PAKISTAN

Pakistan lies along the old Silk Road, yet remains one of Asia’s least visited countries. Its landscapes are dramatic – the Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush meet in the north, creating some of the world’s highest peaks, deep valleys and serene lakes, while centuries of Mughal rule (16th-18th century) left a legacy of architectural masterpieces. Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, is a Mughal jewel, home to Lahore Fort and the Persian-style Shalimar Gardens – together one of Pakistan’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites – as well as the tomb of Mughal Emperor Jahangir and the mosaic-covered Wazir Khan Mosque. Other wonders include Multan in southern Punjab, dotted with sufi shrines; Taxila in northern Punjab, where Buddhist ruins reveal a university that once welcomed scholars from across Asia; and Islamabad, the modern, planned capital of Pakistan. On the eastern border, you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Wagah, a spirited display of national pride.
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