Operation 'miracle'. This is the name of the military transport operation that transported 390 local helpers and their families from Afghanistan to Korea in August of last year to help the Korean government and institutions. When Kabul, the capital, fell into chaos, the South Korean military dispatched three air transport planes to Pakistan, a neighboring country of Afghanistan, and succeeded in rescue. Korea and Pakistan celebrated the 39th anniversary of diplomatic ties. This magazine publishes once a week on Pakistan's traditions, food, tourism culture and cultural exchange, and Korea and Pakistan's civilian and diplomatic affairs and their prospects (Editor's note).
It is famous for its 'various' natural beauty and 'majestic' valley.
The scenic northern part of Pakistan is a favorite destination for mountaineers all year round.
Pakistan continues its efforts to establish itself as a winter tourist destination. Winter sports and cultural festivals are held every year to attract domestic and foreign tourists. Pakistan is ready to welcome tourists to destinations that have been restricted due to COVID-19. However, tourists must have an immunization certificate or digital immunization certificate.
Pakistan is famous for great food, historic sites and majestic mountains. Pakistan has five peaks over 8000 meters above sea level, including K2, the second highest mountain in the world.
The Pakistani government is investing in facilities and infrastructure to provide more attractions for tourists, skiers, trekkers and mountaineers, including cultural festivals and adventurous sports. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also resumed air safari operations, and the flight to Skardu is known as 'the most scenic and exciting flight' with views of the world's highest mountain.
1. Hunza and Skardu of Gilgit-Baltistan
The Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan is where the three major mountain ranges meet: the Himalayas, Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush. The valleys of Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu have attracted travelers for decades to their shade of high snow-capped peaks. The Hunza Valley is home to a unique culture and heritage, including historic buildings, the 1000-year-old Altit Citadel and the 700-year-old Baltit Citadel.
The crystal-clear Lake Atabad is also near Hunza. British mountaineer Eric Shipton called the Hunza Valley 'the pinnacle of mountain majesty' and made the iconic Mount Rakaposi as a valley attraction. Winter sports attractions in Gilgit-Baltistan include snow marathon in Kunjerab, ski crossing at Deosai, skiing at Naltar and Astore, and ice hockey in Hunza.
2. Khyberpaktunkwa Swat, Galiyat, and Kumrat
Khyberpaktunkwa is famous for its natural beauty and magnificent valleys including Swat Valley, Kagan Valley and Kumrat Valley. With its green pine trees, snow-capped peaks and sparkling lakes, the Swat Valley is also known as the Switzerland of the East.
The secluded valley of Kumrat is called 'the hidden gem of Khyberpaktunk' due to its fairytale atmosphere, Himalayan cedar forested mountains and waterfalls. Another area worth visiting in Khyberpaktunkwa is the Galiyat region, which includes Natiagalli, Dongagali, Changragali and Ayubia. The snow festival with thrilling adventure activities is a key attraction for tourists in the Galiyat region.
The Nilum Valley is home to green terrain, mountains and sparkling freshwater streams.
3. Nillum Valley
The 144 km long, bow-shaped Nilum Valley is located in Pakistani Kashmir. The valley is home to green terrain and mountains, sparkling freshwater streams and lush forests. Nilum Valley is famous as a 'blue jewel' as a summer tourist destination. It is emerging as a new winter destination as local governments encourage tourists through festivals and various sports activities.
4. Quetta and Girat of Balochistan
Balochistan is a geological and topographical wonder, with golden deserts, eye-catching mountain ranges, and splendid coastlines including Gwadar Beach and Astola Island. The Nusky Desert and Karan Desert are some of the most beautiful deserts in the region. Girat Valley, home to the second largest juniper forest in the world, is the most popular tourist destination. The valley is cool in summer and covered in snow in winter. Lake Hannah, near the city of Quetta, covered in snow in winter, is another great destination. Balochistan's Hingol National Park is famous for its unique rock formations and numerous animal species.
5. Sindh's Citadel, Desert, and Beach
For those who don't like snowy valleys, here's a place to recommend. Central Pakistan has sandy deserts and stunning landscapes, while to the south are sparkling beaches and the Arabian Sea. Sindh Province is home to the ancient city of Mohenjodaro, with well-preserved ruins of the Indus Valley civilization, several ruins and forts, as well as the amazing beaches and commercial center of Karachi. The citadels of Lanikot, Umerkot and Cottage reveal the grandeur of Sindh, reminiscent of the ancient times when Pakistan was the cradle of civilization.
6. Mughal period monuments, culture and heritage in Punjab
Punjab is made up of abundant agricultural land, rivers and waterways, sanctuaries, and Mughal citadels and gardens. It is a melting pot of religion and culture with Sufi temples, Sikh temples, Buddhist temples and Hindu temples spread throughout the province. The rich culture of the walled city of Lahore, the holy land of Multan, the glorious palace of Bahawalpur, and the Derawar Citadel in the Cholistan Desert are among the most attractive tourist destinations.
After the Murree disaster, the police strictly urged tourists to prepare everything such as storing extra fuel, charged batteries, tow trucks and snow chains, and to check the weather conditions before traveling. Meanwhile, tourists urged authorities to improve food and accommodation standards, continue monitoring the local tourism industry, and introduce waste management and recycling facilities to ensure sustainable tourism.