Summers can get very long and boring at a certain point. However, if you happen to be in Pakistan this summer, here is a list of things that you can do to revitalize yourself and make the most of your time off work!
1. Trek to Rakaposhi Base Camp
This trek is located in the Northern Parts of Pakistan, in Nagar Valley, and can be easily accessed from the Karakoram highway. There are fixed camping sites here and it is a relatively easy trek. Plan a trip with a group of friends, take a break from the busy urban life, and enjoy nature.
2. Scuba Diving at Charna Island
Charna Island is located in Balochistan. It is a very popular scuba diving site due to the presence of coral reefs and a wide range of marine life around the island. There are many water sports groups and companies that organize weekly trips here, so do not forget to sign up and experience scuba diving in Pakistan this summer.
3. Super Savari Express Tour Bus
This tour bus operates in Karachi, and is the city’s first tour bus that shows you around the unseen and alternative sights on a typical Karachi colorful mini-bus. It is a great experience as it brings you much closer to the city and you see everything from an entirely different and refreshing lens.
4. Explore Makli
Makli is a small town in Sindh, an hour away from Karachi. The famous Chaukhandi tombs of various Balochi and Sindhi tribes such as the Jokhio tribe are located around this town. The tombs are a reputedly haunted sandstone necropolis, and are also known for their exquisite and elaborate carvings. And the town of Makhli itself has a very ancient and mystic touch to it and thus should be on your list of things to do or experience. Especially if you are into history and the arts!
5. Visit the Katas Raj Temple
Katas Raj is a 900-year-old Hindu temple complex located in the Chakwal district of Punjab. It is a temple dedicated to Hindu Lord Shiva and according to Hindu mythology this complex existed since the days of the Mahabharata. This is a site that must be explored if one wants to understand the pre-partition history of South Asia, and understand the aspect of the intertwining of religions and sub-cultures that took place centuries ago.
6. Spend a day in Saidpur Village
Saidpur is a Mughal-era village located on the slopes of Margalla Hills in the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad. Footprints of various civilizations can be found in this village; such as Mughal, Greek, Gandhara, and Ashoka. The village was remodeled in 2009, in order to attract more tourists. It now consists of a preserved Sufi tomb, preserved Hindu temple, an art gallery, and many restaurants and cafes. A day spent in Saidpur would definitely be an exhilarating and wholesome one.
