Locals of Shighar valley playing cricket in the polo ground. The ground is primarily used to play the ancient game of polo but they often use it to play cricket. Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
When a young woman decides to reach for the stars and challenge social, cultural and familial expectations along the way, she usually faces two responses: encouragement backed by enthusiastic support or doubt laced with disapproval. Personally, I’m on the “You go girl!” team.
Pakistan is not a common destination for a solo female traveler. Visas can be difficult to obtain and most governments have strongly advised against travel there. Visas can only be obtained from the embassy in your country of origin, so if you are planning to travel there first, contact the Embassy of Pakistan in your country.
Pakistan offers enough experiences to entertain short-term tourists, this complex country isn’t a holiday destination, it’s a unique classroom offering a sharp, character-building education for adventurous nomads. A trip to Pakistan will not only change your perspective on Pakistani and Muslim culture, it’ll also challenge how you view the rest of the world – especially countries which cop a lot of flak in the media.
