shalimar Gardens, the fort in Lahore, the Makli monuments in Sindh, the ruins of Moenjodaro, Rohtas Fort near Jhelum, Buddhist ruins in Takht-i-Bahi and the ancient city of Texila. Besides, 18 other sites, with the Baltit fort in Hunza and the tomb of Shah Rukne Alam in Multan, have been categorized as ‘tentative sites’ by the same.

 UNIQUE HOSPITALITY: Why visit Pakistan

Wakhi people enjoyig meal

All the voyagers visiting Pakistan are pleasantly surprised by the hospitality of their host country. The warmth and friendliness of the locals whether you are in a big city or backpacking in northern areas will astound you; anyone will help or inform you regarding whatever you need and the conversation will end up in them inviting you to their homes for lunch or tea. Moreover, locals offer interesting sightseeing tours and will apprise you about the area, its unique cuisine culture, and history to let you explore the area more intimately.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY: Why visit Pakistan

Wakhi Hunza women on the occasion of a local wedding

Pakistan is a land of diversity; with five provinces having their own distinct history, culture, traditions, cuisine, music, and art. It is also home to hill tribes like ‘kalasha’ hidden up in the lovely mountains and having a unique lifestyle that truly gives the tourist a ‘time-travel’ experience.  Pakistan is a distinctive amalgamation of various ethnic and linguistic groups that profoundly influences the entire culture as a whole.

LAND OF MIGHTY PEAKS, LAKES, AND GLACIERS. Why visit Pakistan

Rakaposhi base camp

One-half of Pakistan’s beauty is encapsulated in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is famous not only for its natural beauty but also for its geographical significance around the world. It is bestowed with captivating lakes of mesmerizing shades and hues. Eight highest peaks, out of the seventeen highest mountains worldwide are located in Gilgit-Baltistan. Why visit Pakistan

Fairy Meadows is a site that shows the magical sites of these mighty peaks. Moreover, Gilgit is often called as ‘third pole’ owing to the fact that it contains most glaciers outside the Polar Regions. Paragliders, mountaineers, hikers, hill climbers from all over the world visit this region; such expeditions are arranged both locally and internationally. Besides, KKH-(Karakorum Highway)-the eighth wonder of the world is also situated here. It’s the world highest road pass connecting Pakistan with China and is known as ‘silk road’

SOME OF THE BEST ATTRACTIONS IN PAKISTAN. Why visit Pakistan

HUNZA VALLEY:

Hunza valley

Enclosed by the majestic mountains of Karakoram and Himalaya, the world-famous Hunza Valley is one of the most visited places in Pakistan. The excursion through this little paradise offers you histrionic sights of marvelous landscape, bewitching snow-covered mountains, and the mighty Hunza River. Hunza is positioned in the extreme northern part of Pakistan bordering China and Afghanistan. The Karakorum highway passes through Hunza valley and connects Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass. Some of the most favorite tourist spots are the forts of Altit and Baltit, Eagle nest, the market of Karimabad, Passu Cones, mountain views of Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat, and the interesting culture and lifestyle of the locals.

DEOSAI PLAINS:

Deosai Plains

The Deosai plains which is the highest plateau in the world is situated at the periphery of the Karakoram and the western Himalayas; hence, bequeathing it with the charm of both the ranges. In summer it is a striking and lush green pressure with its peculiar fauna and flora. The sight of the Karakorum Range from this rooftop of 4,785-meters is mythological. Besides the fairies butterflies and fireflies, Deosai is the habitat of engendered Himalayan Brown Bear and several other wild animals. Today’s modern and mechanical life has snatched the peace of soul and mindfulness which one can seek in these deserted yet magical lands. If you are in search of divine solitude and wilderness full of natural treasures, then Deosai is a place for you.

FAIRY MEADOWS:

View of Nangaparbat mountain

Just as the name suggests fairy meadows are fairy meadows. This name was given by German climbers- German Märchenwiese, ″fairy tale meadows. Its local name is Joot- it’s a grassland near one of the base camp sites of Nanga Parbat.  It is placed at an altitude of about 3,300 meters above sea level, and functions as the beginning point for trekkers summiting on the Rakhiot side of the Nanga Parbat. Fairy Meadows is like the garland of flowers and dense forest established afore the gigantic killer mountain-Nanga Parbat. Moreover, its night sky offers one of the most appealing views of the Milky Way. Its splendor is beyond the realm of words.

RAMA MEADOWS:

Rama lake

Rama Valley that is located in Astore, Gilgit-Baltistan is another valley pregnant with natural wonders. It’s a picture-perfect tourist destination surrounded by flowers, green meadows, trees, and lake and mountain vistas full of tranquility and calm. Due to it elevation at about 3300 meters above sea level, it remains snow-covered for 7–8 months of the year. However, its summer grandeur is unparalleled. It also serves as a trek to reach the eastern side of the Nanga Parbat-the 9^th highest and most dangerous peak in the world.

NARAN VALLEY:

Naran valley

Naran valley is another splendid part of the northern areas of Pakistan which is raised at 2500 meters above sea level. Its easy accessibility captures the attention of both domestic and foreign tourists and trekkers. The weather of Naran remains cold and ice on the mountain tops never fully melts, even in the peak summer season glaciers and mountains are covered with snow are to be found here. Naran valley is famous for an exquisite lake of Saif-ul-Malook, the dreamlike lake of Lulusir, lovely meadows of Lalazar, Jalkhad, Dodipatsar Lake, and Babusar Top.

MOHENJO DARO:

Mohen-jo-Daro

Mohenjo Daro is another remarkable archeological site in Sindh, Pakistan. Mohenjo Daro literally means ‘Mound of dead men’; it was built around 2500BC and is considered as one of the largest settlements of the Indus valley civilization concomitant with the civilizations of ancient Egypt. For the tourists especially those who are fascinated by archeological sites, Mohenjo Daro is the place to unwind and explore the ruins that belong to the long-forgotten and bygone era. The exciting fact about Mohenjo Daro is the 10.8 cm dancing girl was unearthed in 1926.

The famous historian and archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler describes this statue as: Why visit Pakistan

“There is her little Baluchi-style face with pouting lips and insolent look in the eye. She’s about fifteen years old I should think, not more, but she stands there with bangles all the way up her arm and nothing else on. A girl perfectly, for the moment, perfectly confident of herself and the world. There’s nothing like her, I think, in the world.”

LAHORE CITY: Why visit Pakistan

Lahore is the heart of Pakistan, and it is known as the land of the most lively and fun-loving people. Besides offering you mouthwatering foods, other attractions of Lahore are the majestic mosque of Wazir Khan that was built in 1634, Lahore Fort that was constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar, Badshahi (Imperial) mosque, Shalamar Gardens- Persian style royal gardens with as many as 450 fountains, grassy lands, and walls. The fort and Shalamar Garden were jointly nominated as UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1981.

ROHTAS FORT:

Rohtas Fort is a chef-d’oeuvre; that is emblematic of the traditions and cultural heritage of Pakistan. It is located in Jhelum and was built during the 16^th century by the Afghan King Sher Shah Suri. It is a mixture of Afghan-Persian architecture and its great walls with 12 gigantic gates are worthy of homage. For tourists, Rohtas fort offers famous attractions inside the fort such as Haveli Man Singh, Phansi Ghat, and a museum near Sohail Gate, Rani Mahal, Royal Mosque, and the like.

TAKHT-E-BAHI:

Takht-i-Bahi is a well-preserved archaeological site of an ancient Buddhist monastery located in Mardan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It has been considered as one of the most impressive ruins of Buddhism in all of Gandhara civilization. This monastery was constructed on the crest of a high hill in the one century B.C. These ruins are exceptionally wondrous and will transport you back to that century when this place used to the hub of Buddhism.

KARACHI THE CITY OF LIGHTS: Why visit Pakistan

Karachi is the seventh-largest city worldwide. Karachi is blessed to have its own distinctive tourists attractions; to name a few, there is superb Churna Islands-where you can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive and watch different kinds of maritime life, Quad-i-Azam house museum with its colonial-style architecture surrounded by serene gardens, Turtle beach where you can watch turtles, The fascinating Chaukhandi tombs- graveyards of a local tribe with attention-grabbing architecture and design, National Museum of Pakistan to enjoy all things related to art, culture, and history, Do Darya- the multitude of cozy restaurants built right along the seashore, Cape Monze Beach with striking cliffs and the like.

BALUCHISTAN-THE EXOTIC GARDEN: Why visit Pakistan

Baluchistan that is the largest province of Pakistan in terms of landmass, is imparted with some captivating sites as well. Some of the hotspots are: Hingol Nationa Park- outlandish mountains, exotic animals including Markhor and several others of the deer family, surrounded by shallow sapphire waters is site travelers search for, Pir Chattal Noorani Ghandawa- an oasis in the middle of vast land, catering to the thousands of rare species of fishes, Kund Malir Beach- is another eccentric beach that tourist frequently visits each year.

All in all, Pakistan is granted abundant natural or manmade wonders, the aforementioned sites are just a few of the places to explore the magical places of Pakistan; though Pakistan has a lot more to offer to voyagers and adventurers of all ilk.

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“JOIN US TO BROADEN THE HORIZONS OF YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND CIRCLE OF EMPATHY”

Marsur rock Skardu

We are natives of the mountain valleys and we know Pakistan very well. It will be an honor for us to design and organize a memorable experience for you in Pakistan.

Important links.

For visa-related information https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/

For pass track app https:https://passtrack.nitb.gov.pk/login

For embassy related information

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Ph: +92 344 5053 818

Email: info@crossroadsadventure.earth

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The post Why visit Pakistan – Reasons why Pakistan is listed as the best travel destination appeared first on Crossroads Adventure.