tourist in pakistan

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Pakistan travel guide: everything to know before you go

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: index

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

Pakistan travel guide: the basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Language in Pakistan

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

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

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

Urdu basics

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Regions of Pakistan

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

Sunset at Gorakh Hill in Sindh

Sindh (province)

Major cities/destinations: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sehwan Sharif

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

Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar Gardens) in Lahore, Punjab

Punjab (province)

Major cities/destinations: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan

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

Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (province)

Major cities/destinations: Peshawar, Chitral, Kalash Valleys

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

Lonely road in Balochistan province

Balochistan (province)

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

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

Islamabad, Pakistan from above

Islamabad capital territory

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

Autumn in Khyber village, Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit Baltistan (territory)

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

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

Ramkot Fort in Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir (territory)

Major cities/destinations: Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Culture in Pakistan

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

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

Hospitality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pakistani mindset

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Tipping in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Couples travel in Pakistan

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

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

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

Women to men  

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

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

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

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

Men to women

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

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

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

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

LGBTQ+ in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

Hookups and relationships in Pakistan

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

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

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

For love? Or for visa?

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Drinks and drugs in Pakistan

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

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

Alcohol in Pakistan

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

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

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

Hash (cannabis) in Pakistan

Hashish is everywhere in Pakistan.

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

Read: Rolling with the stoners in Hunza

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

Other drugs in Pakistan

Yes, you can find other drugs in Pakistan.

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

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

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

Be careful. And drink lots of water!

Pakistan travel guide: Religion in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Food in Pakistan

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

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

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

Some famous Pakistani dishes include:

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

Karachi’s street food scene is on

Vegetarians and vegans in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of travel in Pakistan

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

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

Food & drinks

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

Accommodation

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

Cultural outings

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Visas for Pakistan

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

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

How to apply for a Pakistan e-visa

Ensure you have JPEG files of:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Entering and exiting Pakistan

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

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

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

Land borders

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

International airports

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

Pakistan travel guide: Accommodation in Pakistan

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

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

Online booking in Pakistan

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

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

How to find cheap guesthouses in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homestays in Pakistan

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

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

Couchsurfing in Pakistan

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

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

Being hosted in Pakistan

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Transportation in Pakistan

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

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

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

Buses and minibuses

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

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

High-end bus services

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

• Schedules for Daewoo
• Schedules for NATCO

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

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

Local buses and minibuses

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

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

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

Local bus and a Qingqi in Sehwan Sharif

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

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

Rickshaws and Qingqis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Safety in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dealing with security in Pakistan  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Connectivity in Pakistan

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

Mobile SIM cards for calling and data in Pakistan

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

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

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

WiFi in Pakistan

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Being a responsible tourist in Pakistan

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

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

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

Useful? Pin it!

Other useful resources for planning Pakistan travel

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

Pakistan tours I run

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

Best Pakistan travel guide book

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

Pakistan travel guides on Lost With Purpose

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

Region-specific Pakistan travel guides

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

Epic Pakistan experiences

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

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

Alex Reynolds

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

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

Outstanding read!

Very Informative and funny.

Thanks for sharing.

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

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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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The Best Places to Visit in Pakistan

Home to a multitude of landscapes and terrains, Pakistan offers mountains and rivers for the adventurous, archaeological sites for the curious and untouched beaches for those looking to escape the crowds. In a country with so many options to choose from, here are some of the best places to visit.

1. gilgit-baltistan.

Natural Feature

Travel to the north for some of the best scenic views and adventure activities the country has to offer. Start your trip in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a popular choice for those seeking diverse experiences while sticking to just one region. GB, the northernmost administrative territory of Pakistan , is home to a number of mountain peaks over 6000m (20,000ft), including the renowned K-2 and Nanga Parbat. Shandur, the world’s highest polo ground, is also located here, as is the turquoise-hued Attabad Lake in Hunza Valley that was created after a landslide in 2010. The treeless Deosai National Park, located largely in the Skardu District, is a 4,114m-high (13,497ft) wonderland rich in flora and fauna that can only be accessed in the summer. Skiing enthusiasts can visit the Naltar Ski Resort and eager campers can trek up to the picturesque Fairy Meadows.

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

The city of Multan presents a historic mix of ancient warfare, trade, dynastic rule and Sufism. The seventh most populous city of Pakistan has changed numerous hands since 3300 BCE, reportedly starting with Hindu occupation, then witnessing Greek invasion and finally hosting a long era of Muslim rule heavily influenced by Sufism in the 11th and 12th centuries. Multan is now an important part of south Punjab and devotees from all over the country and abroad visit the innumerable shrines, tombs and mosques all year round. Such is the reverence for the deceased Sufi mystics remembered or buried here that it is known as the ‘City of Saints’.

3. Tharparkar

Interest in the Tharparkar District in Sindh as a tourist spot is a relatively recent development. The gradual increase in the number of tourists each year is an encouraging sign for the region which consists of a jumble of towns and villages ranging from slightly developed to completely rural settlements. Most visitors flock to the district during or after the monsoon rains to experience the short period in which the desert is transformed into an oasis. This brief season is also a source of joy for the residents because the soil of this particular desert is extremely fertile and supports rainfall agriculture.

5. Mohenjo-daro

Historical Landmark

History buffs will have a hard time passing up a chance to visit Mohenjo-daro in Sindh, an archaeological site dating back to 2500 BCE. An extensive study and excavation of the area found that the mounds and ruins were once a part of the Indus Valley Civilisation, a contemporary of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Among other things, Mohenjo-daro was built according to a grid plan, boasted an efficient water management system and featured public baths – all of which demonstrates urban planning and civil engineering well ahead of its time. The city was eventually abandoned around 1900 BCE for obscure reasons and was not rediscovered until the 1920s. Detailed excavation continued until 1966, after which all in-depth archaeological work was halted due to damage inflicted by the weather. Mohenjo-daro was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1980 and can be visited via private transport, public bus or weekly flights from Karachi.

6. Khewra Salt Mine

A trip to the world’s second-largest salt mine may not be a regular bucket list feature, but it is certainly a great educational experience. The Khewra Salt Mine is situated in the foothills of the Salt Range – in the province of Punjab – and is almost 184km (114mi) away from Islamabad, the capital city. Not only is it the country’s most vital source of salt, but the site is also a major tourist attraction, with up to 250,000 visitors driving up to the mine each year. Once transported inside via carts, tourists can witness caves made entirely of salt, a number of saltwater pools and some miniature salt structures of important landmarks of the country. The salt reserves are said to have been discovered by the troops of Alexander the Great in 326 BCE.

7. Makran Coast

Pakistan has yet to turn its beaches into dream holiday resorts, but if exploring an unspoiled coastline with natural beaches is your thing, then the Makran Coast is definitely worth visiting. The breathtaking landscape in the province of Balochistan is a pleasant surprise in what is otherwise rugged terrain consisting mostly of barren mountains. The coast itself is a 1,000km (621mi) stretch along the Gulf of Oman and is interspersed with pristine beaches that are accessible via the sprawling Makran Coastal Highway, which starts from Karachi in Sindh, passes the towns of Ormara and Pasni and ends in Gwadar. It is advisable to begin your journey from Karachi at the crack of dawn so you can make the most of the long drive. Notable beaches on the coastal strip include Kund Malir Beach, Astola Island, Ormara Beach, Sonmiani Beach, Gwadar Beach and Pasni Beach.

Travelling more of Pakistan? Read our guide to the best hotels in Islamabad and the most beautiful landmarks to see in Pakistan . If you’re visiting Lahore, check out our guide on the top things to do in the city.

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13 Amazing Things to do in Pakistan

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: January 18, 2021

Pakistan isn’t usually the first country that comes to mind when planning a trip to Asia, but it should be on your radar. The country has so much to offer those who visit.

From epic adventures in the northern mountains to historical sights in the south. With the government’s recent efforts to make tourism more accessible through a new e-visa, visiting Pakistan has never been easier.

To inspire your Pakistan travel plans, I’ve rounded up 13 amazing things to do in Pakistan.

The Best Things to do in Pakistan

Table of Contents

1. Camp at Fairy Meadows

Getting to Fairy Meadows campsite is no easy feat, but it’s one of the most gorgeous places you could ever spend a night.

With incredible views of Nanga Parbat Mountain just outside your tent, it’s a paradise for mountain lovers.

How to Get to Fairy Meadows Campsite

To get to Fairy Meadows involves an hour and a half jeep ride up a mountain, which is not for the faint of heart. The drive involves hairpin turns alongside a mountain with no guard rails.  After the jeep drops you off, another 2-3 hours of hiking is required to reach the Fairy Meadows campsite. There are also horses available for hire if you aren’t feeling up for the hike.

What makes Fairy Meadows so special is the accessibility to Nanga Parbat, the 9th tallest mountain in the world .

The long journey will be all worth it when you first see the magnificent mountain appear in front of your eyes. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan .

Fairy Meadows is the perfect base for hiking Nanga Parbat, but there are also smaller trails to go on around the campsite. 

2. Hike Nanga Parbat Base Camp

Pakistan is home to some of the world’s highest mountain peaks.

Pakistan has many exciting opportunities for trekkers making mountain climbing one of the top things to do in Pakistan.

One of the most accessible hikes in Pakistan is Nanga Parbat Base Camp. The 9th highest mountain in the world reaches a height of 8,125m.

About Nanga Parbat Trek

It’s not common to be able to access one of the world’s highest mountain peaks without doing a multi-day trek, but Nanga Parbat Base Camp is only 8 hours round-trip.

The trailhead for Nanga Parbat starts from the Fairy Meadows campsite.

Although it can be done in one day, this hike is still challenging due to the altitude which goes past 4000m.

The first half of the hike, which goes to the viewpoint of Raikot Glacier, is much easier. It takes about two hours from Fairy Meadows and goes through a beautiful alpine forest.

This is a great option for anyone looking for a more moderate version of the base camp trek.

3. Soak in the Views at Baltit Fort

Baltit Fort is one of the best places to take in the views of the Hunza valley and learn more about the region’s history.

This fairy-tale-like fort was built in the 8th Century CE on top of a hill overlooking Karimabad, which was once the capital of Hunza district.

It’s strategically located so the inhabitants could control the seasonal trade between South and Central Asia, and spy on enemies from the top.

You can go on a guided tour inside the fort to get a glimpse of what life was like during that time.

Even if you don’t go on a tour inside, Baltit Fort is still worth visiting just from the outside.

It’s set high in the mountains, making it one of the most amazing viewpoints in Pakistan.

From the top, you can get panoramic views of the surrounding mountain landscape and valley below. It’s hard not to take a thousand photos here!

4. Drive through the Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram highway is one of the highest paved international roads in the world, linking China with Pakistan.

Regarded as one of the world’s hardest alpine climbs, just driving on the highway is an adventure in itself. It’s become a hub for adventure tourism in recent years, with expert cyclists taking to the roads.

It’s also an interesting place historically, as the Karakoram highway traces parts of the ancient silk route.

Driving the Karakoram highway will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of Pakistan, as it runs through the Karakoram mountain ranges.

One of the best places to stop along the highway is Passu Cones, also known as Cathedral ridge. These unique mountain ranges are unlike anything I’ve seen before!

5. Visit the Pak-China Border 

The Karakoram highway takes you all the way to the border of China.

To get to the border you’ll have to go through the Khunjerab Pass, which goes up to a total elevation of 4,673m! Since the elevation is so high, even during the summer months snow can fall.

With hairpin turns through the snowy mountains, this is one of the most scenic drives to take in Pakistan.

On the Pakistan side of the border, you can take out money at the highest ATM in the world which is a fun novelty.

The border is a popular spot for tourists and you will see many locals showing their Pakistan pride with flags.

It’s a great atmosphere to be around, especially with so many people seeing snow for the first time.

6. Shop at the local street markets

The markets are an important part of daily life in Pakistan. Although hectic, this is a great way to see how locals live and try some of the best food in the country.

Markets can be found throughout the country, but if you’re traveling through Karachi , don’t miss Jodia Bazaar. 

Jodia Bazaar is one of the oldest, busiest, and largest markets in the country. Daily trade is estimated to be between 3-5 billion Pakistan Rupees!

Given its size, you can imagine walking through is complete chaos.

You can find just about anything you want at Jodia Bazaar. All imaginable groceries, live animals, textiles, stationery, and spices.

Walking through was a sensory overload, but one of the most memorable experiences I had while in Pakistan.

7. Explore Lahore Fort

Lahore is the capital city of the Punjab province and has many interesting historic sights to visit. One of the most remarkable forts in Pakistan is Lahore Fort, a gorgeous piece of Mughal architecture.

The Fort has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history, but what remains is well-preserved.

Lahore Fort contains stunning marble palaces and mosques, each intricately decorated with colorful mosaics.

8. Shalamar Gardens

Another sight worth visiting in Lahore is The Shalamar Gardens.

This royal complex is located just 7km away from Lahore Fort. The gardens were influenced by Persian and Islamic traditions, and are a prominent example of Mughal Gardens.

Both sites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981, for their outstanding universal value.

9. Visit The Mosques

Pakistan has no shortage of mosques to visit from the contemporary Faisal Mosque which is one of the largest mosques in the world to

In Lahore there are two mosques not to miss:

• Wazir Khan Mosque – located within the old quarter of the walled city of Lahore, it is just a short walk from Lahore Fort.
• Badshahi Mosque – Located just west of Lahore Fort, and is the second-largest mosque in Pakistan. (Faisal being the first)

10. Discover the ancient ruins of Sindh

If you’re interested in learning more about Pakistan’s ancient history, then you’ll want to visit the province of Sindh.

Sindh home to some of the most important historic sites in the country including the Mohenjo-Dara archeological ruins, one of six UNESCO world heritage sites in Pakistan.

Mohenjo-Daro was one of the largest and most advanced cities in the world during the Indus civilization period.

Built around 2500 BCE, they remain one of the best-preserved urban settlements in South Asia.

It’s best to plan a visit to Mohenjo-Daro either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the weather can be extremely hot and there is no shade at the site.

11. Ranikot Fort

Sindh is also home to Ranikot Fort. Measuring an impressive 35 kilometers in length, with an area of more than 65 square kilometers, it’s one of the largest forts in the world.

The fort’s ramparts have been compared to the Great Wall of China, but unlike the latter, you’ll find hardly any other tourists here.

12. Admire the Beauty of Shan Jahan Mosque

Being a predominantly Muslim country, Pakistan has a lot of impressive mosques to visit. 

If you plan to visit mosques in Pakistan, then Shan Jahan should be high on your list! The display of tile-work is one of the most elaborate in the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent.

The elegant design and beautiful colors will leave you feeling mesmerized as you walk through.

Shan Jahan mosque took three years to build after starting construction in 1644. It was a gift to the people of Thatta for their hospitality from the Mughal King.

The mosque is well preserved and as you walk through today you can see how much work went into its creation. If you visit the mosque make sure to dress conservatively, covering your knees, shoulders, and head if you are a woman.

13. Take a boat ride through Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake hasn’t been around for long but has quickly become one of the most popular places to visit in Pakistan.

Just over 10 years ago, a massive landslide dammed the Hunza River, creating a lake that now measures 13 miles and is over 300m in depth.

During the spring and early summer, the lake becomes a stunning turquoise color due to the meltwater from the surrounding glacial mountain.

Since the creation of the lake, it’s become a hub for tourism and water recreation sports. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the lake is on a boat ride, which will give you stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscapes.

For those who prefer more adrenaline, jet boat rentals are available at the docks. Or you can simply walk around the lake and soak in the beauty of the area.

Thoughts on Pakistan

If Pakistan wasn’t already on your radar, I hope this post could inspire you to add it to your list.

Aside from all these attractions, what makes Pakistan so special is the world-class hospitality you’ll find throughout the country. Combine this with so much natural beauty, it’s not surprising to see tourism growing each year in Pakistan.

Get there now before the crowds do!

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• Golden Temple of Amritsar – India’s Shining Star

Lora is a solo female adventure travel blogger living nomadically around the world. Raised on a rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, she has a deep love for nature and wildlife.

Lora has traveled to over 57 countries and is on a quest to visit them all, seeking out the best adventures each one has to offer.

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6 thoughts on “13 Amazing Things to do in Pakistan”

Nice article Mohatta Palace is one of the best place to visit in Karachi (Pakistan) The Mohatta Palace is a beautiful building located in the heart of Karachi. Designed by Agha Ahmed Hussain, the palace was built in 1927 in the posh seaside locale of Clifton Previously, it was the summer house of a famous Hindu businessman, Shivratan Mohatta.

Amazing article revealing the secret of beauty of my nebhouring country Pakistan. Thanks

Nature beauty in Pakistan. i also visit this country

Been to all of those & more. Was in same group with Lora.

THis must be my next destination, I am so excited about Pakistan and heard it’s going to be top travel destination in 2020.

I will change my mind about Pakistan because of your blog. They’re so beautiful and huge. Thank you so much. I love your picture too

The 27 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan: Sea to City to Summit

Home to the most awe-inspiring natural beauty on earth, Pakistan is absolutely chock full of sights that captivate the imagination in a way that no other place can. Martian-like desert landscapes, fields, and mountains covered in lush greenery, peaks in seemingly impossible geological formations; Pakistan has it all, in spades. On top of that, Pakistan possesses manmade cultural and historical sites that are as unique as they are visually stunning.

Anyone could spend a lifetime exploring all of Pakistann’s beauty, but like any other place, it has its highlights that simply can’t be missed! From putting in the work to uncover hidden gems to giving you the low-down on more well-known areas, this guide shows you Pakistan’s 27 most beautiful places that must be seen, and how (and when) to see them at their most magnificent.

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?

When to Visit the Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan

Whether you are trying to avoid huge crowds of tourists or stay away from extreme temperatures, it’s always important to know when the best time is to visit a place in order to see it at its finest. Summer is undoubtedly the height of the tourist season, but that does not mean that it is the ideal time of year to travel in. Pakistan’s large size lends itself to a lot of climates, so there isn’t just one season that is optimum for seeing all of the country’s sights.

The south of the country tends to be scorching hot in summer, so much so to the point that it becomes unbearable and potentially dangerous. That makes summer a great time to head north and explore the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush without having to endure searing temperatures, although you find plenty of tourists in those regions during that season.

Personally, my favorite time to explore the mountains in the north is during Autumn. Lower prices, fewer tourists, and the Fall foliage is simply unreal.

The cherry blossom season is also truly a sight to behold, so while you might be a little chilly, seeing the trees erupt in color after winter makes the trip well worth the effort.

Winter is an excellent season to spend time traveling in the south of the country. You can enjoy the cultural and historical sights, great food, and legendary Pakistani hospitality all while doing so in cooler temperatures that won’t leave you wondering whether you’re literally melting or not.

Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan

Pakistan at its finest, in my opinion, is simply a cut above what most of the rest of the world has to offer. The scenery is as diverse as it is spellbinding, the food is delicious, the people are overwhelmingly kind, and the sheer uniqueness of this country is captivating as hell.

This guide aims to help you see Pakistan in the best way possible by showing you what I’ve found to be the country’s most beautiful, breathtaking locations, whether it a place that has earned its fame or a hidden gem unknown even to most Pakistanis. These sights showcase this incredible country at its greatest.

Concordia/K2 Base Camp

The planet’s second-highest mountain has inspired the trekking and mountaineering worlds for decades, and as a result, it is an increasingly sought-after trekking destination. While it is still not nearly as popular as the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, for example, the trek to K2 is becoming frequented by more and more hikers every year.

Trekking to K2 Base Camp and back is an endeavor that takes around two weeks to complete, so while this is not the sort of destination for the casual traveler, serious hikers will find the jagged, awesome scenery of the trek and adventure to the foot of The Savage Mountain beyond priceless.

Kalam Valley/Swat

One of Pakistan’s renowned tourist destinations, Swat earns its fame with mountainous landscapes, forests, and pristine rivers. Kalam Valley in particular is a common destination for visitors both Pakistani and foreign, and for good reason.

Being in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (KPK for short), Kalam has a relatively warm climate for being so mountainous. While the summits aren’t quite as high on average as those you find in Hunza or Skardu, the mountains here are vibrant with deep colors and forests like very few other places in the world are.

Because of its comparatively warm climate, Kalam is a destination that is far more accessible in all seasons, and you can even explore during winter without having to face the frigid temperatures that more northern regions experience in the coldest months.

Neelum Valley, Kashmir

Kashmir is a place that has long captured my imagination, and Neelum Valley in particular is known for its lush, mountainous beauty that has inspired many a traveler. Far from the dry, desert mountain landscapes of Hunza and Skardu, Neelum glows with color, its mountains covered in deep green fields and brilliant wildflowers.

The political situation in Kashmir is delicate, as control of the region is divided between India and Pakistan. If you want to enter Pakistan-administered (Azad) Kashmir as a foreigner, you will need to obtain a Non-Objection Certificate from the Pakistani government, and there is no guarantee that getting one is achievable.

However, as a Pakistani, simply show your national ID card at a checkpoint and you will be granted entry. Regardless of your country of origin, Kashmir and Neelum Valley can’t be missed if you can find a way to visit.

Yasin Valley

High in the Hindu Kush, Yasin is known for enchanting, far-flung beauty and, like many other parts of Pakistan, boasts a unique and fascinating history. Although it is relatively close to Gilgit city, Yasin Valley does not have nearly as prominent of a tourism scene.

Travelers will find a stunning valley packed with awesome treks and hidden gems, as well as a myriad of rivers and mountains, to explore. The valley is not heavily populated nor is it touristy, so there is a good chance that you can have the place all to yourself if you want to.

Because of Yasin’s lack of a robust tourism scene, travelers can enjoy a visit in summer without having to endure an overwhelming swarm of tourists that crowd the roads and the sights while keeping warm, avoiding the temperatures of colder months. Autumn in Yasin, however, is simply breathtaking.

Phander Valley is spectacularly wild and is the kind of place for those seeking to get off the grid without exerting too much effort to escape from civilization. This paradise is for getting away from a consistent cell signal, relaxing, and enjoying unspoiled natural wonders. Want to explore Phander on a motorcycle with a badass group of other people keen on doing the same thing? My friend Alex over at Lost With Purpose Travel Blog started running unique, off-beat Motorcycle Tours in Pakistan . If you are into bikes and adventure, definitely check her trips out!

Phander has everything a traveler could want: day hikes and longer treks, fishing, camping, rich culture and history to uncover, and guesthouse and hotels of all price ranges to keep you warm and cozy in between adventures. Travelers can get to Phander from either Chitral (only in the warmer months) or Gilgit.

Kalash Valley

A place of vibrant culture and history, Kalash is a special part of Chitral, full of its own customs and a tribe of people that are absolutely distinct. Despite many attempts by outsiders over the years to impose the culture and religion of the outside world on Kalash, this special place has managed to preserve its traditions.

Visitors to Kalash are in for a special treat: the Kalasha people are a one-of-a-kind tribe within Pakistan, practicing a unique religion that is not found anywhere else. For travelers seeking a cultural experience that is unforgettable and truly different from anything else you’ll ever see, a visit to Kalash is not to be passed up on.

Kalash’s climate means that winters can be extremely harsh and summers are mild, so it’s best to plan a trip for the summer to avoid freezing temperatures and the difficulties of traveling when the roads become an icy, slippery mess.

The Fairy Meadows

A starting point for treks leading to the foot of the world’s ninth-highest mountain, the Fairy Meadows is one of the most strikingly beautiful places on Earth. After an exhilarating jeep ride from Raikot Bridge and a short two-hour hike uphill, you find yourself amongst a bevy of hotels and campsites in a location that looks like it is straight out of a mythical storybook.

The Fairy Meadows is one of the most well-known and popular places to visit in Pakistan, and as such, it has been subject to a spate of rapid development in recent years. New hotels spring up often, and the sound of construction is now a constant presence. This is no longer an off-the-grid destination, but it is still possible to pay a visit without finding yourself swarmed by tourists.

If you are looking to avoid the crowds, travel in late September or early October. It will be a little colder, but you manage to avoid huge crowds without being exposed to freezing temperatures that might be too much to handle.

Balochi Coast (Hingol National Park)

Balochistan is renowned for its Martian-like landscapes and has the most spectacular coastal roads in Pakistan. Hingol National Park in particular feels like a mysterious alien world of deserts and towering rock formations, leaving the traveler awed and full of wonder.

Sadly, the Pakistani government considers Balochistan to be a particularly sensitive province, so the political situation here is fragile. This means that foreigners traveling to Balochistan need a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) before entering the region, which can be difficult to obtain. Pakistanis who want to enter will have a much easier time – all you need to do is show your National ID Card.

Regardless of your nationality, it is important to know that Balochistan is not a solo travel destination. It is highly encouraged to travel with a group, and with a guide that knows the region.

Gwadar Cricket Stadium

Quite possibly one of the most epic sports stadiums on the planet, Gwadar Cricket Stadium is a highlight of Balochistan and is set in an unbelievably dramatic backdrop.

Regardless of your feelings toward Cricket (I personally have no significant attachment or special love for the sport), this stadium provides spectators with a striking, unique experience that is literally impossible to replicate anywhere else. If you manage to make your way to Balochistan, be sure to make the effort to give this place the visit it deserves.

Shimshal Valley

A valley of spectacular natural beauty, Shimshal is renown largely comes from being the setting of one of Pakistan’s most dangerous roads. The journey to Shimshal is a sensory overload, alive with raging rivers, titanic mountains, chasmic drops, and of course, no small amount of danger. And that’s before you even arrive at the village itself!

Shimshal Village is a home base for both short day hikes and lengthy treks (as well as climbs of nearby mountains), so it got a good number of guesthouses and lodges for travelers to stay at. This is a destination for those who love exploring rugged, mountainous areas on the edge of civilization.

Not particularly easy to reach, you can either take public transport from Hunza or attempt the road on a motorcycle. That being said, the Shimshal road earns its dangerous reputation and you should stick with arranging a public jeep/van to get there unless you are very experienced on a bike.

A particularly unique enclave within Pakistan, Hunza is a famed tourist destination that is undeniably special. This valley is known for being home to multiple 7000-meter peaks, some of the most bizarre geological formations there are to be seen anywhere, and of course, the legendary Karakoram Highway.

Hunza has something to offer for everyone, whether that’s popular, cozy hotels with incredible views, lesser-known hidden gems, smooth highways with unbeatable vistas, and the kindest, most hospitable people in the world. There’s always something new to do here, but the crush of tourists can be overwhelming at times, especially at the peak of the summer season.

Late August or early September is a great time to visit Hunza if you want smaller crowds with warm weather, but Autumn in Hunza is simply otherworldly.

The Shepherd’s Den, Karimabad

This tiny, secluded hut, high above Karimabad and even the famed Eagle’s Nest, is the perfect place to get away from the noise and bustle of Hunza’s most touristy city and provides the most jaw-dropping views of both the Hunza and Hoper valleys that I’ve seen.

The Shepherd’s Hut allows you to relax, have fun, hike, and explore in an area that as of now is known only to a few locals for the most part, and the stargazing here, high above any light pollution, is unmatched.

It is possible to stay the night here, and if you are looking to get in contact with the owner, you can contact him by messaging @shepherdsdenhunza on Instagram.

Steeped in history and the starting point for many treks, Chapursan Valley served as a gateway to the eastern portions of the Silk Road. Meaning what else do you need in Persian, Chapursan has an ancient tradition of providing hospitality to the traveler and is the destination for Muslim pilgrims throughout Central Asia.

Thanks to its history as a journey’s end for pilgrims making their way to the shrine of Baba Ghundi near Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, Chapursan has plenty of guesthouses available for use in its various towns where you will be greeted with delicious food and as much hot chai as you could possibly want.

Chapursan is full of epic hikes, and visiting in summer is the best way to take advantage of those opportunities without getting too cold. That being said, this is yet another part of Pakistan that is unreasonably gorgeous in Autumn, so making the trip later in the year is absolutely worth enduring the colder temperatures.

Uuch Sharif

This gem of Punjab province is overflowing with ancient history, stunning architecture, and for me personally, is a site that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook to the point that I find it hard to believe that this is a real place.

Uuch Sharif’s history stretches back thousands of years, probably having been founded by Alexander the Great and maintaining status as an important location well into the Islamic period and into modern times. Even today, visitors experience a well-preserved region that is beyond captivating to behold, so people looking for something truly special should not pass this up.

Hoper Valley

Despite neighboring Hunza and being very close and accessible to touristy Karimabad, Hoper Valley does not see nearly as many visitors and is much quieter. That is a shame, but it is a huge boon for the travelers who dare to make the trip!

A short, easy drive from Karimabad, Hoper has a lot to brag about sweeping, epic vistas, historical locations, massive peaks, and a huge glacier that extends down from a 7000-meter mountain and stretches for miles. This is a place you can spend a lot of time adventuring in and sadly does not get enough visitors.

Hoper is majestic in any season, but summer and autumn provide the best experience with great weather, clear views, and vibrant colors. The drive through the valley is one of my favorites in all of Pakistan.

Another remote region of Pakistan, Broghil Valley is defined by raw, achingly beautiful wilderness and vast, mountainous landscapes. As part of Chitral, Broghil borders Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor and is not an easy destination to reach.

Like Chapursan, Broghil is not frequented by many tourists – foreign or Pakistani – so the valley is almost completely unspoiled and visitors can explore entirely free from the worry of being overwhelmed by a crush of tourists, even though Broghil is home to a splendid national park.

This is unquestionably a place that you need to be 100% committed to seeing if you plan on visiting, as it is one of Pakistan’s more hard-to-reach spots. But the pure, untamed beauty of the region will reward the more intrepid traveler with an unforgettable experience.

This bustling city of culture is packed with delicious food to eat, cultural and historical sites to see, and unbelievably chaotic traffic. Vibrant and alive, Lahore is an exciting city that can keep you busy for a long time.

The home of cultural sites like the Badshahi Mosque, the famous Wagah Border Ceremony with India, and many more, Lahore is rich in history. On top of that, the city is well-known for being a foodie’s paradise with a huge variety of fantastic dishes to enjoy on the cheap!

The most significant downsides of Lahore are that it is very crowded and in summer it is hot, so it is better to spend time exploring this one-of-a-kind city in the cooler months.

Naltar Valley

Reminiscent of Switzerland, Naltar Valley is a must-see area in Gilgit-Baltistan. Pristine, lush pine forests, glacial lakes, fun hikes of all difficulty levels, and even snow skiing are all available for visitors to enjoy.

Naltar has what I swear have to be the bluest lakes in the world, fed entirely by glacial melt in a part of the valley that has virtually no civilization at all. On top of that, the valley has essentially everything a nature-lover could possibly want and it’s all relatively easy to access! Visitors can even see a Snow Leopard habitat that can be reached via jeep or by hiking.

A great summer destination, Naltar is reachable by either hiring a jeep or by motorcycle. As of this writing, though, a significant portion of the road is in nightmarish condition, so you shouldn’t attempt to ride this road unless you’re both very experienced as a rider and prepared to suffer all kinds of body aches.

Snow Lake is an epic high-altitude trekking destination that is not easy to reach and sees very few visitors each year. Sitting at roughly 4,800 meters above sea level, Snow Lake awaits hikers after a difficult but glorious multi-day trek.

This is another highlight on our list that not only requires serious commitment but endurance and skill to successfully reach. Steep ascents, massive glacial crevasses, and potentially extreme weather are just a few of the obstacles hikers need to overcome in order to enjoy Snow Lake.

Snow Lake is not a spot for the casual hiker, but for those seeking to answer the call to adventure at its most raw, this trek is hard to beat. This is, without a doubt, a journey that only experienced hikers should attempt. For more info about this trek, check out my friend Jackson’s complete Snow Lake Trek guide .

Makli Necropolis

Makli is one of Pakistan’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the root of long spans of history, unique culture, and mind-blowing architecture, all dedicated to memorializing those who passed on centuries ago.

The styles of the tombs use various influences from all over South and West Asia, resulting in a myriad of diverse monuments to explore and discover. This is yet another of Pakistan’s sites that travelers seeking to learn more about the region’s history can’t miss.

Like the rest of southern Pakistan and especially Sindh, as it is the country’s southernmost province, summer temperatures here can get scalding hot to the point of being very dangerous, so I recommend doing everything you can to make the trip in a colder season if possible.

A meadow hidden above Upper Hunza, Patundas is another lesser-known spot that has mind-blowing panoramic views of the most spectacular mountains and glaciers on Earth. This place is an absolute must-see for hikers!

Getting there requires crossing a majestic glacier, and then conquering a pretty steep uphill hike to arrive at a plateau sitting roughly at 4200 meters altitude. Captivating vistas of the Karakoram range and some of the world’s biggest glaciers outside the polar regions await you, and you can enjoy one of the most satisfying cups of chai (or beverage of your choice) that you ever had.

Inaccessible during Winter and the majority of Spring, Patundas is an unbeatable summer trek and is just as spectacular, if a little colder, when early Autumn sets in.

Naran and Kaghan

Home to truly stunning, lush natural beauty, Naran and Kaghan are destinations commonly frequented by Pakistani tourists from the south looking to get away from the city and experience mountainous landscapes without going too far north. Naran is surrounded by towering, green peaks and is full of awesome hiking spots including the famous Saif Al Malouk lake.

Unfortunately, Naran has become overrun by mass tourism, and huge amounts of trash piled by the roadside is a common sight. The twin epidemics of unreasonably expensive hotels and mass littering plague Naran and there is no end in sight, which is all the more tragic because the region seriously is lovely.

If you want to experience staying amongst huge, green mountains without having to deal with overpricing and mass tourism, I highly recommend staying in Kaghan, just to the south of Naran. It’s far cheaper, less crowded, and you get the same verdant, mountainous beauty without the crowds.

Misgar Valley

A hidden gem of Northern Pakistan, Misgar valley is virtually untouched by tourism despite being only a short drive from the Karakoram Highway. One of the five Silk Road routes in Central Asia ran through Misgar, and as a result, this valley is utterly full of fascinating history as well as heart-stopping scenery.

The village itself is incredibly picturesque, and a few kilometers after the village you can see a fort at a fork in the river which guarded the Silk Road’s path to China before Khunjerab Pass came into use.

Best visited using your own transportation, Misgar is a great day trip from wherever you are based in in Upper Hunza. As of now, there is a guesthouse or two available for use in the village, but they are a challenge to find and there is very little other infrastructure around to accommodate travelers. Despite that, this valley and its people are an absolute must-see in Northern Pakistan.

Located in Punjab province, Bahawalpur is a dream, with history stretching back centuries and ancient structures built in exquisite detail. This city is for lovers of history, flavorful food, and eye-popping architecture.

Not only is Bahawalpur an oasis of culture, it is also near Lal Suhunra National Park, one of the largest national parks in South Asia. That makes this town virtually the complete experience for anyone wants in a destination, whether it is learning more about the region’s past, soaking in natural beauty, and more.

Bahawalpur can get suffocatingly hot in summer, especially for those not used to high temperatures (it can even be a struggle for locals, too), so it is best to spend time in this city during the cooler months of the year.

Tomb of Jahangir

Not far from the ancient Walled City of Lahore, this tomb is a can’t-miss historical landmark and one of the most elegant examples of Mughal architecture there is to be found in all of Pakistan. Anyone fascinated by peculiar, unique history will find exploring this site a remarkable experience.

Although the history of the site itself is a bit hazy, with differing accounts attributing construction to different people, this Mughal emperor’s tomb is, to this day, unbelievably well-preserved for casual visitors and serious students of history alike to soak in.

Avgharch is an ancient and remote village of northern Pakistan that is home to myth, history, and raw, untamed beauty. Relatively difficult to find and moderately challenging to reach, Avgharch is one of my favorites among Pakistan’s unknown, secluded gems.

On top of possessing untouched natural beauty, Avgharch was also the first settlement of the Wakhi people, a tribe of northern Pakistan when they first migrated here centuries ago, and as a result, it’s rich with incredible stories, both historical and mythological in nature.

The starting point for both day hikes and multi-day treks, Avgharch is not connected to any road and can only be reached either on foot or by horse. It is possible to hire a local guide to show you the way, and I recommend going on foot unless you are very experienced on horseback. If you are a hiking enthusiast and you can spare the time, this spectacular place can’t be missed.

Mohenjo-Daro

One of the most prominent archeological sites in the world, Mohenjo-Daro is also one of the world’s most ancient cities, founded by the mysterious Indus Valley civilization. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a highlight not only of Sindh province but in all of Pakistan.

For being so old, Mohenjo-Daro is well-preserved, but this jewel of the ancient world is under constant threat by erosion. Responsible visits to one of the world’s first examples of a major city are encouraged to be taken soon, as there is the constant risk of the character of this site being changed or damaged forever.

Final Thoughts on the Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan

Unparalleled natural beauty throughout diverse landscapes and climates, historical and cultural sites both ancient and modern, endless adventures both easy and difficult; Pakistan has it all.

At its best, Pakistan has natural and manmade wonders that simply rise above what most of the rest of the world has to offer as competition. The places in this guide constitute what I have found to be the country’s most beautiful, captivating destinations – each for different reasons.

Popular tourist destinations and hidden gems alike, the sites in this guide are Pakistan’s elite. You won’t find another place quite like any of these anywhere else on Earth.

Was this guide helpful? Let me know in the comments!

Must visit most beautiful places in Pakistan for national and international tourists. Regards

Thank you so much for visiting my country. No doubt Pakistan is safe even for female travelers, especially when accompanied by trusted men, however, special caution is required for women who wish to visit solo. There are many things to keep in mind and women should also be mentally prepared for the gender divide they will experience in Pakistan.

Thank you for sharing all your thoughts with us. I will be visiting many of the sites you suggested when we visit Pakistan in late March/early April. Your insights and writing really helped me prioritize what we want to see and where we want to go. Thanks again for your efforts.

Awesome, glad you enjoyed the post!

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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.

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Promoting Responsible Tourism in Pakistan’s North

Pakistan’s tourist attractions are diverse

World Bank Pakistan

Growing up, Muhammad Numan saw a cleaner, more natural environment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tourist destinations. But as time passed and tourism surged, the local landscape he once knew began to change. The influx of tourists resulted in a growing pile of litter across the otherwise scenic sites in the north.

The travel and tourism sector’s total contribution to Pakistan’s GDP was 5.9 percent in 2022 and 4.2 million jobs.  This is sub-optimal considering the diverse tourist sites located across the country. Pakistan attracted ~US$ 16 billion in visitor spending in 2022 which is projected to touch ~US$ 30 billion in 2033.

Pakistan experienced an unprecedented surge in domestic tourism immediately after the Covid induced travel restrictions were lifted: For instance, in 2021 and 2022, over 1.2 million domestic and international tourists visited the country’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province alone .

To manage this increasing all-season footfall of visitors while harnessing its understated economic potential, the local authorities, communities, and private sector require resources, equipment and training without losing focus on green and inclusive tourism.

Determined to make a change, Numan, who now works as a manager at a local hotel in Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sought ways to mitigate the negative impact of the tourism industry on the ecosystem. That is when he came across the “Travel Responsibly for Experiencing Eco-tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” (TREK) initiative – a partnership between the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, World Bank (WB) and Nestlé Pakistan to promote and support responsible tourism initiatives.

TREK complements the ongoing activities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development Project (KITE) project for heritage preservation and tourism infrastructure development. Since 2020, it has completed awareness campaigns for tourists, and training of local communities and hospitality businesses on waste management. TREK has trained over 650 participants from more than 150 hotels and restaurants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s tourist areas. The beneficiaries also included local communities, local authorities and academia of Peshawar, Nathiagali, Abbottabad, Swat , Naran and Chitral districts.

These trainings concentrated on solid waste minimization, segregation, management, and recycling techniques. Public service messages on responsible tourism were also launched through social media and radio campaigns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and cities of Islamabad and Lahore. Most country’s domestic tourists are concentrated in these geographies and were thus able to receive communication on tourist helplines on the importance of keeping the sites litter-free.

10,000 reusable bags were distributed to tourists and the hotel association in tourist hotspots aiming to encourage their use and minimize littering. In parallel, the IDA-financed KITE project provided waste bins, garbage collection and compacting machinery to the local authorities in Nathiagali, Naran, Chitral and Kumrat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and a few locations in Punjab province, and installed 50 tourist information signboards to complement the awareness campaigns.

Tourist information sign boards in Galiyat, Pakistan

TREK Awareness Workshop for Community and Local Government Participants

Incorporating the knowledge from these sessions, like several other participants, Numan introduced eco-friendly practices at his hotel. He also spearheads a community-funded clean-up initiative in his hometown of Mardan district. This initiative has transformed into a community-driven effort, with residents actively participating in regular clean-up drives. Such sustainable transformations encapsulate the very essence of what TREK envisions for communities throughout the province and beyond.

TREK has propelled its partners towards impactful activities by encouraging collaboration with the private sector. Its partner in the initiative, Nestlé Pakistan, is taking concrete actions to create circular systems that make it easier to collect, recycle and reuse products that use plastic. It is committed to designing 100 percent of its plastic packaging for recycling and expects to achieve a 95 percent target by 2025.

The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has allocated resources and supports its teams to ensure green and inclusive destination management in partnership with the private sector.

The project has also provided machinery for snow removal and solid waste management to local authorities to improve accessibility, traffic flow and promote sustainable tourism in the province.

TREK's inclusivity stands out, inviting participants from diverse backgrounds, including women, youth, and the transgender community.  Zareen Akhtar, a social worker, and human rights activist who underwent TREK training, testified to the program's transformative impact. She acknowledged the newfound knowledge she gained, eager to share it with others. She emphasized that she’s one of the many women in this region who have had the opportunity to attend these trainings. “Inclusion of women not only has a wider social impact but also a major mindset shift in the region, allowing for a cohesive awareness within the social fabric of the community.”

Initiatives like TREK have the power to transform the tourism landscape in some of Pakistan's most pristine destinations and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy these in years to come. In its next phase, TREK will integrate additional players from the private and financial sectors of the country to launch activities that support community empowerment and investment mobilization for job creation.

By Kiran Afzal , Senior Private Sector Specialist, World Bank Pakistan,  Touseef Khalid , Project Director, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development (KITE) Project, and  Sheikh Waqar Ahmad , Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Nestlé Pakistan.

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Why is Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi visiting Pakistan?

Raisi is set to hold talks with top Pakistani leaders as the two nations aim to boost trade and resolve border issues.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is in Pakistan on a three-day trip to discuss regional and bilateral relations days after Iran and Israel carried out attacks against each other, risking the Gaza war to expand into a regional conflict.

Raisi is scheduled to hold talks with top Pakistani leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif , as the two neighbours seek to mend ties after tit-for-tat missile attacks in January.

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Local media reported that Raisi will also meet General Asim Munir , the head of Pakistan’s military, which wields huge political and economic influence in the South Asian nation.

What’s the agenda of the trip?

Raisi arrived in the capital, Islamabad, on Monday as the two neighbours aim to boost economic, border and energy ties.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in line with the neighbourhood policy … is interested in promoting relations with Pakistan and during this trip, various issues including economic and commercial issues, energy and border issues will be discussed with the government of Pakistan,” a statement by the Iranian presidential office said on Monday.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for improving bilateral ties.

“The two sides will have a wide-ranging agenda to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties and enhance cooperation in diverse fields including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, and people-to-people contacts,” the statement said.

The Iranian president will visit major cities, including Lahore and Karachi, and focus on bilateral and trade ties, it said.

Mosharraf Zaidi, a partner at advisory services firm Tabadlab and former adviser to the Foreign Ministry, told Al Jazeera in a written statement that Raisi’s trip is “an effort to secure an expression of support from Islamabad and Rawalpindi [military leadership] for Iran – as it stumbles deeper into a dangerous conflict with Israel”.

Zaidi added that Iran’s strategic thinkers are aware that Pakistan has both a domestic political crisis and a growing range of economic compulsions that limit the range of movement on Pakistan’s engagement in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

What’s the status of Iran-Pakistan ties?

Iran and Pakistan have a history of a troubled relationship, with both accusing each other of failing to rein in armed groups.

The border tensions escalated in January when Iran carried out air attacks across the border in Pakistan killing two children. The Iranian state media said the attack was targeting two bases of the armed group Jaish al-Adl . Pakistan retaliated by firing a missile into Iranian territory and recalling its ambassador from Tehran.

But the two neighbours decided to de-escalate tensions, with Tehran rushing its top diplomat to Islamabad to mend ties. The two countries agreed to confront the “menace of terrorism” together, especially in the border region. Before Raisi’s visit, Tehran and Islamabad talked about combating “terrorism”.

“At that time, Pakistan had a caretaker government in place. So what Iranians had indicated was that after the new government comes in, there could be a visit to repair the relationship and rebuild confidence,” Muhammad Faisal, a PhD Scholar at the University of Technology Sydney who specialises in Pakistan’s foreign policy, said.

Why is the Pakistan-Iran relationship vital?

Foreign policy analysts in Pakistan have backed re-engagement with Iran despite the border tensions.

“Pakistan has troubled borders with India as well as with Afghanistan. And therefore, to have a normal, stable relationship with Iran has been of utmost importance for Pakistan, and it remains so,” veteran Pakistani diplomat Maleeha Lodhi told Al Jazeera in the wake of the January border tensions.

Islamabad and Tehran have been aiming to boost bilateral trade, which currently stands at more than $2bn.

Faisal told Al Jazeera that there is a sizable informal trade between the two countries, including liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and crude oil. He added that Iran also provides electricity to Balochistan province and other border areas in Pakistan.

In May 2023, Sharif and Raisi inaugurated the first border market at the Mand-Pishin border crossing.

Moreover, the two neighbours have close cultural and religious ties, with tens of thousands of Shia minority people from Pakistan going to Iran every year on pilgrimage.

However, Tabadlab’s Zaidi said common cultural bonds and a long border – 900km (559 miles) – have not translated into people-to-people exchanges and deep trade ties.

“Instead, trade is mostly outside the formal domain and travel is restricted to religious tourism,” he said.

On the eve of his trip, the Iranian president set a target of $10bn in bilateral trade, saying the level of economic relations between the two countries is not equal to the level of political relations. Last August, they had set the bilateral trade target at $5bn.

A plan to build a pipeline to export Iranian natural gas to Pakistan has been stalled amid opposition from the United States, which has slapped a wide range of sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear programme.

Faisal, from the University of Technology Sydney, said the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline might be discussed during the talks.

How has Pakistan responded to Iran-Israel tensions?

On April 14, a day after Iran’s strikes on Israel, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling for de-escalation . The statement deemed the events “the consequences of the breakdown of diplomacy”.

“These also underline the ‘grave’ implications in cases where the UN Security Council is unable to fulfil its responsibilities of maintaining international peace and security,” the ministry statement said.

It further said Pakistan underlined the necessity of international efforts to prevent further hostilities in the region and for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“It’s now critically urgent to stabilise the situation and restore peace. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint,” the statement concluded.

Pakistan does not recognise Israel and does not have direct channels of communication with it.

“In recent years, there has been growing conjecture about pressure from GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] countries on Pakistan to make changes to its Palestine policy. There is no indication that such a change is on the cards,” Zaidi said.

The leaders of Iran and Pakistan vow to boost trade in a meeting seeking to mend a diplomatic rift

ISLAMABAD — The leaders of Iran and Pakistan agreed to strengthen economic and security cooperation in a meeting on Monday that sought to smooth over a diplomatic rift.

Ties were strained between the neighbors in January when each carried out strikes in the other’s territory , targeting militants accused of attacking security forces.

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other officials on his three-day visit. Authorities deployed hundreds of additional police and paramilitary forces for security.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent months, mostly blamed on Pakistani Taliban and insurgents targeting security forces in Pakistan and neighboring Iran.

According to a statement, the two leaders discussed a range of bilateral issues and vowed to cooperate to fight terrorism. They reiterated their condemnations of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

Sharif praised Iran’s “strong stand on the issue of Palestine” and said “Pakistan is also with the Palestinians.”

Raisi said the killings by Israel in Gaza were being committed with the support of the United States and other Western countries. He criticized international organizations, including the United Nations, saying, “They say they support human rights, but they proved that they are inefficient.”

The visit comes after Iran’s unprecedented direct strikes on Israel and an apparent Israeli response. Pakistan is among the countries that have no diplomatic relations with Israel because of the issue of Palestinian statehood.

Raisi also vowed to boost what he called “unacceptably” meager bilateral trade with Pakistan and called for setting up more border markets. Pakistan and Iran set up the first such border market in southwestern Pakistan’s Baluchistan province last year, promising five more under a 2012 agreement.

The two leaders signed eight cooperation agreements, according to Sharif’s office.

Authorities said the two sides also discussed a multi-billion gas pipeline project, on hold since 2014. The project — opposed by Washington as a violation of sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear program — launched in 2013 to supply Iranian natural gas to energy-starved Pakistan.

Iran says it had already completed the pipeline on its side of the border after investing $2 billion. Pakistan was supposed to finish construction on its territory by the end of 2014 but work stalled, leading to tensions between the nations.

The Iranian president later met with his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari, who helped launch the pipeline project after traveling to Iran in 2013.

On Monday night, Pakistan’s powerful army chief Gen. Asim Munir met with the Iranian president, the military said in a statement. It said their discussion focused on “matters of mutual interest, notably regional peace, stability and border security.”

The statement said Munir described the Pakistan-Iran border as “the border of peace and friendship” but emphasized the need for improved coordination there “to prevent terrorists from jeopardizing the longstanding brotherly relations.”

It quoted Raisi as saying that by fostering cooperation between the militaries, Iran and Pakistan “can attain peace and stability for both nations and the region.”

Raisi also met with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The two discussed regional and global developments and “affirmed commitment to peace and constructive dialogue for resolving regional challenges.”

Raisi is accompanied by his spouse and a high-level delegation. He plans to visit Karachi, Pakistan’s biggest city, and Lahore, where he will meet with the country’s recently elected first female chief minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

This version corrects the first name of the Pakistani president to Asif.

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PESHAWAR: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sardar Ali Amin Khan Gandapur Wednesday presided over the first meeting of the Department of Tourism and set new targets to develop the tourism sector in the province on modern lines.

The chief minister was briefed about the working administrative affairs of the tourism department and development projects and future action plans so far initiated for the promotion of the tourism sector in the province.

He was also briefed about the Integrated Tourism Zones to be established in Malakand and Hazara Divisions.

CM Ali Ali Amin Gandapur has set new targets to develop the tourism sector in the province on modern lines so as to attract both local and international tourists to visit scenic places.

He asked for a plan to promote the tourism sector as an industry and directed the concerned quarters to take up measures to attract domestic and foreign investment in the tourism sector.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has sufficient potential for tourism, it should be utilized to the maximum extent, the chief minister said while instructing the officials of the Tourism department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He directed the officials in the meeting that they should prepare a plan for the promotion of eco-tourism in the province.

Alternative markets should be established at crowded tourist spots and car parking areas should be included as a mandatory component in the planning of newly established tourist spots, Ali Amin Gandapur said.

Steps should be taken to provide all the facilities needed by the tourists at the tourist spots, the chief minister. He said a sustainable system should be developed for drinking water supply and sewage in tourist places.

CM Ali Amin Gandapur said that steps should be taken to establish rest areas and mosques on roads leading to tourist spots.

He also asked for a plan for the effective use of properties owned by the Tourism Department.

With the effective use of these properties, along with providing facilities to the tourists, the province can also get sufficient income, said the Chief Minister.

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This curiously shaped mausoleum is a monument to Pakistan's founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah. It's set at the top of a stepped pyramid in a small park. Built…

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The restoration of Ganish Village is particularly good and won a Unesco Asia Pacific Heritage Award. While Baltit Fort shows how the cream of society…

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The most exposed parts of Moenjodaro City are open to visitors, representing just one-third of the area yet to be excavated. Archaeology buffs will get…

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Multan's most prominent landmark, now largely in ruins except for its gate and part of the outer walls and bastions, is Qasim Bagh Fort, near Hussain…

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Chilas is surrounded by wonderful Petroglyphs, which are easy to access, though be prepared for high temperatures and take plenty of water. There is a…

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To the northeast of town, about 4km from the main train station, this was one of three gardens named Shalimar Gardens created by Shah Jahan in the 17th…

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Try to set aside a couple of hours to make the most of a visit to the superb Lahore Museum, which has exhibits spanning the recorded history of the…

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Chitral Fort has a commanding position on the river. It remains the seat of the mehtar's descendents so you can't enter it without an invitation, although…

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Soaring into the sky in Iqbal Park, the 60m high Minar-i-Pakistan was built in 1960. It commemorates the signing of the Pakistan Resolution on 23 March…

Archaeological Museum of Balochistan

Balochistan

This small but well-kept Archaeological Museum of Balochistan, also known as Quetta Museum, is tucked away just east of Mizan Chowk. The galleries display…

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Although not as busy as Clifton Beach, Sandspit is popular with families on Sunday and on holidays. Sandspit is a natural breakwater that prevents the…

Channel Walk

A three- or four-hour walk along the main water channels from Ultar Nala is a good way to see Hunza at its best. Try to avoid the delicate side channels.

Clifton Beach

Clifton Beach is Karachi's busiest beach, although here you'll want to take a stroll rather than a swim. The beach itself is nothing special, made of mud…

Prince Kamran Baradari Park

The baradari (summer pavilion) of Prince Kamran, son of the first Mughal emperor Zahiruddin Babur, stands on a small island in the Ravi River (the river…

Manora Island

Manora Island sits a short ferry ride from Keamari Harbour, the entrance to Karachi's busy port. The island was the site of the fort where Karachi's…

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Ali Sher Khan probably built the fort on the east end of this rock in the 17th century, but the Dogras trashed and rebuilt it. It's a half-hour climb to…

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Defence Housing Authority Mosque (Masjid-i-Tuba)

Surely Pakistan's most eccentric mosque, the Defence Housing Authority Mosque is a truly odd structure that was built in the late 1960s. The low-slung…

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Queen Victoria Monument

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Geological Survey of Pakistan Museum

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Daily Times

Your right to know Friday, April 26, 2024

Pakistan delegation arrives in Shahrisabz to participate in ECO Tourism Capital for 2024

April 26, 2024

The Pakistan delegation, under the initiative of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has embarked on Cultural Journey to Uzbekistan for “Shahrisabz – ECO Tourism Capital for 2024”. It is led by Salman Javed, Senior Board Member of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and Convener of the Tourism Committee in FPCCI. It will participate in a series of events including a cooking competition, modest fashion show, and the International Folk Festival, all part of the festivities in “Shahrisabz – ECO Tourism Capital for 2024”.

The inauguration of Shahrisabz as the “Tourism Capital” of ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) includes a wide array of events such as the ECO Tourism Forum, nomad games, gastronomy competitions, and other cultural showcases aimed at highlighting the rich culture and heritage of ECO countries while fostering cooperation in the field of tourism among member states.

Highlighting the main features, the spokesperson of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) stated that the Pakistani delegation would focus on ECO Region Tourism cooperation for the strengthening of people-to-people contact and cultural exchange between the participating countries.

Among the participants from ECO Member States, designers will showcase creativity skills in the “Modest Fashion Show”, while chefs, specializing in national dishes and desserts, will compete in the “Shahrisabz Cooking Competition”.

Additionally, ethno-sports athletes and folk artists from various countries will take part in the first International Nomad Games and the “International Folk Festival” of the ECO region respectively.

The official opening ceremony of the “Shahrisabz 2024 – ECO Tourism Capital” events is scheduled to take place today, in the Historical Center of Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan. All competition events have been organized in the form of festivals or exhibitions to strengthen friendships between member states and promote cross-cultural understanding.

From March 27 to April 6, the plein-air artists visited the historic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Shahrisabz, capturing the essence of Uzbekistan’s rich heritage through their masterpieces.

This initiative has brought together artists from Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, who through their artistry, weaved together the tapestry of historical narratives and contemporary landscapes, reflecting the enduring allure of Uzbekistan’s ancient cities.

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