We make so many plans for every break that we get. Yahaan jayein ge, woh kerein ge. But they never seem to work out. And it’s usually because nobody knows what to do. Ek insaan kitni daffa movie dekhne ya khana khanney ja sakta hai?
Let’s stop being lazy and actually go through with the plans we make, for once. And what better than a road trip with your closest friends? Sure you’d have disagreements along the way, but that’s what makes y’all so tight, no?
Here are top picks for the ultimate road trip destinations all within Pakistan:
1. Fairy Meadows, Gilgit-Baltistan
Peace, serenity, and the vast expanse of the sky above you. And then there’s unlimited options for fun: bonfires, camping, or just a night under the stars.
2. Dhaba hopping in Lahore
3. Camping outside Derawar Fort, Cholistan Desert
Probably one of the most underrated destinations in Pakistan. And definitely worth the travel.
4. Visiting Noor Mahal in Bahawalpur
One of Bahawalpur’s best kept secrets, it is currently under the possession of the Pakistan Army, who looks after it’s maintenance (so it has to be well kept, inni?) and is open to public. Also if daddy knows anyone, you can probably stay the night, too.
5. And while you’re at it, visit Darbar Mahal, too.
Near Noor Mahal, it boasts of the city’s old darbari heritage. Go and live the actual ~high~ life.
6. You could also head on over to the metropolis, itself and explore it
Karachi ke pass samandar hai, and also a hundred other places to visit!
7. Discover Lahore in all its glory
Lahore will surprise you every step of the way, so why not embrace the whole situation and let it roll out?
9. Rakaposhi Base Camp, Nagar
If you can brave the cold, and if the adventurist inside you has been itching to get out, head on over to this magnificent specimen of nature!
10. Pir Sohawa, Islamabad
You, your best friends, and the whole city in front of you.
11. Visit the Qissa Khawani Bazaar, Peshawar
Literally translated to the Market of Story Tellers, the Qissa Khawani Bazaar is rich in heritage and history. The name dates back to the second century when merchants would come to trade in the day and gather around a fire and tell stories at night. Actors Dilip Kumar, Raj Kapoor, and Shahrukh Khan also hail from the same muhalla.
12. Katas Raj Temple, Choa Saidan Shah
According to Hindu mythology, the green pond of clear water was formed with the tears of Lord Shiva, shed when his wife, Satti, passed away. History also has it that the heroes of the Mahabharata, the five Pandava brothers, stayed at this temple for a significant period of time when they were in exile. The temple itself is big enough for one to get lost in it, and tbh, the beauty of it all is if you do.
13. And Khewra and Kallar Kahar at the same time
visit Kallar Kahar, and the grand Khewra Salt Mines while you’re there
14. Ranikot Fort, Sindh
Known as the Great Wall of Sindh, this mysterious fort is hailed to be one of the biggest forts in the world.
15. Churna Islands, Sindh
This place is insane. It’s a small uninhabited island where you get scuba diva, cliff diving, snorkeling, cave exploration, and jet skiing. Head on over if you want a crazy start to the new years. And it’s a nice break away from Khanpur, where it can get a little public, at times.
But if you don’t have time for all that just yet, why don’t you begin your journey by checking out Pakistan’s first digital movie for the beautiful stills of Pakistan.
This post has been sponsored by djuice.