5 Destinations in Pakistan That Will Help You Beat the Summer Heat

Are you someone who is not a fan of the summer season but have to avail the vacation period, that your company gave you, by traveling under the glaring sun? Do you want to escape the high temperatures that will set you on a journey of unlimited sweating and itchiness?

If your reply is in the affirmative then fret no more. This is because this article by Jovago Pakistan brings you a list of 5 places in Pakistan that can help you in escaping the heat during the summer season.

1)    Sajikot waterfall

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city life, then a trip to this waterfall is a must. This is because the Sajikot Waterfall is one of the most beautiful gifts of Mother Nature. The waterfall, which is located in the city of Abbottabad, not only offers travels a perfect escape from the summer heat but it also offers a calm and peaceful environment. With its unique three step waterfall, Sajikot waterfall offers a perfect sanctuary for those who want to escape the high temperatures.

      2)  Rawalakot Valley

The valley which is in the shape of a saucer is the district headquarter of the Pounch district. Due to its enthralling beauty, the Rawalakot Valley is known as the Pearl valley. During the summer season, the valley is brimming with green grass and beautiful flowers.

      3)  Neelwan Valley

At a distance of about 15 kilometers from the Kalar Kahar district in Punjab lies the stunning valley of Neelwan. Located within a short distance from Lahore and Islamabad, this destination is the perfect spot for those who are looking forward to a short trip. The valley is home to a number of historical monuments including Takht e Babri and Bagh e Safa garden. Moreover, Neelwan valley is also home to three ponds which have sparkling blue water.

      4)  Hunza Valley

Situated in Gilgit, the mountainous valley of Hunza is famous for its beauty and the hospitality of its residents. With the highest literacy rate in the country, the valley offers enchanting views to its visitors. Situated at the North/West side of the Hunza river, Hunza valley is often referred to as heaven on Earth because of the mountain peaks which surrounds it.

      5)  Swat Valley

Popularly known as the Switzerland of the country, the Swat valley is famous for its scenic views, mouth-watering fruits and of course trout! Surrounded by the high mountains of the North, the valley is located in the middle of foothills of Hindukush mountain range. The valley serves as the perfect sanctuary for those who want to escape the blistering heat.

If you have information on any destination in Pakistan that can help in avoiding the summer heat, then do share it with us in the comments section below.

3 Places to Visit in Pakistan in the month of May

The month of May marks the official beginning of the summer season in Pakistan. It is under the glaring sun that the summer crops including maize, millet, and cotton are grown. It is also the time when people from various parts of Pakistan make travel plans to avail their summer vacations in the best possible manner.

If you are planning to travel to Pakistan in the month of May, then read along to get to know the 3 places in Pakistan, which Jovago Pakistan recommends, to visit and to explore in the month of May in order to get enthralled by the offerings of the summer season.

1.    Leepa valley

One of the most spectacular wonders that Azad Kashmir region offers to its visitors, the Leepa valley is a must visit in the summer season. This is because, during the summer season the lush green rice fields and the delicious walnut, apple, cherry and honey along with a variety of scenic spectacular beauty spell bounds the visitors who are exploring the valley.

      2.  Chitral

On the foothills of the famous Hindu Kush mountain range, lies the beautiful valley of Chitral which is the largest district in the KPK province. Famous for its traditions, the valley is home to various tribes including the Kalash who are known for their backward lifestyle. Whilst exploring the area, do make sure you attend the Chilam Joshi festival which is held in the middle of May every year to get a glimpse of the traditional yet colorful culture of the Kalash people.

      3. Skardu

If one were asked to describe this place then it would be an embodiment of nature’s perfection. Located in the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu is home to some of the highest mountains in the world including K2 and Gasherbrum. Skardu enthralls its visitors with its diverse offerings which include mighty mountain peaks, rich, lush green pasturelands, sparkling river water and even a cold desert.

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What are the places in Pakistan which you are planning to explore this May in order to enjoy the offerings of the summer season? Do share them with us in the comments section

Tips to Ensure Smooth Travel for Business Purposes

While traveling itself can be an eye-opening experience, it can get hectic if one is traveling for business purposes. This is because the business trip usually revolves around falling asleep on planes and traveling back and forth for meetings which can result in disturbing one’s routine and making them grumpy.

If you are someone who has to face these issues while traveling for business purposes, then this article by Jovago Pakistan will help you out as it provides tips to smoothen your travel.

●     Carry limited luggage

If you are traveling for a short trip, then carrying several bags would rather be inconvenient and give you stress in case any of your luggage gets lost or if you get late for a meeting. To avoid this, it is better if you carry your stuff in a carry-on bag as this will help you to save time. Moreover, you won't have to worry about waiting in a line when you land to collect your belongings as you only have a carry-on.

●     Dress smartly

Dressing up smartly will help you in getting much better services because let’s face this: the first impression is the last impression. Wearing an outfit that can pass on as a formal one on a flight can help you in case your baggage is lost or if you are running late.

●     Keep a tennis ball

If you are thinking that by making you carry a tennis ball we are urging you to play tennis with your business partners, you are wrong. A tennis ball can come in handy when your muscles get stiff/sore. Small in size, a tennis ball can help you to relax as you can use it for rolling under your feet.

●     Use smartphone applications

Use your technology friend to help you out for your business purposes. By downloading apps that cater to different business needs, you can smoothen your travel. For instance, by downloading Jovago’s smartphone application, you can easily book hotels, from an inventory of more than 2000 hotels, through a customized search engine that too at a discounted rates.

●     Cure jet lag

Traveling to different time zones can cause jet lag. Therefore, you need to figure out what are your body requirements in order to avoid jet lag. By taking flights at night, you can sleep overnight and stay hydrated.

If you have any other tips through which you smoothen out your business trip, then do share it with us in the comments section below.

Reasons as to How Hotel Industry Is Changing in Pakistan

It is often heard that change is inevitable. When one looks at the different facets of history, they find that civilizations who did not accept change were swept away by the developments taking place around them. This is one reason why organizations in the modern era are trying to devise different strategies through which they can incorporate change.

The reason behind why organizations are so persistent about adapting to change is because they want to move forward. Among the various industries of the world which are trying to cope with change, the hotel industry is one industry which is getting transformed.

As the hotel industry is a service industry, where the quality of experience is one of the dominant factors, it is important that it adapts to the various developments taking place. If you are fascinated by the changes that are being incorporated in the hotel industry, then this article by Jovago Pakistan will further satiate your quest for a different yet better experience.

The best hotel booking website believes that the following are the reasons because of which the hotel industry is changing:

     1) Growing population

Currently, Pakistan’s population stands at 196 million. This figure is projected to rapidly increase in the coming years. A major chunk of this population comprises of youth who are more prone to accepting change. As the customer base of the hotel industry widens, with more youth traveling to explore the beauty that Pakistan offers, the hotel industry has started offering services which will suit the modern tastes of the youth.

      2)   Increase in internet penetration

With various telecommunication companies offering 3G and 4G service, more people are able to have access to the internet which helps them to stay connected with the world. The response from the Pakistani people has been so phenomenal that 5G services will be launched soon in the country. As more people are able to access the internet, hotel businesses have started offering services online. This includes the introduction of smartphone apps to increase convenience for the hotel’s customers.

     3)  Rising E-commerce industry

The concept of businesses availing the online platform, provided by the internet, has enabled them to increase their target audience. As the benefits of going online are far greater than the cost involved, a lot of startups have been launched in the country over the past few years. The hotel industry has also had its fair share of startups including Jovago Pakistan, which is offering customers the ease of booking a hotel online. People no longer have to wander about the desired destination in search of a hotel. By just clicking on the website and using the customized search engine, people are now able to book their hotel rooms prior to traveling- a convenience which was not offered earlier.

If you have information on any other reason because of which the hotel industry is changing in Pakistan, then do share it with us in the comments section below.

4 Buddhist Monasteries in Pakistan That Are a Must Visit

One of the facets of culture is religion as it depicts a beautiful side of the society. When one talks about Pakistan’s rich culture, they get to know that the country is home to people belonging to different faiths.

One of the religions practiced in the country is Buddhism whose origin can be traced back to several thousand years. At various times, the religion had been a strong force whose impact can still be seen in the rich heritage of the country. This includes the famous Gandhara civilization which gave birth to Gandhara art- an important turn in the cultural history of Pakistan.

Keeping in mind the contributions that Buddhism has made to the Pakistani society, Jovago Pakistan brings to you an article on the 4 Buddhist monasteries in Pakistan that are a must visit.

1) Takht-i-Bhai

Dating back to 1st century AD, Takht-i-Bhai is one of the most beautiful Buddhist monasteries in the Gandhara district. When Takht-i-Bhai is translated into English it means Throne of Origins. Situated at a height of 500 feet, Takht-i-Bhai is one of the nine wonders in Pakistan that are listed on the World Heritage List.

2) Giri Fort

Built in the 5th century by the Buddhist monks, this fort is located at a distance of 8 km from Taxila, at the foot of the Margalla hills. The Giri fort is situated on a hilltop and has spring water falling within it. The remains of two monasteries and stupas can be found at this fort.

3) Lotus throne

As the beautiful valley of Swat was one of the main centers of Buddhism, several monasteries, and other sites were found here.  It is also home to a statue of Buddha who is sitting on a throne made out of lotus flower. Swat is also home to the famous Gandhara School of Sculpture which is considered to be an expression of Graeco-Roman form in the local Buddhist tradition.

4) DharmaRajika Stupa

The city of Taxila is considered to be the main center of the Gandhara civilization, which depicts an important facet of Buddhism. Commonly known as the Chir Tope, the Dharmarajika stupa is in a circular shape and is surrounded by a number of small chapels. The circular structure is surrounded by a raised terrace. There are several statues of the Buddha at this site.

If you have information on any other Buddhist monastery in Pakistan, then do share it with us in the comment section below.

State of Pakistan’s Travel and Hospitality Industry in the Past Year

As the law and order situation in the country improves and the ongoing threat of terrorism reduces, it can be said that Pakistan is on its road to development. This is because of a number of reasons which include the growing culture of startups in the country and the huge influx of tourists that are coming to explore the beauty of Pakistan.

As facts and figures are an integral part of proving anything, Jovago Pakistan brings you an article on the state of Pakistan’s travel and hospitality industry in the past year. Read along so that the next time someone asks you what Pakistan has to offer, you can confidently tell them, by backing with facts, that it is a beautiful country which has a lot to offer, in terms of sheer beauty, rich culture and heritage.

• Real GDP growth

Despite the slowdown in the global economy due to a number of reasons, Pakistan’s GDP growth reached 4.7% with respect to inflation in 2016. Several factors including the following contributed to uplifting this South Asian economy.

• Supportive economic policies including low-interest rates and stable exchange rate which has increased confidence of investors.
• Macroeconomic stability because of the substantially lower inflation, increase in foreign exchange reserves due to rise in foreign direct investment.
• Better law and order situation because of the operation Zarb e Azab that the Pakistani army carried out in the Northern areas of the country.

• Upsurge in the influx of tourists

The Pakistani economy was able to generate approximately $1 billion in revenue because of the 1,040,000 international tourists who arrived in 2015. This tourist figure is projected to reach 1.7 million by the year 2025.  This will, in turn, help Pakistan to be the world’s fastest-growing Muslim economy ahead of Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and Egypt by 2017.

• Improvement in employment rate

In the midst of an increase in tourism and better security conditions of the country, the number of people employed directly by the hospitality industry reached 1,429,500 in 2015. The employment rate is projected to increase by 2.1% per annum over the next 10 years.

• Increase in Investment

Due to the sheer beauty which Pakistan possesses, the investment which this particular sector received in the year 2015 was USD 3272 million which made up 9.3% of the total investment done in the country. Over the next ten years, this investment rate is forecasted to rise by 7.6% pa over the next ten years. Due to the ongoing CPEC mega project whose main highlight is the Gawadar city, a huge chunk of this investment is allocated to the construction of ten hotels in this city which can in turn boost tourism in the area.

Festivals in Pakistan That Are a Must Visit to Welcome the Spring Seasons

Pakistan is famous for not only its scenic beauty but also for its rich culture and heritage. A large number of tourists who visit this South Asian country are attracted to the traditions and the hospitable nature of Pakistanis.

of the facets of Pakistani culture that attracts people towards the country are the festivals that are celebrated and cherished for different reasons. While some festivals are celebrated for religious reasons such as Eid-ul-Fitr, others are observed to welcome the four different seasons that Mother Nature has blessed the country with.

To help people know about these festivals so that they can visit these in order to get a closer and deeper look at the country, Jovago Pakistan brings you an article on the festivals in Pakistan that are celebrated to welcome the spring season.

• Navroz Festival

Celebrated by the Ismaili and Parsi communities, the Navroz marks the beginning of the Shahenshahi calendar which is followed by the western neighbors of Pakistan. It also commemorates the beginning of the spring season. Associated with the concepts of rebirth and rejuvenation, the Navroz is observed as a gratitude for the countless blessings bestowed upon the people. An event for family bonding, it is filled with delicious, mouthwatering traditional dishes.

• Jashan e Shikarpur

Held in the months of February and March each year, this festival is one of the main highlights of the city of Shikarpur. Marked with traditional sports competition, handicraft exhibition, dances and folk music, the Jashan e Shikarpur is a mesmerizing way to get a taste of what the Sindhi culture is all about.

• Chilim Joshi Festival

One of the main highlights of the rich Kalashi culture, Chilim Joshi is also known by the name of Joshi and Chilim Jusht. It is a religious festival of the pagans of Kalash who welcome the spring season through it. Joshi is celebrated in May as a way to thank their gods for their countless blessings. The beautiful Kalashi girls, attired in their colorful embroidered dresses, perform the traditional dance of the area during this event to showcase their Northlander culture.

• Basant

If you are a fan of the colorful kites then this event is a must visit for you. Basant is celebrated over the various parts of the country, particularly in the city considered to be the heart of Pakistan. An event filled with a variety of dishes and musical concert, you will see the colorful kites of various shapes filling the sky.