The Atlas Obscura Guide To Pakistan

31 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Pakistan

Updated September 15, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Pakistan

Mohenjo-Daro

Moenjodaro, Pakistan

Mohenjo-Daro

This lost city belongs to one of the earliest civilizations in the world.

Attabad Lake in 2016.

Hunza Nagar, Pakistan

Attabad Lake

This dazzlingly turquoise mountain lake was created in the wake of a natural disaster.

Chaukhandi Tombs

Karachi, Pakistan

Chaukhandi Tombs

Reputedly haunted sandstone necropolis with exquisite stone carvings.

Khewra, Pakistan

Khewra Salt Mines

The world's second largest salt mine, said to have been discovered by Alexander the Great's horse.

Makli Hill

Thatta, Pakistan

Makli Hill

One of the largest necropolises in the world is home to a stunning array of historic Middle Eastern tombs.

A stairway built for elephants at the Lahore Fort

Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore Fort Elephant Path

These stairs were built to accommodate royals mounted on elephants.

Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan

Lahore, Pakistan

Tomb of Ali Mardan Khan

This grand Pakistani mausoleum can only be accessed via an almost 1,000 foot long alleyway.

Fairy Meadows with Nanga Parbat (aka, "killer mountain") in background

Diamer District, Pakistan

Fairy Meadows

A place as enchanting as the journey to reach it is harrowing.

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Ruins 8

Architectural Oddities 5

Sacred Spaces 5

Ancient 4

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Stories About Pakistan

An Iranian Tolkienologist sees swaths of Pakistan and India in J.R.R. Tolkien's specific descriptions of mountains and rivers.

Is Mordor Based on the Himalayas?

Much of Asia seems to be riddled onto the Lord of the Rings map of Middle Earth.

by Frank Jacobs, Big Think

September 15, 2023

Bedford trucks are a common sight in Pakistan, many with large wooden "crowns" atop them. The massive vehicles provide the perfect canvas for portraiture, a style unique to Pakistani truck art.

Pakistan's Trucks Are Vibrant, Bedazzled Works of Art

The tradition of decorating any mode of transportation—from camels to ice cream carts—dates back centuries.

by Zinara Rathnayake

September 1, 2022

A field of northwestern Spain's beloved grelos is just one of the many permutations of Brassica rapa.

The Deep Roots of the Vegetable That ‘Took Over the World’

A study digs up the origin of the single species that gives us turnips, bok choy, broccoli rabe, and more.

by Gemma Tarlach

Rosy Kashmiri chai traditionally has a savory taste.

The Art and Science of Kashmir's Pink Tea

Green tea becomes rosy with the addition of a special ingredient.

by Sribala Subramanian

January 29, 2020

To unroll a millennia-old scroll, be careful how you breathe.

How the Library of Congress Unrolled a 2,000-Year-Old Buddhist Scroll

“It was the most fragile object we have ever encountered.”

by Sabrina Imbler

December 12, 2019

Pakistani and Indian Sikh devotees gather around a priest reading from the Sikh holy book to celebrate the birthday of Sri Guru Nanak Dev, in Nankana Sahib.

In Pakistan, an Inclusive Sikh Festival Highlights History Before Division

Each year, thousands visit the city of Nankana Sahib to commemorate Sikhism’s founder.

by Sabrina Toppa

November 24, 2017

A "sea devil" from Icones animalium (1553).

Where to Find the World's Best Hometown Monsters

Here are 25 places to see yetis, sea monsters, Sasquatch, and other cryptids.

by Molly McBride Jacobson

February 24, 2017

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