This Spring Break I was able to be a part of the first Harvard Pakistan Trek. This trek is a peer-led trip to Pakistan organized by the Harvard College Pakistani Student Association and Harvard University graduate schools. I will be sharing some of the highlights from the trip. 

Islamabad

1. Monal Restaurant

We first arrived in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. We drove up the mountain to Monal Restaurant with a beautiful view of the capital. We enjoyed a buffet-style lunch, which included a variety of South Asian dishes such as butter chicken, tandoori chicken, daal, various desserts, and more.

2. Cricket Match

One of the most fun experiences was going to my first-ever Cricket Game. Going in I had no idea what the rules were and how the game worked. Fortunately, with the help of peers familiar with the game, we could learn and follow along. By the end of the game, we were cheering and shouting.

3. Dinner at Cheezious

After a long and eventful day, we were able to end with burgers, fries, pizza, and cake from Cheezious. The employees were very sweet and the food was great! 

Lahore

4. Walled City of Lahore

After Exploring the capital we headed to Lahore. One of my favorite sites that we visited was the Walled City of Lahore. We toured the area in Tuk Tuks, which is a popular mode of transportation, and visited many sites and learned about its history. There were many markets in the streets and it was filled with colors from spices, cultural clothing, and South Asian art and decor. 

5. Pindi Umra (village)

Another of my favorite parts of the trip was when we stayed the night at the village of Pindi Umra. It was a very heartwarming experience to be welcomed by the villagers, meet the children in the nearby schools, and admire the scenic nature. Sleeping over and waking up early with friends on the trip felt like cousins meeting up and catching up as we laughed and conversed while watching the sunrise. 

6. Data Darbar

Another site we visited was Data Darbar, an Islamic Shrine. This is the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia. The Islamic architecture in Pakistan was very eye-catching and it was an insightful experience learning about its significance and history.

The best parts of this trip were the new friends I made and the friends I got closer to. They made the experience so much more enjoyable, from sharing stories to karaoke sessions, many laughs and smiles were shared. I am very grateful to have been a part of this trip and learn about the culture and history of Pakistan.