Highest polo ground in the world

Shandur Top, situated in Gilgit, and called “Roof of the world” is at an elevation of 12,200ft. The version of polo game played here is considered to be the purist of all, called free style polo.

Since 1936, traditional polo festival is being held here and people from all around the world come to watch the matches.

Highest paved international road

The Karakorum Highway connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range, through the Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,693 metres (15,397 ft) above the sea level.

The 800-mile highway is regarded as one of the world’s hardest alpine climbs. The mountain road with hairpin curves and dangerous drop-offs offers incredible views of K2 and is a popular tourist route. At places, there is absolutely no barrier on one side, and shear rock wall on the other makes it a route suitable only for the bold.

Second largest salt mine in the world

Khewara Salt Mines are the world’s second largest and Pakistan’s oldest salt mines. It was discovered by Alexander’s troops in 320 BC. These salt mines are the largest source of salt in the world, producing 350,000 tonnes per year. However, the salt mines reserves are estimated to be about 600 million tonnes.

Published in Dawn, Young World, March 24th, 2018