Pakistan

Frankly, Pakistan isn't exactly teeming with international tourists. Be it Lahore, the capital, or especially up in the mountains, it's quite the undiscovered gem. The nation has only recently started steering towards becoming a tourist hotspot, but there are still some wrinkles to iron out.
First up, the visa process. It's a bit of a marathon – longer than the U.S. one, and not exactly cheap. Plus, they might ping you back with extra questions or ask for some more paperwork.
Then there's the whole reputation thing. A lot of folks still have this notion that Pakistan is wild, dicey, with some areas playing by their own rules, and let's not forget its proximity to the unpredictable Afghanistan.
But in reality? Pakistan's a hidden treasure. Solid infrastructure, folks with hearts of gold, impressive intercity buses, and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences waiting to be unraveled.
Another myth? If you set foot in Pakistan, India might give you the cold shoulder, and vice versa. It's a hang-up from the whole Kashmir territory tiff. But here's the real deal: tourists can bounce between both countries without a hitch. We did it, crossing the border by land. Sure, they’ll give your papers the once-over, maybe twice, but it's all professional, no side-eyes.
About safety?
Well, brace yourself for a bit of a culture shock. It's not uncommon to see guys with AK47s guarding hotels, shops, or even bakeries. It's not just the landmarks or religious spots. Even in posh residential areas, folks often get a security dude with some heavy artillery. When we asked if things were dicey, the answer was invariably, "Nope, just playing it safe."
But the sheer number of firearms on display can feel a tad overwhelming. Maybe that's just us.
Now, here’s the clincher: Pakistan’s nature is out of this world, particularly its mountain ranges. You've got K2 here, the second tallest mountain after Everest, which naturally attracts the daredevil climbers. Plus, K2's got a rep for being one heck of a tough climb.
And the local vibes? Epic. Many locals, men and women alike, flaunt their traditional attire. I swear, I've never seen so many ethnic boutiques in one place. Stepping into Islamabad's poshest mall, it felt like 90% of it was a celebration of traditional fashion.
Lahore, meanwhile, is a sensory overload for most Westerners. Picture this: streets buzzing with people, horses, donkeys pulling carts, a smattering of cars, motorbikes of all shapes and sizes, and yup, even camels.
In the heart of the city, you've got kids doing cannonballs into rivers while, a stone's throw away, massive buffaloes are taking a dip. Everywhere you look, folks are hustling, bartering, and more often than not, sneaking curious glances at foreigners. And oh, the number of selfie requests!
Bottom line? Pictures or videos won't do it justice. Pakistan is a place you've got to soak in firsthand.
TURIST_VERON

Pakistani cuisine is mostly meat-centric: think kebabs, grilled delights, pilaf, biryani, and a myriad of chicken dishes. But there's also a rich selection of legumes and bread like flatbreads, paratha, and chapati (some of it quite similar to Indian fare). Given Afghanistan's proximity, there's an Afghan twist to many of these dishes too.
In Lahore, a city that shares its border with India and is home to the only active border checkpoint between the two countries, the food tends to lean closer to Indian flavors. And oh, the sweets and pastries! They remind me a lot of Azerbaijani treats.
A typical Pakistani breakfast? Eggs or omelet, parata (or roti), a spicy dal (lentil or chickpea dish), sometimes yogurt, and always—tea with milk (simply called "Chai").
Dinners usually feature grilled meat, pilau (a kind of pilaf), and biryani.
We twice had the pleasure of dining with locals in Islamabad and once were treated to a brunch in a small town, visiting a friend of a friend's place.
The village breakfast was nothing short of spectacular. They prepared a feast showcasing the region's signature dishes: potato samosas, chicken, meat patties, paratha, kulcha, various savory pastries, and tea. Interestingly, there's a heavy emphasis on organic and fresh produce. They proudly pointed out the organic chicken or mountain-fresh, organic, village milk. The hospitality was heartwarming. The host's sisters, dressed in festive traditional attire, were thrilled to have us over and were eager to snap photos with us (even though we looked quite travel-worn). Having foreign guests was a big deal for them—just as it might be for us. Although come to think of it, we've never had overseas guests at our place.
PS: Health-wise, Pakistanis seem to be in good shape. It's rare to see people who are overweight.
TURIST_VERON