As India, Pakistan mull opening of tourist visas, a look at the must-see places in Pakistan
Katasraj Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this Hindu temple in the Chakwal district of Punjab takes its name from the village where it stands - Katas. Legend traces its origins back to the Mahabharata era and it is said that it provided refuge to the Pandavas during a good part of their exile.
The temple had been in a sorry state of disrepair till the Pakistan government in 2006-07 decided to step in and take concrete steps to reverse the ravages of time and restore it to old glory. It has even been considered for nomination as a World Heritage Site.
Katasraj temple
The temple complex houses the Satgraha, a group of seven ancient temples, remains of a Buddhist stupa, a few medieval temples, havelis and some newer temples, scattered around a pond considered holy.
However, in recent times there has been serious concern over the drying up of this natural pond, largely due to rampant industrial activity in the vicinity and the consequent depletion of groundwater.
Taxila
An important Hindu and Buddhist centre, Taxila was a great centre of learning which attracted students from far off lands. It came under Buddhist, Greek, and Persian influence, remnants of which remain.
Bearing the tag of one of the ancient universities of India, Taxila, deriving its name from Taksa, the great gransdon of Bharata, is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO that lies 30 km from Islamabad. The capital of the Buddhist kingdom of Gandhara, it came under Persian rule in 326 BC and was later ceded to Alexander the Great. The Huns destroyed it around the 5th century BC.
In this photo: A Pakistani herder sits with his cattle at an ancient place of worship at Taxila in Punjab province on April 3, 2012, which were unearthed at an ancient village that was discovered by archaeologists.
Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee looks at stone carving from the Sixth Century B.C Ghandara Civilzation at Taxila some 30 Kms west of Islamabad, 14 January 2007. Mukherjee was in Pakistan to extend an invitation to Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz for the three-day 14th SAARC Summit to be held in New Delhi from 02-04 April 2007.
Mohenjo-daro
Mohenjo-daro or 'mound of the dead' in Sindha, was a huge settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization at around 2600 BC. One of the earliest well-organized habitations known to mankind, the excavations at the site reveal it to have been one of the most advanced townships in South Asia.
The city was an engineering marvel and its planned layout talks of sophisticated town planning. Mohenjo-daro is also a World Heritage Site. A bronze statuette of a 'dancing girl', said to be about 4500 years old, is the most famous face relating to Mohenjo-daro, which was excavated in 1926.
Mohenjo-daro
Mohenjo-daro or 'mound of the dead' in Sindha, was a huge settlement of the Indus Valley Civilization at around 2600 BC.
Khyber Pass
Part of the ancient silk route, Khyber Pass links Peshawar in Pakistan with Kabul in Afghanistan. The mountain pass is part of the Hindu Kush range and has been the trade route between South and Central Asia.
The Khyber Pass, at an elevation of 1070 metres, is the route through which the Aryans came to India, it is said. Alexander the Great and the series of Muslim invasions took place through the pass. One can have a glimpse of the famous Pashtun hospitality, culture, and cuisine, as it is they who mostly live here.
In this photo: An Afghan drives his horses through the Khyber Pass 04 October 2001 near the Pakistan-Afghan border. The Pakistan authority closed the border to stop the influx of Afghan refugees.
Khyber Pass
Sachin Tendulkar poses for a photograph during the Indian cricket team's visit to Khyber Pass near Peshawar February 4, 2006. Picture taken on February 4, 2006. Reuters
K2 (Northern Himalayan mountain ranges)
Snow-clad peaks, lead by K2, at 8611 metres, is the highest mountain in the world, running in northern Pakistan. Pristine valleys and glaciers make it a tourist paradise. The folk costumes, dances and culture of the people in these areas make travelling here a unique experience.
The area also has some of the longest glaciers outside of the Polar region including the Siachen. The beautiful Swat Valley, made notorious by the Taliban, is part of the Hindu Kush range in the region. Shandur pass here houses the world's highest polo ground.
In this photo: The world's second tallest mountain K-2 is seen in the Himalayan Karakoram ranges of Pakistan, in this undated handout photo provided by Pakistan Tourism office in Islamabad July 28, 2004.
K2
Picture taken 14 July 2004 shows two tourist buses making their way through the Himalayan Karakoram ranges, in the outskirts of Skardu, some 300 kms north of Islamabad. Italy's agriculture minister Alemanno flew to the base camp of the world's second highest mountain, K2, 26 July 2004 to join expeditions celebrating the 50th anniversary of its conquest by Italian climbers. K2, which is 8,611 meters (28,416 feet) high and known locally as Chogori or 'King of Mountains', towers over the majestic Karakorams on the border of Pakistan and China. It was first conquered by Italian climbers Lino Lacedelli and Achille Compagnoni at sunset 31 July 1954.
Kalash Valley
Nestled in remote locations of Chitral District in the North West Frontier Province, the customs and lifestyle of the people of the Kalash Valley is like none other in the country. They are said to be the descendents of Alexander the Great. Some historians hold that they hail from Nuristan of Afghanistan.
Their language has an Indo-European genesis with several dialects. Folklore, songs and epics abound as part of their oral tradition. They have quaint festivals and funeral rites, all of which makes a visit to their habitation an interesting experience.
In this photo: Kalasha women stand outside their house at the Kalash valleys of Rumbur, 350 kilometres north of Peshawar, September 30, 2001. The Kalash valleys lie close the Afghan border, with a population of 10,000 inhabitants, of whom less than a third are Kalasha. These valleys are the last enclave to withstand conversion to Islam in the Afghanistan-Pakistan area. Reuters
Kalash Valley
Easter Bibi, 22, a member of the Kalash community, sits outside her house in Krakal village, located in Bumboret Kalash valley October 11, 2011. Nestled among the valleys of Pakistan's mountainous northwest, the Kalash are a tiny religious community that claim descent from Alexander the Great's army, and say they are under increasing pressure to convert to Islam. The Kalash, who number about 3,500 in Pakistan's population of 180 million, are spread over three valleys along the border with Afghanistan and are known for their distinctive dress, vibrant religious festivals, and polytheism. Reuters
Makran coast
Makran, a partial desert coastal strip in Balochistan, has some of the best and unspoiled beaches in the world. Running along the Arabian Sea, the coastline is envisaged as a centre for surfing and scuba diving.
The rugged mountain strip and quiet fishing villages enhance its appeal as a remote and isolated tourist destination.
In this photo: The popular Seaview Beach in Karachi lies deserted on June 5, 2010
Pakistani onlookers and revellers throng the popular Seavies beach along the Arabian Sea as high tides lash its shores in Karachi on June 4, 2010.
Lahore
The capital of Punjab, Lahore has much more to it than being just 25 km away from the Wagah border. Lying on the Ravi river, Lahore has a rich cultural history that begs to be savoured. Culturally vibrant, the bazaars in the lanes and alleys of the city sell traditional ware such as hand-embroidered clothes, fabrics, leather good, trinkets, glass bangles, and beaten gold and silver jewelry.
Full of mausoleums and monuments, the Shalimar Gardens, Lahore Fort and the Minar-e-Pakistan are three major tourist spots in a city also known for its food street, Gowalmandi, where the best of traditional Pakistani cuisine is available.
In this photo: A general view of the 500-year-old Lahore Fort in Lahore March 10, 2007. Picture taken March 10, 2007. Reuters
Lahore
Pakistani tourists leave the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore on February 13, 2010. Construction of the Badshahi Mosque was ordered in May 1671 by the sixth Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, who assumed the title 'Alamgir', meaning 'Conqueror of the World.
Karachi is the largest city, and the main seaport and financial centre of Pakistan and was the original capital of Pakistan until Islamabad was constructed. Karachi was known to the ancient Greeks by the name: Krokola, the place where Alexander the Great camped to prepare a fleet for Babylonia after his campaign in the Indus Valley.
In 1864, the first telegraphic message was sent from India to England, when a direct telegraph connection was laid between Karachi (then in India) and London.
In this photo: In this February 3, 2010 photograph, Pakistani motorists pass the British-era built Merewether Tower located in Karachi's most heavily trafficated intersection.
Karachi
A Pakistani man sets up lights on the St Patrick Church in Karachi, 24 December 2007, on the eve of Christmas.
Lake Saiful Muluk
In this photograph taken on July 23, 2009 tourists explore the vastness of Lake Saiful Muluk in the Kaghan Valley of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province. At an altitude of 3,224 metres (10,578 feet) and regarded amongst the highest lakes in Pakistan, it has become the major attraction for tourists after Taliban militants menaced the northwestern Swat valley, which was a haven for foreigners and local holidaymakers. Saiful Muluk, surrounded by multiple glaciers all around the high basin which feed the lake, is worldwide considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Lake Saiful Muluk
In this photograph taken on July 23, 2009 tourists gather at Lake Saiful Muluk in the Kaghan Valley of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province.