Specific characteristics of Pakistan

If you’re a Pakistani, there must be so many things coming in your mind already after looking at the title. Naturally, we can totally relate to it because we know that we can find the most unique things in our country and nowhere else. Often put in the negative limelight, it’s important to highlight and appreciate specific characteristics of Pakistan that put a smile on our faces. Jovago has come up with a short but hilarious list of a few things that are sure to make us smile:

Rickshaws with mysterious quotes painted

If you don’t own any kind of transport, we have some exceptional ride for you, Rickshaws. Rickshaws are a must-try if you’re living in or visiting Pakistan. It’s a small vehicle that can only fit 3 people, but we as Pakistanis have solutions for everything, families that are bigger than 3 persons also manage to fit in one small rickshaw somehow. The best part, however, is the enigmatic and facetious poetry and quotes we get to read behind every rickshaw.

Pakistan has also kept updating rickshaws by coming up with new designs, bigger and spacious models to an extent that the first ever Wi-Fi supported rickshaws were launched. Can you believe it? Have you ever had this facility in any other conveyance? No! But only Pakistan is home to these three-passenger, bolus-shaped public transport with Wi-Fi facility.

Local canals as swimming poolsThough it sounds strange, but it is a common tradition that can be seen in summers where men take public baths together in proximate canals. We have heard of animals taking a good water bath in the rivers or canals, but in Pakistan, we can see the similar scenes, but involving humans.

It is one of oldest customs which has now become essential for people because there is often a scarcity of water supply to various areas along with sweltering hot weather that forces them to swim in local canals. These canals act as a source of surplus water to our people.

Walls used for advertising
We observe walls around the cities decorated, painted and protected in the rest of the world while in Pakistan, you will never find an empty and clean wall. Walls around the cities in Pakistan are simply used for advertising each and every kind of product and/or service. These include medical assistance, matrimonial ads, house fumigation services, weight loss/gain remedial treatments and unlimited amount of random phone numbers.

These are just some of the unusually interesting things that can only be found in Pakistan. Of course we have the best food, the most hospitable people, unlimited talent and not to forget, a Nobel peace prize holder and winner of an Oscar award (both being females) and hospitable guest houses and hotels.

• 
  

Kaghan and Naran in 4 days: Travel Guide

For those of you who have the opportunity to visit the gorgeous Kaghan valley and Naran,these are the spots you must visit to ensure the most pleasurable trip.Kaghan valley is at its best to visit July through September and for the best rates as hotels such as Hotel de Manchi and Parhena Cottages visit Jovago.com .

Day 1:

1.Lake Saif-ul-Muluk
This is the region’s main attraction (located 10km from Naran) and can be reached by jeep, a horse-ride or an 8km hike up a trail for those who wish.At a height of 10500 feet from sea level, surrounded by snow-clad mountains and crowned by the Malika Parbat summit,Saif-ul-Muluk is best to visit in June.

2.Trekking 
Lake saif-ul-Muluk is also a famous trekking location due to the crystal waters and picturesque views and it would be worth the wait to stay and watch the sunset there.

3.Shopping
The evenings and nights in Kaghan can be spent exploring the shopping districts all over the valley and buying handicraft products conducive to the region such as woolen shawls, rugs,and handmade jewelry and souvenirs.Products here are distinctive and reasonably price,it is a unique shopping experience.

Day 2:
1. Shogran
Shogran(34 km from Balakot) is a green plateau in the Kaghan valley about 8000 feet above sea level famous for its view. The ideal season to visit Shogran is summer, like the rest of the valley, since it is most accessible then.

2. Kawai Village
On the way to Shogran if you set out early you could enjoy a meal at the famous village Kawai situated at a waterfall.

3. Sari Payee
Shogran connects to many beautiful places like Sari Payee(to which you can trek for 2 hours or take a jeep) and even from the lush lawns of the Forest Rest House at Shogran Sari Payee Lake is visible if you do not wish to trek.

Day 3:
1. Lulusar Lake and Dudipatsar lakeand Lulusar Dudipatsar National Park
Most people visiting this region do not venture beyond the Saif-ul-Muluk lake, but there a number of other lakes to see such as the Dudipatsar lake called the White Lake,though it melts from July to September.Another beautiful lake is the largest lake Lulusar which mirrors surrounding mountains. At the site of these two a national park exists in which you can stroll while enjoying the view.

2. Babusar top-highest point in the valley
The Babusar pass and top are 125km from Shogran and travel time is just under two hours,and the drive is extremely beautiful.You can stop on the way to visit the two beautiful lakes and national park.

3. Noori top and Neelum valley
Those who want to drive further can visit Noori top(only 26km from Babusar)and Neelum valley in Kashmir encountering valleys, gorges, glaciers and streams on the way.

Day 4:
1. Lalazar
Lalazar (about a 1 and a half hour drive from Naran) is a picturesque plateau at a 3200m elevation. It is the habitat of thick forests of pine and fir and wild flowers. Due to its beauty it is a popular camping spot. On a clear day “Falak Sonia” peak associated with famous fairytales can be seen.

2. Kunhar River
The mountain roads leading up to Lalazar have the Kunhar river on one side,famous for its hydro power generation.Kunhar river flows through the center of the Kaghan valley and it is possible to raft here.

3. Trout fishing
The Kunhar River is famous for brown trout and Rainbow trout, although a fishing permit is needed to fish which can be received at the Fisheries department in Naran.

• 
  

Jovago brings Black Friday to the Pakistani Hotel Industry

Pakistan is in for a big treat this November. This is the first time ever  any hotel booking portal is bringing such an offer to Pakistan, and at the perfect time. There is a range of hotels to chose from because Jovago has an inventory of over 2000 hotels in more than 150 cities of Pakistan.

On the last Friday of November, that falls on the 27th, Jovago is coming with the best ever deals for its customers. We are talking about discounts of up to 50%! This is a 24 hour long sale, so you have to be on your toes if you don’t want to miss this remarkable opportunity. As winter is coming and people will most likely be travelling to northern areas of Pakistan, Jovago has come up with discounts on the best hotels from the north, including Movenpick Hotel in Murree. This means that you can book your hotels at half the original price. The hotel vouchers can easily be reserved online through Jovago’s App or website. The vouchers will be valid for the next four days.

No one expected this coming, right. We all love traveling and amazing sales like this one. So, be prepared to get a hand on this offer. Plan a weekend getaway, and a small trip at an affordable price, thanks to Jovago!

Fun Facts about Balochistan

Balochistan translates to ‘the land of the Baloch’, in many regional languages.The country is dominated by natural resources, especially its natural gas fields which supply natural gas to the entire country.Balochistan is Pakistan’s biggest province in terms of its area, covering 44% of Pakistan (134,050 square miles).

The camel is the provincial animal of Balochistan.A vast variety of languages are spoken in Balochistan, ranging from Makrani, Rukhshani, Sulemani, Pashto, Brahui, Lasi, Urdu, Punjabi, Hazargi,Sindhi, Saraiki, Dehvari, Dari, Tajik, Hindko, Uzbik, and Hindki.

The climate of Balochistan is very extreme. The highest temperature recorded was 53 degrees in Sibi in 2010.
The Gwadar Port is located in Balochistan and is an operator for the China Overseas Port Holding Company.The Sulaiman Mountains are the southern extension of the Hindu Khush Range.In Balochistan its highest peak is Zarghun Ghar at 3,578 meters (11,739 ft.)

Sneak Preview : Delicacies of Balochistan

Sajji
Sajji is a Balochi specialty, where a whole lamb or chicken is roasted on coals after being marinated in salt and green papaya paste.

Kaak
Kaak is made from flattened dough, which is heated until the shell hardens and becomes crispy.

Dampkhut
Meat is sealed in containers, left over a low flame to cook slowly in its juices and bone marrow. Dampkhut is a cooking technique that dates back to over 200 years!

Khaddi Kabbab
A whole lamb or goat is stuffed with rice, and cooked over a fire. The rice is cooked by the fats of the lamb, and enjoyed.

Kehwa
A soothing green tea, usually served with breakfast.

Explore Balochistan to know what you are missing in life!

ACCA conducts ‘popcorn Search Challenge’ in schools

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants has been conducting a business game called the ‘Popcorn Search Challenge’ at leading matriculation, intermediate, O and A Level schools of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad in the months of October and November.

Some of the schools which participated in the business game include Beaconhouse School System, The City School, The International School of Choueifat, Forman Christian College (FCC), SICAS etcetera.

The purpose of the ACCA Popcorn Search is to provide a platform to the student body of Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad where they can explore business ideas and develop their skills in entrepreneurship.

The challenge entails developing an Income Statement and this helps young students gain an insight into a career in accounting.
The business decisions taken by the students have a financial impact on their company – just as the business decisions accountants make.

The national final of the ‘Popcorn Search Challenge’ will be conducted in Lahore on November 26, 2015.

Tips to relax while on a Vacation

Here is how one can have a relaxing vacation :-

Choosing the perfect destination

When selecting a destination, think about the perfect place where you can relax, and the rest of the family can remained entertained without you constantly needing to be there. A beach, a mountainous region, an escape from reality!

2. Make sure it’s affordable

Do not bust your budget while trying to create the perfect holiday.Travel within Pakistan, and Jovago Pakistan will help you find the ideal package that is affordable yet luxurious!

3. Take time out for yourself

Upon arrival,  promise to take out some time for yourself everyday. Go for a walk, find a quiet spot and read a book, or enjoy and appreciate your surroundings and yourself!

4. Spend time with the people who matter

When on a vacation, spend time with the people who cherish you and who you cherish the most! Create everlasting memories that will nurture your relationship forever strengthening it.

5. Go with the flow

Nothing will go as planned if you create a tight schedule with no room for spontaneity. Savor each moment and do not aim to do too much in one day!

6. Nourish and Recharge your body

Be sure to indulge in delicious food and endless hours of sleep, recharging your body and preparing it for the adventures that lie ahead!

•