no restriction but my company wants to me to stay around Lahore due to COVID risk.
Funny thing is my hometown in India is just 100kMs from the hotel i would be staying.
I will stick around Lahore to explore more, especially the food scene.
Currently, there is still some restrictions in place in terms of attractions, sitting in for meals, mall timings etc. However, it's not too bad.
I'd still be inclined to go out of city for a few days if you can as you're there for over a month as I doubt the covid risk will increase as long as you still take the necessary precautions.
Lahore is very congested especially old Lahore - the walled city and the localities emanating from it. You may find some peace and quiet at Race Course Park or Lawrence Park (Bagh e Jinnah) away from all the honking of vehicle horns.
The northern side of the walled city has the main attractions of Minar-e-Pakistan, Badshahi Masjid, Lahore Fort, Ranjit Singh Samadhi and Iqbal Park. Isn't it interesting how the Mughals lavished a lot of these grand monuments and beautiful gardens for their own personal pleasure!
I understand only Sikhs can go inside the Gurudwara Dera Sahib at the Samadhi. Shalimar Bagh a few minutes drive away is also a major tourist attraction. I'm not sure if Wagah border is taking tourists - probably not.
You can also try the new metro line. A lot of food options, from the local vendors to international chains like McDonald's, KFC and Subway. I personally like Bundu Khan for taste but it is one of the more expensive establishments. The natives have a penchant for places such as Butt Karahi. Just make sure you ask for the food to be well cooked to minimise stomach related issues.
The big malls are Emporium and Packages for shopping to make you feel a bit closer to home. These have some decent food courts in addition to the branded stores.
As I said, I'd try to get out to Murree or Nathia Gali which is just bit further up north to sample a bit of the stunning scenery. You can do this by taking a coach to along the Lahore-Islamabad motorway. You'll feel like there is no covid around at all, I don't think these mountain pathans get ill at all!
Despite the bad press Pakistan gets, the growing motorway network of the country is a credit to the nation - you wouldn't think you were in a poor country. The relatively expensive tolls mean only the privileged use them and can seem pretty quiet.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city districts, Lahore Cantt (close to the international airport) has leafy wide avenues, some of them even have screens and you can see some opulent mansions tucked away behind the wrought iron gates. Its an army area so they love spending the money on themselves!
Lahore has been expanding rapidly with new localities and societies where the wealthy and elites have been snapping up new homes and plots. One such place of course is Bahria Town on the outskirts of the city and that may also be worth a visit.
All in all, Lahore is a huge city with a rich heritage and history - so called the cultural city of Pakistan. One or a few posts can't unearth all the hidden gems to be found in the city. So hope you have a great time exploring and having a nice adventure upon your arrival.
