The modern capital of Islamabad and the ancient city of Rawalpindi stand side by side, displaying the country’s past, present and future. For sightseeing, the gardens at Shakparian Hill, the heritage museum and huge Shah Faisal Mosque are highlights. Meanwhile the bustling streets of Rawalpindi are a blur of colour and the pervading aroma of spices. To the west, the sculptures at Taxila trace the journey of Alexander the Great while beyond are the unique experiences of Peshawar’s markets and the Khyber Pass.