Enthusiastic Praise: Omani Bike Riders Adore Pakistan's Scenery, Hospitality, and Culinary Delights
In the heart of South Asia, Pakistan presents a captivating blend of challenges and advantages for travellers, particularly bikers and overlanders. This was recently discovered by a group of Omani bikers on a 15-day goodwill tour, which is now entering its final stretch in Lahore before departure on July 4.
While security concerns, bureaucratic issues, and infrastructure challenges remain significant issues, especially in certain regions like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the country offers a unique experience that is hard to resist.
The group, led by Majid Al-Rawahi, has faced some challenges, such as navigating tricky road conditions and dealing with paperwork. However, they have been rewarded with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities that have made their journey unforgettable.
The tour has taken them through Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, the Naran resort town, parts of Punjab, and they are now in Lahore. Along the way, they've encountered snow-capped mountain passes, fertile river plains, and the iconic Karakoram Highway, a dream route for many bikers and overlanders.
The group's arrival in Pakistan was facilitated by the Pakistani embassy in Muscat and the Omani government. Al-Rawahi expressed his gratitude, stating, "Our initial perceptions about Pakistan, which included negative stereotypes, were proven wrong during our journey."
The Omani bikers have found the local cuisine to be a highlight of their trip. Dishes like biryani and local sweets have been a hit, with Kamil Al-Wahaibi, another member of the group, particularly enjoying kulcha paratha, a flaky, buttery flatbread.
Pakistan is making efforts to modernize its transportation systems, including digitization and improved road and rail links, which are enhancing travel experiences and accessibility to remote regions. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) projects the travel and tourism industry to grow annually by 6.75 percent from 2025 to 2029, reaching a market size of $5.53 billion by the end of the period.
As the tour nears its end, the group's leader, Majid Al-Rawahi, has expressed interest in returning to Pakistan with his family and friends. He also mentioned that he would like to explore Azad Kashmir during the winter and the desert.
Issa Al-Hasani, another member of the group, highlighted the breathtaking landscapes they've encountered and the kindness and friendliness of the people they've met. He said, "Pakistan is a country that we will always remember, and we look forward to returning."
Pakistan promotes its northern areas as a haven for adventurists and nature lovers, offering routes that appeal to bikers and overlanders. With visa-free entry for citizens of 126 countries for tourism and business purposes, effective August 14, 2024, Pakistan is making it easier for travellers to experience its unique charm.
- The Omani bikers, currently in Lahore, have found the local cuisine, such as biryani and local sweets, to be a highlight of their 15-day adventure-travel tour in Pakistan.
- Despite facing challenges like navigating tricky road conditions and dealing with paperwork, the group's journey has been unforgettable due to breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities, particularly in the northern areas of Pakistan.
- As the tour nears its end on July 4, Majid Al-Rawahi, the group's leader, has expressed interest in returning to Pakistan with his family and friends to explore Azad Kashmir during the winter and the desert.
- Pakistan is not only promoting its northern areas as a haven for adventurists and nature lovers, but also making efforts to modernize its transportation systems, which are expected to enhance travel experiences and accessibility to remote regions.
- With visa-free entry for citizens of 126 countries for tourism and business purposes effective August 14, 2024, Pakistan is making it easier for travellers to experience its unique charm, making it a promising destination for cultural-travel and lifestyle experiences.
