1. Indus Basin irrigation system

While admiring Pakistan’s lush and beautiful Skardu Valley, make it a point to seek out the world’s largest irrigation system. This sprawling labyrinth of waterways covers Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, and China. The engineering marvel was constructed from 1923 to 1932 by British rulers to harness the water of the thunderous Indus River. Its seven canals aid in distributing water to Pakistan’s agricultural land. Visitors will find both the monumental irrigation project and its resulting fertile valley in the Sindh province breathtaking to behold.

2. Hand-sewn footballs

No one foresaw Pakistan’s football future in 1889 when a saddle maker from Sialkot was approached to mend a British colonial’s punctured football. The result was that the production of most of the world’s footballs (or soccer balls) was relocated to Sialkot, Pakistan. Today, 60 million of the world’s finest hand-stitched footballs are produced annually by Sialkot’s 100 firms. World-renowned manufacturers such as Bala Sport and Adidas showcase their quality footballs during the FIFA World Cup. This famous sporting event attracts billions of eyes to admire Pakistan’s vibrant creations displayed on the world stage.

3. Cricket

Although international cricket matches are not played in Pakistan due to security reasons, the Shaheens have won numerous World Cups. The outrageously popular national cricket team referred to as the Green Shirts is a full member of the International Cricket Council. All information regarding the Men in Green’s schedule can be found on the Pakistan Cricket Board’s website. Why not take a swing at this game if you’re visiting Pakistan, England, or Australia? This British game from the 16th century is considered to be the precursor to American baseball.

4. Tharparkar Desert (Green Desert)

Pakistan’s Tharparkar Desert stretches across the Indian subcontinent, making it 17th on the list of earth’s largest deserts. During the dry season, rolling sand dunes stretch for as far as the eye can see. Dotted with villages featuring thatched hay huts, the dry climate results in long droughts at times. However, during the rainy season, the entire desert floor turns into a fertile green carpet that can then feed inhabitants and their livestock. For those visiting Pakistan’s Sindh province, don’t leave without taking an iconic camel ride through this desert valley.

Tharparkar Desert (Green Desert)

Address: Tharparkar District, Mirpur Khas Division, Sindh Province, Pakistan

5. Faisal Mosque

While exploring Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad, visitors shouldn’t leave without discovering Faisal Mosque. The world’s fifth-largest mosque, built from 1976 to 1986, is a combination of modern and traditional architecture. The unimaginable scale of this sacred place of worship can easily hold around 100,000 people in its main prayer hall and courtyard. After crossing the brilliantly shining marble courtyard, visitors will be awestruck by the dangling chandelier, the massive pool, and the mosaics. At sunset, the mosque, with its spear-like columns, evoke an ethereal glow.

Faisal Mosque

Address: Shah Faisal Avenue, E-8, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Terriorty 44000, Pakistan

6. World's highest ATM

In 2016, the National Bank of Pakistan installed a solar-powered ATM at a cloud-grazing height of 16,007 feet (4,878.9 meters) above sea level. Travellers hoping to encounter the world’s highest ATM have to drive high into Pakistan’s mountains to discover this banking machine. Be sure to look both ways before crossing the Pakistan-China border crossing, which switches from left-hand to right-hand driving. Also, travellers should be prepared to visit by dressing warmly since the mountainous climate can be chilly with its powerful winds.

World's highest ATM

Address: Karakoram Highway, Khunjerab Pass, Pakistan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

7. Haleji Lake

The pristine, freshwater Haleji Lake is home to thousands of Pakistan’s migratory birds. The lake is surrounded by marshes and saltwater lagoons where crocodiles lurk looking to feast on waterfowl. Besides being a watery sanctuary to ducks, herons, and egrets, the lake serves as a popular fishing hole for Pakistan’s citizens. Lake Haleji is one of the major sources of water supplying Karachi’s growing population. During your time in Pakistan, try to take a boat ride across its lily pad-covered surface to admire the region’s beauty and wildlife.

Haleji Lake

Address: Haleji Lake, Thatta District, Sindh, Pakistan. Thatta, Pakistan-73130

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Changa Manga

Pakistan’s Changa Manga forest is the world’s largest man-made forest, and it’s home to centuries-old juniper trees. Visitors to Lahore just need to head south on highway N-5 near Phool Nagar and Chunian. This beautiful, verdant forest stretches for 5,065 hectares (12,515 acres), with its towering acacia and eucalyptus trees. Thanks to its dense forest and lake, the wildlife preserve is home to deer, peafowl, wild boar, and other native species. While visiting Pakistan, hop aboard the locomotive for a peaceful ride through the forest or a boat ride across Changa Manga’s serene lake.

Changa Manga Forest Park

Address: Railway Station، Changa Manga Road, Near Changa Manga, Kasur, Punjab 55200, Pakistan

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

9. World's largest ambulance network

Citizens of Pakistan are likely to have easy access to an ambulance should an emergency strike. This country is home to a volunteer ambulance network that was founded by philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. No matter where you are in Pakistan, you might pass by one of Edhi Foundation’s 1,800 ambulances in action. Whether by air, land, or sea, this essential service helps deliver those in need to hospitals throughout the country.

10. Khewra Salt Mine

Pakistan’s Khewra Salt Mine was discovered in 320 BC by Alexander the Great when his horse began licking salty rocks on the nearby roadway. However, it was only during the Mughal era when this pink-hued salt became a trading good. Since 2002, after the main mine tunnel was converted into a tourist attraction, hundreds of thousands of visitors started arriving to buy its rich Himalayan salt. Visitors wandering through its cavernous tunnels will discover the mine’s pink crystals.

Khewra Salt Mine

Address: Khewra, Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan

Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat: 8am - 2:30pm; Fri: 8am - 12:30pm (closed on Sun)

Discover Pakistan's wonders

Visitors to Pakistan can join a safari with a camel caravan across the sandy dunes of Tharparkar Desert or hang glide high above them. Voyagers touring the ancient Khewra Salt Mine will be bathed in the glow of the crystal deposits on its walls. They can ride one of the luxury trains in Pakistan as well. Before departing Pakistan, try to see as many of these top things the country is famous for to enhance your visit.