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Pakistan Tours & Holidays

Searching for a proper adventure? Pack your bags and your camera for Pakistan.

Imagine if you could click your fingers and forget everything you’ve heard about Pakistan. Well, this is your chance – just click your mouse and you’ll be on your way to discovering a country that’s not defined by the media. This is a land of incredible treks through soaring mountains , one whose terrain is as enrapturing as its history. From the capital of Islamabad to the mystical Hunza Valley , Pakistan has felt the subtle touch of the world’s greatest empires and the brute force of the world’s most complex conflicts. And through it all, the Pakistani people remain humble, hopeful and unconditionally hospitable – come and see it for yourself.

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Pakistan: Women's Expedition

Pakistan Expedition

5 of the best treks in Pakistan

8 reasons to travel to Pakistan

10 ways to get closer to nature with Intrepid  

Meet Aneeqa, the tour leader forging new paths in Pakistan

8 offbeat trips to escape the crowds in 2023

Pakistan at a glance

Capital city.

Islamabad (population approximately 1.1 million)

Approximately 213 million

Pakistani rupee (PKR)

Urdu, English, provincial languages

(GMT +05:00) Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (compatible with Type C)

Learn more about Pakistan

Culture and customs.

Pakistan – officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan – must be one of the least-understood countries in the world. It has suffered from a serious image issue for years, particularly since September 2011, and people can be quick to cast it aside as a backwards, troubled nation. And yes, there are problems regarding economics, rebel groups and international relations, but there are also hundreds of millions of welcoming people hoping to cast aside Pakistan’s damaged reputation.

The majority of Pakistanis practice Islam though their ethnicity is extremely diverse. Thanks to the myriad religions, cultures and empires that have gained prominence in the region at one time or another, Pakistan is a melting pot of Indian, Central Asian and Persian influences to name just a few. There are over 70 different languages and the northern Pakistanis of the Karakoram ranges have more in common with, say, their northern  Indian  or Afghan neighbours than those living in Karachi or Hyderabad.

That said, there are two things common to Pakistan wherever you travel and the first is cricket. The Pakistanis are mad for the sport with the current prime minister, Imran Kahn, having captained the national team to World Cup glory in 1992. The second is hospitality. A guest is a blessing from God, according to Islam, and you’ll find that the locals will go out of their way to share a cup of tea, a meal or a conversation – probably about cricket – with you.

Like many conservative countries, Pakistan takes a more traditional view when it comes to gender equality. Males are considered the head of the household and are generally responsible for providing for their family, with women often expected to stay hidden in private. This is slowly changing, however, with women across the country fighting for more independence against a long-standing patriarchy.

Pakistan has a long way to go in the eyes of many but that doesn’t discount what’s on offer right now: with a unconditionally welcoming population that loves to throw a party and host visitors, Pakistan may just be the best place you never thought you’d visit.

History and government

Human occupation of the area we know as Pakistan dates back some 300,000 years, with evidence of stone-age communities found in the northern Punjab region. These evolved into farming and herding communities that cultivated large areas of land, though it was the Indus Valley civilisation that really flourished in the basins of the Indus River. It’s not known why this civilisation collapsed, but they were eventually replaced by the Persian Achaemenid Empire until Alexander the Great rolled into town with his  Macedonian  army in 327 BC. When Alexander died, he left behind an enormous empire stretching from  Greece  to the Indus River, which was split among his generals.

Conquest after conquest

Pakistan continued to be a highly sought-after territory. Buddhism and Hinduism both prevailed in the area until the first Muslim foothold was achieved with Muhammad bin Qasim’s conquest in 711 AD. Islam spread throughout the region, culminating in the creation of the Mughal Empire, which covered modern-day Pakistan, Afghanistan,  India  and  Bangladesh . The Mughals were descendants of the Turks and their leader, Babur, was said to descend from Genghis Kahn himself . The Mughals were renowned for their architecture (think the  Taj Mahal and Red Fort  in India), as well as their interest in the arts, which blended  Persian , Indian and  European  influences. The empire started to crack in the early 1700s and by the end of the century a Sikh Empire had taken control of the Punjab region.

British colonisation

The British Raj ruled the Indian subcontinent, including much of Pakistan, from 1858–1947 after several confrontations with the Sikh armies. After victory in the Anglo-Sikh wars, and as a result of the influence of the East India Company, the British dominated the region though a national Muslim identity was slowly emerging. One of the key figures in this movement was Muhammad Iqbal, a writer and poet, who felt that a Muslim state was necessary in a Hindu-dominated region, though some argue that he advocated for a Muslim province rather than a partition of country.

The name ‘Pakistan’ was created in 1933 by Choudhry Rahmat Ali, a political science student, as an acronym for the five northern regions of British India: Punjab, Afghania, Kashmir, Sind and Baluchistan. ‘PAKSTAN’ became ‘Pakistan’ for pronunciation purposes, and this led to the birth of the Pakistan Movement.

Independence

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was granted independence from the British in 1947 (as was India). Once the borders were drawn, an unforseen issue arose in the Punjab region between Hindu minorities in Pakistan and Muslim minorities in India. A population exchanged was agreed upon but it was far from peaceful. It’s estimated that over ten million people migrated across the borders and that 1–2 million people died as a result of violence between the two religions. This clash was the basis of the still unresolved Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India. It’s worth noting, too, that Bangladesh was formerly known as East Pakistan and had a Bengali Muslim majority. In 1971, however, the Bengali Muslims split from their western family because of discrimination and a lack of attention from the government in Pakistan proper.

Pakistan is a regional (and nuclear) power with one of the world’s fastest-growing middle class. The problems are many, including corruption, terrorism and poverty, but the country is tipped to become a large and important economy. Imran Kahn, Pakistan’s current prime minister and former cricket captain, has prioritised tourism as an important source of future wealth.

Eating and drinking

Pakistan’s cuisine is a result of its myriad influences throughout history. Take your subcontinental staples, add some Middle Eastern flavours, mix in some Central Asia seasoning and you’ve got a seriously tasty variety of dishes – think everything from a spicy curry to the perfect shish kebab. These are a few dishes to look out for:

• Nihari A hugely popular and traditional Muslim dish found across the Indian subcontinent. Take a slow-cooked shank of lamb, goat or chicken and stew it with some 50 spices including garam masala, cardamom and cumin. Serve with naan or roti and you’re laughing (and most likely napping too).
• Sajji Originating in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, sajji is a simple, tasty meat dish. Take a whole lamb or chicken, marinate it in salt, skewer the entire thing and roast it over coals. Sometimes it’s covered in green papaya paste, sometimes it’s stuffed with rice, but one thing is for certain: it’s always delicious.
• Halwa poori This dish has become a popular breakfast for the people of southern Pakistan. Take some deep-fried bread ­– that’s the poori – and serve with halwa (a traditional sweet), yoghurt and a chickpea or potato curry. It’s light and oh so right.
• Kheer This traditional dessert is a rice pudding combined with almonds, pistachios, cashews and saffron and cardamom. Look for it in terracotta bowls from a restaurant or street stand and savour the sweet sensation once you break the skin with your spoon.

Plant-based options

Travelling as a vegetarian in Pakistan can sometimes be difficult. Meat is considered the highlight of a meal and while some classic vegetarian dishes like dahl can easily be found, they may sometimes be served with shredded chicken, for example. It’s important to be clear that you don’t eat meat and that includes fish and chicken. That said, there’s plenty of paratha and piping-hot roti to be had, you just need to be patient to find something more substantial.

Vegans will encounter quite a bit of difficulty as veganism just isn’t really a concept in Pakistan. Everyone except the poorest people enjoy a heavy meat-based diet and a lot of meals are cooked in either meat stock or ghee butter. Be sure to ask that your dish is prepared in a separate pot and without any animal products, but be understanding if this causes some confusion.

Of course, this is all a lot easier when you’re travelling with a local, someone who knows the language and the culture. If you travel with Intrepid, you’ll have a local leader who can help you decipher menus and recommend good plant-based choices.

Geography and environment

Pakistan has the dubious honour of hosting some of the most disputed borders in the world. The country is bordered by four countries –  Iran ,  India , Afghanistan and  China  – with disagreements over the Kashmir region (India and China) and the Durand Line (Afghanistan). Pakistan stretches from the Arabian Sea in the south to the mighty Karakoram mountains in the north and can be split into three geographical regions.

Northern highlands

Pakistan’s north is incredibly mountainous and includes the Karakoram, Hindu Kush and Himalaya mountain ranges. It’s home to the world’s second-largest peak K2 (8611 m) as well as more than 50 mountains rising above 6500 metres. It is an undeniably beautiful area but given the challenging terrain, the northern highlands have a sparse population with remote villages scattered throughout the valleys. The winters here are severe, as you’d imagine, with freezing temperatures and much snowfall. The Hunza Valley, through which the Karakoram Highway runs, sees temperatures between -5/-15°C (23/5­°F) during winter though it can reach the low thirties (86°F) in the summer period.

Balochistan

Pakistan’s southwest area is known as Balochistan, which borders both Iran and Afghanistan. It accounts for 44% of Pakistan’s land mass but less than 10% of the population, most of whom are concentrated in the city of Quetta. Poverty is rife here despite untapped reserves of natural gas and much of the landscape is dry and unable to be cultivated. The summers are hot and the winters can be freezing, though rainfall is relatively low compared to the rest of Pakistan.

Indus Plain

Much of Pakistan’s population and economy are focused on the areas surrounding the mighty River Indus. All of Pakistan’s rivers flow into the Indus and its fertile plains are responsible for most of the country’s food production and industry. The river shelters several endemic creatures including the Indus River dolphin, which is close to extinction, but is also the cause of devastating floods. Each year Pakistan sees heavy rain from mid-July through till September and the Indus will often flood a huge area of land, affecting millions of people across Pakistan.

Pakistan is home to shawls, spice and everything nice. Much like  India , Pakistan’s markets are an experience in their own right and even if you don’t plan on bringing something home, you’re unlikely to forget the bustle and banter as you make your way through the throngs. But if you do have space for souvenirs, the following may make some nice mementos:

There’s a long tradition of carpet weaving in Pakistan, dating way back to the Indus Valley civilisation. This continued through the Mughal Empire and the carpets made in Pakistan and Afghanistan were in high demand across the world, with Lahore being particularly famous for its rugs.

Pakistan is known for its onyx marble and while many think of onyx as being a black gem, you’ll find that Pakistani onyx comes in a range of colours. You may well find jewellery and handicrafts with streaks of gold, green and brown in specialist and market shops across the country.

Kashmiri Shawls

The disputed region of Kashmir is known for its woven shawls – cashmere is an anglicisation of Kashmir. Story has it that Napoleon gave one to both his wives, so if you’re after a gift to get you out of trouble, one of these (or two) may just be the perfect purchase.

Multan pottery

The city of Multan is located in southern Punjab and famous for its blue pottery, which was introduced by Arab artisans after Muhammad Bin Qasim conquered the region in the 8th century. The best places to purchase a vase or similar vessel are Multan and Lahore, otherwise you may not be getting the real deal.

Festivals and events

The people in Pakistan love a party and will go all out for birthdays, weddings and religious celebrations. You can expect a lot of noise and colour and a smorgasbord of distractions everywhere you look.

Independence Day

The 14th of August commemorates the independence of Pakistan and is celebrated nation-wide. Official celebrations include speeches and a gun salute, as well as cultural programs in the cities, while the people of Pakistan adorn their shops and homes in flags, bunting and banners. It’s a day for friends and family, with people taking to parks and other public places to celebrate their country.

Shandur Festival

Welcome to the highest polo match on the planet. Sitting at 3700 metres (12,139 feet), Shandur’s polo ground hosts a festival every July at the Shandur Pass, with teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan facing off in an extremely aesthetic arena. It’s a shoutout to the equestrian traditions of Central Asia and the festival also hosts traditional folk music and dancing.

This Punjabi festival used to be held in February to celebrate the coming of spring by flying kites across the city. The sky was filled with colourful kites but make no mistake, this was no leisure activity. The kites were flown on special, glass-embedded strings in order to sever the strings of competitor kites and Basant was eventually banned because people were being killed by stray strings. In 2019 the government decided against lifting the 10-year ban on Basant, though many hope that the tradition will be reinstituted sometime soon.

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Pakistan adventure, check out these books:

Moth Smoke  – Mohsin Hamid

The Ice-Candy Man  – Bapsi Sidwha

The Buddha of Suburbia  – Hanif Kureishi

My Feudal Lord  – Tehmina Durrani

A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush  – Eric Newby

Kartography  – Kamila Shamsie

A Case of Exploding Mangoes  –Mohammed Hanif

The Reluctant Fundamentalist  – Mohsin Hamid

K2: Life and Death on the World’s Most Dangerous Mountain  – Ed Viesturs, David Roberts

Pakistan travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Pakistan?

Pakistan’s climate is difficult to pin down as a single entity. It ranges from tropical and subtropical to semi-arid and desert, and then up north you’ve got the ridiculously beautiful ­– and ridiculously cold – mountainous areas incorporating the Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush ranges.

In the north, the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan sees desert-level rainfall, but snow is quite frequent in winter. The trekking season runs from April to October and the area is generally sheltered from the monsoon rains experienced further south, though there may well be some showers, thunderstorms and possibly snowfall at higher altitudes.

The region of Punjab, which incorporates the cities of Islamabad and Lahore, has a sub-tropical climate with very hot summers. July and August see the southwest monsoon bring heavy rains, while September, October and November tend to be drier with a more manageable temperature range of 10–34°C (50–93°F), depending on where you are. Given Islamabad’s higher altitude and location at the foot of the mountains, it tends to be a little wetter than, say, Peshawar or Lahore, but if you wish to avoid the rain, your best bet is to avoid spending too much time in Punjab from July until September.

Is it safe to travel to Pakistan?

Pakistan is one of those countries that sets off alarm bells in the minds of friends and family – you're going where? Their reaction is understandable, given the news coverage of Pakistan over the past 20 years, and there's no doubt that some areas just aren't worth the risk. That said, you can rest assured that Intrepid would not take you anywhere unless we were convinced it was safe and trust us, there's more – so much more – to Pakistan than the media would have you believe.

Do I need a visa to travel to Pakistan?

Anyone travelling to Pakistan for tourism or business purposes must obtain a visa, which can be done on arrival (depending on your nationality) or online before your trip begins. You can also apply for a tourist visa at your local Pakistan embassy or consulate before travelling. Both e-visas and visas issued on arrival have differing lengths of stay, with e-visas valid for up to 3 months (but can be extended to 6 months) and VOA (visa on arrival) valid for a period of 30 days.

The page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 6 May 2023 

Is tipping customary in Pakistan?

While gratuities aren't compulsory on this trip, they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you are happy with the services provided, a tip is an appropriate way to say thanks. 

Most restaurants in Pakistan will not include a service charge on the bill so a tip can be added to the total amount. There's no strict rule, but 8–10 per cent is generally recommended. 

Over the years we have found that many of our travellers find the need for tipping local guides and operators to be both tiresome and embarrassing, especially if they don't have the correct small change. To overcome this, your leader might raise the idea of a group tipping kitty. At your group meeting, your tour leader may discuss the idea of running this kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then your tour leader pays the tips as you go. The leader will keep a running record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour returned to group members. This kitty does not include any tips you wish to give your leader and crew.

What is the internet access like in Pakistan?

If you’re planning to use your mobile phone in Pakistan (with either global roaming activated or by using a local SIM) you’ll find that the internet in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi is quick and free wi-fi is often available through hotspots. Travellers will be able to find internet cafes in Pakistan's larger cities but internet access might be patchy or non-existent in more remote areas like the Hunza Valley. There have been instances of the government restricting connectivity and social media during periods of protest or religious celebration.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone in Pakistan?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in the cities of Pakistan, although coverage may not be available in remote areas. If you want to use your mobile phone, ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive (but be aware of the fees this may incur).

What are the toilets like in Pakistan?

Most mid­- to high-range hotels in Pakistan will be equipped with Western-style, flushable toilets. You may well encounter squat toilets at restaurants and in public areas, and while these can take some getting used to, they become part of the experience once you’ve nailed your technique.

What will it cost for a...?

Pakistan’s unit of currency is the rupee. Prices here are approximate and shown in US dollars for ease of comparison.

• Can of domestic beer = USD 2–3
• Meal at a local restaurant = USD 3-8
• Local bus ticket = USD 0.20
• Cup of coffee (cappuccino or similar) = USD 1–2

Can I drink the water in Pakistan?

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Pakistan. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water and fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available, often boiled to use for tea. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Pakistan?

Credits cards are not widely accepted in Pakistan, which remains a primarily cash-based society. You may be able to use a credit card in hotels and higher-end shops in cities like Islamabad and Lahore, but make sure you have enough cash available when leaving the cities.

What is ATM access like in Pakistan?

Pakistan lays claim to the world’s highest ATM, located at 4687 metres (15,379 feet) at the Khunjerab Pass. You’ll be able to find ATMs in most cities and towns, but be sure to take enough cash when travelling to more remote villages, particularly in the mountains.

What is the weather like in Pakistan?

The weather in Pakistan falls into four seasons.

 June–September sees monsoonal rains, with June being the hottest month of the year and reaching upwards of 45 °C (113 °F). The rains are notoriously unpredictable, with the monsoon sometimes skipping the Pubjab region altogether and sometimes causing widespread damaging floods.

The post-monsoon season of October/November sees both temperatures and rainfall reducing. While the days can warm and hot, the nights begin to cool with temperatures ranging from 10–30°C (50–86°F) and rain falling sporadically.

The winter months of December, January and February see fine weather across most of the country with a large variation in temperatures. The daytime is generally quite pleasant, with temperatures usually topping out at 20°C (68°F), though it can drop down to 3 or 4°C at night (37–39°F). The northern mountains are another story, with precipitation falling as snow and temperatures well below freezing.

The hot, dry season comes in March, April and May with averages in the mid-30s (95°F) in the low-lying areas, though it gets hotter up north until you reach the northern mountains.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Pakistan?

• 5 February Kashmir Solidarity Day
• 23 March Pakistan Day
• 1 May Labour Day
• Varies Eid-ul-Fitr
• Varies Eid al-Adha
• 14 August Independence Day
• Varies Ashura
• Varies Eid Milad
• December 25 Quaid-e-Azam’s Birthday

Given Pakistan is a Muslim country, their public holidays follow the Islamic calendar, which is based off lunar dates.

For a current list of public holidays Pakistan, including those with moveable dates, go to: timeanddate.com/holidays

Is Pakistan a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

We recommend LGBTQIA+ travellers exercise complete discretion when travelling in Pakistan.

Pakistan is not a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers who wish to openly express sexuality outside of a very rigid, heterosexual binary. In fact, we do not recommend any public expressions of sexuality given Pakistan’s conservative values.

Openly LGBTQIA+ people can face stigma, harassment and violence in their everyday lives, with homosexuality technically punishable by life in prison or death. That said, Pakistan does recognise a third gender with transgender citizens afforded broad protections.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

Is Pakistan accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Pakistan can be a difficult destination to explore for travellers with disabilities. Even in large cities like Lahore and Islamabad, differently abled people – travellers and locals alike – are often overlooked in terms of infrastructure and policy.  

While international chain hotels are often built with the needs of accessible travellers in mind, homestays, guesthouses and locally run hotels are generally not fitted with ramps, elevators, shower rails etc.

If you have a battery-operated hearing aid, it’s a good idea to bring extra batteries.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in Pakistan

What you wear in Pakistan will depend on what time of the year you’re travelling and where you are going. The autumn, summer and spring are generally quite hot across the low-lying areas and cool, loose-fitting clothing that is culturally sensitive, like a light shirt and trouser combo, is best. The northern highlands can get very cold, even in the warmer months, so be sure to pack a warm jacket, thermals, sturdy waterproof shoes and a windbreaker. Clothes that can be easily layered are best.

When entering mosques, women must have their heads, arms, legs and shoulders covered, and all people should dress conservatively. Please avoid shorts and if you’re in any doubt, we recommend playing it safe.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Your Full Ultimate Islamabad Trip and Tours Guide!

Are you planning a remarkable Islamabad trip? Delve into the heart of Pakistan’s capital, where history, culture, and modernity converge.

Explore Islamabad’s cultural content, where the past and present meet seamlessly. Additionally, every moment offers an experience out of the ordinary, from the intriguing exhibitions at the Lok Virsa Museum to the spectacular landscapes of the Margalla Hills. Nonetheless, this is not a typical trip to Islamabad it is a study of a city that lives on diversity.

Feel your desire to explore grow as we lead you through the winding alleyways, revealing hidden jewels and must-see spots. So, imagine yourself savouring local cuisine, exploring crowded markets, and immersing yourself in Islamabad’s warm embrace as you read. Then, your desire for an authentic Islamabad trip experience is about to be fulfilled.

Discover the necessities for your upcoming Islamabad trip, from arranging your ideal Islamabad tour to finding cheap tickets to Islamabad . Above all, allow the adventure to unfold as you enter a city where history meets hospitality and every street has a story.

Your Islamabad trip begins here – an invitation to adventure, culture, and the extraordinary!

Preparing for the Islamabad Trip

Embarking on your Islamabad trip requires careful planning and preparation. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience:

Planning Essentials

• Visa Navigation: Begin your Islamabad trip by securing the necessary visas. Check the specific requirements for your nationality to ensure a smooth entry into Pakistan.
• Best Time to Visit: Islamabad boasts diverse seasons. Plan your Islamabad tour during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes.
• Strategic Travel Arrangements: Explore various travel options to find cheap tickets to Islamabad . Moreover, consider flexible travel dates and booking platforms to secure budget-friendly deals.

Packing Tips for Different Seasons

• Lightweight clothing for warm temperatures.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection.
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring.
• Layered clothing as temperatures can vary.
• A light jacket for cooler evenings.
• Sturdy shoes for outdoor activities.
• Warm clothing, including a coat, gloves, and a hat.
• Closed, insulated footwear for chilly days.
• An umbrella for occasional rain.

By taking these planning necessities and packing advice into account, you’ll lay the groundwork for a well-planned and pleasurable trip to Islamabad. So, watch for inexpensive flights to Islamabad to maximise your holiday budget!

Ticketing with Oceans Travel for Your Islamabad Trip

When it comes to securing cheap tickets to Islamabad , we are a reliable and customer-centric option. Here’s why you should consider booking with us:

Why Choose Oceans Travel?

• Competitive Prices: We offer competitive rates, ensuring you get the best deals for your Islamabad trip without compromising on quality.
• Tailored Solutions: Whether you seek flexibility in travel dates or specific airline preferences, we provide personalized ticketing solutions to suit your needs.
• Customer Service Excellence: Our dedicated team ensures a seamless booking experience, assisting you at every step to make your Islamabad travel hassle-free.
• Trust and Reliability: With a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, we prioritise customer satisfaction, making them a preferred choice for travellers.

Booking your tickets to Islamabad through us not only ensures access to cheap tickets to Islamabad but also guarantees peace of mind and a customer-oriented experience.

Arrival in Your Islamabad Trip

Your anticipated Islamabad trip culminates as you step into the capital, where every corner is adorned with a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Welcoming Impressions

Islamabad’s first sights, sounds, and experiences leave an unforgettable imprint on your journey. Besides, every location has a story to tell, from the grandeur of the Faisal Mosque to the vibrant local markets.

The inhabitants’ colourful culture and genuine hospitality greet you, setting the tone for an outstanding Islamabad vacation experience.

Getting Around the City

Transportation Options:

• Metro Bus: Efficient and affordable, the Metro Bus system connects key areas, providing a convenient mode of transportation.
• Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Readily available, these options offer flexibility for exploring the city at your own pace.
• Car Rentals: For those seeking independence, car rentals provide a means to navigate Islamabad and its surroundings.

Local Etiquette:

• Respectful Attire: While Islamabad embraces diversity, it’s advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
• Polite Interactions: The locals appreciate polite greetings and gestures, creating a positive and enriching atmosphere.

Additional Insights

As you immerse yourself in Islamabad’s vibrant atmosphere, try visiting local markets such as Jinnah Super Market for a taste of real cuisine and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Engage with locals to find hidden gems not featured in travel books.

Your arrival in Islamabad marks the start of an adventure loaded with cultural riches and a genuine welcome. After that , why not navigate the city with comfort, absorbing the intriguing spirit of Pakistan’s capital? Furthermore, your Islamabad tour unfolds with promises of surprise and delight.

Must-Visit Places for Your Islamabad Trip

Faisal mosque.

Faisal Mosque, the city’s prominent symbol, is a tribute to Islamabad’s architectural marvels. Its grandeur and tranquil ambience make it a must-see during your stay in Islamabad. Admire the beautiful white marble structure and relax in the serenity of this important holy landmark.

Lok Virsa Museum

The Lok Virsa Museum explores Pakistan’s rich cultural past. This cultural sanctuary features a wide range of exhibits, such as traditional crafts, folk art, music, and historic treasures. In one mesmerising location, discover the essence of Pakistan’s varied customs and cultural tapestry.

Margalla Hills

Nature enthusiasts rejoice as the Margalla Hills offer a peaceful haven within the city. In other words, hiking trails, lush vegetation, and spectacular vistas await atop these beautiful hills. Take in the natural beauty and tranquillity that make this a must-see on your Islamabad trip.

Daman-e-Koh

Head to Daman-e-Koh for panoramic views of Islamabad. This overlook, perched atop the Margalla Hills, provides breathtaking views of the cityscape. Also, why not capture breathtaking photos, relax in tranquil settings, and take in Islamabad’s beauty from a unique vantage point?

Finally, why not explore these must-visit places in Islamabad that promise a rich tapestry of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and architectural wonders. Embrace each location’s uniqueness and create lasting memories during your Islamabad trip

Embarking on an Unforgettable Islamabad Trip

Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, promises a rich tapestry of experiences for avid travellers. For those planning an immersive Islamabad trip, there’s no better way to delve into the local culture than by exploring its culinary delights, shopping havens, and vibrant cultural events.

Local Cuisine – Gastronomic Wonders

Indulging in Islamabad’s various cuisines is a must for any tourist. Begin your culinary adventure by exploring the vibrant food markets, where the aroma of spices and sizzling delicacies fills the air.

Taste Islamabad’s genuineness at the vibrant street sellers, each of whom adds a unique spin to local favourites. Cheap tickets to Islamabad will allow you to sample traditional cuisines such as biryani, kebabs, and the classic Pakistani breakfast staple, nihari.

Pro Tip: Seek out local eateries frequented by residents for an authentic taste of Islamabad’s culinary treasures.

Shopping Experiences – Treasures from the Capital

Your Islamabad trip would be incomplete unless you visit its colourful marketplaces and discover unique souvenirs and handicrafts. The city provides a varied range of shopping experiences, from lively bazaars to contemporary malls.

Spend some time investigating local handicrafts such as beautiful Pashmina shawls, handwoven carpets, and traditional pottery. For anyone looking to bring a piece of Islamabad culture back home, the city’s marketplaces are a treasure trove.

Pro Tip: Bargaining is a common practice in local markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for the best deals on your chosen souvenirs.

Attending Cultural Events – Festivities Unveiled

Immerse yourself in Islamabad’s lively cultural scene by visiting local events or festivals if your stay coincides with any. Festivals highlight the city’s diversity and customs, providing a unique opportunity to witness traditional dance, music, and art forms.

So, check local event calendars to determine whether your Islamabad trip coincides with festivals that provide a deeper insight into the city’s cultural past.

Pro Tip: Ask locals for recommendations on specific events or festivals happening during your stay for an authentic experience.

Cultural Delights – Beyond the Basics

While the aforementioned characteristics are vital to your trip to Islamabad, consider going beyond the obvious. Visit historical sites such as Faisal Mosque and Lok Virsa Museum to learn about the city’s history.

Engage with people, share experiences, and take part in community activities to gain a better understanding of Islamabad’s culture.

Pro Tip: Use online platforms to uncover unique discounts on accommodations and cheap flights to Islamabad , ensuring that your trip is not only culturally enriching but also cost-effective. If you’re wondering where to find special deals, look into travel agencies (like us) or other airlines.

In conclusion, a visit to Islamabad is a cultural journey that includes wonderful cuisines, unusual artefacts, and colourful events. Plan your itinerary carefully to ensure you absorb the essence of this enchanting city while keeping in mind budget-friendly options such as cheap tickets to Islamabad for an all-encompassing vacation experience.

Islamabad Trip, Excursions, and More!

A vacation to Islamabad provides a plethora of captivating day trips and excursions, each highlighting distinct parts of Pakistan’s rich legacy and lively culture.

From the busy streets of Rawalpindi to the ancient remains of Taxila, the area around Islamabad is brimming with fascinating places just waiting to be discovered.

Rawalpindi stands as a vibrant counterpart to Islamabad, pulsating with life and cultural diversity. Therefore, it’s just a mere stone’s throw away from the capital. However, this city invites visitors to immerse themselves in its lively bazaars, historical landmarks, and spirited ambience. 

While walking through its bustling streets, one comes across a blend of modernism and heritage that captures the essence of Pakistani urban life. A trip to Islamabad would be completed without a visit to Rawalpindi’s colourful charm.

Travelling further from Islamabad reveals the old Taxila remains, a monument to the awe-inspiring Gandhara culture. These archaeological gems, steeped in history, transport visitors back in time, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural tapestry. 

Wander through the remnants of stupas, monasteries, and forts, delving into the legacy left behind by a civilization that thrived centuries ago. Similarly, a visit to Taxila is a must for anyone seeking to unravel the historical depth of an Islamabad tour.

In summary, day trips and excursions from Islamabad enhance the vacation experience by providing a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and natural treasures. The vibrancy of Rawalpindi, the ancient allure of Taxila, and other interesting locations complete the Islamabad tour. In addition, it’s a wonderful exploration of Pakistan’s intriguing landscapes and traditions.

Embarking on an Islamabad Trip

Planning a trip to Islamabad frequently entails more than just visiting sights; it often entails immersing oneself in the city’s unique culture, which often begins with connecting with locals.

Interactions with Friendly Locals

The kindness of the people is at the heart of any Islamabad excursion. Not only does engaging with friendly locals provide a profound insight into their lives, but also establishes lasting connections via shared tales and experiences. 

Whether it’s a stroll through the bustling markets or a quiet talk at a local café, these encounters provide glimpses into the city’s personality, enriching the Islamabad travel experience.

Learning Basic Urdu Phrases

Learning a few basic Urdu phrases might make or break your trip to Islamabad. It’s a gesture that locals appreciate in addition to being a communication tool. 

Simple greetings include:

“Salam” (hello),

“Shukriya” (thank you), 

“Alwida” (goodbye), 

“Barae mehrbani” (please),

“Mujhe afsos hai” (I’m sorry),

“Kya aap mairi madad kar saktay hain?” (can you help me?),

“Mujhe muaf kao” (excuse me),

“Is par kitni lagat aati hai?” (how much does it cost?)

All of these things help to overcome cultural divides and provide access to authentic experiences. Nonetheless, hearing these phrases from visitors frequently elicits smiles and opens the door to deeper friendships.

Immersing in the Local Culture

To completely immerse yourself in an Islamabad trip, embrace the local customs and traditions. Participating in local rituals or celebrations, sampling traditional dishes such as “nihari” or “chapli kebabs”.

Street sellers and visiting art galleries displaying local talent contribute to a genuine experience. These encounters, which are frequently assisted by exchanges with locals, leave a lasting impression of the essence of the city.

Discovering Hidden Gems

While finding inexpensive flights to Islamabad is important, discovering the city’s hidden beauties is just as enjoyable. Locals frequently identify lesser-known spots—serene parks, lovely lanes, or quaint tea houses—that aren’t listed in guidebooks.

These local-shared hidden gems provide a distinct viewpoint on the city, making your Islamabad vacation plan more diversified and engaging.

A trip to Islamabad is about more than just sightseeing; it’s about connecting with the city and its people. Engaging with pleasant locals, learning basic Urdu words, and enjoying the local culture are the threads that weave wonderful memories throughout your journey. 

In short, these experiences are typically obtained off the beaten path and via interactions with locals. Nevertheless, make every moment of your Islamabad vacation a treasure trove of stories and connections.

Conclusion to Your Islamabad Trip

To sum up, you can find yourself immersed in a tapestry of experiences that showcase the city’s charm and diversity. Here, we reflect on the highlights of this incredible venture and offer encouragement for fellow travellers to explore Islamabad’s unparalleled beauty.

Reflections on the Islamabad Trip

Dazzling landmarks and scenic views.

The Islamabad tour commenced with a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape from Daman-e-Koh, a viewpoint that left an indelible mark on my memory. Moreover, the iconic Faisal Mosque stood tall against the backdrop, a testament to the city’s architectural brilliance.

Cultural Extravaganza

Exploring Lok Virsa Museum and Pakistan Monument. You can delve into the rich history and culture of Pakistan. The vibrant displays and exhibits offered insights into the nation’s heritage, making your Islamabad trip both educational and culturally enriching.

Culinary Delights

No trip to Islamabad is complete without savouring the local cuisine. From the aromatic stalls of Jinnah Supermarket to the traditional delights of Saidpur Village, the city’s culinary offerings tantalized my taste buds. Above all, this gastronomic journey was a testament to Islamabad’s diverse flavours.

Nature Retreats

Venturing into the Margalla Hills National Park, you can discover an oasis of tranquillity amidst nature. Additionally, the hiking trails and lush greenery provided a refreshing escape, showcasing Islamabad’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures.

Warm Hospitality

One of the key takeaways from an Islamabad trip is the warm hospitality of the locals. From the bustling markets to the serene parks, the welcoming smiles and friendly gestures added a personal touch to the overall experience.

Affordable Adventure

For those seeking an unforgettable adventure, consider booking cheap tickets to Islamabad . Moreover, contrary to common misconceptions, this city offers a plethora of affordable accommodations and experiences, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travellers.

Hidden Gems Await

Beyond its well-known attractions, Islamabad hides numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Likewise, you can venture off the beaten path, explore the lesser-known neighbourhoods, and uncover the city’s secrets for a truly authentic experience.

Embrace the Diversity

The beauty of Islamabad rests not only in its landscapes but also in the diversity of its people. For a richer, more rewarding travel experience, embrace the city’s multicultural tapestry by mingling with residents and immersing yourself in their traditions.

Your Islamabad trip can be more than a trip; it is an invitation to discover, cherish, and celebrate the extraordinary spirit of this great city. So, begin arranging your Islamabad trip today and discover the delights that await you!

This conclusion summarises the beautiful experiences and numerous offerings of the Islamabad trip, to inspire people to visit this remarkable place while emphasising accessibility with cheap tickets to Islamabad .

Discover more intriguing travel insights on our diversified travel blog ! Discover enlightening articles about diverse destinations, budget-friendly travel suggestions, and immersive experiences. Furthermore, it extends your wanderlust and gain vital insights for your next vacation.

Dive into our collection of articles about the Islamabad trip  and more, providing inspiration and guidance for your adventures. Join us on a journey through our travel blog to fuel your passion for travel and discover hidden gems all over the world!

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THE 10 BEST Islamabad Sights & Historical Landmarks

Islamabad landmarks.

• Sacred & Religious Sites
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Architectural Buildings
• Government Buildings
• Monuments & Statues
• Educational sites
• Arenas & Stadiums
• Auto Race Tracks
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Neighborhoods
• Scenic Walking Areas
• Civic Centers
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Faisal Mosque

2. Margalla Hills

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (92)

3. Daman-e-Koh

4. Saidpur Village

5. Pakistan monument

6. Quaid-i-Azam University

7. Parliment House

8. Shahdara Valley

9. Golrah Shrine

10. Bari Imam Shrine

11. Saudi Pak Tower Building

12. Fatima Church

13. Jinnah Sports Stadium

14. Supreme Court of Pakistan

15. Islamabad Stock Exchange Tower

16. Lal Masjid

17. Sir Syed Memorial

18. Pak China Friendship Center

19. 2f2f Karting Club

20. St. Thomas Church

21. aabpara mosque, 22. police martyr monument, 23. rahmat farms, what travelers are saying.

• Faisal Mosque
• Daman-e-Koh
• Margalla Hills
• Saidpur Village
• Pakistan monument

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• Travel Places

10 Best Places To Visit In Islamabad (2024)

• January 5, 2024 11:48 am

Table of Content

• 1 Islamabad: Best Place to Visit With Family
• 2 10 Fun Places to Visit in Islamabad
• 3 1. The Faisal Mosque
• 4 2. The Rawal Lake
• 5 3. The Shakarparian Hills
• 6 4. The Lok Virsa Heritage Museum
• 7 5. Margalla Hills and Daman-e-Koh Park
• 8 6. Monal Restaurant
• 9 7. Ayub Park
• 10 8. Centaurus Mall
• 11 9. Mall Road
• 12 10. Saidpur Village
• 13 Verdict!

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Islamabad and Rawalpindi? Then keep reading on; we’re here to show you all hotspots that you can enjoy with your friends and family!

We all are frustrated with our daily nine to five-packed routine. The main benefit of visiting a new place is that it gets rid of the stress of the week.

Everyone wants to visit new places as it’s great fun to explore new locations and fun points. You learn about different cultures, try new food and wear new clothes. You return home with a rich experience of happiness and joy, being calm and relaxed.

People always look for new things and show curiosity towards them. So visiting a new place by sparing time from your daily boring and hectic routine brings much peace and relaxation.

Islamabad: Best Place to Visit With Family

Well, when we talk about some awesome places to visit in Pakistan, there is no other option better than Islamabad, the Capital of Pakistan. For its beauty, cleanliness, and weather, Islamabad is known as the drawing-room of Asia.

The beauty of Islamabad lies in its green and lush surroundings. Islamabad is a planned city and was built in the 1960s to replace Karachi as the new capital of Pakistan. The city is divided into many sectors and zones for administrative and development purposes.

At present, there are eight official sectors (including Margalla town) and many unofficial ones, including Industrial Zones and sectors. There is a large variety of plants in Islamabad, including acacia, eucalyptus, poplar, and scrub pines.

Islamabad has also been thoughtfully planned: every home enjoys a green view, and parks exist throughout the city. The Margalla hills lie on its Northwest. As a matter of fact, Islamabad is considered one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

10 Fun Places to Visit in Islamabad

When it comes to visiting Islamabad, there are so many places that it’s hard to decide which one to visit first. We have chosen 10 beautiful places to visit in Islamabad for you. Let’s have eyesight on each one.

1. The Faisal Mosque

Faisal Mosque is the identity of Islamabad. No one went back from Islamabad without visiting this holy place and master art piece. This mosque is the sixth largest mosque globally, and it is the largest in South Asia. It is located on the footstep of Margalla Hills.

This mosque can accommodate over 30,000 worshippers, and it is the biggest mosque in the country. The mosque has a contemporary design with eight sides of the concrete shell, inspired by the design of the Bedouin tent.

2. The Rawal Lake

Rawal Lake is a freshwater lake that is situated near Islamabad. The lake stretches over an area of about eight kilometers, and it is about three kilometers wide. Boat rides are available during summers, and one can enjoy fishing as well.

Other activities include swimming during summer and winter sports during the season when numerous skiing events are held.

If you are with your family while visiting Islamabad in the summer, Rawal Lake should be a must visiting venue for you.

3. The Shakarparian Hills

The place offers excellent opportunities for bird watching because it houses over 200 species of birds. Other attractions include Lok Virsa Museum, Rawal Dam, and Jinnah Convention Centre, among others.

People who come here to visit this area pass through various historical structures such as tombs built during the Mughal era, Katas Raj Temples, and other Hindu temples built in Mughal and Sikh style architecture.

4. The Lok Virsa Heritage Museum

Located on Shakarparian hills, this museum reflects Pakistan’s cultural heritage, showcasing ancient relics. Two of its six galleries are dedicated to displaying traditional Pakistani attire, while another displays traditional weapons used many years ago.

Living rooms have also been decorated to resemble homes of famous personalities such as Mr. Jinnah and his sister Dina Wadia. So if you are an art student or have a keen interest in Pakistan history, you must visit this place full of historical displays.

5. Margalla Hills and Daman-e-Koh Park

Daman-e-Koh park is located at the Margalla hills, which are beautiful locations offering picturesque views of Islamabad. This urban jungle has a variety of trees, plants, and flowers that can be viewed while strolling through the lush green lawns.

The Margalla hills have several hiking trails where people can enjoy nature while walking. If you’re passionate about climbing rocks, the Margalla hills track will attract you. Visit this beautiful place with your family.

6. Monal Restaurant

Monal is one of the most famous and visited restaurants serving the finest food variants available in Islamabad. This place is known for its décor and ambiance. The dining area is designed with glass windows and wooden flooring, and modern lighting to give a classy look.

Some swings are hanging on top of these tables, and customers can choose to eat their dinner sitting on them as well. Some people consider this trend unique yet very interesting.

It gives the restaurant an edgy feel that attracts all kinds of people, especially youngsters looking for a fun weekend outing. The best point for couples to enjoy weekend lunch and dinner.

7. Ayub Park

Ayub Park, historically known as Topi Rakh park, is one of the biggest parks in Islamabad; it was named after former president Ayub Khan. Situated on Jhelum road near the old presidency in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

The park has an extended play area for children and beautiful landscaping with carpet-like green lawns and colorful flower beds. The place remains crowded with families on weekends as they come to enjoy picnics or barbecues with their kids.

There are some other suitable places such as Sunny’s Park, Aladin Park and Bahria Enclave Club House where people can go during weekends to relax and do activities such as playing cricket games, running around the gymnasium wall or just sitting on benches enjoying nature’s beauty.

8. Centaurus Mall

Situated in the business center of Islamabad, this place is known for its luxury and easy on-pocket rates. The place has a classy look with dim lights and leather seating arrangements.

Wide screens are installed to make customers watch their favorite sports while sipping some drinks at the bar. In addition, the menu offers food from Asian, Continental, and Italian cuisines, making it an ideal spot not only during weekends but also for hosting business dinners.

If you’re with your family and want to enjoy food or shopping in some Europian style mall, Centaurus is the best option for you.

9. Mall Road

This is one of the most famous places to visit in Islamabad, and it has numerous shops that sell everything, including apparel to jewelry; the place also houses a large number of restaurants, ice-cream parlors, and fast-food joints where people can eat on their way back home.

The F6 Markaz near the Margalla hills is known for its night market, where all kinds of second-hand goods are sold at cheap rates. Here, food stalls serve some delicious items such as sheesh tikkas, kababs, bun kebabs, and shawarma sandwiches.

Every Friday, locals come over here to buy fresh produce, including fish, vegetables, and meat. Best place for couples in Islamabad to walk around and visit beautiful shops.

10. Saidpur Village

Saidpur Village is famous for its scenic beauty and historical sites. People usually visit it to spend their weekends while enjoying festivals like Eid or Ramadan, mostly during Iftar time when they break their day-long fast at the many restaurants available in this village.

There are some other attractions such as ice skating rinks, amusement parks, indoor games, and many other recreational activities people can go for.

Islamabad is one of the cleanest, beautiful, and planned capitals in the world. There are tons of places in Islamabad.

If you’re planning to visit any place with your family or you want to spend your honeymoon period, Islamabad would be your first stop.

There are tons of places that attract tourists’ interest, and it’s hard to decide which one to visit first as every location has its own beauty and tourism value.

So whenever you decide to visit beautiful places in Islamabad, you must consider these 10 best places in Islamabad.

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• Plan Your Trip

Islambad/Rawalpindi

Scenic city views.

Islamabad is located at the Pothohar Plateau in the northeastern part of the country, within the Islamabad Capital Territory. The city built during the 1960s as a model city, has historically been a part of the crossroads of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with the pass acting as the gateway between the two regions.

The city is home to the Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in South Asia and the fourth largest mosque in the world. Damn-e-koh , Monal ,Pakistan Monument , Lok Virsa ,Lake View Park are among other major attractions of the city. Islamabad has one of the highest literacy rates in Pakistan. There are 16 recognized universities in Islamabad, including Air, Quaid-i-Azam University and the National University of Sciences and Technology. Allama Iqbal Open University in Islamabad is one of the world's largest universities by enrollment.

Tour Price: Subjected to Group Size and Requirements

Tour Itinerary

• 07.00 am Departure for Islamabad from Lahore by motorway, short stay en route at Bhera mid-point
• 12.00 pmArrival at Islamabad
• Visit Saidpur Village, Old Temple
• Lunch at Islamabad
• Visit Damn-e-koh up to Manal
• Visit Pakistan Monument
• 05.30 pm Departure for Lahore
• 10.30 pm Arrival at Lahore
• A/C Luxury Coaster for Transportation 
• Fuel and Toll Taxes
• Lunch Single Dish (Chicken Kari ,Nan ,Raita ,Salad and Soft Drink)
• Breakfast at TDCP Resort Kalar Kahar (Paratha ,Tea ,Omelette)
• Entry Tickets
• Services of Facilitator

City Landmarks Tour

Faisal mosque.

The Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque in Pakistan located in the federal capital city of Islamabad. Completed in 1986, it was designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, shaped like a desert Bedouin’s tent, is an iconic symbol of Islamabad throughout the world.

Shakarparian Hills

Shakarparian Hills is derived from two words from the Potohari language, Shakar meaning ‘sweet’ and Parian from ‘parao’ meaning a place to rest, or stop over/layover during long journeys. It consists of a hill and a local park in Islamabad, Pakistan that is located near the Zero Point interchange. The old Gakhar tribe leaders settled here before the indo-pak partition in 1947; later the clan was relocated to create a park for the newly marked federal capital of the country in 1960-61.

Pakistan Monument

Pakistan Monument is a national monument representing the nation’s four provinces and three territories. After a competition among many renowned architects, Arif Masood’s plan was selected for the final design. The blooming flower shape of the monument represents Pakistan’s progress as a rapidly developing country.

Lok Visa (The National institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage) works towards creating an awareness of cultural legacy by collecting, documenting, disseminating and projecting folk and traditional heritage.

Shopping Point

Jinnah Super Market, Islamabad and Raja Bazar, Rawalpindi are the most visited shopping places in the twin cities.

Pick-Up Points

Best Western Hotel, Islamabad; Envoy Continental Holiday Islamabad; PC Hotel, Rawalpindi; Shalimar Hotel Rawalpindi

• Tour Cost by Car Rs.2,100/- per person, Minimum Group Size 04 persons
• Tour Cost by Van Rs.1,300/- per person, Minimum Group Size 08-10 person
• Tour Cost by Costar Rs.1,000/- per person, Minimum Group Size 20 persons
• Transport A.C Car
• Van, Coaster
• Refreshment
• Guide Services

Tours from Islamabad

1. 4-day tour to a mountain resort town & beautiful islamabad city sightseeing, view details / book online, 2. 7-day tour to explore gilgit-baltistan – little pakistan switzerland (start in islamabad), 3. 13-day worlds highest shandur polo festival and trekking through majestic peaks of pakistan’s north, 4. 16-day adventure north pakistan exploration with short daily treks and hikes, 5. 16-day tour discovery of peshawar, chitral valley and colorful kalash culture, 6. 17-day kalash summer festival and northern pakistan adventure from islamabad, 7. essential pakistan: three weeks in south-asia’s most beautiful country (june – mid october), 8. islamabad to the coast: two week travel in pakistan, 9. world heritage sites in northern pakistan: 12 days, 10. 6-day horse riding safari in the spectacular hunza valley, 11. highway expedition: 14-day trip through pakistan and china, born in the frontier.

Islamabad (and Serena Business and Tours & Expedition Bookings) : +92 308 8890035 Hunza (and Aga Khan Business and Study & Restoration Projects) : +92 346 9067113 Karachi (Events Conferences, Boat and Coastal Tourism and Pakistan-Iran Tours) : +923373180438 International Reservations (and Inbuond Tour Bookings): +14843207742 Tours To Pakistan Head Booking Office and Dispatch for Tours | Tech Project Deployments and Field Research Unit : Islamabad Serena Hotel, ISB PK

• Snow Leopard tracking in Pakistan: Khunjerab National Park (October to Mid May)
• Snow Leopard tracking in Pakistan: Boibar Valley and Shahkatar Valley (Mid May to October)
• Brown Bear tracking in Pakistan: Deosai National Park (May to October)
• Birding Tour in Deosai Plains and Skardu-region
• Customize or Special Interest or Species-Specific Wildlife Tours
• Journey to the Silk Road: 8-Day Islamabad to Kashgar Adventure
• Highlights of Hunza Valley: 10-Day Cherry Blossom Experience
• A Journey of Diversity and Culture: 12-Day Multi Day Tour from Kashgar to Islamabad
• Crossing Borders and Cultures: 13-Day Multi Day Tour from Kashgar to Islamabad
• Discovering the Beauty of Karakoram: 14-Day Multi Day Tour from Islamabad to Kashgar
• Journey through the Karakoram: 16-Day Adventure from Kashgar to Islamabad
• 14-Day KK Highway Trip through Pakistan and China
• Travel through Northern Pakistan: Gilgit – Baltistan
• Trekking in Pakistan’s Nagar – Hopper Valley with climbing training on Miar Glacier and Kor peak
• Mountaineer and ice climbing training course in Pakistan’s upper Hunza on the Passu Glacier
• Climbing course in Pakistan: Rakaposhi base camp, Diran Peak Base camp and Minapin Glacier
• Rakaposhi and Rash Lake: 3 week camping and hiking trip in Northern Pakistan
• Camping and hiking trip in the mountains of Pakistan’s Hoppar Valley and Rash Peak climbing
• Mountain trekking in Shimshal Valley with climbing of the Minglik Sar
• Mountain trek to Hispar La from Skardu
• K2 Base Camp Trek: mountain hiking adventure in the north of Pakistan
• K2 Base Camp and Gondogoro La mountain trekking in Pakistan
• 1 week trekking in northern Pakistan: Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base camp
• Batura Glacier on the back of a yak: back to the roots in Northern Pakistan
• Shimshal Pamir trekking on the back of a yak in Northern Pakistan
• Trout fishing trip with camping and horseback riding in Gilgit-Baltistan, north of Pakistan
• Horseback riding safari in Northern Pakistan with camping: Shandur Pass
• Horseback riding safari in Northern Pakistan with camping: Hindu Kush Valley
• Horseback riding safari in Northern Pakistan with camping: Yarkhun Valley
• Horseback riding safari in Northern Pakistan with camping: Kaghan Valley
• Horseback riding safari in Northern Pakistan with camping: Fairy Meadow and Nanga Parbat Base Camp
• Glamping in Deosai National park in Northern Pakistan
• Glamping in Katpana Desert, Skardu in Northern Pakistan
• Gemstone tour in Pakistan: Chumar Bakhoor aquamarine mines
• Gemstone tour in Pakistan: Hunza ruby mines
• Gemstone tour in Pakistan: Swat emerald mines and pink topaz mine in Katlang-Mardan
• Gemstone tour in the north of Pakistan
• Mountain bike tours in Northern Pakistan
• Unveil the Beauty of Hunza Valley: 10-Day Horse Riding Treks and Cultural Encounters
• Murree Trip and Islamabad City Tour
• Gilgit-Baltistan in 7 Days
• Shandur Polo Festival with Trekking
• Active Adventure in Pakistan Mountains
• Peshawar, Chitral, Northern Pakistan
• Kalash Summer Festival and Pakistan North Tour
• Essential Pakistan: three weeks in South-Asia’s most beautiful country
• Islamabad to the coast: two week travel in Pakistan
• World Heritage Sites in northern Pakistan: 12 days
• Discover the Untamed Beauty of Pakistan: 6-Day Horse Riding Expedition in the Spectacular Hunza Valley
• The Historic City Tour
• Northern Pakistan Tour
• Pakistan North Tour – Kaghan, Fairy Meadows, Gilgit
• Southern Punjab Essential Tour
• Best of Lahore and Islamabad
• Southern Punjab, Lahore and Islamabad: extensive cultural and historical exploration
• One week cultural and historical tour in Oriental Pakistan
• Cultural, historical and natural highlights of Pakistan: 18 day tour
• Historical and UNESCO Sites
• Discover the alien landscapes of Pakistan’s Hingol National Park
• Pakistan: overnight trip Hingol National Park
• Three-day wild adventure in Kirthar National Park: eco-tourism in Pakistan
• Eight days Eco Camping tour in Balochistan’s rugged desserts and mountains
• History in the heart of Sindh: 4 days in Pakistan
• Discovering Pre-Islamic Pakistan: three week cultural and historical private tour
• Visa Service/ Visa Invitation
• Islamabad Airport Transfer
• Islamabad Rent a Car
• Karachi Airport Transfer
• Karachi Rent a Car
• Lahore Airport Transfer
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Home » Asia » Pakistan » The 4 BEST Adventure Tours to Pakistan: Roam Wild in 2024

The 4 BEST Adventure Tours to Pakistan: Roam Wild in 2024

Ahhh Pakistan, you will forever hold a special place in my heart…

I first visited Pakistan in 2015 and in 2016 I solo-founded a tour company leading expeditions into this amazing country. I led the first expedition to Pakistan in 2017 and I have been to Pakistan six times over the last few years. I take great pride in my part of opening up Pakistan to the world, promoting this very misunderstood country at a time where that promotion was not often positively received.

I am no longer leading expeditions to Pakistan, read on to the end of the post to find out why, but I am still just as passionate about promoting this wonderful land and so, I am delighted to share with you… My four hand-picked choices for incredible leaders to take you around my favourite country in the world 🙂

I know Pakistan and, as far as I know, I was the first blogger to bring group tours to the country. I am proud of my part in opening up Pakistan to the world and I am stoked to see worthy and passionate adventurers continuing the good work…

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Quick Answer: These Are the 4 Best Pakistan Adventure Tours

• Intentional Detours : Best Northern Pakistan Tour
• Against the Compass : Best Co-Ed Pakistan Tour
• Lost With Purpose : Best Pakistan Women’s Tours
• Karakoram Bikers : Best Pakistan Bike Tours

Hunza Valley + Chitral Women’s Tour by Intentional Detours

• Price > $2200
• Trip length > 16 days
• Start/End > Islamabad/Islamabad
• Accommodation > Hotels/Homestays/Guesthouses
• Highlights > Offbeat Hunza Valley, Upper Chitral, Ghizer Valley

Northern Pakistan Tour by Against The Compass

• Price > $3072
• Trip length > 14 days
• Accommodation > Hotels
• Highlights > Hunza Valley, Nanga Parbat Base Camp, Astore Valley

Women’s Tours by Lost With Purpose

• Price > $2750
• Trip length > 20 days
• Start/End > Islamabad/Lahore
• Accommodation > Hotels/Camping/Homes
• Highlights > Yasin Valley, Nanga Parbat Rupal Face, Hunza Valley, Lahore

Biking Tours by Lost With Purpose

• Price > $2350
• Highlights > Ishkoman Valley, Hunza Valley, Chitral

Pure Pakistan by Karakoram Bikers

• Price > $3282
• Trip length > 19 days
• Highlights > Hunza Valley, Skardu, Deosai Plains

Why THESE Pakistan Adventure Tours?

In the past few years since I ran my first tour to magical Pakistan, foreign tourism to Pakistan has absolutely exploded, with many people choosing to travel with a tour group .

While this is great in some aspects, it’s also, to be frank, cheapened Pakistan travel as the tour space is now VERY full and, frankly, some people who are operating tours to Pakistan should not be.

I know of a few instances where influencers who have NEVER stepped foot in the country are bringing groups with them on their first time-visit, which in my view is undeniably irresponsible and is not going to lead to the kind of depth of experience that one can have by traveling with somebody who really knows the country well.

While Pakistan is safe even for independent travel, If I WAS opting to go on a guided tour, I would want to feel confident that my tour guide knows their shit. I’d want a guide that could really improve my experience and make it better because of unique knowledge, experience and connections within the country.

Diving in, here are just a few things that set the four operators I am recommending apart from the rest…

Prior Pakistan Travel Experience

Every single one of our epic tour leaders has spent a SIGNIFICANT amount of time exploring Pakistan independently. We’re talking real budget backpacking , hitchhiking and motorbiking to some of the least visited spots in the country, AND a whole host of mountain adventures under their belt.

More importantly though, what sets the folks I am recommending apart from some other folks who really don’t care about Pakistan all that much is that have collectively spent years travelling through these lands on their own, for the pure love of Pakistan travel. Some of them (Samantha and Alex) speak Urdu, and all have extensive local contacts you can only garner from some serious time spent in the country.

Immersive Itineraries

Most Pakistan tour itineraries rarely careen off the beaten path. To be fair, it’s a fucking great path which I helped beat myself but Pakistan has more to offer than the classic; Fairy Meadows , the parts of Hunza that lie along the Karakoram Highway, Lahore.

Such tours these days can feel a bit less authentic as these areas have now been seeing tourists in significant numbers for a few years. With a bit more effort, or the help of an expert tour guide, one can still pretty easily get off the beaten path to explore parts of the country that are still relatively untouched.

By going with one of my buddies though you’ll see a totally different side to the country and explore snazzy locales, hidden hideaways, and genuine experiences that will make you feel more like you’re backpacking Pakistan with a group of buddies, rather than being led around on a bus-tour.

You’ll hike, camp, and even spend some of your nights in cozy traditional homes sharing laughs and making memories around an old-school fireplace. These are tours by adventurers, for adventurers through and through and I’ve been careful about who I do and don’t recommend for your tour guides; choosing folks I know and trust to put your experience above making money.

Connections

Pakistan is a country that lives and breathes on connections, and as we all know, real connections cannot be built in a day. These four tour leaders have extensive on-the-ground experience which has allowed them to build enduring local relationships. You’ll see this in the itineraries, and in how they handle things on the fly.

As mentioned, both Samantha, Alex and the Karakoram Biker founders also speak Urdu – though this isn’t necessary for you as a tourist, it can make a big difference in daily logistics from an operator’s perspective.

Alex, Joan and Lizzy were all travelling in Pakistan by early 2016. Samantha has more than made up for it with spending the last two years in the country, plus a cheeky 4-month stint back in 2019. You want somebody who really has traveled extensively BECAUSE they actually love the country, rather than because they are trying to extract money or Instagram followers out of it.

484 pages with cities, towns, parks, and ALL the out-of-the-way places you will WANT to know. If you truly want to discover Pakistan , download this PDF .

Pakistan Adventure Tours Breakdown

Thinking about a journey to the most underrated country in the world but aren’t sure where to begin? Let’s have a look into the most epic Pakistan adventure tours on the market:

#1 Hunza Valley + Yasin Women’s Tour by Intentional Detours

• Price : $2100
• Trip length : 16 days
• Start/End : Islamabad/Islamabad
• Accommodation : Hotels/Homestays/Guesthouses
• Highlights : Offbeat Hunza Valley, Ghizer Valley

Why choose THIS Pakistan adventure tour?

Samantha literally lives in Pakistan. I met her two years ago at the guesthouse I had helped fund, we hiked together, we smoked together, we hung out… I went back to Bali, she stayed in Pakistan and spent the next two years exploring and learning the lingo.

Absolutely no backpacker (except locals themselves) knows more about the Hunza Valley than she does, as it’s specifically a village of Central Hunza that she now calls home. As such, you can expect a seriously local and certifiably unique adventure that will bring you a mountain experience like no other.

But that’s not all- Intentional Detour’s Pakistan’s women tour also coasts through Yasin Valley, a fantastical hamlet of the Hindu Kush that 9/10 foreigners ignore. It’s a truly special place to get off the beaten path .

Samantha’s tour begins and ends in Islamabad, and will take you along on some of the most stunning road trips in Pakistan. Your first main stop after coming up the 3000+ meter Babusar Pass will be Hunza in Gilgit Baltistan, where you’ll really get a heavy dose of local life thanks to her unparalleled connections in the region. The tour includes time spent in two side valleys of Hunza that other companies simply aren’t visiting.

You’ll then move along over the exquisite Gilgit-Shandur Road to Yasin, which also surpasses 3000 meters. Samantha has visited every single destination herself, including all chosen hotels and local homestays .

As Hunza and all of Gilgit Baltistan are indigenous lands, this tour also makes a pointed and conscious effort to ONLY support 100% locally owned businesses in the region.

So you can rest assured that your money is being well-placed whereas sadly many tour operators to Pakistan pretty much book everything through travel agents in Lahore and not enough of the money makes its way into local hands.

DISCOUNT : Also, to further entice you, TBB readers can get a 5% discount on the tour by entering the code “ TBB ” on the sign up form.

Who is Intentional Detours?

Samantha is my buddy, through and through, she’s an impressive fucking lady and she has the coveted Will seal of approval. I vouch for her, she knows her stuff and, more importantly, she is a good and kind human.

An intrepid traveller who set out to backpack full-time in 2019, Samantha has visited virtually every corner of Pakistan. This includes the Neelum and Broghil Valleys, the former of which only a small handful of foreigners have ever seen as it involves complicated permits and permissions which, thanks to her Urdu and connections, Samantha managed to arrange.

Samantha has now collectively spent 36+ months living and journeying about the country, and even speaks Urdu, which is Pakistan’s national language. Most other foreign tour guides don’t speak fluent Urdu.

You can find her on her blog , Youtube and Instagram which all feature an array of fantastic content about her life in Pakistan.

#2 Northern Pakistan Tour by Against The Compass

• Price : $3072
• Trip length : 14 days
• Accommodation : Hotels
• Highlights : Hunza Valley, Nanga Parbat Base Camp, Astore Valley

With Against the Compass, you’ll be taken care of by true professionals who know how to run an expedition. Joan runs and organizes more tours to more far-flung lands than anyone else on this list, and his experience will shine through as he starts off his Pakistan group expeditions in 2023. Joan has traveled extensively in Pakistan and first rocked up in 2016 (I think).

In just two weeks, you’ll get to visit the highlights of the Hunza Valley and also get to know Astore, one of Joan’s favourite places in Pakistan and a place he has some unique contacts. The journey will both start and end in Islamabad, with the final hurrah of the trip being an epic trek to Nanga Parbat Basecamp, Rupal Face that’s more off-beaten path than the more famous face on the Fairy Meadows side.

You’ll stay in tried and tested hotels throughout, and overall a high standard of comfort while still getting off the typical tourist trail as you learn about Pakistan through experience.

DISCOUNT: TBB readers are also in for a cheeky discount, just enter the code TBB when checking out with Joan.

Who is Against The Compass? 

Joan Torres quit a corporate career and started travelling the world full time in 2016. From the beginning, he always sought out some truly epic and unvisited destinations – from Mali to Yemen, he’s been to every country your government warns you about.

His travel blog, Against the Compass , quickly rose to success as he published more and more content on the world’s less-visited locales. I have a lot of respect for Joan and his blogging style. A few years ago, Joan registered his own tour company, Against the Compass Expeditions, and has since gained unparalleled experience in bringing travellers to difficult destinations. I’m a big fan of Joan, we’ve been in touch many years and more recently got drunk together in Barcelona. He knows his shit and his passion shines through.

#3 Women’s and Biking Tours by Lost With Purpose

Women’s Tour

Biking Off The Beaten Path

• Price : $2750
• Trip length : 20 days
• Start/End : Islamabad/Lahore
• Accommodation : Hotels/Camping/Homes
• Highlights : Yasin Valley, Nanga Parbat Rupal Face, Hunza Valley, Lahore
• Price : $2350
• Highlights : Ishkoman Valley, Hunza Valley, Chitral

Lost With Purpose runs two different twos to Pakistan – one for bikers (open to all) and the other specifically for female travelers . Her Pakistan women’s tour will ensure you get a fantastic taste of everything North Pakistan has to offer. From the less-visited Yasin Valley to the “other” Nanga Parbat Basecamp, the tour highlights places that most tourists don’t go and features a mix of hotel and homestay experiences.

Alex’s tour partner, Aneeqa, is a female Pakistani traveller who runs her own licensed company as well. In a country as patriarchal as Pakistan, it’s bloody awesome to see two bad-ass, independent women partnered like this. You’ll even get to do a few epic treks , like Rakaposhi Basecamp and Nanga Parbat – Rupal Face, too.

As far as motorbiking in Pakistan goes, Alex also runs several tours that wind through a mind-blowing loop of the Karakoram Highway and onward to the stunning Gilgit-Shandur Road that connects to Chitral. This tour is an ideal introduction to the mountains of Pakistan, as you’ll get to see a ton of major mountain sites fairly quickly.

Who is Lost With Purpose?

A fierce solo female adventurer and riveting storyteller, Alex Reynolds has been on the road full-time since 2016 and honestly, Alex is fucking awesome. She’s spent years dirt-bagging around South Asia, and like myself, quickly found herself enthralled by Pakistan.

Her travel blog Lost With Purpose features some of the best writing in the industry – you’d be hard-pressed to find travel guides as honest and thorough as hers. I’ve shared many a hilarious WhatsApp message with Alex and, again, I vouch for her, she is an awesome person who truly cares about the personal development opportunities afforded by raw and rugged travel.

Alex not only travels solo – she does so on her motorbike, which led to her adding motorbike tours to her yearly lineup. In addition to getting lost all over Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, Alex has also gotten well off the beaten path in the likes of Tajikistan, Iran, and Iraq. I have an adventure crush on her.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

#4 Best Motorbike Tour in Pakistan – Pure Pakistan by Karakoram Bikers

• Price : $3282
• Trip length : 19 days
• Highlights : Hunza Valley, Skardu, Deosai Plains

Why should you choose this Northern Pakistan tour package? 

This is the ultimate motorbike tour of Pakistan! It combines two of Karakoram Bikers’ top itineraries – Hunza and Skardu – into one epic trip across nearly every paved surface in Gilgit-Baltistan. If you want to experience one of the best road trips in the world , then this Northern Pakistan tour package is for you.

The tour starts in Islamabad and proceeds to head north to Hunza via Naran. You’ll get to experience the best of the Karakoram Highway. You’ll visit Karimabad, see the majestic Attabad Lake and the Passu Cathedral. Your group will finish the KKH off at the Chinese border at the Khunjerab Pass.

But there’s more! 

You’ll then head back toward the KKH to coast through the pastoral Astore Valley, Rama Lake, and the famous plains of Deosai.

By the time you reach Skardu and the “Cold Desert” of Shigar, you will have ridden through an enormous variety of landscapes. 

In terms of logistics, Karakoram Bikers will organize everything for you. This includes the bikes themselves, fuel, maintenance, tasty local food , and accommodation. They also utilize an assistance vehicle, which is full of water and first aid supplies. Sounds pretty comprehensive if you ask me. 

Who are the Karakoram Bikers? 

Karakoram Bikers is the motorcycling wing of the famous Karakoram Club – a home-grown Pakistani initiative of explorers and hikers who have made huge efforts to open up Pakistan to tourism.

Shah and Lizzy are the heads of the club and have lead numerous tours around the mountains of Gilgit Baltistan and beyond. I know Shah personally and we’ve hiked, biked and smoked together many times. He’s the fucking man.

DISCOUNT: TBB readers also get a $130 discount with Karakoram Bikers! Once you’ve selected your Pakistan adventure, just use the code “Backpacker” when checking out.

Final Thoughts on These Pakistan Adventure Tours

My own history with Pakistan tours is… complicated. I first visited the country in 2015, and in 2016 I solo-founded a tour company, Epic Backpacker Tours, leading tours to Pakistan and Iran (leaning on my wife’s contacts and my own extensive time in the country). I led the first tour to Pakistan in 2017.

After three years of running the company, I bought in outside help and gave them 50% of the company as I wanted them to feel ownership; a concept I was passionate about at the time but which was ultimately rooted in misunderstood communism.

I continued to solo-fund the tour company during challenging times (looking at you, Covid) to support my Pakistani friends on the ground. All the while, the ‘help’ I had brought on kept asking me for more money in different ways and trying to get a larger percentage of the company off of me, despite the fact I was funding an unprofitable business.

After a mental breakdown on account of a challenging divorce and other personal reasons – very difficult times friends – I made a snap-decision to move away from this toxic relationship and I relinquished my share of the company, to be rid of a relationship that was causing me daily stress. The one condition was that my legacy contributing to the Pakistan tourism scene would be respected.

But unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. My history in the company hasn’t been preserved, and information on the internet has been manipulated to remove my contributions, and credit my former partner for all the work I had done. My former partner claims he first visited Pakistan in 2015, and that he founded the company.

I learnt some big lessons here, I had major heeby-jeebys about the guy I bought in to help me with the project from the start but I needed the help and he was available, so I ignored my intuition. Interestingly, this guy was the only person my dog ever tried to attack… I should have listened to my wise adventure doggo because my ‘partner’ turned out to be manipulative and, simply put, a liar. Today, the tour company Epic Backpacker Tours is still in operation but the guy I brought in has written me out of the story, inserting himself into my copy and attempting to dilute my legacy; He claims he visited Pakistan in 2015 (This is when I first visited, the first time he visited Pakistan was 2018, as an employee) and that he founded the tour company himself (a bald-faced lie).

This false information is still up upon the internet, and whilst I have a dizzying amount of voice messages, invoices, emails and Whatsapp messages showing the true story of this person coming on as an employee, I have at this point decided to let it go and not engage unless engaged. If I am engaged in any way, I’ll pop it all up online. Obviously, I strongly recommend NOT traveling with somebody who lies about when they first stepped foot in the country.

Losing the tour company did however make me truly sad, as I poured my heart and soul into this project. Despite everything that happened afterwards and the friction caused by it, it was still my baby, and I was proud of being one of the first (or maybe the first) travel bloggers to bring a group to Pakistan. It was also an important moment in my journey as launching the tours is what enabled me to scrape funds together to grow The Broke Backpacker.

I could go on and on with more details, but I don’t think this’ll serve you, dear reader. I have, at this point, let go of my mistake. The mountains know, and they shall avenge me.

The thing is, Pakistan IS an absolutely amazing country, it is also somewhere that often DOES make sense to travel with a tour group, especially if you are shorter on time, as logistics can be challenging and quality contacts hard to make. There are now however SO MANY operators out there that it’s hard to find the best tour options for Pakistan and so I sat down and penned this out, to assist you dear reader in picking the best experience for your journey to Pakistan.

Pakistan truly is the trip of a lifetime and I’m delighted to be able to advise you on how to find an honest, experienced, guide who can show you this marvelous destination.

Now go, friends! Embark on an amazing adventure to Pakistan with someone who truly cares and has taken the time to develop new routes, connections, and language skills!

But first, let me give you a bit of extra juice before you move on with your grand adventure plans.

Pakistan Travel Tips

A few more cheeky Pakistan travel tips to get you excited for a tour of a lifetime…

You will need a visa to travel to Pakistan, which can these days be obtained online at their E-visa website . Each operator will provide you with a “letter of invitation” (or LOI) to ensure you get the visa, but you’ll have to cover the application costs yourself, which range from $10-$60 depending on your nationality.

Camping in Pakistan

Not every tour will involve camping, but for those that do, you might want to invest in a piece or two of a quality tent . Camping under the billion-starred skies of Pakistan have been some of my favourite nights on the road.

Food + Water

Pakistani food is spicy AF – though in the mountain regions you’ll find very different dishes that seem to more closely resemble European tastes. While it is a heavily meat-focused nation, vegans and vegetarians will find themselves satisfied – the hoilo garma in Hunza is a particularly epic meatless dish.

Tap water in Pakistan is NOT SAFE to drink ANYWHERE. I recommend grabbing yourself a Grayl before heading out on your adventure, not only will it save you money but it also does something for Pakistan’s trash problem. (Which isn’t as bad as India’s at least.)

What to Wear

Respect goes a long way in Pakistan – this is a conservative country, and you do want to show that you care about cultural norms. No, you don’t need to wear a hijab (except in mosques) BUT modest clothing like long, loose shirts are a must.

Many men wear Western clothes, which is fine, but shorts will make you stick out. It’s also important to mention that while places like Hunza are quite liberal, that doesn’t mean you should dress like you’re in Bali. 99% of women still wear the local outfit, the shalwar kameez, which also happens to be one of the comfiest outfits out there.

Alcohol and Beyond

As an Islamic Republic, Pakistan is nearly 97% Muslim, BUT alcohol isn’t fully illegal. While you certainly won’t find bars, liquor stores, or clubs, some “wine shops” and upscale hotels are legally allowed to sell to foreigners and non-Muslim Pakistanis.

I think you’ll be just as surprised as I was with how open Pakistan really is – the country also has some of the best hashish in the world (which is technically illegal but not policed). The Hunza Valley and parts of Upper Chitral are also known to brew their own moonshine from local fruit – though do be warned that it is STRONG.

Pakistan Travel Insurance

Travel insurance (that actually covers Pakistan) is a MUST, amigos. While basic medical care is super cheap, you want to be prepared for absolutely everything… these days more and more companies cover Pakistan, and some tours will even require you have it.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

FAQ About the Best Pakistan Tour Packages

Is pakistan safe.

Indeed it is! In fact, it’s the most hospitable place I’ve ever been. The mountain regions are particularly secure, which is where all these Pakistan adventure tours are focused on. Hunza Valley in particular is one of the safest places in the world.

What is the food like in Pakistan?

Food in Pakistan’s major cities is spicy as can be – but very meaty. Do try the chicken karahi. Hunza food (and that of other mountain areas) is very different and spice-free.

What level of fitness is required for these Pakistan adventure tours?

None of the tours involve any serious or technical hiking, but you’ll need to be moderately fit to keep up with the day hikes and active itineraries of each tour.

What is accommodation in Pakistan like?

You’ll encounter a variety of Western-style hotels, local guesthouses, and actual homes on any of these tours. While Western comforts may not always be available, clean and cozy spots will be.

What’s the weather like in Pakistan?

Pakistan’s major cities will likely be a minimum of 30 degrees during any of these Pakistan tours. The mountains, however, have a much nicer climate that can be compared to what you’d find in Northern Europe or the Northeastern United States. While a good jacket is absolutely needed, you will not freeze.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

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Islamabad City Tour (2024-25) – 02 Days

Islamabad City Tour is a must if you are visiting for any reason. Islamabad is Pakistan’s capital city, located in the country’s north near the Himalayas’s foothills. It is a developed area noted for its gorgeous natural environment, outstanding architecture, and dynamic culture. Islamabad also has a number of national monuments and attractions, making it a reasonable tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.  Islamabad city tours  are guided sightseeing tours offered by Apricot Tours.

Our fixed departures (group tours) & private tours for  Islamabad city tour  are given in the table below.

Itinerary – Islamabad City Tour (02 Days)

The itinerary for two days  Islamabad city tour  is given below.

• Start your day (9am) by visiting Faisal Mosque, the largest mosque in Pakistan and one of the largest in the world. It has a unique design that blends traditional Islamic architecture with modern styles. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and take some great photos.
• Next, head to the Lok Virsa Museum, which showcases the cultural heritage of Pakistan. The museum has an impressive collection of artifacts, including traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing. Take a guided tour to learn more about the exhibits.
• After the museum, it’s time for lunch. Head to Monal Restaurant, located on top of the Margalla Hills, which offers breathtaking views of Islamabad. The restaurant serves a variety of Pakistani and continental dishes.
• After lunch, visit the Pakistan Monument, which is a tribute to the country’s history and culture. The monument has a unique design that represents the four provinces and three territories of Pakistan. Take a guided tour to learn more about the country’s history.
• Next, head to Rawal Lake, a man-made lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Take a boat ride or go for a leisurely walk around the lake. You can also enjoy some snacks and tea from the local vendors.
• As the sun sets, head to Saidpur Village, a restored heritage village that offers a glimpse into Pakistan’s rural past. The village has several restaurants that serve traditional Pakistani cuisine. Enjoy dinner while taking in the beautiful views of the city.
• Finally, end your day by checking out the nightlife scene at F-10 Markaz or Centaurus Mall, one of the largest malls in Islamabad. The mall has several restaurants, cafes, and bars, where you can enjoy a drink or a snack. You can also do some shopping or catch a movie at the cinema.  In F-10 Markaz, you can experience night vibe, people, street food, chai tea, paratha, wraps, etc.

Day 2: Explore Rawalpindi

• Visit the Raja Bazaar, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Rawalpindi.
• Explore the nearby Murree Road Bazar up to Saddar.
• Take a walk through the historic Saddar Bazaar, which offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.
• Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, which offers a variety of Pakistani and international cuisine.
• Visit the the railway station near Saddar.
• Take a stroll in the Ayub National Park, a beautiful park offering a peaceful escape from the city.
• Explore and enjoy dinner at the Rawalpindi Food Street, a foodie’s paradise, offering a variety of local and traditional dishes.
• Drop at your destination

This itinerary offers a diverse range of activities and attractions that will give you a good vibe of the twin cities of Rawalpindi & Islamabad.

Dates & Cost – Islamabad City Tour (02 Days)

All seasons are considered good for Islamabad city tour. Considering the inflow of tourists all year around, our dates are open throughout the year and your bookings will be 100% guaranteed even if you are a single traveler.  Our prices and dates for  Islamabad city tour (all season)  are given below.

Holiday Information

• What's included
• What's not included
• Pickup from hotel or vacation rental before sightseeing
• Drop at hotel or vacation rental after sightseeing 
• Guided sightseeing tour according to itinerary above
• Map (hard copy)
• Licensed professional guide (english speaking)
• SUV/mini-van/car (depending on number of people)
• All entry/admission tickets
• Bottled water in car (fair usage policy)
• Toll & parking fees
• Drop after 10 pm (Drivers & Guide's working hours end at 10pm)
• Gratuities/tips for guides/drivers, etc 
• Meals, snacks and drinks (our guide will make recommendations after consultation with guests)
• Accommodation (can be arranged at additional cost according to your budget)
• Personal travel insurance (Recommendation/Rescue Partners: Global Rescue )
• Visa to Pakistan (supporting documents can be offered if requested for multiday tours)
• Refunds in case of  early tour windup/closure due to any reason
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions 
• Reviews & News Features

Photo Gallery – Islamabad City Tour 

Overview – Islamabad City Tour 

This thriving metropolis is a city of contrasts, where modernity meets tradition and the past and present collide to produce a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. There are several reasons to visit Islamabad from natural beauty to ethnic hotchpotch of people from all over Pakistan.

No Islamabad City tour is complete unless you sample the city’s lively cuisine scene. Pakistani food is known for its rich tastes and spices, and Islamabad provides lots of opportunities to sample these delights. Other must-try delicacies are biryani, karahi, and nihari, all of which are rich and tasty entrees that will please your taste buds.

Islamabad, in addition to traditional Pakistani food, provides a range of other cuisines such as Chinese, Italian, and American. Islamabad provides something for everyone, whether you want a quick snack or a formal meal.

To summarize, Islamabad is a city with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, gastronomy, or nightlife, Islamabad has something to keep you busy. Thus, if you’re seeking for a one-of-a-kind and amazing vacation experience, try visiting Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city.

Islamabad Tourist Spots – Private/Customized Tours

Do you have specific needs or interests?  Tell us your preferences and we will create the ideal holiday for you! Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple or in a private group of family, friends or colleagues, we can tailor-make tours to suit different needs and wishes.

The list of Islamabad tourist spots is given below.

CUSTOMIZE MY TOUR

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