WatersportsIn addition to the beaches, swimming pools can be found in various clubs in large towns and in major hotels. Kemari sail or motorboats can be hired at a previously agreed price. Deep-sea night fishing is also available and there are a number of freshwater lakes offering good fishing facilities. For permits, enquire at the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (see
Top Things To Do). Whitewater rafting and canoeing are increasingly popular on the rivers of the north of the country.
Trekking and mountaineeringPakistan contains five of the world’s
highest peaks and several of the world’s largest glaciers. The northern areas are the most popular for trekking, with Gilgit and Skardu being good starting points for trips. The Karakorum Highway is also a popular hiking route. Trekking areas have been divided into ‘open’ and ‘restricted’ zones by the Government. Permits or licensed guides are not required for the open zones, but are necessary if the visitor intends to go to the restricted zones (parts of Baltistan, Chitral and Hunza, including the K2 base camp). Permits are usually issued within 24 hours. A licensed mountain guide is required as well as the purchase of a personal accident policy for each of the guides and porters. Visitors also must attend mandatory briefing and de-briefing sessions by the Ministry of Tourism at the beginning and end of the trekking trip. Visitors should check with the authorities before visiting remote areas, as advance permission is sometimes required. In addition, it is wise to consult the travel advice of foreign governments prior to travel, as political tensions can lead to violence, especially in Kashmir. No trekking is permitted in the 'closed' zones near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and near the line of control with Indian-held Kashmir.
GolfClubs are located in the large cities and visitors are generally allowed to play a course if introduced by a member or if they acquire a temporary membership.
TennisClubs in the large cities have courts. Visitors must be introduced by a member or can often obtain temporary membership through the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation.
OtherHockey is Pakistan’s national sport; however, it is easily surpassed in popularity by cricket, which can be watched in most major towns at many different levels. Football is fast becoming popular and regular matches can be seen in the stadium at Karachi and at other sports fields all over the country. Polo matches can be seen in major cities and most notably in the northern towns of Gilgit and Chitral. Horse racing takes place in winter in Karachi and Lahore. There is also a ski resort at Malam Jabba in the Karakoram range.
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