Hearing a lot of good things about Pakistan, I always wanted to visit this hidden gem and see why travellers fall in love with it on their first visit. When I finally decided to tick it off my bucket list, I had certain expectations, and the glorious country exceeded them all. Before planning my visit, I came across photographs of towering mountains, vibrant bazaars, and ancient historic sites. And no doubt it delivered it all, but many other surprises made me want to visit the country again and again.
Many travellers arrive in Pakistan with preconceived ideas, and I was no different, shaped by how the media portrays the country. But safe to say, many of the negative things that I had heard about Pakistan were untrue. You just have to stay cautious, as you would when visiting any other country, and you will have a safe, unforgettable time in this hidden gem. So, if you have started looking for flights to Pakistan from the UK, you will learn a lot from my experience.
Surprising Things About Pakistan That I Loved
If you are looking for reasons to visit Pakistan, let’s finally talk about some incredible things I loved about the country that will surely fascinate you, too.
The Hospitality is Unmatched
You might have heard that Pakistanis are very welcoming people, but experiencing it firsthand is surreal and surprising. No matter where you are in the country, in a bustling city or a remote mountain village, you will be met with the warmest people with exceptional hospitality.
People here help you in whatever way they can, offer tea, and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable in their country.
There were many instances in which locals refused to let me pay for my meals because I was a guest in their country. Such warm behaviours and hospitality made my time in Pakistan much easier and unforgettable.
World-Class Mountain Scenery
Pakistan is home to the most incredible mountain scenery. I had a slight idea, but I wasn’t expecting the mountains here to rival some of the top mountain destinations in the world.
The northern regions of the country are home to some of the most marvellous mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, the Hindu Kush, and the Karakoram. These mountain ranges feature snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, dramatic valleys, and winding roads that create the most dramatic scenery.
For the perfect mountain adventure in the country, you can book a Skardu tour package that will take you around some of the most mesmerising locations. I truly loved Skardu. The breathtaking scenery here is some of the most stunning I have ever seen.
Mesmerising Beauty of the Hunza Valley
The Hunza Valley is one of the most popular destinations in Pakistan’s north. I was already convinced that this valley was beautiful just by looking at its photographs. But once I arrived, I was still surprised. The photographs didn’t do justice to the beauty of this incredible valley.
Glorious peaks surround the beautiful valley. Not only that, it is home to crystal-clear rivers, ancient forts, and picturesque villages. All these elements add to the valley’s striking beauty and charm. While visiting the valley, you cannot miss out on witnessing at least one sunset or sunrise from the Eagle’s Nest. I assure you that this sight will stay with you for the rest of your life.
I recommend that you look for a reliable Hunza tour package if you plan to visit the valley. Only a good tour can do justice to the breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this incredible destination. These tour packages also give you access to the most iconic sights in northern Pakistan, including Attabad Lake, Passu Cones, and Baltit Fort.
Incredibly Diverse Food Scene
I wasn’t aware of Pakistan’s food scene until I experienced it firsthand. Before visiting the country, I had only tried a few westernised versions of Pakistani dishes. I used to think that Pakistani cuisine is limited to curries and Biryani. But I was mistaken.
The food scene here is quite diverse and unbelievably delicious. The variety of food here really surprised me. Each region of the country has its specialities. I fell in love with the street food in Lahore, the traditional barbecue in Karachi and the famous Chapli Kababs in Peshawar.
In the northern areas, the local dishes reflect mountain culture, serving heartwarming flavours and filling dishes. One thing about Pakistani food is that it’s affordable, flavoursome, and consistent.
Travelling is More Affordable Than Expected
Pakistan is known for its affordability. But what’s surprising is that it is much more affordable than you might initially think. Everything from accommodation and transportation to food and guided tours is extremely cheap.
This country is nothing like the other popular destinations. This allows you to experience luxury hotels, private transport, and multi-day adventures without disrupting your budget. Pakistan offers excellent value for money. Therefore, if you are a budget-conscious traveller, you will not want to miss out on this incredible gem.
Getting a chance to experience the luxury of Pakistan without worrying about your budget will make your experience much more unforgettable.
Cultural Diversity is Fascinating
I was truly fascinated by Pakistan’s cultural diversity. I had always heard that it is a culturally rich destination, but I wasn’t expecting such diversity. Each province has its own culture, language, traditions, cuisine, and clothing styles. You will encounter different identities of the country as you travel from Punjab to Gilgit-Baltistan.
Such cultural diversity is extremely refreshing. You will feel excited to visit a new destination and explore its culture. If you are one of those curious travellers who love to experience new cultures, you are truly in for endless surprises in Pakistan.
The Country is Still Relatively Undiscovered
One of the most fascinating things about Pakistan is that the country is relatively undiscovered. You will not find many international tourists in the country. This is the reason why even the most stunning attractions in the country are uncrowded.
Even the most beautiful places and iconic experiences in the country get less crowded as you head to more popular destinations, making it perfect for a quiet escape and slow exploration. Because of this, a holiday here also feels much more authentic and adventurous.
You can take your time exploring the country, without any sense of urgency. Travellers who seek solitude and quiet fall in love with Pakistan on their first visit. Pakistan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. So, if you are a curious traveller, you know which destination will be perfect for you to visit next.
Summing Up
My first trip to Pakistan was surprising in many ways. Every experience exceeded my expectations, and I was left completely in awe of this incredible country. The country is truly unmatched in its natural beauty, cultural heritage, history, food, and most affordable travel opportunities. No matter which tour package you choose, you will be surprised by what this amazing country and its destinations offer to visitors. So, get ready for the most unforgettable adventure in Pakistan, as many surprises await you in this beautiful country.
