Explore Pakistan 2017 was an excursion for my group to almost up to the major tourism sites of Pakistan which proved itself a great way of learning and bought excitement and adventure to them. The purpose of this trip was to promote observation in education and to provide tourists with a familiarity of various sites, cultures, food and traditions of Pakistan. It gave them a chance to explore the vast beauty of our country.
This year it was from 6th July to the 28th of July 2018. The group visited Lahore, Murree, Islamabad, Kashmir and Northern areas of Pakistan. The meeting of the delegation with the President of Pakistan on 10th of July 2018 was the highlight of the journey. The President while talking with the delegation said that:
“The world is going through rapid changes and Pakistani students should work hard to keep in line with these changing circumstances so that the country could progress and earn a rightful place in the comity of nations.”
The Group also visited the Senate and the National Assembly of Pakistan. Students were first taken to “Gali-e-Dastore” (an initiative of the Chairmen Senate of Pakistan to remember the political history of Pakistan) where they were demonstrated about the political history of Pakistan from 1947 till date. Group also visited the monument in front of the Parliament building which is constructed to honour the services of the nation for democracy.
During the whole journey, the group enjoyed six different stations of accommodation which were Youth Hostels in Islamabad, Bhurban, Naran, Taxila, Katas Raj and hotels in Azad Kashmir and Lahore. Students have visited various sites during the whole trip which includes:
Pakistan Monument Museum, Lok Virsa Museum, Museum of Natural History, Daman-e-Koh, Margala Hills, Shakarpareyan, Rawal Lake, Bird Park and Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad.
(Sath Garha) Temples of Katas Raj, Kalar Kahar, Takht-e-Babri and Museum of Geology at Kewra Salt Mines.
Taxila Museum and Stupas of Taxila City.
Bhurbun, Patriyata, Ayeubiya, Kashmir Point, Pindi Point, Nathiyagali, Changagali and Maal Road in Muree
Neelum River and Muzafferabad inand Chakoti LOC at Azad Kashmir.
Ghari Habibullah, Balakot, Kohala, Kiwal, Shogran, Paras, Sharan and Khaghan.
Jheel Saif-ul-Muluk at 10300ft from the sea level and Lalazar at Naran City.
Mansehra and Abbottabad city.
Lahore Fort, Lahore Museum, Islamic Museum, Badshahi Mosque, Yadgar-e-Pakistan, Data Darbar, Bibi Pak Daman and the Fortress amusement park, Wahga Borders to observe the flag lowering ceremony under Pakistan Rangers special protocol.
Majority of the responses shows that there is a lot of importance of tourism in life. Explore Pakistan 2017 proved itself helpful in effective learning and promoting the qualities of leadership, discipline and self-confidence among the group members and also promotes the importance of cultural and historical places. Responses show that after the trip the students become able to enhance their observations and capabilities as well.
Muhammad Raza
Tour Leader and Guide