THE story of Pakistan divides into six distinct periods: prehistoric; the ancient empires (from about 3000 BC to the sixth century AD); the advent of Islam (from 711 AD to late 14th century); the Mughal period (from 1526 to the 18th century), the British period (from the mid-18th century to 1947) and Pakistan since independence on the Aug. 14, 1947.
Pakistan is strategically placed at the crossroads of Asia where the road from China to the Mediterranean meets the route from India to Central Asia. For thousands of years, this junction has been a melting pot of diverse cultures, attracting traders and adventurers, pilgrims and holy men.
Pakistan is on the main trade route and tourist path to China and Central Asia. The old silk routes have reopened. The spectacular Karakoram Highway threads its way through the Himalayas, Karakoram and Pamir Mountains, and enters China over the 15,528 feet Khunjerab Pass, one of the highest metaled border crossings in the world. Pakistan is also a gateway to the new republics of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
Pakistan is the land of the Indus River, which flows through the country for 2,500 km from the Himalayan and Karakoram Mountain ranges to the Arabian Sea. It is a land of snow-covered peaks and burning deserts, of fertile mountain valleys and irrigated plains. It is inhabited by some 146 million people belonging to many ethnic groups speaking over 20 different languages and dialects and wearing distinctive costumes, but all united by the Islamic faith and Pakistani nationhood.
For any visitor, Pakistan has a wealth of attractions: Its 5,000-year history is richly illustrated by archaeological sites and imposing monuments scattered all over the country.
Brick cities from the Indus civilization, which flourished from the third to the middle of the second millennium BC stands beside Buddhist ruins.
Magnificent Muslim tombs from the 12th century stand side by side with the palaces, mosques and forts of the Mogul emperors of the 16th and 17th centuries. The country’s main cities reflect the many influences, both historical and modern, which have made Pakistan what it is today.
Lahore is the cultural center of the country, with an elegant core of Mughal architecture embellished by the flowery exuberance of the British Empire. Peshawar, on the North-West Frontier with Afghanistan, is a city straight out of the Arabian Nights, with tribesmen in turbans nonchalantly carrying rifles through the colorful bazaars. Islamabad, the federal capital, is a modern garden city planned by M/s Constantinos Doxiades, a Greek Town Planner Firm in 1960.
Quetta, the capital of the largest province of Pakistan, which can rightly be called the fruit basket of Pakistan and finally, bustling Karachi, the largest and the most populous city of Pakistan, is a huge international port, industrial and financial center.
This is a region of the world which is open to the experienced trekker and mountaineer backed up by a team of porters.
The awesome Karakoram Mountains are easily reached by the Karakoram Highway, locally known as the KKH which links Pakistan with China. Even to the seasoned traveler, the first sight of the Karakorams is overwhelming. The range contains most of the highest peaks in the world. You are surrounded by snow-capped mountains over 18,000 feet, beautiful valleys containing Pakistan’s spectacular wildlife.
A journey up the KKH takes the visitor under the brooding mass of Nanga Parbat, the glittering Rakaposhi which dominates the Hunza Valley, and the icy desolation of Baltoro glacier.
