'Forbes' ranks Pakistan amongst '10 coolest places to visit in 2019'

Sceneries from Hunza, Fairy Maedows, Attabad Lake and others have made it to top tourists spots to visit

In a rather pleasantly surprising turn of events, Forbes magazine has included Pakistan in a recently-released list of '10 coolest places to go to in 2019.' Isn't that wonderful news?

“Explore the valleys of Hunza, Shigar and Khaplu via the renowned Karakoram Highway,” Sara Barbieri, a specialist working with luxury travel website GeoEx, suggests in the article.

SHINKIARI HUTPHOTO: AMASH SAJID SHEIKH

“This little-visited region in the far northeast of the country offers the kind of startlingly striking scenery that compels you to gaze from the window without blinking, for fear of missing a moment of the majesty of the landscape — or one of the astounding suspension bridges that cross the surging rivers filled with snow melt," she further writes.  "Add to this the warm welcome of the people, the glacial blue of Attabad Lake, the centuries of history, the juxtaposition of granite to greenery, the chance to walk through an age old-apricot orchard along water channels cut by hand, and the blazing snow-covered glory of Rakaposhi and you must acknowledge there is a grand adventure to be had.”

Other countries that made it to the list were:

Bhutan

PHOTO: FORBES

“International tourist numbers to Bhutan are creeping up every year but the majority of travelers visit the well-known areas of Western and Central Bhutan,” explained Brent Olson, a destination specialist for GeoEx. “Eastern Bhutan is opening up and there is quite a bit that is truly off the beaten track."

Colombia

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Tourists have not yet arrived en masse and the guarded optimism of the Colombian people is palpable. Bogotá doesn’t have the breezy appeal of Cartagena or the financial might of Medellín but it has been home to artists and creative sorts for decades.

Mexico

PHOTO: FORBES

Over the next two years, the destination will welcome new properties, including the Nobu Hotel and the 1 Hotel, that will secure its place on the luxury travelers’ map.

Ethiopia 

PHOTO: FORBES

“This East African nation is stepping on to the world’s stage as a crucible of ancient culture, where travellers have the opportunity to experience the intersection of Christianity, Judaism and Islam through unparalleled cultural immersion,” says Biggs Bradley.

Madagascar 

PHOTO: FORBES

This wondrous world has so much biodiversity to discover, both in terms of natural beauty and unique terrains. For flora and fauna, with more than 90% of the wildlife endemic to Madagascar, it’s unbeatable.

Mongolia

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"Our custom journeys provide ample opportunities to hike, bike, rock climb and stay in welcoming, comfortable ger camps. We love arranging remarkable Mongolian adventures for our travelers, lining up access to authentic experiences such as time with nomads, outings with Kazakh eagle hunters and visits with local shamans," said Tina Liadis, an Asia specialist with GeoEx.

Rwanda 

PHOTO: FORBES

In addition to intimate wildlife experiences, including gorilla trekking and tracking golden monkeys in Virunga, the luxury lodge offerings are impressive.

The Turkish Rivera 

PHOTO: FORBES

The chic beach resort of Bodrum has been enjoying a moment in the spotlight with the recent opening of the Six Senses Kaplankaya and the Bodrum Edition.

Portugal

PHOTO: FORBES

The high-thrill activities include scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, whale watching, birding, surfing and more.

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