Paris Of The East - Labore Lahore Aye

With its vibrant culture, much-loved cuisine and welcoming people, the capital of Pakistan's Punjab province offers a unique experience that elucidates the popular phrase, Lahore Lahore Aye, or "Lahore is Lahore!"

- Scott Bennett

When it comes to holiday destinations, Pakistan doesn’t feature on many people’s radars.

Thanks to negative media reports, the general consensus is it’s a land of desert and fundamentalists. However, the world’s fifth most populous nation is home to a rich array of attractions, from vibrant culture and historic cities to some of the most stupendous mountain scenery on Earth.

I had first visited back in 2008 and was immediately captivated. However, that trip was primarily landscape focused. When I finally returned in 2022, I wanted to experience the country’s cultural side and decided to visit Lahore. Situated in the Punjab region, Pakistan’s second largest city is home to 13 million people and the economic and cultural centre of the region. Capital of multiple empires throughout its history, Lahore reached its apex of grandeur under the Mughal Empire, serving as its capital city for many years. It is also the location of many important Sikh religious and historical sites. With so many attractions, it was hard to know where to begin. Fortunately, many are located in the vicinity of the walled city, a bewildering labyrinth of laneways too narrow for any vehicle bigger than a scooter. Before arriving, I had been given the name of a local guide, Anjum Butt. Although I wasn’t given a mobile phone number, I was told he could be found on the front steps of the Lahore Fort.