Karachi

Pakistan’s former capital is a formidable city – and one of the world’s biggest. As expansive as it is populous, it stretches out over 3500 square kilometres of urban sprawl. Its 12 million inhabitants speak no fewer than 20 main languages and dialects between them, making Karachi a cultural melting pot for all the senses. Bang on the Arabian Sea, it has a milder climate than inland South Asian cities, with autumn to spring the best time to visit.

Must See:
Take a trip to the National Museum of Pakistan to discover the nation’s rich cultural heritage – and vibrant modern makeup. It has 300 copies of the Koran, including over 50 rare manuscripts.

Must eat at:
Purple Haze, on 25th Street, is where the city’s cooler crowd tends to head for a touch of cafe society – not to mention western and fusion-feel food. The coffee’s not bad, either.

Must be there for:
The Navrus (or New Days) Festival, an annual Persian celebration, takes centre stage on 21st March – on or around the vernal equinox. You’ll see much rejoicing in the Parsi, Shia and Ismaili communities.

Well-travelled facts:
· Karachi is also known as the City of Lights and the City of the Quaid.
· For weather alone, the best months to visit Karachi are December and January

Visas:
British citizens need a visa to visit Pakistan. As several different types are available and conditions apply, please visit http://www.phclondon.org/HC/visa.htm