Security is of concern at present and trips to the Khyber Pass are best left for a better time (check official safety advice at your planned time of travel), but do seize the opportunity when the opportunity comes. The pass has long been a gateway to South Asia (part of the ancient Silk Route), travelled by merchants, explorers and conquerors, the likes of Alexander the Great and Mughals, a channel that now connects Pakistan to the troubled Afghan territories via Torkham. Michni Checkpoint is as far as most visitors can count on getting.

Downtown Anchorage is small, easy to get around, and a good starting point for just about anything you’re planning in the city. You’ll find coffee shops, local restaurants, souvenir stores, and a handful of bars. If you’re gearing up for an adventure, there are outfitters and bike rentals nearby, too. Plus, it’s home to the Anchorage Museum, the start of the Coastal Trail, and Ship Creek, where you can fish for salmon or just watch the action.

Perched atop a hill, these 18th-century stone windmills transport you back in time to when they were used for flour production. Whitewashed and captivatingly picturesque, they present an inviting destination for hiking enthusiasts, offering enchanting views of the city below.