Awesome Pakistan’s Top 10 Places to Visit in 2024

Pakistan is a country known for its beautiful sightseeing and amazing geography all around the world. It has become a massive tourist attraction in the past few years.

The splendid and ancient buildings made in the Mughal empire, beautiful monuments, attractive lakes, and the surprising history of Pakistan is the reason why you should add Pakistan to your traveling list this year. 

So, when you visit Pakistan, here are some must-go places.

1. Badshahi Masjid:

Badshahi masjid is the 5th largest mosque in the world and 3rd largest in Pakistan. It is situated in the Walled city of Lahore in Pakistan. 

This majestic piece of art overlooks the whole walled inner city of Lahore.

Quick History:

Badshahi Masjid was the last Mughal monument built by Aurangzeb Alamgir in 1673 in Lahore.

Inspired by Jamia Masjid Delhi, the masjid took two years to complete.

It was also used by the British Army for a few years after the downfall of the Mughal Empire.

A “Badshahi Mosque Authority” was founded to supervise the restoration work at Badshahi Masjid. Later, it underwent another restoration phase after being handed over to Muslims.

Architecture:

The structure of Badshahi Masjid includes elegant white marble embossing, the Redstone, and entangled red and contrasted tiles.

Outside this giant mosque, you are greeted by a massive gate then you step into a big courtyard that can accommodate almost 100,000 people. After the courtyard, the lavish hall of the Masjid.

Minarets and Domes:

Badshahi Masjid has a total of 8 minarets. Four small-sized minarets are on the inner side of the mosque.  

There are 4 minarets of this mosque, every 60 meters. Each minaret top is covered with a marble canopy. 

There are 3 marble domes of Badshahi Masjid.

Prayer hall:

The two-story big prayer hall is decorated with floral embossing on white marble. The center of attention in the prayer hall is the main prayer chamber which is in the center.

Museum:

It has artifacts connected to our Holy Prophet (PBUH) like his turban, robe, shoes, some belongings of His family, and some copies of the Quran written in silver and gold.

Tickets:

The ticket price of Badshahi Masjid is 40 rupees but it may vary on different occasions.

Timings:

Badshahi Masjid remains open from 8 AM to 8 PM 7 days a week, the entire day usually till Isha prayer.

Eateries Nearby:

 The road to Badshahi Masjid interlinks with “Food Street” with a variety of cuisines like 

• Haveli Rooftop.
• Cooco’s Den.
• Shahi Baithak Restaurant.

 Whereas eating inside the Masjid, the prayer hall, the library, and the museum is not allowed. 

2. Lahore Fort:

Lahore is a city of charming and attractive metropolis. One of the most wonderful remains of the Mughal era is Lahore Fort.

History:

Lahore Fort is counted among the top 5 historical places in Pakistan.

It is famous for being almost entirely rebuilt in the 17th century as after conquering Lahore, the Mughal emperor Akbar gave a face to the unknown origin of the Lahore fort.

Architecture:

 Lahore Fort is the only ancient place in Pakistan that illustrates the different development phases of Mughal architecture.

The massively strong and secure walls of the Lahore fort speak eloquently of the days gone by.

Worth visiting places:

Sheesh, Mahal, and Alamgiri Gate are the 2 most famous places to visit in Lahore Fort. Sheesh, Mahal is a true work of magic,  covered with complex and elegant mirror work also known as Ayina Kari.

Alamgiri Gate, on the other hand, is the only Gate that allows local and foreign visitors to enter Lahore Fort.

World Heritage List:

Lahore Fort was nominated by the Government of Pakistan for the official recognition of historical landmarks of the country. And as a result, Lahore Fort was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites situated in Pakistan.

Shahi Qila Museum:

The museums inside Lahore Fort showcase important tools, armory, weapons that belong to the people of the Mughal era, and the preserved real horse of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

 Secret Chambers:

As reported, many hidden structures, chambers, tunnels, two cannons from the British era, and a ramp from the Mughal era have been found near Musamam Gate in Lahore.

Entry Tickets:

The entry fee for Shahi Qila is PKR 20 and PKR 100 for Sheesh Mahal.

Note: You can pay PKR 150 and hire a tour guide.

Timings:

The Lahore Fort is open 7 days a week for the public from 8:30 AM to 5 PM.

3. Faisal Masjid:

/ Photo By UnsplashFaisal Masjid considered one of the biggest mosques in the world is situated on the foothills of Margalla Hills in Islamabad.

Architecture:

This mosque lacks the typical domes and arches. The mosque is an illustration of a typical bedouin tent and consists of 8 sides made of concrete shell. 

Faisal Mosque is the ideal fusion of classic and modern Islamic architecture due to its angular frame body, tall minarets, well-kept courtyards, and pools with fountains.

It consists of a library, a lecture hall, a museum, and a cafe and can hold up to 10,000 people.

Layout:

The late King Faisal visited Pakistan in 1966 and expressed interest in constructing a mosque in Islamabad. 

An international competition was organized to select the mosque’s design, the Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay emerged victorious, and the mosque’s stunning but unusual design was allowed.

The mosque and the road connecting to the location were given the late King Faisal’s name. 

• Ticket and Rules:

The Faisal Mosque does not require a ticket or entrance fee. 

But here are a few rules:

• Must take off your shoes.
• Guests should dress modestly.
• Eating is not permitted anywhere inside the main hall.
• No non-Muslim tourists or guests are permitted in the main prayer hall.

4. Masjid Wazir Khan:

Coming back to the spellbound architecture of Lahore, Masjid Wazir Khan is the actual jewel in Lahore.

Architecture:

The mosque is rectangular in shape, with 4 traditional minarets with brickwork and tiles gracing the walls.

While walking down the streets of inner Lahore, it is impossible to miss the magnificent piece of art. It makes the heritage picture of Lahore even more colorful. This aesthetically pleasing masjid is known for its beautiful Kashi-kari and amazing interior that attracts tourists from across the globe.

Tickets:

There is no fixed ticket to enter Masjid Wazir Khan. 

5. Lake Saif-ul-Maluk:

Saif ul Maluk is the most beautiful and eye-pleasing lake in Kaghan Valley.

 It is situated at a height of 3,224 meters above sea level and offers the most splendid view of the peak of Malika Parbat.

A Glimpse of Fairytale:

Lake Saif ul Maluk holds a very beautiful story with the name of a legendary prince Saif ul Muluk from Egypt who fell in love with a princess named Badri ul Jamala at this lake.

Climate and Accessibility:

Most people may reach Jheel Saiful Malook in the summer, which lasts from May to mid-September. These months continue to have excellent weather. 

However, access is restricted in the winter because of the risk of landslides and heavy snowfall.

Things to do:

This location offers a wide range of interesting activities like Boating, glacier snow sliding, and horseback riding are all possibly close to the lake.

6. Kaghan Valley:

Located in the Mansehra district, Kaghan is the most beautiful tourist attraction in the northern areas of Pakistan because of the fairy meadows, pleasant climate, and flora fauna.

Shops:

Woolen clothing, handmade jewelry, sweaters, and embroidered rugs are well known in Naran-Kaghan Market.

Location and Destinations:

 Here are some worth visiting sights and destinations in Kaghan that you must not miss:

• Kawai
• Shogran
• Siri Paye
• Naran.

Local and foreign tourists can stay in the nearby resorts and hotels that give an equal scenic view of the valley.

7. Noor Mahal:

 Noor Mahal, also called the “Palace of Lights,” is the most iconic ancient place in Bahawalpur.

History:

Bahawalpur’s Noor Mahal was started in 1872 and was finished in 1875.

It was built by Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV also known as the “Shah Jahan of Bahawalpur” for his wife but she never lived in it.

Architecture:

The palace includes 32 rooms, 14 in the basement, spread across two levels and a basement.

Along with broad Stone pillars, the structure also features five domes that depict the traditional Islamic architecture of the sub-continent.

Library and Museum:

The museum has eight galleries and the library consists of 3 lac books and is Punjab’s second-largest library after Lahore. 

Timings:

Noor Mahal is open for all types of visitors, seven days a week from 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM.

Services and Tickets:

Noor Mahal is open for all visitors with low-cost tickets. The green parks around have a variety of food stalls. 

8. Derawar Fort:

Derawar Fort in Bahawalpur is one of Pakistan’s oldest forts and is situated amid the picturesque Cholistan Desert. 

Location and History:

It is about 130 kilometers away from Bahawalpur.

The ancient red-bricked building was constructed as a monument to Rawal Deoraj Bhatti, the ruler of the Jaisalmer and Bahawalpur regions.

Architecture and Design:

The walls of this fort are 30 meters high and it is made of millions of bricks.

Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert has 40 bastions and very unusual architecture.

Timings and entry fee:

Derawar Fort is open all days a week from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

There is no such entry fee for Derawar Fort.

9. Khewra Salt Mines:

The Khewra salt mines in the district of Jhelum in Pakistan are famous for the production of pink salt also known as Himalayan salt. 

Inside Khewra Mines:

The Khewra Mines consist of more than 40 kilometers of tunnels and 19 levels, with 7 above and 12 below the ground.

Salt-Made Replicas:

There are some salt-made replicas of:

• The Badshahi Mosque.
• Minar e Pakistan.
• Post office.
• Salt fountain.
• A Natural Healer:

People with respiratory conditions are claimed to benefit from the atmosphere created by the natural changes rock salt makes to the air inside the mines.

The PMDC built an underground asthma resort that has been drawing visitors from around the world.

Quick Info:

• The mine is open every day between 9 AM and 6 PM.
• Both locals and foreign visitors will pay minimal entry fees.
• There are both male and female guides available.

10. Kumrat Valley:

It is the most attractive spot to visit in Pakistan. It is famous for its large deodar forests which give Kumrat a fairytale ambiance.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Kumrat is in summer because of the enjoyable 20 degrees temperature and it is freezing in winter because of heavy snowfall.

Places to Stay:

Apparently, there are two choices for an overnight stay at this location: either rent a tent for PKR 2,500 per night or choose one of the resorts in Kumrat Valley.

These prices may change during the summer and winter tourist seasons, which happen twice a year.

Places to see:

There are literally dozens of places to see in Kumrat Valley. Wooden Canals, Badagoni Pass, Do Kala Chasma, Dojanga, Waterfall in Jahaz Banda, and Panjkora River, are some of the most beautiful spots.

End Note:

Pakistan attracts a number of tourists each year just because of its amazing history. You can find many helpful blogs regarding tourism in Pakistan.

So when you visit Pakistan this year, don’t forget to visit all these places as well.