Top Travel Writers of Pakistan- Famous Travelogues About Pakistan

Top Travel Writers of Pakistan: How Writers Present Pakistan’s Beautiful Places in Their Travelogues? 

Have you ever wondered what Pakistan is really like beyond the headlines? As an avid traveler always on the lookout for my next adventure, I’m fascinated by Pakistan’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Some of the best guides to discover the real Pakistan are the country’s talented travel writers who transport readers to majestic mountains, bustling bazaars, and ancient archeological sites.

Through their travelogs, you’ll encounter hospitality, humor, and heritage around every corner. Whether trekking through the Himalayas, wandering winding alleyways in old Lahore, or gazing at the sunset over the Arabian Sea, these writers showcase Pakistan’s vibrant soul. Their passion for exploration and gift for storytelling inspire wanderlust in all who read their works. So pack your bags, grab a book by one of Pakistan’s preeminent travel writers, and get ready for the journey of a lifetime.

Salman Rashid: The Prolific Explorer of Pakistan’s Heritage

As one of Pakistan’s most renowned travel writers, Salman Rashid has dedicated his life to uncovering the hidden gems of his country’s history and culture. For over 30 years, he has journeyed across Pakistan, from the peaks of the Karakoram to the deserts of Cholistan, documenting ancient ruins, meeting indigenous tribes, and recording local folklore.

Through his books and articles, Rashid brings to light Pakistan’s architectural legacy, revealing secrets hidden in plain sight. He has tracked down long-forgotten Buddhist monasteries, unearthed mysterious petroglyphs in the desert, and decoded the stories behind crumbling Mughal caravanserais. His writings highlight the astounding diversity of Pakistan’s natural and human landscape, celebrating the lives of those who inhabit it.

An intrepid explorer with an insatiable curiosity, Rashid travels deep into remote mountain valleys and deserts to find traces of the past. He has befriended native peoples, lived with nomads, and ridden Bactrian camels, all in the name of understanding Pakistan’s origins. His books invite readers on thrilling adventures through the countryside, teaching history through anecdotes and personal encounters along the way.

Through over a dozen books and hundreds of newspaper articles, Rashid has shared his enduring love for Pakistan with generations of readers. He continues to travel across the country, driven by a desire to protect its heritage and promote its wonders to the world. For those seeking to discover the real Pakistan, there is no better guide than the writings of Salman Rashid.

Mustansar Hussain Tarar: The Globetrotter For Hodophille

Mustansar Hussain Tarar is Pakistan’s most well-known humorous travel writer. Born on 01 Mar 1939 in Lahore. For over 50 years, Tarar has been regaling readers with tales of his adventures around the globe.

Tarar’s travelogues reflect his fun-loving and carefree nature. At the age of 20, he wrote his first book about his journey from London to Moscow which was published in the weekly magazine of that time Qandeel. He finds humour and joy in even the smallest of details. Whether riding camels in the deserts of Arabia or mingling with locals in Europe, Tarar observes everything with a sense of wonder and amusement.

His work “Ashes” discusses the separation of East and West Pakistan. If you enjoy exploring cultural history, then “Bahau” is the perfect novel for you. It depicts the complex relationships that exist in human civilization. In this work, Mustansir Husayn Tarar formulates a strategy for survival in the Indus Valley. The novel “Murat” is also one of Trarel’s famous novels. This is a collection of six short stories where each character is unique. Each hero charts a unique path without any social subordination or dominance. If you want to explore world cultures, here is a list of 10 travel books you must read.

Piyar Ka Phela Shaher

The novel showcases the character of Mustansir Hussain Talal’s passion for travel. The story of the novel revolves around the love story between a Pakistani “Sonam” and a French woman “Paskal”. Sunan traveled from Pakistan to France for an adventure trip.

Paskal came to his attention because of her frail health. Therefore, she is unable to act like the rest of society. Sonam starts spending more time with Pascal and they quickly fall in love with each other. The novel contains many lessons. First of all, love knows no class, colour, culture or customs. Everyone has the right to love others regardless of their differences. Secondly, no one in this world is born perfect. There comes a time when a person becomes disabled due to certain circumstances. This novel opens readers’ horizons.

Shimshal e Bemisaal 

Many of you may have visited Hunza Valley. However, you may not know the history of the village of Shimshal, located in a beautiful valley. Before you go, you should pick up this novel and read it carefully. It acts as your personal tour guide and contains all the details you need to know about Hunza and its landscapes. You will also learn about the history and culture of Shimshal village. So it’s time to get your copy.

Gypsy

If you are planning a trip to Europe and want to learn about its lifestyle and culture, you should read Gypsies. You will enjoy city life in different European countries. This book will take you to explore the world with the protagonist.

Deosai

Another major travelogue written by Mustansir Husayn Tarar is Deosai. He described the land surrounded by the peaks of the Skardu Mountains and the Astor Valley. Talal paints a beautiful picture of a land filled with wonders. These lands are home to Himalayan bears, snow leopards, golden eagles and red foxes.

Nanga Parbat

Mustansir Hussein Tarar wrote a wonderful travelogue about the great “Nanga Parbat”. It is also known as Killer Mountain. Tarra described the beauty of his surroundings, especially the fairy meadows. The images depict this great mountain as reaching the sky between galaxies. Here’s what you must do before planning your trip to Fairy Meadows and Karakoram Mountains.

Undalas Mei Ajnabi

This travel story describes Mustansir Hussein Tarar’s love for the lost civilization of Undalus. This area is now Spain. If you are a lover of the history of different civilizations and ancient narratives, this book is for you.

Nikalay Tery Talash Mei

In this book, Mustansir Hussein Tarar shares with us his experiences traveling around the world. The book describes the people, culture and lifestyle of different places. These places include Turbat, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Berlin, the Netherlands, London and Amsterdam. This book will guide you in planning international travel around the world.

K2 Kahani

If you are a hiking enthusiast, you dream of climbing the highest mountain in the world. Sure, it’s not a piece of cake, but K2 will be one of your dream mountains. Read K2 Kahani who takes you along with Mustansir Hussein Tarar and his companions. It documents the expedition, the difficulties it faced and the beauty of the world seen from above.

Moscow ki safed Raatein

You might feel like exploring Moscow’s nightlife and activities. But that’s not all. The best part of Mustansir Hussein Tarar’s book is the art, history and culture of the region. So, you can learn a lot about Russia by reading this novel.

Ratti Galli

The title is the name of a lake, but the story of the journey takes you through the beauty of northern Pakistan. You will hear the sound of Kunhar River and enjoy the breeze of Saif ul Malook Lake. Visit Lulusar Lake and trek through the Kaghan Valley with Mustansir Husayn Tarar.

Whether writing about exotic foreign lands or his native Pakistan, Tarar aims to educate and inspire readers through humor and storytelling. For over 50 years, his travelogs have allowed readers to discover the world’s wonders and experience its endless delights, all from the comfort of their armchairs. Truly, Tarar is a globetrotter who makes us laugh and lifts our spirits through the power of travel writing.

Raza Ali Abidi: The Eloquent Chronicler of Indo-Pak

Raza Ali Abidi, a famous Pakistani journalist and writer, was born on December 30, 1935 in Lilkesh, India. In 1950, he moved with his family to Karachi and from there to London. He worked with the BBC (Urdu) from 1972 to 2008. He is best known for producing several radio documentaries, which have also been published in book form. Jarnili Sarak offers travel guides around Grand Trank Raod and Indus Rive in Sher Darya. Apart from this, many of his other books have also been published and gained popularity. He also wrote and collected many interesting children’s books.

Raza Ali Abidi is a distinguished writer and journalist known for his insightful and eloquent travel writing. Over his 30-year career with BBC Urdu Service, he traveled extensively across Pakistan and India, documenting his observations in books like Sher Daryaa, Jurnali Sarak, Jahan-e-Rumi, and many others.

Abidi’s writing is a window into the rhythm of life in cities like Lahore, Peshawar, Rajasthan,  Kohistan, Sindh River and many other places in Pakistan. He shares vivid descriptions of Indo-Pakistan and their narrow alleyways, bustling bazaars and crumbling monuments, transporting readers to another time and place. His work highlights details often overlooked, revealing hidden gems around every corner.

Abidi’s passion for uncovering stories shines through in his writing. He seeks out local legends and little-known tales of the past, weaving them together with his own experiences. The result is a rich tapestry illuminating each city’s unique character and spirit.

While Abidi’s books focus on specific cities, his writing style and message are universal. He reminds us to slow down and observe the details in our surroundings. To connect with the past by understanding how it shaped the present. To embrace the blend of cultures that give cities their distinctive flavor.

Abidi’s eloquent and evocative writing has earned him acclaim as one of Pakistan’s finest travel writers. For those unable to visit Lahore, Delhi or Karachi in person, his books offer the next best thing. They transport readers on a journey through time and space, revealing the enduring beauty and wonder to be found in each city.

Essential Reading – Northern Pakistan Travel Stories by Leading Authors

If you’re looking to delve into tales of adventure in the mountains of northern Pakistan, there are several authors whose works you should check out.

Isobel Shaw

Isobel Shaw is a famous writer who wrote a couple of books on her adventure to Pakistan. The Pakistan Handbook is one of her most famous books. This guide to Pakistan suggests popular and relatively unknown routes through the Pakistani countryside. Travellers will appreciate detailed itineraries for short and long treks in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram and Himalayas. Visitors’ questions will be answered with the latest information on accommodation from Sindh to Balochistan and dining options from Punjab to North West Frontier Province. She wrote multiple books on her Pakistan Adventure, some of the names are:

• Pakistan Trekking Guide: Himalaya, Karakoram and Hindu Kush
• Pakistan: At the Crossroads of Asia
• Local Colour Illustrated Guide to Pakistan
• Collins Illustrated Guide to Pakistan
• Timeless Crochet: Calendar-Inspired Creations
• Introduction to Pakistan
• Odyssey Illustrated Guide to Pakistan
• Pakistan Handbook

Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

They co-authored the bestselling book Three Cups of Tea, which chronicles Mortenson’s efforts building schools in remote Pakistani villages, especially in the Karakoram. The book also describes Mortenson’s harrowing K2 climb, surviving a kidnapping, and befriending locals.

Eric Shipton

A pioneering British mountaineer, Shipton led expeditions throughout the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush. He made many first ascents and discoveries. His books like Blank on the Map, Upon that Mountain, and Mountains of Tartary cover these regions.

Jon Krakauer

The American journalist and author is known for books on mountaineering and survival. He was on the tragic 1996 Everest expedition wrote Into Thin Air. He also covered the disastrous 1992 K2 climb as a journalist in Eiger Dreams.

Michael Palin

The British comedian, actor and writer is famous for Monty Python and travel documentaries. In Himalaya, based on his TV series, Palin visits northern Pakistan.

These authors have explored the natural wonders, cultural diversity, history, and challenges of the mighty K2 region and beyond. Their works offer glimpses into the lives of mountaineers and villagers alike. Through their writings, you can experience the thrill of ascending perilous peaks as well as the simple joys of forging cross-cultural friendships over cups of tea. Dive into these tales of adventure in northern Pakistan!

Conclusion

As you can see, Pakistan is home to many talented travel writers who have explored the length and breadth of the country and shared their adventures with readers around the world. 

So there you have it, a list of some notable book writers who have explored and written about the majestic mountains and cultures of northern Pakistan. With their works, you can embark on adventures and learn about the history of these regions without even leaving your home. 

Whether you’re looking to be inspired by stories of survival against all odds on K2 or want to immerse yourself in the daily life of remote mountain villages, these authors have you covered. They have tread where few have gone before so we can experience the thrill and beauty of these places through the pages of their books. What are you waiting for? Pick up one of these books and transport yourself to the peaks of the Himalayas, the ice walls of K2 or the colorful markets of Hunza. 

Through their books and stories, these writers have brought Pakistan’s natural beauty and cultural richness to life, inspiring both locals and foreigners alike to embark on their own journeys of discovery. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider following in the footsteps of these intrepid travellers. Who knows – you might just find yourself on an unforgettable adventure in this fascinating land. The possibilities for exploration in Pakistan are as endless as the open road.