Hey there! I’m Ikram Abbasi, a civil engineering student from Pakistan with a huge passion for traveling and meeting new people. I believe every place has its own unique story, and I love connecting with locals to learn more about their cultures and experiences. My travels have taken me to some amazing places, and through each journey, I’ve met incredible people who have become lifelong friends.

When I’m not hitting the books, you can find me exploring new destinations, volunteering, or working on projects that make a difference. I’m always up for new adventures and am excited to meet people from all over the world. Whether it’s sharing stories, cooking a local dish, or just exploring a new city together, I’m all about making meaningful connections!

Feel free to check out my Instagram (@ikram5795_) for a peek into my travels and projects. Looking forward to meeting you and learning from each other!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

As a traveler and a student, I’m always looking for opportunities to experience new cultures, meet like-minded people, and learn from others. Couchsurfing offers the perfect platform to do all of this while connecting with locals in a meaningful way. It’s not just about finding a place to stay—it’s about sharing stories, exchanging experiences, and embracing different ways of life. I love the idea of immersing myself in a culture and making new friends along the way, and Couchsurfing is the ideal way to make that happen!

Interests

• culture
• environment
• traveling
• music
• volunteering
• solo travel
• mountains
• nature
• aiesec
• pakistan

Music, Movies, and Books

I’m a big fan of Indian music, especially Bollywood hits, and I can’t get enough of Ed Sheeran’s songs—his melodies and lyrics always hit the right note with me. Music is a huge part of my life, and I enjoy listening to different genres depending on my mood.

As for books, I love reading anything that expands my mind. Some of my favorites include:

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (A beautiful story about following your dreams and discovering your personal legend)
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (A fascinating exploration of humanity's history)
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle (A deep dive into mindfulness and living in the present moment)
When it comes to movies, I enjoy anything that’s thought-provoking, inspiring, or full of action. Whether it’s a classic Bollywood film, a gripping documentary, or an international indie film, I’m always up for something that makes me think.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One of the most incredible experiences I’ve had is traveling solo across my home country, Pakistan. I’ve explored every corner by trekking and hiking through some of the most breathtaking landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the serene valleys, each journey was an adventure of self-discovery and connection with nature.

Beyond Pakistan, I’ve had the opportunity to visit other fascinating countries, including Turkey, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. Each trip has expanded my horizons, giving me a deeper appreciation for different cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Traveling solo has taught me the value of independence, resilience, and the beauty of meeting new people along the way.

Teach, Learn, Share

I’m passionate about learning and sharing knowledge. As someone who’s traveled and volunteered in different countries, I love exchanging ideas and experiences.

Teach: I enjoy sharing my knowledge of civil engineering and sustainability, especially how these topics intersect with community development. I also love teaching the basics of the Urdu language and offering tips for solo travelers—whether it’s finding hidden gems in cities or navigating through unfamiliar landscapes.

Learn: I'm always eager to learn new skills, especially anything related to different cultures, languages, and environmental practices. If you can teach me about local traditions, cuisine, or sustainable living practices in your area, I’m all ears!

Share: I believe in the power of meaningful connections, and I’m happy to share stories from my travels and volunteer experiences. Whether it’s over a meal or while hiking through a city, I love exchanging ideas and insights from different walks of life.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I love sharing the rich culture and traditions of my home country, Pakistan. I’m happy to introduce you to authentic food recipes—from spicy curries to delicious street food. If you enjoy cooking, we could even try making something together!

In addition to food, I can teach you a few phrases in Urdu and share insights into Pakistani culture, including music, festivals, and local customs. I also love sharing my travel stories and experiences from the places I’ve visited, from the mountains of Pakistan to the streets of Turkey, Iran, and beyond.

I believe that the best part of traveling is connecting with others, so I’m excited to exchange ideas, learn from you, and create unforgettable memories together!

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates

Countries I’ve Lived In

Pakistan, Turkey