<strong>Lahore, Pakistan: </strong>The second largest city of Pakistan and the capital of Punjab province, Lahore may be one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world.
Lahore, Pakistan: The second largest city of Pakistan and the capital of Punjab province, Lahore may be one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world.
Wild Frontiers
<strong>A hidden gem: </strong>"As one of the most historically rich, and culturally important, cities on the whole of the subcontinent -- yet without the curse of mass tourism -- it represents one of the most exciting and vibrant travel destinations in the region," says Jonny Bealby, founder of Wild Frontiers, a tour operator based in the UK and US that's been running trips to Pakistan for 20 years.
A hidden gem: "As one of the most historically rich, and culturally important, cities on the whole of the subcontinent -- yet without the curse of mass tourism -- it represents one of the most exciting and vibrant travel destinations in the region," says Jonny Bealby, founder of Wild Frontiers, a tour operator based in the UK and US that's been running trips to Pakistan for 20 years.
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<strong>The next emerging travel destination: </strong>With Pakistan enjoying improved security, visitors are starting to rediscover the city's treasures. Lahore plays a major role in putting Pakistan back onto the tourist map.
The next emerging travel destination: With Pakistan enjoying improved security, visitors are starting to rediscover the city's treasures. Lahore plays a major role in putting Pakistan back onto the tourist map.
Wild Frontiers
<strong>Mughal treasure trove: </strong>Ruled by the Mughals, a Turkic dynasty from Central Asia that established its rule on the Indian subcontinent in 1526, Lahore boasts more Mughal architectural masterpieces than either Delhi or Agra.
Mughal treasure trove: Ruled by the Mughals, a Turkic dynasty from Central Asia that established its rule on the Indian subcontinent in 1526, Lahore boasts more Mughal architectural masterpieces than either Delhi or Agra.
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<strong>Badshahi Mosque: </strong>Built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1674, to commemorate great victories in the south of his empire, the massive pink-red Badshahi Mosque is arguably Pakistan's most iconic building. It was the world's largest mosque for centuries.
Badshahi Mosque: Built by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1674, to commemorate great victories in the south of his empire, the massive pink-red Badshahi Mosque is arguably Pakistan's most iconic building. It was the world's largest mosque for centuries.
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<strong>The Old City:</strong> Next to the fort and Badshahi Mosque, the Walled or Old City is a sprawling warren of bazaars divided into large quartiers of formerly glorious, now decaying old townhouses.
The Old City: Next to the fort and Badshahi Mosque, the Walled or Old City is a sprawling warren of bazaars divided into large quartiers of formerly glorious, now decaying old townhouses.
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<strong>Restoration in progress: </strong>You'll see recent efforts to renovate the Old City upon arrival. Several alleys have been tidied up, electricity wires buried and sewage troughs covered.
Restoration in progress: You'll see recent efforts to renovate the Old City upon arrival. Several alleys have been tidied up, electricity wires buried and sewage troughs covered.
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<strong>Wazir Khan Mosque:</strong> Its magical exterior and interior tile and fresco work, the newly renovated 17th-century Wazir Khan Mosque exudes refinement.
Wazir Khan Mosque: Its magical exterior and interior tile and fresco work, the newly renovated 17th-century Wazir Khan Mosque exudes refinement.
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<strong>The Cathedral Church of Resurrection: </strong>To see one of the best examples of how the British Empire period influenced the city's architecture, head along the Mall Road to Lahore Central Museum. Located on Mall Road, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral Church of Resurrection is one of the examples.
The Cathedral Church of Resurrection: To see one of the best examples of how the British Empire period influenced the city's architecture, head along the Mall Road to Lahore Central Museum. Located on Mall Road, the Neo-Gothic Cathedral Church of Resurrection is one of the examples.
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<strong>Lahore Fort: </strong>As you walk through the fort's honeycomb of intricately carved arches, sandstone pavilions and palaces, you'll be surrounded by the architectural style born in Akbar's reign. It became the hallmark of Mughal culture -- a fusion of Hindu and Islamic traditions, which reached its zenith in the Taj Mahal.
Lahore Fort: As you walk through the fort's honeycomb of intricately carved arches, sandstone pavilions and palaces, you'll be surrounded by the architectural style born in Akbar's reign. It became the hallmark of Mughal culture -- a fusion of Hindu and Islamic traditions, which reached its zenith in the Taj Mahal.
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<strong>Data Darbar: </strong>To get to the city's heart, go just before dusk to the shrine of the 11th-century mystic Data Ganj Bakhsh ('Lavish Giver'), not far from the museum and the Old City.
Data Darbar: To get to the city's heart, go just before dusk to the shrine of the 11th-century mystic Data Ganj Bakhsh ('Lavish Giver'), not far from the museum and the Old City.
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