If you are intrigued not only by the Islamic religion but also about its architecture, Pakistan offers some sacred destinations that both cater to your cultural curiosity as well your love for fine art. One such structure is the Badshahi Mosque. Also referred to as the “Emperor’s Mosque,” this structure was constructed in 1673. It was built by Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor. Located in Lahore, this mosque symbolizes and epitomizes the elegance and splendor of the Mughal Empire. Badshahi Mosque is now one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city of Lahore.

The mosque has the capacity of accommodating 55,000 worshippers. In Pakistan, this makes it the second biggest mosque in terms of capacity, after Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque. For its design, it was patterned after the Jama Mosque located in Delhi, India. The Jama Masjid was constructed 25 years earlier than Badshahi by Emperor Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s father. When he was still alive, the famous Koranic recitor Qari Basit used to recite the Koran here.

The interior of the mosque is richly embellished in Manbatkari or stucco tracery and a touch of fresco paneling in bold expression. The interior is also floored in marble. The exterior of the mosque meanwhile is decorated with carvings in stone as well as inlay in marble placed on sandstone in red. Loti form motifs in imposed relief decorate the walls. Influences of Indian, Central Asian, and Indo-Greek styles are found in the motifs and embellishments.

Muslim architecture is prevalent in the features of the mosque such as the dalans or the side aisles, the four minarets in the corner, the opulent entrance gate and the spacious courtyard. If you are a non-Muslim, inquire about tours specifically catering to you. Also, remember to observe proper attire if you plan to go make a visit.

When people think of Pakistan, they usually think of the rugged terrain and the seemingly organized chaos of its urban areas – Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore. Rarely is there someone who pictures Pakistan as a land of serene and peaceful landscapes. Actually, there are a number of places in Pakistan that are almost paradise-like. One of them is the Hunza Valley.

What distinguishes Hunza Valley is that it is said to be the inspiration of the famous fictional paradise of Shangri-La. In reality, the people of Hunza Valley also live long lives. It is said though, that Hunza Valley people live long because they live healthy – with exercise and proper diet, plus their clean and unpolluted surroundings. They are very friendly and accommodating people who welcome tourists.

The Hunza Valley is perfect for tourists who may be weary of the hustle and bustle of Pakistan’s constantly people-filled attractions. Hunza Valley offers a quiet respite, ideal for tourists who want to have a break from it all. This mountainous valley in a town called Gilgit is in the Gilgit-Baltistan autonomous region of Pakistan. The valley is located in the north of a river bearing the same name as with the valley. The valley covers about 7,900 square kilometers. The main town is called Karimabad where tourists flock in droves. The spectacular scenery that is provided by the mountains surrounding the town like Ultar Sar, Ghenta Peak, and Rakaposhi makes the place look very peaceful, almost like you are in the Swiss Alps. All the mountains surrounding the valley are higher than 6,000 feet.

The ideal time to go to Hunza Valley is from May to October. The highway leading to the valley is blocked by snow during winter, so it is impossible to go there from November to February. To get there, there are van and bus services that run regularly between Gilgit and the central region of the valley. There are also tours and transport options for visitors available from the PTDC office in Gilgit, Islamabad and Sost.

When people think of Pakistan, they conjure images of exotic mosques and ancient structures that date as far back as the Indus Valley civilization. A disregarded facet of Pakistan is its rugged terrain and the fact that it includes mountains that are part of the majestic Himalayan mountain range. Thus, if you are a fan of the outdoors and are in the mood for some adventure and rugged activities, Pakistan will definitely not fail you. To take things to the extreme, why not try the splendor of the K2 range?

The K2 Mountains have a dangerous reputation in the mountain-climbing world. Known as the “Savage Mountain,” it is one of the world’s most difficult mountains to ascend. The savagery of this mountain is due to the fact that it has the 2nd highest fatality rate among the ‘eight thousanders’ mountain ranges, only to be surpassed by the Annapurna Mountains, which has been climbed during winter. K2 is so dangerous to climb, no one has attempted to climb it in the winter.

If you think you are up to the rush K2 offers, don’t worry. There are a lot of climbing groups, tours, and guides that do a number of routes on K2. These routes differ in difficulty of ascent and character, so you have to consider your mountain-climbing skills. Nobody climbs the K2 by just “winging it.” The difficulties remain the same though, starting with the lack of oxygen and extremely high altitudes. The weather is pretty much unpredictable, which adds to the difficulty. As for the routes, you can choose from the most popular – the Abruzzi Spur, the most commonly used and standard ascent route; the Northeast Ridge, among others. There are other ascent routes that start from the Chinese side of the mountain. Experience a different adrenaline rush and an ultimate adventure by heeding the call of K2, one of the most majestic mountains in the world.

If you are looking for an elegant and spectacular site for your visit to Pakistan, it is a must to go to Lahore Fort. Historians believe that as early as 1021, there was a mud fort in the locale built by Mahmood of Ghazna. It was not until 1566 when the actual structures were actually constructed, as per the instructions of Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great who allegedly destroyed the mud fort on the old foundations. The current fort is being enjoyed by tourists today is a result of centuries of additions by different entities occupying the area.

The Lahore Fort is rectangular in shape. There are two main gates found in the center of the walls located in the east and west of the fort walls. All Mughal emperors that have succeeded Akhbar, the Sikh rulers that overthrew the Mughals, and the British have contributed to the way the fort is now, thanks to their additions of walls, palaces, and pavilions. A significant addition and a must-visit for tourists would be the additions made by Emperor Jehangir. He extended the gardens and constructed a couple of palaces which is now known as the fort’s Jehangir’s Quadrangle.

Other structures worth visiting are the additions made by Shah Jahan, such as the Pearl Mosque and Diwan-e-Khas. The remarkable main gate is courtesy of Aurangzeb. This main gate faces other beautiful edifices such as the Badshahi Mosque. If you want a bit of war history, have a look at the Elephant Steps’ walls, where bullet marks brought about by 1847’s sikh Civil War can still be seen. Alas, a visit to the fort will not be complete without dropping by the Palace of Mirrors, or Sheesh Mahal. This palace is located in the northeast portion of the fort. Regarded by most of people who have been there as the fort’s most beautiful place, it houses several mirrors in different colors that simply dazzle the eye.

When it comes to historical structures, Pakistan is one place that is abound with them. The country is home to some of the most important and impressive historical sites anywhere in the world. Most of these historical monuments have caught the fancy of many travelers from all corners of the globe. Some of them have earned recognition from international cultural organizations. Among these attractions is the Rohtas Fort. Rohtas Fort has earned the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of tourists from Pakistan and beyond its borders have been impressed by the structure’s rich heritage.

Rohtas Fort, known in Urdu as Qila Rohtas, is located about 109 kilometers from the nearest city of Rawalpindi. It was built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541 to fortify his territory after being defeated by Humayun. Centuries of invaders, weather disturbances, and wear and tear have not deterred the imposing nature of the fort. The architecture of the fort is a beautiful example of the mix of Hindu, Pukhtun, and Muslim military styles.

The wall of Rohtas Fort stretches for at least four kilometers and has twelve gates in it. A number of the twelve gates are still in good condition, though some are in need of repair and maintenance. The 69 bastions in the fort serve to strengthen the fort’s walls, as well as give the structure elegance and sophistication. The fort, aside from protecting the area from invaders, used to house a number of families. Nowadays, only tourists come to marvel at the spectacle of the fort.

Tours to Rohtas Fort originate from either Islamabad or Rawalpindi. The main highway can be used to go to Rohtas Fort, and from the highway, one has to turn right to Deena, which is a railway station and a bus stop. Buses and trains can be taken from Deena straight to Rohtas Fort. An ideal time to visit the fort would be during the summer.

In South Asia, tombs and mausoleums have taken there roles as tourist attractions. Because of the impressive architecture found in these structures, visitors have actually flocked to these places, making what are supposed to be morbid places into tourist destinations. One great example is the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum dedicated to Shah Jahan’s queen Mumtaz Mahal. In Pakistan, meanwhile, the Tomb of Jahangir has proven to be a crowd drawer for its elaborate construction and elegant design, making it an architectural marvel.

Jahangir’s tomb is located in Lahore, but the great ruler actually died in Rajauri. His body had to be bought back to Lahore. He was buried in the garden of Nur Jahan which is located in the Ravi River banks. The tomb’s grounds extend to 55 acres and designed in a classical pattern called charbagh, which involves perpendicular rows and columns which intersect. There are two gates in the north and south where the entrances are. Both gates are the same in size although the southern gate is more elaborately designed with a marble inlay in white and Sikri sandstone in red.

Also in red sandstone is the mausoleum. Its inlay is also made of marble with floral patterns. An arcaded platform known as takhgah is a square measuring 84 meters. On each corner, there is a miaret shaped in an octagon. There are corridors present o n the four sides of the takgah which lead to a crypt in the center which is also octagonal. The crypt contains a cenotaph made of marble which also rests on the chabutra or platform. It has an inlay of precious gems in patterns of flowers and calligraphy in black which notes the date of jahangir’s death along with God’s 99 names. Only to marvel at the elaborate patterns and inlays, together with the exquisite marble structures, the Tomb ogf Jahangir is definitely worth a visit.

Amidst the chaos and confusion that is commonly associated with the country of Pakistan, there are some places that simply exude beauty, elegance, and serenity. One of these special sites is Shalimar Gardens, which is located in Lahre. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its polished and manicured appearance that draws tourists far and near.

The Shalamar Gardens was built by a former ruler of the area, Shah Jahan, in the 16th century. The emperor, known as a great patron of architecture, has the gardens built as a garden for royal pleasure for him and his court to enjoy. The status of the garden remained as a premier royal recreation spot of the Mughals until the 19th century. The gardens lost its prestige in the early 19th century, around 1818 when the Shalimar Gardens were used as stables during the reign of Sikh ruler Ranjit. The former glory of the gardens was revived during the times of the English from 1842 until 1947 when they were refurbished. The gardens were opened by the English to the public when they took over the gardens’ administration.

Nowadays, the Shalimar Gardens are a popular site for both locals and tourists. The gardens are equipped with fountains which during the ancient times, were run with the aid of camels. Nowadays, during special times, the fountains are turned on, albeit only occasionally, and they are run by electric motors. Huge fortification walls that were built in the Mogul times still stand around it, imposing and protecting the grounds. These days, the gardens are the favorite site of receptions and functions hosted by the state. During March, a special staging of Mela Chiragan festivities are done outstand the gardens’ walls. Thirty minutes after sunset, the first two terraces of the gardens are lighted, setting the gardens in a festive mood.

The ancient city was then divided into two portions – the Citadel and the lower city. In the Citadel, there was a public bath with elaborate brickwork decorating it and an advanced drainage system. An imposing veranda used to surround this part of the city. The lower city, meanwhile hosted a granary, residences and assembly halls. The streets were planned in a precise manner, with straight orientation and connecting all parts of the city.

The city suffered devastation when the Indus River changed its course. The whole civilization was submerged and after centuries, the ruins of what used to be a glorious city remains, attracting tourists from all around the globe. In 1922, it was rediscovered and excavated by an officer of India’s Archeological Society. If you have the chance to visit the place, you can marvel at the ruins that have though time been carefully reconstructed. Unfortunately, part of the city has been losing a lot of important archeological artifacts due to looting and illegal acts. A visit to the site’s museum will also provide fascinating insight into this city’s history.

When the word Pakistan is mentioned, tourists usually think of images of Muslim mosques, exotic South Asian tribes and harsh natural wonders. One of the major things that other people usually forget about Pakistan is that it is part of the Indus Valley, the birthplace of one of the oldest civilizations in the world. When in Pakistan, you can definitely revive the splendor of the ancient era by taking a visit to one of its most well-preserved antique towns, Taxila.

Any tourist who wants to bask in rich ancient histories will find Taxila interesting. This area, which has been awarded the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, should awaken the history nut in all of us. This ancient site is 35 kilometers away from the country’s capital, Islamabad. During ancient times, this town was famed for its philosophy and art. Nowadays, tourists flock to the area for its well-preserved structures. Archeologists from other countries go to Taxila to conduct some research on Indus civilization. This area is renowned for sculptures of the Gandhara type. Central Asians are also common in the area as there is a deep Buddhist tradition in Taxila. The fusion of Buddism, Islam, and olden cultures make the area rare, unique and enchanting.

Some things that are sure tourists attractions are two imposing monuments – that of Ashoka and Alexander, both of which date as far as 327 BC. There are also some interesting monuments from the Mauryan era. There are Pakistan packages that include tours to Taxila, which is sure to create a lot of great memories. Amaze at the grand ruins of the Dharmarajika stupa, the monastery in the area of Jaulian, and the monastery located in Mohra Muradu. Of course, a visit to the Taxila Museum is a must. There is a nearby hotel run by the national tourist department which is reasonably priced.