A trip to Pakistan is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The brilliant architecture, distinct culture, and unforgettable scenery are worth the trip. There are, of course, a few outstanding sights that should find their way to the top of your itinerary. Some because they’re beautiful, some because they’re breathtaking, and some because they’ll simply give you cause for pause. Add some to your itinerary, and keep your eyes peeled for the rest!

Badshahi Masjid Lahore

Badshahi Masjid Lahore loosely translates to “one more angel” and is the second largest mosque in the country of Pakistan. Located in the city of Lahore, the mosque was built in 1674 and can hold up to an astounding 55,000 people at a time.

This particular mosque was built during the reign of Emperor Aurenzeb, who is fondly remembered as the last of the Mughal rulers. Build adjacent to the Lajore Fort, the mosque incurred a great deal of damage later on during the Sikh Rule and was once even used as a horse stable. At one point Muslims weren’t even allowed to worship within the mosque’s walls, forced to gather in a small place on the lawn.

After the British took control of India they used the mosque as a place to practice shooting and store their cannons. They even went as far as demolishing one of the walls to prevent the Muslims from using it as a place to gather to discuss their anti-British sentiments. Later the British returned the mosque to the Muslims, who then spent hundreds of years carrying out extensive repairs. The mosque undergoes constant construction and change to this day.

Seaview Beach

On the shores of Karachi, Pakistan you’ll find a beach that is considered one of the most safe and peaceful in the country. Even during times of political unrest, citizens from all over Pakistan flock to Seaview Beach and the surrounding areas to relax and enjoy time spent with their families and friends.

Visitors may bask in the warm sun or swim in the Arabian Sea. Those who prefer to be a bit more active may enjoy horse or camel rides along the beach, visiting the local amusement parks, or simply relaxing in one of the area’s finest restaurants.

At one point the people of Karachi had very little entertainment aside from the beach. In recent years new cinema houses (or movie theatres) were built and international films are frequently released there. The cinema houses built in this area are for families only. In Pakistan this means that men are not allowed to attend, either alone or with other men, unless they are with a family, a female, or a child.

Camel Caravan

For hundreds of years the camel was the primary mode of transportation throughout Pakistan. The camel has the unique ability to survive the desert for long periods of time without even a drop of water. Camel caravans were once used to transport goods from place to place, though they are now more frequently seen pulling camel carts instead. Modern fuel-efficient vans have even replaced camels in some areas.

Seeing a camel caravan in person, however, is an incredible experience. These amazing beasts stand tall and proud, with a level of strength unrealized by most. You’d think that the widespread use of the camel in work would have led it to become an endangered species, but instead the camel population in Pakistan continues to flourish.

Outlandishly Overcrowded Buses

This image isn’t presented to poke fun or to criticize. The sad truth is that we often wake up each morning, shower and eat breakfast, and then hop in our cars to go about our day. The affluent men throughout Pakistan are privileged enough to do the same, but those who must labor a little harder for the livings have a harder road to hoe. They’re often up at 5am, sometimes earlier, to try to catch space on these buses.

This bus in particular drives through the city of Karachi. The next time you feel the urge to complain because your bus or train is standing room only, remember that things could be worse. Some rich man might’ve painted a bus with bright colors in the hopes that it would draw attention, only to realize that there aren’t nearly enough resources to transport everyone who needs to get to work. Yes – it could be worse. You could be sitting on the roof.

Faisal Masjid Islamabad

The Faisal Masjid Islamabad is an incredible example of classic architecture in Pakistan. This mosque is amongst the largest not only in Pakistan, but in the world, with a seating capacity of up to 300,000 worshippers.

In 1966 King Faisal visited Islamabad and suggested a mosque be built. Dozens of proposals were submitted by architects all over the globe and it took four days of deliberations before the design by Vedat Dalokay, a Turkish architect, was chosen. The government of Saudia Arabia funded the building project at a cost equivalent to $120 million dollars!

A trip to Pakistan will be an experience you never forget, but it won’t be complete unless you’re able to get a taste of what life is really like throughout the country. Do your best to make it a point to see at least a few of these incredible sights. You’ll gain a great respect for life in Pakistan and you’ll never forget the memories you create while you’re there.

Image credits: 1, 1a, 1b, 2, 2a, 3, 4, 4a, 5, 5a