riding further to Pakistan ’ s capital , Islamabad , and the mountains , which are said to have an otherworldly beauty to them . Sharing the Himalayas with China , India , and Nepal , Pakistan has five peaks over 8 ’ 000 metres and numerous just below that height . I do hope that I can go back there one day and experience the higher altitudes of the country and perhaps the famous Karakoram Highway .
News headlines don ’ t do a country like Pakistan justice . I witnessed that people just want to live a normal life , including the hospitality of the Islamic people which is just incredible . It ’ s safe to say that the ‘ touristy ’ areas around Lahore , Islamabad , and the mountains would make for a very safe , hospitable , and pristine travel experience and Pakistan began making it gradually easier for foreigners to obtain a visa .
As for overland travel close to the Afghan border , where a recent shift of power has confused the situation , it might ’ ve made things easier . Afghanistan is no longer disputed by foreign powers meaning Taliban forces no longer have a need to hide in the neighbouring country . It is hard to predict what the situation will be like in the near future , watching news broadcasts , keeping abreast of information , preferably from sources that want to inform rather than entertain is advised , Pakistan is a country well worth the effort . MS
TRAVERSE 90