Impressive Pakistan
Bordered by India, Afghanistan, Iran and China, Pakistan is in illustrious company. And with the Arabian Sea on its southern seaboard, the country has the best of all worlds. Book one of our flights to Pakistan and explore this amazing country.
Mosques, forts and gardens
The northeastern city of Lahore in particular is blessed with many great landmarks. Admire the 17th-century Indo-Islamic magnificence of the Badshahi Mosque, the fifth-largest of its kind in the world. And see Shahi Qila - Lahore Fort - which is thought to date back to the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There's also Gurdwara Dehra Sahib, an opulent edifice and Sikh holy shrine that was constructed to commemorate the martyr, Guru Arjan.
Also in Lahore are the Shalimar Gardens, a Mughal garden complex which was built in the mid-17th century. It's an intricate affair that is made up of several terraced levels containing more than 400 fountains.
And the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, completed in 1986, is the country's largest mosque. It's atypical of the usual mosques in that it lacks domes and arches. Instead, this very modern place of worship features a tapering, angular roof and four slim, tall minarets.
Villages and cities
Situated in Islamabad, the village of Saidpur dates back to the Mughal era. Here you'll find a preserved Hindu temple and gurdwara - a gateway to the Guru - among the pretty village scenery.
And in the Rawalpindi district of the Punjab Province is the important archaeological site and town of Taxila. Reflecting the influences of Persia, Greece and Central Asia, Taxila is brimming with historical and cultural treasures. See Muslim mosques, Buddhist monasteries and caverns that date back to the Mesolithic era.
Mountains and lakes
The city of Murree, also in the district of Rawalpindi, is popular with the people of Islamabad as a place to escape to from the hustle and bustle of city life. Travel high into the mountains, rising above the canopy of oak and pine trees, and witness the snowy summits of Nanga Parbat and Kashmir.
And nestled in the majestic Kaghan Valley is Lake Saiful Muluk, which is more than 3,000 metres above sea level and covers just over one square mile. No matter what time of year you travel, you'll find it hard not to be wowed by the beauty of the landscape. In winter it's a carpet of white, from ragged peaks to ice-covered lake. And at any other time of year, the turquoise waters, green hills and slate-grey mountains make quite the tableau.
Shopping and eating out
Port Grand in Karachi is the place to go for shopping and dining, and just plain hanging out. Watch as boats and ships in the harbour come and go as you sip on a refreshing tea. Enjoy the range of shops and eateries serving barbeque food and Chinese and Pakistani cuisine. And kids will adore the many rides and art activities.
