Punjab is the most populous province, a flat, fertile plain of wheat fields and canals dotted with brick-kiln chimneys. Its cities carry centuries of history. Lahore was a Mughal capital, and its fort and mosques rank among the great sights of South Asia. North of the plains, the Salt Range rises in folded red and grey ridges. In the far south, the land dries into the dunes of the Cholistan desert. Most visitors come for the history, the food and gentle walks.
Where to go
Give Lahore two or three days. The old city is best explored on foot with a guide, and the food streets come alive after dark. The Salt Range, where the motorway to Islamabad crosses the hills, has short hiking routes over rocky ridges. An old salt mine and a temple complex sit close enough to visit on the same day. The Murree hills, near Islamabad, get snow in winter and make a cool escape from the plains in summer. Far to the south, Multan is known for its Sufi shrines and Bahawalpur for its palaces. Jeep trips run from Bahawalpur out to the desert forts of Cholistan. Distances across Punjab are long, so most people choose two areas for a first visit.
Getting there and where to stay
Lahore has its own international airport, so you can start or end a trip here instead of Islamabad. The M-2 motorway links the two cities in four to five hours, and trains run between them too. Lahore has the widest choice of hotels, from heritage guesthouses near the old city to large international hotels. Winter fog sometimes slows motorways and flights in December and January. Many travellers combine Lahore with a few days in Islamabad and a flight north to the mountains.
Booking on adventuro
Guided walks and day trips here fit well into a longer trip through Pakistan. Use the Book here tab to see live dates and prices from local centres.
