Texas's beaches

Think of Texas and many of us conjure up images of the Wild West, complete with ranches, cacti and desert vistas, so it may come as a surprise to hear that it also offers a fabulous seaside holiday. Read on to find out which of Texas's many beaches would suit you the best.

With more than 1,000km (620 miles) of south-facing coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, Texas is home to beaches galore, from lively resorts to deserted nature reserves. Beaches can be found on the mainland, facing the shallow Laguna Madre, and plenty more are on the South and North Padre Islands, 170km (105 miles) of barrier islands which protect much of the coast.

Best for twitchers: Boca Chica
This gloriously wild peninsula is separated from Mexico only by the mouth of the Rio Grande. No shops or hotels, just pristine white sand at what is almost the southernmost point in Texas. Yet Boca is only a short drive from the semi-tropical city of Brownsville, and the seaside fun of South Padre Island is just across the Brazos Santiago Pass to the north. The area, the first landfall for birds arriving from South America, is a birdwatchers' paradise where you can see everything from pelicans to peregrine falcons.

Best for families: Corpus Christi

The Texan coast's major resort, this lively bay city is protected by the barrier islands of South Padre and Mustang, both with their own beaches. The city's own North Beach, across the harbour bridge from downtown, on a bay peninsula, has plenty of attractions to entertain all ages. Calm waters and fine sand are backed by seafront hotels and shops. There are also the USS Lexington, a World War II aircraft carrier, and the Texas State Aquarium, with dolphin encounters and rescued turtles.

Best for relaxed chic: Crystal Beach
Named after its exquisite sand, this lovely spot is on the relaxed Bolivar peninsula running part way across Galveston Bay, connected to Galveston island by free ferry. There are nearly 40km (25 miles) of beaches in this upmarket area, which regards itself as the Hamptons of Texas. Crystal Beach, 10km (6 miles) long, much of it backed by dunes, is the liveliest spot, with a youthful but small-town feel. There are regular open-air concerts and festivals, and local shrimps and oysters are restaurant favorites.

Best for sun lovers: Galveston

A delightful island to the south of Houston, Galveston is where Victorian architecture meets harbour chic. There are 50km (31 miles) of beaches here, running the length of the southern coast. Different stretches have their own names - family-friendly Stewart Beach and fun-filled East Beach, host to concerts and the like, for example - but for the casual visitor they all blend into one. Simply head for the sea and you'll find delightful sands, particularly along the 16km (10 miles) of seawall where the road follows the sea, with piers, motels, bars and restaurants.

Best for swimming: Malaquite Beach
Padre Island National Seashore's most popular beach, Malaquite Beach is also the world's longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island. Undeveloped, of course, means no ice creams, but here at least is a visitor centre with shop, museum and shaded picnic area. The gently sloping sands and lapping waves make this a place for enjoying the warm waters. Look beyond the shells, and in the dunes and grassland you might even find flint arrowheads from the Karankawa Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The beach is at the island's north end, reached by causeway from Corpus Christi; the road ends here but with 4-wheel drive you can travel 90km (56 miles) along the beach.

Best for exploring: Mustang Island State Park
This wilderness area, with 8 km (5 miles) of beach, is an easy drive across the causeway from Corpus Christi, and just south of Port Aransas. Dunes are home to racoons, armadillos, skunks and gophers, while little bays and wetlands are home to wading birds and many varieties of fish. This is a place for kayaking in shallow, protected waters (kayak hire available nearby), fishing, and mountain biking either on the beach or the hinterland. There are simple facilities, and a campsite.

Best for a wild retreat: Sea Rim State Park
On Texas's eastern tip, near the city of Port Arthur and across Sabine Pass from Louisiana, Sea Rim combines 8km (5 miles) of beach with wetlands and two lakes. People come here to soak up the sun but also to hike, cycle, birdwatch and fish. Swimming is safe in the Gulf but alligators lurk in the marshland... Look for them from the boardwalk Gambusia Nature Trail, during airboat tours or hire a canoe or boat. There is a visitor centre with observation decks, picnic area and exhibits.

Best for fun lovers: South Padre Island

South Padre is the name of both a lively, modern beach resort and the long barrier island on which it sits. There are lots of high-rise hotels, bustling bars and busy restaurants spreading from the Gulf side to the Laguna Madre. Beaches run along both sides but the one to head for is on the Gulf, stretching the length of the resort. At one end it's full-on tourist fare (this is a major college spring break destination), but as you head north, you escape the crowds.

Best for surfer dudes: Surfside Beach
A timeless village and beach 85km (53 miles) southwest of Houston, on the edge of the city of Freeport, this is one of the best surf beaches in Texas. The expanse of white sand is part of more than 40km (25 miles) of beach stretching in either direction. It's also a place for catching your own dinner at the Crabbing Pier, and is one of the coast's best shell-hunting spots - 600 species have been identified. There are charming beachfront houses, pretty restaurants and places to hire bikes and boards.

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Bitesized guide: Sardinia, Italy

The fourth installation of our bitesized guide series to the Mediterranean's finest islands sees us sail over to the Italian gem of Sardinia.

Why go?
With around 300 days of sunshine a year, Sardinia is a pocket of craggy shorelines and flower-strewn hillsides in the middle of the Mediterranean. White-sand beaches, Evian-clear waters, forested valleys, charismatic towns and a rich history all combine to create a magical island setting.
Sardinia highlights:

This is one of the most popular resorts on Sardinia, yet it retains the charm and atmosphere of a working fishing village. The medieval old town is the most picturesque on Sardinia, and has a fascinating Catalan heritage and winding cobbled streets. In the evening, head up to the fortified walls of the town's bastion and watch the sun set over the dramatic cliffs of Capo Caccia.


Isola dei Gabbiani
The tiny island floating just off the shore of Costa Smeralda is a haven for windsurfers and surfers. Access the island via the short bridge, which is lined with board-hire shops. For those who want to stay overnight there is a campsite as well as a few guest houses on the mainland.

Costa Smeralda

The ‘Emerald Coast' is home to La Cinta, one of the most famous beaches in Sardinia. This stretch of stunning coastline is Sardinia's answer to the French Riviera and is the perfect place to spot the Prada-clad glitterati whilst sipping on a cappuccino. Porto Cervo is the capital of the area and is a chic town, popular with the jet set.

Oliena
This charming hilltop town is a centre of wine production and hosts feast days. The town comes alive with colourful celebrations and artisans flock here to flaunt their wares and sample some of the finest foods on the island.

Top things to do:

Ancient sites

Sardinia is one of the most ancient lands in Europe and has fascinating sites at every turn. The archaeological site of Tharros was once an ancient Roman city on the west coast of Sardinia and, according to legend, was one of the most important sites on the island. Now an open-air museum perched atop a cliff, visitors can walk through the remnants of temples and artifacts, whilst gazing over the azure sea below.

Festival fun
Situated on the Sinis peninsula, the town of Cabras is home to many cultural treasures and is a haven for nature enthusiasts. A fun time to visit is the first weekend of September, when a local festival sees around 3,000 men race from the town barefoot and dressed in white to the village of San Salvatore where they re-enact an ancient feud over a religious statue.

Go trekking
Scale the Mount La Marmora in the Gennargentu National Park, situated in eastern Sardinia between the provinces of Nuoro and Ogliastra. The mountain is the highest point on the island and is part of the scenic park that has a unique coastal landscape of craggy rocks, aqua waters and hidden caves.

Rattle and Roll
The Trenino Verde, or ‘little green train', runs for 160km (100 miles) from the east coast to Mandas and is an exciting ride through mountains and meadows, as well as past a nature reserve that is home to wild horses and boars.


What to eat
Sardinia has a unique character, a blend of Italian and Catalan influences that is reflected in its food. There are plenty of places offering distinctive local dishes, such as panadas - a pie made with meat or eels, and malloredus - a saffron-flavoured pasta served with tomato sauce and sausage or cheese. Fish is also a speciality, with as fresh-as-the-sea offerings served up in most restaurants.

Getting there
There are three international airports in Sardinia: Alghero Airport, Olbia-Costa Smeralda Airport and Cagliari-Elmas Airport. Ferries operate from the island to various ports in Spain, Italy and France.

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Lose yourself in Ireland West

With stunning scenery, a truly authentic cultural heritage and fantastic seafood, Ireland's West Coast is the perfect weekend retreat and a unique holiday destination...

Immerse yourself in the romantic beauty and drama of the West Coast of Ireland. Take the time to discover the lesser-explored parts of Ireland - the vibrant Irish-speaking region of the Gaeltacht, and the array of arts and music festivals, all surrounded by the dramatic vistas of the West.


The Gaeltacht region

The West Coast's Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) region offers a unique and exciting glimpse into the richness of the Irish language. Spoken over a wide area (mainly in Galway and Mayo), Gaeilge (Gaelic) is still spoken as a community language and is at the heart of Irish culture. You'll see it in the road signs all around Ireland, but in this part of the country, you'll also hear the locals chatting in their native tongue. Make sure you try and pick some up - it always helps to know how to say cheers! (Sláinte!)

Music and arts festivals
As you make your way through the small towns and villages of the West Coast, make sure to plan your trip with time for a detour. The West is alight with brilliant arts and music festivals all summer long. Traditional music can be heard everywhere from city centre pubs to rural festivals. The bodhrán, which is like a hand-held drum, is one of the most popular instruments in Irish music. The Galway Arts Festival, Earagail Arts Festival and World Fleadh (Ireland's Traditional Folk & Celtic Music Festival) are just some of the dozens of festivals that make this part of the world one of the best places to really relax into the Irish way of enjoying yourself.

The Galway oyster festival
Celebrate the start of the oyster season with the Galway International Oyster Festival (24-27 September). Running for more than half a century, it's been voted one of the 12 greatest shows on earth! The city of Galway really comes alive as thousands of people flock in to enjoy a unique festival celebrating the oyster, a food known for its aphrodisiac effects. The festival also hits the streets and theatres, with artists, cabaret and dancing.

Natural beauty
The dramatic landscapes of the West Coast have been inspiring writers and artists for centuries. Famous poet William Butler Yeats was greatly inspired by the scenery in his hometown of Sligo, while contemporary playwright Martin McDonagh set many of his plays in the small villages and islands situated along the West Coast. Shaped by the raw force of the Atlantic Ocean, the stretch of coastline from Malin Head to Kinsale has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the whole of the island, with magnificent cliffs and quiet tranquil inlets. The mountains of North Mayo are also a must for all who travel there. But wherever you venture, you'll witness jaw-dropping natural beauty, be it in Cork or Connemara.

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The UK's best beaches

With summer 2009 seeing a record number of Britons seeking their sun, sea and sandy pleasures a lot closer to home, we've picked out the UK's best beach spots to suit all seaside needs.

he UK might be a teeny isle hovering on the outskirts of the European landmass, but a substantial plus point of small-island status is that a splashing stretch of coastline is never far away.

Best for... surfers

Croyde, Devon
Set in a sleepy and scenic pocket of southwest England, Croyde offers some of the most reliable waves in the country. Expansive golden sands, a friendly surfing community and plenty of crashing waters make this Devonshire beach a massive draw to surfers of all ages and abilities. As a result, Croyde has played host to the British Surfing Championships on three occasions. The summer months see the beach and waters get pretty packed, with a host of surf schools taking to the waves, but the cheerful crowds just add to the buzz, and satisfied surfers continue to return to Croyde year after year.

Also try: Newquay, Cornwall
While there are grumbles that excessive tourism has worn away Newquay's charm, great waves, clear Gulf Stream waters and swathes of dedicated surfers keep this stretch of Cornwall coast a firm contender for the UK's surfing top spot.

Best for... swimming

West Wittering, SussexFor rippling sand and Blue Flag waters, West Wittering really does come up trumps. The calm shallows of low tide are perfect for paddling water babies and relaxed sploshing, while the more undulating waters of high tide are ideal for a refreshing dip. With the Isle of Wight providing a barrier from the Channel in front and the protective backdrop of the South Downs behind, West Wittering enjoys its own balmy microclimate. Being by far the best beach for miles, things can get rather crowded when the sun's out, but it's always relaxed, and the vast sands are definitely big enough to accommodate everyone.

Also try: Tyrella, Co Down
Broad, flat sands with lapping water well worthy of their Blue Flag status make Tyrella ideal for the avid swimmer, and a pretty conservation area adds to the beach's simple charm. Tyrella has been proud owner of a Blue Flag for over a decade, and lifeguards are on duty in July and August.

Best for... scenic views
Holywell Bay, Cornwall
Even with some seriously stiff local competition, Holywell Bay undoubtedly ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches that the UK has to offer. Backed by sandy dunes punctuated with tufts of long grass, and with the looming figures of the Gull Rocks off shore, this striking spot is a picture postcard of idyllic British beach. Holywell's clear waters are popular with swimmers, and the extensive beach area is ideal for brisk walks, family ball games and pretty picnics. Plenty of scenic walks can be found along the coastal path, and to the north of the beach lies the Holy Well from which bay gets its name.

Also try: Sandwood Bay, Scotland
For a refreshing walk along a deserted beach, you won't do better than Sandwood Bay. This piece of Scottish coastline is said to be the most remote beach in mainland Britain (it's a 7km (4.5 mile) trek across the moors just to reach it) but the peachy sand, ice-silver Atlantic, wild rocks and achingly blue loch make it all worthwhile.

Bournemouth, Dorset
This bubbling south coast location is a magnet for beach lovers of all ages; lively Bournemouth bursts into action the moment the sun peeps out, and, as well as crystal seas and tons of sand, a family friendly Kidzone scheme means added fun for children and less stress for parents. Bournemouth's Blue Flag beach is noted for its cleanliness, and the 11km (7 mile) stretch has received several accolades, including the Quality Coast Award. With all it has going for it, Bournemouth can certainly attract a hefty crowd, but this always ensures a constant supply of family frolics and plenty of action.
Also try: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Find a clean, sandy beach and a wealth of traditional seaside attractions at Weston, one of the UK's most famous seaside towns. Paddle in the clear waters, take a ride on one of Weston-super-Mare's famous donkeys, and cool off with a brightly coloured ice cream.

Best for... stripping off

Morfa Dyffryn, Wales
Situated on the Welsh coast, between Barmouth and Harlech, the golden sands and grassy-green backdrop of Morfa Dyffryn are a beautiful piece of coastline, a regular dolphin-sighting spot, and one of the UK's premiere naturist beaches. The naturist section, which is 1km long and found in the northern end of the beach, is popular with singles, couples and families alike; although naturism has been practised here since the 1930s, it wasn't until early this decade that a section was specifically set aside for naturists.

Also try: Studland Bay, Purbeck, Dorset
This soft and sandy National Trust beach boasts clear waters and pretty surrounds. A designated section is reserved for naturists.

19 June 2009

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Northern Areas

The Northern Area is the most spectacular and fascinating region of Pakistan. It is here that the world's three famous mountain ranges meet - the Himalayas, the Karakorams and the Hindukush. The whole Northern Pakistan has come to be known as a paradise for mountaineers, climbers, trekkers, hikers and anglers of the most famous “Trout fish”.

In the northern regions of Pakistan, at a stone's throw from the Amu Darya, is” Bam-e-Dunya” (the roof of the world). This was the name given to the great Pamir plateau, apex of six of the mightiest mountain ranges of the world.

The historic Karakoram pass 5,575 metres, an ancient trading route between Kashmir and Xinjiang, gives its name to the range west of it that forms the watershed between the Indus and the Central Asian deserts. The eastern boundary of the Karakoram is the upper Shyok River from where it extends over 322 km. westwards to the Karumbar river and the Hindukush range. To the north the Shaksgam tributary of the Yarkand River and south by the Indus bound the Karakoram. Here, the Nanga Parbat 8,126 metres massif is the western anchor of the great Himalayan range which stretches in an arc 24,124 km. east to Burma, a boundary and barrier, "the razor's edge" which for centuries has determined the destiny of the Indian sub-continent.

Such is the setting of Karakoram Range, this remnant of a primeval ice age, "the third pole," with extensive glacier systems and the greatest concentration of lofty mountains in the world. Some of the largest glaciers outside sub-polar regions flow in the Karakorams. For its sheer mountain grandeur and breath-taking panorama of beauty, few places can match the superb landscape through which the Karakoram Highway snakes. A fantastic and unforgettable spectacle is the passage of the Highway along the Baltura glacier, rated among the worlds seventh largest.

The Khunjerab Pass, which the Highway crosses, and the nearby Mintaka Pass lie astride the fabulous ancient Silk Route that led from Europe to Asia and over which history's most famous tourists once travelled. These include the Venetian trader Marco Polo after who has been made the wild Marco Polo sheep in the thirteenth century, the Chinese Monk Fe Hien in the fourth century and the Arab historian, Al-Beruni in the eleventh century.

The Siachin glacier is 75 km, the Hispar, (52 km) joints the Biafo at the Hispar La 5,154 metres to form an ice corridor, 116 km. long.The Batura too is 58 km. in length. But the most outstanding of these rivers of ice is the Baltoro (62 km). This mighty glacier fed by some 30 tributaries constitutes a surface area of 1,219 sq. km. Of the fourteen over 8,000 m peaks on earth, four occupy an amphitheatre at the head of Baltoro. There are K-2 (8,611) second only to Everest, Broad Peak (8,047 metres) Gasherbrum-I (8,068 metres), Gasherbrum-II (8,035 metres).

Seen from a distance, the Baltoro appears smooth and beautiful but in fact it is a chaotic tumbling mass of rock and ice, troughs and hillocks and the debris of centuries.
It is a unique remote corner of earth. For here, in a frozen wilderness a crag, cornices and crevasses, raise towering spires of granite, great snowy peaks with fluted icy ridges and pinnacles that pierce the sky.In the Lesser Karakorams there are equally great peaks such as Rakaposhi (7,788 metres), the dominant giant in Hunza valley. Its north face is fantastic precipice - 5,791 metres of plunging snow and ice.

There are scores of over 7,000 m peaks in the Karakoram Range and hundreds of nameless summits below 6,000 metres, mere points on the map. The shapes, forms, sizes, colours provide tremendous contrast, which defy description. K-2, the undisputed monarch of the sky, Broad Peak, massive and ugly, Muztagh Tower, deceptively, sheer. Gasherbrum-II, the "Egyptian Pyramid" that even Cheops would have preferred for a tomb, Chogolisa, the "Bride Peak", in whose eternal embrace lies Hermann Buhi, the first man to climb Nanga Parbat. The Cathedrals of the Baltoro with their great knife-edge ridges, the sky cleaving monoliths of the Trango Towers and most beautiful of all - the Peak of Perfection - Paiyu, (6,600 metres) first climbed by a Pakistani expedition in 1977.

The Hindukush is also a mountain vastness containing hundreds of peaks, many above 7,000 metres including a Trichmir 7,705 metre that is the highest point of the range

Gilgit Valley

At an elevation of 1,454 metres lies the Gilgit Valley. The quaint little town of Gilgit has spectacular scenic beauty. The peak tourist season is from April to October though you can visit the valley round the year. The maximum temperature in May is 33 C and the minimum 16 C and in September, maximum 28 C and minimum 11 C.


Places To Visit

Gilgit Bridge:
The bridge over the fast flowing Gilgit River, at the end of its traditional bazaar, is the largest suspension bridge in Asia (182 metres long and 2 metres wide) permitting enough room for one jeep at a time to cross.

Kargah Buddha:
Located on a rock near Kargah Nullah (ravine), 10 km. from Gilgit town is a beautiful rock engraving of Buddha from 7th century A.D.

Monument of Taj Mughal:
A victory monument of Taj Mughal, built 700 years ago, is 30 km. jeep drive from Gilgit town.

Sher Qilla:
It is 38 km. from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Naltar valley. Trout fishing can be enjoyed in Sher Qilla Nullah and a small lake.

Singal:
About 61 km from Gilgit - Trekking route links with Chilas and Kohistan valley.

Gahkuch:
Headquarter of Ghizer District - Ideal place for trekking, good fishing sports and duck shooting in season. It is the gateway to Iskoman Valley. Government rest house and private hotels are available (73 km from Gilgit). Archaeological sites in village and a near by village Hatoon.

Naltar Valley:
Two hours jeep drive from Gilgit link rod. Government Rest house, Private hotels and a Ski slope, lush green Alpine forest with small lakes and glaciers, trout fishing in lake. Trekking routes link with Iskoman, Chalt and Punial valley.
Hunza Valley

The visitors to Hunza are overwhelmed by the rugged charm, the fragrant breeze singing through graceful Poplar trees and the velvet-like green carpet of wheat fields, set against the background of snow-covered mountains.

Situated at an elevation of 2,438 metres, Hunza Valley's tourist season is from April to October. The temperature in May is maximum 27 C and minimum 14 C. The October temperature are: maximum 10 C and minimum 0 C. However, one can visit Hunza round the year.

Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of His Highness the Aga Khan. The local language is Brushuski. Urdu and English are also understood by most of people.

Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi 7,788 metres. The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime.

The fairy-tale like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is a Hunza landmark built about 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Originally, it was used as the residence of the Mirs (the title of the former rulers) of Hunza.

Mountaineering And Hiking
Hunza is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Most of the treks in Hunza area are in open zone, for which tourists do not need any permit. However special permits are required from the Ministry of Tourism, Islamabad for mountaineering, trekking in restricted zone & climbing peaks over 6000 metres.

How to Get There:
Regular Bus and Van Services operate between Gilgit and Karimabad. PTDC Office at Chinnar Inn, Gilgit, arranges tours and transport for visitors.

Where to Stay:
There are reasonably priced hotels, motels and rest houses at Aliabad, Karimabad, Passu, Gulmit and Sost including PTDC Motels in Hunza and Sost.

Chitral Valley

This 322 km.(200-mile) long mountain hideout, nesting high in the Hindu Kush range, is a place of fascinating scenic beauty and grandeur. Chitral’s collection of rugged mountains, sulphur springs, rivers teeming with trout, orchard-dotted slopes, friendly people and annual festivals are enchanting beyond description. For the modern day traveler this scenic region offers an exciting experience. It is easily accessible by air from historic city of Peshawar.

Alexander of Greece marched through this valley in 327 B.C, and left behind traces of Greek heritage, which can still be seen.

Chitral District is bounded on the north, south and the west by Afghanistan and is separated from the Soviet Union by a narrow strip of Wakhan, a province of Afghanistan and from China by Hunza area. It lies between latitude 35 51 N and longitude 71 47’E.

Area And Elevation
Area: 14504 square meters (5,600 square miles).
Elevation: 1278-7700 meters (3700-25264 feet).

Climate
Summers are generally pleasant but the winters are extremely cold. Chitral has unpredictable during spring with frequent rains and snowfall. Autumn is pleasant with mild temperatures.

Tourist Season
Ideal time for visiting Chitral is from June to September.

Population
1,59,230

Majority of the people are Muslims. The only non-Muslim ethnic minority in the Chitral valley are the Kafir Kalash. Numbering about 2,500 to 3,000 they inhabit Birir, Bumburet and Rambur valleys in the south of Chitral. Their life style is characterized by their own ancient and religion.

Languages
The local dialect is ‘Khowar’ (Chitrali). Urdu is understood by a large number of people while Pushto is spoken and understood in Chitral and Drosh.

Costumes
The women wear ‘shalwar-kameez’ (long shirts with baggy trousers) and ‘dupattas’ (flimsy scarves draped round the Shoulders).

In winter the man wear ‘shuqa’, loose ,long woolen gowns with long sleeves. The popular headdress is ‘pakol’ which is also of woolen material.

The Kalash men distinguish themselves from the non-Kalash by wearing Chitral woolen hats to which they add feathers or little metal bells. Traditional dress, reserved for blue, very simple with a hole cut out for the neck. The wear long woolen belts and their shoes are often of goat-skins, usually rigged directly to the feet and laced with woolen or leather thongs.

The Kalash women wear black gowns of coarse cotton in summer and handspun wool dyed black in winter. They also wear a picturesque headgear, which weighs between three and four pounds. It is made of woolen black material encrusted with cowry shells, buttons and crowned with a large coloured feather.

What To See
(All distance are given from Chitral).

Chitral Valley
Elevation: 1518meters (4,980 feet).

The picturesque Chitral town lies on the Chitral River. Worth seeing is the Shahi Masjid (Grand Mosque) against the backdrop of Trichmir peak 7700 meters (25,264 feet), ex-ruler’s fort and the local style of Khowar houses of the friendly locals. Also worth exploring is the fascinating bazaar, which offers a host of handcrafted treasures.

Chitral is famous for its polo tournaments, held from April to July and September to October.
Lahore At A Glance

Elevation Area 213 metres above sea level500 kms (approximately)
Population 6.212 million (1998)
Local languages Punjabi, Urdu, English are widely spoken
Best time to visit Between the months of October March
Climate Warm in summer and cold in winter
Type of Clothing Tropical in summer and woolen in winter

Mosques

Badshahi Masjid
The Imperial or the Badshahi Mosque is across the courtyard from Alamgiri Gate of the Lahore Fort. The Mosque, which is made up entirely of red sandstone was built by Emperor Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughals, in a record time of two and-a-half years. Its construction was completed by 1674 AD.
It has a beautiful gate-way which measures 21.33 metres in length and a courtyard that measures 161.5 x 160.6 metres and is said to be the largest mosque courtyard in the world for outdoor prayers. The marble domes cover seven prayer chambers. Four lofty minarets stand at the four corners of the mosque, each with an outer circumference of 20 metres, soaring up to 54 meters.
Golden Mosque or Sunehri Masjid
The founder of the mosque was Nawab Shah Bhikari Khan, son of Raushan-ud-Daula Turrabaz Khan, deputy governor of Lahore during the reign of Muhammad Shah and the viceroyalty of Mir Noin-ul-Malik. Golden Mosque is situated in the Kashmiri Bazaar. It was built in 1753 AD. It is remarkably beautiful with three golden domes. The mosque is elevated on a higher plinth, surrounded by old bazaars. Because of its color the mosque glitters in the sunshine as if it is a golden miniature place to bow before the Almighty Allah.
It has a beautiful gate-way which measures 21.33 metres in length and a courtyard that measures 161.5 x 160.6 metres and is said to be the largest mosque courtyard in the world for outdoor prayers. The marble domes cover seven prayer chambers. Four lofty minarets stand at the four corners of the mosque, each with an outer circumference of 20 metres, soaring up to 54 meters.

Pearl Mosque
Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque, beyond the audience hall, was for the exclusive use of royal ladies. It is carved from marble having the luster of pearls. Nearby "Naulakha", a marble pavilion is inlaid with floral motifs and precious gems.

Wazir Khan's Mosque
Wazir Khan's Mosque is in the old city, 300 meters from Delhi Gate. This unique mosque is one of the most beautiful in Pakistan. It was built in 1634 by Hakim Ali-ud-din, popularly known as Wazir Khan, who was governor of the area during the reign of Shah Jahan. The Mosque is justifiably famous for the colorful fresco and tile decoration which adorns both the interior and exterior of the building.
Excursions From Karachi

Beaches
Karachi’s golden beaches stretch for miles. The more accessible of them are SANDSPIT, HAWKEAS BAY and PARADISE POINT, which are within a radius of 10 to 20 kms from the city and about 30 minutes drive away. A ride on a gaily-decorated camel is a must for most visitors. Beach huts are dotted along the shore. Some are available for hire. For reasons of safety, care must be taken to swim only in the safe areas, as there is always a strong under current. In May and June, watch out for jellyfish. On moonlit nights, during the months of September and October, giant green turtles lumber ashore to lay eggs in the sand. The turtles are under protection of Sindh Wild Life Management Board.

French Beach
The French Beach, located half way between Hawks Bay and Paradise Point is, in fact, a small fishing village known to the locals as Haji Abdullah Goth. Surrounded by a boundary wall, it has some 20 huts constructed by villagers for hire. Its rocky beach and clear water are ideal for snorkeling and skin-diving. Boats for scuba diving are available for hire. Visitors need to bring their own equipment as well as food and drink supplies.
Chaukundi

Just off the National Highway, 27 km from Karachi is Chaukundi. This is the site of graveyards that date back to the 16th-18th centuries. The sandstone covers of these graves are exquisitely carved in relief with intricate motifs. The tomb slabs of women’s graves are embellished with designs of jewellery, necklaces, earning and rings while those of men bear horse and rider motifs as well as floral and abstract designs.

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