'I backpacked across one of hte went to one of the most dangerous countries on earth... and had a great time': Intrepid female photographer's stunning images of Pakistan adventure 

  • Teo Jioshvili, from Tbilisi in Georgia, travelled to the perilous country of Pakistan alone last year
  • Although warned by family and friends, the 29-year-old analyst found Lahore to be very safe
  • She said: 'I always try to appreciate the culture where I go, smile a lot and I know that everything will be okay'
  • If ever any men asked to take a photo with her, they were always extremely respectful, she explained

In 2010, Teo Jioshvili travelled to Syria as a solo female backpacker.

It may have been the first trip alone for the now 29-year-old analyst, from Tbilisi, Georgia, but it inspired a love affair with the people, culture and the Middle East, more generally.

Last year, despite her family's protests, Jioshvili ventured to the perilous country of Pakistan all on her own - for what turned out to be one of the safest trips she'd ever taken. And these are the beautiful photographs she took while she was there.

Despite being warned against travelling to Pakistan as a solo female traveller, Teo Jioshvili found the Badshahi mosque to be one of the most beautiful she'd ever seen

Despite being warned against travelling to Pakistan as a solo female traveller, Teo Jioshvili found the Badshahi mosque to be one of the most beautiful she'd ever seen

The intrepid traveller, who aspires to be a travel photographer, first got the idea to visit after a trip to Iran.

'When I was in Iran, I met amazing people from Australia who crossed Pakistan - and one of my Georgian traveller friends had also travelled there,' she tells MailOnline Travel. 'Their stories inspired me.'

And despite her family's warnings, she opted to travel to the conflicted country as a solo female traveller.

'I always stay positive, try to appreciate the traditions and culture where I go, smile a lot and I know that everything will be okay,' she says.

'Actually, I felt very protected in Pakistan.'

This is one of Jioshvili's favourite photographs: of a street artist in front of a wall he was working on

This is one of Jioshvili's favourite photographs: of a street artist in front of a wall he was working on

The 29-year-old analyst also reveals that she loves taking photographs of children when she travels

The 29-year-old analyst also reveals that she loves taking photographs of children when she travels

On her first night in Lahore, she was invited to a local wedding - one of her favourite memories of the trip

On her first night in Lahore, she was invited to a local wedding - one of her favourite memories of the trip

Shattering any preconceived notions Jioshvili may have had, she found the people to be extremely friendly. 

'I was often stopped on the streets and in Bazaars someone would ask me to take a picture of him or her with me,' she says. 'Most of the time, people would just give me an apple or an orange.

'That was just very sweet.' 

If ever any men asked to take a photo with her, they were always extremely respectful 

If ever any men asked to take a photo with her, they were always extremely respectful 

A highlight of the trip for Teo was being invited to a wedding party, which she described as 'an incredible experience'

A highlight of the trip for Teo was being invited to a wedding party, which she described as 'an incredible experience'

Teo is pictured here (left) at the wedding party, which she was invited to on her very first night in Lahore 

Teo is pictured here (left) at the wedding party, which she was invited to on her very first night in Lahore 

Though she was often stopped while there, most people simply wanted to take a photo or give her a gift

Though she was often stopped while there, most people simply wanted to take a photo or give her a gift

The strange food, which was available for purchase on the street, was another trip highlight

The strange food, which was available for purchase on the street, was another trip highlight

At the Badshahi Mosque, which boasts intricately designed walls, many visit to take part in prayer rituals 

At the Badshahi Mosque, which boasts intricately designed walls, many visit to take part in prayer rituals 

One of traveller Teo Jioshvili's favourite travel memories from Lahore was visiting the Badshahi Mosque.
She photographed the massive structure both during the day and at sunset.

Jioshvili explored the Badshahi Mosque extensively, photographing it both during the day and at sunset

Jioshvili enjoyed photographing the women and children of the city - in particular, their eyes

Jioshvili enjoyed photographing the women and children of the city - in particular, their eyes

One particularly welcoming moment that stands out for her occurred when she first arrived at the Lahore Backpackers Hostel.

'One German girl invited me to join her and go to a wedding party,' she remembers.

'The day before, that girl had met a ricksha (tuk-tuk) driver who was a friend of the drummer's and those guys were invited to the wedding to play music.

'Of course I said yes, left my backpack in reception and went with them.

'The whole experience was just amazing.'

Though at first people were wondering who the strangers at the reception were, the girls were soon invited to take place in the traditional ceremony.

She says: 'The whole wedding party was just an incredible experience with its music, traditions, smiling and curious faces, women in colourful dresses. I am just very happy that I said "yes" to that girl.' 

During her time in Lahore, Jioshvili was keen to document all of her experiences

During her time in Lahore, Jioshvili was keen to document all of her experiences

One of the best things about visiting Pakistan? All of the bright colours everywhere!

One of the best things about visiting Pakistan? All of the bright colours everywhere!

Lone female traveller, Teo Jioshvili, fell in love with Lahore's sweet children.
She was also a huge fan of the city's delicious street food offerings.

Jioshvili fell in love with Lahore's adorable children (left) and the city's incredibly delicious street food (right)

During her time there, she went to Wagah border and watched the Flag lowering ceremony

During her time there, she went to Wagah border and watched the Flag lowering ceremony

On the whole, Jioshvili never felt that she was in danger during her time spent there.

'Of course there are places in Pakistan that aren't recommended for travellers,' she says. 'But I felt absolutely safe in Lahore.'

And for evidence of her once-in-a-lifetime trip, just take a peek at all of the breathtaking photographs.

'I enjoy taking pictures while travelling because it's a perfect way to show my friends and family what I'm experiencing when I'm there,' she explains.

'Photos are the best souvenirs for me, so I snap everything around me.

'I love to photograph children, as they have really poor emotions in their eyes.'

Among her favourite images are the portraits of the Pakistani street artist and street girls, though she notes that men would never ask her to take photos with them if she was alone.

'If there was another male (another traveler or guide) with me, they would ask him for the permission to take a photo with me. I think that was a really beautiful sign of appreciation.'

Two boys study the Quran in this candid shot, which Jioshvili took while travelling through Lahore

Two boys study the Quran in this candid shot, which Jioshvili took while travelling through Lahore

Break time! A spice-selling street vendor takes a break to read the morning paper in Lahore, Pakistan

Break time! A spice-selling street vendor takes a break to read the morning paper in Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore Fort, a citadel in the Walled City, was another stop during Jioshvili's travels 

Lahore Fort, a citadel in the Walled City, was another stop during Jioshvili's travels 

'Badshai Mosque is just one of the most impressive heritage sites that I've ever visited,' she tells MailOnline

'Badshai Mosque is just one of the most impressive heritage sites that I've ever visited,' she tells MailOnline

This sweet photo depicts families of school children heading into class for lessons

This sweet photo depicts families of school children heading into class for lessons

Although Lahore is a huge city, Jioshvili always felt like if she got lost, someone would try to help her

Although Lahore is a huge city, Jioshvili always felt like if she got lost, someone would try to help her

'For me, travel is not just about sightseeing, it's about experiences, people who I meet and things that I learn while travelling,' she says.

'Badshai Mosque is just one of the most impressive heritage sites that I've ever visited, but probably what I loved most about Pakistan was that it surprised me.

'I did not expect that it would be so easy to get around Lahore.

'People were so generous and friendly that I was really impressed.

'Lahore is a huge city, but I was never lost and I always knew if I got lost that someone would definitely help me, which is a very important feeling especially when you are a lone female traveller.

'Also, I must say that Pakistan really has the most delicious street food I've ever tried. And it's very very colourful. I love that.' 

To see more of Teo's pictures visit www.teospics.com.

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