pakistan tourism facts

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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 ”.

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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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The 11 best places to visit in Pakistan

Aug 13, 2023 • 7 min read

The Himalayas in Pakistan have long been an irresistible place to visit for many travelers © Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost / Getty Images

The Himalaya and Karakoram mountain ranges have long drawn adventurous tourists to northern Pakistan , but these famous summits are far from the only beautiful places to visit in the country.

In fact, there are fascinating places to visit spread right across the country, from the cosmopolitan coastal metropolis of Karachi to the centuries-old Mughal city of Lahore .

Our list of best places to visit takes in varied landscapes and architecture, thousands of years of history, and some of the best aspects of Pakistan’s vibrant contemporary culture. Together, it’s a reminder of why Pakistan is one of Asia’s most exciting tourist destinations. It's time to start planning your trip!

Best place for culture

If you only have time to visit one place in Pakistan, make sure it’s Lahore . A Unesco City of Literature, and home to multiple Unesco World Heritage Sites, this ancient Mughal city is not only one of the most historic places in the country, it also hosts a thriving modern cultural scene.

Lahore Fort has recently been restored with support from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Shalimar Gardens are one of the world’s finest Persian-style gardens, and the magnificent Badshahi Mosque is one of Pakistan’s most famous landmarks; in fact, it's one of the most striking religious buildings on the planet. The city’s food scene is fabulous, too.

Planning tip: Book a hotel in or near Lahore’s Walled City so you can walk to many of the monuments.

Best place for spirituality

Multan is known as the City of Saints and it continues to be an important regional center for Sufism, the mystical form of Islam. Multan has been inhabited longer than almost anywhere else in Asia – Alexander the Great besieged the city in the 4th century BCE, adding to Multan’s claim to be the most historic spot in the country.

The most beautiful places to visit are the city’s Sufi shrines, especially the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam with its delicate turquoise tiles, and the predominantly pink Mausoleum of Shamsuddin Sabzwari, which is topped by a bright yellow dome.

Planning tip: Multan is at its busiest during the Urs festivals, which commemorate the death anniversaries of local saints. The festival dates follow the lunar calendar and therefore change from year to year – check dates for the coming year when planning your trip.

3. Karakoram Highway

Best place for scenery

The 1300km-long (808 miles) Karakoram Highway is one of the world’s greatest road trips. There are front-row views of Nanga Parbat (8126m/26,660ft), Rakaposhi (7788m/25,551ft) and other dramatic mountain peaks from the road, which passes through Gilgit and Hunza as it meanders north towards the border with China .

Traveling the section from Gilgit to the Chinese border is one of Asia’s greatest adventures – you can fly to Gilgit from Islamabad and hire a 4WD vehicle and driver locally to explore.

Planning tip: The northern part of the Karakoram Highway is closed between January and April due to heavy ice and snow, so plan accordingly.

4. Rohtas Fort

Best place for military history

The territory covered by the modern state of Pakistan has long been contested, and you’ll find fortifications all across the country recalling past battles for supremacy. The largest of these is Rohtas Fort near Dina.

This Unesco World Heritage Site is considered to be the best surviving example of Mughal military architecture in Asia, with 4km (2.5 miles) of sandstone walls and 14 seemingly impenetrable gates, protecting a vast and well-preserved complex of mosques, step wells, palaces and domestic buildings.

Planning tip: Rohtas lies north of Lahore, just off the Grand Trunk Road (NH5) – visit en route between Lahore and Islamabad/Rawalpindi.

5. Fairy Meadows

Best place for hiking

The Fairy Meadows National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan. Mighty Nanga Parbat (8126 m/26,660ft), the ninth-highest mountain in the world, rises above fertile grasslands and alpine forest, home to brown bears and deer. Wildflowers paint the meadows in spring and summer and the serene landscapes are reflected in the water of small, still lakes.

Planning tip: There are a few tourist cottages and guesthouses at Fairy Meadows, but camping brings you closer to nature. Get here from Raikot Bridge, on the Karakoram Highway south of Gilgit.

6. Moenjodaro

Best place for ancient history

Moenjodaro , meaning “The Mound of the Dead”, was built in Sindh more than 4500 years ago, making it one of the world’s oldest cities. This was the center of the technologically and culturally advanced Indus Valley Civilisation, which stretched not only across Pakistan but also into Afghanistan and India. This was the very first site in South Asia to be designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The ruins are huge – archaeologists have excavated streets, granaries and guard towers, and even a grand public bath.

7. Shandur Pass

Best place for spectator sports

The Shandur Pass lies at 3720m (12,204ft) above sea level in Gilgit-Baltistan, one of the most beautiful mountain regions in Pakistan. Close to the idyllic Shandur Lake, this lofty pass is the location of Pakistan’s most famous polo ground, which hosts an annual tournament between the teams of Gilgit and Chitral. The matches are played on horseback with free-style rules and the Polo Festival attracts thousands of spectators.

Planning tip: The Shandur Polo Festival dates are fixed every year from 7-9 July but plan ahead as there’s heavy demand for accommodation and transport.

Best place for nightlife

You won’t find many Western-style nightclubs in Pakistan, as the country is officially alcohol-free (unless you have a government permit), but there’s still plenty to do in Karachi once the sun goes down. Venues like Base Rock Cafe and The Second Floor (T2F) attract an enthusiastic audience of live music lovers, and Burns Road and Rashid Minhas Road are packed every evening as foodies flock to their buzzing restaurants and street food stalls. Combined with the city’s expansive beaches, it’s an experience many travelers are surprised to find in Pakistan.

9. Katas Raj Temples

Best place for myths and legends

Modern Pakistan has a Muslim-majority population, but before the arrival of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths were prevalent. The pool in the center of the Katas Raj Temples in Punjab is said to have been formed from the tears of the Hindu god Shiva, and in the Sanskrit epic the Mahabharata , the Pandava brothers were exiled here.

Early travelers mentioned the presence of a Buddhist stupa, too, and you can still see its remains alongside the ruins of multiple temples, a small fort, and havelis. The buildings are in poor condition and little conservation work has been done, but Katas Raj remains a remarkable place to explore.

10. Hiran Minar

Best place for a day trip

We all love our pets, but the Mughal Emperor Jahangir took his affection to extreme lengths when he built Hiran Minar for his favorite antelope, Mansraj, who he proclaimed to be "Lord of all animal beings". The early 16th-century tomb, minaret, and pavilion overlook a huge reservoir in the center of what was once a royal hunting ground but today is a wildlife reserve. Animals and birds still come out of the scrub forest to drink, so it remains one of the best places to visit in Pakistan for wildlife watching, fishing, and generally relaxing in peaceful surroundings.

Planning tip: Hiran Minar is an hour’s drive outside Lahore and is easy to combine with the nearby Sheikhupura Fort.

Best for pomp and circumstance

The Attari-Wagah border post is the only place where you can cross between Pakistan and India by land. Its daily closing ceremony is also one of the most over-the-top examples of military posturing you’ll ever see, with soldiers from both sides competing to show off who can kick higher, shout louder, parade more in sync, and grow the most impressive facial hair. Take a seat in the stands and join the cheering, flag-waving crowds for a very entertaining afternoon out.

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Pakistan Factsheet

Discover the total economic contribution that the Travel & Tourism sector brings to Pakistan and the world in this data-rich, two-page factsheet.

Discover the direct and total economic contribution that the Travel & Tourism sector brings to the Pakistan’s economies in this comprehensive report.

Discover the direct and total economic contribution that the Travel & Tourism sector brings to Pakistan in this comprehensive report.

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Over the next few weeks we will be releasing the newest Economic Impact Research factsheets for a wide range of economies and regions. If the factsheet you're interested in is not yet available,  sign up to be notified via the form on this page .

Factsheet details

This factsheet highlights the importance of Travel & Tourism to Pakistan across many metrics, and features details such as:

• Contribution of the sector to overall GDP and employment
• Comparisons between 2019 and 2023
• Forecasts for 2024 and 2034
• International and domestic visitor spending
• Proportion of leisure vs business spending
• Top 5 inbound and outbound markets

This latest report reveals the importance of Travel & Tourism to the Pakistan in granular detail across many metrics. The report’s features include:

• Absolute and relative contributions of Travel & Tourism to GDP and employment, international and domestic spending
• Data on leisure and business spending, capital investment, government spending and outbound spending
• Charts comparing data across every year from 2014 to 2024
• Detailed data tables for the years 2018-2023 plus forecasts for 2024 and the decade to 2034

Purchase of this report also provides access to two supporting papers: Methodology and Data Sources and Estimation Techniques.

This latest report reveals the importance of Travel & Tourism to Pakistan in granular detail across many metrics. The report’s features include:

This factsheet highlights the importance of T&T to this city across many metrics, and features details such as:

• Contribution of the sector to overall GDP and employment in the city
• Comparisons between 2019, 2020 and 2021, plus 2022 forecast
• Proportion of the T&T at city level towards overall T&T contribution at a country level
• Top 5 inbound source markets

In collaboration with

Supported by.

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Geography
• 4.3 Climate
• 4.4 Politics
• 4.5 Culture
• 4.7 Holidays
• 4.8 Visitor information
• 6.1.1 Indian citizens
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By train
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.2 By train
• 8.1 World Heritage Sites
• 8.2 Natural attractions
• 8.3 Cultural and historical attractions
• 8.4 Museums and galleries
• 10.2 Changing money
• 10.3 Counting
• 10.4 Shopping
• 10.5 Bargaining
• 11.1 Cuisine
• 11.2 Varieties of bread
• 11.3 Vegetarian dishes
• 11.4 Pulses/lentil dishes
• 11.5 Rice dishes
• 11.6.1 Barbecue and kebabs
• 11.7 Desserts
• 11.8 Snacks (Pakistani fast food)
• 11.10 Pakistani condiments
• 11.11 Etiquette
• 12.1 Tea varieties
• 12.2 Beverages
• 12.3 Alcohol
• 14.1 Terrorism
• 14.2 Sensitive areas
• 14.3 Dangerous drivers
• 14.4 Sexuality
• 15 Stay healthy
• 16.1 Religion and rituals
• 16.2 Etiquette
• 16.3.1 Politics
• 17.1 Cell phone
• 17.2 Internet

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Urdu: پاکستان) is a country at the crossroads of Western , Central , South and East Asia . Conceived as a separate homeland for Muslims in South Asia, the country's tourism industry had its heyday during the 1960s thanks to the Hippie Trail . Unfortunately, the country has been in a state of flux since the 1970s, with many countries declaring it unsafe to visit.

Despite this, Pakistan continues to attract tourists due to its unique, diverse cultures and landscapes. The history buff can rejoice at the vast number of ruins from ancient civilisations, such as Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa and Taxila; the architecture lover can feast their eyes at Mughal-era architecture; and the adventurous traveller can try their luck at scaling the vast number of mountain peaks, including K2 .

Regions [ edit ]

Pakistan is a federal republic consisting of four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The government of Pakistan also exercises de facto jurisdiction over two parts of the disputed Kashmir region: Azad Kashmir and Gilgit–Baltistan (formerly Northern Areas).

Cities [ edit ]

Nine of Pakistan's most notable cities follow. Other cities are listed in the article for their region.

• 33.698889 73.036944 1 Islamabad – the federal capital, a relatively new planned city with a much more "laid back" feel than the other cities
• 31.418 73.079 2 Faisalabad – a major city in Punjab, famous for its textile industry
• 24.86 67.01 3 Karachi – the financial capital and the largest city of the country, it's an industrial port city and the provincial capital of Sindh
• 31.549722 74.343611 4 Lahore – city of the Mughals, it's a bustling and very historical city in the Punjab that shouldn't be missed
• 30.197778 71.471111 5 Multan – the City of Saints, famous for blue pottery, ornamental glasswork, and Khussa – a type of shoes
• 34.37 73.471111 6 Muzaffarabad – capital of Azad Kashmir and a very picturesque city
• 34.014444 71.5675 7 Peshawar – capital city of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the gateway to Khyber Pass
• 30.192 67.007 8 Quetta – capital city of Balochistan
• 32.5 74.533333 9 Sialkot – the city of sports goods, famous for its exports industry, and one of the oldest cities in the region

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 36.850278 75.428333 1 Karakoram Highway – part of the historic Silk Road and the main artery running north to China
• 33.9042 73.3903 2 Murree – a popular Himalayan hill station one hours drive from Islamabad
• 32.653056 73.01 3 Khewra Salt Mine – the second largest salt mine of the world. Nearly two hours drive from Islamabad towards south via the motorway
• 27.329167 68.138889 4 Mohenjo-daro – archaeological site from the Indus Valley Civilisation, about 2000 BCE
• 33.745833 72.7875 5 Taxila – archaeological site for the Gandharan period (1st millennium BCE and 1st CE)
• 31.083333 73.966667 6 Changa Manga – is a planted forest locating in 12,423 acres.
• 31.449187 73.712437 7 Nankana Sahib – birthplace of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism .

See also Sacred sites of the Indian sub-continent and the UNESCO World Heritage listings for Pakistan .

Understand [ edit ]

Pakistan is the world's 33rd largest country by size. With a population exceeding 207.2 million people, it is the fifth most populous country in the world.

History [ edit ]

The history of Pakistan can be traced back to the earliest ancient human civilisations in South Asia. The earliest evidence of farming in South Asia is from 7,000 BCE in Mehrgarh . Mehrgarh in present-day Balochistan was a small farming village and centre of agriculture in South Asia during New Stone Age period which lasted until its abandonment around 2600 BCE due to climate change and was succeeded by Indus Valley Civilization , a civilization in the early stages of development growing along one of the major rivers of Asia, the Indus. By 3300 BCE, the IVC extended throughout much of what is modern-day Pakistan. It became one of the great civilisations of the ancient world along with Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. This Bronze Age civilisation with its remarkably sophisticated civil engineering and urban planning become most advanced civilisation of its time which had well-planned towns and well-laid roads, as recorded in its major city of Mohenjo-daro which today is an archaeological site of immense historical significance. The Indus Valley Civilization declined and disintegrated around 1900 BCE, possibly due to drought and geological disturbances. Most historians believe that the Vedic people were migrants who encountered this civilization in decline and perhaps hastened that decline. The Vedic people eventually occupied most of North India, laid the foundations of Hinduism and flourished in the ancient city of what is today known as Taxila . After the defeat of the first Persian Empire , Achaemenid, which ruled much of modern Pakistan, Alexander the Great, the Hellenistic King of Macedon, invaded the region of Pakistan and conquered much of the Punjab region for his Macedonian empire.

Prior to the late 18th century, Pakistan was the main Islamic stronghold in the Mughal Empire , which at its peak covered the great majority of the Indian subcontinent. The area that now makes up Pakistan kept its status as one of the main cultural and political hubs of South Asia for over 300 years. From the late 18th century until 1947, Pakistan was part of the British Empire, and one can still see the signs of Pakistan's colonial past in most places.

The name Pakistan was used officially after the partition of (British) India into the two nation-states of India and Pakistan in 1947. However, the word Pakistan was first used by Choudhry Rahmat Ali back in 1933 in his declaration, Now or Never – calling for its separation from the Empire. Afterwards, British-ruled India was divided into the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (with two sections, West and East) and India. Later, East Pakistan seceded and became the separate nation of Bangladesh , as a result of an extremely brutal war which also involved India. A dispute over Kashmir is still ongoing between India and Pakistan and has resulted in three wars and many skirmishes, acts of terrorism and an insurgency and counter-insurgency in the part of Kashmir controlled by India and claimed by Pakistan .

Right after its independence Pakistan was a peaceful, tolerant, progressive and prosperous country and a magnet for international travelers. By the late 1960s Pakistan's tourism industry was flourishing and the country became a hotspot for many young Western travelers and the hippie types. In the absence of political and ethnic violence and terrorism Pakistan showed the image of a cosmopolitan, orderly country but by the 1980s the reputation of Pakistan had changed drastically, and today it is a very different place from what it used to be.

Today Pakistan is populated mostly by people whose ancestors originated from various other places – including Arabs from after the Islamic expeditions, Persians from Bukhara and Samarkand, Turks from Central Asia – and the native Sindhus whose ancestors converted to Islam. Ethnic groups such as Punjabis, Sindhis, Seraikis, Pashtuns, Mohajirs and Balochs all have different native languages, cultures and histories.

Geography [ edit ]

Pakistan is strategically located astride the ancient trade routes of the Khyber and Bolan passes to Central Asia . Another pass, which now has the Karakoram Highway through it, leads to Western China. All these passes, and some ports in Pakistan, formed part of the ancient Silk Road which linked Asia and Europe.

Located along the Arabian Sea, Pakistan is surrounded by Afghanistan to the northwest, Iran to the southwest, India to the east, and China to the northeast. Pakistan has its own unique character but also has many commonalities with neighbouring nations, especially Afghanistan and India .

Pakistan is one of those few countries in the world that has every kind of geological structure. It has the sea, desert (Sindh & Punjab), green mountains (North West Province), dry mountains (Balochistan), mountains covered with snow, rivers, rich land to cultivate (Punjab & Sindh), water resources, waterfalls, and forests. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan contain the mountain ranges of the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush. Pakistan's highest point is K2, which, at 8,611 metres, is the second highest peak in the world. The Punjab province is a flat, alluvial plain whose rivers eventually join the Indus River and flow south to the Arabian Sea. Sindh lies between the Thar Desert and the Rann of Kutch to the east, and the Kirthar range to the west. The Balochistan Plateau is arid and surrounded by dry mountains. Pakistan experiences frequent earthquakes, occasionally severe, especially in the north and the west.

Climate [ edit ]

Mostly hot, dry desert; temperate in northwest; arctic in north. Flooding along the Indus after heavy rains (July and August). Fertile and sub humid heat in the Punjab region. The climate varies from tropical to temperate, with arid conditions in the coastal south. There is a monsoon season with frequent flooding due to heavy rainfall, and a dry season with significantly less rainfall or none at all. There are four distinct seasons: a cool, dry winter from December through February; a hot, dry spring from March through May; the summer rainy season, or southwest monsoon period, from June through September; and the retreating monsoon period of October and November. Rainfall varies greatly from year to year, and patterns of alternate flooding and drought are common.

Politics [ edit ]

Pakistan is theoretically a democratic, parliamentary federal republic modelled on the British Westminster system, with Islam as the state religion. The President, indirectly elected, is the Head of State, but his position is primarily ceremonial. The Prime Minister and his cabinet run the government. The Parliament is bicameral. The National Assembly, the lower house, is directly elected by universal adult franchise, while the Senate is the upper house and indirectly elected. The National Assembly is the more powerful of the two, primarily because a majority in the National Assembly is required to form a government and pass budgets. Pakistan has a lot of political parties, and no party is able to secure a majority in the National Assembly, leading to unstable governments, short-lived political alliances and raucous politics. Pakistan has a strong and independent judiciary and a free press.

However, political instability has resulted in (or some would say, has been partially caused by) a high degree of military control in Pakistan. Most of the prime ministers have been influenced by the chief of the Pakistani army in major decisions related to foreign policy, and there have been periods of outright military dictatorship in the past.

Pakistan is also a Federal Republic, divided into provinces. Each of these has its own legislature, with a government run by a chief minister and a cabinet.

Street demonstrations and political agitations occur, as they do in any democracy. There is also occasional low-level violence, but a visitor has a vanishingly small chance of getting caught in that. Terrorism is a bigger problem, though. It can occur anywhere, and some parts of the country are too dangerous to visit because of the great risks in those areas (see "Stay safe").

Culture [ edit ]

Pakistan, being home to numerous ethnic groups is a culturally diverse nation that emphasizes both on local culture and traditions along with the traditional Islamic values. The culture is greatly influenced by Northern India, Afghanistan and Iran.

While Islam is the state religion, and adhered to by the overwhelming majority of Pakistanis, there are also Christian, Hindu and Sikh minorities.

Women [ edit ]

Legally women and men have equal rights under the law in Pakistan, however society is largely patriarchal and women are particularly mistreated in rural areas, where their access to education and employment remains limited.

Nevertheless, women have played a prominent role in the development of the country in government, education, services, health as well as the military. Benazir Bhutto was the first female premier of Pakistan, and the first democratically elected female leader of a Muslim country and women have served in many other prominent areas in politics. The Pakistan Air Force has also started to employ female fighter pilots.

Holidays [ edit ]

Visitor information [ edit ].

• Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation website

Talk [ edit ]

At the federal level, Urdu and English are the official languages of Pakistan. Urdu serves as the lingua franca of Pakistan.

Punjabi is the native language of roughly 40% of the population and is the most widely spoken language throughout the country. Not surprising, considering that Punjab is the largest province in Pakistan. The variant of Punjabi used in Pakistan uses the Shahmukhi alphabet, a variant of the same script used to write Urdu.

Other languages spoken throughout the country are Pothohari , Sindhi , Pashto , Balochi , Saraiki , Shina , Burushaski , Khowar , Wakhi , Hindko , and so on.

Fluency in English varies vastly depending on education levels, occupation, age and region. English is widely spoken among affluent sectors of the population in major cities and around most tourist places, as well as in most police stations and government offices.

Get in [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ].

The e-visa system is opened for citizens of 191 countries. It is unclear whether this is for airports only or includes land borders.

Citizens of 24 "Tourist Friendly Countries" (TFC) are eligible for one month visas on arrival if they travel through a designated/authorised tour operator who will assume responsibility for them while in the country. Any extensions of this type of visa must also be done through the tour operator. They include: Austria , Belgium , Canada , China , Denmark , Finland , France , Germany , Greece , Iceland , Italy , Japan , South Korea , Luxembourg , Malaysia , Netherlands , Norway , Portugal , Singapore , Spain , Sweden , Thailand , United Kingdom and United States .

Nationals of most other countries, and those not wanting to travel with a tour operator and group, need to apply in advance for a visa, which are usually issued for 30–90 days depending on nationality and where you apply. Double-entries are sometimes given, but be clear and persistent that you need this when applying. Visas for Pakistan are usually easier to obtain in your home country as the missions around the world have been given more authority to issue visas without checking with Islamabad, which should help in getting applications turned around quicker.

A handful of countries are issued visas on arrival: Iceland and Maldives for 3 months, Hong Kong , Nepal and Samoa for 1 month, while Tonga and Trinidad and Tobago nationals can stay for an unlimited amount of time.

Citizens of some countries can obtain business visas on arrival at major airports (Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta or Karachi) if their local host company either obtain an approval from the immigration authorities or arrange an invitation letter duly recommended by the concerned trade organizations in Pakistan. A recommendation letter issued by the Chamber of Commerce & Industry is also acceptable.

People of Pakistani origin living overseas are granted 5 year multiple entry visas (along with their spouses), valid for single stays of up to 1 year. Visas aren't required at all if they are holding a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) or a National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).

Nationals of Israel are not allowed entry as Israel is not recognised as a nation by Pakistan (and most other Muslim countries), but there is no restriction on Jews holding passports from other nations. Despite much on-line information to the contrary, Israeli stamps and visas would usually pose no problems for entry into Pakistan, though you may be subject to more stringent questioning by immigration officers. And while under normal circumstances visas can not be obtained by Israeli passport holders, there have been exceptions in which nationals of Israel have been admitted to Pakistan after obtaining an NOC from the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad beforehand, which they then submitted along with an application for a Pakistani visa.

Nationals of Afghanistan are refused entry if their passports or tickets show evidence of transit or boarding in India.

The Pakistan Consulate in Istanbul does not issue visas unless you are a resident of Turkey , although it may be possible in Ankara .

The consulate in Zahedan in Iran no longer issues visas, head for the embassy in Tehran .

As of January 2018, applications for tourist visas in Delhi are refused to everyone, regardless of the nationality.

As of May 2019, the Embassy of Pakistan in Bishkek will sometimes grant visas to non-Kyrgyz citizens. The paperwork is extensive but turnaround is fast, 2–3 days in practice.

Indian citizens [ edit ]

A Pakistani visa will not be granted to an Indian national unless the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad approves. The approval process is notoriously lengthy and highly selective; many endure months or even years of waiting, only to face potential disappointment. The process depends a lot on references.

Contrary to reports, Indian citizens are not granted Pakistani tourist visas.

By plane [ edit ]

Karachi , Lahore , and Islamabad are the main gateways to Pakistan by air. Nine other international airports are in Quetta , Peshawar , Sialkot , Multan , Faisalabad , Gawadar , Rahim Yar Khan , Dera Ghazi Khan and Skardu . Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad all served by many international airliners and have direct connections from Europe, North America, Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Pakistan's national carrier Pakistan International Airlines provides good connectivity within the country as well to major hubs around the world. PIA was once one of the most reputable airlines in the world, but is now suffering due to bad governance. It is still the largest airline of the country and serves the most destinations, both local and international.

PIA has direct connections with Abu Dhabi, Baku, Bahrain, Beijing, Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Jeddah, Kuwait, Kuala Lumpur, Riyadh. Sharjah, Medina, Muscat, Riyadh, and Toronto-Pearson.

British Airways has a direct service from London to Islamabad and Lahore, while Virgin Atlantic has services from London and Manchester to Islamabad and from London to Lahore.

Most flights and airlines originate from Gulf countries, where most of the overseas Pakistan work, and those flights are often reasonably priced. Other than flag carrier PIA, private airlines such as Airblue and Serene Air also operate flights from numerous Gulf destinations.

By train [ edit ]

Pakistan has train links with India and Iran, though none of these trains are the quickest and most practical way to enter Pakistan. Should speed be a priority it is better to take the bus, or if you are really in a hurry, to fly, however the trains are sights in their own right.

From India :

• The Samjhauta Express runs on Tuesdays and Fridays between Delhi and Lahore via the Attari / Wagah border crossing. This is the most common option chosen by travellers, however, after terrorist attacks on the train, which caused many casualties and strained relationships between the two neighbours, it is strongly advised that you take taxis or buses to and from the border instead.
• The Thar Express runs from Bhagat ki Kothi in the Indian state of Rajasthan to Karachi in Pakistan's Sindh province. This route restarted in February 2006 after 40 years out of service, but is not open to foreign tourists.

From Iran : There is only one link, from Zahedan to Quetta . This link was suspended around 2014 for passengers. Local media reported that reinstatement was due as of September 2018 but no train on this route appears on timetables from Pakistan or Iran, and there are no reports of passengers crossing - it would be unwise to rely on such a service existing for now. As of early 2023 local information suggested the train was once again running twice a month but only for freight. Sandstorms frequently block the tracks and cause severe delays.

By car [ edit ]

From ancient times people have been travelling through Pakistan using the Grand Trunk Road and the Silk Road that run through Pakistan and into the Indian subcontinent . It's a rewarding but time consuming way to see this part of the world. New highways have been developed and the country is due for an expansion in its highway network. A world-class motorway connects the cities of Peshawar , Islamabad , Lahore , Multan and Faisalabad but drivers' behaviour is still poor and capriciously policed.

From China : Pakistan is connected to China by the Karakoram Highway , a modern feat of engineering that traverses a remarkably scenic route through the Karakoram and Himalayan mountains. Plans are in place for this highway to be expanded from its current width of 10 m to 30 m as a result of the increase in trade traffic due to Gwader port opening.

From Afghanistan :

• The Khyber Pass connects Peshawar to Jalalabad and Kabul . This was considered closed to foreign tourists for many years, but since 2017 it is theoretically open and there have been some reports of successful crossings from Afghanistan to Pakistan. An armed escort and a permit to travel through the tribal regions are both required between Peshawar and the border (or vice versa). Onward travel (on the Afghanistan side) from the border to Kabul is of extremely questionable and oft-varying safety, check the current situation locally.
• The Bolan Pass connects Quetta to Kandahar and is considered very dangerous . This route is not open to foreign tourists, and is only open to locals and aid workers.

By bus [ edit ]

From India : There is international bus service running from Delhi to Lahore , which includes meals for ₹2400 . You cannot buy the ticket on the spot, rather you will need to show up a few days before at Delhi Gate with photocopies of your Pakistani and Indian visas. The bus leaves at 06:00 but you will need to be at Delhi Gate at 04:00 to check in. Tourists report that is just as fast, much more flexible, and much cheaper to take the journey by stringing together local transport and crossing the border on foot.

From China : You can take a bus from Kashgar over the Karakoram Highway to Pakistan.

From Iran : Via the Mijva border in Iran which is half an hours drive from Zahedan . The Pakistani border town is called Taftan and has facilities of immigration, customs, hotels, etc. Paramilitary police are likely to make foreigners ride in the bed of one of their pickups from Taftan to Quetta rather than taking a bus at this time. There is an overnight stop in Dalbandin.

Get around [ edit ]

Getting around Pakistan has become much easier with the completion of some motorways, and an increase in private airlines. Whilst the cities are well covered, roads in rural areas are not, with many minor roads missing - Google Maps in particular has a worrying habit of marking dried up river beds as minor roads, so if you're exploring out in the sticks, it's a good idea to use Google Earth to double check your route.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) serves numerous domestic destinations and is the only airline to serve the three airports in the north of interest to trekkers or climbers: Chitral , Gilgit , and Skardu . There are usually two flights from Islamabad to these cities daily, but they are often cancelled due to bad weather, and often over-booked — show up early to guarantee a seat.

Other domestic carriers include SereneAir and Airblue .

Pakistan Railways provides passenger rail service. The stations tend not to have their timetables in English, but sales agents can usually explain everything to you. There are several different classes of fares depending on amenities.

Air-Conditioned Sleeper class is the most expensive class, where the fares are almost at par with airfares. Bedding is included with the fare and this air-conditioned coach is present only on popular routes between Karachi to Lahore. The sleeper berths are extremely wide and spacious and the coaches are carpeted.

A large portion of travel between cities in Pakistan is carried out by bus. Travel by bus is often the cheapest and most convenient alternative. The Daewoo company runs a regular bus service between several major cities, with air-conditioned buses and seats booked one day ahead. While rather inexpensive, they are still almost five times as expensive as the cheap and uncomplicated rides offered by minibuses or larger buses between the major bus stations of the cities. On the regular bus services, fares are often (though not always) paid directly on the bus, there is no air-conditioning, and sometimes very little knee space, but you get where you are going all the same. You'll also probably benefit from kind interest and friendly conversation on many rides. Buses leave almost incessantly from the major bus stations for all the major cities, and many smaller locations, so booking ahead is neither possible nor necessary on the simpler buses. When travelling between major cities, smaller buses are to be preferred over the larger ones, as the larger ones tend to pick up passengers along the way and, therefore, travel more slowly.

The situation is similar for local transport. While the organization of local transport may look a little different between cities, there is usually an active bus service running throughout each city, with varying levels of government control.

You can purchase bus tickets online with the Bookkaru booking engine.

Major bus companies operating intercity buses in Pakistan are Faisal Movers , Skyways & Niazi Express .

In Pakistan, traffic is left-hand drive and the traffic culture is very different from the West. The 350 km of highway between Islamabad and Lahore is in good condition, but most of the road network is in poor condition compared to roads in the West. Traffic can be dangerous and chaotic. Many drivers do not have a driving licence or insurance. Avoid driving after dark.

See [ edit ]

Pakistan's attractions range from the ruins of civilisations such as Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila, to the Himalayan hill stations, which attract visitors not only from across the country but also from all over the world who are interested in winter sports and natural beauty. Pakistan is home to several mountain peaks over 7,000 m, especially K2 and is a hotspot for adventurers and mountaineers. Along with natural beauty, the northern part of the country also offer ancient architecture such as old fortresses. The Hunza and Chitral valley are home to small pre-Islamic Animist Kalasha communities claiming descent from Alexander the Great, while the romance of the historic Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is timeless and legendary. Punjab province has the site of Alexander's battle on the Jhelum River and the historic city of Lahore. Lahore is Pakistan's cultural capital, with many examples of Mughal architecture such as Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, the Tomb of Jahangir and the Lahore Fort. The cultural and physical diversity of Pakistan should have advanced it into a tourist hot spot for foreigners, but numbers have diminished in this century due to security fears and low standards of service and cleanliness.

Post-independence Pakistan retained its heritage by constructing various sites to commemorate its independence by blending various styles and influences from the past.

World Heritage Sites [ edit ]

Pakistan has six major cultural sites that are categorised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include:

• Archaeological ruins of the Indus Valley Civilization at Moenjodaro .
• 1st Century Buddhist Ruins at Takht-i-Bahi and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol.
• The ruins of Taxila from the Gandhara Civilization
• The Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens in Lahore .
• Historic Monuments of the ancient city of Thatta.
• The ancient fort of Rohtas.

Natural attractions [ edit ]

Pakistan is a profound blend of landscapes varying from plains to deserts, forests, hills, and plateaus ranging from the coastal areas of the Arabian Sea in the south to the mountains of the Karakoram range in the north. Pakistan's northern areas especially Gilgit-Baltistan and Northern side of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are full of natural beauty and include parts of the Hindu Kush, the Karakoram Range, and the Himalayas. This area has some of the world's highest mountain includes such famous peaks as K2 (Mount Godwin Austen, at 8,611 m, the second highest mountain in the world). Five peaks over 8,000 m, many over 7,000 m, and the largest glaciers outside the polar region. More than one-half of the summits are over 4,500 m, and more than fifty peaks reach above 6,500 mPakistan's administered Azad Kashmir is rich in natural beauty. Its snow-covered peaks, forests, rivers, streams, valleys, velvet green plateaus and climate varying from Arctic to tropical, join together to make it an excellent tourist attraction. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is known as the tourist hotspot for adventurers and explorers. The province has a varied landscape ranging from rugged mountains, valleys, hills and dense agricultural farms. Pakistan has some 29 national parks.

Cultural and historical attractions [ edit ]

Popular monuments in Pakistan are:

• Pakistan Monument
• Minar-e-Pakistan
• Quaid-e-Azam Residency
• Tomb of Muhammad Iqbal
• Mazar-e-Quaid

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

In Pakistan, there are museums from archaeological and historical to biographical, from heritage to military, from natural history to transport – nearly every big city has a museum worth visiting. The highest concentrations of these museums are found in the largest cities, but none compare to Lahore, home to Lahore Museum. Karachi also has an array of some good museums, including the National Museum of Pakistan, State Bank of Pakistan Museum & Art Gallery, MagnifiScience Centre, PAF Museum and Pakistan Maritime Museum. For those looking out for a transport museum, Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum in Islamabad is a major attraction.

Do [ edit ]

Pakistan is a world class destination for trekking and hiking. Gilgit-Baltistan is a "mountain paradise" for mountaineers, trekkers, and tourists. The region has some of the world's highest mountains, including five peaks over 8,000 m, many over 7,000 m, and the largest glaciers outside the polar region.

Horse riding is also very affordable. Cycling opportunities abound.

For water-based activities fans, Karachi is the only place in the country to head for. From snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, fishing, and even cruise dining.

You can also shop to your heart's content, in massive range of markets and bazaars without worrying about your budget, as a survey found Karachi as the world's most cheapest city.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

The national currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani rupee , denoted as Rs (ISO code PKR ). The rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular: paisa). "5 rupees 75 paise" would normally be written as Rs "5.75". It is always good to have a number of small bills on hand, as merchants and drivers sometimes have no change. A useful technique is to keep small denomination notes (Rs 10-100) in your wallet or in a pocket, and to keep larger denomination notes (Rs 500-5,000) separate. Then, it will not be obvious how much money you have. Many small merchants will claim that they don't have change for a Rs 500 or 1,000 note. This is often a lie so that they are not stuck with a large note. It is best not to buy unless you have exact change.

Coins are issued in denominations of Rs 1, 2, 5 and 10. Coins are useful for buying tea, for beggars, and for giving exact change for bus fare or auto-rickshaw. Banknotes come in denominations of Rs 10 (green), 20 (orange green), 50 (purple), 100 (red), 500 (deep green), 1,000 (dark blue), and 5,000 (mustard). There is also a Rs 75 banknote, but is treated more as a collector's item than as circulating currency.

ATMs exist in most areas but only very few accept international cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa. Look out for Standard Chartered Bank as this is one of the rare exceptions. (December 2022)

Changing money [ edit ]

It's usually best to get your foreign currency converted to rupees before you make purchases (of course that's only applicable if you're planning to buy with cash not a credit card). A number of licensed currency exchange companies operate, and a passport might be required as an identification document but this requirement is often ignored. Currency exchange shops can easily found in major shopping areas. Be sure to say the amount you wish to exchange and ask for the 'best quote' as rates displayed on the board are often negotiable, especially for larger amounts.

Most large department stores and souvenir shops, and all upmarket restaurants and hotels accept major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa cards. Some small shops will want to pass on their 2-3% merchant charge to you. In many cities and towns, credit cards are accepted at retail chain stores and other restaurants and stores. Small businesses and family-run stores almost never accept credit cards, so it is useful to keep a moderate amount of cash on hand.

Rates for exchanging rupees overseas are often poor, although places with significant Pakistani populations (e.g. Dubai) can give decent rates. Try to get rid of any spare rupees before you leave the country.

Most ATMs will dispense up to 50,000 in each transaction. HBL, MCB Bank, National Bank of Pakistan and United Bank, all are the biggest bank in Pakistan and have the most ATMs. They accepts most of the international cards at a nominal charge. International banks like Standard Chartered have a significant presence in major Pakistan cities. It is always worthwhile to have bank cards or credit cards from at least two different providers to ensure that you have a backup available in case one card is suspended by your bank or simply does not work work at a particular ATM.

Counting [ edit ]

Pakistanis commonly use lakh and crore for 100,000 and 10,000,000 respectively. Though these terms come from Sanskrit, they have been adopted so deeply into Pakistani English that most people are not aware that they are not standard in other English dialects. You may also find non-standard, although standard in Pakistan, placement of commas while writing numerals. One crore rupees would be written as 1,00,00,000, so first time you place a comma after three numerals, then after every two numerals. This format may puzzle you till you start thinking in terms of lakhs and crores, after which it will seem natural.

Shopping [ edit ]

Pakistan, and particularly Karachi, features in surveys as one of the cheapest places in the world to shop. It has a wide range of markets and bazaars and things to buy without worrying about blowing your budget:

• Textiles and Garments such as garments, bed linen, shirts, T-shirts are cheaply available in shops. Many world renowned brands such as Adidas, Levis, Slazenger, HangTen, Wal-Mart etc. get their products prepared from Faisalabad which has one of the largest textile industries in the world. You can get a pair of Levis jeans (or many other good brand) at reasonable prices ranging between Rs 1,400-2,500.
• Leather goods , such as shoes, jackets and bags are also a speciality of Pakistan. Go to Sputnik, Shoe Planet, Servis, Metro, Gap shoes, Lotus, Step-in, Jaybees for best quality shoes at low prices.
• Sports goods such as cricket bats, balls, kits, footballs, sports wear and almost anything related to sports you can imagine. You will not find such high quality equipment at such low cost anywhere else. Sialkot produces 90% of the world’s sports goods and is the largest provider of sports equipment to FIFA for the World cup.
• Musical instruments are produced economically and to high quality in Pakistan. Acoustic guitars cost as little as Rs 2,000.
• Surgical instruments
• Computer accessories
• Chinese goods especially electronics & cameras which are re-exported from Pakistan and are cheaper than other parts of the world.
• Carpets and rugs Pakistan has a long history of carpet production and makes many today for both domestic and export markets.
• Wood carvings such as decorative wooden plates, bowls, artwork, furniture and miscellaneous items.
• Jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets etc. are very inexpensive in Pakistan.
• Gems and handicrafts : (Ajrak from Sindh , Blue pottery from Multan , pottery from Karachi ), glassware, brassware, marble products, crystal works and antiques . Also pashmina, rugs, wool-shawls or wraps , which can cost anywhere between US$15 and US$700. Remember to haggle .
• Books There are Urdu Bazars in every big city in Pakistan.
• Souvenirs such as decorative items from Sea Shells.
• Food stuffs local products, including Swat honey, biscuits and locally made chocolate are of good quality and inexpensive. Go to shops such as Dmart, Makro, Metro, Hyperstar.
• Home accessories
• Kitchen Utensils and Cutlery
• Art lovers should get in touch with a local to take them around. There are many art galleries in Karachi , Lahore , Islamabad that are worth visiting and each will offer a completely different range of artwork, style and pricing. All should be visited if you are an art lover.

In general shops are open 09:00-23:00 in the large cities. They open and close for business earlier in the smaller towns and rural areas.

Bargaining [ edit ]

In Pakistan, you are expected to negotiate the price with street hawkers but not in department stores. If not, you risk overpaying many times, which can be okay if you think that it is cheaper than at home. In most of the big cities, retail chain stores are popping up where the shopping experience is essentially identical to similar stores in the West. Although you will pay a little more at these stores, you can be confident that what you are getting is not a cheap knockoff. The harder you bargain , the more you save money. A few tries later, you will realise that it is fun.

Often, the more time you spend in a store, the better deals you will get. It is worth spending time getting to know the owner, asking questions, and getting him to show you other products (if you are interested). Once the owner feels that he is making a sufficient profit from you, he will often give you additional goods at a rate close to his cost, rather than the common "foreigner rate". You will get better prices and service by buying many items in one store than by bargaining in multiple stores individually. If you see local people buying in a store, probably. you can get the real Pakistani prices. Ask someone around you quietly, "How much would you pay for this?"

Costs [ edit ]

Most visitors will find Pakistan quite cheap, although it is noticeably more expensive than neighbouring Afghanistan. Karachi is also generally more expensive than the rest of the country. At the other end of the spectrum, luxury hotels and air fares are comparatively affordable, with even the fanciest 5-star hotels costing less than Rs 20,000/night.

Tipping is considered a good practice in Pakistan. Hotel porters, taxi drivers, delivery men will appreciate a small tip if you have been provided with exemplary service.

Eat [ edit ]

Pakistani cuisine is a refined blend of various regional cooking traditions of South Asia. Pakistani cuisine is known for its richness, having aromatic and sometimes spicy flavors, and some dishes often contain liberal amounts of oil which contributes to a richer, fuller mouthfeel and flavour. Food in Pakistan is a blend of Mughal, Afghan, Central Asian and Persian influences. There is a good chance that you'd have tasted it in your country, as Indian food and Pakistan food often served together in a restaurant. Cuisine in Pakistan varies greatly from region to region. The "Pakistani food" served by many so-called Pakistani or Indian restaurants in the Western hemisphere is inspired by specifically Mughlai cuisine, a style developed by the royal kitchens of the historical Mughal Empire, and the regional cuisine of the Punjab, although degree of authenticity in relation to actual Mughlai or Punjabi cooking is sometimes variable at best and dubious at worst. Within Pakistan, cuisine varies greatly from region to region, reflecting the country's ethnic and cultural diversity. Food from the eastern provinces of Punjab and Sindh and Mughlai cuisine are similar to the cuisines of Northern India and can be highly seasoned and spicy with vegetarian options, which is characteristic of the flavours of the South Asian region. Food in other parts of Pakistan, particularly Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, involves the use of mild aromatic spices with more meat and more oil, similar to the cuisines of neighbouring Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia. Due to Muslim beliefs, pork is a banned item in Pakistan and is neither consumed nor sold.

Pakistani main course foods which mostly consist of curry dishes are eaten with either flatbread – also called wheat bread – or rice. Salad is generally taken as a side dish with the main course, rather than as an appetizer beforehand. Assorted fresh fruit or sometimes desserts are consumed at the end of a meal. Meat plays a much more dominant role in Pakistani food compared to other South Asian cuisines. According to a 2003 report, an average Pakistani consumed three times more meat than an average Indian. Of all the meats, the most popular are goat or mutton, beef and chicken, particularly for kebab dishes or the classic beef shank dish nihari. Seafood is generally not consumed in large amounts. Food tends range from mild to spicy depending on where you are and who your cook is. So state your preference before beginning to eat. In general, most of the food that you find in the high end hotels is also available in the markets (but European-style food is generally reserved for the former).

Pakistani food has a well-deserved reputation for being hot, owing to the Pakistani penchant for the liberal use of a variety of spices, and potent fresh green chilis or red chili powder that will bring tears to the eyes of the uninitiated. The degree of spiciness varies widely throughout the country: Punjab food is famously fiery, while Northern Areas cuisine is quite mild in taste.

To enjoy the local food, start slowly. Don't try everything at once. After a few weeks, you can get accustomed to spicy food. If you would like to order your dish not spicy, simply say so. Most visitors are tempted to try at least some of the spicy concoctions, and most discover that the sting is worth the trouble.

Cuisine [ edit ]

Cuisine in Pakistan varies greatly from region to region. Culinary art in Pakistan comprises a mix of Iranian, Afghan, Indian, and Central Asian influences that reflect the country's history as well as the variation of cooking practices from across the country. Urban centres of the country offer an amalgamation of recipes from all parts of the country, while food with specific local ingredients and tastes is available in rural areas and villages. Besides the main dishes of salan, with or without meat and cooked with vegetables or lentils, there are a number of provincial specialities such as karahi, biryani, and tikka, in various forms and flavours, eaten alongside a variety of breads such as naan, chapati, and roti.

Pakistani cuisine is a blend of cooking traditions from different regions of the Indian subcontinent, originating from the royal kitchens of sixteenth-century Mughal emperors. It has similarities to North Indian cuisine, although Pakistan has a greater variety of meat dishes and tends to use oil as opposed to ghee. Pakistani cooking uses large quantities of spices, herbs and seasoning. Garlic, ginger, turmeric, red chilli and garam masala are used in most dishes, and home cooking regularly includes curry. Chapati, a thin flat bread made from wheat, is a staple food, served with curry, meat, vegetables and lentils. Rice is also common; it is served plain or fried with spices and is also used in sweet dishes.

Varieties of bread [ edit ]

Pakistan is wheat growing land, so you have Pakistani breads (known as roti), including chapatti (unleavened bread), paratha (pan-fried layered roti), naan (cooked in a clay tandoori oven), puri (deep-fried and puffed up bread), and many more. A typical meal consists of one or more gravy dishes along with rotis, to be eaten by breaking off a piece of roti, dipping it in the gravy and eating them together. Most of the Pakistani heartland survives on naan, roti, rice, and lentils (dal), which are prepared in several different ways and made spicy to taste. Served on the side, you will usually find spiced yogurt (raita) and either fresh chutney or a tiny piece of exceedingly pungent pickle (achar), a very acquired taste for most visitors – try mixing it with curry, not eating it plain.

Pakistanis eat breads made of wheat flour as a staple part of their daily diet. Pakistan has a wide variety of breads, often prepared in a traditional clay oven called a tandoor. The tandoori style of cooking is common throughout rural and urban Pakistan and has strong roots in neighboring Iran and Afghanistan as well.

The types of flatbread (collectively referred to as Naan) are:

• Naan - A soft and thick flat bread that often requires special clay ovens (tandoor) and cannot be properly made on home stoves. Typically leavened with yeast and mainly made with white flour. Some varieties like the Roghani and Peshwari may also be sprinkled with sesame seeds. Naans are seldom, if ever, made at home since they require tandoor based cooking and require prep work. Numerous varieties of plain as well as stuffed naans are available throughout Pakistan and each region or city can have their own specialty. Naan is a versatile bread and is eaten with almost anything. For instance, 'saada naan' or 'plain naan' are often served with Sri-Paya (Cow's head and totters) or Nihari (slow cooked beef stew) for breakfast in many parts of the country. It is recognized by its larger, white exterior.
• Roti - These are extremely popular all over Pakistan. Tandoori rotis are baked in a clay oven called tandoor and are consumed with just about anything. In rural Pakistan, many houses have their own tandoors while the ones without use a communal one. In urban Pakistan, bread shops or "nanbai"/"tandoor" shops are fairly common and supply fresh, tandoor baked breads to household customers as well. A homemade bread that doesn't have as much flavor as naan. It is a cheap alternative that is ready in minutes.
• Chapatti - A homemade bread, much thinner then naan and usually made out of unrefined flour, and which is ready in minutes. Most common bread made in urban homes where a tandoor is not available. Chapatis are cooked over a flat or slightly convex dark colored pan known as 'tava'. Chapatis are made of whole wheat flour and are thin and unleavened. Tortillas are probably the most common analogous to chapatis, though chapatis are slightly thick. A variant, known as 'romali roti' (lit: handkerchief bread) is very thin and very large in size.
• Paratha - An extremely oily version of the roti . Usually excellent if you're going out to eat, but beware of health concerns; often it is literally dripping with oil because it is meant to be part of a rich meal. Paratha is more declicious if you cook it in pure oil like "desi ghee". A flat, layered bread made with ghee and generally cooked on a 'tava'. However, a 'tandoor' based version is also common in rural areas. Parathas are very similar to pastry dough. Parathas most likely originated in the Punjab where a heavy breakfast of parathas with freshly churned butter and buttermilk was commonly used by the farmers to prepare themselves for the hard day of work ahead. However, parathas are now a common breakfast element across the country. Along with the plain layered version, many stuffed versions such as 'Aloo ka Paratha' (Potato Stuffed Parathas), 'Mooli ka Paratha' (Radish stuffed parathas) and 'Qeemah stuffed paratha' (Ground meat stuffed paratha) are popular.
• Sheer Mal - This is a slightly sweetened, lightly oiled bread that has waffle-like squares punched in it. It is often considered the most desirable bread and is a delicacy to most people. Often paired with nihari. Another breakfast version of sheermal is very much like the Italian Panettone (albeit in a flat naan-like shape) with added dried fruits and candy. It is a festive bread prepared with milk ('sheer') and butter with added candied fruits. Sheermal is often a vital part of food served in marriages, along with taftan. It is often sweetened and is particularly enjoyed by the kids.
• Taftan - Much like the 'sheer mal' but with a puffed-up ring around it. This is a leavened flour bread with saffron and small amount of cardamom powder baked in a tandoor. The Taftan made in Pakistan is slightly sweeter and richer than the one made in neighboring Iran.
• Kulcha - This is a type of naan usually eaten with chickpeas and potatoes and mostly popular in urban centres of Punjab.
• Roghani Naan - (lit. Buttered Naan) It is a preferred variety of Naan sprinkled with white sesame seeds and cooked with a small amount of oil.
• Puri - This is a breakfast bread made of white flour and fried. Typically eaten with sweet semolina halwa and/or gravy (made out of chickpeas and potatoes). Puri is a fairly urban concept in Pakistan and puris are not part of rural cuisine anywhere in Pakistan. However, Halwa Puri has now become a favored weekend or holiday breakfast in urban Pakistan where it is sometimes sold in shift carts or in specialty breakfast shops.

As you might have noticed, 'Naan' is usually used to pick up liquid and soft foods like shorba in curries and beans. Forks and knives not commonly used during meals in Pakistan (unless someone is eating rice or is dining out). Attempting to cut a naan with a knife may elicit some amusement around you. Watching others may help.

There are too many shorbas, or sauces/soups, to enumerate.

Vegetarian dishes [ edit ]

Popular and commons veg dishes are:

• Daal - Yellow (made of yellow/red lentils) or brown (slightly sour) lentil "soup". Usually not very spiced. Common to all economic classes.
• X + ki sabzi - A vegetarian mixture with 'X' as the main ingredient.

Other dishes include Aloo gobi, Baingan, Karela, Bhindi and Saag

Pulses/lentil dishes [ edit ]

Various kinds of pulses, or legumes, make up an important part of the Pakistani dishes. While lentils (called daal), and chick peas (called channa) are popular ingredients in homestyle cooking, they are traditionally considered to be an inexpensive food sources. Because of this reason, they are typically not served to guests who are invited for dinner or during special occasions. Combining meat with lentils and pulses, whether in simple preparations or in elaborate dishes such as haleem, is also a distinctively Pakistani touch not commonly seen in neighbouring India where a substantial number of its population are vegetarians.

• Haleem - Thick stew-like mix of tiny chunks of meat or chicken, lentils and wheat grains.

Rice dishes [ edit ]

Pakistan is a major consumer of rice. Basmati is the most popular type of rice consumed in Pakistan. Rice dishes are very popular throughout Pakistan. The rice dishes are sometimes eaten mixed with other dishes. The most simple dish of Pakistani cuisine is Plain cooked rice (Chawal) eaten with Dal (Lentil). Khichdi is Plain cooked rice cooked with Dal. The Karhi chawal is Plain cooked rice eaten with Karhi.

Biryani is a very popular dish in Pakistan, is cooked with pieces of beef, lamb, chicken, fish or shrimp. and has many varieties such as Lahori and Sindhi biryani. Tahiri, which is also a form of vegetarian biryani, is also popular. All of the main dishes (except those made with rice) are eaten alongside bread. To eat, a small fragment of bread is torn off with the right hand and used to scoop and hold small portions of the main dish. Pickles made out of mangoes, carrots, lemon, etc. are also commonly used to further spice up the food. Biryani smells more nice from the saffron and other seasonings added. In the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, feasts using mountains of spiced rice combined with pieces of slowly roasted lamb are often served for guests of honour. These kind of pulaos often contain dried fruit, nuts, and whole spices such as cloves, saffron and cardamom. Such rice dishes have their origins in Central Asia and the Middle East.

Dishes made with rice include many varieties of pulao:

• Murgh pulao - Chicken and stock added. Creates a brown rice.
• Yakhni pulao - Meat and stock added. Creates a brown rice.
• Matar pulao - Pulao made with peas.
• Maash pulao - A sweet and sour pulao baked with mung beans, apricots and bulghur (a kind of roughly milled cracked wheat). Exclusively vegetarian.
• Biryani (Most Popular)

Meat dishes [ edit ]

Meat plays a much more dominant role in Pakistani cuisine compared to the other South Asian cuisines and is a major ingredient in most of the Pakistani dishes. The meat dishes in Pakistan include: bovine, ovine, poultry and seafood dishes. The meat is usually cut in 3 cm cubes and cooked as stew. The minced meat is used for Kebabs, Qeema and other meat dishes. Of all the meats, the most popular are goat or mutton, beef and chicken and is particularly sought after as the meat of choice for kebab dishes or the classic beef shank dish nihari. The meat dishes are also cooked with pulses, legumes and rice.

Tandoori chicken, prepared in a clay oven called a tandoor, is probably the best-known Pakistani dish originated in Pakistani Punjab.

The variety is endless, but here are a few examples:

• Roasted Chicken (whole) - A whole chicken roasted locally known as 'charga' locally.
• Aloo Gosht (Potatoes and Meat) - Chunks of potato and goat meat in gravy. Levels of spice vary. One example of a generic dish that includes most things + Gosht(meat).
• Nihari- Beef simmered for several hours. A delicacy often eaten with Nan , Sheer Mal , or Taftan . Few people will have this available without spice. Eat with lemon, fried onion and caution: it is one of the spiciest curries. Thick gravy made from local spices. Is made with both chicken and beef. Is oily and spicy. Available mostly everywhere.
• Paye - or 'Siri Paye' is a stew of goat/beef/mutton bones (typically hooves, skull) and bone marrow. Extremely nutritious and generally eaten for breakfast with naan. Very, very wet salan, often served in a bowl or similar dish. Eat by dipping pieces of naan in it, maybe finishing with a spoon. Can be hard to eat.
• Korma is a classic dish of Mughlai origin made of either chicken or mutton, typically eaten with nan or bread and is very popular in Pakistan.

Barbecue and kebabs [ edit ]

Meat and grilled meat has played an important part in Pakistan region for centuries. Sajji is a Baluchi dish from Western Pakistan, made of lamb with spices, that has also become popular all over the country. Another Balochi meat dish involves building a large outdoor fire and slowly cooking chickens. The chickens are placed on skewers which are staked into the ground in close proximity to the fire, so that the radiant heat slowly cooks the prepared chickens. Kebabs are a staple item in Pakistani cuisine today, and one can find countless varieties of kebabs all over the country. Each region has its own varieties of kebabs but some like the Seekh kebab, Chicken Tikka, and Shami kebab are especially popular varieties throughout the country. Generally, kebabs from Balochistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tend to be identical to the Afghan style of barbecue, with salt and coriander being the only seasoning used. Regional kebab recipes from Karachi and the wider Sindh region is famous for its spicy kebabs, often marinated in a mixture of spices, lemon juice and yogurt. Barbecued food is also extremely popular in some cities of Punjab such as Lahore, Gujranwala and Sialkot.

Pakistani cuisine is rich with different kebabs. Meat including beef, chicken, lamb and fish is used in kababs. Some popular kebabs are:

• Chicken Tikka - Barbequed chicken with a spicy exterior. Looks like a huge, red chicken leg and thigh. For all meat lovers. Is available most anywhere.
• Seekh Kebab - A long skewer of minced beef mixed with herbs and seasonings.
• Shami Kebab - A round patty of seasoned beef and lentils, softer than seekh kababs.
• Chapli Kebab - A spicy round kabab that is a specialty of Peshawar.
• Chicken Kabab - A popular kabab that is found both with bone and without.
• Lamb Kabab - The all lamb meat kabab is usually served as cubes.
• Bihari kebab - Skewer of beef mixed with herbs and seasoning.
• Tikka kebab - A kebab made of beef, lamb or chicken, cut into cubes, marinated with a yogurt blend and grilled on coals.
• Boti kebab - A kebab made from fillet of meat. Sometimes marinated with green papaya to help tenderize the meat.
• Shawarma - It is usually a kebab or lamb strips in a naan with chutney and salad.
• Shashlik - Grilled baby lamb chops (usually from the leg), typically marinated

Other dishes include Chargha, Dhaga kabab, Gola kebab, Reshmi kebab and Sajji.

Desserts [ edit ]

Popular desserts include Peshawari ice cream, Sheer Khurma, Kulfi, Falooda, Kheer, Rasmalai, Phirni, Zarda, Shahi Tukray and Rabri. Sweetmeats are consumed on various festive occasions in Pakistan. Some of the most popular are gulab jamun, barfi, ras malai, kalakand, jalebi, and panjiri. Pakistani desserts also include a long list of halvah such as Multani, sohan halvah, and hubshee halvah.

Kheer made of roasted seviyaan (vermicelli) instead of rice is popular during Eid ul-Fitr. Gajraila is a sweet made from grated carrots, boiled in milk, sugar, green cardamom, and topped with nuts and dried fruit and is very popular in the country during winter season.

• Enjoy a variety; ice cream can be found in an abundance of flavours such as the traditional pistachio flavoured Kulfi;
• Falooda is tasty rosewater dessert and is a popular summer drink throughout the country. Traditional ice-cream known as 'kulfi' mixed with vermicelli, pistachio nuts and flavored with rose-water. Most ice-cream shops have their own versions.
• Shirini or Mithai: is the generic name for a variety of sweet treats in Pakistan. The sweets are extremely popular in Pakistan and called different things depending on where you go. Eat small chunks at a time , eating large pieces can be rude and will generally be too sweet.
• Kulfi is a very traditional made ice-cream mixed with cream and different types of nuts.
• If you want to go to some ice-cream parlours, there are some good western ice-cream parlours in Lahore like "Polka Parlor" "Jamin Java" "Hot Spot". For traditional ice creams, the 'Chaman' ice cream parlour across town is quite popular.
• Halwa is a sweet dessert. Halwa comes in different styles such as made of eggs, carrots, flour or dry fruits. The halwas are made from semolina, ghee and sugar, garnished with dried fruits and nuts. Carrot halwa (called gaajar ka halwa) is also popular, as is halva made from tender bottle gourds and split chickpeas. Karachi halva is a speciality dessert from Karachi,
• Firni or Kheer is similar to vanilla custard though prepared in a different style. the Sohan Halwa is also famous in the country. Equally famous is Habshi halwa, a dark brown milk-based halwa.
• Gulab jamun – a cheese-based dessert. It is often eaten at festivals or major celebrations such as marriages, on happy occasions and Muslim celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr.

Apart from local restaurants, international fast food chains have also popped up throughout Pakistan. They include, KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Subway, Nandos, Mr.Cod, Papa Johns, Dominoes etc. There are more European chains than North American.

Snacks (Pakistani fast food) [ edit ]

Pakistani snacks comprise food items in Pakistan that are quick to prepare, spicy, usually fried, and eaten in the evening or morning with tea or with any one of the meals as a side-dish. A given snack may be part of a local culture, and its preparation and/or popularity can vary from place to place. These snacks are often prepared and sold by hawkers on footpaths, bazaars, railway stations and other such places, although they may also be served at restaurants. Some typical snacks are dahi bhala, chaat, chana masala, Bun kebab, pakora, and papar. Others include katchauri, pakoras-either neem pakoras or besan (chickpea) pakoras,gol gappay, samosas—vegetable or beef, bhail puri or daal seu and egg rolls. Nuts, such as pistachios and pine nuts, are also often eaten at home. These snacks often smaller than a regular meal, generally eaten between meals.

Other [ edit ]

• Chicken Manchurian is the most popular dish with pieces of stir fried chicken served in a red ketchup based sauce. It is normally served with Egg or chicken fried rice. Basmati is the most common form of rice used.
• Chinese soup - Chicken corn soup and hot and sour soup are ubiquitous in restaurants, homes and on TV. these are served with staples such as vinegar (sirka) and chili pepper.
• Noodles - Chicken chowmein and Chopsuey are popular. Their method of cooking employs hearty use of soy sauce, ajino moto, vinegar and chilli sauce with vegetables, boneless chicken and/or Keema (minced meat). Oil concentrations are higher than normal Chinese noodles.

Pakistani condiments [ edit ]

Popular condiments used in Pakistani cuisine:

• onion chutney
• tomato chutney
• cilantro (coriander leaves) chutney
• mint chutney
• tamarind chutney (Imli chutney)
• mango (keri) chutney (made from unripe, green mangos)
• lime chutney (made from whole, unripe limes)
• garlic chutney made from fresh garlic, coconut and groundnut
• mango achar
• lemon achar
• carrot achar
• cauliflower achar
• green chilli achar
• garlic achar
• gongura achar
• Hyderabadi pickle

• Raita – a cucumber yogurt dip

Etiquette [ edit ]

In Pakistan eating with your hand (instead of cutlery like forks and spoons) is very common. There's one basic rule of etiquette to observe, particularly in non-urban Pakistan: use only your right hand. Wash your hands well before and after eating, of course.

For breads for all types, the basic technique is to hold down the item with your forefinger and use your middle-finger and thumb to tear off pieces. The pieces can then be dipped in sauce or used to pick up bits before you stuff them in your mouth. Unlike India, a spoon is commonly used in Pakistan for eating rice dishes.

Drink [ edit ]

Tap water is unsafe for drinking. However, some establishments have water filters/purifiers installed, making it safe to drink. Ask for bottled water, and make sure that the cap's seal has not been broken. Some unscrupulous vendors reuse old bottles and fill them with tap water. Bottled water brands like Aquafina (by PepsiCo) and Nestle are widely available and costs Rs 80 for a 1.5 litre bottle. Ask for bottled water wherever possible, and avoid anything cold that might have water (ice) in it. In semi-urban or rural areas, it may be advisable to ask for boiled water.

Try a local limca cola, which makes a "pop" sound when opened. Pakola, Pakistan's premier soft drink brand, is available in many unusual flavours. Try a Lassi, a classic yoghurt drink served either plain or sweet and sometimes flavoured or even fused with fresh fruit. Rooh-Afza, a red-coloured, sweet, herbal drink. Sugar Cane Juice – which is extracted by mechanical force – is best when served fresh. You might also love the Falouda and Gola Ganda, which include various kinds of syrups in crushed ice.

• Both black and green tea (Sabz chai or qahvah) are common and are traditionally drunk with cardamom and lots of sugar. Lemon is optional but recommended with green tea.
• Kashmiri chai (Pink Tea), a traditional tea beverage from Kashmir, is a milky tea with pistachios, almonds and nuts added to give additional flavour. This tea is very popular during weddings, special occasions and in the cold season.
• Coffee is also available in all cities.

In the warmer southern region, sweet drinks are readily available throughout the day. Look for street vendors that have fruits (real or decorations) hanging from their roofs. Also, some milk/yogurt shops serve lassi . Ask for meethi lassi for a sweet yogurt drink and you can also get a salty lassi which tastes good and is similar to the Arabic Laban if you are having "bhindi" in food or some other rich dish. There is also a sweet drink called Mango Lassi which is very rich and thick, made with yogurt, mango pulp, and pieces of mango.

Alcohol (both imported and local) is available to non-Muslim foreigners at off licenses and bars in most top end hotels. The local alcoholic beer is manufactured by Murree Brewery (who also produce non-alcoholic beverages including juices). It is prohibited for Muslims to buy, possess or consume alcohol in Pakistan. There is a huge black market across the country and the police tend to turn a blind eye to what is going on in private. In Karachi and other parts of Sindh, the alcohol can be purchased from designated liquor shops. If you are a foreigner and looking for alcohol, you can contact the customer service department at Murree Brewery for assistance by telephone at. +92 051-5567041-7.

Tea varieties [ edit ]

Pakistanis drink a great deal of tea, which is locally called chai in most Pakistani languages and everywhere you can get tea from one variety or another. Both black with milk and green teas are popular and are popular in different parts of Pakistan. It is one of the most consumed beverages in Pakistani cuisine. Different regions throughout the country have their own different flavours and varieties, giving Pakistani tea culture a diverse blend.

• In Karachi, the strong presence of Muhajir cuisine has allowed the Masala chai version to be very popular.
• Doodh Pati Chai is thick and milky. It is made by cooking tea leaves with milk and sugar and sometimes cardamom for fragrance. Extremely sweet, this is a local variation of a builder's tea. It is more preferred in Punjab.
• "Sabz chai" and "kahwah", respectively. Kahwah is often served after every meal in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pashtun belt of Balochistan and with saffron and nuts in Kashmir.
• Sulaimani chai is black tea served with lemon.
• Kashmiri chai or "noon chai", a pink, milky tea with pistachios and cardamom, is consumed primarily at special occasions, weddings, and during the winter when it is sold in many kiosks.
• In northern Pakistan (Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan), salty buttered Tibetan style tea is consumed.

Biscuits are often enjoyed with tea.

Beverages [ edit ]

Besides tea, there are other drinks that may be included as part of the Pakistani cuisine. All of them are non-alcoholic as the consumption of alcohol is prohibited by Islam. During the 20th century, drinks such as coffee and soft drinks have also become popular in Pakistan. It is very common to have soft drinks nowadays with Pakistani meals.

• Lassi - Milk with yoghurt, with an either sweet or salty taste. Lassi is a traditional drink in the Punjab region
• Gola ganda - Different types of flavours over crushed ice
• Sugarcane juice (Ganney ka ras) – In summer, you can get fresh sugarcane juice in many places and even a lot of fresh fruit juice varieties. Be careful as fresh juice may contain many germs besides unhygienic ice. The juice vendors do not always clean their equipment properly and do not wash the fruits either.
• Lemonade (Nimbu pani)
• Sherbet (A syrup mixed in water)
• Sikanjabeen - Lemonade (Mint is also added)
• Almond sherbet
• Sherbet-e-Sandal - Drink made with the essence of sandal wood
• Kashmiri chai/Gulabi chai - a milky tea known for its pink colour, with an either sweet or salty taste
• Sathu - Famous drink from Punjab
• Thaadal - A sweet drink from Sindh
• Sardai - Mixture of different nuts and kishmish.
• Sattu - famous drink in lahore

Alcohol [ edit ]

Drinking alcohol is generally frowned upon. Murree Brewery is the only reputable maker of Pakistan's beer brand which is widely available throughout Pakistan. Karachi is very lax towards alcohol with wine shops where one can get any brand of liquor.

Sleep [ edit ]

Pakistan, as a middle income country with a sizeable middle class and a significant domestic tourism industry, has a decent range of hotels covering all price ranges. International tourists are often disappointed by the cleanliness of Pakistani hotels - bedding is often clean but bathrooms can be a bit grungy. Pakistan is facing a significant slump in international tourist numbers; in the northern areas in particular you'll often find yourself the only guest.

Budget The cheapest hotels are usually found around busy transport hubs like bus and train stations. Don't be fooled by an impressive lobby - ask to see the room and check the beds, toilets, lights, etc, before checking in. Hot water and air conditioning will be luxuries in this class.

Mid range covers a wide spectrum of hotels - often listed in your guide book or on-line. All mid-range places will have a/c and hot water - although check if they have a working generator - air conditioning isn't of much use without electricity! Always check the room before handing over any money - ask for a no smoking room away from the street - and haggle to get a better rate. PTDC (government run) hotels fall in to the mid range section and warrant a special mention - often these places are the oldest hotel in town, in an excellent location, but the facilities will be showing their age. They are still a good option however, and discounts can be negotiated. Mid range prices are Rs2,000 - 6,000 per night.

Top end covers the Serenas , Pearl Continentals and Marriotts . The Serena hotels are almost always excellent, whilst the Pearl Continental hotels are more patchy (e.g. the one in Rawalpindi is a bit grungy whilst the one in Muzaffarabad is very nice. At top-end places, security is very visible with small armies of security guards stationed around the perimeter. Prices are from Rs 6,000, with the big city luxury hotels charging at least Rs 10,000 a night.

Government rest houses are mentioned in numerous guide books and are located in rural and mountainous areas for local civil servants to use on their travels, with many built pre-independence and exuding a quaint English charm. Previously the adventurous tourist could book these places for the night for Rs1,000 or so, and have a lovely time. But the tourist slump means that the forestry departments who run these places don't bother any more - phones will go unanswered - tourist information offices won't have any details etc, so count yourself lucky if you manage to arrange to stay in a Government rest house.

Solo female travellers are at a disadvantage when it comes to hotels. All budget and many mid-range places will be the sole reserve of men, in particular in the cities - and hotel owners may be uncomfortable with the idea of an unaccompanied women staying at their hotel. Hence you may be forced to stay at the upper-mid range and top end places - which will eat through your budget that much quicker. In some places the term "hotel" is reserved for simpler establishments, with "guest house" referring to medium-sized establishments where the standard is typically higher. Restaurants are also called "hotels", creating a fun potential for confusion.

Stay safe [ edit ]

In an emergency, call the police by 15 from any landline phone. To get an ambulance, dial 115 and 1122 from any landline or mobile phone.

Several extremist movements are active in the country, including the Pakistan So-called Taliban Movement (TTP), which seeks to destabilise the country's governance through terrorist attacks, most of which target Pakistani authorities, but also civilian targets such as schools, mosques, churches and mass gatherings.

Terrorists and organised crime have occasionally taken people hostage. As economic hardship has increased and pandemics, price rises and summer devastation have pushed people into poverty, conventional crime has increased, especially in large cities.

In big cities, there can be large gaps in security between the 'better off' areas and those inhabited by the less well-off. Be vigilant and avoid walking in the dark.

Westerners should avoid staying near mosques, especially during Friday afternoon prayers and major religious holidays. Some mosques are well protected and well-known tourist attractions, while others are dominated by radical movements. Check the local security situation before visiting.

Terrorism [ edit ]

Pakistan has endured several bomb attacks against security forces and so called western institutions (e.g. the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad), and has seen the public assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto upon her return from exile. These attacks have decreased significantly since 2014 due to successful military operations against terrorists. For the ordinary traveller, Pakistan has a tradition of hospitality that has been subverted by perceptions of 'Western' unfairness. Social protests tend to turn violent and political demonstrations are always sensitive. Before travelling you should check with your embassy about off-limits areas, the latest political and military developments and keep an close eye on current issues with independent news sources.

Stay away from military convoys as they are a potential target for suicide bombing. Similarly, going near military or intelligence facilities can be dangerous.

Carrying firearms can land you in police custody, except if you get a special permit from a relevant authority.

Sensitive areas [ edit ]

The line of control between Azad Kashmir and the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir is off-limits for foreign tourists, though domestic tourists can visit Azad Kashmir without any restriction, but should keep their identity cards with them.

The former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Northwest Pakistan and all regions near the sensitive Afghan border should not be visited at any time by foreign tourists, as the Pakistan government has little to no authority in these areas and cannot aid you in an emergency . If you do have reason to visit, seek expert guidance, including that of your embassy, who can advise you on the special permissions required.

Balochistan is considered dangerous and not fit for travellers due to increased kidnappings of foreigners.

The rules regarding sensitive areas and No Objection Certificates (NOCs), Note Verbal s and other permissions and paperwork some in officialdom deem necessary for your to travel around the country are ever-changing. The most notorious NOC regulation is for foreigners to enter Kashmir, with the intention being so the security services can keep track (i.e. follow) foreigners to make sure they don't visit places they shouldn't. Outside Kashmir diplomats are the primary user of NOCs and theoretically the normal tourist should be exempt. However those in officialdom can view all foreigners with suspicion and demand an NOC when you step of a plane or out of a bus. NOCs need to be applied for through the Ministry of Interior, however if you are travelling on a non-diplomatic passport you should be fine - but its good to be aware of this nonetheless.

You may see road signs in English saying 'no foreigners allowed beyond this point', for example on the road to Kahuta near Islamabad. If you see and need to pass one of these signs, at the very least stop at the nearest police station and see if they will let you pass (speaking Urdu is an advantage here), or turn back and find another route. Typically, restricted areas are those with nuclear or military installations nearby. Kahuta, southeast of Islamabad, and the Sakesar hill station near the Amb temples in the Salt Range are two restricted areas the visitor may stumble across. Getting caught in a restricted area will mean a lot of wasted time, embarrassment and arrest.

Dangerous drivers [ edit ]

African countries typically top the list of road fatalities per 100,000 motor vehicles, but few countries in Asia are able to beat Pakistan's score in 2010 of 383.

Pakistan has a high number of fatal traffic collisions and the World Health Organization estimated 30,131 deaths on its roads in 2010.

Drivers are reckless and scoff at laws and what would be common courtesies in other countries. Their philosophy of "might is right" often leads to horrendous crashes between trucks and trucks & buses.

Sexuality [ edit ]

Prostitution has no legal recognition in Pakistan.

Homosexuals should be very cautious in Pakistan, as homosexuality remains a crime in Pakistan and punishments can be severe. Pakistani law criminalizes "unnatural carnal intercourse" that includes homosexuality, and those convicted can be jailed for 10 years. Arrests are not common for homosexuality, as evidenced by a vibrant gay nightlife existing in many metropolitan areas.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Pakistan is a significantly cleaner and more orderly country compared to neighboring India, but it still has lower hygiene standards than that of Western nations.

Visitors are strongly advised to refrain from drinking tap water ; many Pakistani locals themselves drink boiled or purified water. Take every precaution to drink only boiled, filtered or bottled water. Tap water is known to contain many impurities. Ice is usually made from regular tap-water, and may be even harder to avoid. Fresh milk from the carrier should be boiled and cooled before consumption. Non-pasteurized dairy can spread tuberculosis, which might be the cause of those hacking coughs you hear on the street. Nestle Milk Pack, Haleeb Milk, Olpers, and others are trusted brands and are available at most grocery stores.

Take precautions against both dengue fever and malaria , which are both spread by mosquitoes . The first and most effective way is to avoid getting bitten, but if you plan to stay in a place where malaria is common, you will need to take prophylactic medicines such as Proguanil , doxycycline, or mefloquine. The risk of getting malaria decreases with higher altitudes and is usually negligible above 2500m.

No prophylaxis or cure is available for dengue fever. It is prevalent during summer, especially during the monsoon (July to September) and can be fatal. It is caused by mosquitoes that bite during the day and the most widespread outbreaks of dengue are expected in Punjab province.

In the summer it gets very hot, so stay hydrated. Temperatures may rise to 50°C in June and July. But, as soon as monsoon rains set in during Aug-Sept months, it cools to around 30°C - but with high levels of humidity.

Do not eat food that has been lying out for some time, as high temperatures speed up deterioration. Avoid posh but unfrequented restaurants.

Some Pakistani dishes can be very spicy! Always notify your host, cook or waiter if you cannot tolerate very spicy food.

Respect [ edit ]

Despite sharp political differences, Pakistan and India share a common culture; the various respect tips found in the India article will come in handy during your visit.

The culture has a strong tradition of hospitality. Guests are often treated extremely well. Pakistanis pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality to guests ( mehmanawazi in Urdu). Nonetheless, Pakistan does not see many foreigners and there is some insularity as well; consequently foreigners may be occasionally regarded with suspicion and attract stares. But in general, Pakistanis are warm, friendly and generous individuals with a strong interest in foreigners and other cultures.

Thanks to the traditionally close and friendly diplomatic relationship between China and Pakistan, Chinese people may find themselves being exceptionally welcomed by Pakistanis.

Religion and rituals [ edit ]

• Discussion about religion should always remain respectful and positive – A number of Pakistanis are strongly religious, and negative talk about religion can very easily elicit some strong responses.
• If at all possible, try not to schedule meetings during Ramadan. The workday is shortened, and since Muslims fast, they will not be able to offer you tea, which is a sign of hospitality. Meetings are also not scheduled during prayers. Also refer to travelling during Ramadan if you must do so.
• Remember to remove your shoes when entering a religious building. There are dedicated areas where your footwear may be stored for a small fee in shrines while in mosques, there may be racks to store the shoes but where they're not available, you can leave them where others do. Women aren't generally allowed to visit mosques in Pakistan so they shouldn't, with some exceptions, but where they do, they must wear very modest clothes (long skirts and shawls to cover the body as well as sleeves and legs), and cover their heads with a headscarf or such like. Men should also wear modest clothes, not shorts as it is considered rude. Mosques are sometimes off-limits to non-Muslims so it is always better to inquire with someone at the mosque before entering.
• Pakistanis, by and large, are neutral communicators. Although Pakistanis try to be respectful and courteous in social situations, words are often taken at face value. It's important to be explicitly clear and upfront about what you intend to say as euphemisms, idiomatic language, and the like may be misunderstood.
• Direct personal questions (based on your personal life, salary, education, and lifestyle) are commonly asked. To Pakistanis, it's not considered impolite, but rather it's a way to get to know someone fully. In some cases, you may find others giving you advice on whatever it is you're doing, either warranted or unwarranted. Don't feel annoyed or irritated by this as Pakistanis don't intend to patronise or pull you down in any way. If you feel the question was too personal, simply give an indirect answer and move along.
• Family values are highly revered by many Pakistanis, and respect for the elderly is immense. Passing unwarranted comments about someone's family life won't win you friends or praise, and similarly, it's not considered good form to criticise someone much older than you.
• As in all countries in South Asia , you will often be showered with tea, sweets, snacks, and gifts when entering someone's home. Do not refuse any of these as it is likely to offend your hosts.
• You'll often be encouraged by your hosts to take second helpings ad infinitum. If so, take it as a form of respect as it may leave a good impression on your hosts. Cleaning your plate will invite more to be served, while leaving too much may be a sign you didn't care for it. Aim for leaving just a little, announcing you're full, and heavily praising the food.
• Never show up to someone's home empty handed. You don't have to provide an incredibly expensive gift, but a simple gift such as sweets will leave a good impression on your hosts.
• Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands and giving or receiving everything (including money), and reserve your left hand for handling shoes and assisting in toilet duties.
• People of opposite sex do not shake hands when they greet each other. It is sometimes usual among men to put the left hand on your chest (heart) when shaking hands. In urban Pakistan and in some other parts of the country, men and women usually lower their head and lift their hand to their forehead to make the "adab" gesture when greeting each other. Men should never shake hands with or touch a woman they don't know very well.
• Business and operations tend to move slowly, and will often be preceded by chit-chat, family meetings, and the like. Keep your calm, as showing frustration and/or rushing to the point can be seen as rude, and even humorous.
• Pakistan people generally dress conservatively, although in metropolitan cities more liberal attire can be seen. It is advisable for women to wear long skirts or trousers in public. It is not mandatory for women to wear hijab or abaya . Pakistani women wear the traditional shalwar kameez . In the big cities, women wearing jeans and khakis is not an unusual sight, especially in casual settings, shopping malls and around picnic spots. Dress codes for men are more lax, though shorts are uncommon. Females dressing immodestly may attract unwanted attention from men.
• Do not take photographs of people without their consent. As in all Muslim-majority countries, people place a high value on personal privacy. Also, taking photographs in non-tourist areas may be met with suspicion.
• It is considered rude to introduce yourself to strangers; it is generally advisable to ask some mutual acquaintance to introduce you. Strangers will speak with each other in the "formal" register of Urdu, and using the familiar register will be seen as very rude. When being introduced to elders or strangers while seated it is customary to get up as a sign of respect and It is advisable to ask a person how they wish to be addressed.
• Pakistanis will consider themselves obliged to go out of their way to fulfill a guest's request and will insist very strongly that it is no inconvenience to do so, even if it is not true. This of course means that there is a reciprocal obligation on you as a guest.
• At a business lunch or dinner, it is usually clear upfront who is supposed to pay, and there is no need to fight. But if you are someone's personal guest and they take you out to a restaurant, you should offer to pay anyway, and you should insist a lot. Sometimes these fights get a little funny, with each side trying to snatch the bill away from the other, all the time laughing politely. If you don't have experience in these things, chances are, you will lose the chance the first time, but in that case, make sure that you pay the next time. (and try to make sure that there is a next time.) Unless the bill amount is very large do not offer to share it, and only as a second resort after they have refused to let you pay it all.
• The same rule applies when you are making a purchase. If you are purchasing something for yourself, your hosts might still offer to pay for it if the amount is not very high, and sometimes, even if it is. In this situation, unless the amount is very low, you should never lose the fight. Even if by chance you lose the fight to pay the shopkeeper, it is customary to practically thrust (in a nice way, of course) the money into your host's hands.
• These rules do not apply if the host has made it clear beforehand that it is his or her treat, especially for some specific occasion.

Things to avoid [ edit ]

Pakistanis will understand that you are not fully aware of what's considered appropriate/inappropriate in their country, and they will usually be tolerant of your blunders. This said, you should avoid doing the following during your stay in the country.

• Avoid being overly enthusiastic about India . The two countries have had a hostile, strained, often violent history, which has culminated in millions of deaths and refugees. Attempting to compliment or say anything that could be perceived as positive about India can evoke a strong response from some Pakistanis. Don't be afraid to inquire about the Indo-Pakistani relationship, but bear in mind that it can result in a very heated, often emotional, conversation. Keep in mind that most ordinary Pakistanis have nothing against Indian people. Most Pakistanis simply want peace between India and Pakistan.
• Be cautious when discussing politics . Pakistan is a politically troubled country. Social protests tend to turn violent and political demonstrations are almost always sensitive. As a visitor, you'll note how ardently political the Pakistanis are, and you may be exposed to a breadth of political opinions both publicly and privately. This said though, you could immediately be seen as uninformed if you do not follow Pakistani news closely. Don't hesitate to engage in political discussions, but it's worth mentioning that being a visitor puts you in a delicate position.
• Be cautious when discussing the Pakistani military . The military is highly venerated in the country, and criticising anything about it may be met with dismay by some.
• Kashmir is a particularly sensitive subject which many Pakistanis have strong views about. The issue of converting Gilgit-Baltistan into a full-fledged province is a particularly touchy subject and this has, in the past, often evoked strong responses. Inquiries into the Kashmir conflict can be met with fierce, passionate, or even hostile debates depending on your views. Some Pakistanis may voice their support for certain Kashmiri militant groups (particularly Jaish-e-Mohammed) and may react with dismay if you call them terrorist organisations.
• Although the insurgency movement in Balochistan has simmered down, some, if not all of the inhabitants of the region, advocate for separation from Pakistan.

Connect [ edit ]

The country code for Pakistan is +92 if you are calling from outside the country. Phone numbers are seven digits long with a two-digit city code in larger districts, and six digits long with a three-digit city code in smaller districts, for a total of nine digits as a standard nationwide (except for Azad Kashmir ). All mobile numbers, however, are seven digits long and begin with a four digit network code "03XX", where XX indicates the cellular provider. Thus Pakistani mobile numbers are linked to one particular cellular provider, NOT one particular city as in North America. Therefore the city prefix should not be dialled in addition to the cellular prefix. As in many countries, omit the initial zero when dialling a city or cell code from outside Pakistan and prefix the '92' country code after dialling your country's international access code. Thus Telenor cell number 765 4321 dialled from the USA/Canada would be 011 92 345 765 4321 and Peshawar landline 234-5678 dialled from France or the UK would be 00 92 91 234-5678.

The international access code for outgoing calls from Pakistan is 00.

PTCL offers landline and wireless phone services.

Public Call Offices can be found all over the country. You will find a PCO in nearly 50% of the general stores where there is usually someone who operates the phone and fax. Fees will be charged according to the time spent, and you will pay when you have finished your call.

Cell phone [ edit ]

Major providers of mobile phone service (GSM) are:

• Zong - China Mobile

One very convenient feature is that all Pakistani cellular operators use the GSM platform, so that cellular handsets nationwide are freely interchangeable between providers.

Cell phones were considered as a status symbol a few years ago but, since 2002, the telecommunications industry has experienced a bit of a boom. These days you can hardly find a single person in the country without a personal cell phone. There are various service providers offering a huge variety of plans. Among them are Jazz, Warid Telecom, Telenor, Ufone & Zong (China Mobile). It's not a bad idea to buy a cell phone and use a prepaid plan to get yourself connected while you are in the country. The mobile phones and the prepaid plans are very cheap; you can usually get a new cheap cell phone just for Rs 2,000 and a prepaid connection for Rs 150-400.

Due to security threats, in order to purchase a SIM card you will need to provide formal identification such as visas, resident permits and residing address in Pakistan along with a written declaration that you will not use the provided phone number for any illegal activity. Starting March 2015, possession of an unverified SIM will be considered a serious and punishable crime.

Internet [ edit ]

Cybercafes can be found on virtually every street corner and the rates are as low as Rs 40-50 per hour. The vast majority of computers are still limited to either Windows XP or Windows 7, so patience is necessary for more modern websites. Most of the cafes have a decent speed internet connection.

Internet Access can be obtained easily on notebook computers with the help of GPRS enabled mobile connections, supported by almost all of the five mobile operators. Jazz provides 3G and 4G based connection in urban areas of the country, Telenor' s also provides services in 3G to most of the urban parts of country. The standard price of GPRS/EDGE usage is Rs 10-18 per MB of data transferred but Zong offers Rs 15/h. If you wish to download much more, you may want to use unlimited packages, provided only by all networks. World Call and Ufone also offers a USB Modem. 3G and 4G based connections are also available from all the mobile service providers.

Wateen, WiTribe, and Qubee are WiMax internet providers. National telecommunication company PTCL offers a USB EVo device for very fast internet connections.

There are Wi-Fi hotspots all over Pakistan, in hotels, malls, and cafes/restaurants.

The first time 5G was ever tested was in Pakistan. 5G service will be commercially available in the country after November 2022.

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Tourism in Pakistan

Overview of tourism in pakistan / from wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, dear wikiwand ai, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:.

Can you list the top facts and stats about Tourism in Pakistan?

Summarize this article for a 10 year old

Tourism in Pakistan is a growing industry. [1] In 2010, Lonely Planet termed Pakistan "tourism's 'next big thing'". The country is geographically and ethnically diverse, and has a number of historical and cultural heritage sites. Condé Nast Traveller ranked Pakistan The Best Holiday Destination for 2020 [2] and also declared it the third-highest potential adventure destination in the world for 2020. [2] As security in the country improves, tourism increases; in two years, it has increased by more than 300%. [3] The Pakistani government had launched online visa services for 175 countries [4] and 50 countries were offered visa on arrival, [5] making visiting Pakistan easier. The country received an influx of travel vloggers , who promoted the characteristics of the country, such as in the Northern Pakistan , like Hunza and Skardu . [6]

In 2018, the British Backpacker Society ranked Pakistan the world's top adventure travel destination, describing the country as "one of the friendliest countries on earth, with mountain scenery that is beyond anyone's wildest imagination". [7] Forbes ranked Pakistan as one of the ‘coolest places’ to visit in 2019. [8] The World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report placed Pakistan in the top 25 percent of global destinations for its World Heritage Sites , which range from the mangroves in the Indus delta to the Indus Valley civilization sites including Mohenjo-daro and Harappa . [9]

According to the World Economic Forum 's Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Pakistan's GDP in 2015 was US$328.3 million, constituting 2.8% of the total GDP. [10] According to the World Travel and Tourism Council , the direct contribution of travel and tourism to Pakistan's GDP in 2016 was Rs.   793 billion (equivalent to Rs.   4.0   trillion or US$14   billion in 2021) , constituting 2.7% of the total GDP. [11] By 2025, the government predicts tourism will contribute Rs.   1 trillion (US$3.5   billion) to the Pakistani economy . [12]

In October 2006, one year after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake , The Guardian released a list of "the top five tourist sites in Pakistan" to help the country's tourism industry. [13] The sites included Lahore , the Karakoram Highway , Karimabad and Lake Saiful Muluk . To promote the country's cultural heritage, in 2007, Pakistan launched the "Visit Pakistan" marketing campaign that involved events including fairs, religious festivals, regional sporting events, arts and craft shows, folk festivals and openings of historical museums. [14]

In 2013, over half a million tourists visited Pakistan, contributing $298 million; these figures have since risen to over 6.6 million tourists in 2018. [15] By comparison, Pakistan's domestic tourism industry is estimated at 50 million tourists who travel in the country on short trips usually between May and August. [16] The largest inflow of tourists are from the United Kingdom, followed by the United States, India and China. [17] [18]

Pakistan Travel Guide

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Tourism in Pakistan

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Tourism in Pakistan has a lot of potential. But why is this industry so important and what does it all mean? Read on to find out…

Pakistan, positioned at the crossroads of South and Central Asia, is a burgeoning presence in the global tourism industry. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range to the historical cities of Lahore and Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan presents a tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, I’ll navigate the intricacies of Pakistan’s tourism sector, highlighting its rich heritage, scenic beauty, and the efforts in place to foster its growth. Join me as we journey through the multifaceted allure of Pakistan.

Geography of Pakistan 

Pakistan is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest, and China to the northeast. The country’s coastline runs along the Arabian Sea, and it shares maritime borders with Oman and Iran. With an area of approximately 796,000 square kilometres, Pakistan is the 33rd largest country in the world. The country is also home to some of the highest peaks in the world, with the Himalayas in the north and the Karakoram range in the northwest.

The geography of Pakistan is quite diverse, with different landscapes and features found throughout the country. In the north, the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges are home to a number of high peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The Indus River, which is one of the longest rivers in the world, flows through the country from north to south and is a vital source of water for irrigation and hydropower.

In the east, the Thar Desert covers parts of the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. The desert is home to a unique ecosystem, with a variety of flora and fauna adapted to the arid climate. The coastline along the Arabian Sea is also an important feature of Pakistan’s geography, with several important ports located along the coast.

Pakistan is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and droughts, which can have a significant impact on the country’s population and infrastructure. The 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan, for example, killed over 80,000 people and caused widespread destruction, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness and response measures.

Overall, the geography of Pakistan is an important factor in shaping the country’s economy, culture, and society. The country’s diverse landscapes and natural resources provide opportunities for agriculture, tourism, and energy production, while also posing challenges in terms of infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and disaster management.

Tourism Industry in Pakistan

Tourism industry in Pakistan has a lot of potential due to the country’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage. Despite this, tourism has historically been underdeveloped in the country, although there has been a recent push to increase investment in the industry. Pakistan offers a range of attractions for tourists, including historical sites, stunning landscapes, and friendly people.

One of the most famous tourist destinations in Pakistan is the northern region, which is home to some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, such as K2 and Nanga Parbat. These mountains attract mountaineers and trekkers from around the world who come to challenge themselves and enjoy the stunning views. Additionally, the region is known for its scenic valleys, including Hunza, Skardu, and Chitral, which offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the people living in the area.

Pakistan also has a rich cultural heritage that can be traced back thousands of years. Historical sites such as the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro and the Mughal-era Badshahi Mosque in Lahore attract tourists interested in history and architecture. Additionally, the vibrant street culture and delicious cuisine of Pakistan are popular with tourists who want to experience the local way of life.

Despite these attractions, tourism in Pakistan faces a number of challenges, including security concerns and poor infrastructure. However, the government is taking steps to address these issues, such as investing in tourism infrastructure, improving security for tourists, and promoting the country’s image abroad.

Pakistan has a lot to offer tourists, and the tourism industry has the potential to be a significant contributor to the country’s economy. With the right investment and policy measures, Pakistan can attract more tourists and showcase its unique attractions to the world.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Pakistan

Pakistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse geography that offers a variety of attractions for tourists. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Pakistan are:

The Northern Region: The northern region of Pakistan is famous for its stunning landscapes and mountainous terrain. The region is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2 and Nanga Parbat, as well as picturesque valleys such as Hunza, Chitral, and Skardu. Tourists come to the northern region for trekking, mountaineering, and to experience the traditional way of life of the local people.

Lahore: Lahore is the cultural capital of Pakistan and is home to many historical and cultural landmarks. One of the most famous landmarks in Lahore is the Mughal-era Badshahi Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world. Other attractions in Lahore include the Lahore Fort, Anarkali Bazar, and the Walled City of Lahore.

Islamabad: Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and is known for its modern architecture and scenic locations. One of the most iconic landmarks in Islamabad is the Shah Faisal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Pakistan and can house up to 100,000 worshippers. Other attractions in Islamabad include the Margalla Hills, Daman-e-Koh, and Rawal Lake.

Karachi: Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and is known for its vibrant culture and stunning beaches. Some of the most popular attractions in Karachi include Clifton Beach, the National Museum of Pakistan, and the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum.

Mohenjo-Daro: Mohenjo-Daro is an ancient city located in the province of Sindh and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Pakistan. The ruins of the city provide a glimpse into the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which dates back to 2500 BCE.

In conclusion, Pakistan offers a range of attractions for tourists, from stunning mountain ranges and valleys to rich cultural and historical landmarks. These attractions have the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s tourism industry if the infrastructure and security measures are improved to attract more locals and tourists alike.

Popular Types of Tourism in Pakistan

Pakistan offers several types of tourism due to its rich diversity, history, and geography. Some of the popular types of tourism in Pakistan are:

Adventure Tourism: Adventure tourism is a popular type of tourism in Pakistan, thanks to the country’s diverse geography, including high peaks, treacherous passes, high-altitude lakes, and vast deserts. Pakistan’s Northern region, including valleys such as Hunza, Skardu, and Chitral, are popular among tourists interested in trekking, hiking, and mountaineering. The region is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2, Nanga Parbat, and Gasherbrum. Besides trekking and mountaineering, river rafting, paragliding, and skiing are also popular in the northern region.

Religious Tourism: Pakistan is home to several holy sites of different religions. The country’s most famous religious tourist destination is the city of Multan, where Sufi saints are buried. Each year, millions of pilgrims from different parts of the world visit Multan. Similarly, the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore is a popular place of worship for Muslims, while Sikh pilgrims visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal.

Cultural Tourism: Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage with a diverse mix of cultures, religions, and traditions, which makes it an excellent destination for cultural tourism. Pakistan’s cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, are home to many historical landmarks, such as forts, palaces, mosques, and tombs. Additionally, Pakistan’s street markets, bazaars, and cuisine offer a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.

Ecotourism: Pakistan offers many protected areas for wildlife, including national parks and nature reserves. These areas provide opportunities for eco-tourism, such as birdwatching, wildlife safaris, and nature walks. National Parks such as Khunjerab and Margalla Hills National Park attract tourists interested in nature and wildlife.

In conclusion, Pakistan offers diverse types of tourism, ranging from adventure and cultural to religious and eco-tourism, due to its diverse geography, rich heritage, and striking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking adventure, adventure, and spiritual fulfilment. The potential for Pakistan’s tourism industry to grow further can only be increased by promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices while providing better host infrastructure and safety measures.

Economic Impacts of Tourism in Pakistan

Tourism has the potential to bring strong economic benefits to Pakistan. By creating jobs, supporting local businesses and promoting cultural exchange, the industry can boost the country’s economy. Some of the key economic impacts of tourism in Pakistan are:

Employment Generation: Tourism creates jobs in many sectors such as hospitality, food and beverage, transportation, and entertainment. The sector provides direct employment to tour guides, hotel staff, and artisans, among others. Furthermore, the industry generates indirect employment in related sectors such as construction, farming, and manufacturing.

Business Development: The tourism industry benefits local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and transportation services. Small businesses such as souvenir shops and handicraft dealers gain from an increase in tourist activity as they cater to tourists looking for local products and gifts. This increased business often leads to numerous entrepreneurial opportunities that help develop remote and rural areas.

Foreign Exchange Earnings: Tourism is a significant source of foreign exchange earnings for Pakistan. Tourist spending generates revenue for businesses, and foreign exchange earnings from the sector contribute to economic growth through increased exports and import substitution. This increased revenue can help balance the country’s trade deficit, which can contribute to better currency stability and foreign reserves.

Improved Infrastructure: Tourism plays a significant role in infrastructure development, especially in remote and rural areas. Improved infrastructure such as roads, airports, and accommodations, among others are required for boosting tourist activity, which in turn can benefit the entire population by improving the area’s connectivity and transportation facilities.

Promoting Cultural Exchange: Tourism promotes cultural exchange, showcasing local cultures, customs, and traditions, which also promotes social cohesion between visitors and locals. The interaction between tourists and the local community can create an environment that fosters mutual respect and understanding of each other’s lifestyles and cultures.

In conclusion, the tourism sector provides a range of economic benefits, including the creation of employment opportunities, business development, foreign exchange earnings, infrastructure development, and promoting cultural exchange that can impact Pakistan’s development positively. By investing in the tourism industry, Pakistan can leverage its rich heritage, culture, and geography to promote tourism that can benefit the entire country.

Social Impacts of Tourism in Pakistan

In addition to economic benefits, tourism in Pakistan can also have significant social impacts. The sector can promote cultural exchange, social interaction, and create opportunities for local communities. However, tourism can also have negative social impacts, such as increased crime or exploitation of local residents. Some of the key social impacts of tourism in Pakistan are:

Promotion of Cultural Exchange: Tourism in Pakistan promotes cultural exchange, which is beneficial for both tourists and locals. Visitors can learn about the local culture through interactions with people, experiences of cultural traditions, and trying local food. These interactions can increase cultural awareness and promote mutual respect between people from different backgrounds.

Preservation of Local Traditions: Tourism in Pakistan can contribute to the preservation of local traditions, as they help maintain the cultural heritage of local communities, such as folk music, dance, and art. Visitors can support local artisans and craftspeople, by purchasing their products or participating in cultural shows or events that celebrate the local culture.

Improved Social Infrastructure: Tourism development can lead to improved social infrastructure, such as healthcare and education, for the local population. The development of the tourism industry can encourage private sector investment in such areas, leading to social progress and sustainable growth in local communities.

Increased Awareness of Environmental Issues: The tourism industry can raise awareness of environmental issues and promote responsible tourism practices. Living locally, tourists learn about the impacts of littering, deforestation, and pollution on local ecosystems, which as a result, can inspire them to practise responsible and sustainable practices.

Potential for Negative Impacts: However, the tourism industry also has the potential to negatively impact local communities, such as the exploitation of residents and their cultural and social extinction. Additionally, tourism can lead to increased crime, overcrowding and inappropriate behaviour that can negatively affect the community’s values, customs and traditions.

Tourism in Pakistan can provide significant social benefits by promoting cultural exchange, preserving local traditions, improving social infrastructure, and increasing awareness of environmental issues. However, its negative impacts such as social exploitation, cultural erosion, and increased crime rates need to be carefully monitored and addressed to ensure maximum social benefits for both visitors and local communities.

Environmental Impacts of Tourism in Pakistan

The tourism industry provides many socio-economic benefits, but it can also have significant environmental impacts on Pakistan’s ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and natural resources. Significant developments can result in deforestation, water pollution, and the degradation of the ecosystem, which can negatively impact the local ecosystem and wildlife. Some of the key environmental impacts of tourism in Pakistan are:

Resource Consumption: Tourism in Pakistan can lead to the excessive consumption of natural resources like water, energy, and timber. In areas with limited resources, tourist development can result in water shortages and energy outages, taking a toll on the surrounding ecosystems and harming the local community’s livelihoods.

Deforestation and Land Use: Tourist development can result in the clearing of forests and the destruction of habitats due to the construction of resort facilities, roads, and other infrastructure, risking biodiversity and the depletion of natural resources. Overdevelopment can also lead to soil erosion, habitat fragmentation, and the displacement of wildlife.

Waste Generation: Tourism in Pakistan can generate significant amounts of waste, including plastic waste and food waste. Improper waste management can lead to environmental pollution, posing serious risks to ecosystems, marine life, and public health.

Climate Change: Tourism in Pakistan is a significant contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to transportation, and energy consumption. As a result, touristic development can contribute to climate change which can have negative impacts on the country’s ecosystems and natural resources, such as increasing temperatures, changing weather patterns, and sea-level rise.

Marine Life: Pakistan’s 1,064 km coastline and associated marine ecosystems provide a significant attraction for tourists. However, unrestrained touristic development like land-based pollution, and overfishing, compromise marine ecosystems and negatively impact local communities reliant on the sea for their subsistence, livelihoods, and tourism services.

Effective sustainable management and mitigation practices can help reduce these impacts of tourism in Pakistan, and the industry can adopt sustainable tourism practices such as responsible waste management, water conservation, and renewable energy. This can help minimise the negative environmental impact of tourism and protect the local ecosystem, wildlife and natural resources.

In conclusion, the tourism industry has significant environmental impacts on Pakistan’s delicate ecosystems, natural resources, and wildlife habitats. It is essential to preserve Pakistan’s biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of development by using environmentally responsible tourism practices to mitigate the negative impact of tourism on the environment.

FAQs About Tourism in Pakistan

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Pakistan, lets answer some of the most common questions on this topic:

1 – Is Pakistan safe for tourists?

Pakistan is generally safe for tourists as the government has increased security measures in popular tourist destinations. That being said, visitors should exercise caution in certain areas, particularly in border regions and areas known for criminal activity.

2 – What is the best time to visit Pakistan?

The best time to visit Pakistan is typically between the months of October and April when the climate is mild and temperatures are lower. Summers can be hot and humid, particularly in the southern parts of the country.

3 – What should tourists wear in Pakistan?

Tourists should dress modestly, particularly in religious or conservative areas. Women should dress in loose clothing that covers their shoulders and legs, and men should avoid shorts.

4 – What are the main tourist destinations in Pakistan?

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan include Islamabad, the Northern Areas, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan.

5 – What is the currency used in Pakistan?

The currency used in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR).

6 – Is it possible to get a visa for Pakistan on arrival?

Visas are not normally issued on arrival in Pakistan. Tourists must obtain a visa before arriving in the country.

7 – What languages are spoken in Pakistan?

The official language of Pakistan is Urdu, but English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas. Several regional languages are also spoken throughout the country.

8 – What is the cost of travel in Pakistan?

Pakistan is considered to be a budget-friendly destination with many low-cost options for accommodation, food, and transportation. The cost of travel can vary based on individual preferences and the activities that visitors want to experience.

9 – Can tourists purchase alcohol in Pakistan?

Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Pakistan for Muslims and is not readily available for tourists. Visitors can only consume alcohol in designated areas of hotels.

10 – What are the customs and etiquette in Pakistan?

Visitors should respect local customs and traditions in Pakistan, dress modestly, and avoid public displays of affection. Additionally, it is customary to remove shoes before entering a household or mosque, and visitors should respect religious and cultural practices during their stay.

To Conclude: Tourism in Pakistan

Pakistan, with its diverse landscapes ranging from towering mountains to historical sites, offers untapped potential for the discerning traveller. As tourism in the region grows, so too do the challenges and responsibilities of preserving its cultural and natural treasures. For Pakistan to thrive as a sought-after destination, it is imperative to address the multifaceted impacts of tourism. Through sustainable and responsible practices, Pakistan can ensure that its rich heritage and breathtaking vistas remain intact for future generations to explore and appreciate.

If you enjoyed this article about tourism in Pakistan, I am sure you will love these too:

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• Top 10 Interesting Facts About Pakistan

The South Asian country of Pakistan is home to diverse cultures and spectacular landscapes. The tourist destinations in the country range from the ancient cities of the Indus Valley Civilization to the Buddhist ruins of Taxila. There are coastal mangroves in Pakistan as well as several mountains over 7,000 meters tall. From architectural masterpieces to rare wildlife, Pakistan has it all. Here are some fascinating facts about Pakistan!

10. Pakistan Has One Of The World's Highest Paved Roads

The Karakoram Highway is a 1,300 km long national highway linking Hasan Abdal in Pakistan's Punjab province to Khunjerab Pass. The highway further extends into China as the China National Highway 314. It passes through the Karakoram Mountain range and has its highest elevation at 4,714 meters near Khunjerab pass. The Karakoram Highway is a major tourist attraction. It is often called the world's 8th wonder as its construction at such high altitudes was riddled with extreme difficulties. It is one of the highest paved roads in the world.

9. The World's Highest ATM Is Located In Pakistan

The world's highest automated teller machine (ATM) is located in the Khunjerab Pass in Gilgit Baltistan at an elevation of 4693 m. The National Bank of Pakistan owns the ATM. It was installed on November 18, 2016.

8. Pakistan-China Border Hosts The World's Second Tallest Peak

Mount K2, also known as Chhogori or Mount Godwin-Austen, is the world's second tallest peak after Mount Everest. It has an elevation of 8,611 m. It is located on the border between Pakistan and China. K2 is often regarded as the world's most dangerous mountain and nicknamed "the savage mountain." It is said that for every four climbers who attempt to reach the summit of K2, one dies. The extremely steep slopes and the harsh, unpredictable weather conditions make the mountain a death trap for the climbers.

7. An Endangered Subspecies, The Indus River Dolphin, is Found in Pakistan

P. g. minor or the Indus River dolphin is an endangered subspecies of the South Asian river dolphin that is found only in the main channel of Pakistan's Indus River. It is regarded as the national mammal of Pakistan. The eyes of these dolphins cannot for clear images on the retina. They are thus effectively blind. However, the eyes can still serve as a light receptor. Only around 1,500 members of the Indus subspecies were left as per a 2017 population assessment of the South Asian river dolphin.

6. The World's First And Third Longest Glacial System Outside The Polar Region Is In Pakistan

The 67 km long Biafo Glacier meets the 49 km long Hispar Glacier at Hispar La at an elevation of 5,128 m to form the world's third longest glacial system outside the polar regions. The first two spots are occupied by the Siachen Glacier and the Fedchenko Glacier. The former is located on the India-Pakistan border and the latter in Tajikistan. The glaciers of the Biafo Glacier system are located in the Karakoram Mountains of Gilgit Baltistan. They form an icy highway between Baltistan in the east and Nagar in the west. Climbers and trekkers exploring the area live in campsites near the glacier. Wildlife like ibex, markhor, Himalayan brown bears, snow leopards, and others are occasionally seen in the area.

5. Pakistan Has The World's Biggest Earth-filled Dam

The Tarbela Dam located on the Indus River in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the world's biggest earth-filled dam and the largest one by structural volume. The dam is 143 m tall. It forms the Tarbela Reservoir that encompasses an area of 250 square kilometers. The Tarbela Dam was completed in 1976 and is primarily used for hydroelectricity generation.

4. Pakistan Is The Only Nation In The Muslim World To Have Nuclear Weapons

Pakistan is the second in South Asia after India to declare itself as a nuclear-weapons state. It is the only country in the Muslim world to have the status of being a nuclear power.

3. Pakistan Is The First Muslim Majority Country To Have A Female Head Of Government

Benazir Bhutto served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and 1993 to 1996. She was the first woman to lead a government in a Muslim majority nation. Bhutto was a secularist and liberal who was a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party. She belonged to a wealthy aristocratic Pakistani family. Her father Zulfikar was the founder of this party. Unfortunately, she was assassinated in 2007.

2. Mohenjo Daro is Found in Pakistan

One of the biggest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation and one of the oldest major cities in the world, Mohenjo Daro is an archaeological site located in Pakistan's Sindh province. It was founded around 26 to 25th century BCE and abandoned in the 19th century BCE. The site remains buried in the Earth for hundreds of years until it was rediscovered in the 1920s. In 1980, Mohenjo Daro was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Currently, erosion and improper restoration threaten the site.

1. The World's Youngest Nobel Prize Laureate Is From Pakistan

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female and child education rights. She won the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. Malala received global attention when the local Taliban in her native Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan nearly killed her to stop her from fighting against their oppressive imposition of bans on female education. Today, Malala's advocacy has grown into an international movement to save women and children from various atrocities.

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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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Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory June 23, 2023

Pakistan - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to  terrorism . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to: 

• Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to  terrorism  and  kidnapping .
• The immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to  terrorism  and  the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian, as well as local military and police, targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past.

Terrorist attacks continue across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and KP, including the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties.

Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid sometimes changing with little or no notice. There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities, particularly Islamabad, and security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country. While threats still exist, terrorist attacks occur less frequently in major urban areas than other parts of Pakistan.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Pakistan due to the security environment. Travel by U.S. government personnel within Pakistan is restricted, and additional restrictions on movements by U.S. government personnel outside of U.S. diplomatic facilities may occur at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions, which can change suddenly.

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar is unable to provide any consular services to U.S. citizens.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Pakistan. 

If you decide to travel to Pakistan:      

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 
• Remain aware of your surroundings and local events. 
• Vary travel routes and timing, especially for routine trips. 
• Be cognizant of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, government and military institutions, and other locations. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter . 
• Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan. 
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergencies. Review the Traveler’s Checklist . 

Balochistan Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to Balochistan province. Active terrorist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .  

KP Province, including the former FATA – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to KP province, which includes the former FATA. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces. These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel.

Vicinity of Line of Control – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including the Line of Control. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Travelers are advised to confirm the status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. An Indian visa is required to enter India, and no visa services are available at the border.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months beyond the date of arrival

Two blank pages are required for entry and exit stamps

Polio vaccination within one year before travel may be required to exit Pakistan. See Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements below and our Health Abroad page for more information.

Maximum $5,000 per adult per trip with a maximum of $30,000 per adult per calendar year. Minors are limited to half those amounts.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy islamabad.

Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5 Islamabad, Pakistan Telephone: +(92)(51) 201-4000 or +(92)(51) 201-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(92)(51) 201-4000 Fax: +(92)(51) 282-2632 Website: https://pk.usembassy.gov/

U.S. Consulate General Karachi Plot 3-5 New TPX Area, Mai Kolachi Road Karachi, Pakistan Telephone:  +(92)(21) 3527-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(92)(21) 3527-5000 Fax:  +(92)(21) 3561-2420 Website:   https://pk.usembassy.gov/karachi/

U.S. Consulate General Lahore 50, Shahrah-e-Abdul Hameed Bin Badees, (Old Empress Road) near Shimla Hill Circle, Lahore, Pakistan Telephone:  +(92)(42) 3603-4000 Fax:  +(92)(42) 3603-4212 Website:  https://pk.usembassy.gov/lahore/

U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar 11 Hospital Road, Peshawar Cantt.20 Telephone:  +(92)(91) 526-8800 Fax:  +(92)(91) 527-6712 Website:   https://pk.usembassy.gov/peshawar/ **Consular services are not available in Peshawar**

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Pakistan for info rmation on U.S.-Pakistan relations.   

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

The Government of Pakistan requires all travelers age 12 and over to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

All travelers are subject to random COVID-19 testing at all points of entry/exit.  This policy is in effect until further notice and affects all international airports.  U.S. citizen travelers are not exempt from this requirement and may be tested for COVID-19.

Those testing positive for COVID-19 with the rapid test at the point of entry to Pakistan will then have a sample taken for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and be given home isolation instructions.  Travelers should not expect to be returned to their previous destination, nor quarantined at the Port of Entry/Exit.

Requirements for entry and exit:

• Valid passport
• Valid Pakistani visa
• Dual nationals only: National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP)

Obtain your visa at the Pakistani Embassy or a Consulate prior to initiating travel to Pakistan. Visit the  Embassy of Pakistan  website for the most current visa information, and please understand that the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan cannot assist you with Pakistani visa issues. 

All U.S. government employees and immediate family members must follow appropriate procedures for official and personal travel to Pakistan. All official U.S. government travel requests must be submitted via the normal country clearance process and will be limited to mission-critical travel only. U.S. government employees wishing to conduct unofficial travel to Pakistan must contact the appropriate office in their home agency to determine whether there are any limitations or restrictions.

Dual Nationals: Be aware that different visa requirements may apply if you hold both U.S. and Pakistani citizenship. For more information see the Embassy of Pakistan’s information regarding  National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) and Pakistan Origin Cards (POC).

When you travel to Pakistan, you are subject to the laws of Pakistan. If you travel to Pakistan on NICOP or POC cards, you are considered citizens of Pakistan, which may limit the amount of assistance and communication we can provide should you be arrested. For more information see  Government of Pakistan Directorate General of Immigration and Passports .

You must obtain advance permission from local or federal authorities to travel in:

• Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
• Various districts in Azad Kashmir
• Province of Balochistan

Operational and personal security policies for official U.S. government personnel change frequently.

Stay in compliance with Pakistani immigration regulations. If you overstay your visa or violate the terms, you may be detained, arrested, fined, and/or imprisoned. For further details see the  Ministry of Interior website  or call +92-51-920-7290.

Keep copies of your U.S. passport data page, Pakistani visa or ID card, and Pakistan immigration entry stamp with you at all times. Consider downloading these documents to your mobile phone in case of emergency.

Vaccinations: With the exception of COVID-19 vaccination, no routine vaccines are required when entering Pakistan from the United States, but proof of polio vaccination within one year may be required to exit Pakistan. See the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  website for recommended vaccinations and health tips for travel to Pakistan. For further updates, contact the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, telephone: +92-51-910-7307, or email:  [email protected].

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Pakistan.

Find information on  dual nationality,   prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorism:  Extremist groups within Pakistan continue to seek opportunities to attack locations where U.S. citizens and Westerners are known to congregate or visit, including government facilities and public locations, such as schools and universities, shopping malls, markets, hotels, clubs and restaurants, , transportation hubs/stations, minority neighborhoods, and outdoor recreation areas. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates  prohibit personnel from visiting houses of worship. Terrorists also target Pakistani officials, government facilities, security forces, religious minorities and facilities including Sufi shrines, and regularly resort to kidnapping for ransom. Attacks have included armed assaults on heavily guarded sites, including Pakistani military and police installations, and airports. Primary terrorist tactics include suicide operations, gunfire, and bombings (including vehicle-borne explosives and improvised explosive devices), while other actions include but are not limited to assassinations, carjackings, and assaults. The Government of Pakistan maintains heightened security measures, particularly in major cities, and these measures can vary from day to day. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates regularly assess security situations and restrict the movements of official personnel.  

Demonstrations, political rallies, or large religious gatherings intended to be peaceful can become confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We advise U.S. citizens to avoid areas where large crowds of any kind gather. U.S Embassy and Consulate personnel are routinely instructed to avoid areas of any demonstration. During demonstrations or periods of civil unrest, the Pakistani government has in the past disabled cellular telephone and internet service, making it difficult for individuals to contact each other or the U.S. Embassy or Consulates.

Celebratory gunfire may occur at any time but is most likely to occur during wedding celebrations, which are frequent from October to May, and on holidays such as New Year’s Eve. Although the likelihood of being struck is remote, falling rounds can cause injury or death.

We recommend you limit the frequency of travel and minimize the duration of trips to public markets, restaurants, and other public locations. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates prohibit personnel from using public transportation or taxi services. With few exceptions, official visitors are not authorized to stay overnight in local hotels anywhere in the country; we strongly urge you to avoid hotels that do not apply stringent security measures. Depending on ongoing security assessments, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates sometimes place areas such as tourist attractions, hotels, markets, shopping malls, and restaurants off-limits to official personnel. 

Threats to civil aviation in Pakistan are not limited to attacks in which militants target airports. The U.S. government is aware of narcotics smuggled onto flights from Pakistan, which may indicate broader security vulnerabilities at Pakistani airports.

We recommend you follow media coverage of local events and maintain good situational awareness and operational security wherever you travel in Pakistan. If you feel that your life is in danger in Pakistan, we advise you to report the threat to local police authorities and consider immediately changing locations or departing Pakistan.

For more information, see our Terrorism page.  

Crime: All travelers are advised to dress conservatively, with arms and legs covered, and to avoid walking alone. We recommend against travel on the streets late at night. Urban crime can be organized or opportunistic and conducted by individuals or groups. It can include fraud, theft, robbery, carjacking, rape, assault, and burglary. Incidents of crime and levels of violence are higher in low-income residential and congested commercial areas but are seen in wealthier areas as well. Pickpocketing, theft, and larceny are common on buses and trains at all hours of the day.

Take precautions to avoid crime, including:

• locking home and vehicle doors
• hiring a 24-hour guard
• varying routes and schedules
• keeping bags or valuables under your legs away from passing vehicle traffic and ensuring that bag straps are not visible
• traveling in groups
• being accompanied by someone with the ability to speak the local language if you travel outside urban areas
• carrying your mobile phone

If you are assaulted, flee to a safe area and report the situation to local authorities by going directly to a police station or dialing  15 .

Demonstrations  occur frequently.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.  

During demonstrations or periods of civil unrest/heightened security concern, the Pakistani government has in the past disabled cellular telephone and internet service, making it difficult for individuals to contact each other or the U.S. Embassy or Consulates.

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI   pages for information. 

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. 

Report crimes to the local police at 15 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(92)(51) 201-4000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.

Police responsiveness varies widely, and crimes often go unsolved or unprosecuted.

Dual U.S-Pakistani nationals may not be recognized as U.S. citizens by local authorities.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

We can: 

• Help you find appropriate medical care  
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
• Provide a list of local attorneys  
• Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
• Replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy or the Consulates in Karachi or Lahore for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. The U.S. government may not act to circumvent local authorities or advocate for particular outcomes on behalf of private individuals. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates cannot offer “safe haven.”

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

It is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings or structures, particularly sensitive places like military installations, cantonments, and nuclear sites, but the law on this subject is vague and applied inconsistently.

It is illegal to import alcohol into Pakistan without prior coordination with the government and under only under very specific circumstances. Travelers entering Pakistan with alcohol face potentially severe penalties. Additionally, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs could land you immediately in jail and result in severe penalties.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Pakistan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences in local prisons, heavy fines, and sometimes even the death penalty.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Pakistani law enforcement authorities will typically not notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulates if a foreign citizen is arrested or detained, unless you request they do so. Pakistan’s regulations governing the travel of foreign diplomats and the procedures for gaining access to arrested individuals have delayed consular access in the past. In some cases, a consular officer may not be able to visit due to security-related travel restrictions.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information. 

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details : :

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers: Same-sex sexual conduct is a criminal offense in Pakistan. While the government rarely prosecutes cases, society generally shuns lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons, and violence and discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons occur frequently.

The penalty for same-sex relations is a fine, imprisonment (sentences ranging from two years to life imprisonment), or both. No laws protect against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics, and LGBTQI+ persons rarely reveal their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. 

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details. 

Travelers with Disabilities:   The law in Pakistan prohibits discrimination against persons with  physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is unevenly  enforced. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States. The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. The availability of rental, repair, and replacement parts for equipment and devices is limited, especially outside major population areas. Services for persons with disabilities may also be limited outside the largest cities.

Students:   See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .   

Women Travelers:  We often receive reports of U.S. citizens subjected to domestic violence, sexual harassment, verbal abuse, and forced marriage in Pakistan. There are also cases of individuals having their own and their children’s passports confiscated by spouses, parents, or other family members and having their freedom of movement severely restricted. Local police are not consistently responsive to reports of such cases. Nonetheless, if you find yourself in a life-threatening situation, you are encouraged to call the police immediately and follow up with a call to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. We can sometimes connect you with a Pakistani non-governmental organization that may be able to provide assistance.

If you are victimized overseas, you may be entitled to receive compensation for counseling and/or other services such as relocation back to the United States. For further information, visit the  U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women .

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime committed in Pakistan

 See our travel tips for Women Travelers . 

The Government of Pakistan requires travelers age 12 and over be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Basic medical care is available in major Pakistani cities but is limited in rural areas. Facilities in cities vary in quality and range of services and may be below U.S. standards; facilities in rural areas are consistently below U.S. standards. Medical facilities require pre-payment for services, and most do not accept credit cards.

Effective emergency response to personal injury and illness is virtually non-existent in most of Pakistan. Ambulances are few, lack medical equipment, and are not necessarily staffed by medical personnel. Visitors and foreign residents should bring sufficient supplies of prescription and commonly used over-the-counter medications. Many U.S.-brand medications are not available, there is a high incidence of fake pharmaceuticals, and the quality of locally produced medications is uneven. 

A CDC Level 1 Travel Health Notice regarding extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid in Pakistan has been in place since 2018. Review the  Travel Health Notice .

A CDC Level 1 Travel Health Notice regarding global increase in the number of cases of measles including in Pakistan. Review the  Travel Health Notice .  

There is a risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other communicable diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV, in Pakistan. Travelers are urged to use the same cautionary and protective health measures they would in their own country.

For emergency services in Pakistan, dial 15.

We do not pay medical bills.   Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance. 

Medical Insurance:   Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance overseas. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover possible medical evacuation. If you plan to engage in high-risk outdoor activities in Pakistan, it is essential that you engage the services of a travel risk and crisis management provider.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the Government of Pakistan to ensure the medication is legal in Pakistan.

Vaccinations:   Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)  

Air Quality:

Air pollution is a significant environmental problem across Pakistan. Throughout the country, air quality varies considerably by city and fluctuates greatly depending on the season and local weather patterns. We encourage you to consult with your doctor prior to travel and consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you. It is typically at its worst during the winter in Pakistan. Anyone who travels to areas where pollution levels are high is at risk. People at the greatest risk from pollution exposure include:

• Infants, children, and teens;
• People over 65 years of age;
• People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
• People with heart disease; and
• People who work or are active outdoors.

Air quality data for major cities in Pakistan can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s  website .

Water Quality

Throughout Pakistan, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. 

Sanitation in most restaurants is inadequate. Diarrheal illnesses are common. Travelers to Pakistan are at risk for other infectious diseases as well. More information about these illnesses and how to protect against them can be found on the  CDC webpage for Pakistan

Adventure Travel:  Pakistan’s mountains and glaciers make it a tempting destination for adventure enthusiasts. Despite the best efforts of local authorities, assisting visitors lost or injured in such remote areas can be difficult. In recent years, several U.S. citizens, including expert climbers, have lost their lives while climbing in the Karakoram mountain range, where rescue missions are often difficult or impossible to execute. Costs for emergency rescues start at $15,000, and payment is required prior to commencement of a search operation.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Adventure Travel . 

The following diseases are prevalent:

Tuberculosis

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Resources for Travelers  regarding specific issues in Pakistan.   

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: While in Pakistan, you will encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below about Pakistan is provided for general reference only, and it might vary in a particular location or circumstance.

Traffic Laws: Traffic in Pakistan moves on the left; the opposite of U.S. traffic. Roads are crowded, drivers are often aggressive and poorly trained, and many vehicles, particularly large trucks and buses, are poorly maintained. Local drivers may drive head-on in your lane of traffic if they believe it helps them get to their destination more quickly. Animals, horse carts, bicyclists, and pedestrians can pose roadside hazards in some areas. Roads, including most major highways, also suffer from poor maintenance and often have numerous potholes, sharp drop-offs, and barriers that are not sign-posted. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when traveling at night by road, since many vehicles do not have working headlights or dimmers, and many roads are not illuminated or signed. We recommend driving with experienced local drivers or guides.

Public Transportation: Avoid all trains, taxis, and other forms of public transportation or online ride hailing services. For security reasons, U.S. government personnel are prohibited from using all forms of public transportation. See the  Safety and Security  section above.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information.  Visit the website of  Pakistan’s national tourist office  and  Pakistan’s national highway authority .

Aviation Safety Oversight:   The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards  for oversight of Pakistan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page . 

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Pakistan . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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33 facts about pakistan.

Written by Rene Lawless

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

• Pakistan Facts

Pakistan, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a diverse and culturally rich country located in South Asia. With a population of over 220 million people, it is the fifth-most populous country in the world. In addition to its rich history and vibrant culture, Pakistan is also known for its stunning landscapes, including the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas, the deserts of Thar, and the scenic coastlines along the Arabian Sea.

This article aims to delve into the fascinating and lesser-known facts about Pakistan. From its architectural marvels and ancient civilizations to its delicious cuisine and traditional arts, Pakistan has much to offer. So, let’s dive deeper and explore 33 intriguing facts about this remarkable country.

Key Takeaways:

• Pakistan is a diverse and vibrant country with rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. From the majestic K2 mountain to the flavorful biryani, Pakistan offers a unique and captivating experience for travelers.
• Pakistan’s cultural heritage, from music to handicrafts, reflects its deep roots and artistic flair. With historical sites like the Lahore Fort and natural wonders like the Khewra Salt Mine, Pakistan is a treasure trove of beauty and history.

Pakistan is the sixth most populous country in the world.

With a population of over 225 million people, Pakistan ranks among the most populous countries globally, showcasing its immense cultural diversity and social dynamics.

The national language of Pakistan is Urdu.

Urdu, a beautiful blend of Persian, Arabic, and Turkish influences, serves as the national language of Pakistan. However, English is also widely spoken and used in official communication.

Pakistan is home to the second-highest mountain peak in the world, K2.

Standing tall at 8,611 meters, K2 is a mountaineer’s dream and a challenging feat to conquer. It attracts climbers from around the globe, seeking adventure on its treacherous slopes.

Pakistan has the largest canal-based irrigation system in the world.

The Indus Valley Irrigation System is a marvel of engineering, supplying water to millions of hectares of farmland and contributing significantly to the agricultural economy of the country.

Pakistan is known for its rich and diverse cuisine.

From aromatic biryani to spicy curries, Pakistani cuisine is a culinary delight. The mouthwatering flavors and unique cooking techniques reflect the country’s cultural heritage and regional influences.

The Lahore Fort in Pakistan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The magnificent Lahore Fort, dating back to the Mughal era, is a masterpiece of architecture and a testament to the rich history of the region. Its intricately designed palaces and stunning gardens leave visitors in awe.

Pakistani music is renowned worldwide.

From traditional qawwali to contemporary pop, Pakistani music has a global fan following. Artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Atif Aslam have gained international recognition with their soulful melodies.

Pakistan is home to the largest deep sea port in the world, the Gwadar Port.

The strategically located Gwadar Port is a game-changer for Pakistan’s economic growth and trade routes. It serves as a crucial link between South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia.

The Karakoram Highway, connecting Pakistan and China, is one of the highest paved roads in the world.

Stretching over 1,200 kilometers, the Karakoram Highway offers breathtaking views of the majestic Karakoram mountain range, making it a popular tourist attraction.

Pakistan is famous for its exquisite handicrafts.

From intricate embroidery to stunning pottery, Pakistani handicrafts showcase the country’s artistic flair. Ajrak, Truck art, and Multani pottery are just a few examples of the diverse craftsmanship.

Pakistan is home to the world’s second-largest salt mine, the Khewra Salt Mine.

The Khewra Salt Mine, nestled in the foothills of the Salt Range, is a geological wonder. Its breathtaking caverns and unique salt formations attract visitors from far and wide.

Pakistan has one of the oldest civilizations in history, the Indus Valley Civilization.

The ancient Indus Valley Civilization flourished around 2500 BCE, making it one of the earliest cradles of human civilization.

Pakistan has a diverse range of wildlife.

From the majestic Bengal tiger to the playful dolphins of the Indus River, Pakistan’s wildlife is as varied as its landscapes. The country is home to several national parks and protected areas, preserving its biodiversity.

The Khyber Pass in Pakistan has been a historical trade route.

For centuries, the Khyber Pass has served as a vital route connecting South Asia with Central Asia. It has witnessed the passage of armies, traders, and explorers throughout history.

The national sport of Pakistan is field hockey.

Pakistan has a rich history in field hockey and has won multiple Olympic gold medals in this sport. It remains a beloved pastime, fostering national pride and unity.

Pakistan is home to some of the highest polo grounds in the world.

The Shandur Polo Festival held in Northern Pakistan showcases the adrenaline-filled sport against the backdrop of the breathtaking Shandur Pass.

Pakistan has the world’s second-largest Muslim population.

With a predominantly Muslim population, Pakistan plays a significant role in the Muslim world and has numerous historic mosques and religious sites.

The Thar Desert in Pakistan is one of the largest deserts in the world.

Stretching across the border with India, the Thar Desert is a vast expanse of golden sands and an ecosystem adapted to extreme arid conditions.

The national dress of Pakistan is the Shalwar Kameez.

The elegant and comfortable Shalwar Kameez is the traditional attire worn by both men and women in Pakistan, representing the country’s cultural heritage.

Pakistan is a nuclear-armed country.

Pakistan developed nuclear capabilities in response to regional security concerns, making it a significant player on the global stage.

Pakistan is home to the highest paved international road, the Karakoram Highway.

Connecting Pakistan with China’s Xinjiang region, the Karakoram Highway is an engineering marvel that traverses challenging terrains, making it a popular destination among adventure seekers.

Pakistan is the birthplace of Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel Prize laureate.

Malala Yousafzai, an advocate for girls’ education, garnered global attention for her courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Pakistan is rich in natural resources, including coal, natural gas, and oil.

These resources play a vital role in Pakistan’s economy and contribute to its energy needs.

Pakistan is home to the world’s highest polo field in Shandur.

The Shandur Polo Festival, held annually, attracts skilled polo players from around the world to compete in this rugged and high-altitude field.

The Indus River, which flows through Pakistan, is one of the longest rivers in Asia.

The Indus River holds great cultural and historical significance and has provided sustenance to the people of the region for thousands of years.

Pakistan has the largest volunteer ambulance organization in the world, the Edhi Foundation.

The Edhi Foundation, established by Abdul Sattar Edhi, provides critical healthcare services and assistance across Pakistan, making a significant impact on society.

Pakistan is home to the world’s second-highest military awards, the Nishan-e-Haider.

The Nishan-e-Haider is the highest military honor given to those who have displayed exceptional bravery and sacrifice in defense of the nation.

Pakistan has a multi-dimensional music industry, ranging from traditional Pakistani classical to modern pop and rock.

Artists like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Junoon, and Noor Jehan have not only captivated local audiences but have also gained international recognition for their talent.

Pakistan is home to some of the world’s highest cricket grounds.

The picturesque cricket stadiums in Pakistan, including the Gaddafi Stadium and the National Stadium Karachi , have witnessed legendary matches and passionate cricket fans.

Pakistan has a rich literary heritage.

Renowned poets and writers like Allama Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, and Saadat Hasan Manto have left an indelible mark on the world of literature with their profound words.

Pakistan has a thriving film industry, known as Lollywood.

The Pakistani film industry has witnessed a resurgence in recent years, producing critically acclaimed movies and garnering international recognition.

The Lahore Museum in Pakistan is one of the country’s oldest and largest museums.

The Lahore Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, historical treasures, and cultural relics, offering a glimpse into Pakistan’s rich heritage.

Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day on August 14th.

On this day in 1947, Pakistan gained independence from British colonial rule, marking a significant milestone in its history.

These 33 fascinating facts about Pakistan provide a glimpse into its rich history, cultural diversity, natural wonders, and societal accomplishments. From its stunning landscapes to its vibrant traditions, Pakistan is a nation that truly captivates the senses, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a truly unforgettable experience.

Pakistan is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its majestic mountains to its bustling cities, there is much to explore and discover. The diverse population, with its warm and welcoming hospitality, adds to the country’s charm. Pakistan’s rich traditions and delicious cuisine are sure to leave a lasting impression on any visitor.

With a mix of modernity and traditional values, Pakistan offers a unique experience for travelers. Whether you’re exploring the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-Daro, gazing at the stunning landscapes of the Karakoram Highway, or immersing yourself in the vibrant bazaars of Lahore, there is always something fascinating to see and do in this captivating country.

So, pack your bags and get ready for an incredible adventure in Pakistan – a country that will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories.

1. Is Pakistan a safe country to visit?

Pakistan has made significant improvements in its security situation in recent years. However, it is always recommended to stay updated on the latest travel advisories and take necessary precautions while visiting any foreign country.

2. What is the best time to visit Pakistan?

The best time to visit Pakistan is during the spring season (March to May) and the autumn season (September to November), when the weather is moderate and pleasant.

3. What are some must-visit tourist attractions in Pakistan?

Some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Pakistan include Islamabad (the capital city), Lahore (known for its historical sites), Karachi (the largest city), Hunza Valley (famous for its breathtaking views), and the ancient city of Taxila.

4. What are the popular dishes in Pakistani cuisine?

Some popular dishes in Pakistani cuisine include biryani, kebabs, butter chicken, karahi, and seekh kababs. Don’t forget to try some mouthwatering street food, such as samosas and pakoras.

5. How can I arrange transportation within Pakistan?

Pakistan has a well-developed transportation system, including domestic flights, trains, and buses. Private taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are also available in major cities.

6. Are there any specific dress codes to follow in Pakistan?

Pakistan is an Islamic country, and it is respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. It is advised to cover your shoulders and knees.

7. What is the currency used in Pakistan?

The currency used in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). It is recommended to carry cash in small denominations for convenience.

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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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• 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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Travel & Tourism - Pakistan

• Pakistan's Travel & Tourism market is projected to reach a revenue of US$3,402.00m in 2024, with an expected annual growth rate of 3.59% from 2024 to 2028, resulting in a projected market volume of US$3,918.00m by 2028.
• The market's largest market in Pakistan is the Package Holidays market, with a projected market volume of US$1,443.00m in 2024.
• By 2028, the number of users in this market is expected to amount to 16,400.00k users, with a user penetration of 10.1% in 2024 that is expected to hit 10.5% by 2028.
• Moreover, the average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to be US$137.40.
• Pakistan's Travel & Tourism market is also estimated to generate 66% of total revenue through online sales by 2028.
• In global comparison, United States is expected to generate the most revenue in this market with an estimated value of US$199bn in 2024.
• Pakistan's travel and tourism industry is growing rapidly, with an increase in domestic and international tourists exploring the country's cultural and natural attractions.

Key regions: Malaysia , Europe , Singapore , Vietnam , United States

Definition:

The Travel & Tourism market encompasses a diverse range of accommodation services catering to the needs and preferences of travelers. This dynamic market includes package holidays, hotel accommodations, private vacation rentals, camping experiences, and cruises.

The market consists of five further markets.

• The Cruises market covers multi-day vacation trips on a cruise ship. The Cruises market encompasses exclusively passenger ticket revenues.
• The Vacation Rentals market comprises of private accommodation bookings which includes private holiday homes and houses as well as short-term rental of private rooms or flats.
• The Hotels market includes stays in hotels and professionally run guest houses.
• The Package Holidays market comprises of travel deals that normally contain travel and accommodation sold for one price, although optional further provisions can be included such as catering and tourist services.
• The Camping market includes bookings at camping sites for pitches using tents, campervans, or trailers. These can be associated with big chains or privately managed campsites.

Additional Information:

The main performance indicators of the Travel & Tourism market are revenues, average revenue per user (ARPU), users and user penetration rates. Additionally, online and offline sales channel shares display the distribution of online and offline bookings. The ARPU refers to the average revenue one user generates per year while the revenue represents the total booking volume. Revenues are generated through both online and offline sales channels and include exclusively B2C revenues and users for the above-mentioned markets. Users represent the aggregated number of guests. Each user is only counted once per year. Additional definitions for each market can be found within the respective market pages.

The booking volume includes all booked travels made by users from the selected region, independent of the departure and arrival. The scope includes domestic and outbound travel.

Prominent players in this sector include online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Opodo, as well as tour operators such as TUI. Specialized platforms like Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Airbnb facilitate the online booking of hotels and private accommodations, contributing significantly to the market's vibrancy.

For further information on the data displayed, refer to the info button right next to each box.

• Bookings directly via the website of the service provider, travel agencies, online travel agencies (OTAs) or telephone

out-of-scope

• Business trips
• Other forms of trips (e.g. excursions, etc.)

Travel & Tourism

• Vacation Rentals
• Package Holidays
• Analyst Opinion

Pakistan's Travel & Tourism market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, attracting both domestic and international travelers to explore its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Customer preferences: Travelers in Pakistan are increasingly seeking unique and authentic experiences, moving away from traditional tourist hotspots to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. There is a growing interest in adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural exchanges, driving the demand for specialized tour operators and sustainable accommodation options. Trends in the market: One notable trend in the Pakistani Travel & Tourism market is the rise of domestic tourism, with more locals choosing to explore their own country. This trend can be attributed to improved infrastructure, increased disposable incomes, and a desire to support the local economy. Additionally, the digital revolution has made travel planning more accessible, with online booking platforms and social media influencing travel decisions. Local special circumstances: Pakistan's unique geographical location, nestled between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the north to the pristine beaches of the Arabian Sea in the south, Pakistan has something to offer every type of traveler. The country's rich history and cultural heritage also attract history buffs and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growth of the Travel & Tourism market in Pakistan can be attributed to several macroeconomic factors, including government initiatives to promote tourism, infrastructure development projects, and increased international connectivity through new flight routes. Additionally, a stable political environment and improved security measures have helped boost confidence among travelers, both domestic and international, leading to a positive impact on the tourism industry.

• Methodology

Data coverage:

Modeling approach:

Additional notes:

• Sales Channels
• Travel Behavior
• User Demographics
• Global Comparison
• Key Market Indicators

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KP CM for promoting tourism as industry in province

PESHAWAR  -  Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur on Wednesday instruct­ed the relevant quarters to come up with a comprehensive plan for promot­ing tourism as an industry in the prov­ince, adding that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been gifted with diverse cultural heritage, enormous beauty and stunning landscapes, which needed to be utilised effectively by developing tourist-friend­ly infrastructure, extending facilities and attracting local and foreign investment.

“The development of tourism sector on modern lines would not only generate employment opportunities for locals but would ultimately contribute to the provin­cial economy,” he remarked while presid­ing over a meeting of the Tourism Depart­ment, held here at Chief Minister’s House.

Advisor to Chief Minister for tourism Zahid Chan Zeb, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Amjad Ali Khan and other relevant officials also attended the meet­ing. The participants were briefed about the administrative affairs of the depart­ment, development projects, future planning and integrated tourism zones being established in Malakand and Haz­ara divisions.

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The Chief Minister on the occasion di­rected the quarters concerned to devise a comprehensive plan for promoting ec­otourism in the province, and said that we need to have more concerted and re­sult-oriented approaches not only to­wards preserving the natural beauty of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but for promoting responsible tourism as well.

He also directed them to set up al­ternate bazars in the congested tourist spots of the province and to ensure car parking facility as a compulsory compo­nent of planning for new tourist sites. He further directed to provide recreation­al facilities, clean drinking water and sustainable sewerage system at tour­ist spots, besides rest areas and masajid at some distance on the roads towards tourist destinations.

Similarly, the Chief Minister directed to devise a plan for effective and judicious use of properties owned by the Tourism Department and said that all such prop­erties can be utilised not only for facil­itating tourists but contributing to the provincial income. He directed them to carry out classification of lease policy for government’s tourist sites so as to pro­vide investment opportunities to both the small and large scale investors.

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Local people should be preferred for investment in the relevant tourist sites, he directed and made it clear that devel­opment of tourism sector is one of the priority areas of his government, consid­ering its importance to provide employ­ment opportunities to the people.

Ali Amin Gandapur also directed the quarters concerned to speed up work on integrated tourism zones projects in Ab­bottabad, Mansehra, Swat and Chitral, further directing them to attract foreign investment in this regard. Furthermore, he directed for installation of more camping pods of international standard at tourist spots in the province. He di­rected to increase the number of private members in the boards of semi-govern­ment entities administered by the tour­ism department, and added that the professionals should be included in the boards. Necessary amendments in the relevant legal framework be proposed for this purpose, he directed.

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