SEC-S17W6: "Tourism In My Country"

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INTRODUCTION

Pakistan is often hailed as a heaven on Earth, a title well-deserved due to its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. As one of the best places for tourists to visit, Pakistan offers a diverse array of attractions, ranging from the towering peaks of the north to the pristine beaches of the south. The country's northern regions are adorned with majestic mountains, including some of the world's highest peaks like K2 and Nanga Parbat. These regions are a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers, offering opportunities for trekking, mountaineering, and witnessing some of the most stunning views on the planet.

Among the many beautiful valleys in Pakistan, the Kalash Valley stands out with its unique cultural heritage. Nestled in the Chitral District, the Kalash Valley is home to the Kalash people, known for their distinct traditions, language, and vibrant festivals. The valley's lush greenery, rolling hills, and traditional wooden houses provide a picturesque backdrop that captivates visitors. The Kalash people celebrate various festivals throughout the year, such as Chilam Joshi and Uchal, where tourists can experience traditional dances, music, and rituals. This cultural richness, combined with natural beauty, makes the Kalash Valley a must-visit destination.

Another screnery in Pakistan's to-visit places is the Hunza Valley. Situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, Hunza is famed for its breathtaking scenery, featuring the majestic Rakaposhi Mountain and the sapphire blue Attabad Lake. The valley is home to ancient forts like Baltit and Altit, which provide insight into the area's historical importance. Hunza's beauty is further enhanced by its terraced fields, apricot orchards, and lively local markets. The warm hospitality of the local people and their rich cultural traditions make the valley an even more attractive destination for visitors.

Besides these valleys, Azad Kashmir is another area that enhances Pakistan's natural beauty. Known for its meadows, dense forests, and clear rivers, it is often called a "paradise on earth." The Neelum Valley is especially visited by tourists from all over the world for its peaceful beauty and is popular among tourists looking for serenity and natural beauty. These locations, along with many others across the country, highlight Pakistan's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making it an appealing destination for travelers worldwide.

In this engagement challenge I'll be talking about two places of Pakistan that I have personally visited myself.

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HUNZA VALLEY

The Hunza Valley, nestled in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, is a destination of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, this valley has become a magnet for tourists seeking serenity and adventure alike. The valley is not only home to towering peaks and green Meadows but also to vibrant local communities that welcome visitors with open arms. Among the numerous attractions that define Hunza, Attabad Lake, Karimabad, and Satrangi Lake stand out as must-visit sites, each offering a unique glimpse into the splendor of this remote paradise.

Attabad Lake is one of the main attractions of this valley. Ironically, its formation resulted from a landslide in the Attabad Valley, which forced thousands of people to relocate and destroyed their livelihoods. Yet, the creation of this beautiful lake has now provided livelihoods to thousands of people through the tourism industry.

Further beautifying the valley's charm is Satrangi Lake, also known as Rainbow Lake, located in the Naltar Valley. This majestic lake is renowned for its vibrant colors, which change throughout the year due to the varying mineral content and light conditions. It's also said that fairies descend from the heavens into this lake on full moon.

The lake is covered by forests and majestic mountains, providing variety of hiking opportunities and picnic areas. Its peaceful and magical atmosphere makes it an ideal place for people like us to just succumb into the freshness of this lake.

Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir, as I mentioned previously has a lot of names some of them being "Heaven on Earth" or the "Switzerland of Pakistan." Situated in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, it borders the Pakistani provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the west and north, and India's Jammu and Kashmir to the east. I had the privilege of visiting some areas of Azad Kashmir recently and in this post, I'll be writing about my experience.

The Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir is truly magical with its lush greenery and vigorous Neelum River. You'll be awe struck by just looking at the huge mountainous peaks, dense forests, and beautiful waterfalls that paint a breathtaking picture wherever you look. The best part of Azad Kashmir is the numerous villages located in that area where you find a lot of hospitable people.

Azad Kashmir provides a lot of hikes and treks for adventurous people like me. There's the beautiful Neelum valley that takes around 8-9 hours to reach from the capital of Kashmir, Muzaffarabad. Then there are are huge towering peaks of the Himalayan ranges located in the Azad Kashmir Region. I travelled to Azad Kashmir on a motorbike with my friends.

Aza Kashmir hosts numerous historical and cultural landmarks that showcase its rich heritage. In Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Kashmir, you can visit significant sites like the Red Fort and Pir Chinasi, both of which provide stunning views of the city and its surroundings.

Beyond its natural beauty and cultural landmarks, Azad Kashmir is famous for its warm hospitality and mouthwatering cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional Kashmiri dishes while experiencing the friendly nature of the locals.

Overall, Azad Kashmir's stunning landscapes and numerous attractions make it a must-visit for tourists looking for a memorable adventure in nature. Whether you're exploring its lush green valleys, trekking humongous mountainous peaks , or enjoying its rich cultural heritage, Azad Kashmir consistently leaves a lasting impact on those who visit.

FOREIGNERS IN PAKISTAN

Pakistan is one of the most visited places in Asia, particularly by travelers from Europe and Australia. As a member of multiple travel groups on Facebook, I frequently observe foreigners posting inquiries about the prerequisites for traveling in Pakistan. This growing interest in Pakistan as a travel destination can be attributed to its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance.

Pakistan's beauty stretches from the heights of the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges to the beauty of its northern valleys, including Hunza and Swat. Moreover, the metropolitan cities of Lahore and Karachi present a mix of modernity and tradition, featuring lively markets, historical landmarks, and famous cuisine. For numerous travelers, the friendliness and hospitality of the Pakistani people stand out as a memorable aspect of their journey.

However, there are specific requirements and considerations for traveling in Pakistan. These include obtaining the appropriate visas, understanding local customs and regulations, and being aware of current safety advisories. As a seasoned traveller as well as a veteran Steemian, I hav offered multiple times to my friends all over the world to come visit us in Pakistan.

Some of the famous tourists who have visited Pakistan recently are:

• Jack Aynsley

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• Luke Damant

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• Rosie Gabrielle

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Increasing Tourists Influx in Pakistan

There are a lot of things that can be improved to attract more tourists in Pakistan. I'll mention a few of them:

• Security: That's the first concern everyone has in their minds when they think of visiting Pakistan even though Pakistan is comparatively very safe but still what media portrays is what people perceive.

• Visa Processing: We need to make things easier for tourists to come visit this beautiful country, and not make it even harder due to unnecessary visa policies. Simplifying visa procedures and introducing e-visa systems can attract more tourists. Streamlined processes reduce bureaucratic hurdles and encourage spontaneous travel plans.

• Infrastructure: Enhancing transportation, lodging, and communication infrastructure is vital. Upgraded road systems, dependable public transportation, and high-quality hotels can greatly improve the tourist experience.

• Marketing: It's people like me who usually does the tourism industry marketing of Pakistan. Government should initiate international marketing campaigns showcasing Pakistan’s diverse attractions—its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical landmarks—are necessary. Partnerships with international travel agencies and participation in global travel fairs can boost visibility.

UNDISCOVERED PLACE

There are a lot of undiscovered places in Pakistan that haven't been visited by a lot of people but my favorite is:

Charo Machi

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Charo Machi Waterfall hidden within the Khuzdar district of Balochistan, Pakistan, is a place visited for its breathtaking natural beauty. Situated amidst the Charo Machi valley, this locale presents a retreat from city life. Marked by its rugged landscapes,cliffs, and majestic waterfall, the surroundings provide a Peaceful retreat option for families over the weekend.

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Despite its remote location, Charo Machi Waterfall is gradually gaining recognition as a must-visit destination for those exploring Balochistan. Its untouched beauty and the promise of a peaceful retreat make it a perfect spot for travelers looking to experience the natural splendor and cultural richness of Pakistan's largest province.

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CONCLUSION

I'm sure each country has it's own attractions that lire a lot of people to the place but Pakistan is on the top of list of most beautiful countries. It's a vast country with every natural attraction that you can think of. I'm sure you liked reading about Tourism in Pakistan. I'd like to invite @sahmie @suboohi and @kouba01 to take part in this contest.
Regards,
Dr Huzaifa Naveed