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Currency rates in pakistan today - pak rupee to us dollar, euro, dirham, riyal 16 may 2024, petrol price decreased by rs15 per litre, diesel by rs7.88, check latest ups and solar battery prices in pakistan 2024, timber traders to observe strike today amid clearance delays at karachi port, dollar exchange rate in pakistan today - check latest dollar price on 15 may 2024, saarc secretary general golam sarwar set to arrive in islamabad, balochistan police constable targeted in acid attack in karachi, pia inaugurates direct flight from turbat to al ain , slovakia's prime minister robert fico injured in shooting incident, dr. kapotaqkhy set to represent pakistan at miss world tourism 2023.

Dr Kapotaqkhy Chanchala, the recently crowned Miss Pakistan Universal 2023, is gearing up to proudly represent Pakistan in a groundbreaking event, the Miss World Tourism 2023 pageant, taking place in Sri Lanka.

Brimming with enthusiasm, she expressed her honour at being chosen to compete among 40 talented queens from across the globe.

This international pageant marks her debut on the global stage, and she has dedicated herself to meticulous preparations. Dr Kapotaqkhy has diligently curated her outfits, honed her responses to various questions, and is all set to showcase her talent by performing to the rhythm of a captivating Pakistani song. Her passion to represent Pakistan with utmost dedication is evident, recognizing the significance of promoting her country on an international platform.

Tourism State Minister, Diana Gamage, revealed that the Miss World Tourism 2023 pageant will unfold in Sri Lanka from July 20 to 30. While some contestants may be new to the country, the event promises to draw remarkable participants from all corners of the world, competing for the prestigious crown.

Organised by former Mrs World Sri Lanka, Radika Gunawardhana, the pageant ensures that contestants are treated to star-class accommodation, mouthwatering Sri Lankan delicacies, and guided tours to various tourism hotspots, all offered free of charge. This 11-day extravaganza is expected to dazzle visitors and garner attention from global travel influencers, cementing their role as pivotal players in tourism promotion.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by MissTourism®World Organisation (@mtworg)

Sonia Ahmed, the visionary behind Pakistan's pageant industry, emphasized the importance of such events in reshaping the perception of both Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the eyes of the world. Dr Kapotaqkhy Chanchala's participation in this momentous contest aligns perfectly, as she is poised to represent Pakistan in the forthcoming Miss Earth 2023 pageant in Vietnam, continuing her journey as a powerful ambassador on the international stage.

Meet Kapotaqkhy Chanchala – Miss Pakistan Universal 2023

Daily Pakistan Global Web Desk

Mamya Shajaffar turns up the heat with bold look at Hum Style Awards

Yumna zaidi's expensive white dress grabs people's attention, saeed anwar’s remarks about working women spark controversy, mahira khan looks awesome in latest shoot for eid collection, indian star tabu joins cast of 'dune' prequel series, sana javed cheers as shoaib malik bags most stylish sports ..., heera mandi star taha shah's heartfelt reply to yashma gill goes viral, alizeh shah sets internet on fire with bold avatar at hum style ..., yumna zaidi falls down the stairs, video goes viral , fawad chaudhry hits out at karachi's 'uber cool' assistant ..., tiktoker minahil malik’s new dance video on ‘heeramandi’ song ..., urfi javed stuns fans with new look, advertisement, currency rates in pakistan today - pak rupee to us dollar, euro, dirham, ..., timber traders to observe strike today amid clearance delays at karachi ..., dollar exchange rate in pakistan today - check latest dollar price on 15 ..., gold & silver, gold price up by rs2,900 per tola in pakistan.

Pakistani currency rates against US Dollar and other currencies on May 16, 2024 (Thursday) in open market.

USD to PKR rate today

US dollar was being quoted at 277.15 for buying and 279.95 for selling.

Euro stands at 296.25 for buying and 299 for selling while British Pound rate is 344.5 for buying, and 348 for selling.

UAE Dirham AED was at 75.15 and Saudi Riyal came down to 73.50.

Today’s currency exchange rates in Pakistan - 16 May 2024

Source: forex association of pakistan. (last update 09:00 am), daily horoscope – march 1, 2024, e-paper daily pakistan urdu, mamya shajaffar turns up the heat with bold look at hum style ..., heera mandi star taha shah's heartfelt reply to yashma gill goes ..., nutrition care for liver cancer , changing the narrative of power, iran's geopolitical landscape: implications for pakistan , why moving to us is overrated now, the operationalisation of geoeconomics for pakistan: ..., realignment of geoconomics of pakistan to meet its geopolitical ..., can family planning improve the life of pakistani labour, pakistan's climate migration.

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14 of the best things to do in Pakistan

Aug 11, 2023 • 8 min read

See the best of Pakistan with these top experiences © Skazzjy / Getty Images

Pakistan is best known as a destination for adventure tourism, but its rich history and culture broaden the appeal.

Though there are plenty of things to do in Lahore and Karachi, traveling beyond the major cities and exploring the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, ancient archaeological sites, and colonial-era hill stations is well worth your time. 

Our list of the best things to do in Pakistan will take you from the Arabian Sea to the Karakoram Mountains, giving you a taste of everything Pakistan has to offer.

1. Gorge yourself on Lahore’s food streets

Let your stomach lead you when you’re deciding on things to do in Lahore . There are more than half a dozen roads famed for their street food, and in the evening, the air is thick with the smell of spices and barbecuing meats. Gawalmandi Food Street and Fort Street probably have the best selection of food stalls, though Old Anarkali Food Street gives them a run for their money.

As well as richly spiced kebabs, be sure to try katlama (deep-fried bread marinated in tomato and chili paste and served with lentils) and grato jalebi – colorful, cardamom-flavored sweets fried in hot oil before your eyes.

Planning tip: Most food stalls only open in the evening, so arrive after 6pm for the best selection.

2. Watch polo at the Shandur Top

The Shandur Pass feels like the top of the world, and at 3700m (12,139ft) above sea level, it is. It’s also the location for Pakistan’s most fiercely fought polo tournament – teams from Chitral and Gilgit compete under freestyle rules during the annual Shandur Polo Festival in early July, with as many as 40,000 spectators watching on. Join them for a unique Pakistan experience.  

Planning tip: Allow plenty of time to acclimatize to the altitude at Shandur Top so you can enjoy the festival without dizziness or gasping for breath.

3. Spend time with the Kalash in Chitral

The Kalash of Chitral District are one of the few indigenous communities to still follow traditional customs in Pakistan. Kalash people practice animism, including offering sacrifices; they speak their own language, Kalasha, and they wear distinctive traditional dress. If you are pondering unusual things to do in Pakistan, try to time your trip to coincide with a Kalash festival – the largest of these celebrations, Chawmos, straddles the Winter Solstice and includes music, dance, and the ritual purification of attendees.

4. Brave the hanging bridges of Gilgit-Baltistan

Dangling above gushing rivers in Gilgit-Baltistan in the north of Pakistan are a succession of precarious-looking bridges made from wooden slats crudely lashed together with rope. If you’re hunting for fun things to do in Pakistan and you don’t have a fear of heights, this is the activity for you. If hanging bridges are not enough of an adrenaline rush, you can also cross several of the rivers on rudimentary zip lines. 

Detour: Combine a trip to the Hussaini Hanging Bridge in Gojal with a visit to the beautiful mountain valley of Hunza, often described as the original Shangri La.

5. Discover the Bronze Age history of Pakistan at Moenjodaro

The Indus Valley Civilisation gave birth to one of the world’s first cities, Moenjodaro , in around 2500 BCE. This remarkable archaeological site was not rediscovered until the 1920s, and it’s now a Unesco World Heritage Site. You can clearly see the planned layout of the city – a tidy grid of streets lined with residential and administrative buildings, plus a substantial citadel, guard towers, more than 700 wells and public baths. These early inhabitants knew how to live life well!

Planning tip:  Moenjodaro is on the banks of the River Indus near Larkana – visit in the afternoon, and you can also take an evening boat ride on a flat-bottomed boat.

6. See the rock-cut Buddha of Swat

Before the arrival of Islam, Pakistan had a substantial Buddhist population – Buddhism flourished under the Kushan Empire, and in the Swat Valley, you can find not only temples and stupas but also relief carvings of the Buddha. The 7th-century Buddha of Swat near Mingora was attacked by the Taliban in 2007 but has since been restored and once again sits smiling serenely in the lotus position.

Planning tip: Ask about the security situation before heading to Swat – there are occasional flare-ups in the area.

7. Learn about Sufism in Multan

Multan is known as the “City of Saints” because of the large number of Sufi mystics who lived here in the 11th and 12th centuries. Their tombs are architectural marvels, but far more intriguing is the saints’ ongoing cultural legacy, including their influence on Pakistani poetry, music and dance. Listening to the sounds of qawwalis (devotional songs) echoing around the walls of Multan’s shrines is a spine-tingling moment of magic.

Planning tip: Check the dates of the annual Urs festival at the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and try to avoid this busy time; more than 100,000 pilgrims attend, so Multan becomes very crowded.

8. Observe the sunset over the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore 

There are so many things to do in Lahore that it can be quite overwhelming, so block out an hour or two at dusk to watch the sunset at the 17th-century Badshahi Mosque . Built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, it’s a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, and the pink sandstone facade and white marble domes look particularly impressive in the evening light. The mosque stays open for visitors until around 8pm.

Planning tip: For an alternative view of the mosque, head up to the rooftop of Cooco’s Den, a traditional haveli restored by artist Iqbal Hussain.

9. Immerse yourself in cultural heritage at the Lok Virsa Museum in Islamabad

Islamabad’s Lok Virsa Museum is the largest museum in Pakistan and is dedicated to the country’s culture, past and present. It rates as one of Pakistan’s top sights partly because it brings together the living traditions of all Pakistan’s ethnic groups in one location. The displays of sculpture, textiles, jewelry, and woodwork attest to the skills of centuries of artisans, and there’s a huge archive of audio and video recordings too.

10. Shop from street stalls at Rawalpindi’s Raja Bazaar

A market is a window into the soul of a country, and Rawalpindi ’s famous Raja Bazaar is the perfect place for people-watching. If you want to understand more about Pakistan, spend a morning at Raja Bazaar shopping for second-hand books, costume jewelry, and other interesting local souvenirs. You can refresh yourself with freshly squeezed juices and deep-fried snacks while you browse.  

11. Ride the bus to the hill station of Murree

Built by the British in the 1850s, this glorious hill station was the summer retreat for the colonial government. Buildings like the Holy Trinity Church and the General Post Office are architectural reminders of the Raj, but more recent additions such as the gondola and chair lifts delight a new generation of mostly domestic tourists (and offer fabulous views). Ride to Murree from Rawalpindi on a colorful local bus, and the journey will be as memorable as the destination.

Planning tip: For the best views in Murree, head to lofty Kashmir Point, around a kilometer from the post office along Mall Road.

12. Drive the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad to the Khunjerab Pass

Without a doubt, the Karakoram Highway is one of the world’s greatest road trips. Spanning 1300km (808 miles), the road officially starts in Hasan Abdal in southern Pakistan and finishes at Kashgar in China , but it’s the section between Islamabad and the China-Pakistan border which has the most dramatic scenery.

Although a few crazy cyclists and motorbikers tackle the route independently, it’s much more popular to travel by shared or chartered 4WD or local bus. You can admire the peaks of 8126m (26,660ft) Nanga Parbat and 7788m (25,551ft) Rakaposhi along the way.

Planning tip: The Khunjerab Pass is closed to all vehicles from December 30 to April 1 due to icy conditions, so keep this in mind if you’re traveling on to China.

13. Hike to the Fairy Meadows

With mountains dominating the northern part of the country, hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in Pakistan. There’s no road to the scenic Fairy Meadows, but in late spring and early autumn, you can take a 4WD to Tatu village and continue for three to four hours on foot. You won’t find fairies at Fairy Meadows, but the scenery feels magical nevertheless, and as the best accommodation option is camping, you’ve got all night to enjoy some unparalleled star gazing. 

Detour: If you’re feeling ambitious, follow up a trip to Fairy Meadows with a trek to Nanga Parbat Base Camp.

14. Pay your respects to Jinnah at the Quaid-i-Azam in Karachi 

Muhammad Ali Jinnah is considered to be the father of Pakistan and was the country’s first governor-general. His white marble tomb in Karachi was designed in the 1960s in a modernist style, but architect Yahya Merchant also took inspiration from the 10th-century Ismail Samani Mausoleum in Bukhara in Uzbekistan . The Quaid-i-Azam is set within a 53-hectare park and is floodlit at night, making for spectacular evening photos.

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Viral & Shocking

Pakistani Representative Dr. Kapotaqkhy to Compete at Miss World Tourism 2023

19th Jul, 2023. 06:28 pm

Sony's Xperia 10 VI Continues Narrow Phone Trend, Drops Telephoto Camera

AED TO PKR and other currency rates in Pakistan – 16 May 2024

BTC TO PKR: Today’s Bitcoin price in Pakistan on 16 May, 2024

• Dr. Kapotaqkhy Chanchala is preparing to represent Pakistan in the Miss World Tourism 2023 pageant in Sri Lanka.
• The event, organized by Radika Gunawardhana, will feature a global competition for the crown.
• Chanchala is excited to represent Pakistan and is determined to promote her country on a global scale.

Dr. Kapotaqkhy Chanchala, the newly crowned Miss Pakistan Universal 2023, is preparing to represent Pakistan in a historic event, the Miss World Tourism 2023 pageant, which will be held in Sri Lanka.

She expressed her delight at being chosen to fight against 40 great queens from around the world.

This is her first international pageant, and she has dedicated herself to painstaking preparations.

Dr. Kapotaqkhy has meticulously selected her clothing, perfected her responses to numerous questions, and is ready to demonstrate her talent by performing to the rhythm of a compelling Pakistani song.

Her determination to represent Pakistan with zeal is palpable, and she understands the importance of promoting her country on a global scale.

Diana Gamage, State Minister for Tourism, announced that the Miss World Tourism 2023 competition will take place in Sri Lanka from July 20 to July 30.

While some candidates may be new to the country, the tournament is expected to bring outstanding individuals from all over the world to compete for the famous crown.

Radika Gunawardhana, previous Mrs World Sri Lanka, organizes the pageant, which assures that candidates receive complimentary star-class lodging, scrumptious Sri Lankan specialties, and guided visits to various tourism sites.

This 11-day spectacle is anticipated to amaze visitors and attract the attention of global travel influencers, solidifying their status as key participants in tourism promotion.

Sonia Ahmed, the visionary behind Pakistan’s pageant industry, emphasised the significance of such events in influencing the world’s opinion of both Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Dr. Kapotaqkhy Chanchala’s involvement in this historic competition coincides nicely with her preparation to represent Pakistan in the upcoming Miss Earth 2023 pageant in Vietnam, continuing her path as a formidable ambassador on the international arena.

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Pakistan travel guide: everything to know before you go

Updated in 2024: After years of both independently traveling in Pakistan and later running tours there, it’s safe to say I know a lot about travel in Pakistan. Here’s my complete Pakistan travel guide with information on visas, transportation, costs, and everything else you need to know about travel in Pakistan.

Curious about traveling to Pakistan but nervous about going alone? Check out my tours: I run both women’s tours and biker tours in Pakistan.

Jaw-dropping nature, diverse cultures, and delicious food—these are but a few of the things you’ll experience when you visit Pakistan. Most importantly, it’s home to the most hospitable people I’ve met in my travels. It’s no wonder more and more people want to travel to Pakistan!

However, Pakistan ain’t as easy to travel in as some will have you believe . But no worries, I got you. This guide was created after more than six visits and almost a year of travel in Pakistan. I have visited Pakistan more than any other travel blogger and traveled to Pakistan both with friends and by myself. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about travel in Pakistan.

Pakistan travel guide: index

• Pakistan basics
• Languages of Pakistan
• Regions of Pakistan
• Culture in Pakistan
• Gender in Pakistan
• Drinking and drugs
• Religion and Pakistan
• Pakistani food
• Money in Pakistan
• Visas for Pakistan
• Entering and exiting Pakistan
• Accommodation in Pakistan
• Transportation in Pakistan
• Safety in Pakistan
• SIM cards and WiFi
• Responsible tourism in Pakistan
• Resources for Pakistan travel

Pakistan travel guide: the basics

Pakistan is officially called “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” A populous country in South Asia—no, it’s not in the Middle East—with more than 200 million people, it’s the 6th most populous country in the world. TL;DR: Lots and lots of people. Everywhere.

Pakistan was founded on the 14th of August 1947 after an event known as Partition : when British India created the modern states of India and Pakistan. The event was bloody, its ramifications still visible today. The country became an Islamic Republic in 1956. During partition, Pakistan was divided into West and East Pakistan. In 1971 East Pakistan became Bangladesh after another bloody war for independence .

Although Pakistan is a young country, its history is ancient. Ruins of one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the Indus Valley Civilization , lie in southern Pakistan. Multiple conquerors and civilizations took hold in parts of modern-day Pakistan, including Alexander the Great, the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and the British Raj.

The ruins of Moenjo Daro in Sindh province are from the Indus Valley civilization, the oldest known civilization

Pakistan’s recent history is marred with conflict, both internal and external, most notably with India. It’s struggled with military coups, terrorist attacks, war, and secessionist tensions. Its army has strengthened throughout the years as a result; it’s now a nuclear power and has the sixth-largest standing armed forces in the world.

I could go into it more, but you can only cover so much in one Pakistan travel guide! If you want to get more in-depth with Pakistan’s history, I highly recommend getting a copy of Pakistan Traveller – it’s the best Pakistan travel guide book on the market.

Pakistan travel guide: Language in Pakistan

Myriad languages are spoken in Pakistan. Most people speak two or three languages. At least!

Urdu is Pakistan’s national language, as well as the language of officialdom together with English. Most middle and upper-class Pakistanis will speak (some) English. It’s rare to find a place where absolutely no one speaks English. However, it’s always good to pick up a phrase or two in Urdu before you visit Pakistan. I highly recommend Pimsleur for learning language basics .

Besides the two official languages, there are many local languages: Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi, Potohari, Shina, Wakhi, Burushaski… the list goes on! Every province has its own regional language, such as the aforementioned Punjabi and Sindhi. In major cities people mostly speak Urdu, but in towns and villages local languages reign supreme.

Urdu basics

• Salaamu aleikum: Hello
• Walaykum asalaam:  Hello (in response)
• Shukriya:  Thank you
• Kya haal hai?:  How are you?
• Mai thik hoon:  I am fine.
• Aap ka naam kya hai?:  What is your name?
• Mera naam Alex hai: My name is Alex.
• … kaha hai?: Where is… ?
• Kitnay paisa?:  How much?
• Ji / haan:  Yes/yeah
• Jao:  Go away
• Nehi chahiye:  I don’t need it
• Angrezi ata/ati?: Do you know English?

Interested in learning more conversational Urdu? I’ve been taking virtual lessons with a teacher, Naveed Rehman, for several years now (on and off). He’s very patient, excellent at explaining grammar, and focuses on practical conversational Urdu rather than rote memorization. I highly recommend his online Urdu classes —they’re quite affordable by Western standards, so they’re well worth a try!

Pakistan travel guide: Regions of Pakistan

The country of Pakistan is divided into four provinces and three territories, each with its own distinct culture and flavor:

Sunset at Gorakh Hill in Sindh

Sindh (province)

Major cities/destinations: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sehwan Sharif

The southernmost province of Pakistan is home to its biggest city, Karachi. But venture out into the rural areas, known as “interior Sindh”, and you’ll find a mystic realm of moody deserts, Sufi shrines, and abandoned forts.  Don’t miss my guide to traveling in Sindh.

Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar Gardens) in Lahore, Punjab

Punjab (province)

Major cities/destinations: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan

Pakistan’s wealthiest province sits in the middle of the country. Though vast fields of wheat and other crops make stereotypical Punjabi landscapes, there are also plenty of massive Mughal relics and nature tinged with green to keep travelers busy. It’s also home to my absolute favorite city in Pakistan, Lahore .

Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (province)

Major cities/destinations: Peshawar, Chitral, Kalash Valleys

Far to the west of the country, and now including what was once known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), this province borders Afghanistan. Home primarily to the Pakhtun (Pashtun) people , many parts of this province are evocative of traveling Afghanistan . Some parts are off-limits—especially the south and regions along the Afghan border—but natural areas such as Swat Valley and the Kalash Valleys are popular… for good reason!

Lonely road in Balochistan province

Balochistan (province)

Major cities/destinations: Quetta, Gwadar, Hingol National Park, Makran Coastal Highway

Bordering Iran and Afghanistan, the country’s largest province is also one of the least traveled. Home to deserts, dusty mountains, and azure coastlines, this province is unfortunately off-limits to foreign travelers aside from those doing the Iran-Pakistan overland border crossing .

Islamabad, Pakistan from above

Islamabad capital territory

The country’s capital is also its own territory. Many tourists start their Pakistan travels in Islamabad, but I’ll be honest with you: I’m not the biggest fan. Though there are many things to do in Islamabad , the capital is far from representative of the rest of the country, and is on the verge of boring much of the time. Still, it’s a comfortable and relatively developed place to rest, relax, and pick up some necessities while traveling in Pakistan.

Autumn in Khyber village, Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit Baltistan (territory)

Major cities/destinations: Gilgit, Central Hunza (Karimabad), Passu

When people come to Pakistan looking for mountains, this is where they end up. Also known as “Northern Pakistan”, the vast territory of Gilgit Baltistan is home to three major mountain ranges—Himalayas, Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush—as well as several of the world’s tallest mountains (K2, Nanga Parbat, and Rakaposhi). It’s by far the calmest and easiest to travel of all the country’s provinces, especially for female travelers . If you’re in search of nature, you’re probably heading north to Gilgit Baltistan.

Ramkot Fort in Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir (territory)

Major cities/destinations: Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley

This narrow territory to the east of Pakistan on the border with India has been disputed ever since Partition, the dividing of India and Pakistan in 1947. Tensions occasionally flare up between the Pakistani military and the Indian military, and so the territory was off-limits to foreign travelers for a long time. As of 2019, the territory has opened up slightly, though foreigners are still not allowed to go within 10 km of the border, known as the Line of Control (LOC). However, you can at least visit Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and their surrounding areas… though security forces might hassle you a bit.

People enjoying the night air at Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Pakistan travel guide: Culture in Pakistan

Pakistan’s culture is varied and vibrant, albeit very conservative. Religion dictates and influences culture at almost every level. Keep that in mind and tread carefully when traveling to Pakistan. Keep this Pakistan travel guide handy to help you avoid any cultural faux pas situations.

Due to its diversity, it’s difficult to make generalizations about Pakistani culture… but try, I shall! This is a Pakistan travel guide, after all. Here are some cultural nuances travelers should be aware of:

Hospitality

Pakistan’s hospitality is renowned. In Pakistan, guests are a gift from God, and many people are honored to treat them as such. During my travels through Pakistan, people have…

• Invited me to stay in their homes despite not knowing me at all.
• Slept on the floor so I could sleep in their bed.
• Fed me a million and one times, even when they were fasting during Ramadan.
• Taken the time to show me around their cities, villages, regions.
• Gifted me everything from clothing to food to souvenirs.
• … and then some.

The hospitality is incredible and continues to amaze me even after repeat visits to the country.

However, in recent times—and due to some careless influencers —I feel some travelers are interpreting this hospitality the wrong way.

Pakistan is NOT a place to go because ~*everything is freeeee!!!*~. By all means, enjoy their hospitality—I sure do—but don’t take advantage of it. Give back where you can.

You can give people small tips (maybe 20 to 50 rupees) if they do something to help you out, or if they’re visibly poor but still feed you or give you things. More if they help you a lot over a period of time. Help out around the house, or buy gifts of fruits, sweets, or nuts (called “dried fruits” in Pakistan). Meat is also a good gift for poorer people in villages. Bring small gifts from your own country or home for people who host you (think postcards, sweets, trinkets, etc.).

Sometimes people will not accept, but it doesn’t hurt to offer. If it’s a matter of pride over money, you can always give a little financial gift to the kids, or leave money somewhere in their house where they’ll find it.

TL;DR: don’t be a mooch. Pakistani hospitality is something to appreciate and learn from, not take advantage of. Enjoy, then pay it forward!

The Pakistani mindset

Let me preface this by saying Pakistanis are the most hospitable people I’ve met in my travels (shout out to Iranians and Bangladeshis as runners ups).

Pakistanis make you feel wholly welcome and are the country’s greatest asset. Some of the best friends from my travels are Pakistani. I’m not sure there’s a country where it’s easier to meet and interact with locals than Pakistan.

The flip side: Pakistanis can be difficult people to deal with.

Because the country is conservative and religiously homogenous ( about 97% of the population is Muslim ), I’ve found people can be very intolerant. There is a way to do and think about things in Pakistan, and those who do or believe otherwise are often met with opposition. Though many people harbor “alternative” opinions, they are often hesitant to speak them unless in close company. People are not used to differing opinions.

Pakistanis also do not handle criticism well. I knew this, but had a nice reminder (translation: aggressive awakening) of this inability when I posted a critical video about Pakistan’s tourism scene this year. I had to field hate for weeks on end despite constructive intentions.

Don’t let me put you off Pakistan and its people; my point is that you should be very cautious when speaking about sensitive subjects and be careful to respect Pakistan’s culture. By all means discuss, but choose your battles wisely.

The rest of this guide is meant to help you get a grasp on what is and is not okay in Pakistan, and how to act once there. Read through, and you won’t need to worry about clashing with locals. As I said, Pakistan is a brilliant country for adventurous travelers… so long as you respect local culture.

Overlooking the streets of Karachi in standard wear – kurta, jeans, and a dupatta (scarf)

People who want to travel to Pakistan often ask me about the types of clothes they have to wear. Although dress codes are less strict than they used to be, it’s best to come prepared when you visit Pakistan.

There’s no official rule about what to wear ( unlike Iran ), so long as you’re somewhat modest.

If you want to wear “western” clothes such as t-shirts and jeans, go ahead; many people wear western clothes in cities, especially in wealthy areas such as malls and Defence neighborhoods. Gilgit Baltistan sees plenty of trekkers wandering about in western outdoor attire.

Women: Pakistan is a very conservative country; unless you’re in a liberal/wealthy part of a major city, I recommend dressing modestly. That means long pants and a loose shirt or dress that ideally covers your bum. Although headscarves aren’t mandatory, it pays to have one on you for entering mosques.

The local pant/shirt combination, salwar kameez , is immensely comfortable and colorful. You can pick them up in bazaars and malls throughout Pakistan—locals will appreciate it!

Men: Shorts are okay, but you won’t see many locals wearing them, and they’re not allowed in mosques. In general, it pays to dress modestly—no tank tops or shorts. Again, salwar kameez is recommended.

Buy some local clothes at one of the many bazaars, like this one in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

Women in Pakistan

Unfortunately, Pakistan is lagging when it comes to women’s rights. There are many places where you won’t see women on the street. Especially in rural areas, women are treated as second class citizens, domestic workers, and baby-making machines.

Foreign women are mostly be treated with respect. As an outside traveler, you straddle the line between men and women; you’re unusual enough to sit with men, but feminine enough to access women’s spaces, too.

Alas, harassment is still common, though it’s mostly restricted to unwanted touching and commentary. If a man does something to you, slap them or make a scene. Pakistanis are very protective of women and someone will likely come to your aid.

For more info, check out my guide to female travel in Pakistan .

Tipping in Pakistan

Tipping is not mandatory. Instances where you might tip someone include:

• Hiring a driver who did a good job – Several hundred PKR
• Take a private tour with a good tour guide – Several hundred PKR per day
• Dining at a fancier restaurant – Round the bill up to a more even number
• If someone goes well out of their way to help you or give you access to something – 50 to 100 PKR

If you do tip, don’t tip too much, else you’ll raise expectations for future travelers. Don’t feel pressured to tip someone if they ask you for a tip—they’re being cheeky because you’re foreign.

Pakistan travel guide: Gender divides, relationships, and sexuality in Pakistan

Pakistan’s gender divide is massive. Fly in, and you’ll see what I mean 30 seconds after stepping outside the airport.

Because of both Islam and regional culture, men and women are separated in society. Streets are a world of men, women rule in the home. Society tries to separate boys and girls until marriage… after which couples are expected to produce babies ASAP. Go figure.

That’s not to say there’s no intermingling, but it might not be what you’re used to at home. Public displays of affection—kissing, holding hands, touching in public—are taboo. Unmarried couples are subtle when they meet; you might notice them hiding in parks or behind tinted car windows. Openness about boyfriends or girlfriends is unusual. Elite Pakistanis are sometimes an exception… until their parents are involved.

My “husband” and I back in the days when I traveled as a couple/before my solo travel began

Couples travel in Pakistan

Unmarried foreign couples should just pretend to be married. Otherwise, hotels might cause problems, and people might be uncomfortable hosting you.

Tip: Make sure you have some kind of story worked out—people are probably going to ask you about your wedding!

If you’re married, no problem! You just have to deal with constant questions about children. If you already have children, you’re on a perfect life path in most Pakistani’s eyes. Well done, you.

Women to men  

Women should be on guard when interacting with men. That’s not to say all men are evil, nor should you fear speaking with men. Just know many men interpret friendliness as flirtation.

In my experience, even men I thought friends ended up hitting on me hours, days, or weeks later. To establish boundaries with men, you can call young men bhai or brother, and older men chacha or uncle.

To keep men at bay, you can say you’re married. Weirdly enough, people are more likely to believe you’re married but traveling alone than accept that you’re unmarried.

Do not say that you have a boyfriend. If you do, men will interpret that as you being sexually loose and thus willing to sleep with them. Respectable ladies do not admit they have boyfriends to men. Or so Pakistanis think.

Men to women

Boys, be cautious when interacting with women… if you can find them.

Many male travelers struggle to meet women in Pakistan. Unless hanging out with liberal/wealthy folks in cities, most women will keep their distance from you. Or stay out of sight completely.

If you do encounter women be respectful and distant with unmarried girls. Be careful if flirting. Pakistanis upset quickly; many male family members will not react well to foreign men flirting with their sister/daughter/cousin.

On the bright side, it’s more socially acceptable for men to have a girlfriend(s) than vice versa. Saying you have a girlfriend implies you’re a bit of a player, but the average man will probably respect you for it, not shame you. Mmmm toxic masculinity.

LGBTQ+ in Pakistan

As you might have guessed, Pakistan isn’t a good place to be queer.

Interestingly enough, gay couples can fly under the radar long as you don’t kiss in public or admit you’re gay. Men hold hands and put arms around men. Women hold hands and touch other women. People of the same gender share hotel rooms without issue. Basically, so long as men and women aren’t touching in public, all is well. Don’t tell anyone you’re gay and you’ll be okay.

Gay communities do exist. I’ve only met one lesbian couple in Pakistan, but I know several gay men who traveled the country and said there’s a thriving underground gay scene to be found in cities (try Grindr, Tinder, or Couchsurfing). Women, you unfortunately might have to look a bit harder.

The idea of transgenders is established in Pakistan, but not in a positive way.

Hijras are men dressed as women who traditionally beg on the streets and at weddings. Some also work as prostitutes or dancers. Aside from hijras , people aren’t familiar with transgenders or genderqueers. Brace yourself for a lot of questions and looks. If male passing, know identifying as male will save you a lot of hassle.

Hookups and relationships in Pakistan

Relationships/hooking up with Pakistanis is possible, mostly in the liberal cities of Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Tinder is very active in Pakistan, and a good place to start fishing.

Dating is manageable… but if you want to actually sleep with someone you might encounter problems. Unless someone has their own place—meaning they don’t live with their family—you’ll have to find either an Airbnb or an expensive hotel room.

Men, please be careful if trying to hook up with women: their reputation can really be damaged if word gets out that they sleep with [foreign] men. In Pakistan, reputation is everything. You can leave Pakistan—and a bad reputation—more easily than they.

For love? Or for visa?

Beware declarations of love, marriage proposals, etc in Pakistan. Pakistani men commonly try to seduce foreign women in the hopes of marrying and getting a visa to another country. It’s not impossible to have a legitimate relationship… just more likely that ulterior motives are involved.

Ex-cans of Murree, the only local beer in Pakistan

Pakistan travel guide: Drinks and drugs in Pakistan

The Quran forbids substances… but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist in the Islamic Republic!

Be sensible with substances in Pakistan; Pakistanis tend to go overboard and authorities will not play nicely if they find drugs on you.

Alcohol in Pakistan

Believe it or not, there’s one legal brewery in Pakistan: Murree Brewery. They have a monopoly on all alcohol in the country, and produce everything from beer (passable, try the light blue wheat beer) to all kinds of liquor (beware).

Foreigners/non-Muslims can legally purchase alcohol from shops and high-end hotels. Wine shops are relatively common in multicultural Sindh province , but further north, you’ll need to look to five-star hotels and “permit shops” attached to them where drinks are sold at market cost. The shopkeepers can often arrange imported drinks for you under the table for an extra fee.

“Bootleggers” are the go-to choice for Muslims. Pakistanis who drink likely have phone numbers of several bootleggers who can deliver alcohol discreetly. Bootleggers are easy in this regard, though their drinks are usually more expensive than the shops’.

Hash (cannabis) in Pakistan

Hashish is everywhere in Pakistan.

It comes from the region around the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Most Pakistani boys have tried hash at least once, and it’s easy for men to find someone to smoke with. Girls get raised eyebrows if they partake, though elite young women in cities do smoke. Ask around and you’re sure to find “stuff” everywhere in the country.

Read: Rolling with the stoners in Hunza

The best stuff is in/from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Look for hash that’s relatively dry and a dark greenish brown. Despite boastful city kids’ claims, the sticky tar-like substance they smoke there is adulterated.

Other drugs in Pakistan

Yes, you can find other drugs in Pakistan.

Some pharmacies are… flexible. Heroin is widespread in the country as it comes from Pakistan’s next-door neighbor, Afghanistan. Party drugs circulate in elite society; if you’re attending a big party in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad, there’s a decent chance someone is on drugs. LSD, MDMA, cocaine, speed, meth, they’re all there.

Whether or not you partake is on you. I won’t judge drug usage *cough* but do be careful taking substances, especially from people you don’t know well. Just because someone says white powder is cocaine doesn’t mean it’s actually cocaine (remember, cocaine comes from South America, thousands and thousands of kilometers away ).

The drug scene in Pakistan is not so developed that you can expect the average drug user to know quality from fake. Besides, in a country where even simple things like milk are faked or cut with toxic ingredients , how can you expect illicit substances to be pure?

Be careful. And drink lots of water!

Pakistan travel guide: Religion in Pakistan

The vast majority of Pakistanis are Muslim, with scattered Christian and Hindu communities. Islam is the official state religion, the head of state has to be a Muslim, and people’s religion is stated on their identity cards.

Because Pakistan is an Islamic Republic, its laws are based on Sharia law. It has some of the most draconian blasphemy laws in the world. Foreigners won’t be held to the same standards as locals, but you should always be respectful of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, and religious culture.

Atheism, though not officially illegal, can be punishable by death under the blasphemy law . Even if you’re not religious, it’s best to say you have a religion when asked (And you will be asked about this. A lot ) .

Pakistan is one of the worst countries in the world when it comes to the treatment of religious minorities. There are specific laws persecuting the Ahmadi sect of Islam, although few Pakistanis will want to talk about this.

It’s best to steer clear of religious discussions unless you’re well acquainted with the person you’re talking to.

Sufism is a kind of Islam widely practiced in Pakistan, yet it can be a sensitive topic for very strict Muslims

Pakistan travel guide: Food in Pakistan

Pakistani food is delicious and diverse, but not particularly healthy. It involves lots of oil, meat, and bread—prepare to pack on the pounds. Outside of (village) homes, don’t expect any fresh salads when traveling in Pakistan aside from sliced onions, cucumbers, and maybe carrots or cabbage.

Food in Pakistan is full of flavors and spices, but rarely too spicy except for those with zero spice tolerance. However, hygiene standards are lacking. Most visitors to Pakistan will have some stomach trouble at one point or another.

Many cities have their own food culture and specialties. Lahore and Karachi compete for the title of the best foodie city in Pakistan. In major cities, more and more cafes and restaurants are attempting international flavors. Quality still varies widely; in general, it’s best to stick to local food. Don’t expect well-executed Western food unless you’re paying a premium.

Some famous Pakistani dishes include:

• Karahi : Meat stir-fried in a large pan
• Biryani : Spiced rice with meat
• Pulao : Rice cooked with animal fat or oil, usually containing carrots, raisins, and meat
• Dal : Lentils
• Channa : Chickpeas
• Roti : Thin round bread
• Naan : Thicker round bread
• Chapli kebab : The best kebab (in my humble opinion), somewhat like a burger patty… but 10x better. The best chapli kebab is found in K hyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province.

Karachi’s street food scene is on

Vegetarians and vegans in Pakistan

Traveling as a vegetarian in Pakistan can be difficult… but it is possible. Affluent Pakistanis understand (and sometimes scoff at) the concept. Except for the poorest of people, meat is a daily staple. Chicken and fish aren’t even considered “meat”—meat means mutton or beef.

If you’re a strict vegetarian, tell your host beforehand. Otherwise, it will lead to awkward situations when someone cooks up a meaty feast in your honor and you have to reject it.

Vegans will have a much harder time traveling in Pakistan. Many dishes include butter or yogurt, and explaining you can’t eat eggs will be interesting. Dal and channa are sometimes cooked in the same pot as meat, or with meat stock. Veganism hardly exists in Pakistan. Be firm, but know you’ll be restricted to dal , channa , and “mix  sabzi “(mixed vegetables). You’ll need to be very clear about no butter or  ghee  (clarified butter).

Pakistan travel guide: Money and the cost of travel in Pakistan

Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 Rs. There are also coins, but these are virtually useless. Some shops will give change in small candy, rather than coins!

Getting money from ATMs can be a struggle, especially in the north. Not all banks accept foreign cards. Several banks (hi Standard Chartered) charge a 500 Rs fee per withdrawal. Islamic banks do not work with foreign cards . ATMs in the mountains often run out of cash.

In my experience, Bank Alfalah , Habib Bank , and MCB Bank ( not M I B Bank) are your best bet for withdrawing cash from ATMs in Pakistan.

Northern Pakistan is beautiful… but can be a nightmare when it comes to finding cash. Stock up before you head up!

Cost of travel in Pakistan

Pakistan is a relatively cheap country to travel, although it can be tricky to find budget accommodation outside of the popular tourist destinations or in high season (June – August). Below is a breakdown of the average cost of traveling in Pakistan on a backpacker budget.

At the time of writing, US$1 = 155 Rs.

Food & drinks

• Water or soda : 30 – 100 Rs
• Tea:  10 – 50 Rs
• Breakfast and lunch:  50 – 100 Rs each
• Dinner:  50 – 250 Rs (street food ahoy!)

Accommodation

• Budget hotels:  800 – 1,500 Rs
• Mid-range:  1,500  – 4,000 Rs

Cultural outings

• Museums:  200 – 500 Rs
• Historical sights:  500 – 1,000Rs
• National Parks:  800 Rs
• Mosques: Free

For more info, check out this backpacking in Pakistan budget report.

If you do travel to Pakistan during high season, try to book accommodation ahead of time. Popular places along the Karakoram Highway, such as Hunza, are really popular with Pakistani tourists, and places can be full. Pakistan Traveller is a fantastic Pakistan travel guide that has a multitude of hotel recommendations for everywhere and anywhere you might want to travel in Pakistan.

Famous sights like Baltit Fort in Hunza will cost around 1,000 Rs for a foreigner ticket

Pakistan travel guide: Visas for Pakistan

Almost everyone needs a visa for Pakistan. It used to be a real pain in the butt to get a visa for Pakistan, but the recent e-visa introduction made things much easier. The e-visa form is still way too long and full of irrelevant questions, but at least it’s a start in the right direction.

To find out if you’re eligible for a Pakistani e-visa, go to the e-visa portal of Pakistan . It also mentions a visa on arrival scheme, but many have reported problems with it. It’s better to apply for an e-visa .

How to apply for a Pakistan e-visa

Ensure you have JPEG files of:

• Passport information page
• Passport photo with a white background
• Letter of invitation by a tour company or hotel booking confirmation. I work with a local company to offer cheap letters of invitation for Pakistan evisas . Don’t miss out!

Go to the Pakistan e-visa portal and register yourself. To do this, click the “Tourist Visa” button under “Visa Categories”. It will lead you to the info page about tourist visas. If you click “Apply now”, you’ll be prompted to create a new account or log in to an existing account.

Once registered you can start your application. Allow you have plenty of time, as it can easily take an hour or more to fill out all the questions. Many of them seem unnecessary (and probably are) but alas, you have to fill in the entire form.

Once you’ve finished your application, it’s time to pay. The visa costs US$35 for most nationalities. You can pay with Visa or MasterCard. I’ve heard reports of the payment not working all the time, so check you actually paid.

After you’ve paid, click “Submit your Application”. If you don’t do this, the application will remain pending.

The e-visa portal states it takes 5-7 working days for a visa to be approved, but turnaround can be much faster. If you haven’t heard anything after 7 working days, contact them directly via the e-visa portal. It’s possible they need additional documentation from you.

Pakistan travel guide: Entering and exiting Pakistan

Pakistan shares a border with Afghanistan, China, India, and Iran. It also has multiple international airports. There are no international ferry services to or from Pakistan.

To enter Pakistan you need a valid visa, and you need to fill out an arrival form at customs. The arrival card asks the usual questions such as your name, address, name of the hotel you’ll be staying in, etc.

Exiting Pakistan is straightforward, and no forms have to be filled out.

Land borders

• Afghanistan : This border is at the famous Khyber Pass. Technically, this border is closed to foreigners, but there have been reports of people successfully crossing this border. However, we don’t recommend using this border, as traveling overland in Afghanistan comes with considerable risk.
• China : The land border with China at the Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved border crossing in the world. This border should be open year-round, but heavy snowfall in the area sometimes leads to closures. Check ahead if crossing this border during winter months. For more info, check out my guide on crossing the border between Pakistan and China at the Khunjerab Pass .
• India : Many people believe that the Wagah border isn’t open to foreigners. This is not true. Provided you have a visa, this is actually a pretty easy border to cross. For more info, check out my detailed guide on crossing the famous Wagah border between India and Pakistan . The Wagah border is the only border between India and Pakistan that is open to tourists.
• Iran : There is only one border crossing open to tourists, and it’s not the most relaxing experience. The crossing is located in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan, an area that the government deems too unsafe for independent travel. You’ll get a security escort on the Pakistan side. For detailed info about this border crossing, check out my guide to crossing the border between Iran and Pakistan .

International airports

The main airports in Pakistan are in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Several major airlines fly into Pakistan, and more routes are being added regularly. These include routes to London, Dubai, Istanbul, and Kuala Lumpur.

Pakistan travel guide: Accommodation in Pakistan

Booking a place to sleep in Pakistan ahead of time can be challenging. Although websites and online booking are becomig more common in Pakistan, it’s still not as widespread as in surrounding countries. Pakistanis usually call ahead to reserve rooms.

Finding hotels to stay at in less-visited places—especially ones that accept foreign guests—can be quite the challenge. That’s where having a Pakistan travel guide in print can make a huge difference; all the information is already there. If you’re open to carrying a Pakistan travel guide book with you, I can’t recommend Pakistan Traveller by Urbanduniya enough.

Online booking in Pakistan

Booking.com and Airbnb are growing in Pakistan. The former is still mostly for mid-range to luxury hotels, and the latter works… sometimes. There are an unfortunate amount of creepy men on Airbnb offering rooms in their homes to female travelers only; beware and steer clear.

Facebook pages are increasingly common for mid-range accommodation options, and can be useful for contacting a property to ask questions or reserve a room.

How to find cheap guesthouses in Pakistan

Want to find a cheap place to rest your head? You’ll need to rely on the traveler grapevine. Guidebooks are not very reliable for prices— Pakistan Traveller by Tim Blight being the only exception—and not all cheap hotels and guesthouses accept foreign travelers.

Facebook groups like Backpacking Pakistan and Female Pakistan travelers are your best bet for information on cheap places to stay. Use the search function to find accommodation discussions.

It’s a bit of a hassle, but there’s a plus side: you can haggle over accommodation price upon arrival . Don’t feel bad about it, especially in touristic areas with inflated seasonal prices; Pakistanis expect it, and will take advantage of foreigners who do not haggle. If you can get 15-25% off of the quoted price—up to 50% if it’s particularly inflated—you’re doing well.

Some popular accommodation for backpackers in Pakistan you might want to be aware of include:

• Lahore Backpackers (US$6 for dorm bed)
• Five Giants (US$15-20 for a shared room in homestay)
• Adam’s House (US$10 for a private room)
• Islamabad: Backpackers’ Hostel & Guesthouse Islamabad (US$8 for dorm bed)
• Madina Hotel and Madina Hotel 2 (around US$10-20 for a double)
• Karimabad: Old Hunza Inn
• Peshawar: Hidayat Hotel

Lunch with my host at a homestay I found through Let’s Home

Homestays in Pakistan

Until recently, there weren’t many homestay options in Pakistan, but that is changing. Check out my article on homestays in Pakistan to get all the latest info.

A special shoutout goes to Seema, a motivated Hunzai woman, who recently started a booking platform called Let’s Home . She offers a variety of accommodation including homestays around Gilgit Baltistan. I used it to find a family in old Altit, and had a great experience.

Couchsurfing in Pakistan

The Couchsurfing community is highly active in Pakistan’s cities, and local CSers are eager to host foreigners. Most of the CS community is male, but there are few female members in major cities and many men are trustworthy. Always read the host’s references before agreeing to stay.

Since CS has become a paid service now, check out the Facebook group for CSers in Pakistan.

Being hosted in Pakistan

It’s remarkably easy to be hosted once on the road.

Unbelievable until you’re in Pakistan, but many people will simply offer you a place in their homes if you chat with them long enough. Their overwhelming hospitality is a privilege; make sure not to abuse their kindness. Don’t overstay your welcome, help around the house (they won’t accept at first), and bring small gifts from your country or tokens of appreciation like fruits or sweets.

Another bonus to being hosted: in Pakistan, family and friends are everywhere and it’s normal to stay with them when visiting places. Your host will probably offer to find a friend for you to stay with in your next destination. Make one friend, and their whole social network opens up!

Pakistan travel guide: Transportation in Pakistan

Pakistan has a myriad of transport options. Train, bus, and minibus are most common for long-distance travel. For shorter distances use either rickshaws (south of Islamabad), taxis (Islamabad) or Jeeps (north of Islamabad).

Pakistan has an extensive rail network. Trains are relatively comfortable, albeit a bit slow. Prices are reasonable unless you want AC class. It is advisable to book your ticket ahead of time, and with the help of a local.

Check the Pakistan Railway website for schedules and fares. The website is not the easiest to use, but it’ll do. If you have a local friend with a credit card and phone number, they can book you a ticket online. Don’t roget to read my guide on train travel in Pakistan before you do!

Buses and minibuses

Pakistan’s multitude of bus options are sometimes overwhelming. But that’s where this Pakistan travel guide can help you out!

From crappy minibus, to bedazzled local buses, to well-run Daewoo and Faisal Movers services, there are a lot of ways to get from A to B.

High-end bus services

When I’m in a rush and want to make sure I reach my destination on time, I prefer Faisal Movers, Daewoo, or for Gilgit-Baltistan, NATCO. These services are professional, leave on time and are very comfortable. Definitely worth the extra rupees.

• Schedules for Daewoo
• Schedules for NATCO

Ticket prices depend on the type of bus. I’ve had luxurious buses with reclining seats and AC… and passable contraptions with no AC. Different buses go at different times. To get an idea of prices, a Daewoo from Lahore to Islamabad (Rawalpindi) goes for 1,000 to 1,500 Rs for the four-hour journey .

You can usually book tickets on the same day at the bus station or through your hotel. Note that Daewoo has its own stations, so make sure you go here and not to the local bus station.

Local buses and minibuses

Prices for local buses are much cheaper, but you’ll be packed in like sardines in a can.

Minibuses are usually available for shorter hops between towns. Sometimes there’s a minibus yard, sometimes they leave from a specific point on the road, and sometimes… nobody knows where they leave from! Ask locals to figure out where you can find a bus to your next destination, or wait on a roadside and try flagging down passing minibuses—they can stop anywhere.

Minibus prices should be set, but ticket hawkers are likely to try making some extra money off of you. A minibus shouldn’t be much more than 200 Rs for a five-hour journey . Ask a fellow passenger what the price is, or watch to see what other people around you are paying.

Local bus and a Qingqi in Sehwan Sharif

To save yourself some hassle, download the taxi app Careem , which most Pakistanis use to get taxis. Uber (now the owner of Careem) also operates in major Pakistani cities.

Both offer a variety of vehicles ranging from motorbikes to rickshaws to air-conditioned cars, and they’re by far the easiest and most hassle-free way to get around cities.

Rickshaws and Qingqis

Rickshaws (with doors) and Qingqis (pronounced “ching-chee”, totally open) have a somewhat bad reputation, but in my experience, they’re the fastest way to get around in cities. There are no set prices, though, and sometimes you have to drive a hard bargain.

As a basic rule of thumb, for foreigners, the actual price is probably around 50-75% of what the rickshaw driver initially quotes you. Offer half of what he’s saying, then bargain up from there. Alternatively, check the price of a rickshaw to your destination using the rideshare apps Uber and Careem—yes, they offer rickshaw rides, too—and use that as a bargaining point.

Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price seems too high. There are thousands of rickshaws around; another rickshaw driver is sure to appear if you’re not satisfied with the price.

Pricing is a bit tricky, but a 10-minute drive should cost about 150 Rs.

Many places in the mountains, such as Fairy Meadows and Deosai, are only accessible by jeep. There are public transport jeeps for remote valleys like Chapursan and Shimshal , but in other areas you’ll have to hire a private jeep.

Prices to popular places such as Fairy Meadows are fixed and non-negotiable, while others are more… flexible. It pays to wait around and see if you can share a jeep with other people going your way. Alternatively, you can post in the Backpacking Pakistan Facebook group to find someone to share a ride with.

A jeep to Fairy Meadows is 7,500 Rs, and a jeep to Deosai is 8-10,000 Rs for a day trip. Overnight trips are more expensive. Hotels can arrange jeeps for you, at a higher cost. Your best bet is to ask friendly locals what a decent rate should be.

A private jeep hired during one of my unique women-only tours of Pakistan

Pakistan travel guide: Safety in Pakistan

One of the things people want to know before going: is Pakistan safe? A fair question!

For years, Pakistan was associated with violence. Terrorist groups were in power in many rural areas and terror attacks were common in cities.  Heck, even now many governments advise against travel to (parts of) Pakistan. There’s no denying the country is still perceived as dangerous.

Although terrorist attacks still happen—and not all places in Pakistan are safe for travel—the security situation has largely improved. The Pakistani military has stabilized the security situation. Places that foreigners are likely to visit, such as the cities of Lahore and Islamabad or the mountains of Gilgit Baltistan are generally safe to travel, given you take standard precautions. The fact that you’re reading through this Pakistan travel guide means you’re already more prepared than others.

Legitimately dangerous areas are off-limits to foreign visitors, so the chance of something serious happening to you is slim. The biggest dangers of traveling in Pakistan are traffic-related, pollution, and getting sick from poor hygiene standards. Oh, and hospitality 😉

To be fair, there’s a good chance you’ll still feel uncomfortable at times with the current security situation. Pakistan is still a police state. There’s a lot of heavily armed personnel on the streets, and many security checkpoints throughout the country. Sensitive sites such as shrines and religious minority gatherings will be filled with army/police/security. Don’t let it intimidate you—these people are there for safety purposes.

To learn more about safe travel in Pakistan, check out my article on whether it’s safe to travel in Pakistan .

That time I had a security escort with me during the urs of Lal Shahbaz in Sehwan Sharif

Dealing with security in Pakistan  

When people ask me about the security situation in Pakistan, I usually respond with “Pakistan doesn’t have a security problem, in Pakistan security is the problem.”

Security agencies are a sore spot for many foreign travelers in Pakistan, though don’t say so to any Pakistani.

To be fair, it’s in the agencies’ interests to keep foreign travelers out of trouble. If anything happens to a foreigner it will be all over the news and Pakistan’s international image will sink further.

Agencies are overbearing with foreigners because of this. In my years of travel in Pakistan, I’ve had intelligence agency stalkers, confrontational encounters with police, mandatory armed guards. Police and army stopped me from going places saying I needed permission or an NOC (non objection certificate) but didn’t say how to get one.

On the bright side, things have vastly improved in the last year. Gilgit Baltistan and the Chitral region almost entirely removed the need for NOCs and armed escorts in 2019 .

However, you’ll likely encounter issues if traveling to less-visited destinations, especially in southern Punjab and Sindh province . Common problematic places for travelers include:

• Multan – Foreigners are often required to leave immediately if discovered by police. Can only stay if unnoticed residing at luxury hotels.
• Bahawalpur – Foreigners are not allowed into army-occupied palaces, and can again only stay at expensive hotels.
• Sukkur – Multiple travelers reported questioning and harassment by security agencies when visiting Sukkur.

Hopefully security won’t be an issue for you, but if you must deal with security, be polite but firm. Ask them to show their identification first. Save phone numbers of Pakistanis you meet in the government or army; power and connections go a long way with security agencies. If what they’re asking of you doesn’t make sense, stand your ground.

Protip: Never insult the army. Most Pakistanis love the army. Despite their rather ominous not-so-secret control of the country, they did help stabilize it and don’t ask for bribes like police do. Pakistanis will not take kindly to army insults.

Pakistan travel guide: Connectivity in Pakistan

Connectivity in Pakistan is hit-and-miss. Wifi is often bad—if present at all—and mobile signals can go down at any time for no reason. Signals are often blocked during large events that may pose a security threat. Cities have decent 4G coverage, but especially in the rural north, there are many places with no coverage at all. If you want to have the widest range of coverage, you’ll need two or three different sim cards from several mobile operators.

Mobile SIM cards for calling and data in Pakistan

Overall, Zong and Telenor are your best bet in cities and rural areas. In northern Gilgit Baltistan, Zong and Telenor work in  some  areas, but it’s a better idea to buy a SCOM SIM card instead. You can buy them at customer service centers in hubs such as Gilgit, Aliabad, and Karimabad.

Getting a SIM card can be an annoying process. Foreigners cannot buy SIM cards at any outlet—you have to go to an official “customer service center” of the mobile provider to get one. You must fill out a registration form to buy a SIM, so bring copies of your passport.

It usually takes 4-12 hours for your card to activate (24 for SCOM). Your SIM card will expire when your visa expires.

WiFi in Pakistan

WiFi in Pakistan is spotty at best. Upscale cafes will have Wifi that may or may not work, as will high-end hotels. Besides that, you’re pretty much lost.

Rather than relying on WiFi networks, I usually buy a large mobile data pack (10GB, mmm blogger life) and use my mobile phone as a WiFi hotspot. If you’re going to do that, buy a power bank so you don’t have to worry about your phone running out of battery while you do so.

Pakistan travel guide: Being a responsible tourist in Pakistan

Pakistan encourages many bad habits; it’s easy to forget to be a responsible tourist in the face of it all.

Nevertheless, we visitors have a responsibility to Pakistan and its people to leave a positive impact on the country, especially as tourism develops. Here are some suggestions for visiting Pakistan responsibly:

• Always ask before taking someone’s picture, especially women . Many women (and their male family) are sensitive about having their photo taken.
• Don’t take photos of children unless you have permission from their parents . Share sparingly. Pakistani photographers abuse this all the time; that doesn’t make it right.
• Keep places clean . If you find a plastic bag or have one to spare, use it to collect trash while walking in nature. Dispose of trash somewhere where it might be disposed of properly.
• Hire local guides and drivers. Punjabis tend to dominate the tourism scene, but they are not locals outside of Punjab.
• Support female-run businesses . Pakistan is far from gender equality, but many women in the country are trying to change that. Some totally female-run examples are Let’s Home for accommodation, The Mad Hatters for organized tours, and A Piece Of Cake café in Lahore.

Useful? Pin it!

Other useful resources for planning Pakistan travel

Want more sweet Pakistan travel deliciousness? Below are several of my favorite posts to help you plan your trip to Pakistan. They’re full of all kinds of things to know before going to Pakistan.

Pakistan tours I run

• 3 weeks: Pakistan for women, by women
• 2 weeks: Pakistan adventure motorcycle tour

Best Pakistan travel guide book

Pakistan Traveller by Urbanduniya is hands down the best printed Pakistan travel guide on the market. I know; I helped him with the latest edition!

Pakistan travel guides on Lost With Purpose

• Is Pakistan safe to travel?
• Guide to traveling in Sindh province
• Is it safe for women to travel in Pakistan?
• Female traveler’s guide to Pakistan
• First timer’s guide to train travel in Pakistan
• Experiences to add to your Pakistan bucket list
• Traveling Pakistan during Ramadan

Region-specific Pakistan travel guides

• Things to do in Lahore
• Chapursan Valley travel guide
• Phander Valley travel guide
• Kalash Valley travel guide
• Guide to trekking in Swat Valley

Epic Pakistan experiences

• The longest border crossing in the world
• Desert trippin’ at the urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif
• Sufi nights in Lahore
• Learning to motorbike in Pakistan
• Rolling with the stoners in Hunza
• Bloodbaths in the Walled City: Eid al Adha in Lahore

Need even more tips about travel in Pakistan? Ask them in the comments or get in touch .

Alex Reynolds

33 thoughts on “ pakistan travel guide: everything to know before you go ”.

Very good and creative method for building backlinks to your site and also traffic. It’s very good! Thanks a lot for this post!

Outstanding read!

Very Informative and funny.

Thanks for sharing.

great article thanks for sharing. i always struggeld with finding an ATM, so then i foudn this travel app ” ATM Fee Saver” it shows ATMs close by and gives information about their fees and limit. super useful 🙂 maybe you wanna check it out.

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Why Pakistan is disowning its first ever Miss Universe contestant

Erica robin, 24, has won the inaugural miss universe pakistan title at a contest in the maldives. but this was no ordinary beauty pageant, and robin’s victory has been called ‘shameful’ by pakistan’s pm. maroosha muzaffar reports, article bookmarked.

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O n Thursday last week, 24-year-old Erica Robin won the inaugural Miss Universe Pakistan pageant held in the Maldives . It should have been a moment of celebration for Karachi-born Robin, yet in the days that followed the competition has faced an outpouring of anger back home that has been fuelled at the highest level of government.

A deeply conservative Muslim-majority country, Pakistan has never before participated in the global Miss Universe competition. With the backlash to Robin’s victory spanning politicians to religious leaders and including the country’s caretaker prime minister, it remains unclear whether the model will be allowed to take part in the 72nd Global Miss Universe Pageant to be held in El Salvador in November.

The government of caretaker PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has asked the country’s intelligence agency to investigate the organisers of the pageant, and how they were able to hold the competition seemingly in the country’s name without the government’s approval.

Kakar has called the staging of the Maldives pageant a “shameful act” and an “insult and exploitation of women of Pakistan”.

Who is Erica Robin?

Robin has a degree in Business Administration and started her professional modelling career in January 2020, with her photos appearing in several magazines including Diva Magazine Pakistan . She told Voice of Americarecently that she felt a lot of responsibility on her shoulders as she believed it would be the first time Pakistan would have a participant in the global Miss Universe pageant.

• The Taliban have banned girls from school for 2 years. It’s a worsening crisis for all Afghans
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“However, I won’t do anything that would harm the reputation of the country,” she added.

After she was declared the winner on Thursday at a ceremony held at Brennia Kottefaru resort in the Raa Atoll in the Maldives, the backlash was swift.

An Islamic scholar from Pakistan, Taqi Usmani, demanded that the government take action against the organisers of the pageant and dispel the idea that Robin was “representing Pakistan”.

Another polician, Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, called the event an “insult to Pakistan”. He posted on X/Twitter: “Who are the organisers of this beauty pageant in Pakistan? Who is doing this shameful act?”

How she entered the pageant

In March it was reported that Dubai-based agency Yugen Group was organising the first-ever Miss Universe Pageant and had invited applications from Pakistani women. The agency also owns the Miss Universe Bahrain and Miss Universe Egypt franchises, according to reports.

Robin applied to the call for contestants and amid hundreds of entries, she made it to the top 10 contestants and then into the top five.

After her victory, the 24-year-old model from Karachi — who was born in a Christian family — said: “I am honoured and humbled to be the first ever Miss Universe Pakistan and I want to highlight the beauty of Pakistan. We have a beautiful culture that the media is not talking about.

“Pakistani people are very generous, kind and hospitable. On top of that, I would like to invite everyone to visit my country and try the most sumptuous Pakistani cuisines and explore our enchanting nature, our snow-capped mountains, our greeneries and our progressive landscapes.”

The Organisers

Earlier this year, Josh Yugen, national director of Miss Universe Pakistan and the founder of Yugen Group, told The National : “We want to localise our approach without changing the dynamics of the Miss Universe brand. We are still going to show women from Pakistan who are beautifully confident and who are the epitome of stories of dreams turning into realities.”

He also claimed that “hundreds” of Pakistani women applied for the inaugural Miss Universe Pakistan.

Yugen Group announced in March that it had acquired the rights to the competition.

Miss Universe’s official website says that “the women who participate in this international platform serve as inspirational leaders and role models to their communities and fans around the world”.

There were five finalists selected earlier this year from across Pakistan. Alongside Robin the contestants were 24-year-old Hira Inam from Lahore, 28-year-old Jessica Wilson from Rawalpindi, 19-year-old US-born Malika Alvi and 26-year-old Sabrina Wasim from Punjab.

Introducing Robin as one of the contestants, Yugen Group wrote on their Instagram page: “Despite her challenges belonging in the country’s minority group, she works so hard to become the best version of herself. She wants to be an instrument to see positive changes in Pakistan and she wants to highlight the diverse community in the country.”

The post said: “She wants to work towards organisations that advocate with [ sic ] education and women empowerment. By telling her own personal journey, she aims to be a symbol of hope to young Pakistani girls to follow their dreams.”

Breakthrough moment... and backlash

The crowning of the first-ever Miss Universe Pakistan on 14 September was streamed live on the Miss Universe pageant YouTube channel. Robin’s win was initially celebrated by some back in Pakistan, but the overwhelming reaction has been outrage.

The pageant came under the government’s radar when journalist Ansar Abbasi wrote on X/Twitter last week: “Who allowed five Pakistani girls to represent Pakistan in the Miss Universe beauty pageant? Either, it was decided by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul Haq Kakar or this decision was taken by any of his cabinet members or advisers?” He asked, can anyone represent Pakistan without the permission of the government of Pakistan?

Minister for information and broadcasting in Pakistan, Murtaza Solangi, said on X/Twitter: “The government and state of Pakistan are represented by state and government institutions. Our government has not designated any non-state and non-governmental person or institution for any such activity and no such person/institution can represent the state/government. The end.”

Beauty Queens and Beauty Pageants in Pakistan

In Pakistan, even though there is no legal restriction on participating in beauty pageants, some believe that the dress codes in the contest go against their Islamic beliefs.

This does not mean that Pakistan doesn’t have any beauty pageants. GeoTV reported earlier this month that just a few months after being crowned Miss Pakistan Universal 2023, “Dr Kapotaqkhy Chanchala proudly represented Pakistan in the Miss World Tourism 2023 competition held in Sri Lanka.” It added that she was embarking on a new journey to “unfurl the Pakistani flag in Vietnam”.

In 2018, it was reported that India’s Miss Diva Supranational 2018 Aditi Hundia and Miss Supranational Pakistan 2018 Anzhelika Tahir were participating in the Miss Supranational 2018 pageant in Poland amid tensions between the two countries they were representing.

On social media, the two beauty queens posed together holding the flags of their respective countries and wrote: “We hope one day all wars will stop, every conflict will stop and the world will be a peaceful place.”

The winner of last year’s Ms Pakistan World contest, Dr Sadaf Khalid, said she participated in the contest “to uplift its positive image and to represent bright and happy image of the country”.

However, the reality is that most of these beauty queens don’t stay in Pakistan anymore. In a 2008 report by the New York Times , Amna Buttar, a founder of the Asian-American Network Against Abuse of Human Rights who lives in Lahore was quoted as saying: “In Pakistan, we are trying to get basic rights for women: right to marry, right to divorce, equal opportunity for job and education, and issues like Miss Pakistan create problems for this movement.”

She added: “An average Pakistani young woman does not want to wear a bikini in public, and for her it is important to have equal opportunity and all focus should be on that, and not on a pageant where only the elite can participate.”

Support for Robin

Human rights activist Zohra Yusuf — who is a former chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan — is among those who have come out in support of Robin. Dawn quoted her as saying that first Malala Yusfzai and Sharmeen Chinoy were reviled, and now Robin was similarly being targeted. “This attitude is misogynistic and condemnable,” she said.

“Pakistan belongs to all. Every Pakistani can represent Pakistan anywhere, whenever, however,” journalist Mariana Baabar wrote on X/Twitter.

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Wander-Lush

20 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan – From Mountains to Mosques

It’s hard to imagine a more magnificent landscape than the rugged peaks, hidden villages and wind-swept plains of Pakistan. Here are 20 of the most beautiful places in Pakistan , from wild mountain passes and unreal lakes, to ornate mosques and ancient fortresses.

Thanks to Samantha for sharing her Pakistan tips. Samantha is a self-proclaimed South Asia addict and hippopotamus lover who’s been on the road for seven months so far. She blogs about her indefinite budget-backpacking adventure at Intentional Detours, where she shares guides and stories to help and inspire you to visit offbeat places, too. 

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Western media might try to tell you otherwise, but trust me – Pakistan is an absolutely stunning country. Think famous mountain peaks, emerald-green and turquoise-blue valleys, deserts filled with remnants of ancient civilization… And that’s not even the half of it.

One thing’s for sure: Pakistan sure isn’t lacking in beautiful places to visit!

Also read: 7 best Pakistani cultural experiences for travellers .

During the 4 months I spent in the country, I was constantly blown away by what I was seeing. There’s an endless number of perfect natural (and man-made) sights to see while backpacking Pakistan , so I thought I’d spotlight 20 of the very best for future travellers.

20 most beautiful places in Pakistan

Without further ado, here are the 20 most beautiful places in Pakistan (in no particular order), a country that quickly and fiercely stole my heart.

1. Swat Valley

Though it has had a rough past, the present and future of Swat Valley are shining very bright. This stunning valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan is something straight out of a fairy tale.

Think bright green fields and forests, picturesque villages, and rivers boasting shades of blue so clear and bright you wouldn’t have thought them real!

The true beauty of Swat can be found around the town of Kalam, which serves as a base to the explore the beauty of the valley. Here are 3 places you can’t miss in Swat Valley:

Boyun Village

Boyun, also known as Green Top, is a short drive or manageable up-hill walk from Kalam town. When you finally reached the pinnacle, you’ll be rewarded with a panorama of one of the most vast and beautiful villages I’ve ever seen – along with sweeping views of the valley below. Boyun is an easy day trip from Kalam.

Kandol and Spindhor Lakes

These alpine lakes lie 2 hours away from Kalam. These days, Kandol Lake is accessible via jeep track and is a bit more commercialised, whereas Spindhor can only be reached on a 2-hour trek. Whichever you choose to visit, both are absolutely counted among the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Ushu Forest

This well-preserved forest is full of deodar trees and is a fabulous place to get lost. The road that leads into the forest continues on to several villages set along the Kalam River.

2. Hunza Valley

If you live in Pakistan – or have read anything about the country – it’s almost certain you’ve come across the name Hunza. Don’t let the word ‘valley’ confuse you, though – Hunza is actually a massive district made up of numerous valleys and villages. One part of the ancient Silk Road , here are some of the most beautiful sights in Hunza:

Passu Cones

The Passu Cathedral is a natural work of art and one of the most recognisable scenes in Pakistan. Though staying overnight in Passu village is no longer allowed, the cones are visible from a ways away, starting from the village of Gulmit. The most iconic view of the Cathedral is from the Karakoram Highway, about an hour’s drive from Gilgit City.

Attabad Lake

A lake that doesn’t look real… Even when you’re standing right in front of it. Attabad was born out of tragedy when a massive landslide occurred in 2010. The flow of the Hunza River was blocked, and the now-famous lake was created in its wake. Its bright-blue turquoise waters make the it one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Eagle’s Nest

Want to see one of the most epic sunsets in the Hunza Valley? Head to Eagle’s Nest around golden hour! The name comes from an upscale hotel/restaurant nearby, but you can drive up to the viewpoint without going there.

3. Yarkhun Valley

Though it’s relatively unheard of and forgotten compared to Pakistan’s most famous tourist spots, I think Yarkhun Valley was the most beautiful place I visited in the country. Located in the Upper Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Yarkhun dazzles with its mountain ranges and untouched villages.

Reaching the valley, which stretches for many kilometres past the administrative town of Mastuj, requires a bit of effort if you don’t have your own vehicle. If you do have one though, the ride isn’t too bad – just prepare for mostly dirt roads!

The side valley of Gazin is most definitely worth a detour if you make it all the way to Yarkhun. Here, you can see the mountains of the Thoi Pass, a high-altitude pass that connects Upper Chitral with Yasin Valley in Gilgit Baltistan.

4. Phander Lake

Phander Lake, located in Phander Village, is almost too good to be true. The teal-coloured lake sits silently amongst light-green trees befitting a landscape painting.

Despite being insanely beautiful, Phander Lake doesn’t see anywhere as close to the number of tourists as the more popular Attabad Lake does.

During the 4 days I spent in Phander relaxing lakeside, I didn’t encounter any other tourists. If you do visit, I highly recommend you stay at the Lake Inn, which is a short walk away and charges 1,000 rupees per night.

There is also the expensive (5,000 rupees) PTDC that overlooks the lake, but the hospitality and value at Lake Inn reign superior.

5. Broghil Valley

Located way up north very close to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, Broghil Valley was formerly only accessible via trek or horseback. These days, the once-hidden locale can be reached by a treacherous jeep track – yet it still only receives a handful of visitors during the few months it’s not frozen under heaps of snow.

Currently, whether or not foreigners are allowed to visit Broghil is iffy. (If you’re insistent, make sure you check with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Chitral before making the trek up there.) But Pakistanis – please go see this beauty! The valley is home to numerous high-altitude lakes, yaks, and sprawling green pastures, all set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop that soars above 13,000 feet.

Moreover, a day’s trek from Lashkargaz, the last village in Broghil, will lead you to Karambar Lake, one of the highest in the world!

A city… Say what? Yes, Lahore may be a metro but its treasure trove of historical places surely makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan. Lahore was the city of Mughals, and so much of their creations still remain.

If you’re wondering what are the best places to visit in Lahore , hold tight because there’s a whole lot of them!

The most famous of the city’s monuments include the Badshahi Mosque, the Wazir Khan Mosque, and of course the Lahore Fort. Add to that dozens upon dozens of beautifully preserved tombs, lively shrines, and havelis upon havelis , and you have yourself the cultural capital of Pakistan.

7. Hingol National Park

Hingol National Park is technically in Pakistan, but it looks more like a Martian planet! The park is over 6,000-square-kilometres and contains incredibly unique rock formations, vast canyons, numerous animal species, and even a mud volcano .

What’s more, part of the National Park hugs the coast, adding the ocean to all its other assets. Though totally out-of-this-world in its looks, Hingol is only 3.5 hours from Karachi, Pakistan’s most populous city.

Pakistanis shouldn’t have any problem entering the park, but foreigners have had mixed experiences. Some who were accompanied by locals have been able to spend a night/ weekend in the park, while others were only given day permission. There is no public transport to the park, so having access to your own transportation is a must.

8. Kalash Valleys

The Kalash Valleys, comprised of Bumboret, Rumbur, and Birir, are home to the Kalash people, a religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan with their own beliefs, culture and language. The valleys they live in are certainly some of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – not just for their natural splendour, but also for the beauty of the Kalash themselves.

The valley of Rumbur is particularly stunning. Here, kilometres of dusty road and mountains rumble alongside the Kalash River. The Kalash people live in wooden homes that cling to the high hills, and the women are particularly famous for their brightly-coloured traditional dress and headwear that differs from anything else one can find in Pakistan.

Being only 2.5 hours from Chitral City, it’s very easy to make it out to one of the valleys these days. If you do decide to head to Rumbur, take a day to trek all the way into the valley. The last settlement of Rumbur, Sheikhandeh, is a former Nuristani village whose inhabitants migrated across the border to Pakistan a few hundred years ago.

9. Deosai Plains National Park

Deosai is often referred to as the roof of the world. And it kinda is. At 4,117 metres (13,497 feet), the massive plateau is the second-highest on the planet, and is only really accessible during summer.

Sprawling emerald-green meadows, snow-capped peaks and glistening blue lakes greet visitors who make the journey to this beautiful spot. The Himalayan Brown Bear calls Deosai its home and has been spotted by many a visitor – watch out for them if you’re camping!

The park charges an entrance fee of 1,000 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Pakistanis.

10. Gorakh Hills

Hills in the desert… Yup, the Gorakh Hill Station is located in Sindh, but is certainly elevated as a part of the Kirthar Mountains. At 1,734 metres (5,689 feet), the top of the hills provide some of the most beautiful views in Southern Pakistan. This is the perfect spot for a weekend camping trip.

Gorakh Hills are about 8 hours from Karachi, but only 2 to 3 hours from the city of Dadu, making the latter a better place to start your journey. There is no public transport, but there are a few rest houses for anyone who isn’t looking to pitch a tent.

11. Shimshal

Though a bit out of the way compared to some of the other beautiful tourist places in Pakistan featured on this list, Shimshal Valley is well worth the effort required to reach it. The locale is known for being a major adventure destination that’s particularly popular amongst climbers and mountaineers.

But Shimshal isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan for adrenaline junkies. The village itself is divine come summer. Incredibly, it almost exclusively relies on solar energy! Easier short treks to nearby yak pastures can also be arranged, as can just simply wandering around and enjoying the epic vistas and fields of mustard-yellow flowers.

12. Shah Jahan Mosque

Thought all the Mughal relics were in Punjab? Think again! The Shah Jahan Mosque – also known as the Jamia Masjid – is located in Thatta, a town in Pakistan’s Sindh province. It’s widely known for having the most elaborate display of tile work in all of South Asia. Blue and sandstone colours adorn the interior of the mosque and are sure to wow all who visit.

The mosque was commissioned by Shah Jahan when he sought refuge in Thatta back in 1647 and somehow remains in amazing shape today. Though Sindh might seem to be a far cry from the mountains, the immaculate artistry present here makes it one of the most beautiful tourist places in Pakistan.

13. Fairy Meadows

Though it has become a bit touristy (and pricey), Fairy Meadows is no doubt a stunner. The meadows offer an incredible view of Nanga Prabat, the world’s 9th highest mountain peak.

Reaching Fairy Meadows is a bit of a challenge. The journey starts with a jeep ride across one of the most dangerous roads in the world and culminates with a 5 kilometre trek. It’s possible to rent a campsite, or you can bring your own equipment to enjoy a night or two basking in one of Pakistan’s most epic views.

Currently, the price for a jeep into the meadows is around 8,000 rupees ($51), and walking the road is prohibited. Lucky it’s possible to split the cost with other travellers.

14. Chapursan Valley

Like Broghil, Chapursan Valley also borders Afghanistan’s Wakhan but is situated more to the east. This stunning collection of villages and vistas sees only a handful of tourists and is one of the most remote places you can visit in Hunza.

Chapursan is home to the Wakhi people, an ethnic group who speak Wakhi and belong to the Ismaili sect of Islam. With royal blue skies, massive mountain peaks, sprawling lakes and virtually no commercialisation, Chapursan Valley is as beautiful a place in Pakistan as they come!

To reach it, you’ll first need to head to the town of Sost that sits near the Pakistan-China Border. If you have your own vehicle, you’re all set to head on up from there. If not, shared jeeps leave from Sost each morning around 6am.

While in the valley, don’t miss the Baba Ghundi Shrine, a mystical Sufi shrine dedicated to a saint who supposedly held magical powers. Also don’t forget to enjoy the company of the yaks!

15. Khunjerab Pass

This high-mountain pass isn’t for the faint of heart. At nearly 4,600 metres (15,397 feet), this popular tourist attraction connects Pakistan with China to form the highest paved border crossing in the world.

Many people venture to the border to take photos at the official gate, which is surrounded by insanely tall peaks and grassy fields. As for transport, it’s best to travel here with your own vehicle as bus tickets can get pricey. For adventurous travellers, hitchhiking is also an option, as it is on much of the Karakoram Highway.

16. Rakaposhi Base Camp

For all those trekking enthusiasts out there – this one’s for you! The Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek is doable in one day, even for beginners, and offers some truly insane views of Rakaposhi, a 7,800-metre peak!

There are few ways to get as up close and personal with Pakistan’s giants than this. The trek starts from the village of Minapin, where it should take those with a decent fitness level about 4 to 5 hours to reach the top.

While it is possible to camp, the descent is much quicker, making the entire journey there and back a plausible one-day affair. Due to extreme weather, it’s only possible to do the trek between May and October.

17. Margala Hills

Islamabad might be a glitzy ‘new’ city, but did you know it also has a vast array of hills perfect for climbing? The Margala Hills are spread out over over 12,000 hectares and contain multiple hiking and running trails.

Ascending to the various peaks of the range show off Islamabad in ways you might not have known were possible. There are few places in Pakistan that remain so close to the city yet so deeply connected to nature.

18. Rohtas Fort

Say hello to another of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – this time a 16th-century fortress that’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rohtas Fort is located near Jhelum in Punjab, which is about 4 hours from Lahore and 2 hours from Islamabad.

The fortress is one of the largest in the Subcontinent and has remained in remarkable condition despite its age. Hours can be spent roaming around the massive structure, a beautiful relic that almost seems to transport visitors back in time.

It’s easy to get lost amongst the walls and gates for an entire day. Keep in mind that the fort charges an entrance fee of 500 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Pakistanis.

19. Naltar Valley

Naltar Valley is about 54 kilometres (34 miles) from Gilgit City in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The popular tourist attraction is known for its dramatic forests, a collection of crystal-clear lakes, and in the winter, skiing facilities.

Though many tourists just come for the slopes, I think the real magic of Naltar can only be witnessed in the summer months when the lakes unfreeze and the forests can be best enjoyed.

This magical valley is only accessible via Jeep, but public transport does exist from Gilgit. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists in the valley’s two villages. To avoid peak tourist season, steer clear of visiting during the month of May and try coming in fall instead. You might be lucky enough to catch some epic foliage towards the end of October.

20. Katpana Desert

Beautiful places in Pakistan truly cover every landscape imaginable… Including the Katpana Cold Desert. Though it has all the makings of a ‘warm’ desert, what makes the Katpana stand out is its altitude. It does, in fact, become covered with snow in the winter.

Said to be the highest cold desert in the world, sand dunes at this altitude look truly unique. Very few countries can lay claim to such a rarity. Travellers can reach the Katpana Desert easily from Skardu, as it’s only about 30 minutes away. Don’t count on there being public transport, though.

Most beautiful places in Pakistan: Final thoughts

Listing the 20 most beautiful places in Pakistan isn’t an easy task when almost everywhere you turn, the landscape is mesmerising in one way or another. Though this is only a small sample of what Pakistan has to offer, I strongly recommend trying to visit at least a few of these highlights.

I absolutely loved every minute of the 4 months I spent travelling through Pakistan. But in a country this big and beautiful, I know there’s always more to discover. Happy adventuring! 

Most beautiful places in Pakistan

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81 Comments

Dear Emily, Thanks for the best article about Pakistan’s beautiful tourist attractions. I am wondering to know have you visited to the Ghizer Valley like Yasin, Ishkoman, and Phander Valleys there many best places to visit as well. Above all, this part of Pakistan is less visited by tourists either international or domestic.

Great article! Thank you so much!!

Amazing journey and Finding Pakistan is a beautiful and pleasent country full of colours and Attractive places. It’s natural and there is just a little bit investment needed to be put into the Tourism and Management. We hope you shall visit our other areas of our country. Thanks

Thank you Emily for exploring my region. I am resident of Gilgit Baltistan and I still couldn’t write about the beauty of my region as you did. Thank you for visiting Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan as well. Welcome you again

I noticed most of these are northern areas, really pakistan needs to improve the ways to attract the international tourism providing them super facilities, sure safety and appropriate services..

I suggest you to visit visit Azad kashmir all district (10) of Azad kashmir are beautiful such a wonderful place you can search all district’s photos on Google. Heaven on earth

suggest the most beautiful, quite and relaxing place in Azad Kashmir

Shounter Valley, Baboon Valley Azad Kashmir heaven on earth

Thanks for giving us beautiful insights into our country

Yes Pakistan is the one of the beautiful country Please extend number of places because I ever some most places I think there is 50+ places for visiting

Dear, First of All appreciate your effort to consolidate Pakistan beauty in your article and really Pakistan is most beautiful country in World, if we explore it properly then we will experience this.

You could easily expand this article to 50 places. Pakistan has incredible natural beauty and the people are most hospitable

Being a Pakistani Please have a look at the Skardu (New Zealand of PK) by search on Google you will find such amazing photos. I appreciate your effort, Emily and Samantha!

Wow, absolutely stunning! I hope I can visit some day. Thanks so much for your comment!

Emily u r welcomed, I live here in rawalpindi if u like u will be welcomed with warm heart.

Excellent article…Pakistan is amazing indeed.

Gilgit-Baltistan is famous for its dramatic mountains especially the snow-capped mountains. GB has unlimited scenery views and is known as heaven on earth. It is one of the beautiful places in Pakistan, delighting and pleasing several tourists, travelers, and adventure lovers. Planning to visit Gilgit-Baltistan? Here are the most enchanting places to visit.

I’m surprised to see Rohtas Fort on here. It’s an amazing site for sure. We have family that live in the village inside the Fort, so whenever we’re in Pakistan, we visit quite often. I still think more effort needs to be made in order to maintain it…

All these places are Beautiful. Pakistan is a beautiful country.

Wow Such amazing article . My land my heaven

Thank you for the beautiful insights. Neelum valley in Kashmir is gorgeous, particularly the area around rattigalli and shounter valley. Naran and Sapat valleys as well as haramosh and then the wonderful Concordia and Snow lake treks. Pakistan has Karakorums Himalayas and Hindukush mountain ranges. Beautiful alpine lakes, pristine forests and waterfalls.

Thank you Taimur for the recommendations!

Sad to see that The Beauty Queen of Pakistan (Kumrat Valley) is not included in the list

Thank you Nazim for the recommendation! It looks spectacular!

Not only Kumrat but who North Pakistan is worth seeing. North.pk interested people may work on this portal.

Northern areas of Pakistan are really paradise of Allah on earth. These areas are magically beautiful. Once you reach there, you will never like to come back. I will suggest the tourists to visit l these location to see nature.

Thank you for sharing the amazing article. Pakistan is like heaven on earth. Everyone must visit Neelam valley.

Great Information for us I love Pakistan and i love traveling

Thanks for your great information about beautiful placese

I have been to most of the places .there are more beautiful places in Pakistan just like kumrat valley,jaz banda, madak lasht Chitral, phasti chitral, Rama lake gilgit baltistan and many more

Emily, is this information-you gathered is from internet or you literally visited these areas?

Hi Jamil, thanks for your comment. This is a guest post by Samantha of Intentional Detours. You can find her bio at the top. She has visited these places in Pakistan and many others – you can follow the link to her site for more articles.

From Bangladesh, i want to visit pakistan. But getting visa is a big problem from Bangladesh. Can any one help me? By proper information.

AssalamoAlykum, hope someone in Pakistan should help out, I live far away but have visited some of those Beautiful places, wish you will too someday

Hi thank you very much and i mean it. its lovely great introduction to Pakistan. And you are right Pakistan is a big and really beautiful country its impossible to mention and visit all the great places whether its Mountains, People, Deserts, Rivers, Sandy beaches with blue waters or Green planes. yes we should try to explore more and more. Good effort lady. Love it

Thank you Abdul for your comment!

Wow, Excellent post. Hats off to ur brilliant exploring skills.

Pakistan is one of the top tourist countries in the world. It has so many beautiful places to visit that attracts people from this world especially the northern side.

Lovely Post… Commendable.. though you haven’t listed Pakistan in your “Asia” destination tab 🙂

If u go Lahore u should also go Nankana sahib shrine , situated nearer to Lahore,

Such a beautiful places in pakistan every body most visited all this places I love pakistan

Sooooo beautiful natural places in Pakistan and many places you don’t show. so more places visit in Pakistan & highlights the natural beauty to show the world.. thanks

Unbelievable, I have visited only few of them and missed most of them because I stayed out of the country most of my life. Not only Pakistan but the Pakistani people are also amazing, very friendly, hospitable, helping and very kind people. Pakistani food is delicious, every big city has its own variety.

Thanks for your comment! I hope you get to explore more of Pakistan soon 🙂

This a great list of beautiful places in Pakistan. Pakistan is a wonderful country which has many attractions for every one. Thank you for sharing. The pictures are awesome I must say.

Mashallah, Very nice places. I am going to kund beach in Islamabad

Truly Pakistan is like heaven on earth.

Hello! Indeed Pakistan is really a Heaven on Earth and the Hearts of Pakistanis are more beautiful than these places. I believe that the World must now open its eyes and see the peace and tranquility we Pakistanis have earned through the hardships and struggles. Our Hearts are always open for everyone.

I love nature and of course the beauty of pakistan everyone should visit here and see the beauty of nature

Pakistan is rich in it’s culture, traditions, historical places and natural beauty. You have nicely described most of the beautiful places to visit in Pakistan.

Nice review about Beautiful Places in Pakistan.

♥ 😘 From Pakistan 🇵🇰 ♥ 😘

so many beautiful places in Pakistan…

Valuable information. Let’s promote Pakistan tourism in a positive way.

Nice info and I have visited 7 places from them but I try to visit physically all . Such a great contribution. Like it and appreciate you.

Minar-e-Pakistan is equivalent to nationalism and patriotism in Pakistan. It is the national monument, located at the center of Lahore. The tower was built between 1960 and 1968 on the site where the All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 1940.

Very interesting article

Great list but you missed many many beautiful places in Pakistan. Our country has a lot of natural beauty.

Hi Emily, Thanks for ur article, it was an excellent effort. Yes there can be hundreds of wonderful sites in Pakistan but u filtered very well. Since I’m an admirer of GB beauty of Pakistan n visits a lot, probably its a typo saying Rakaposhi @ 7800 feet (actually it’s 7800 mtrs) but to me this small error impacts the uniqueness of this Majestic beauty of the world. Rakaposhi is the TALLEST free standing mountain in the world, almost 20000 feet (6000 mtrs) from base to top, few people also misunderstand this record with Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which is about 16000 feet (4800 mtrs) from base to top. Rakaposhi is not only the tallest but the steepest climb in the world, whee u can see its summit while standing on the road at the bottom.

Shall strongly suggest to keep writing n keep visiting Pakistan.

Thanks n regards,

Thanks Nadeem for all the tips!

HI Emily thanks for your blog it is quite helpful and gives me idea to planned by visit being a pakistani i never visit northern areas of pakistan but i am planning to go on dec 2020 and i feel mountains areas will be fully covered by white sheet (full of snow) i hope my tour will be amazing INSHALLAH.

I’m so glad to hear that! Happy travels!

Dear all, Seeing is believing. But how about visa to travel to Pakistan. I am not sure if visas are issued to Pakistan by Pakistan embassy here in India currently. Please do elaborate. Thanks again…

Pakistan has opened E visa and and on Arrival tourist Visa for majority nationalities around the world. That’s why number of international tourists growing sharply. For india some restrictions however Sikhs getting religious tourist visa and Indians with dual nationality get visa easily on foreign passports.

Excellent information. I would also like to add Ketas in Potwar platue with it amazing hindu temple ruins and beautiful scenery.

Hi Emily, Your article on 20 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan is just an amazing effort. One can understand how challenging it is to select only 20 out of hundreds of attractions stretching across the country. Its diverse landscape, historic monuments, cultural diversity, food, weather patterns presenting seasonal variations in natural colors, and much more…. The more you travel the more you explore. Keep it up!

saif ul malook is also a beautiful lake in pakistan.

Thanks for the tip!

No mahudand lake is best

I don’t know who wrote this but they forgot to mention the most beautiful and picturesque Kaghan valley here. So heartening!

Thanks for the recommendation!

Tirah Tirah is the most beautiful natural and popular aria in Pakistan but unfortunately no one is known to it.i am certainly say .if you come to tirah then you will come again and again. It has all natural no artificial and it has highest mountain with full up natural trees and beautiful waterfalls. Being only 3.5 hours from Peshawar city .it is very easy to go there .no difficulty .it has peaceful way regards niaz muhammad afridi

Pakistan is a really amazing country with lots of places to visit as a Pakistani I didn’t knew about them.Truly Pakistan is like heaven on earth

Can I ask what I should see 2weeks free time near lahore and islamabad I will be in December so north pakistan I cannot go

Hey Mexx, you can still visit Hunza valley in December, alternate routes are open, and you can also take flights from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu if you want to avoid long road journeys. Both places are easy to access in winters and breathtaking.

Indeed Pakistan is really a Heaven on Earth and the Hearts of Pakistanis are more beautiful than these places. I believe that the World must now open its eyes and see the peace and tranquility we Pakistanis have earned through the hardships and struggles. Our Hearts are always open for everyone.

Beautiful places. Amazing people. Everyone should visit this piece of heaven on earth

PAKISTAN IS AMAZING THANKS FOR YOUR COMPLIMENT

Very welcoming people, safe country unlike what we usually see in media. Many places are like heaven on earth.

My land my heaven

I have also visited many beautiful places in Pakistan. Hunza Valley is just like heaven.

Amazing article No doubt, Pakistan is full of amazing and beautiful places. All kind of natural beauty is present in many areas of Pakistan including streams, rivers, and mountains, etc.

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MISS PAKISTAN WORLD

“Miss Pakistan World” is a prestigious beauty pageant that celebrates the intellect, elegance, and cultural diversity of Pakistani women. The pageant aims to provide a platform for young Pakistani women from around the world to showcase their talents, intelligence, and personal values while promoting Pakistani culture and heritage on a global stage.  

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• 10 Best And Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Pakistan

23 Mar 2023

Stretching from the large mountains in the north to the vast Indus alluvial delta in the south, Pakistan is full of natural beauty and stunning mountains. In addition to bright deserts and some of the world’s highest peaks, the country offers numerous attractions for sightseeing, hiking, mountain climbing and skiing. Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and ancient monuments continue to enchant visitors from all over the world. There are a lot of places to visit in Pakistan where you can have memorable experiences, have a look at these most beautiful places for your holiday in Pakistan.

10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Pakistan

Pakistan is gifted with a plethora of historical and natural treasures. A land full of breathtaking vistas and extraordinary places is a must-visit once in a lifetime. To guide you on your trip here is a list of the places to visit in Pakistan . Make sure you add some of these to your itinerary before heading to this destination.

1. Hunza Valley 2. Attabad Lake 3. Swat Valley 4. Naran Kaghan 5. Badshahi Mosque 6. Concordia 7. Neelum Valley 8. Deosai National Park 9. Mohenjo-daro 10. Piri Sohawa

1. Hunza Valley

Located in Gilgit Baltistan, the Hunza Valley is one of Pakistan’s hidden gems. This isolated valley is nestled between the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain peaks. This is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan because of its lush farmlands. Here you can find markhors, ounces, ibexes, and red foxes. In this valley, a glorious view awaits you, and the locals are warm and friendly.

Best time to visit: April to September

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2. Attabad Lake

This beautiful lake which provides tranquil waters was originated as a result of a landslide in January 2010 in Attabad Village. The lake has vivid blue waters that pierce through the hilly land of Hunza Valley The lake is one of the most popular tourist places in Pakistan , offering exciting experiences like skiing, boating, catching fishes and others.

Best time to Visit: March to June

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3. Swat Valley

Despite its tragic history, Swat Valley’s present situation is very promising. There’s something fairytale-like about this spectacular valley in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Being one the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan among all other attractions, this valley has great weather and friendly locals. Visitors can enjoy trekking, hiking, backpacking, or simply enjoy in the natural environment.

Best time to visit: April to May

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4. Naran Kaghan

Naran and Kaghan are two amazing places to visit in Pakistan which are located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They are amazing places to explore for those who love nature. You will find beautiful rivers, stretches of fields, snowcapped peaks, and picturesque lakes in these areas. Each year, thousands of tourists come to this valley from all over the world.

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5. Badshahi Mosque

Originally built during the 1670s, Badshahi Mosque is a monument of the Mughal Empire, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent for nearly three centuries. Located in Lahore, this mosque is a great representation of Mughal architecture, with four minarets and three domes forming the courtyard. The mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monument truly justifies being one of the beautiful tourist places in Pakistan .

Best time to visit: The monument can be visited the whole year round except for the hottest months here, which are June and July.

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6. Concordia

Concordia is one of the paradisiacal Pakistan tourist places for hikers and climbers. It is situated in the north of the country, around the Chinese border. Pakistan is home to five of the fourteen highest mountain peaks in the world. You can get an excellent view of four of these five highest mountains from Concordia. This makes Concordia an unmissable place for sightseeing in Pakistan .

Best time to visit: June to August

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7. Neelum Valley

The Neelum Valley in northern Azad Kashmir is a bow-shaped valley situated between peaks that soar 13,000 feet into the sky, surrounded by verdant forests and flowing streams. Neelum Valley is one of the most beautiful places to see in Pakistan. This valley has pristine rivers, mirror-like lakes, and lush landscapes.

Best time to visit: March to October

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8. Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park, known as the Land of Giants, has a landscape of snow-capped mountains rising from the highland. This area has an astounding amount of biodiversity, including Himalayan wolves, Siberian ibex, red foxes, and yellow-bellied marmots. For someone who loves biodiversity and is seeking the best tourist places in Pakistan , Deosai National Park is an ideal place.

Best time to visit: July to September

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9. Mohenjo-daro

Mohenjo-daro, located in Sindh, a province in southeastern part of the country, that is among the famous places to visit in Pakistan . It is home to the Sindh people and a historical site dating back to 2500 BCE. The ruins and mounds were discovered to be part of an ancient civilization called the Indus Valley civilization. Those who love history will be fascinated by the engineering and urban planning that was far ahead of their time.

Best time to visit: The monument can be visited whole year round.

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10. Pir Sohawa

Pir Sohawa is located in the Margalla Hills, near Islamabad. Being among the best tourist places in Pakistan , there is more to admire about this tourist spot than just the breathtaking views. Located approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, this place is famous among tourists and locals for outings in the fresh breezes and admiring the stunning scenery.

Best time to visit: March to December

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Now when you got this list of some of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan , make sure you add these to your bucket list on your trip to this beautiful country. Take a break from the busy pace of life and do unwind by spending some serene time in these beautiful locations. And for when you come back, do not forget to share your beautiful memories with us so that your trip could inspire others to witness the beauty on the other side.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Beautiful Places to visit in Pakistan

Is it safe to visit Pakistan during Covid-19 times?

Make sure you are fully vaccinated before travelling to Pakistan. It is advisable to get your PT-PCR negative test report. We recommend staying updated with the most current information and travel guidelines of the country before travelling.

Which is the most beautiful city to visit in Pakistan?

Islamabad, which is the capital city of Pakistan is also a really beautiful city to visit. It is home to several historical monuments and other tourist attractions.

Which are the most visited places in Pakistan?

Some of the most visited places of Pakistan include Badshahi Mosque, Neelum Valley, Attabd Lake and Khagan Valley.

What is the best time to visit Pakistan?

The best time to visit Pakistan is from May to October. This is the best time to explore the beautiful valleys and magnificent mountain ranges that lie in the northern part of the country.

What are the best things to do in Pakistan?

As a tourist, you can visit the amazing valleys and admire the breathtaking landscapes they offer, experience the rich culture and history by visiting the ancient monuments, try various mouthwatering dishes of Pakistan and go for a trek in the stunning peaks.

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45 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Pakistan

No doubt: Pakistan is one of the best travel destinations in the world right now. It is also one of the quirkier countries I have spent loads of time in. I have compiled this list in my mind for years and it is something I wish I had in my back pocket before I went backpacking in Pakistan for the first time. After 10 trips to this amazing country, I feel like it is time to unleash what I learned along the way.

Pakistan ain’t all huge mountains, samosas, and beautiful mosques (though it has all three in great abundance).

Let’s dive right into my ultimate list of my top 45 Pakistan travel tips and things to know.

DID YOU KNOW THAT I RUN TOURS IN PAKISTAN?

Every year I lead unique trips to Pakistan including the K2 Base Camp Trek and to the Hunza Valley?

Getting a Visa is MUCH Easier Than it Used to Be

As recently as mid-2019, in order to get your Pakistani tourist visa, one needed to apply through your country of residence. At that time I was an American living in France which meant I had to apply in France since I was a legal resident. The process took a month and cost me about €300 every time I applied as I used a visa service to help me, etc.

Enter the majesty that it is the e-visa system

Nowadays, getting a visa is super easy. I have a friend (American) who got issued an e-visa within 7 hours of applying! The fee depends on your nationality but on average a 30-day tourist visa will cost you about $60 USD.

You still need a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to apply for your visa, but there are many tour companies in Pakistan who will see you one.

Contact my friend Haris Ali Shah if you wish to buy an LOI ($75 USD) and tell him Off the Atlas sent you for a small discount.

Pakistan is An Islamic Republic

Pakistan might be very conservative (and traditionally tribal in some places) in some places, but the country is technically not governed under Sharia law. Pakistan is a democracy and you 100% do not have to be Muslim to travel here (or even visit ancient mosques).

If you are a woman traveling in Pakistan be sure to travel with a simple headscarf which you will need to enter religious sites.

In general, most Pakistani’s are very welcoming to foreigners and tolerant of other cultures and religions.

Getting Around in Pakistan is… Interesting

Plane, trains, buses, and motorcycles – these are just a few of the many transport options in Pakistan. You also have psychedelic trucks decked out with decorations straight out of an acid-tripper’s dream, chicken wagons, and taxi cabs that look like the wheels might fall off at any moment.

Point being – you have options. If you are short on time and want to visit the northern areas, flying to Gilgit, Chitral, or Skardu is definitely the way to go. Public transport is available almost everywhere in some form, though they move at the speed of molasses sometimes – especially when the road is in poor condition.

If you are into driving your own motorcycle in Pakistan , there are some of the most epic roads in the world here.

Pakistan is Home to the Karakoram Highway

One of the engineering wonders of the world, Pakistan’s legendary Karakoram Highway stretches 1,300 miles from the green foothills of KPK all the way to the high-altitude China border.

When you start getting into Gilgit Baltistan, simply look out the window of the vehicle you are traveling in to have your mind completely blown. I have driven the Karakoram highway from Punjab to Gilgit Baltistan at least 15 times at this point and I can truly say that the landscapes never get old.

English is Widely Spoken

Though the official language in Pakistan is Urdu – countless other languages are spoken by million of the population. As a foreigner speaking none or very little of these languages, never fear! It is not too difficult to get by with English.

Especially with the younger generation, many Pakistani people are quite fluent in English. In the mountains, people you are likely to encounter will probably at least semi-conversational.

That said, take the time to learn a few words of Urdu if you plan on spending some time in Pakistan!

ATM Machines Almost Never Work

Coming from the USA, the EU, UK, or Australia? Your magic plastic cards that put money in your pocket in every other country you visit probably won’t work in Pakistan. If you try 10 different ATM’s in Islamabad, maybe one will work.

Bring cash with you and use money changers to get rupees instead of embarking on a great struggle to find a functional ATM. In the northern areas, you can pretty much forget about using an ATM to get money. Euros, Dollars, and British Pounds are all easily changed to rupees.

The Roads in The Mountains Can Be Rough

Some parts of the KKH are in great shape. Other sections are plagued by constant landslides, rock falls, and general mayhem bestowed upon it upon them by mother nature. Be prepared for big delays if you are on taking public transit or a private vehicle. Always pack plenty of water, toilet paper, and SNACKS.

Whatever Google Maps tells you is the estimated time to your destination, double it at least.

Major highways connecting big cities are in great condition.

What’s Up With the Internet Situation?

A few years ago when I went to northern Pakistan, wifi and cell signal in most places was non-existent. Now that is slowly changing and there is much better internet access.

Getting a SIM card is a good option for people who want internet access on the road. I recommend Zong for Punjab/Sindh and SCOM for the north (the only one that works up there).

Pakistan Has a Plastic Problem

Everywhere you go you see plastic bags and plastic bottles being used with reckless abandon. Before you come to Pakistan get a water purifier bottle from Grayl. I have been using these for years in Pakistan and I’d say if there is one piece of gear you NEED for Pakistan – both for health reasons and to cut out single plastic bottle use – it is the Grayl Geopress.

Internal Flights Get Cancelled

There you are, at the airport, bags ready… and what happens? An announcement comes over the PA system that the “next flight to Skardu has been canceled”. Pakistan is still getting its internal airline program dialed in – and sometimes bad weather in the mountains is the true cause of flight cancellations.

When you book an internal flight, be prepared for flight cancellations and have a backup plan in case this happens to you.

Pakistan is a Tea-Addicted Nation

Chai: the favorite beverage of every Pakistani I have ever met. On-street corners, barbershops, train stations, and shepherd huts – chai is a drink you will encounter literally everywhere in Pakistan.

If you are a coffee drinker like I am, I suggest bringing your own coffee to Pakistan from your home country. I bring roughly 2 kilos with me every time I come! If you like sweet, milky tea, you have found your people.

Pack a Good Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket

If you plan on going to the mountains at all – do not underestimate how useful it is to have a good down jacket and sleeping bag. I have met COUNTLESS travelers – Pakistani and foreign who are grossly unequipped for the cold, unpredictable weather you might encounter whilst doing any form of outdoor activity in the north.

Having a sleeping bag and down jacket also opens up doors of adventure opportunities that would be off-limits completely if you did not have them.

The World’s Second Biggest Mountain is in Pakistan

We have all heard of Everest. The world’s biggest mountain attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year. Pakistan is home to #2 – K2 aka The Savage Mountain.

A journey to K2 Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list journey if hiking and big adventures are your thing.

Treks in Restricted Areas Require Permits in Advance

Even though 5 of the world’s highest mountains are in Pakistan, 4 of them are located in a restricted area (in Central Karakoram National Park). Pretty much this is because technically these are border areas with India and China and there is a year-round army presence scattered around these areas.

This means to embark on any of the amazing multi-day treks in the area you either have to:

• Apply for a NOC permit 4-6 weeks before your trip
• Apply for the new Trekking and Mountaineering Visa – which takes a minimum 4 weeks to get.

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The Trucks in Pakistan Are Psychedelic

Everywhere you go in Pakistan one sight is pretty much guaranteed: you will see awesome trucks, tractors, and buses decked out will all sorts of colorful ornaments and woodworking. It seems to be a contest: who can make their truck the most fabulous.

Where Are All the Women?

In cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi you will see women out in the streets everywhere. It is not uncommon to see women without head coverings as well in those cities. Outside of the urban centers though, it is difficult to see women out and about in many places.

I refer to Pakistan as the “country of dudes” since in many parts of KPK, Punjab, Gilgit Baltistan, and elsewhere you simply do not see many women in public.

Traveling in Pakistan as a foreign woman is very safe generally speaking though as Pakistan has some pretty backward gender dynamics – traveling as a solo woman is definitely not the same as traveling as a man.

Police Check Points For Foreginers

Pretty much once you enter KPK or Gilgit Baltistan you will need to deal with police checkpoints every few hours. Now the rules seem to change often – but basically, you will need to check in with the police on the roadside checkpoints. This is a way for them to track where you are in the north. That might sound odd or invasive – but it is part of their commitment to keeping foreigners safe. Most of the time you are in and out of these checkpoints within a few minutes.

Drone Use and Pakistan

Contrary to popular belief, drones are not forbidden to bring into Pakistan. That said, you need to be smart about how and where you fly. Avoid flying it in cities unless you are very sneaky. NEVER fly it over military or police checkpoints or near any border areas.

If you are out in the mountains or near a small village flying a drone is usually fine. I advise asking the local people you are with (whether you are Pakistani or a foreign tourist).

It is also possible to get a permit for flying a drone in Gilgit Baltistan, but in my opinion, it is better to use common sense, be selective about where you fly, and don’t take any dumb risks that might get you in trouble with the police or army.

Pakistan is a very photogenic country from the air and I 100% recommend flying your little helicopter when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Check out my favorite drone photos of Pakistan .

The Food is Amazing

Generally speaking, Pakistan has amazing food. Bbq tikka, daal, sabzi, chapati, sweets of every shade, mutton karahi. .. all deliver a huge yum.

Because Pakistan is such a diverse country ethnically, the food varies a lot from region to region. That said, at times the food can feel repetitive. Be prepared to eat lots of fried bread, chicken, and rice.

Being a vegetarian or vegan traveler in Pakistan is not as easy as in India – but options are available pretty much everywhere. Food in Punjab and Karachi can be very spicy – so bland European pallets beware!

The main downside to Pakistani cuisine is the amount of cooking oil they put in everything. Be prepared for consuming a large amount of oil on a daily basis!

Pakistani Selfie Culture is a Thing

If you are a foreigner, and especially if you are a woman, Pakistani (mostly men, but sometimes women) will randomly ask you for a selfie. Where do all of these selfies end up?! I have pondered this for years.

Everyone has a different level of personal boundaries, so whatever feels right to you when it comes to posing for a selfie is how you should handle that situation. If you do not feel comfortable taking a photo with a random stranger, you must absolutely say so.

There are Dudes with Guns Everywhere

If you are coming from the west, you will not be accustomed to the sight of seeing guns all the time. Security guards, police, army, special forces teams – they are abundant everywhere as are their guns.

Personally, I have never felt threatened or intimidated by anyone ever in Pakistan. Just to say, guns will be around and it is kind of something you just need to get used to. On a few occasions, police officers have handed me their AK-47 machine guns to pose for a photo with. I don’t condone the use of these death machines, but I admit I have taken a photo with a gun or two in my time.

Carry Copies of Your Passport + Visa!

Related to the point above, you will often need to hand over copies of your passport and visa to the police at checkpoints. Before you leave the cities for the north, head to a print shop and get at least a dozen (more like 15-20) copies made of each. You can put your visa and passport image on the same paper to avoid carrying a mountain of paper with you.

Alcohol is Illegal… But…

For Muslims, it is illegal to consume alcohol in Pakistan. That said, MANY Pakistanis like to enjoy a discreet drink or two and it is not hard to find alcohol in a few Pakistani cities if you know where to look. There is a brewery in Rawalpindi called Muree Brewery – they make beer, vodka, whiskey, gin, etc. It is not the best booze and is sure to give you a raging hangover if you overindulge.

Hunza Water: Traditional Booze of the North

Ask any Pakistani who has traveled to Hunza and a wry smile will come over their face the moment Hunza Water is mentioned. Hunza Water is a distilled local spirit usually made from fruits like mulberries or apricots. I must say though that despite the hype, Hunza Water is pretty underwhelming and will also produce a bad hangover if you drink too much. My advice? Try it once and move on with your life.

Can Non-Married Couples Get Hotel Rooms Together?

Short answer: yes! Unlike in Iran, you do not have to be married to your partner to stay in the same hotel room as them. On one occasion I have been asked this by a hotel receptionist and I just said “yes”. No proof was required. When in doubt, you can just tell the white lie that you are married if asked – but 99% of the time, foreign or Pakistani couples should not have a hard time getting a room together.

Can I Visit the Place Where Osama Bin Laden Was Killed?

No you can not. The Pakistani government destroyed the entire compound months after Bin Laden was killed by US Navy Seals back in 2011 to avoid it turning into a dark tourism site or shrine. In any case, if you are coming to Pakistan to see something like that, you should probably reevaluate your sightseeing priorities.

Traveling During Ramadan is Hard

I have now spent 3 full Ramadan ( Ramzan ) cycles in Pakistan and I must say: travel in Pakistan is challenging in the best of times – during Ramadan it is that much harder.

Finding food can be tricky as very few places are open during the day. People understandably move slower and are working reduced hours. The entire pace of life slows down during the day. At night though the entire country seems to come to life and there are people out and about at all hours of the night.

Especially if you are en route from a city to the north, nothing will be open during the day for a proper meal. Pack accordingly and be respectful when eating in public (don’t do it) if you are not observing the Ramadan fast.

Uber and Food Deliver Apps Work in Pakistan

In big cities, the easiest way to get around is either by moto rickshaw or by using a ride app like Uber. While Uber does work, the ride app Carem is the local version of Uber and it works better and is cheaper.

For food delivery, use Food Panda! Food Panda also offers a grocery delivery service. Note that Food Panda only works in big cities. You can not use either Uber or Food Panda in the North. Out there you are on your own when it comes to finding rides and getting meals.

Pakistanis are Crazy for Cricket

Professional cricket players in Pakistan are like rock stars. From huge stadiums to vacant city lots to dirt fields in small villages – you can see Pakistani people playing cricket anywhere they can find the ground.

If Covid ever finishes, try to catch a professional game at one of the stadiums if you have an interest in sports.

Some Places Are Straight Up Off Limits

Despite my best efforts, I am yet to make it into a few places that are off-limits to foreign tourists almost without exception. There are a few places in Pakistan (and the whole province of Kashmir) that are off-limits due to security concerns. Even if you get your hands on a NOC (No Objection Certificate) permit – the army has the final say on whether you get in or not – and that final say is usually “no”.

If you are considering going somewhere like Kashmir – be sure to ask a local tour operator or traveler what the current situation is before attempting to go anywhere that might have the reputation for being out of bounds for foreigners. You lucky Pakistani travelers, enjoy Kashmir for me!

Sufi Shrines and Dance Parties

Sufis are traditionally wandering mystics. They often have dreadlocks, huge beards, and a fondness for smoking large quantities of hash, and a penchant for rhythmic music. There are a number of famous Sufi shrines scattered across Pakistan. On some nights of the week, people gather at the shrines for Kavali music and dancing. One of my favorite cultural experiences in Pakistan has been attending a Sufi dance party. Highly recommend it!

Prices are Different For Foreigners (Sometimes)

At restaurants and hotels – usually, the prices are the same across the board (though hotels can usually be negotiated depending on the situation).

Other things like national park entrance fees, fees to enter historical sites, and trekking permits are much more expensive for foreigners vs locals. This can be quite annoying. I just tell myself that the money is going into the national park or the preservation of a historic mosque (but I seriously doubt that as well).

Officially – Dating is Not Really a Thing

Being a conservative Islamic society, there are two life status options: single or married. Casual dating is widespread among the middle-upper class of the modern generation, but not openly. Romantic relationships are kept closed behind doors unless the couple is officially married.

If you are a foreign woman traveling alone, the first two questions you might get asked are “how many kids do you have?” and “where is your husband?”.

It is Difficult to Find Good Gear in Pakistan

There are a handful of outdoor equipment shops scattered across Pakistan. The ones I have visited are in Karimabad, Skardu, Lahore, and Islamabad. What you find in those places is pretty hit or miss. While you might be able to find what you need in a pinch. Pakistan is not Nepal in terms of easily being able to rock up to the country and find western-quality trekking and camping gear.

Buy what you need BEFORE coming to Pakistan and don’t count on local shops having that Patagonia Down Hoodie you have been swooning over.

It is also worth noting that if you have big feet, it is almost guaranteed that the trekking shops won’t have your size boot.

Changing Money

Most major currencies are accepted at money changers but here is a fat tip: don’t change your money at the airport and don’t change your money at banks. To be honest, the best way to get a favorable exchange rate is to find a small money changer to does not your ID and blah blah blah to change the money. The best exchange rates I have gotten have been through money exchange places where you just walk in, give them the cash you want to change, and you are on your way in 5 minutes. No paperwork. No BS.

Note that the bills you bring into Pakistan from abroad should be in excellent condition.

Trash and Tourism

Let’s be real here: Pakistan does not have the same funding as western countries to be able to deal with the trash produced in the country. That is a fact. That said, as tourism grows in the northern areas, so do the piles of trash tourists leave behind. There is kind of a culture of just chucking garbage out the window anywhere in the country and not thinking twice (not everyone of course, but generally speaking).

Do your part to always pack out your trash and if you see someone littering or blatantly abusing the environment (foreigner or local) call them out on that shit. If Pakistan wants to be a serious contender in the tourism sector – the government needs to invest in a big way in sanitation management and education – like in a big way.

Youtubers and Famous Instagram Stars Only Show the Bright Side of Pakistan (most of the time)

Pakistan has a lot of bright spots. This country is home to truly jaw-dropping landscapes and some of the friendliest, most hospitable people I have ever met in a decade of traveling. That said, Pakistan is human too. What does this mean? It ain’t perfect.

Often I see videos or photos from famous western influencer types who only show the beauty and don’t really talk about the inherent dark sides any country has.

Take it from me: Pakistan is amazing and my favorite country on earth. That said, there are a ton of issues that need to be addressed: the millions in severe poverty, gross government mismanagement in some sectors, poor education, unequal rights for women and the LGTB community, freedom of expression is not really a thing, etc, etc. Expect to come to Pakistan to experience its beauty, kind people, and its flaws all at once.

The Wagah Border Ceremony

Before Covid times, every day around the same time, the two nuclear-armed rivals of India and Pakistan never missed a date: both sides performed their duty at the very strange, but very entertaining Wagah Border ceremony. If you are in Lahore (or coming from India) this exhibition of the ultra-nationalist, absurd, and macho is one that can’t be missed (watching it once is more than enough).

Pakistan and India (Governments) Hate Each Other

If you are not familiar with the India – Pakistan dynamic – I’ll break it down real quick: these two countries share an equal amount of disdain and mistrust for each other at the best of times.

That said, the average Pakistani you might talk to doesn’t really wish ill will against the average Indian citizen. Pakistanis and Indians actually have a ton in common – if only the governments could learn to work better together.

The Taliban Is No Longer Powerful in Pakistan

Despite what your mother may hear on the western news, Pakistan is not rife with terrorists and Taliban fighters. For sure Pakistan is home to small pockets of ultra-extremist violent elements in remote corners of the country – but the Taliban does not weld much power or influence these days.

The Pakistani government and army have severely weakened or eliminated altogether the former strongholds of Taliban or like-minded groups throughout the country. Pakistan is a safe place where you don’t need to fear that terrorists are lurking around every corner.

In fact, I have felt a lot less safe in places in South America than I ever have in Pakistan.

Hotel Rooms Are Always Negotiable

Accommodation prices vary wildly in Pakistan. It is possible to find a cheap, mildly clean room for nearly nothing, while it is also possible to find luxury accommodation for a few hundred bucks a night.

Prices for hotels are generally higher in the high season – this is especially true in the mountain areas. Strike a balance between not getting ripped off and not paying so little that it is clearly not fair. Ask a local person what the price should be and base your haggling strategy on that.

People On The Street Don’t Hassle You to Buy Stuff

If you have ever been to a touristy part of India, you might agree that the hassle one receives on the street as a foreigner (or even a local person) is utterly exhausting.

Pakistan is not like that. You will almost never get people trying aggressively to usher you into their restaurant or buy some tourist souvenir.

Especially if you are out of a city in Pakistan, everyone kind of just minds their own business and they don’t see you as a walking cash box that needs to be taped.

I fully understand the people working in economies that depend on tourism need to hustle. That hustle does not take the same form in Pakistan as it does elsewhere, and I am very thankful for that fact.

That said, taxi drivers at the airport will all hassle you.

Balochistan Has Awesome Beaches

The least visited part of Pakistan is Balochistan. This immense southern province has nearly 770 of coastline! Pakistan ain’t all mountains and crazy cities – there are some truly hidden desert/coastal gems to be explored in Balochistan.

Time to Get Packing

Good on ya, you made it through my entire list. You are now way more equipped for the ins and outs of traveling in Pakistan than I ever was when I first stepped foot in the country.

Check out my full Pakistan packing list to get in the know about what sort of gear you need before traveling here.

Have a bit of Pakistan travel knowledge to share with the Off The Atlas community? Post a comment below and maybe I will add it to the list!

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Useful tips for traveling to Pakistan in 2024

By Joan Torres 122 Comments Last updated on May 8, 2024

Wanna travel to Pakistan with Against the Compass?

Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Pakistan:

April 28th to May 11th, 2024

If you ever decide to travel to Pakistan, I promise you that you will have the adventure of your lifetime.

From hitchhiking on tractors and psychedelic trucks to driving over extremely narrow mountain roads built on a cliff 1,500 meters high, soldiers who voluntarily give you their AK-47 for taking a photo, the most striking landscape and the fact that you can camp in the middle of a paradise completely by yourself. 

Traveling to Pakistan is, definitely, the ultimate experience and adventure.

However, this isn’t particularly an easy place to travel in.

Going on a trip to Pakistan requires a little bit of preparation, as well as quite a lot of things to know beforehand.

This Pakistan travel guide contains everything you need to know, including all travel information regarding visas, transportation, cultural etiquette, cultural behavior, costs and more!

In this Pakistan travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Travel Insurance
• Best time to visit
• How to get in
• Pakistan today
• Cultural behavior and facts
• Security & safety
• Solo female travel
• Bureaucracy and permits
• Prices and money
• Transportation
• Food, alcohol & chai
• Accommodation
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Pakistan

With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Pakistan.

🪪 How to get a visa for visiting Pakistan

Here you have the most updated information

Before May 2019 – Getting a visa on the road was not possible, but you could only get it from your home country or country of residence. 

After May 2019 – They have finally introduced an e-visa system and up to 176 nationalities can now apply for a Pakistani visa online.

How to apply for a Pakistani e-visa 

You can apply through this portal .

Things you need to know about the e-visa:

Visa length – Officially, you can get a visa for up to 3 months. The application says that you can get up to 12 months but so far, there aren’t any reports from tourists who have been able to get one. 

Multi-entry – You can also apply for a multi-entry visa valid for up to 1 year.

Price – I believe it depends on nationality and the length of your trip, but I hold a Spanish passport and a single entry 2-month visa cost me 35USD. Then, I tried to apply for a multi-entry visa and it cost 52USD. 

Timing – The application says the process may take up to 7 days but it also may depend on your embassy. One traveler claimed that he got it in one day, while others say it takes several days. It is recommended to apply in advance. 

Letter of Invitation – For most nationalities, an LOI is required for the visa application. Alternatively, the system also allows you to upload a hotel booking confirmation (instead of the LOI) but usually, they will reject it and tell you to upload an LOI, which you should get through a local tour operator.

Join our Pakistan expedition

By joining our group expedition into the Northern Areas, you’ll instantly get our LOI needed for the visa.

After submitting your application, your embassy has the right to call you for an interview, which means that you would need to be in your home country. However, this only happens in rare cases. 

For more information, Marco from Monkey Rock World has written a comprehensive guide/tutorial about how to get a Pakistani e-visa .

How to make a visa extension

Would you like to spend more time in Pakistan? No problem.

Extending your visa while traveling in Pakistan used to be a confusing process, as everybody has different experiences and rules were constantly changing but, finally, you can get your visa extension through the regular e-visa portal, as long as you are already in Pakistan and in possession of an e-visa. 

If you traveled to Pakistan with a regular visa, you can only extend it at the passport office of any major city, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Chitral, Gilgit, and Skardu but, apparently, the easiest place is Lahore.

🗺️ How to sign up for a tour in Pakistan

Traveling with a group and an expert local guide will make things much easier, and more fun!

Against the Compass has the following scheduled Pakistan expedition:

• April 28th to May 11th, 2024. APPLY NOW
• September 17th to 30th, 2024. APPLY NOW

14 days exploring the Northern Areas, including driving through the Karakoram Highway, as well as exploring the barely visited valleys of Shimshal and Astore.

🚑 Travel insurance for traveling in Pakistan

DO GET proper travel insurance.

For Pakistan, IATI is the best because:

• All types of plans, for all budgets
• One of the few that covers travel in Pakistan
• It provides coverage for many adventure activities, including high-altitude trekking
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

⛅ Best time to visit Pakistan

Pakistan has many different regions, ranging from sea-level, flat deserts to 8,000-meter peaks, so each season will present its own peculiarities.

Winter (mid-November to February)

The best time to visit the south part of the country, especially Sindh province. Those lands may not have the mountains Pakistan is famous for but this is the most religiously diverse region in Pakistan.

On the other hand, most mountains in northern Pakistan remain totally inaccessible in the wintertime. You can still get to the Northern Areas through the Karakoram Highway , but you won’t be able to visit any side valley.

Summer (June to September)

The best season for visiting the Northern Areas, especially if you like trekking in high altitude mountains.

Spring & Autumn

I personally traveled to Pakistan in April and May and the mountains were at their best, as the weather was gorgeous (most days), plus they weren’t busy with domestic tourism. However, if you travel to Pakistan in early spring, late autumn, the mountains may not be that accessible. 

Traveling in Pakistan during Ramadan

A topic by itself, with its pros & cons. Lost with Purpose traveled in Pakistan during Ramadan and wrote this insightful post .

🛫 How to visit Pakistan

How to travel to pakistan by air.

Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad have international airports connecting with many Middle Eastern cities, especially Doha and Dubai . 

How to travel to Pakistan by land

Pakistan shares a border with Iran, Afghanistan , India, and China. You can’t use the Afghan border to cross but the rest are open:

• China – The highest border crossing in the world. Read my report .
• India – An easy one, despite the diplomatic relationship between both countries. Read this report
• Iran – It goes through Baluchistan and it is quite an adventure. Read this report

📰 What’s it like to travel in Pakistan today

Before 9/11, Pakistan used to be a tourist country. 

Well, not that touristic, but its breathtaking mountains were a popular stopover for backpackers going along the famous Hippie Trail .

In fact, in the Northern Areas, you can find a few backpacker hostels which somehow, are the remains of what used to be a popular destination for intrepid backpackers. 

The 9/11 attacks, however, along with a big bunch of unfortunate events, usually involving Taliban activity and loads of violence, put an end to the emerging tourism industry.

Fortunately, things have changed. 

In the last couple of years, the security situation in Pakistan has dramatically improved and the Northern Areas of Pakistan are, once again, filled with intrepid backpackers who want to visit some of the most jaw-dropping mountain scenery you will ever see, and experience the hospitality Pakistan is famous for. 

Nevertheless, despite this massive tourism increase, Pakistan still remains raw, authentic, and genuine, and it will stay like that for a very long time, especially because it is not an easy country to travel to: tourist infrastructure is in an embryonic stage, it is difficult to move around and you won’t meet many foreigners, so that’s why I personally believe that only experienced travelers should go to Pakistan. 

However, traveling in Pakistan is one of the most rewarding traveling experiences one can ever have.

🕌 Cultural behavior and facts when traveling in Pakistan

Urdu, which is like hindi, is the official language.

However, each region has its own (or several) local languages, so different from each other. English is widely spoken among educated people, like in India.

Pakistan is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries

From the South Asian-looking people of Punjab and Sindh; to the people of the Pashtun areas, closer to Iran or Afghanistan; the pagan culture of Kalash; the Shias from Gilgit and Nagar; the Ismailis of lower Hunza and the Wakhis (and also Ismailis) of upper Hunza. Traveling in Pakistan is like traveling in several, different tiny countries. It’s fascinating.

Remember, you are the guest

People tend to say that, in Iran , Sudan and Iraqi Kurdistan , you find the most hospitable people in the world. Well, clearly, they haven’t visited Pakistan. Whereas it’s true that these countries are very hospitable, Pakistanis bring it to the next level. In this country, you are the guest, which means that the locals strive for you to have the best possible time in their country or region.

The hospitality can even be overwhelming

During your trip to Pakistan, you’ll be invited for lunch, dinner and even to stay at people’s houses so many times that, on many occasions, you will have to refuse.

After your refusal, they will insist once again, over and over. They will also insist on carrying your bag and offering you food one hundred times even if you say that you are full. These are their cultural rules and you are the guest.

So overwhelming but just don’t get angry

One day, some random men who I had never seen before came to my hotel at 7:30 am in the morning, knocking at the door of my room, waking me up from a very good sleep.

Apparently, they heard that there was a foreigner in the village, so they just wanted to hang out with me. I got a little bit angry, continued sleeping but then I kind of felt bad, as all they wanted was to show me around the village.

Paying for meals

For some reason, Pakistanis always want to pay for your meals to the extent that it gets awkward. I personally didn’t like it, especially when I could see that the local people didn’t have much money. If possible, try to back them up.

Wearing a Shalwar Kameez

The traditional Pakistani dress, which 80% or 90% of Pakistanis wear, is called shalwar kameez. Should you wear it? It’s not compulsory but, if you do, the locals will really appreciate it, especially in the Pashtun areas.

Pakistan is the most conservative country I’ve ever been to. You should be careful and always respect their rules. If you do, they will also respect you and you will have the best time in their country.

📚 Useful books for traveling to Pakistan

This is just a selection of the most useful travel books but, if you want to know all the options, remember to check this list : The best books on Pakistan (classified into history, politics, novels and travelogues)

The best travel guide to Pakistan: Pakistan Traveller

This is the most up-to-date and ultimate guidebook about Pakistan. 256 pages full of maps and endless travel tips. The author, Tim, is an Australian man who has visited Pakistan 10 times since 2006. A must-have for anyone who visits Pakistan. 

To know about the culture: Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart! is a well-known collection of books that provide deep introductions to the culture and customs of many countries. In this book, they give a great analysis of the complexity of the culture and sub-cultures in Pakistan, so you will have a great understanding of the cultural etiquette beforehand!

For more political background: Pakistan, a hard country

Pakistan, a hard country – This award-winning book will give you a deep understanding of the situation in Pakistan nowadays.

⚠️ Security and safety when you travel in Pakistan

Pakistan is not dangerous but you should be cautious..

You might have read from other blogs that Pakistan is one of the safest countries in the world . Personally, I wouldn’t say that. Whereas I think that Pakistan is not a dangerous country, in some areas, it’s better to be cautious, especially in the region bordering Afghanistan.

Read: Is Afghanistan safe?

However, the situation is only getting better and better

Seriously, safety in Pakistan has improved exponentially.

Police are there to help you

Throughout your Pakistan travels, you’ll be continuously interrogated by dozens of different policemen and people from the army. Who are you? Why are you here? Where are you going?  Unlike in other countries, in Pakistan, the police and military are pretty cool and, for your own security, they are commanded to ask you these questions.

You will have to register at more than 100 security check posts

I am not kidding. During my 56-day trip to Pakistan , I had to register more than 100 times at different army and police check posts. Sometimes, to get from one destination to another, I had to register more than 10 times! At each check post, you have to get off the car or bus and write down all your personal information in a notebook. This will slow down your journey considerably.

Bring one thousand passport & visa photocopies

It’s good to bring loads of photocopies because, at some check posts, if you have a passport copy, you don’t have to get out of the car. Otherwise, you are going to waste your time.

Occasionally, you get a personal guard, for free

Again, not kidding. For security purposes, in some areas, you will get a personal armed guard. Sometimes, you might have to pay for his meals but, according to the police, you are not forced to. It’s up to you. For more information, read my post: Is Pakistan safe?

Having a personal armed guard seems kind of cool but, to be honest, it’s not that much

The first time you get an armed guard you get kind of excited. However, after half an hour, you might start hating him because he will put you under a lot of restrictions.

Pakistani intelligence is one of the best secret services in the world

One of the reasons why Pakistan is not a dangerous country is thanks to the Pakistani intelligence, which is considered the best intelligence corps in the world, even better than the CIA.

Be aware that they are watching your steps and they will always know where you are. I remember that, while hiking around a remote area in the Astore Valley , a man wearing a salwar kameez (the traditional Pakistani clothes), came to me and said,  ”You are the Spanish, right? ” Yes, he was from Pakistani intelligence.

For further information on safety, including which areas are the safest, read my post: Is Pakistan safe?

You may also be interested in which countries in the Middle East are safe?

💃 Solo female travel in Pakistan

Women traveling solo is more common and safer than you think.

Women tell wonderful things about their experiences during their journeys through Pakistan, but they also say that this is a particularly challenging destination, home to a very conservative, patriarchal society who don’t really know how to deal with foreign women.

I’m not the most qualified person to talk about this topic, however, but Spanish traveler Leti Lagarda backpacked in Pakistan solo for 2 months, and has written a compelling guide about it, which will tell you everything you need to know about solo female travel in Pakistan, including:

• Interaction with men
• Safety tips
• Cultural etiquette
• What to wear
• And much more

Read the ultimate guide to solo women travel in Pakistan

🛂 Bureaucracy and permits for your trip in Pakistan

Don’t trust any source of bureaucracy information, not even against the compass.

In Pakistan, rules are not written and things are constantly changing. Places that no longer require a permit, might require it overnight, by the next day it was changing it back again.

A military guy told me once that, when this happens, it’s because they are suspicious of some Taliban or terrorist activity.

This information doesn’t flow throughout the country, so you will see that everyone (including national police, local police, the Army, the locals, travelers, and blogs) will always have a different opinion. Don’t trust anyone. Check it yourself, once you’re on the ground.

In Pakistan everything is possible

If there is something valuable I learnt during my trip to Pakistan, it is that, as in any corrupt country, everything is possible and it all depends on your contacts. If you know the right people, you can do absolutely everything you want, including visiting forbidden areas without a permit.

What you need to know about NOC

• What is it? A No Objection Certificate, which is basically, a permit required for certain restricted areas.
• How to get? – The best way to get it is through a local with contacts. If you don’t know any local, contact your embassy, but it can take up to 4 or 5 working days to proceed. 
• When do you need it? – As I said before, don’t trust any source of bureaucracy information. During my trip to Pakistan, a friend of mine was required to get an NOC to use the road between Timargara and Chitral. One day later, I tried to use that road but the NOC was not required anymore. However, officially, you would need an NOC to visit Balochistan, the Khyber Pass, Tribal Areas and Kashmir (some areas of Kashmir).

💻 Internet and connectivity in Pakistan

Except in Gilgit-Baltistan, the internet works reasonably well throughout the country.

In the Northern Areas, the connectivity is awful or non-existent depending on where you go. 

I got a SIM Card from a Chinese company called ZONG which is supposed to be the best for pretty much anywhere in the country. In the Northern Areas, however, it barely worked and, apparently, you need to get a company named SCOM, which you can find in Gilgit, 

Pro-tip: Tell a local to get a SIM Card for you – The downside of ZONG is that, as a foreigner, you need to go to the central office and pay quite a lot of money to sign up for it (20 or 30USD). Tell a local to sign up for you, so you’ll just pay the local price and get it very quickly.

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Pakistan

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Pakistan . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Pakistan

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Pakistan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money in Pakistan

In Pakistan, they use the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) and approximately:

1USD = 278.60 PKR

Cash & ATMs – Pakistan is a cash economy, so better bring cash, especially in the Northern Areas, where. Of course, you can find ATMs in all big cities but not all of them will accept foreign cards.

How much does it cost to travel to Pakistan

But before, a few things you need to know:

• In Pakistan, everything is negotiable: Everything can be bargained for, especially the hotel rooms. Expect to pay different amounts from other guests.
• Always come with a reference: When you travel in Pakistan, contacts are very important and that’s why in either hotels or trekking tour companies if you come referenced by a local, you will get a better price.

In any case, this is a pretty cheap country and I think you can easily travel to Pakistan for less than 20 a day, sleeping in private rooms and eating 3 meals outside. These are the (approximate) prices of the most typical things:

• Local meal – 150PKR
• Local meal in a mid-range restaurant – 250-500PKR
• Meal in a fancy restaurant of Lahore – from 1500PKR
• Private room in a budget hotel – Up to 1500PKR
• Private room in a mid-range hotel – Around 3,000PKR
• Long bus rides (Islamabad to Gilgit) – Around 2,500PKR for a VIP ticket (you want to get a VIP, trust me)

🛺 Transportation for traveling around Pakistan

You’ll get used to the mountain roads –  Most mountain roads are very scary as they are extremely narrow and built on insanely high cliffs. Don’t panic. You’ll just get used to them!

You will learn to be patient – In absolutely almost every long bus journey I took, we had a breakdown. Sometimes, we were stopped for two hours! And one day, we stopped because the bus ran out of gas! Can you believe it?

Psychedelic trucks are a way of life – Everybody falls in love with the trucks in Pakistan, as they are so particularly decorated that they are a blessing to your lens.

Ways of moving around when you travel in Pakistan

Public buses & minivans go everywhere – Like in most developing countries where most people can’t afford to buy a car, buses and minivans travel to even the remotest areas in the country. In Sindh and Punjab provinces, Daewoo is the most luxury bus. For traveling to Gilgit from Islamabad, you should definitely take NATCO VIP Bus ( around 17USD). Don’t worry, is not that VIP.

Train – In Sindh, Punjab, and Peshawar, you can move around by train. There are different train companies but you should always take the private ones, as they are more punctual. Use AC standard, as it is the one used by the Pakistani middle class. It’s not expensive, not smelly and comfortable enough. For more information, check this train guide to Pakistan . 

Hitchhiking is too easy – It’s so easy, that sometimes, it’s faster and easier than taking public transport, especially on the Karakoram Highway (from Gilgit to Khunjerab Pass). Everybody will want to pick you up! As a general rule, on the KKH, I didn’t hitchhike on motorbikes (there are so many accidents) and cars with women inside.

Plane is pretty convenient – Traveling by bus from Islamabad to the northern areas, including Chitral, Gilgit and Skardu takes ages (from 15 to 20 hours). There are flights connecting Islamabad with all these cities. Book your flights here . Please note that, for flying to and from Gilgit, you must book several days (even weeks) in advance. Also, bear in mind that many flights get canceled due to the weather condition.

Read: 80 Tips for traveling to Iran

🍲 Food, drinks, and alcohol

Food is extremely oily.

Pakistanis love oil too much. They put tons of it in absolutely every meal, including in the steamed rice, which they will always fry afterwards. When you are in a restaurant, always ask for half fried.

It’s almost dry

In the Sindh province and Islamabad, you can find liquor stores. In the rest of the country, alcohol is only available on the black market, but most locals (who drink) can get it for you easily.

Expect to have ten cups of chai a day

Chai, which is tea with milk, is a way of life in Pakistan and a sign of hospitality.

Tap water, watch out!

Don’t dare drink tap water. In the northern part of the country, the locals will tell you that the tap water is good, as it comes from the mountains and glaciers. This may be true, but I still got sick when I drank from a mountain fountain. Always use a water purifier.

You’ll get sick

I don’t know anyone who didn’t get sick in his stomach when traveling in Pakistan. Try to avoid salad, food stalls with flies (they are hard to find) and don’t drink tap water.

🏨 Accommodation when you are traveling to Pakistan

There are all types of hotels across the country, from budget rooms to a few hostels and luxury hotels.

Booking sites such as Hostelworld and Booking.com are increasing in popularity but, depending on the destination you travel to, you may not find a lot of options or, at least, no budget hotels.

If you want to stay in a budget hotel or local guesthouse, you may have to read blogs or ask anyone online. In my Pakistan Itinerary , I give some options.

Anyway, there are a few things you need to know about accommodation in Pakistan:

Prices can be negotiated to the extreme

Whenever they tell you the price, ask if they have a cheaper room. Seriously, on many occasions, I managed to get half of the initial price.

If you are on a budget, always ask if they have a dorm

Surprisingly, many hotels have dorms and they don’t tell you until the end of the negotiation. The good thing is that, since there are not many backpackers, you are most likely to get the dorm just for yourself!

In most of Pakistan, you are covered

In Pakistan, there is a lot of domestic tourism, so most touristic areas are filled with hotels for absolutely every budget, from hostel to mid-range and luxury rooms.

But it may be harder to find decent accommodation in the rest of the country

In cities like Peshawar, Karachi, Multan, and basically anywhere outside of Swat Valley, Chitral, Northern areas, Islamabad and Lahore, finding decent (budget) accommodation may be challenging.

Couchsurfing is quite popular!

There are loads of profiles, especially in big cities.

If you want to know all my hotel recommendation per city, read my Pakistan Itinerary

❗ More information for traveling to Pakistan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Pakistan destination

• Travel Guide to Fairy Meadows
• Karokam Highway Travel Guide
• Astore Valley Travel Guide
• Pakistan-China border crossing
• Travel Guide to Rakaposhi Base Camp
• Travel Guide to Afghan Village in Pakistan
• Travel Insurance in Pakistan
• Pakistan Itinerary
• Photos of Pakistan
• Travel Books about Pakistan
• Solo Female Travel Guide in Pakistan
• Is Pakistan Safe?

That’s everything you need to know! If you think I forgot something, please let me know! Ah, and remember that, in Pakistan, you shouldn’t plan too much! Welcome to the country of unexpected events. From endless bus breakdowns to time-consuming check posts, new local friends and paradises where you want to spend ages, during your Pakistan travels, you will realize that nothing will go according to your plan.

Travel guides to other countries in Central Asia

• Tajikistan Travel Guide
• Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Uzbekistan
• Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
• Afghanistan Travel Guide

You might also like our Iran travel guide.

122 comments

Thank you so much for blogging about Pakistan! It’s the country that I most want to visit (to the dismay of my sheltered family). This kind of information will make things so much easier when I graduate and finally get my loans paid down enough to do extensive travel.

I only recently found your blog, and I have to say that I really love both your content and what you’re doing out there. It’s truly inspirational.

Hello, thanks for your comment! I am glad that you want to travel to Pakistan. Tourism is increasing day by day (that’s what the local say) and i am sure you will have an awesome time there. Hope you get your loan paid down and you can go there soon! cheers mate

You are most welcome to visit Pakistan.. Hope you find your trip the best ever and awesome.. Feel free to contact me if you need any help..

thank you, man! maybe next time! Next year inshallah!

You said INSHAA ALLAH. well nd good but can i ask ?are you muslim or you love to this word?

Hello. I am not Muslim but I have been traveling in Muslim countries for quite a while, so I use it when I write about Muslim countries.

After watching and read some articles of your country now am planning to visit your country but I don’t know anyone there. “In Shaa Allah”

Please give me some idea!

Have you visited Pakistan or still looking to visit our country. If you are looking to visit our country, warmly welcome to Pakistan. You can contact me you need any help. Shahzad from Lahore.

you can be guest without money,because i believe that every thing is possible by sharing, caring, and HUMANITY

Hey, I am an Indian , planning to travel Pakistan, especially rural and mountainous regions and looking for a Pakistani friend who has similar plans. Travel could be a month longer or more.

Well Dude you are welcome here. Will have great time

Wanna visit your country after ramadhan or maybe celebrate the Ed’l Fitr there. Any suggestions and advice you can give?

I agree. Wonderful and informative blog! Thanks

Hello and thanks for a great summary, Joan!

May I please know the basis of this statement? “Some embassies (like the one Beirut) may tell you to apply via the traditional way, which sucks a lot, especially because you can only apply at the embassy from your country of residence and they always require an LOI. ”

I’m based in Beirut and about to submit my e-visa application, but need to know if it’ll be a waste of my time and money. Thanks!

Hi there, I was told by a Lebanese person that the staff of the embassy in Beirut had no idea about the e-visa process yet, but that was a few months ago, so maybe things have changed. I suggest you contact them first

Congratulations and thank you for all the valuable information, Joan! In my opinion the way you write goes beyond than just being a guidebook, you really inspire us all!! I’ve been to several exotic destinations (for a Brazilian at least) such as Lebanon, Iran, India, Palestine, Jordan and now I’ve put Pakistan on my list as well. By the way, your tips about Lebanon helped me quite a lot, it made the trip easier and really enjoyable.

Hi Jefferson, glad that you found my posts about Lebanon useful! It really encourages me to keep writing! Yeah, if you liked Lebanon (and didn’t feel any danger there) you really should put Pakistan to the bucket list! Anyways, hope to meet you on the road one day 😀 Cheers mate!

Interesting use of the word “best” to describe the secret service – if backing the Taliban, supporting terrorist groups and sheltering Bin Laden makes them the best, I’d hate see what the worst were like

Hey man! hahaha, Let’s change ”best” by ”effective” if that makes things better 🙂 If it was not for the PK Intelligence, PK would have become a failed state, like Afghanistan. If, occasionally, they back up the Talibans, is always for their self-interest (for negotiations for example) not for supporting a terrorist group. All the country is pretty proud of this corp and I met a few agents who were always looking after me! But I am not an expert, so can’t say much more about it 😀 !

I wouldn’t doubt that they treated you well in Pakistan but you really need to do some homework on the subject: Pakistan, through the intelligence agency is one of, if not the biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world; it’s actions in Afghanistan have been one of the leading causes of making it a failed state and also the source of the blow back, causing terrorism in Pakistan, so they have done the complete opposite of making the country safer. I am still looking forward to visiting in the near future, so thanks for all the useful information

Pretty sure the CIA is the biggest sponsor of terrorist groups around the world.

Good point. I’d add that its US and UK support for Pakistan that has allowed them to get away with supporting terrorists, the CIA and the Pakistani intelligence have certainly colluded in plenty of dodgy stuff

Only Indians call Pakistan the failed state, I have never met a single American or Western calling it a failed state. ISi is pain in the ass for Indians only and not many Americans even buy Osama drama so keep ranting like other cyber indian trolls that PK is a failed state, ISI sponsor terrorism and Osama story…I am sure people are quite smart spotting you guys out with same rants and fake western names.

Ok Graham, I can see you are not Indian but having totally Indian narrative in your comment made me to believe there is another indian with a fake ID. Nevertheless, Afhhanistan is not a failed state because of PK rather because of USA and NATO. PK interest in sponsoring so called Afghan Taliban whom you guys once called Mujahideen and now “Taliban the terrorists” is for its their interest. The only mistake ISI had done that brought today terrorist attacks in PK is that it bowed to USA and attacked tribal areas with USA drones and kill their kids and women. For this Pakistanis are paying the price. And yes Pakistanis know well that PK has a shit reputation but let me correct you here that we know well that it is due to both internal issues ie corrupt leaders and politicians and also we know well where and why other powers are playing to sponsor the terrorism. Anyway, people there are always hospitable even before sept 11 or even in golden era of PK in 60s they were as hospitable as today you witnessed. They are not nice to you as PK has bad reputation in the world due to MSM etc

A hearty LOL on soldiers giving you AK-47s for selfie shots hahaha. Sounds like somewhere that is not the USA, or any Western nation. Amazing. In some ways this is nuts but in other ways I admire the detachment, the trust and yes, some may say outright recklessness. Just another country with a different culture, laws, way of doing things. I’d love to see it someday.

Thanks for sharing 🙂

haha, yeah, you said it very well. This country is nuts, mad, wild and surreal. That’s what all backpackers are continuously saying when you are in Pakistan!

Pakistan can be rock concert loud. Highly amplified mosque speakers blare out the call to prayers five times a day from every which way-the first one being at crack of dawn. This can disturb your sleep pattern. Then there are cars and trucks one-upping each other with incessant honking. Some commercial vehicles have bone jarring air horns. Celebratory gun fire can erupt at any hour for as simple a reason as a kid passing his exams. Imagine that AK47 going off at 2:00 AM!

Super update on Pakistan ! I was there in 84/5 and many things have / have not changed. All power to you ! Eg http://www.amateuremigrant.com/2016/10/21/quetta-train-to-chaman-bob/

Wow – awesome tips and it’s obvious you spent a lot of time on this! Pakistan sounds like an amazing place!

Thank you! I hope it makes you wanna go 😉

I thing which I want to add is you traveled in the month of Ramdan (an Islamic month). In this month local tourist do not travel that is way you got cheap hotels. Otherwise expect 3 time more expensive hotels than you mentioned above.

Hi Numan. I traveled in Pakistan for 2 whole months and only 10 days of Ramadan

Incredible tips and really gives a good perspective into what it might be like to visit Pakistan! Pakistan never actually used to be on my list but after seeing pictures and reading about it it’s definitely appealing more and more! Thanks for sharing your tips! They will definitely come in useful if/when I make it there!

Pakistan is such a misunderstood country but then, people look at the pictures and gets truly amazed! Thanks for your comment. Hope you make it one day

That’s really impressive overview about the country. Pakistan is my homeland. I born in Lahore. Pakistan is improving for the tourist industry. Furthermore i would like to add the TDCP. Please tourist use this department to get more information about the country.

It must be exciting to visit Pakistan, but that said, if you live there I don’t think you will think it’s so safe and exciting, especially if your a Minority, and not Muslim, your chances of being killed increase a thousand fold, even the local Muslims are not spared, your chances of being killed are at an extreme level, people live in fear. Pakistan is notorious for Terrorist activity. But that said life goes on. Did you know about the Majority Punjabi’s are suppressing the Baluchistan’s, do you know what the Pakistan Army and Government are doing to the Baluchistan’s, find out seriously before you say Pakistan is a very safe nation? True everyone will give you their spin, but the Pakistan Military is notorious for carrying out all the terrorist funding and operations, they are the ones who set up the Taliban in Afghanistan to destabilize the nation, safe and peaceful, are they? Pakistani Military is known to fund terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) that carry out a proxy war with India, and the famous Mumbai Terror attacks. Not less than 45 terrorist groups operate freely in Pakistan with the blessing of the Military and Police, this is how safe Pakistan is. As a tourist, you see the superficial skin and not the real vermin that lays beneath. Link to Terrorist outfits that operate in Pakistan, see below, travel there I can’t stop you but be warned, you don’t want to be a victim of these Terrorist outfits who as I said earlier operate freely with the backing of the Police and Military.

http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/pakistan/terroristoutfits/group_list.htm

Lool just another stinky cow dunk eater I can imagine ur frustration ☺

At least use correct spelling of a Muslima name if you indian use fake IDs. How easy it is to spot you guys. And again same rants PK army is sponsoring terrorists….blah blah blah. Why don’t you tell the author to simply not visit PK as you hate that land so much. Also advice her to hate PK and only love India…If it makes you happy then go for that please, and best of luck convincing her.

Sorry Joan, “her” for you was a mistyping. I know you are a male 😉

Pakistan is hard yet one of the most misunderstood country too! Pakistan has much to offer from astounding mountains to the shores of Gawadar , its a country u can easily fell in love with . Btw thanks for writing a wonderful blog! Hope u visit here soon

I also visited Pakistan in 2017 and stayed there for 3 months. It’s a wonderful place in the world to visit. In my opinion everything is OK with piece, security, culture, respect and hospitality etc. The biggest misunderstanding about PK is that some anti-PK wants spread the roomers about terrorism through media etc. I thoroughly studied most of the aspects about PK and then practically realized by staying there. Dear @joantow thanks for explaining the reality about PK your blog confirms mine observations about Pk to be true.

Ah ok, so you were also there recently! Thanks for your kind words man! It seems that thanks to all travelers and backpackers who are going there, people are, slowly, realizing that this country has such a big potential. I hope that more and more people will come in 2018!

luv it <3 great details and yet so simple .. i m planing to go in 2018 with 2 kids ..little confuse to go or not …i love traveling its like m soul food .feeling so motivated after reading ur blog .

I want to say thank you to you for writing on this topic. Pakistan is such a great and peaceful place for tourist. Bad things happened anywhere.

Most welcome, cheers!

thank you for blogging about Pakistan. Very informative post

my pleasure, cheers!

I was in Pakistan this past year (December/January). It was lovely. The most friendly, hospitable, and beautiful country I’ve ever been too. I will say I wish I knew where the liquor stores were in Islamabad…everyone I knew said the only way to get liquor was the embassy clubs and bootleggers. We ended up meeting a bootlegger which was not too much of a hassle. Islamabad might be the greenest city in the world. It was stunning. I also gained 8 lbs the first week I was there from eating and luckily never got sick from water or food the entire month I was there. Every other one of our friends got sick though at some point.

Hi Matt, I also heard that there are liquor stores in Islamabad. In fact, my Couchsurfing host (local Pakistani) had plenty of beers in his fridge and said he bought them in a beer shop in the city! I don’t know, that is what he said and I actually never saw it! Yes, Islamabad is the greenest city ever, slightly different from the way Homeland TV show portraits it, right? Lucky you, that you didn’t get sick. I got sick on 4 occasions, within a 2-month period. However, since then, after 1 year, I have never ever got sick anymore of my stomach. I think I went through a very hard training and now I am immune! Cheers mate!

Hi I went to Pakistan in April for 5 weeks it is a beautiful country I love the atmosphere there foods lovely it was an amazing experience. I will love to go again soon inshallah I didn’t want to come back

Thanks for your positive comment! Yes, Pakistan is absolutely amazing 🙂 !

Thank you sir , for this amazing writeup . Love from Pakistan 🙂

My pleasure, cheers!

Hey, just want to let you know that for #7 it is confirmed, at least for Lahore. I had overstayed for 6 days and they let me extend it when I came to the immigration counter, for free.

Amazing info man! I just updated it 🙂

I’m going as a lady traveler in December. Luckily for me I have some friends there and I am going with a guy friend of mine. 🙂

Hi, thank you for this very useful post!!!! I appied to travel next month (I will have a local with me over there). I wanted to ask a simple question. IF I state on my visa application that I will stay at a specific hotel (I attached my reservation) and then I cancel and decide to book or stay somewhere else, could they deny me entry at custom or create problems during my stay?

thank you so much for your help P.s. I’m Italian

Hi Claire, You will definitely be fine, don’t worry. They don’t check anything of that

Great points. Karachi is not a tourist destination hence tourism never was developed properly here. That’s is why hotels which are budget friendly are hard to find. However if you do travel there you must try crabbing on Karachi seaport with ‘Salem seafood crabbing’ he has the best boats and only $9 to $10 per person in a group of 10. And definitely check out Kolachi restaurant at do darya or go scuba diving at islands like churna etc. You can even go buggy wheeler riding or camel riding on sea view beach best time is at sunset coz rides have amazing fun lights on them. Or book a hut on beaches like French beach or sand spit beach. Go shopping in zainab market for jackets and jeans which are usually factory rejects from brands like Zara or HnM lol or Gulf for cloth like silks, jamawar and fake ethnic jewellery. And then a shopping trip to dolmen mall for trinkets and souveniers. Quaids mazar, mohatta palace,lyari, frere hall and Danzo zoo are some touristy places for checking historical/recreational places. Also when in Karachi do not forget to try the cupcakes from Delizia Bakery, fishNchips from OPTP and some Tea with Parathas from Chaiwala.

thanks for the tips!

Hi Joan, thanks for sharing and showing the good and beautiful side of Pakistan, instead of what the media would have us believe. 70 tips – indeed very comprehensive!

If we may add some points regarding safety, the country is indeed safe in some parts and unsafe in others (borders with Afghanistan, China, Iran; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province; as well as certain parts of Balochistan, Islamabad and Karachi), so fellow travellers please do be careful.

Also, a new scam that surfaced in 2018 was that of spray painted fruits in Afzalpur, do be wary! Also, take care of your passport and valuables, and avoid “faith healers”. Other than that, enjoy your time Pakistan! 🙂

didn’t hear about it, thanks for letting us know!

Dude KPK is not a dangerous province now….and specially Peshawar (capital city of KPK).

what a great and depth post for travelers i love to visit Pakistan and believe me it’s one of the most safest place in the world with too many beautiful sights. i will visit again and go to Kashmir this time <3

Difficult to get in Kashmir but if you go, do let us know 🙂

Hi Joan. you have experienced in traveling pakistan and you also give answers to those who have misunderstanding about Pakistan. thanks for your love.

HI Bella, No problem to visit Kashmir. you can easily go their.

Kashmir is currently closed to foreigners, so she cannot go there

Ok, so in a few years I will be planning a trip to Pakistan most likely on my own. I will be going to meet a local, but I am not sure I understand the process of getting a visa for Pakistan. Any tips? Obviously I’m not in any rush, so anything will be useful and anything might change. And is there anything else that might be vital to me? It will be my first trip to Pakistan and my first time leaving my home country on my own.

Come to visit Pakistan but be sure to have a proper guide as Pakistan is a big country with wonderful and amazing places to visit. Not to forget but many cultures and different races live within Pakistan. All the provinces in Pakistan have some kind of special places to visit like for example in Sindh you will find old traditional places and civilizations ruins, In Punjab side you will get to see rivers flowing and greenery, In northern side (KPK and Gilgit Baltistan) you’d find some great peeks like k2, Nanga parbat and other amazing places but make sure to have a proper guide of hire some company to do so. National level tourism is on peak now adays as now Pakistan is ranked among the top for adventure loving.

Hi there, Can you provide information on immunizations necessary for Lahore in March. I’m not intrested in taking malaria pills that make you sick your entire trip….. Thanks!

Hi, there is no malaria in Pakistan

Guys – let’s be grown ups. no more negativity! Being born in Lahore and brought up in London I love going back and seeing the changes in Pakistan. Also to clarify i have been to India (mostly Delhi and touristy surrounding cities) and loved it too. The last few years social media and the internet it has really moved Pakistan and surrounding countries on, mostly for the better. In Pakistan I notice for instance that many more younger people speak English – I think it has become a necessity if you want to conduct your life on social media! There is also a better understanding and people over the borders are making friends with each other using these mediums and realising that the politicians are the puppeteers. Being in a privileged position of living in a third country (although London is home) I am so lucky to have friends from around the world and it is obvious that it is not the people who have problems with each other but the governments and those who buy the weapons and keep the armed forces in a strong position where so much of the GDP is used. Just enjoy the country and hopefully all your encounters will be positive ones. you can be in danger anywhere – just keep your wits about you and if you have any doubts then stay out of that situation. I am off to Pakistan on my now annual visitation in a few days and really looking forward to it.

pakistni visa is now available on arrival. kindly please update. its available on arrival for 175 countries effective from february 2019.

Pakistani visa is not available on arrival. They said that visa was available on arrival for those who booked a full tour, but apparently, not many people succeeded with that because they never published the list of authorised tour operators. What they did is introducing an e-visa system but you still need a Letter of Invitation. Basically, the only difference versus before is that now you don’t need to apply in your home country but you can do it online, but requirements are pretty much the same. However, I don’t know anyone who has tried it yet and since in Pakistan they always talk about new visa policies which tend to be BS, I prefer update to update it until the info is verified

The evisa begins next month, in June. Till then no one really knows how it will work. But news reports so far say no LOI will be required

its such an amazing article about traveling in Pakistan. and its true Pakistan is a really beautiful country for visiting there are many natural places and many amusement parks.

I was actually reading instruction regarding my visit to China INSHALLAH which made me wonder what foreigners think of My country and I must say for an article listing “70 things” You did a great job making it sound interesting and easily understandable ! I am overwhelmed by everyone views on their visit to Pakistan. So, happy to hear You had a good time. Seriously the hospitality of Pakistan is on a different level for everyone who is “The Guest”. Even though Faisalabad is not re-known tourist destination in Pakistan but if I spotted a “Goora/foreigner” trying to pay for themselves Ill bring them home and ask mom to make all the dishes ! since I am good at only making Chai. 🙂 . But still You did a Noble Deed sharing Your honest thoughts against all those rumors.

cheers Aska!

Pakistan is the safe country. It has amazing things to visit. Also has thousands of eye caching seen. Thanks for sharing information with detail and also with books reference and pictures.

As you enumerate months (mid-April to mid-October) to travel in Pakistan. Here I want to meddle for those who have aversion for summer season as allergic issues perturb them. More common symptoms are rashes, hives and itching on skin. Choose right clothes while travelling in hot and sunny weather. I suggest to purchase from local market rather than pack so much costumes because local market knows better the weather and design fabric accordingly.

thanks for the tip

Why did you clip my comment. That sucks

well, do you really think you can come to my page and advertise your product for free?

Hey im just curious why did u not prefer to hitchhike with females in car? Like i would always prefer females in car so its safer. ?

It’s not that I didn’t want to, it is just that cars with women inside won’t stop if you are a man.

Truly the northern areas of Pakistan are extremely wonderful and breathtaking.. a must visit for anyone who would like to see heaven on earth

Thanks a lot for such an insightful article about traveling to Pakistan. I would request you to update the section regarding the NOC requirement. The new government of Imran Khan has done away with the requirement of NOC for traveling to restricted areas, except for only a handful of places. Another thing i would like to mention is that the online visa platform, still in its infancy, is being improved with each day by incorporating feedback/suggestions from Pakistan embassies around the world as well as the local agencies.

Hey! I’m planning to enter Pakistan in May 2020, entering from india and exiting to China. It looks like most of my time there will be during Ramadan. I was considering the idea of fasting with the locals. My only concern would be strenuous hiking without water. You were there during Ramadan, yeah? Any advice?

Hi Sean. Just curious but, why do you want to fast with the locals? I mean, you can do it if you want, but don’t think that the locals will expect you to do it. Also, Muslim people are allowed to stop fasting when they travel, for the simple reason that fasting & traveling is a real struggle. Yes, I was there during Ramadan but only during the first week which I spent in Hunza area, and in that area, since they are Ismailis, they are pretty relaxed and most restaurants were open.

Really useful tips to consider. After spending 2 whole minutes to reading your blog its amazing thanks for the information I come to know about new places in Pakistan

Is there a place that sells anime merchandise? I would like to buy a hug pillow from Pakistan

Without any doubt, everything mentioned about Pakistan is true. Pakistanis are really a hospitable nation. Pakistan is literally a land of peace now. Do visit Pakistan, we welcome our guests wholeheartedly.

Hello again Joan, You mentioned that you stayed 2 months in Pakistan. Is it possible to get a 2 or 3 months visa for Pakistan? Thank you

2 months for sure, but not sure about 3. In any case, you can make a visa extension very easily upon your arrival in Pakistan

Very informative and complete guide to visit Pakistan. But if you are coming to Pakistan and missed touring Karachi city it will be like you missed a roller coaster.

Wow I almost finished all of your topics. Thanks alot for exclusive informations. I’m going to visit Lahore, Islamabad and Gilgit in April 2020. As a solo female traveler, now I’m so excited to see Pakistan.

Great blog post! Pakistan is one of the best places for tourism. There are multiple foreigners and Youtubers who visited Pakistan in the past and shared positive feedback. I am going to recommend all travelers who want to visit Pakistan must visit in the spring season because you are going to feel the beauty of Pakistan’s forests and nature that provides a mesmerizing feeling and relaxation that makes the soul-refreshing and lively. From the China border to Gawader, you can go to enjoy every step. Each province offers unique food and places with famous sub-cultures and events to enjoy.

Thanks for sharing this beautiful post and keep sharing in the future!

Best Regards,

I have been planning on travelling to Pakistan again next year once this global epidemic comes under control. I went there last October 2019 and was truly amazed by the country’s beauty, its people and the incredible amount of love/hospitality I was shown. Definitely recommend Lahore, Islamabad, Swat and the Northern Areas (Baltistan, Gilgit and Deosai). I sure felt a lot safer than many of the other surrounding countries and I felt the country was a lot more cleaner with better infrastructure than many of its neighbours I had previously visited. Thanks for the article as it offered some helpful pointers but luckily I didn’t have any issues with my stomach and I was there for around 2 weeks. Looking forward to travelling to this hidden gem of a country Pakistan again!

Assalam o Alikum, I welcome you on the behalf of all Pakistanis. It will honor for us to welcome you again. I am from Lahore Pakistan. From which country you are?

“My office for a day”

Omg, tell me please where is this place exactly? I work in IT and want to work from there one day 🙂

hello, that is Fairy Meadows

Thanks, and one more question because I’ve found confusing info on the Internet: how long is the trip from Islamabad to Gilgit by bus? Or, is it more suitable to rent a car in PK as a solo Traveller?

The bus takes 15 to 20 hours Renting a car would be amazing, but it’s more expensive of course

Bus takes 16 to 18 hours and charges 15$ whereas renting a car costs you 40$ to 50$ per day (without fuel). And the fuel it takes for islamabad to gilgit is around 25 gallons costs 60$.

Regarding Kashmir – I’ve seen some youtube videos of a New Zealander (Karl Rocks) who’s blogged from the capital of Azad Kashmir, so the restrictions may have been removed. I’d definetly recommend adding AK (at least the northern parts) to your itentary – as it’s not too far from Islamabad.

Hi i am wajid from pakistan , if any body need any type of help. Any information , regarding distance from one place to another place , by car or by bus by air, where need to go by local , where to by bus and where to by air , or if some one need invitation letter just feel free to contact i will give you all information here is my whatsapp +923114428519 . .

Thanks for sharing the nice piece of content with us. I am also a big fond of traveling & now my aim is to travel dubai for different experiences i.e dirt biking offroadadventurefun.com/dirt-bike-tours/. Actually you can say its my passion to explore all the world & see the beauty of nature with my own eyes. The upcoming May holidays are a great occasion to take a good break from the working routine and allow yourself to plunge into a real adventure, with a lot of positive emotions and vivid impressions. An excellent option for a well-spent weekend will be a fascinating journey to the area rich in natural and historical sights. Once again thanks for sharing the nice piece of stuff with us.

Hello fellow travellers. I have just applied for an e-visa through the Nadra site. After a simple but painstaking series of questions you arrive at the penultimate stage of uploading your photo , passport details and …. a Letter of Invitation. I am a UK citizen . I have purchased an LOI with an extra attested certification from Karakoram Bikers who were very helpful and who’s info I used in the Sponsor’s section of the application. I thought LOI’s were a thing of the past but either the website hasn’t been updated or LOI’s are needed for some nations. I await the outcome of my application. I hope this personal experience helps someone . All the best out there . Allison

Gilgit is a city located in the northern region of Pakistan, and is considered one of the most famous cities in the country for several reasons.

Firstly, Gilgit is located at the crossroads of some of the world’s most spectacular mountain ranges, including the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindu Kush. This makes it a popular destination for trekkers, hikers, and mountaineers from all over the world.

It takes a lot to visit and write with this much precision. Thanks for such a captivating blog post with lots of insight.

HI! I have a question about pakistani visa. I didn’t do the LOI. I simply uploaded the screenshot with the hotel reservation for the first few nights in Lahore (+ photo and passport of course). and it was successful. does this mean that I don’t need the LOI and that the visa will be issued to me? I still haven’t made the payment because I want to be sure of the thing. Thanks a lot and I hope I explained myself well.

HI! I read your blog about Pakistan. i have a question about pakistani visa. I didn’t do the LOI. I simply uploaded the screenshot with the hotel reservation for the first few nights in Lahore (+ photo and passport of course). and it was successful. does this mean that I don’t need the LOI and that the visa will be issued to me? I still haven’t made the payment because I want to be sure of the thing. Thanks a lot and I hope I explained myself well.

I applied for my visa in July 2023 and it took 2 months to process, so be warned.

As of July 2023, non vaccinated travellers (COVID) no longer are required to have PCR tests to enter the country. My understanding is that The airlines may not be aware of this change of rule, so bring documentation to prove this.

Hi! I’m very glad to find your blog! Amazing content. I’m in the middle of a big decision. A friend of mine I met in Germany (he’s from Pakistan) is getting married in Karachi in December and he’s inviting me to his wedding. I read in your blogs that Karachi si not the part of the country where you have enjoyed more or where most people go. I also have the option to go later (months after the wedding) and probably explore starting from Lahore, what do you think? Worth to wait? Or Karachi also has a lot to see? Pd. I live in Mexico City, so it’s a very long and expensive trip.

Hi Cesar, why not visiting both in one single? Whie I don’t think it’s worth traveling to Pakistan all the way from CDMX just to visit Karachi, attending a wedding can be an amazing experience, which you could combine with other places like Bahawalpur Multan, and ending your trip in Lahore. Best

Hi there, I would like to go to PK in April this year and from Islamabad via the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit to go on a hike for three or four days. I would like to rent a car myself, me and my wife. We were among other places in India , Nepal, Iran, and would now like to go to PK. What do you think of the idea of ​​driving your own car?

Hi Andy, self-driving is difficult because most companies won’t rent you a car without a driver. Best is to hire a motorbike.

Hi Joan, gratulation for this helpful blog! I have an international flight to Islamabad and want to fly 2 hrs after arrival to Skardu – could be challenging, I know. Do I need a hardcopy boarding pass at Islamabad airport for my domestic flight to Skardu? A mobile boarding pass which I could already arrange at home would safe a lot time.

Hi Vauwe, an electronic boarding pass should be enough

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