Category: Culturepaksitan

UK paves road for Pakistan travel

ISLAMABAD.: 

More than six months after British Airways resumed operations to Pakistan, the United Kingdom on Friday relaxed its travel advisory for the country in a major step welcomed by Islamabad as “great news”.

The UK changed its travel advice for Pakistan in almost five years, allowing its citizens to travel by road to the north of Pakistan as well as the scenic Kalash and Bamboret valleys, the UK High Commission in Islamabad said on Friday.

The first major update of the travel advice by Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) since 2015 is the result of a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s security situation based on a wide-ranging assessment of the country’s security situation.

Pakistan has made tremendous strides towards bettering the internal security situation. In June, British Airways resumed operations to Pakistan after 11 years of suspension, when the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner touched down at Islamabad International Airport.

Climate change in focus as royal couple visits Chitral

In October, Pakistan rolled out red carpet for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as the royal couple undertook an array of engagements over five days, which took them as far as Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

A statement issued by the British High Commission on Friday mentioned the return of British Airways to Pakistan and the visit by Prince William and his wife Catherine, as major milestones in the “improved security situation” in Pakistan.

“The improved security situation allowed for the return of British Airways to Pakistan in June 2019 and the visit by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in October 2019,” it said. “Among other changes, the advice now allows for travel by road to the North of Pakistan as well as the Kalash and Bamboret Valleys,” the high commission said.

The announcement follows the arrival of Dr Christian Turner, as the new high commissioner to Pakistan. “Following my arrival in December 2019, I made this review of the travel advice a priority,” the statement quoted Turner as saying.

“It is great credit to the hard work of the Government of Pakistan in delivering improved security over the past five years. I am delighted that British nationals will be able to see more of what Pakistan has to offer,” he added.

Previously, Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice put travel restriction on the full route from Islamabad to Gilgit.

However, Friday’s update reduces the restriction on section of the Karakoram Highway between Mansehra and Chilas alone. “Travellers may bypass this section by taking the alternative route through the Kaghan Valley and Babusar Pass,” it said.

The FCO advised against all travel to most of Balochistan, including Quetta. “This is except for the southern coast of Balochistan, including the city of Gwadar, where the FCO advises against all but essential travel,” it added.

‘Great news’

Friday’s announcement was warmly welcomed by the Pakistani leadership, who described it as a major step towards the government’s efforts to boost tourism, attract foreign investment and further strengthen relations with the UK.

“This is great news as it will address two most important economic issues facing Pakistan today: employment & our current account deficit, by bringing in tourism & investment which in turn will provide employment opportunities especially for our youth,” Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also lauded the announcement. “This change in travel advice is encouraging … [and] will further strengthen Pakistan-UK relations,” he wrote in a tweet.

“Pakistan; land of peace and progress with incredible natural beauty, warmth & hospitality. This change in travel advice is encouraging, the first major update to the UK’s travel advisory to Pakistan since 2015. This will further strengthen Pakistan-UK relations. Welcome to Pakistan.”

Earlier, Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said in a statement that the government and the people of Pakistan welcomed the FCO’s announcement of relaxing its travel advice for the British nationals for Pakistan.

“A positive step forward, forging even stronger and closer people-to-people links between Pakistan and the UK,” she said on Twitter. “Look forward to welcoming more tourists, investors, academics and other visitors from the UK.”

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan in a meeting with High Commissioner Turner, termed the British government’s decision “vital” step towards boosting tourism activities in Pakistan.

“Pakistan is now open to the world, with peaceful and welcoming environment,” she said during the meeting. High Commissioner Turner said the travel advisory revision would pave the way for enhanced travel and connectivity between the two countries.

“I have been to the UNESCO sites and amazed to see the tourism potential of Pakistan,” Turner said, adding the credit went to the government of Pakistan under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan for ensuring better security conditions in the country.

The FCO provides travel advice based on objective information to help British nationals make better informed decisions about foreign travel. In 2018, there were an estimated 484,000 visits by British nationals to Pakistan. There are 22 weekly direct flights to the UK.

incediblepakistan.com

Kalash Festival

Kalash Festivals

Kalash Festivals

Kalash Valley Festival refers to the festivals celebrated by the Kalashi people in the Kalash valley of Pakistan. There are three major festivals celebrated in the valley. Follow are the festivals celebrated each year.
1. Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival (Spring Season)
2. Kalash Uchal Festival (Summer Season)
3. Kalash Choimus Festival (Winter Season)

Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival

Chilam Joshi is also known as Kalash spring festival. Chilam Joshi festival is held in three Kalash valleys, Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur where Kalash girls and boys dance to the tune of traditional drum beats.

Chilam Joshi celebrations highlight their cultural richness, the plethora of colors and the underlying message of peace.  The women dressed up in traditional clothes of vibrant colors, gold, silver jewelers and elaborate headgear. Men wear traditional shalwar kameez with a woolen waistcoat.

Kalashi festivals are famous throughout the world. Three festivals are more important, celebrated in different months of the year. Chilam Joshi is the most important festival celebrated in May for four days. Uchal festival held in autumn season and Choimos festival in midwinters.

Chilam Joshi festival starts at Rumbur valley and then moves on to other valleys of Kalash. In this festival, Kalashi people pray for the safeguard of their fields and animals before going to their fields and for this purpose they used to spread milk on their Gods. The festival brought smiles on the unmarried Kalasha boys and girls faces who during the festival get an opportunity to choose their life partners. They announce their life partners name on the last day of the festival. Let See The Kalash valley festival dates Schedule.

Pakistan Culture Tours Itineraries

19 Days Karachi Mohen Jo Daro, Multan,  Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Swat Gilgit & Hunza Tour

Day 01 Meet on arrival and Transfer to Hotel. Afternoon Sightseeing tour of Karachi Visit Jinnah Mausoleum Defense Mosque, Clifton Beach, Dhobi Ghat and Bohri Bazaar Overnight at Hotel
Day 02 Morning Full day tour of Thatta. Visit Chaukundi, Banbhore, Makli & Shahjehan mosque, Afternoon Continue to Hyderabad (Visit the Nara canal and traces of the lower rivers enroute) Dinner & Overnight.
Day 03 Drive to Larkana via Bhit Shah & Kot DG. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 Morning tour of Moen Jo Daro visit site & museum later visit Larkana afternoon drive to Sukkur Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Drive to Bahawalpur enroute visit the Blue mosque of Bhong Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Morning tour of Uch Sharief continue to Multan afternoon Tour of Multan Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Drive to Lahore via Harappa Overnight at hotel in Lahore.
Day 08 Morning tour of Lahore Visit Lahore Museum in detail, Delhi gate Bazaar, Wazir Khan Mosque, and Anarkali mosque. Afternoon Drive to Islamabad On arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel
Day 09 Morning sightseeing of Twin cities Rawalpindi & Islamabad, Visit the Shah Faisal Mosque, an excellent Model of the Modern Muslim architecture, Shakaparian View point, Folk heritage museum, after that drive through the government buildings and visit the Raja bazaar Overnight at Hotel
Day 10 Drive to Besham via Taxila Visit Julian & Sirkap archeological sites and the site museum On arrival at Besham transfer PTDC Motel Besham. Overnight at Hotel
Day 11 Leave for Gilgit driving along the Karakorum Highway. Stop at several photogenic spots and Shatial Rock drawing from 4th to 8th century. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 12 After a short tour of Gilgit Drive to Hunza on arrival transfer to Baltit Inn Hotel. Evening walk through the bazaar of Hunza and visit Altit Fort Overnight at Hotel .
Day 13 Morning Excursion to Nagar Village Afternoon free Overnight at Hotel.
Day 14 Drive to Chilas Visiting different villages on the way Overnight at Hotel.
Day 15 Drive to Swat via Shangla pass. Arrive Hotel Serena Swat late in the evening Overnight at Hotel.
Day 16 Full day tour of the valley of swat Visit Kalam, Madyan, Bahrain & Mingora Bazaar for Shopping Overnight at hotel.
Day 17 Drive 170 KMs to Peshawar. Visit Takht Bhai the most well preserved monastery of Pakistan. On arrival transfer to Shelton Green Hotel Overnight at Hotel
Day 18 Morning at leisure afternoon Tour of Peshawar Evening flight to Karachi On arrival transfer to hotel
Day 19 Transfer to airport for flight to your next destination.

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7 Days Pakistan Cities Culture tour

Day 01 Meet on arrival and Transfer to Hotel. Afternoon Sightseeing tour of Karachi Visit Jinnah Mausoleum Defense Mosque, Clifton Beach, and Bohri Bazaar Overnight at Hotel
Day 02 Morning transfer to airport for flight to Lahore On arrival transfer to hotel Lahore. Afternoon visit the Lahore fort, Badshahi Mosque and Shalimar gardens. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 Morning Drive to Rawalpindi On arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel
Day 04 Morning Afternoon sightseeing of Twin cities Rawalpindi & Islamabad, Visit the Shah Faisal Mosque, an excellent Model of the Modern Muslim architecture, Shakaparian View point, Folk heritage museum, after that drive through the government buildings and visit the Raja bazaar Overnight at Hotel
Day 05 Transfer to Airport for flight to Quetta Meet on arrival afternoon city tour of Quetta . Overnight at Serena hotel.
Day 06 Transfer to airport for flight to Karachi afternoon crabbing tour Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 Transfer to airport for flight to home

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8 Days South Pakistan Bird Watching, Archeology and desert culture tour

Day 01 Meet on arrival at Karachi airport transfer to hotel. Afternoon city tour of Karachi overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Morning drive to Keenjher lake enroute visit Chaukundi, the Haleji lake bird sanctuary, Makli and Shahjehan mosque, On arrival at Keenjher meet your wildlife guide from WWF to see the birds boat trip to the island in the lake overnight at rest house.
Day 03 Early morning sunrise boating in the Keenjher lake later drive to Hyderabad. Afternoon tour of Hyderabad overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Drive to Sukkur via Bhit Shah overnight at hotel.
Day 05 Full day Excursion to Moen Jo Daro overnight at hotel.
Day 06 Drive to Derawar fort visit the fort overnight at the village rest house.
Day 07 Early morning visit the desert on camels. At noon time drive to Uch Sharief visit the tombs and continue to Multan overnight at hotel.
Day 08 Flight to Lahore or Karachi to continue your onward flight.

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7 Days Pakistan Cities Karachi Quetta Lahore Peshawar Islamabad

Day 01 Meet on arrival and Transfer to Hotel. Afternoon Sightseeing tour of Karachi Visit Jinnah
Mausoleum Defense Mosque, Clifton Beach, and Bohri Bazaar Overnight at Hotel
Day 02 Breakfast at hotel. Morning transfer to airport for flight to Quetta On arrival transfer to hotel Lahore. Afternoon tour of Quetta visit The Museum Bazaar and Hanna lake overnight at hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 Morning transfer to airport for flight to Lahore On arrival transfer to hotel Lahore. Afternoon visit the Lahore fort, Badshahi Mosque and Shalimar gardens. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 Breakfast at Hotel. Morning Drive to Rawalpindi On arrival transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel
Day 05 Breakfast at hotel . Morning Afternoon sightseeing of Twin cities Rawalpindi & Islamabad, Visit the Shah Faisal Mosque, an excellent Model of the Modern Muslim architecture, Shakaparian View point, Folk heritage museum, after that drive through the government buildings and visit the Raja bazaar Overnight at Hotel
Day 06 Drive to Peshawar enroute visit Taxila overnight at hotel
Day 07 Morning tour of Peshawar visit Kissa Khawani bazaar, Sarafa bazaa, Mohabat Khan mosque and Peshawar, afternoon transfer to Islamabad airport for flight to home

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8 Days Pakistan China Silkroad tour

Day 01 Arrival Karachi City tour later transfer back to airport for flight to Peshawar. Overnight at Pearl Continental Hotel.
Day 02 Morning Excursion to Khyber pass Afternoon city tour of Peshawar. Overnight.
Day 03 Drive to Swat via Takht Bhai one of the most well preserved Buddhist monastery dating back to 2nd Century AD Over night at Swat Serena Hotel.
Day 04 Full day tour of the valley of Swat overnight.
Day 05 Drive to Chilas Via Karakorum Highway. Overnight at Panorama Hotel.
Day 06 Drive to Hunza via Gilgit Overnight at PTDC Motel.
Day 07 Day at leisure in Hunza. Overnight.
Day 08 Drive to Taxkorgan to continue a tour in China.

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11 Days Pakistan Silk Road to combine with China & central Asia

Day 01 Arrive Islamabad transfer to Pearl Continental Hotel Rawalpindi. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 Morning tour of Islamabad Afternoon drive to Peshawar overnight at Grand hotel.
Day 03 Morning Excursion to Khyber pass Afternoon tour of Peshawar Overnight at hotel
Day 04 Drive to Swat via Malakand pass Overnight at Swat Serena Hotel.
Day 05 Full day in Swat valley overnight at hotel. Day 06 Full day tour of Swat.
Day 06 Drive Chilas Overnight at Panorama Hotel
Day 07 Drive to Hunza enroute visit Rakaposhi viewpoint Overnight at Baltit inn Hotel
Day 08 Excursion by jeep to Nagar Valley Overnight at Hotel
Day 09 Full day Excursion to Khunjerab pass overnight at hotel.
Day 10 Full day at leisure. Walk in the valley. overnight at hotel.
Day 11 Drive to Taxkorgan to start the tour of China.

18 days major Tribal South Pakistan

Day 01 Arrival at Islamabad Overnight at Hotel
Day 02 Transfer to Peshawar via Taxila Sightseeing tour of Taxila Overnight at Hotel
Day 03 Full day excursion to Takht Bahi
Day 04 Flight to Lahore Overnight at Hotel
Day 05 Full day Sightseeing tour of Lahore Overnight at Hotel
Day 06 Train to Multan Overnight at Hotel
Day 07 Drive to Bahawalpur Overnight at Hotel
Day 08 Full day tour of Derawar fort & Chanan Pir in the desert of Cholistan.
Day 09 Train to Quetta Overnight at Hotel
Day 10 Full day Sightseeing tour in Quetta.
Day 11 Drive to Sukkur via Bolan Pass Overnight at Hotel
Day 12 Full day in Sukkur visit house boats Hindu temples etc Overnight at Hotel
Day 13 Drive to Manchar lake via Moen-Jo-Daro Overnight at Hotel on the House boats
Day 14 Full day float in the lake to see Boat villages Overnight at Hotel House Boats.
Day 15 Drive to Hyderabad via Sehwan Overnight at Hotel
Day 16 Drive to Thatta later continue to Karachi Overnight at Hotel
Day 17 Full day tour of Karachi Overnight at Hotel
Day 18 Departure

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9 Days Pakistan to Combine with India

Day 01 Arrive Islamabad Drive to swat Overnight at Serena Hotel .
Day 02 Full day tour of Swat valley. Overnight at Serena
Day 03 Drive to Besham Overnight at PTDC Hotel
Day 04 Drive to Abbottabad Via Nathiagali Overnight at Pearl Cont:: Abbottabad.
Day 05 Drive to Peshawar Overnight at Hotel .
Day 06 Tour of Khyber pass Overnight at Hotel
Day 07 Flight to Lahore Half day tour Overnight at Hotel
Day 08 AM Sightseeing tour of Lahore PM drive to Wagah witness the flag raising ceremony Overnight at PTDC Wagah.
Day 09 Transfer to India.

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5 Days soft Adventure tour

Day 01 Flight to Bahawalpur on arrival transfer to PTDC hotel for Overnight.
Day 02 Drive to Derawar fort via Uch Sharief Visit the fort and mosque later board on the camels to go around the nearby villages in Cholistan Desert Overnight in Camp.
Day 03 Drive to Bahawalpur via Uch Sharief Overnight PTDC .
Day 04 Drive to Multan Visit the famous shrines of Shah Rukn e Alam, Sh. Bahauddin Zakaria and Shah Shams Tabrez Afternoon visit the Multan ceramics factory. Overnight at Holiday inn Multan
Day 05 Flight to Karachi.

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