pakistan travel budget

• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Pakistan Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Pakistan?

• How much does a one-week trip to Pakistan cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Pakistan cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Pakistan cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Pakistan

For a trip to Pakistan, you should plan for daily costs anywhere between $21 to $131. If there's two of you traveling, your daily expenses could range from $41 to $262. These price ranges are based on the average daily spending of $52 (P₨14,577) per person which comes from the travel expenses of other visitors. These costs include food, accommodation, sightseeing activities, and getting around locally. Keep in mind, though, these figures can vary somewhat based on your individual travel style, level of luxury, and chosen activities. Destinations across the country, such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, might might vary somewhat from the overall average price, but they usually stick close to this range. Read on for a breakdown of travel typical expenses as well as a comparison of tour prices versus Independent travel.

If you're traveling independently in Pakistan, budget travelers should plan to spend around $21 (P₨5,777) a day for their trip. This includes stays at budget hotels or hostels, affordable food options, local transportation, and low-cost activities. For those on a mid-range budget, plan for around $52 (P₨14,577) a day which would cover the cost of a typical hotel, normal restaurants, and a variety of major attractions. Higher-end luxury travelers should allow for $131 (P₨36,594) per day, which allows for luxury hotel stays, nice restaurants, and private tour options. These price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for Pakistan from other travelers along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.

How much does a one week trip to Pakistan cost?

On average, visitors to Pakistan spend between $145 and $919 for their week-long adventure, with the average being $366. This covers sightseeing, local transportation, food, and accommodations. With a duration of one week, you'll have the opportunity to explore one, two, or even three locations within Pakistan, depending on the level of depth you desire for your visit. Some of the most popular places to consider exploring are Karachi , Lahore , and Islamabad . It's important to note that these figures are averages and can vary based on personal preferences and choices. Ultimately, the goal is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience tailored to your specific interests.

How much does a two week trip to Pakistan cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $290 and $1,837 for your trip to Pakistan. The average price for a two week trip is $732. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Karachi.

How much does a one month trip to Pakistan cost?

With a month-long trip to Pakistan, expenses can be anywhere from $622 to $3,937 with the average being $1,568. The cost of travel is dependent on your overall style of travel. If you have a full month, you'll likely want to stay at a vacation rental with a kitchen during at least part of your trip so that you can prepare your own meals. Backpackers often prefer hostels for the same reason. Hostels also offer a more social atmosphere at a very affordable price range.

Hostel Prices in Pakistan

With more than 6 hostels in Pakistan, the average price is $7 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Pakistan not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Pakistan here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Pakistan.

• $9 for a dorm bed at Coyote Den Travelers Hostel Islamabad in Islamabad more details

Hotel Prices in Pakistan

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Pakistan. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Pakistan .

Luxus Grand Hotel

Islamabad marriott hotel, should you do an organized tour or travel independently in pakistan.

Organized tours and independent travel are essentially the two main ways to plan a trip to Pakistan. Organized tours offer a convenient and hassle-free experience, with travel experts handling all the logistical details and the added benefit of an expert guide imparting valuable insights. This option is favored by those who appreciate the convenience and ease provided by tours that often include transportation and expert guides.

On the other hand, independent travel provides a different set of advantages, allowing for greater freedom and flexibility in customizing itineraries and exploring at one's own pace. This option appeals to individuals who value spontaneity and control, enabling them to immerse themselves in local culture on a deeper level.

Ultimately, the choice between organized tours and independent travel depends on personal preferences and travel style, considering factors such as convenience, guidance, and flexibility.

Comparing Trip Costs in Pakistan

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Pakistan?

Organized tours average $217 per day in Pakistan, and are generally all-inclusive with one large payment. Independent trips usually average $52 (P₨14,577) per day, and include individual payments to hotels, local transportation, food, and sightseeing. When compared, organized tours and independent trips each come with their own set of challenges and benefits. It's important to understand all aspects of both types of trips to make a fair comparison. You can see our thorough analysis of tour prices in Pakistan here .

Here are a few sample tours in Pakistan:

• Pakistan In Depth Exploratory Tour ($3,990) 23 days, 16 destinations more details
• Indus Valley Civilization Tour ($2,640) 11 days, 10 destinations more details
• Undiscovered Southern Pakistan ($2,760) 12 days, 8 destinations more details
• Luxury Pakistan to China Tour: From Karakoram to Pamirs ($6,020) 14 days, 11 destinations more details
• Pure Pakistan incl Shandur Festival ($7,971) 19 days, 11 destinations more details

More for Pakistan

If you're planning a trip to Pakistan, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Pakistan travel guide: everything to know before you go

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: index

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

Pakistan travel guide: the basics

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Language in Pakistan

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

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

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

Urdu basics

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Regions of Pakistan

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

Sunset at Gorakh Hill in Sindh

Sindh (province)

Major cities/destinations: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sehwan Sharif

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

Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar Gardens) in Lahore, Punjab

Punjab (province)

Major cities/destinations: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan

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

Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (province)

Major cities/destinations: Peshawar, Chitral, Kalash Valleys

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

Lonely road in Balochistan province

Balochistan (province)

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

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

Islamabad, Pakistan from above

Islamabad capital territory

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

Autumn in Khyber village, Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit Baltistan (territory)

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

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

Ramkot Fort in Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir (territory)

Major cities/destinations: Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Culture in Pakistan

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

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

Hospitality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Pakistani mindset

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Tipping in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Couples travel in Pakistan

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

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

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

Women to men  

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

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

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

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

Men to women

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

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

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

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

LGBTQ+ in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

Hookups and relationships in Pakistan

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

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

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

For love? Or for visa?

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Drinks and drugs in Pakistan

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

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

Alcohol in Pakistan

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

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

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

Hash (cannabis) in Pakistan

Hashish is everywhere in Pakistan.

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

Read: Rolling with the stoners in Hunza

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

Other drugs in Pakistan

Yes, you can find other drugs in Pakistan.

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

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

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

Be careful. And drink lots of water!

Pakistan travel guide: Religion in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Food in Pakistan

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

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

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

Some famous Pakistani dishes include:

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

Karachi’s street food scene is on

Vegetarians and vegans in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost of travel in Pakistan

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

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

Food & drinks

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

Accommodation

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

Cultural outings

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Visas for Pakistan

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

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

How to apply for a Pakistan e-visa

Ensure you have JPEG files of:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Entering and exiting Pakistan

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

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

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

Land borders

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

International airports

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

Pakistan travel guide: Accommodation in Pakistan

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

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

Online booking in Pakistan

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

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

How to find cheap guesthouses in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Homestays in Pakistan

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

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

Couchsurfing in Pakistan

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

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

Being hosted in Pakistan

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Transportation in Pakistan

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

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

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

Buses and minibuses

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

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

High-end bus services

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

• Schedules for Daewoo
• Schedules for NATCO

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

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

Local buses and minibuses

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

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

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

Local bus and a Qingqi in Sehwan Sharif

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

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

Rickshaws and Qingqis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Safety in Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dealing with security in Pakistan  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Connectivity in Pakistan

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

Mobile SIM cards for calling and data in Pakistan

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

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

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

WiFi in Pakistan

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

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

Pakistan travel guide: Being a responsible tourist in Pakistan

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

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

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

Useful? Pin it!

Other useful resources for planning Pakistan travel

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

Pakistan tours I run

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

Best Pakistan travel guide book

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

Pakistan travel guides on Lost With Purpose

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

Region-specific Pakistan travel guides

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

Epic Pakistan experiences

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

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

Alex Reynolds

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

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

Outstanding read!

Very Informative and funny.

Thanks for sharing.

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

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Home » Asia » Pakistan » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Pakistan Travel Guide 2024

Backpacking Pakistan is a one-of-a-kind adventure that will change you forever.

This is a country that will raise many an eyebrow and steal many a heart… the only real danger with travel in Pakistan is not wanting to leave .

I’ve now traveled to Pakistan six times – most recently in April, 2021. Pakistan is my favorite country for real adventures. There’s nowhere else quite like it on this Earth!

It has the most spectacular mountain ranges, timeless cities, and most notably, the friendliest people you could ever meet.

Nope, I’m not exaggerating! In all my years on the road, I’ve never encountered complete strangers as helpful and self-less as the Pakistani people.

Yet thanks to Western media, Pakistan’s image is still misrepresented, and it still has a long way to go before it even sees the number of foreign tourist India does.

Needless to say, travel to Pakistan isn’t quite as straightforward as travel in nearby Southeast Asia, and quality information isn’t that easy to come by.

And so, amigo, that’s why I’ve put together the most epic and thorough Pakistan travel guide on the internet to help you explore the greatest country on Earth.

Pack your bags, open your mind, and prepare yourself for the adventure of lifetime.

We’re going backpacking in Pakistan!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Why Go Backpacking in Pakistan?

Before I went backpacking in Pakistan for the first time in February 2016, I was unsure what to expect. Pakistan travel advice from my government was basically one gigantic red X . The media has painted the country in an unfortunate light, a fact most Pakistanis are painfully aware of.

And yet, wherever I went, I was greeted by friendly faces and incredibly helpful people! Pakistanis will always help you out if you get stuck or break down on the side of the road! It also helps that many Pakistanis speak some English.

Combine that with relatively cheap travel costs, stunning trekking, the thriving Couchsurfing scene, artisanal hashish, epic off-road motorbiking trails, and BOOM! You have the greatest backpacking country of all time. For real adventurers wanting to do something epic: Pakistan is the holy grail .

As well as being one of the best places to travel in the world , the Pakistani people are very generous and you will be plied with ridiculous amounts of free food and chai. The friends I made in Pakistan remain some of the best I have made on my travels; Pakistanis have a great sense of humour and many of them are real adventure travel enthusiasts.

Plus, there is no country where it’s easier to meet locals than it is in Pakistan, especially if you’re travelling independently.

Best Itineraries For Backpacking Pakistan

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Pakistan is BIG and it would truly take years to see and experience everything this fantastic place has to offer. So as you might imagine, planning a trip to Pakistan can be overwhelming especially if you don’t know much about the country.

But fear not, travel in Pakistan is a LOT easier than you might think. To get you started, I’ve put together two epic itineraries that are sure to jumpstart your Pakistan backpacking adventure.

Keep in mind that these are just general routes, never be afraid to travel off the beaten path and be sure to accept as many local invitations as you can. Spontaneous adventures in Pakistan are often the best ones!

Backpacking Pakistan 2-3 Week Itinerary – The Ultimate Karakoram Adventure

Starting in the green and clean capital of Islamabad , spend a few days relaxing before heading on the most stunning bus ride you could imagine along the magical Karakoram Highway.

After arriving in the mountains, you’ll get to see the best of Hunza Valley, which is arguably the most beautiful place you’ll see in all of Pakistan yet.

The first stop is the mountain town of Karimabad where you can stop for air, admire the cherry blossoms and/or fall colours, and check out the 700+-year-old Baltit Fort and be sure to catch a one-of-a-kind sunset from Eagle’s Nest .

As you head north, your next stop should be Attabad Lake, which was created by a landslide in 2010. Beauty was born out of tragedy, and today the turquoise beauty is one of those famous places that is absolutely worth the hype. Next up is the village of Ghulkin, a place that has been a second home for me. There, you can have the opportunity to trek to Patundas, a truly remarkable meadow with a trail that involves crossing a pristine white glacier.

From Ghulkin, head to Khunjerab Pass . This is the Pakistan/China border and highest land border in the world – be warned: it gets cold!

After that, make a stop in Gilgit for a night before you experience the journey to the Fairy Meadows for the most hair-raising jeep ride known to man! But the views you get of Nanga Parbat (the “Killer Mountain”) make it all worth it.

Next up, make the very long journey down to Pakistan’s cultural capital of Lahore . This was the city of Mughals and it’s a must to admire their unbelievable creations. The Lahore Fort , Wazir Khan Mosque , and the Badshahi Mosque should absolutely be on your list.

Backpacking Pakistan 1- 2 Month Itinerary – Gilgit Baltistan & KPK

As with the first Pakistan itinerary, you’re going to want to land in Islamabad where you can check out the Margalla Hills and the Faisal Mosque. the oldest metro in South Asia. Next, pop over to Peshawar , South Asia’s oldest metro.

Peshawar is home to some of the most hospitable people in all of Pakistan and has the best meat maybe ever. Stroll through the old city and visit the Mohabbat Khan Masjid and the famous Sethi House for some living history. You can’t leave the city without having the best karahi of your life at Charsi Tikka.

After Peshawar, make your way to Kalam in Swat Valley . What might seem like a tourist mess at first will quickly become one of the most beautiful places you’ll see in Pakistan. Next, take a shared public jeep from Utror over the magnificent Badogai Pass to the town of Thal.

Scenic vibes continue in the Kalash Valleys and throughout Chitral. You’ll see that best displayed in Booni, a beautiful town famous for its Qaqlasht Meadows.

Region switch incoming: Cross into Gilgit Baltistan by way of the Shandur Pass, a beautiful grassland that sits at over 12,000 feet.

Your first stop in GB should be Phander , a village in the Ghizer District famous for its surreal blue rivers and lakes that put Attabad to shame. Now make your way to Gilgit City, a place that’s really for nothing else but resting, before heading towards Skardu and the marvellous Baltistan region.

From the main city of Skardu , you can explore the Katpana Desert and if you have some good hiking boots , perhaps one of the many, many treks.

Now that you’ve fully explored Skardu it’s time to for the engineering marvel that is the Karakoram Highway. Follow itinerary #1 from Hunza to Fairy Meadows to really get a heavy dose of mountain magic before making your way back to Islamabad.

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 .

Travelling in Pakistan is like travelling to multiple different countries at once. Every few hundred kilometres, languages and traditions change. It’s a delicious blend of old-meets-new and is a land that is teeming with diversity. Each region has something unique to offer and something new to explore. From cities to meadows to everything in between, here are spots you just can’t miss while backpacking in Pakistan.

Backpacking Lahore

Lahore is the Paris (of sorts) of Pakistan and the starting point for many a Pakistan backpacking adventure. It’s also one of my favourite cities in the world. The colours, the sounds, the smells, the vibrant-in-your-face-ness of it all is unlike any other city in the world.

Be sure to visit the Badshahi Mosque, which is one of the most impressive sites in Lahore and the seventh largest mosque in the world.

The courtyard can accommodate 100,000 worshippers and the attached museum contains many holy relics belonging to the Prophet Mohammed.

Another must-see is the Wazir Khan Mosque , which is located in Lahore’s Old Walled City .

The best dinner view in town is from the impressive Haveli Restaurant where you can watch the sun sink behind Badshahi Mosque and feast on traditional Mughal cuisine. This city is a true foodie paradise so don’t miss out on the MANY incredible restaurants in Lahore .

For a truly unique night out, be sure to track down a Sufi dhamal – there is one every Thursday at the shrine of Baba Shah Jamal and the shrine of Madho lal Hussain , too. Lahore has everything, even underground raves, and its very own Eiffel tower…

When it comes to finding accommodation in Lahore; It’s easy to find a Couchsurfing host, which is the best way to experience the city. Butttt, you can always check out a wicked hostel or Airbnb too.

Backpacking Islamabad

The capital of Pakistan is a wonderfully clean and beautiful city and has a few sites worth visiting!

Centaurus Shopping Mall represents your last chance to stock up on anything you may need in the mountains. If you fly into Islamabad, a taxi from the airport to the main city is now set at 2200 PKR ($12.50 USD), though you can try to get it down to 1800 PKR ($10).

Other must-dos in Pakistan’s cleanest city include hiking in the lush Margalla Hills, visiting the incredible Faisal Mosque (one of the largest in Pakistan) and checking out the historic Saidpur Village, which has an old Hindu temple.

While Islamabad can seem quite sterile, its “sister” city Rawalpindi is a lively, old Pakistani city full of character, history and delicious food.

I highly recommend taking a day trip there as it’s no more than an hour’s drive from Islamabad. The Raja Bazaar and the beautiful blue and white Jamia Masjid are great places to start.

Due to the city’s location, you can easily take a long day trip (or two-day trip) to the mammoth Rohtas Fortress. It’s between Islamabad and Lahore and it is possible to hitch there in just a couple of hours.

While I was staying in Pakistan, I found a Couchsurfing host with no problems. For cheap backpacker accommodation, I definitely recommend staying at Islamabad Backpackers aka Backpacker Hostel.

Backpacking Gilgit

Gilgit will likely be your first stop while travelling on Pakistan’s glorious Karakoram Highway . While the small city has some nice mountain scenery, there’s nothing much to do here besides get supplies and a SIM card.

As far as accommodation goes, your best bet in Gilgit City is Madina Hotel 2, which is located in a quiet section of the city with a nice garden and friendly owners. Madina Hotel 1 is another budget backpacker option in Gilgit’s main bazaar.

If you have a larger budget (or high-quality backpacking gear ), The Karakoram Bikers also have a comfortable homestay in the peaceful Danyore section of Gilgit called Five Giants.

From Gilgit, there are several nearby places to visit before heading deeper into the mountains. Naltar Valley is a slice of heaven less than 30 km from the city.

Turn off the KKH here and then either drive by motorbike or take a shared 4×4 jeep along the challenging gravel mountain road to Naltar itself – this will take a couple of hours.

Naltar is blessed with beautiful lakes and atmospheric weather conditions that include snow in winter. It’s especially magical to visit after a recent storm.

Want to save money on accommodation?

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Backpacking Fairy Meadows in Gilgit

What is perhaps Gilgit Baltistan’s most famous tourist attraction can also be found near Gilgit, and despite the popularity, it’s absolutely worth the hype.

To being the iconic trek to Fairy Meadows , catch a two and a half hour minibus from Gilgit to Raikot Bridge (going towards Chilas City) for 200-300 rupees .

You will then need to arrange a jeep to take you to the trailhead, which costs an eye-watering 8000 rupees .

From the trailhead, it’s a two to three-hour hike to The Fairy Meadows. The Fairy Meadows is one of the most stunning places in all of Pakistan and you can camp here relatively cheaply if you have a good backpacking tent .

Rooms are available here but are expensive – starting at nearly 4000 rupees a night and rising all the way to 10,000 rupees or more. Definitely not backpacker-friendly.

Despite the expenses required, it is well worth it to view Nanga Parbat; the 9th highest mountain in the world. You can trek to Nanga Parbat’s base camp and do plenty of other awesome treks in the area.

I strongly recommend making the effort to trek to (and maybe even stay at) Beyal camp – fewer people and more awesome views. If possible, bring a portable camping stove, a tent, and supplies. You could easily spend a few days up there.

I managed to camp at Nanga Parbat Base Camp one night in September. It snowed a tiny bit and was cold but also, freaking awesome.

Backpacking Hunza

The highlight of Pakistan travel and the jumping-off point for many fantastic treks, exploring Hunza Valley is an absolute must.

Two of the most famous places to visit in Hunza are the 800-year-old Baltit Fort in Karimabad and the Altit Fort in Altit, which is a few km from Karimabad. You could easily spend a few days wandering around the cobblestone streets and going on day hikes.

If you have a motorbike, I highly recommend an EPIC day trip to the Hopar Glacier in Nagar Valley. The roads are gravel and bumpy but the payoff is huge – stunning views and epic off-road riding! You could also arrange a 4×4 jeep to do this but it’s a lot of fun on a motorbike.

Aliabad is the main bazaar town in central Hunza. While there’s nothing much to do here, there are some delicious cheap restaurants that you definitely won’t find in Karimabad.

Must-tries are the locally owned and operated Hunza Food Pavillion , Highland Cuisine , and Goudo Soup , which has been a local staple for decades. The overpriced food in Karimabad just can’t compare.

You can also visit Ganish Village, which is very near to the deviation that goes towards Karimabad. It’s the oldest and first settlement of the ancient Silk Road.

For some of the most stunning views in all of Hunza, get a taxi to drive you up to what’s known as the Eagles Nest in the village of Duikar for sunrise or sunset.

Backpacking Gojal (Upper Hunza)

After spending a few days in Central Hunza, get ready for even more jaw-dropping mountains and bucolic scenes.

First stop: Attabad Lake, a turquoise blue masterpiece that came about after a 2010 landslide disaster that blocked the flow of the Hunza River.

Continuing along epic KKH, now it’s time to spend some time in Gulmit. Here you can sample great local food at backpacker-friendly prices at the Bozlanj Cafe and enjoy the Gulmit Carpet Center , which is a great place to meet with women from the area.

Your next stop should undoubtedly be my favourite village in Pakistan: Ghulkin. Ghulkin is right next to Gulmit, but is seated high up and far away from the road. It’s a perfect place to wander through, especially with an amazing travel drone .

Keep heading north on the KKH (hitchhiking is best for this as there’s no official transport) so you can visit the famous Hussaini Suspension Bridge.

After admiring the majestic Passu Cones, make your way to the Khunjerab Pass, the highest border crossing in the world and an incredible feat of human engineering.

It’s expensive to rent a car for the return trip – 8000 PKR ( $45 USD) – and there is no public transport that I could find, which is yet another reason to get a motorbike 😉

Foreigners will also have to pay an entrance fee of 3000 PKR ($17 USD) as the border sits within a national park.

If you’re feeling adventurous, I highly recommend you get off the beaten path by visiting one (or more) of Upper Hunza’s side valleys.

Chapursan Valley and Shimshal Valley are both great choices and can be reached within 5 hours of turning off the KKH. Public transport is available for both which you should be able to arrange at your guesthouse.

Accommodation Tip: While unsuspecting travellers might just grab a hostel bed on the busy Karakoram Highway NEAR Ghulkin, savvy backpackers will make arrangements to stay at a truly beautiful homestay nestled deep in the bucolic village, far away from the sounds of the highway.

And the best part is? It’s run by a bad-ass woman/mom who you’ll be able to talk the night away with!

Said badass woman is a local friend of ours named Sitara. She’s teacher by profession, speaks excellent English, and is an overall lovely person who will make you feel at home.

She also has three lovely kids you’ll be able to meet in the comfort of a traditional-style Wakhi home.

It’s a great place to get a real taste of Pakistani village life, and Sitara also happens to be a truly godly chef.

You can contact her on Whatsapp at +92 355 5328697 .

Backpacking Skardu

The town of Skardu is a popular backpacking hub and many travellers in Pakistan will find themselves here.

As of December, a brand new highway is set to be finished that will make the drive from Gilgit to Skardu just 4 hours. Beforehand, it could take more than 12! You can easily reach Skardu from Gilgit via shared public transport for around 500 PKR ($3 USD).

In all honesty, I recommend spending less time in Skardu itself as it’s a dusty place devoid of many attractions. There are a few points of interest in Skardu like Skardu Fort, the Mathal Buddha Rock, the Katpana Desert, and the Masur Rock but you only need a few hours or minutes even to visit these.

Other notable spots in the Skardu region include the Khaplu Fort, Blind Lake in Shigar and Upper Kachura Lake where you can swim in the lake and dine in a local restaurant on fresh-caught trout. You can also dive into the truly endless trekking opportunities. The trek to Barah Broq is 2-3 days and is secluded and stunning.

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Pakistan, don’t miss Hushe. This small village is the last place on the tourist trail that offers any sort of attraction. The potential adventures found in the Hushe Valley though are among the most thrilling in the country.

Hushe is an alternative starting point for many of Pakistan’s greatest treks including Gondogoro La , Concordia, and the Charakusa Valley . Taking part in any of these will surely prove to be among the finest moments in your life.

Much of the areas north of Hushe – including the ones mentioned previously – lie in the restricted zone of the Karakoram so you’ll need to organize a permit, a liaison officer, and the proper guide to begin any of these treks.

Note that you cannot receive a permit or authorization to visit the restricted zones in Hushe itself – you’ll need to organize such things beforehand.

To reach Hushe, you can hire an expensive private car or catch the local bus, which runs every other day from Khaplu. Be sure to inquire with the locals or with your hotel manager about bus departures.

Backpacking Deosai National Park and Astore

The best time to visit Deosai is between July and Mid-August when the entire plain is covered in a blanket of stunning wildflowers. This is one of the best spots in the world to view the stars and I highly recommend camping for a night.

Be careful where you pitch your tent – I was awakened by four bears a mere three meters from my camp.

It now costs 3100Rs to enter Deosai (300Rs for Pakistani citizens) and unless you have your own transport, you will need to hire a jeep.

Jeeps are very expensive but, if you haggle, it is possible to get an OK rate…but don’t be surprised if you’re initially quoted 20,000-22,000 PKR ($113-$124 USD.) I managed to negotiate a jeep and driver for two nights and three days, with camping and fishing equipment thrown in for 18,000 PKR ($102 USD).

We drove from Skardu to Deosai (three hours), camped a night, and then drove to Rama Lake (four hours) where we camped again.

After Deosai is the Astore Valley, the self-proclaimed “Switzerland of Pakistan.” This cliche aside, Astore is certainly a beautiful place, even by Pakistani standards. You could also connect from Astore directly to Gilgit, which will be your only option once Deosai closes for the season, usually from November-May.

There are many fantastic hikes to be had here and I highly recommend visiting Rama Lake where you can view Nanga Parbat, one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. You can also do the “other” Nanga Parbat Basecamp trek, which begins from the small village of Tarashing.

Backpacking Chitral and The Kalash Valleys

Chitral is one of the most interesting and beautiful regions in Pakistan, yet only the Kalash Valleys receive any significant tourism. This means that the rest of the large district is pretty off the beaten path as far as backpacking in Pakistan is concerned…

After reaching the town of Chitral, spend a day or two checking out the nearby Chitral Gol National Park, local street food, and perhaps a polo game at the centrally located polo ground. Next, take a mini-van to the Kalash Valley of your choice.

Bumburet is the largest and most developed valley while Rumbur is historically popular with backpackers. The third valley, Birir , is the least visited and are apparently not that open to outsiders.

In 2019, the government imposed a tax of 600 PKR ($3.50 USD) on foreigners visiting the valleys. You will come across a police outpost where you will be required to pay this before continuing on.

The Kalash people are Pakistan’s smallest religious community and, every year, they hold a series of incredibly colourful festivals. These three festivals occur in May, August and December each year and involve lots of dancing and homemade wine.

Backpacking Upper Chitral

While most people simply leave Chitral at this point, continuing onwards to Upper Chitral will not leave you disappointed.

Make your way to the lovely town of Booni where you can check out the extraterrestrial vibes of the Qaqlasht Meadows , a massive meadow that overlooks the town and actually has a well-paved road leading to the top.

In Booni, stay at the very backpacker-friendly Mountain View Guest House , which is run by a young guy and his family and has plenty of space for tents.

Though Booni does have an HBL ATM (HBL is usually reliable), it didn’t work for my foreign card on two separate occasions. Make sure to stock up on cash in Chitral as there are no ATMs that accept foreign cards north of Booni.

After Booni, take a 2-3 local van to the sleepy town of Mastuj. Mastuj is the largest town before the Shandur Pass and is the jumping-off point for further exploration.

The Tourist Garden Inn is a fan-fucking-tastic family-run homestay that’s been operating for decades. Complete with a stunning garden, this is one of the best places to stay in Pakistan for backpackers.

Pakistanis can also continue onwards to one of the most special places in the world and the most remote in Pakistan, the Broghil Valley.

Unfortunately, as recently as September 2021, foreigners are not allowed to visit this majestic place (even with a NOC) per top-level officials due to the current situation in Afghanistan. However, it is possible to visit the rustic Yarkhun Valley.

Note that the entirety of Chitral IS safe and open for foreigners up until Yarkhun Lasht. While it does border Afghanistan, the border is very mountainous, and the Afghan regions they border (Nuristan, Badakhshan, and the Wakhan Corridor) are very quiet and sparsely populated.

After exploring the most offbeat corners of Chitral, cross the Shandur Pass (12,200 ft) that connects Chitral with GB and make sure you stop to admire the Shandur Lake and the many yaks that live up there.

A jeep from Mastuj-Gilgit through the pass will take about 12-13 hours. You will also have to check out of the region at the Chitral Scouts check post.

Backpacking Ghizer

One of the largest and most beautiful districts in Gilgit Baltistan is Ghizer. This region truly looks like something out of a fairytale and shouldn’t be missed while backpacking in Pakistan!

Overflowing with turquoise rivers and lakes and bright green poplar trees (that turn golden come autumn), the natural beauty of Ghizer is astounding.

Must-sees in this stunning region in Pakistan include the incredibly peaceful Phander Valley , home to the famous Phander Lake and a copious amount of trout fish. You can stay at the Lake Inn for 1500 rupees a night for a room or set up a tent lakeside.

About two hours or so from Phander is another impressive body of water, the Khalti Lake. There are numerous campsites around if you want to do more than just stop by.

Mere minutes from Khalti Lake is a large yellow bridge that will take you to a MASSIVE side valley that quickly became a favourite: Yasin Valley.

Yasin is actually massive and it can take two hours to drive from the first village to Darkot, the last. Taus is the main town while Darkot is arguably the most beautiful and is the starting point for the Darkot Pass Trek which requires a trekking permit.

After Yasin, you have yet another large side valley to explore before reaching Gilgit. Ishkoman Valley is quite near to Ghizer’s largest market town of Gahkuch. Ishkoman is quite offbeat and there aren’t as many guesthouse options as other areas, so being prepared to camp is definitely a good idea.

Ishkoman has several beautiful lakes you can trek to including Attar Lake (2 days) and Monghy and Shukarga Lakes which can be visited together in just 3 days.

Immit is the last village before the army checkpoint as, like Broghil and Chapursan Valleys, Upper Ishkoman also borders the Wakhan Corridor.

Backpacking Swat Valley

One of the most conservative places in Pakistan and a must-visit for keen hikers, Swat is a very interesting place indeed. Many of the women here are in fully clad burqas and many of the men are not used to seeing a women’s face.

I highly recommend backpackers wear conservative clothing while travelling in Swat to be respectful of the culture and to avoid unwanted attention.

The main towns are Mingora and Saidu Sharif but the real beauty of Swat is to be found in the forests and villages.

Swat Valley was once the cradle of Buddhism and is still littered with important Buddhist monuments and relics. The most impressive of the Buddhist monuments is the towering Jahanabad Buddha , try to catch it for sunset.

Whilst around Mingora, be sure to visit Udegram, an ancient Mosque, as well as Malam Jabba; the best place in all of Pakistan to catch some powder and strap on your skis.

Next up head to the beautiful valley of Kalam. While it might seem touristy at first, it’s very easy to get off the beaten track. Take a day trek to Desan Meadows and admire the beautiful deodar-filled Ushu Forest .

Serious trekkers can opt for the multi-day hike to the remote Kooh/Anakar Lake which takes about 3-4 days from the Anakar Valley near Kalam town.

Closer to the lush village of Utror, you have tons of aquatic trek options like the Spinkhor Lake or the Kandol Lake which has sadly been kinda ruined by a recently built jeep track.

I spent an incredible, yet arduous, couple of days trekking around Bashigram Lake near the village of Madyan where I stayed for free with local shepherds.

Backpacking Karachi

Pakistan’s city by the sea is home to more than 20 million people and is a melting pot of cultures and foods. Though chaotic and crazy by all means, you have to go to Karachi in order to say that you’ve seen all of Pakistan.

Head to the crazy ad iconic Clifton Beach around sunset for a beach experience you won’t soon forget. Let’s just say Clifton isn’t for swimming…

If you are into swimming, you can head to one of the more secluded beaches farther away from the city like Turtle Beach or Hawke’s Bay.

As far as places to visit in Karachi go, check out the historical Mohatta Palace and the Quaid Mazar. What really makes Karachi sand out is its culinary scene.

Check out Burns Road for some delectable street food experiences, though any street in Karachi is bound to give you those.

What’s really interesting about Karachi’s location is its proximity (around 4 hours) to Balochistan, Pakistan’s majestic coastline that absolutely puts any place in Oman to shame.

Though foreigners technically need a NOC to visit Balochistan, many have been able to camp in places like Hingol National Park and Ormara Beach with the help of local contacts.

Getting Off the Beaten Path in Pakistan

As Pakistan is just starting to see an uptick in tourism, it’s very easy to get off the beaten path. Foreign and domestic tourists typically tend to follow a specific route, so as far as you deviate from that, you good!

To avoid chaotic scenes of mass tourism, I recommend you skip Murree, Naran, and Mahodand Lake. All three of these have much cooler places nearby. For example, instead of the trashed Mahondand Lake, go on a real trek to Kooh Lake which is also in Swat Valley.

Another region that I love dearly is Upper Chitral, namely, the Yarkhun. There’s not much to do here but sit back and enjoy nature and villages that remain completely unspoiled. Aka the best type of places if you ask me.

Travelling by motorcycle is another way to see Pakistan from a new perspective. You can stop anywhere, and sleep anywhere provided you have a quality motorcycle camping tent .

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!

Pakistan is filled with epic things for backpackers to do, and many are free or close to free. From multi-day treks on iconic glaciers to wild religious Pakistan festivals and underground raves, everything is possible in Pakistan.

1. Trek to K2 Base Camp

The journey to K2 involves a 2-week trek (doable in 11 days if you are super fit) leading to the base camp of the second-highest mountain in the world.

Perhaps one of the most demanding treks in Pakistan, the expedition will take you to a peak elevation of 5000 m and will allow you to get up close and personal with some of the world’s wildest mountains.

2. Stay with a Local Family

Pakistani locals are some of the most hospitable people in the entire world. Spending time with a family in a small mountain village will give you insights into their daily life as well as a chance for you to connect with them on a deeper level.

Travelling in remote or rural areas in Pakistan almost guarantees you’ll receive some sort of an invitation into a home. Accept it! Meeting locals and experiencing real life in Pakistan is better than any possible tourist attraction.

3. Visit the Old Mosques in Lahore

Lahore is home to some truly incredible historical mosques, including many from the Mughal era.

Stepping foot into these historical holy places feels like stepping back in time. In fact, one of the oldest mosques in Lahore dates back to 1604.

Can’t miss stops in this lively city include the Badshahi Mosque , the Wazir Khan Mosque and the Begum Shahi Mosques.

4. Hike as Much as Possible

Trekking in Pakistan is a paradise for adventurers as the country literally has every variety of hikes you can imagine.

From multi-week expedition-style hikes like the journey to K2 Basecamp to epic day trips – Pakistan has a trek for everyone. One of my favourites includes the trek up to Patundas Meadows near Passu in Hunza Valley.

5. Drink Wine in the Kalash Valleys

The Kalash Valley is probably the most unique cultural enclave in all of Pakistan. The Kalasha people have a centuries-old culture based on an ancient form of animism.

They hold epic festivals, speak a unique language – and yes they even make their own delicious wine (most Kalash are non-muslims.)

6. Go on a Tour

As epic as solo travel in Pakistan is, sometimes it makes more sense to book a Pakistan adventure tour.

This is especially true if you want to trek in Central Karakoram National Park. Since the area is restricted, you need to be sponsored by a tour company anyways. This includes the iconic trek to K2, the 2nd highest mountain on Earth.

A tour can also be useful for those short on time or who aren’t quite ready to embark on solo travel in Pakistan.

7. Explore Peshawar’s Qissa Khwani Bazaar

Peshawar is one of the most captivating cities you can imagine, and it also happens to be the oldest in South Asia. The Qissa Khwani Bazaar in the Old City has some of the best street food around and tons of opportunities for epic travel photography .

Peshawaris are some of the friendliest people in Pakistan, and you’ll certainly receive tons of invitations for kahwa, the local green tea. Accept them, but be warned, ingesting 12 cups of kahwa in a few hours can be very dangerous…

8. Eat Your Heart Out

The food in Pakistan is great . If you are a fan of BBQ, rice dishes, curries, sweets, and greasy flatbreads, you are going to love the food here.

Even though Pakistani cuisine tends to be meat-heavy, there are also plenty of options for vegetarians. Vegans may have a difficult time as almost all dishes that don’t contain meat contain dairy.

9. Attend a Sufi Dance Party

Sufi music has deep roots all across South Asia, and Sufism in Pakistan is thriving. If you want to truly have a crazy night in Pakistan, make sure you’re in Lahore on a Thursday night.

Around 7 PM, Sufi devotees perform dhamal , a form of meditative dance usually accompanied by copious amounts of hashish. The Madho lal Hussain shrine is one of the best places to catch Sufi dhamal in Lahore.

10. Drive the Karakoram Highway by Motorbike

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is an engineering marvel – stretching hundreds of kilometres from the lowlands to the China border at 4,700 meters. The section that begins from Gilgit City one of the most scenic roadways in the world and is the best place to drive in Pakistan .

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

While a lot of accommodation in Pakistan that will actually accept backpackers is pricey, there are many exceptions, and overall accommodation in Pakistan is still cheap.

The best price you can typically get for a private room is currently around 2000 PKR ($12 USD), though this will be harder to find in cities. Even so, there are places where you can bargain to around 1000 PKR ($6 USD).

I highly recommend that you use Couchsurfing in Pakistan wherever possible, you’ll meet some amazing people, I personally have and know many other travellers who say the same.

A hidden secret to keeping accommodation costs low while backpacking Pakistan is by having a quality tent and a thick sleeping mat fit for adventures. Because a trip to Pakistan absolutely guarantees those.

In Pakistan, it’s extremely normal to receive invitations to stay in locals’ homes. While this is especially common in more remote areas, I’ve even had it happen in Lahore. Accept as many of these as you can. It’s an unparalleled way to experience daily life in Pakistan and will make you some real friendships.

Solo female travellers –accepting invitations from only families or other women is a good boundary to have to stay safe while also immersing yourself in some of the best experiences you can have while in Pakistan.

 The Best Places to Stay in Pakistan

Below is a list of cheap backpacker-style accommodation options in Pakistan…

Pakistan is CHEAP and one of the best countries in the world for real budget travel. But still, things can add up. Here’s how much travelling in Pakistan really costs:

Accommodation in Pakistan is the most expensive part of backpacking, and hostels are very rare.

Couchsurfing is very popular throughout the country and is a good way to make local friends on a budget.

In Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, there are also many wild camping areas or legit camp sites that allow you to camp on the cheap!

The best food in Pakistan is undoubtedly from local restaurants and the streets.

Don’t stray from those places and you can easily spend a few dollars a day on food.

Keep in mind that Western food prices can add up quickly, even if the prices are cheaper than they would be abroad.

Local transport is cheap in Pakistan, and paying for a seat in a local transport vehicle is very broke backpacker-friendly.

Long distance buses will cost more, but private buses like Daewoo and Faisal Movers are of very high quality in Pakistan.

Private drivers are expensive, but might be your best option for exploring or stopping by more low-key areas.

In cities, Uber and Careem are widely available at cheap rates.

Certain attractions like the Lahore Fort charge entrance fees. You will also have to pay a fee to enter major Pakistan national parks like Deosai or Khunjerab.

Trekking can be free, as can many other fun activities in Pakistan like attending a local festival.

While nightlife isn’t really a thing, underground raves certainly are.

Data is cheap in Pakistan. You can purchase anywhere from 10-30 GB for a few dollars a month depending on which provider you’re using.

As of October 2021, SCOM is the only provider that offers 4G in Gilgit Baltistan whereas Zong, Jazz and Telenor work pretty much everywhere else.

A Daily Budget in Pakistan

So, how much does it cost to travel to Pakistan? Pakistan is for the most part extremely cheap for backpackers.

Meals at local restaurants rarely cost more than 300 PKR ($1.68 USD) and entry fees to places of interest are usually under 1500 PKR ($8). Street food in cities is as cheap as 175 PKR ($1 USD) for a filling meal.

Entrance to Pakistan’s most breathtaking sites: the mountains, is free for the most part – unless you are entering Central Karakoram National Park – in which case there is a steep fee (like to go to K2 Base Camp as an example). If you want to visit attractions in the cities, you’ll also have to pay a price.

For some treks, you may need to hire a trekking guide and some porters. Most villages in the north are part of a greater porter union so the price is fixed at 2000 PKR/day ($11.31 USD).

Accommodation quality and costs in Pakistan can vary widely. For a basic, comfortable room in a small hotel or guesthouse – the price will be between 1500-4000 PKR ($8-$22 USD) but it’s usually possible to not spend more than 3000 PKR (~$17 USD).

Money in Pakistan

The official currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani rupee. Find out how much your money is worth today by using the up-to-date converter below.

Pakistan is a VERY cash-based economy – almost everything needs to be paid for with rupees.

In the cities, like Lahore and Islamabad, credit cards are more widely accepted at shops and restaurants but still, you consider it a rare exception. Especially if you’re backpacking on a budget, expect to pay for virtually everything in cash.

Outside of the cities, the chances of a credit card being accepted are much lower, National Bank of Pakistan ATMs (which are often the only option in rural regions) notoriously do not accept foreign cards.

ATMs, although commonplace in Pakistan, are very unreliable. Many ATMs will not accept Western bank cards; MasterCards in particular are very hard to use.

Only a select few Pakistani banks seem to work well with Western cards. MCB usually works when I need cash. Allied Bank has also proved reliable for a Visa debit card in both 2019 and 2021.

It is HIGHLY recommended that you bring cash with you before visiting Pakistan, because trust me, you will run out in a place without an accessible ATM. Foreign cash is good to have because once you’re in the country you can exchange it.

Don’t go to the banks either (you’ll get a shit deal). Instead, go to one of the many private currency changers. There’s a great changer inside Lahore’s Liberty Market that I regularly use. His shop is a bit hidden so you’ll need to search a bit, around the northeastern wing. Aside from little to no paperwork needed, he has great rates.

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – formerly known as Transferwise!

Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks.

Travel Tips – Pakistan on a Budget

To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst travelling in Pakistan I recommend sticking to these basic rules of budget adventuring….

• Camp: With plenty of gorgeous natural, untouched places to camp, Pakistan is an excellent place to take a tent and a good sleeping bag .
• Cook your own food: I took a small gas cooker with me to Pakistan and cooked a lot of my own meals and made my own coffee whilst hitching and camping, I saved a fortune – check out this post for info on the best backpacking stoves .
• Haggle: Learn how to haggle – and then do it as much as you can. You can always get a better price for things especially while in local markets.
• Tipping : is not expected but if you encounter amazing service or want to tip a guide then go for it – just keep the amount reasonable so other backpackers are not hit by guides expecting heavy tips. Five to ten percent is plenty.
• Use Couchsurfing: Not only does Couchsurfing mean free accommodation, but more importantly it allows you to connect with Pakistanis you may not encountered otherwise. Just be prepared for some pretty wild experiences! In the best way possible, that is.

Why You Should Travel to Pakistan with a Water Bottle

Microplastics accumulate even on the most remote mountain peaks of glorious Pakistan. Make sure you do your part to ensure you aren’t adding to the problem.

No, you won’t save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem! When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. I know I cringed when I saw a crumpled plastic bottle at the base of the K2 summit. And I hope when you do see this, that you will become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC!

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Pakistan is a country that has all four seasons, and there is definitely a best time to travel to different parts of it. You definitely don’t want to be arriving in Lahore when it’s bordering on 100 degrees with 80% humidity.

Pakistan’s “winter” runs from roughly m id November until mid March  depending on where you are.

This is undoubtedly the best time to visit the Punjab and Sindh provinces as well as Peshawar. It’s a whole new experience to backpack in these cities without feeling like you’re going to melt.

You can expect temperatures between 17-25 C depending on the month and location.

Winter is the worst time of the year to visit Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan as the thin air becomes freezing and heating systems are minimal. All treks and passes will be closed during this time as temperatures remain between -12-5 C. 

Mid March until April is Pakistan’s spring and is the best time to visit the beautiful Makran Coast in Balochistan as temperatures are usually around 26-28 C. Karachi also has similar temperatures during this time.

These are also the last two months where visiting Lahore, Peshawar and Islamabad will be pleasant before insane heat moves in for months.

You can expect temperatures around 24- 32 C depending on how late in this time frame you go.

While temperatures will barely be above 0 C in Gilgit Baltistan at this time, the first two weeks of April are the best time to see the amazing cherry blossoms that explode all over the region.

May through September is Pakistan’s summer, and you should avoid visiting the cities during this time if you actually want to enjoy them.

Trust me when I say visiting during this time will cause you to spend more time in front of your hotel AC than exploring.

Think temperatures NEAR 40 C  and a level of humidity you might not have thought was possible.

However, this is the absolutely perfect time to enjoy the valleys of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral.

With days hot enough for swimming and plenty of sunshine, it’s paradise. Especially the month of September, which is my absolute favourite time to travel in Pakistan.

October until Mid November is considered fall in Pakistan and is a decent time to visit the cities as temperatures generally won’t be higher than 28 C. 

And while it might be a bit chilly, this is the ULTIMATE time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan, and Hunza Valley in particular as the entire landscape becomes a kaleidoscope of fall colors.

Temperatures will be cold, usually around 5 C or less, but with a quality winter jacket, it’s totally worth it.

What to Pack for Pakistan

On every adventure, there are just some must-have travel essentials you should never leave home without.

Osprey Aether 70L Backpack

Ya can’t go backpacking anywhere without a blasted backpack! Words cannot describe what a friend the Osprey Aether has been to The Broke Backpacker on the road. It’s had a long and illustrious career; Ospreys don’t go down easily.

Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF

My philosophy is that with an EPIC sleeping bag, you can sleep anywhere. A tent is a nice bonus, but a real sleek sleeping bag means you can roll out anywhere in a and stay warm in a pinch. And the Feathered Friends Swift bag is about as premium as it gets.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Every traveller should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. When you’re camping, hiking, or even if the power just went out, a top-quality headlamp is a MUST. The Petzl Actik Core is an awesome piece of kit because it’s USB chargeable—batteries begone!

First Aid Kit

Never go off the beaten track (or even on it) without your first aid kit! Cuts, bruises, scrapes, third-degree sunburn: a first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

For more inspiration, check out my ultimate backpacking packing list !

Is Pakistan safe? A question I’m asked often and am happy to set the record straight on.

Pakistan is one of the safest countries I have ever visited and is packed with friendly and inquisitive individuals who are always happy to meet somebody backpacking in Pakistan.

Of course, you should stick to the general backpacking safety tips , but Pakistan is really quite welcoming to backpackers.

Luckily as of 2021, the army/police are much more relaxed and will only really only question you or offer (non-mandatory) protection in Chitral.

With the exception of the Afghanistan border regions, most of the country is perfectly safe to visit. It is not however possible to visit some parts of the country such as Balochistan or Kashmir unless you have special permits.

These days, you’ll only encounter MANDATORY security escorts when hiking to Nanga Parbat Basecamp and in places like Multan (Punjab), Bahawalpur (Punjab), and Sukkur (Sindh). Rules change quickly and randomly in Pakistan so this is NOT an extensive list.

Unfortunately as of Fall 2021, security check-ins in the completely peaceful Upper Chitral region have returned. Security is not mandatory though and you can sign a short letter saying you don’t want it. It is also not unsafe – in fact, there is virtually zero crime in region.

Personally, I don’t feel security is necessary for ANY of the places tourists will be backpacking in Pakistan. They simply create more attention and hanging out with dudes with guns is not a vibe…

Is Pakistan safe for women?

A Word From Our Very Own Samantha

The Broke Backpacker Team is full of some pretty special humans. Samantha is a veteran adventurer of the South Asian region. She loves a good hike through the backcountry of a foreign country and washing it down with some choice street food.

Her extensive knowledge and love for Pakistan may even (although maybe not quite ) edge out my love and knowledge of Pakistan.

Basically, she’s a badass traveller and travel writer! She has travelled in Pakistan on her own as well as with her partner. I’m gonna pass the mic to her to give a full breakdown on travelling solo in Pakistan as a woman.

Female travel in Pakistan is becoming more and more popular these days, and it’s no surprise why. Pakistan is an absolutely amazing country. And while it gets a bad rap, it’s really not that hard to travel here as a woman, especially if you have a bit of backpacking experience in the region.

Foreign women are not expected to stay in the home like many local women (generally) are, and it’s completely okay to take part in “male” activities such as drinking and enjoying cheeky smokes.

There are significant regional differences in how your experience with local men will be. In cities like Lahore, expect loads of staring, possible catcalls, and requests for selfies, which you can (and should) absolutely deny. Selfie culture is dumb, anyway.

It is important to note that bad things have happened, though they are luckily not the norm. In 2022, a foreign traveler was a victim of gang rape in the Punjab province – by two friends she knew and had spent a lot of time with.

I’m not sharing this to scare all women off of Pakistan travel, but rather to remind women that unfortunately we have to be extremely careful with who we spend time with.

I do believe Pakistan can still be safe for solo female travel, as long as you do your research and take safety precautions. The precautions might involve ONLY staying with families or women if not in a hotel, or refraining from going anywhere alone with a man or multiple local men who you do not know.

Hunza is like another world altogether. The region is very accustomed to foreigners – solo female travellers or otherwise – and thus you can find almost no public harassment of any kind. This doesn’t mean that creepy men don’t exist in Hunza, but overall, they seem to be fewer in number.

One of my top tips to feel more comfortable as a solo female traveller in Pakistan is to learn some Urdu, the national language.

I began taking Urdu classes with Naveed Rehman in 2020, and I can now call myself proficient in Urdu. This has completely changed my Pakistan travel experience and has made me feel significantly more confident in all situations.

Keep in mind that Pakistan is a patriarchal country and you WILL spend days on end with only men.

If you can’t handle that or feel like you can’t negotiate your own values, Pakistan may not be right for you. Travel is about experiencing cultures completely different from your own, not about trying to change another country. If I wanted to chill on a beach in a bikini, I’d just stay home.

Meeting local women is difficult outside of upper-class city circles. However, as a woman by yourself, you’ll receive tons of invitations. I’ve met tons of women in rural areas by accepting invitations into homes.

Pro tip: NEVER give out your phone number or WhatsApp number to men you don’t know and don’t have any connections to. Whether it’s a restaurant interaction or a bus ride, this can lead to serious stalker behaviour. Only give out your number to trusted acquaintances and like-minded individuals.

Sex, Drugs & Rock n’ Roll in Pakistan

Pakistan is typically a dry country, however, you’re permitted to purchase alcohol if you’re a non-Muslim tourist with a permit.

Local alcohol is available if you have connections, and foreigners can buy the imported stuff from 5-star hotels. It’s also possible to find decent ecstasy or LSD if you are at raves in Lahore or Karachi but, you’ll need local connections.

In the north of Pakistan, marijuana plants grow wild, so it’s super easy to find something to smoke, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Most Pakistanis have never smoked weed, but hash is plentiful, to say the least. The best of it comes from around Peshawar and Upper Chitral, though you can find decent stuff pretty much anywhere. Hash is a very chill scene in most of Pakistan and many police officers smoke it daily.

Things aren’t quite as relaxed in major cities though, but you’ll have nothing to worry about as long as you stay discrete and only pick up from people you trust. This should undoubtedly be with the help of a local friend if you want to get a fair price.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Pakistan

A wise man once said that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t really afford to travel – so do consider backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Travelling without insurance would be risky. I highly recommend World Nomads.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, offer the widest coverage, and are affordable. What else do you need?

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.

What’s the best way to enter Pakistan without spending money ? The answer, my dudes, is by land borders.

Pakistan has four land borders; India, Iran, China and Afghanistan.

Crossing between Iran and Pakistan  at the Taftan Border is relatively easy but a lengthy (and hot!) experience once you make it to the Pakistani side. They will require you to have armed police escort vehicles (free of charge) until you reach Karachi since the route goes through Balochistan which they deem unsafe.

Border crossings between India and Pakistan  are the easiest by far. I used the Wagah Border crossing that essentially connects Amritsar with Lahore. That crossing is usually open until around 3:30-4 PM each day.

Border crossings between China and Pakistan  are simple as long as you have your Chinese visa pre-sorted. I do not know how easy it is to arrange a Chinese visa within Pakistan but the two countries have good relations so I imagine it should be doable.

Border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan  are not advised and are currently not allowed for foreigners.

During different times you could travel to Afghanistan from Tajikistan. Unfortunately, in the current climate, you can’t enter Afghanistan at all.

You can also easily fly into one of Pakistan’s international airports. Major ones include Allama Iqbal in Lahore, Islamabad International Airport in Islamabad , and Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. Prices are always best from Karachi, though Islamabad is by far the best airport to fly into.

Entry Requirements for Pakistan

Reading this? You’re lucky my friend… You missed out on the days of complicated visas to Pakistan! The situation is now much better, you can get a Pakistani eVisa online no matter where you are in the world.

Visas are now cheaper than they used to be thanks to the implementation of the new E-visa scheme. Before you can apply for the visa you need to get a letter of invitation (LOI) from a Pakistani tour company stating that, basically, they will accept responsibility for you.

Technically, the website says you can just submit a hotel booking but in practice, travellers of multiple nationalities have reported being forced to submit the LOI from a registered tour company. We recommend Adventure Planners , a registered company that provides these sponsor letters by Whatsapp in mere hours.

These days, most nationalities can receive anywhere from a 30-90 day e-Visa for $20-$60 USD depending on where you’re from. There’s also a Visa in Your Inbox these days. You’ll then get an ETA (electronic travel authorization) sent to your email usually within a few minutes or hours. Both of these options can be used to enter at any airport or open land border crossing.

Visa Extensions in Pakistan

I’ll be honest: visa extensions in Pakistan are a pain in the ass. While the process was technically made easier by it moving 100% online, in practice, it’s a mess that you should be prepared for.

Extensions cost $20, and technically you can request an extension of a year or more. In reality, I’ve never been given more than 90 days, and many people get much less. Besides exact requests not being granted (even with a supporting LOI), the process can take a month even though it says it will take 7-10 days.

In major cities, it’s not a problem to travel around while waiting for your extension. However, as of November 2021, foreign tourists have been forced to leave the beautiful region of Gilgit Baltistan until their extensions are approved.

Obviously, this is complete BS because it’s not our fault, but unfortunately, this is how things stand. To avoid this major hassle, apply for your extension 1 MONTH before your current visa is set to expire.

Note that even if you have a 1-year multi-entry visa, you will still need to apply for an extension after your set “duration,” which can be anywhere from 30-90 days. Unless you want to leave and re-enter, that is.

Dealing with Security in Pakistan

To be honest, the hardest part of backpacking in Pakistan is not the roads or the lack of information, but the security agencies.

Due to foreign tourism still being so new in the country, security agencies aren’t quite sure how to deal with us yet and often are overprotective, even in completely peaceful regions.

Your interactions with these guys might be as simple as your hotel owner getting a phone call to confirm you’re staying there, to in-person visits or escorts. Always remember to remain calm in these interactions but know about current laws and happenings.

As of Spring 2019, security is not supposed to be forced anywhere in Gilgit Baltistan or Chitral except for the Fairy Meadows Trek and the Diamer District of GB, which is essentially banned for foreigners anyway. Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Swat, and Karachi are also in the clear.

That means if you’re asked about security in these places, you can sign a quick document stating you feel safe and don’t want security. I recommend this if this happens to you in these regions, as nothing really kills a peaceful mountain vibe like dudes with guns…

Even so, the situation has improved a LOT since 2019. Beforehand foreigners couldn’t even visit the Kalash Valleys without escorts! Even so, some places are still not easy to travel in as a foreigner.

The Yarkhun Valley region of Upper Chitral is technically outside of the restricted area yet it is a major (albeit beautiful) headache . Kashmir is also very difficult to explore outside of Muzaffarabad, and parts of Sindh (Sukkur, Thatta, Bhit Shah, Hyderabad) may force you to have police escorts. Balochistan is technically off-limits, though it is possible to get an NOC or even sneak into the otherworldly Makran Coastal region if you’re lucky!

But don’t let any of this scare you. There are many backpackers who never encounter any security officers whatsoever.

If you do, it’s best to be prepared and know that it doesn’t mean that that place is unsafe, but just not used to tourism.

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Getting around Pakistan isn’t always easy, but the truly epic roads make the journey an adventure of its own! From trains, motorbikes, and comfy private buses to everything in between, you can rest assured that there will always be some method of transport available while travelling in Pakistan!

Travelling by local and private buses is the cheapest and most backpacker friendly way to explore Pakistan without your own vehicle.

Buses are cheap, you can usually find one on the spot, and some even have TVs and snacks for less than $10. Overall, it’s a backpacker vibe for sure.

While trains don’t really go to KPK or Gilgit Baltistan, they’re a valid form of transportation in Punjab and Sindh.

Your Pakistan train experience will differ wildly if you choose business class rather than 2nd class, but 2nd class prices are definitely more suited to backpackers.

Overall, train travel in Pakistan is longer and more difficult than bus travel, but it gives you a chance to see scenery in a totally new way.

Unless your short on time, there’s no real reason to take domestic flights in Pakistan. They’re expensive ($40-$100 USD) and the ones to the mountains often get cancelled. However, as tourism develops in the country, cheap airlines are expected to come in.

Unfortunately, Pakistan isn’t the easiest country to hitchhike in. Security officials on major roads are quite skeptical of it, and it can cause problems for your hosts.

HOWEVER, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try hitchhiking in Pakistan. Hunza Valley in particular is extremely easy to do so, and is hitchhiker friendly! The entirely of Gilgit Baltistan should also be on your radar.

Keep in mind that it certainly is possible to hitchhike in the rest of the country, but you might need to be more cautious and aware of authorities.

Travelling by Motorbike in Pakistan

If you really want to get to know Pakistan, the best way to do so is by way of two wheels. I’ve ridden my trusty Honda 150 through some of the country’s most epic roads. Travelling by motorbike is just something that never gets old.

It gives you the freedom to get into some real adventure travel because absolutely nothing beats having the ability to stop literally anywhere . Plus if you’re a travel photographer, it will undoubtedly get you shots that you’d never be able to take if you were on a stuffed into a public bus.

While renting a motorbike is expensive by Pakistan budget standards– 3000 PKR ($18 USD/day)–buying one is CHEAP. Especially if you plan to be in PK for a while as you should! You can get a good quality used Honda 125 bike (the standard in Pakistan) for around 70,000-90,000 PKR ($400-$500 USD). The more powerful Honda 150 will set you back a few hundred more.

Having a trusted Pakistani friend is essential in the business of buying a motorbike. You can also check the Backpacking Pakistan Facebook group to connect with other foreigners who might be looking to get rid of their bikes.

Travel Tip: The route through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Gilgit involves crossing the Shandur Pass , a high-altitude mountain pass that’s only open from Mid-May – November each year.

Contrary to what some may think, it’s possible to travel to Gilgit by way of the KKH year round. From May-October, a stunning route known as the Babusar Pass is also available, which cuts the usual 18-hour-road journey down to 12.

You can also buy a seat to in a private car for around $40 USD from Rawalpindi to Gilgit. Private cars are much better than the bus and still cheaper (and better for the environment) than a plane.

Onwards Travel From Pakistan

Travelling between Pakistan and India is very easy if you have your visa in advance. I’ve crossed the Wagah Border multiple times and it was hassle-free.

It is even possible to do visa runs here if you have a multiple entry visa for both countries. Overland travel between Pakistan and Iran is also possible, as is onwards travel to China (though be prepared for a serious search at the Khunjerab border.)

Flights out of Pakistan are the cheapest from Karachi, where you can get relatively affordable flights to Turkey, Sri Lanka, or even Muscat, which is the best place to start an Oman backpacking trip .

• Backpacking India
• Backpacking Iran
• Backpacking Sri Lanka
• Backpacking China

Honestly, Pakistan is a great place to unplug: there is very little wifi (outside of cities) and frequent power cuts in many of the mountain towns.

Your best bet for staying connected is to buy a Pakistani SIM card – I recommend Zong or Jazz for Punjab and Sindh and Telenor for KPK – and load it with as much data as possible.

You will need to go to one of the main outlets to buy your SIM but can recharge it anywhere. The easiest option is to ask a Pakistani friend to get one for you.

Data is super cheap: a SIM and 10 GB of data should cost you around 650 PKR ($4 USD). These days, there is 4G LTE that actually works quite well, especially in less populated areas. Many places in Hunza Valley now have fibre cable WiFi that I’ve done a ton of work on.

Note that as of 2020, the official line from the government is that you must register your foreign phone if purchased outside of Pakistan. The rule seems to be that you need to register your phone and pay a mandatory tax within 60 days – otherwise, the SIM card you have will stop working.

I’ve never registered my phone AND did not register my phone – nor did my SIM card(s) stop working. Just be aware that this is a thing and the Pakistani authorities might actually get their shit together enough to enforce this at some point. However, I do know someone who did have this happen to them after 60 days, and the same phone still didn’t work in the country over a year later.

Note that this does NOT apply to SCOM SIMs, which you can use freely without registration or taxes. You can get these in Gilgit Baltistan, and they automatically connect to the Ufone network in cities

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteering in Pakistan

Choosing to volunteer abroad is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world.

Pakistan is a developing country and there are lots of worthy projects to support with your time and energy.

However, there isn’t much of a culture of backpacker volunteers which is in part because the authorities view it with suspicion. Volunteering could be a breach of your tourist visa but just be clear with the officials that you are volunteering and not working.

Our go-to platform for finding volunteering gigs is Worldpackers who connect travellers with host projects. Have a look at the Worldpackers site and see if they have any exciting opportunities in Pakistan before signing up.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. You can read our review of Workaway for more info on using this terrific platform.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Pakistanis are a lovely bunch and are usually falling over each other to make sure you have enough chai, food, and hash to keep you happy. Make an effort to get to know the locals; some of my best friends now are Pakistani.

I quickly learnt that everything is possible in Pakistan: even totally insane underground raves .

Generally speaking, Pakistan is a conservative, male-dominated society. Men often hang out only with other men socially and vice-versa for women.

In the cities, this is changing – but outside of urban centres, it is pretty rare to see women out in social situations. The sexes don’t really mix apart from teenagers walking back from school.

Pakistan as a whole is less conservative than it used to be – but I think Pakistan is still decades away from genuine progressive change – especially when it comes to gender roles.

You will find that when it comes to foreigners – male or female – most Pakistani people are super welcoming, genuine, and curious about who you are and what you are doing in Pakistan.

That is part of what makes Pakistan so awesome; people genuinely care to get to know you and they are not just out for your money – cough cough, India.

Useful Travel Phrases for Pakistan

Pakistan is an enormously diverse country with dozens of ethnicities and each one has its own language.

Urdu is the official language of the country although only a startingly 7% of Pakistanis consider it their mother tongue. Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, and Burushaski are all examples of local languages.

That being said Urdu is still the language of business in Pakistan, which means just about everyone understands it. Urdu is basically a Persionized version of Hindi. Urdu does use a unique alphabet that looks very similar to Farsi and Arabic as well.

English is also extremely common in Pakistan! You can “thank” the British Raj for introducing it to Pakistan. English is still taught in school and most of the youth are totally fluent.

You can have full conversations in English with most Pakistanis, and even in the most remote areas, you’ll find someone who speaks English.

To help boost your credibility and impress some locals, it would pay to learn an Urdu phrase or two. Here are some good starters:

• Hello – Asalam ‘alaykum
• Yes – Gee
• No – Nahee 
• How are you? Aap kaisay hai?
• I’m good – Meh theek hoo. 
• Thanks – Skukriya. 
• God willing – In-shaAllah. 
• What it is your name? – Ap ka nam kya hai?
• Where are you from? – Ap kahan se hai?
• Let’s go – Chalo
• Perfect – Bohot Acha / Behthreen. 
• No worries – Koi bat nahi
• Great/Amazing – Zabardast!
• Where is the bus station? – Bus station kidher hai?

What to Eat in Pakistan

Food is a very important aspect when it comes to travelling. Pakistani food is much like the people who make up the country – diverse and vastly different depending on where you go. Makes sense right?

Now, let me tell you that Pakistani food is absolutely fantastic . The meat is to die for, especially the dumba mutton karahi that can be found in and around Peshawar.

But no matter where you go in Pakistan, be prepared for an assortment of spices and flavours to hit your tastebuds. From hearty breakfasts of chickpeas, parathas, and eggs to delicious karahis (a meaty, tomato dish), Pakistan is foodie heaven.

And the best part is? Food is undoubtedly the cheapest part of travel in Pakistan. You can easily fill up for less than the equivalent of $1 per person if you give Pakistan’s epic street food some love.

Must-Try Dishes in Pakistan

• Paratha  and paratha rolls: Paratha is a fried bread, typically eaten with breakfast (and chai). Paratha rolls are an excellent, cheap snack (or meal) – kind of like a Pakistani version of a quesadilla. Chicken tikka paratha rolls are my favorite.
• Bindi : Spicy Okra aka “lady fingers” cooked in a fragrant tomato-based sauce. a Punjabi classic – best from Lahore.
• Samosas : A staple snack food. Available everywhere they have a jug of oil and a deep fryer. These can be spicy in Punjab.
• Daal : The classic South Asian lentil dish. It comes in a variety of forms and the taste differs by region. Typically is cooked using too much oil. You get use to it.
• Biryani : A classic staple rice dish speciality from Karachi. You can find biryani pretty much everywhere, but it is the Karachi version that will set your taste buds literally on fire (it is spicy as F).
• BBQ : In many regions in Pakistan, it is all about the meats. BBQ mutton, beef, or chicken with an endless amount of different flavor options can be found in any major city.
• Karahi : Best in Peshawar with dumba meat. AN oily, fragrant, aromatic sauce of sorts usually made with mutton or chicken. When you get the mutton karahi cooked in butter – it is next level. Order this one to share.
• Sabzi : The generic name for all vegetable dishes. Can vary in flavor and spice level from region to region.

A Brief History of Pakistan

The modern nation of Pakistan came into being on 14th August 1947 as part of the British partition of India, but people have been living in Pakistan for thousands of years.

Its most famous historical era is undoubtedly the reign of the Mughals, gaudy royals who filled Pakistan with stunning landmarks that are well preserved today. The Mughals ruled from the 16th-17th century, but long before them, numerous ancient civilizations called Pakistan home.

The Post-Mughal period saw both the Durrani and Sikh Empires, before the takeover by the British Raj that would change the Subcontinent forever.

The 1940 Resolution brought forth by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was signed in Lahore on March 23rd, 1940 and paved the way for what would be Pakistan. After gaining independence from the British on August 14, 1947, with India following a day later, the largest migration in human history took place, and Jinnah became the founder and first governor-general of Pakistan.

Muslims living in what was now Indian Punjab fled to Pakistan, and Hindus now living in a Muslim Pakistan to India. More than 10 million people crossed the borders, and there are estimates that nearly 2 million died in the riots that shook the two new nations. To make things more complex, at one point Pakistan was split into East Pakistan and West Pakistan, which is now the country of Bangladesh .

Pakistan’s modern history since then has had some ups and downs. The nation suffered greatly following the general global fallout from 9/11, and experienced a period of instability up until around 2015. Riddled with corruption, government scandals were far too common.

After a successful anti-terrorism campaign carried out in the early 2010s, Pakistan is currently undergoing a period of stability, celebrity Imran Khan is the current Prime Minister. Khan massively revived the travel industry with pro-tourism policies that have made travel in Pakistan the easiest it’s been since the ’90s.

First-time travellers to Pakistan will have some burning questions that they’re just dying to know! Luckily we’ve got you covered…

Is Pakistan safe for backpacking?

These days, Pakistan IS safe for backpacking. All places tourists actually can visit are secure, and the road conditions and altitude sickness are generally bigger dangers. Authorities are also very (over) protective of foreigners which adds another layer of safety.

What are the best places to go backpacking in Pakistan?

All of Pakistan’s tourist spots are worth visiting, but the best places to head include the entirely of Gilgit-Baltistan (mountains for days!) along with the scenic regions of Chitral and Swat Valley. Major cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar also offer stunning historical sights and shrines.

Is travelling to Pakistan expensive?

While tours to Pakistan can be pricey, independently backpacking is very cheap. If you stick to typical backpacking standards, you can easily spend $15 USD a day or less.

What shouldn’t I do in Pakistan?

Pakistan is a conservative country and it’s extremely important to respect local customs. This means wearing modest, loose clothing and limiting your discussions about politics or religion with people you don’t know well.

What’s the highlight of backpacking Pakistan?

The highlight of a trip to Pakistan is undoubtedly Pakistanis themselves. This country is truly the world’s most hospitable land, and the interactions you’ll have with locals will distinguish Pakistan from anywhere else.

Backpacking Pakistan is truly an adventure of a lifetime that is unlike any other .

There is no country whose natural beauty matches the beauty of its people to such a degree. And as amazing as Pakistan’s many mountains are, what really makes this country so special are Pakistanis themselves.

Regardless of where in the country you find yourself, you’ll undoubtedly come across a friendly face and a helping hand.

Head to Pakistan with an open mind and an open heart.

Get yourself a shalwar kameez , eat hella’ street food, accept as many invitations as you can, and try to live as close to the local standards as possible.

While there is no official dress code, always dress modestly, and don’t enter a mosque or a shrine without a headscarf if you’re a lady.

Last but not least, stay away from McDonald’s and expensive hotels and restaurants. Because the real Pakistan that I fell in love with can only be seen and felt with a backpack in tow. I hope to see you out here someday.

Updated November 2022 by Samantha at Intentional Detours .

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78 Comments

Hello, This is a great article, it’s very informative and got me really excited to travel Pakistan. I am planning a trip there around mid 2024, probably for 1-2 months. I was wondering how much planning and booking I should do in advance. I will be travelling solo and I’m a keen hiker. What’s the cheap way for getting around the North while travelling solo? Do you think renting a motorbike would be a good option?

Depending on where you want to travel and when you should do some careful planning and booking, especially if you will be travelling in cold weather. You don’t want to get somewhere and find that all accommodation is booked out by tour groups or that there is no traveller accommodation at all. Distances can be vast and some areas sparsely populated. If you can ride motorbike is a great option, there are loads of solo travellers on both cycle and motorbike, so I would suggest checking out some forums on those topics.

I really appreciate your thoughts about Pakistan. I think it would be great if more foreigners could visit Pakistan each year and experience the beauty and friendliness of the Pakistani people. Thank you for visiting Pakistan, Will Hatton.

Bonjour! Super article! Wow! J’aimerais beaucoup faire la rando jusqu’au camp de base du K2. J’ai fait plusieurs rando en Inde et au Népal. Mon rêve serait de découvrir la culture et les montagnes du Pakistan. Cela dit, je ne souhaite pas me joindre à une compagnie Européenne ultra couteuse avec un groupe de 20-25 randonneurs. J’aimerais mieux faire affaire avec une compagnie locale et faire le trek en solo avec mon guide ou en petit groupe. Auriez-vous des références? Pour le Népal, j’avais eu une référence d’un guide local et nous étions que les deux. C’était super! Je suis ouverte aux groupes, mais j’aimerais que ça reste assez modeste. Vous me direz si vous avez des références. Merci!!

Om Will: Great job ??? I’m going to Pakistan and want to know about the chance and convenience of renting a car without driver (NOT motorbike) and drive myself with google maps/maps.me on my phone from islamabad to Kalasha Valleys, Baltistan (Hunza Valley, Karimabad, Naltar, Khubjerab Pass, etc). Is it possible, safe to do it??? THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your time & attention ??

While it’s possible to rent a car yourself, it would likely be wiser to hire a car with a driver, local drivers have experience with the the road conditions and authorities.

Hello everyone, and thank you for all the contributions to this really interesting website. I’m hoping to come to come to Pakistan in early 2023 and am really drawn to the idea of the cities, particularly Karachi, and particularly the less planned parts of the city. I appreciate that your focus is more on the North, but is anyone here able to direct me to resources like this for planning trips in Sindh and Punjab? All suggestions gratefully received :0)

Hello I am from Pakistan Hunza. Pakistan is safe for anyone, don‘t trust the media, media that wants deep pockets. Solo man, women can travel to Pakistan. You can ask me anything you want to.

Pakistan is a country with multi-culture, multi-season, astonishing hill stations, fascinating mountain ranges, stunning deserts, scenic lakes, and breathtaking historical places in Pakistan. The northern areas of Pakistan are the most magnificent and attractive region of the country.

Congrats on this piece and the blog. I’m planning to go there next October, Ive tried to reach official tourism site, but no response. Do you know,or have a way to know,how are things now there?I mean,restrictions,curfews etc? Are tourist going there yet? Thanks For all this hard work!

Hi Marcos, Although restrictions are always changing, Pakistan is fairly open at the moment. We recently ran a tour there in May and none of our guests had trouble entering or leaving Pakistan.

Tourists are returning!

Peshawar is the capital of the KP (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) province of Pakistan. It has almost a population of 1.97 million. Peshawar is famous because of its 16 gates known as Reti, Kachehri, Asamai, Sard Chah, Sirki, Kohati, Rampura Gate, Yakka Tooth, Ganj, Bajouri, Dabgari, Ramdas, Hashtnagri, Beriskian & Kabuli Lahori. Peshawar is rich in its culture, Crowded areas, Lovely Bazar’s to shopping in Peshawar & Food Streets. For the past few years, due to the fast development of Peshawar, it’s becoming the most visited place in Pakistan.

Very informative post thanks for sharing i ve seen ur videos on youtube 😉

Hi there, thanks for reaching out. Glad you are enjoying our videos. More will be coming when we can start traveling again! cheers

Natural beauty is unmatched. Pakistan has some of the worlds most beautiful places to visit, specially at its best in northern areas of Pakistan and Kashmir region.I am from Pakistan and I have love to live it now.

Our Government taking steps for improving Accomodations in Nothren Areas. In few years Pakistan will have International Standard Accomodations in Nothren Areas.

Pakistan is one of the amazing countries and the adventure tour to Pakistan is like a beautiful dream with thrill. You must visit here at least once.

Can you tell us something about how safe it is to travel within the local rural area and also in the Northern part? Do you have any good tips what we should and should not do? We will travel as a couple.

Hello Maria, Gilgit-Baltistan is among one of the safest places in Pakistan (and anywhere I have traveled really). The people are very welcoming and there has been stability in the region for decades. For more information please check out this article: https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/is-pakistan-safe/ . Cheers!

Wow amazing guide. Very interesting post.

Dear Sir, Nice to go through your website, its is a true picture painted by you for hesitant travelers to Pakistan. Pakistan is as safe to travel as any other country of the world, especially northern areas. I am quite familiar with northern areas of Pakistan, its places, culture, boarding lodging, climate and terrain. I wish to join your next trip as a guide and transport provider. I worked with Europeans, Americans and Australians in the past, well versed with the language and can make your next trip a real zing with lowest rates. I have my own transport 4×4 off road and standards cars. I enjoy travelling, seeing places myself. Hope to hear from you soon, Best Regards, Abbasi. 0092-321-8544500 ( whatsapp/ Cell).

Hi, very amazing article thanks for sharing…

some best places to visit in Pakistan are 1. Nathia Gali 2. Naran 3. Gilgit 4. Hunza 5. Skardu 6. Chitral 7. Kailash Valley

thanks for you report and insights into traveling this country. Regarding the visa section. You stated there is no way to get a visa granted if not from your country is residency. According to the webside of the ministry of interior of the pakistani government there is a visa on arrival for a fairly long list of contries of origins.

So I am a bit confused by your statement above. Is it maybe possible for you to clearify this and give me sone help on this issue?

Thanks a lot in advance it will be highly appreciated.

Best regards, Daniela

Hello Dani, If you are applying for the visa the original way through a Pakistani consulate, yes, you must do so in your home country or in the country where you hold residence status. If you apply using the new Evisa scheme, you don’t actually need to send off your passport, so in theory, you could apply from outside your home country as the visa is issued online. In some cases, applicants are called in for an interview, so if you were not present in your home country, it would be difficult for you to attend the interview. This does not happen that often, however, it is something to bear in mind when you are applying for the Evisa outside of your home country.

Although this article is quite lengthy but very interesting, author has cover almost every thing, hotels, important places, things to do and culture, that is a great effort and there one gem that is yet hidden and everyone needs to visit there, Hingol national park https://www.blizinhotels.com/articles/hingol-national-park

Thank you for your love and time, Will. Both the time you spent in Pakistan and also the time you spent writing this amazing piece.

I hope to return to these beautiful places soon. It has been such a long time since I witnessed the beauty of my homeland. Hope our paths cross and we meet some day soon on one of our travels.

All the best, buddy!

Fantastic and helpful article. Thanks very much. Question: there’s some recent news out about Pakistan launching a wide ranging visa-on-arrival program. Can you comment on it please?

Pakistan’s visa policy is undergoing a lot of change at the moment, so much in fact that we sometimes can’t keep up with it. For example, we’ve heard of people getting electronic visas but nothing about on-arrivals. You just gotta keep your eye on the official websites and see what happens 🙂

Yes they have launched visa on arrival for many countries.

Amazing stuff Will, wonderfully experienced and shared in great breadth and details. And thanks for shattering the traditional stereotypes which the Western media like to paint Pakistan with!

The country is really beautiful and the people are definitely warm. Though of course, some places are out of bounds (e.g. like the Afghanistan border you mention). If we may share, do also watch out for fake faith healers as well as spray painted fruits (they actually do this out in the open at Afzalpur!).

Wishing everyone a great time in Pakistan 🙂

Excellent itinerary Will. I did a similar itinerary to the north in October but without Swat and Chitral as I only have 3 weeks and I was traveling independently and didn’t know where I might get stuck in. I was surprise you didn’t mention Rakaposhi in Minapin. 🙂 That’s probably one of the most beautiful and psychedelic glacier I’ve seen. 🙂 Things to note is accommodations along the hiking trails like Rakaposhi and Fair Meadows might not be available during the shoulder season. I didn’t see anyone when I did Rakaposhi base camp in one day. 🙂

I really have to go back and do Chitral and Swat. Looks like they have a really great culture there. 🙂 Thanks for the tips!

I read your blog as well, it was also wonderful. We’ll happy to see you again in Pakistan.

You have a great way with words as shown in your article. You’re even good with informational content like you have here. I like your views and your writing technique. Keep up the good work!

Just read your article. A very comprehensive guide on visiting Northern areas of Pakistan. I am going to Pakistan in Dec-2018 but not sure if it’s a good idea for visiting the northern areas due to the weather and road conditions. Would love to get any views on that !

All-in-All love post. Keep it up.

Hey Will! I am planning to travel to Pakistan soon. I should get there around the end of November and spend the month of December. I would love to explore the North and to do some of those incredible treks you suggested. I guess that North of Hunza would be a bit difficult to travel and trek around. Until where do you think would be possible to go at that time of the year? I am going to go pretty much with the flow and see how far North I can reach… If you have any experience of Pakistan in winter would be great to hear your advices!!! Cheers!

I have been to Pakistan in the winter… it’s cold! You should still go to Karimabad and Ghulkin but Fairy Meadows and China border will most likely be inaccesible. The Winter is beautiful though, and zero crowds 🙂

Awesome post

No doubt Pakistan has very beautiful cities and in cities there were so beautiful places and recently i hear about “Bhit Khori Beach” in Karachi. The place is very nice and i recommend to all to go to “Bhit Khori Beach”.

Thank you so much for your guidance

Thanks for sharing this. I am glad to find this and it is very interesting.

Hey bro, i just want to say, you have an awesome site, very helpful and informative in my travels. I have one question tho, I really wanted to go to Pakistan this end of September, one obstacle that I’m stuck right now is the visa application process, specifically the LOI, is there any way to acquire this without booking a tour from a travel company.

Read the LOI post on my site dude – I cover the various options in detail. You CAN aquire one without using a company but it can be more complicated – better off just coughing up and paying the 100 bucks for one in my opinion.

Thanks WILL HATTON for writing about Pakistan.

great sharing of photography, I love this kind of photography.. Beautiful people beautiful Pakistan. The culture of Pakistan are best.

Backpacking Pakistan seems like an awesome and exceptional idea, Will! This is definitely the most comprehensive guide I’ve read in a while for Pakistan. How many days would be enough to explore it?

7-10 days will be okay. Are you planning to come to Pakistan? If so do let me know. I would happy to help you

I really appreciate you have written about Pakistan. Becuase of media people often ignores Pakistan for tourism. Thank you so much for highlighting real face of Pakistan.

Thanks very much Will!

Pakistan is not the easiest of places to travel to, so really appreciate this extremely competent piece.

From reading the details in some of your trip reports, one needs plenty of time in which to navigate from place to place. How long would you say you needed if you weren’t travelling long-term?

These are the sites that needs to be promoted to the outside world and international tourism has already acknowledged this too. Among these most beautiful places in Pakistan these are the Rubies that one simply has to see. More places to go: take a look here http://www.fashiontrends.pk/living-lifestyle/paradise-on-earth-7-places-to-visit-in-pakistan-in-2017/

Natural beauty is unmatched. Pakistan have world most beautiful places for visit, specially at its best in northern areas of Pakistan and Kashmir region.I am from Pakistan and I have love to live it now.

How much did the entire trip cost you? I really want to travel around like you did but I am a 2nd generation Hong Konger lols, never been to Pakistan and really want to go and experience it.

I am kind of introverted so I guess I am fucked either way?

You can do Pakistan for about $400 – $500 a month, cheaper if you’re careful.

Visa Extensions Update – Gilgit: Now only possible 2 days before expiry of current visa, maximum extension 10 days from date of application. Took one day, though a little more insistence might have sped it up. We were promised even 2 days after expiry would be fine to apply for the extension, but did not try our luck. Rules above could not be changed despite local contacts and a lot of insistence.

This made us take a side trip into Ghizer Valley (up to Shandoor Pass) and cycle back down. Very beautiful and highly recommended, though best explored if you have your own transport! To get to the top, only one NATCO bus leaving Gilgit to Chitral at 6am is available, though until Phander transport is more plentiful.

I truly value your perspectives about Pakistan, I would love assuming an ever increasing number of nonnatives ought to visit Pakistan every year and see the excellence and cordiality of Pakistani People. Much thanks to you for going to Pakistan Will Hatton,

Well loved it reading about your experience here in #Pakistan . Thanks indeed for visiting us. For more Pakistani photos you can follow me on flickr. And do tell me your flickr Id so that I can see your all photos of tour of Pakistan.

Kindly do visit us again. And heartiest welcome to all tourists planning to visit Pakistan. Thanking you again.

Have a superb weekend. Warm Regards, UMK

Thanks for posting such a nice and informative post to promote the beauty of Pakistan. well come to Pakistan Regards Shipton Treks & Tours

This post is rad, brother. Trying to do a trip to Pakistan in the next few months! I’m actually about to apply for my visa. I was wondering what you did for your LOI. Also, did you have to get a ticket to travel to Pakistan before applying for the visa? I saw it looks like I need a proof of departure, but I was hoping to travel through Lebanon as well as Turkey prior to traveling Pakistan and going further East. Any advice on that?

Hey amigo! Pakistan is damn awesome, you will love it there. For the LOI, the easiest way is to pay a tour operator to issue you one – I’ve teamed up with a dude, simply search Pakistan LOI on my site and it will come up – it’s the cheapest way to get one that I know of. If you have friends in country you can sometimes get one through them but it can be problematic; one girl I was chatting to had her visa rejected because she was visitng a Pakistani boyfriend and therefore it ‘didn’t count’ as a Tourist visa… the good news is that once you HAVE the visa it’s relatively straightforward and you can extend it easily. The bad news is the visa is, currently, a bitch. You, or your passport at least, will have to return to your passport country of origin for the visa application and, honestly, I recommend just getting a visa agency to sort it out for you.. It may depend on a country by country basis but in the UK it was a bitch to sort by myself. I crossed into Pakistan with no proof of departure and left overland to India 🙂

You can actually get around the proof of onwards departure thing – just fully explain your travel plans to travel overland and make it as ‘simple’ looking as possible, maybe even throwing in some fake hotel bookings in another country (bordering) for the date you leave.

Really impressive blog. I really wanted to get up to K2 base camp for my 50th (2016) but my family dissuaded me. After reading your blog I will plan for my 51st !

Do it Henry! Pakistan is damn awesome…

Thank you Will Hatton, I really appreciate your views about Pakistan, I would love if more and more foreigners should visit Pakistan each year and see the beauty & hospitality of Pakistani People. Thank you for visiting Pakistan Will Hatton, I would like you to know about two pictures that you have mentioned above:

1. Abbotabad Lake; the bluest lake in the world.

This is not Abbottabad lake, My home town is Abbottabad but i currently live in Islamabad. The name of this lake is ” Attabad Lake ” . This lake is in Central Hunza Valley of Pakistan.

2. Street scenes in Islamabad.

This picture about Street scenes in Islamabad is not Islamabad, This picture is of Rawalpindi, Because Rickshaws are allowed in Rawalpindi not in Islamabad. This picture shows lots of Rickshaws, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are neighbor cities, We mostly call them Twin Cities, Most of the outsiders don’t know if they are in Rawalpindi or Islamabad while travelling. So for correction, It is Street scenes in Rawalpindi.

Spelling has not always been my strong point! 🙂 I’ll make the changes, cheers dude.

Nice to see you have shared your honest experience about Pakistan. I’d love to take care of you in your next Journey. I’m myself travel blogger from PAKISTAN. Shot me an email when you are coming back to Pakistan. I’ll take care of you to Naran Kaghan which is my home town.

For sure, let’s hang out next time 🙂

I have seen you are planing to come back in 2020. Can I take you to naran kagahn vally?

Please get me back through email I also need to discuess some business staff with you.

Loved this blog post. Will be sharing with friends!

Sabaa jeddah-blog.com

Hi I’m from karim abad Hunza living in Spain Tenerife i really like ur coments abbout our contry if u need any help from me please let me know once again thank you very much take care. Ali [email protected]

As a pakistani i feel proud and happy that there is still who is willing to show positive image of pakistanis! thankyou so much Will hatton, i really appreciate

You should visit Quetta too!!!! ?

You’re my inspiration, I’ve never been to the northern areas of Pakistan in 29 years of my life and I live in Rawalpindi, but now I definitely will.

Hi, I really appreciate your Honesty while writing your article. I hope you will enjoy more in Pakistan. I am from Lahore but live in Manchester. Keep up the good work. I am jealous as you visited those places and explored where I never visited because of being lazy.

Hi, I’m planning to backpack coming March with a male buddy. Again is it safe for women and how many weeks did you spend and how much money should we carry at any one time?Fyi..its my 1st time and 2nd for my buddy.

Pakistan is very safe for women, especially if you have a male buddy. I have spent nearly three months in Pakistan… It can be hard to get cash out in the mountains, I recommend changing your money in Islamabad or Lahore and carrying it all with you.

Thank you Will for your reply and apologies for taking so long to reply you. We would like to visit the northern region. Starting from Lahore-Islamabad-Gilgit-Murree-Islamabad-Peshawar-Lahore. What would your advice be and we are also wondering how much of cash is enough? Planning to couchsurf and find cheapest accommodation.

Last year, Sophee Southall – an Australian travel blogger, visited Pakistan along with her husband. She then shared her experiences in her blog ‘Pakistan Unveiled’.

Hope this helps. Welcome To Pakistan. Cheers.

http://sopheesmiles.com/2015/08/22/pakistan-unveiled/

Hello, is it safe enough for a woman to travel alone in Pakistan? And how much money did you spend to travel to all destinations that you’ve written above? Thank you!

It’s quite hard for solo women to get a visa to enter Pakistan but it is possible… I’ll be writing an article on women travelling in the country soon 🙂 $120 – $150 a week is a doable budget for Pakistan.

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Pakistan Travel Guide: What An Independent Traveler Needs to Know

This post may contain affiliate links. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. I don’t endorse any services I don’t personally use or recommend.

This is your ultimate Pakistan travel guide. On our first visit to Pakistan, I confidently strode across the Wagah Border, a desolate little area dividing India and Pakistan, with little to no preparation. I assumed that traveling in Pakistan would be relatively similar to traveling in India. They had been one country just 70 years before, after all. But I was wrong.

Traveling in Pakistan was infinitely MORE complicated than an already difficult India.

And it became immediately apparent when we struggled to access any currency on the Pakistani side of the border. The ATM was broken. Not just broken, the entire network was down, which meant that ALL ATMs in the vicinity were effectively broken.

This first mistake, not carrying an abundance of cash in a currency other than the Indian Rupee, was the first of many, and it started our foray into Pakistan on the wrong foot. This blog post is meant to save you from all that. After visiting Pakistan several times, I have gathered several sanity-saving tips for travelers hoping to travel here independently. But don’t fret; we ended up LOVING this complicated country, and you will too.

Pakistan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

This comprehensive Pakistan travel guide is designed to give you a general idea of what traveling in the country is like and to help you avoid the majority of the faux pas that we made on our first trip.

Before You Try to Enter the Country…This is What You Need to Know

These are the things to know + do BEFORE you enter the country.

1. Pakistan requires most travelers to get a visa ahead of time.

This is the website to apply.

As an American, I am permitted a 30-day visa for $60. While the website says it could take up to a week to approve the visa, we always get ours back within three days. If you plan on staying in Pakistan for a long time, know that extending your visa is very easy; you just apply online. Most travelers find this easier than applying for the year-long multiple-entry visa, as this process is far more tedious.

Pakistan/India Conundrum: Unfortunately, these two countries, while right next door to one another, don’t like one another. This matters to you because it is difficult (very) to get a visa through the online system while in either of them. If you plan to visit both countries, you should apply for your visa to each one before entering either of them. Read my blog post on crossing the Wagah Border for more information.

2. To obtain said visa, you will need an LOI (Letter of Invitation).

The good news is you don’t have to know someone personally to get one. A hotel can provide one for you. Hotels, however, are charging around $100+ for each LOI. The cheapest option is to obtain an LOI from Alex at Lost With Purpose.

Here’s the link to get one from her and her Pakistani business partner, Sana.

As a bonus, they are THE people to know in Pakistan for all kinds of travel. They can also answer your questions to help you plan the perfect trip. You can stay at their hostel in Islamabad, rent motorbikes from them, or join one of their tours in Spring and Fall.  

3. The Israel Issue

Pakistan and Israel do not get along. In fact, Pakistan will not permit you to enter if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport. Often, Israel will skip stamping your passport due to this reason. But if you have one, you must travel on a different passport to Pakistan. Just get yourself a fresh book.

I should also mention in this Pakistan travel guide that you cannot visit Pakistan on an Indian Passport.

4. Weather matters when planning your trip.

Best months to visit: April/May, September/October.

While it does depend on what you want to do in the country, summer (June/July/August) is probably not the ideal time to plan a visit. Unless you are coming to Pakistan solely to ride a motorcycle through the mountains, in which case… check my Pakistan motorcycle itinerary.

It’s worth noting that summer temperatures reach upwards of 110 F with ease in the major cities. A/C is also not ubiquitous. On the other side of the coin, if you plan your visit during the winter months of Nov/Dec/Jan/Feb many of the mountain passes in the North will be closed. Limiting where you can go and honestly, making your trip a frigid nightmare.

5. Muslim holidays like Ramadan will also greatly affect your trip.

Pro: Fewer crowds, a unique cultural experience.

Con : Most restaurants will be closed during the daytime, and you can’t eat in public. Hotels also often switch their breakfast times to 4 AM to accommodate Ramadan, so you won’t even get that meal without waking in the middle of the night.

Upcoming Ramadan Dates:

2025:  March 1 – March 29

2026:   February 19 – March 19

2027: February 8 – March 8

2028: January 27 – February 26

6. Don’t show up without cash & bank 10,000% on an ATM

Pakistan has an abundance of ATMs. Unfortunately, the number of those that work for foreign cards is about 4. We usually set out on a quest to obtain cash that lasts a few hours. There are two banks that consistently work for us — Standard Chartered & Alfalah. 

If you bring a bunch of cash with you (not Indian Rupee) you can exchange it for a pretty fair rate easily at lots of currency exchange counters throughout the major cities.  

I also recommend having at least one Mastercard and one Visa debit card if you can to maximize your chances of withdrawing money from the ATM. Major cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi always have at least a few working ATMs, but outside of that, in the mountains, no promises. Stock up while you’re in town.

7. Overwhelmed by this Pakistan Travel Guide? Joining a tour can be a painless way to visit for the first time.

As you’ll see from the sheer size of this Pakistan travel guide, there’s a lot to know when visiting this country. While I don’t personally run tours in Pakistan, I know some really good people who do.

Lost With Purpose & Coyote Trail

This charismatic and knowledgeable duo runs the best tours in Pakistan. They have two consistently on offer. One is a woman’s tour run by Alex (Lost With Purpose), an American-born woman who currently lives in Pakistan. Literally, no one has seen more of a Pakistan than her. The other is a motorcycle tour led by both Alex and Sana (Coyote Trail), a local with extensive connections throughout the country. If you don’t feel comfortable riding a motorcycle, don’t fret, you can ride in the follow car they hire.

Clothing and Gear You Will Probably Find Necessary in Pakistan

Pakistan is always either too hot or too cold. There is no Goldilocks season for travelers hoping to visit the entire country. When cities like Lahore and Karachi are somewhere below boiling temperature, the mountains have already frozen over. This makes packing even more difficult. The key is layers and picking up a few local outfits along the way. They are surprisingly breezy. 

Shalwar Kameez & Headscarfs

This is something you will 100% need in Pakistan. Doubly so if you are a woman. Shalwar Kameez is the traditional clothing and it can look a little like baggy pajamas at times. But because of the strict dress code in conservative areas of the country for women, this is the easiest way to abide.

Thanks to Lost With Purpose’s recommendation, I went to Generation in Lahore upon arrival and got three colorful, comfortable Shalwar Kameez sets for about $20 each. These are obviously nicer, “trendier” ones, but you can find far cheaper ones at any casual clothing shop.

Choosing the Right SIM Card

You should get a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Pakistan, mostly for navigation purposes. If you’re okay with being consistently lost, then feel free to go without it. The biggest factor to consider when getting a SIM is where you’ll be traveling because the different brands all cover different regions of the country.

Choose a SIM based on the region you will most be traveling. 

The North uses predominantly SCOM. If you really need to be connected, I suggest getting a few different SIMs, as they are very affordable.

Pakistan Travel Guide: Quick Packing List of Essentials

I think packing lists are very personal, so I’m not going to make you one. But these are some things you should bring (or plan to but) when traveling the whole country.

• Hefty Coat.
• Hiking boots.
• Lifestraw Water Bottle.
• External battery source.
• Pepto Bismol.
• Women should plan to have 3/4 to long sleeves and long pants, absolutely nothing form-fitting, and always carry a headscarf.

Planning Your Itinerary: Where Can You Independently Travel in Pakistan?

Spoiler: not everywhere.

But it’s probably for the best. Pakistan is like a country to which you gain more access the more you visit. You just have to know the right people and have a very good understanding of cultural norms.

And where you can travel changes regularly as security concerns evolve and change. Most people stick to Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, and a trip up to Hunza Valley because these routes are always accessible to tourists. But I have a much better one-month itinerary and a motorbike route for more adventurous visitors. Here’s a *rough* (remember it’s always changing) map of where you can travel as a foreigner in Pakistan. 

Pakistan Travel Guide Map

What’s to Stop You From Traveling Freely to These “Permit-Only” Places?

Police + military checkpoints. Pakistan is full of them. Even in places that everyone is allowed to visit. The government uses them to keep tabs on people within the country and maintain safety and stability in remote regions.

Most often, they just glance at your passport and visa and move on. But in the yellow/orange regions, if you are traveling on a bike or in a car (not a bus), you may be assigned a police escort. These escorts suck because they drive super slow, tell you which hotels you can stay in, and generally keep you away from all interaction with locals. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel through all the sensitive regions with my friend Sana from Coyote Trail and have thus far avoided the police escorts. 

Can I get an NOC to visit these places?

An NOC is a permit obtained through the government to travel in a certain sensitive region. They are notoriously difficult to get because, often, the government simply never gets back to you. Unless you have a friend with connections in Pakistan.

An exception is usually those hoping to travel overland by motorcycle into Iran or Afghanistan. 

The easiest way is with Sana. Shoot him a message on Instagram and see what he can help you with.

Cultural Differences That Can Get You in Trouble in Pakistan

Pakistan is not a dangerous country. But if you act like an obnoxious American and flout their cultural customs and norms, you are putting a target on yourself. This section is meant to help you understand what you can do to make your visit to Pakistan safer and more respectful of the locals.

Read More: Is Pakistan Safe? My thoughts on travel in the country as an American woman.

You are no longer an Atheist.

97% of Pakistan identifies as Muslim. 75% of the Muslims are Sunni, with Shia, Mahdavia, and Ahmadis making up the rest of the Islamic majority. There is also a small handful of Christians, Hindus, and other religions within the country. One thing there is not, though, is atheism. This has largely to do with Blasphemy Laws, which I will discuss below, but the takeaway here is that YOU should pick a religion to tell people when asked. Typically, as a Western-born traveler, it will be assumed you are Christian/Catholic.

Religion is such a cornerstone in Pakistan that it’s printed on your ID card which religion you adhere to.

Because of the situation in Gaza, I would NOT say that my religion is Judaism. Pakistan has a troubled relationship with Israel. In fact, if you have previously visited Israel, you will need to travel on a different passport to even enter Pakistan.

Blasphemy Laws: THIS IS IMPORTANT

Lots of countries around the world (70 or so) have blasphemy laws. Italy even has them. But in Pakistan, Iran, Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, and Mauritania– blasphemy is punishable by death. Which makes it a very serious concern.

Blasphemy in Pakistan is defined as “derogatory remarks, etc., in respect of the Holy Prophet [Muhammad] either spoken or written, or by visible representation, or by any imputation, innuendo or insinuation, directly or indirectly.”

Essentially, do not say anything bad about the prophet Muhammad.

This is why being an Atheist is dangerous territory. Because technically, by saying you don’t believe in God, you would be disregarding the prophet Muhammad. But if you follow an Abrahamic religion, it’s more of a gray area.

This is not something to joke around with. Even if the Pakistani government has little chance of finding out, it is not uncommon for people to take things into their own hands with vigilante justice when it comes to Blasphemy, and people are killed in acts of mob violence.

TLDR: Don’t say anything bad or disrespectful about the Prophet Muhammad or the Quran.

The Role of Women in Pakistan

*Sigh*. While I love Pakistan and continue to travel here, the women’s issue is complicated.

Women are allowed to get an education, go to college, live alone, and generally exist in all the same ways men can. Legally, that is. But as far as what is socially acceptable for many men in Pakistan…you’ll immediately notice that is not the case.

There’s far too much to go into here. What’s important to you as a prospective traveler is this…as a woman, things will be different than in your home country. I recommend reading my full guide for female travel in Pakistan for more information.

The other very important fact to consider is that as a foreign woman, you will be held to different standards than the local women. This is a privilege you should acknowledge and consider. You will be given more leeway and allowed to witness many things that locals of your gender never will be able to. Even something as simple as getting invited to tea by a local man.

Pakistan is not an easy destination for solo female travel.

If you visit only Lahore and Islamabad, you *might* have an “easy” time. But you shouldn’t do that. I’m not saying don’t travel here as a solo woman, just that it won’t be easy. You should have certain skills before visiting and be well-versed in the customs and societal expectations of women before you fly in. 

Read More: For a full look at my thoughts on what it is like to travel here, read my post on An Honest Look at Travel in Pakistan as an American woman.

Too many influencers and bloggers have come to Pakistan with a guide or on a sponsored tour and pitched the place as easy for ALL people to travel. But they only get a very sheltered view of what it’s like to travel here since they are guided the whole way.

Independent travelers in the country will face various obstacles, and women will face the added obstacle of navigating a world built entirely for men. 

Avoid religious sites during prayer times.

This is a respect thing. Unless you are Muslim, you shouldn’t be in the mosques during prayer. You definitely shouldn’t be taking pictures during prayer time. The times change daily, so be sure to consider this before you head to an exceptionally beautiful mosque in the country.

Alcohol + Hash: Use in Pakistan as a foreigner

Surprise! Both are pretty prevalent in the country. Hash even more so than alcohol.

The Pearl Continental (Peshawar) and Murree Brewery (Islamabad) are the only bars and breweries in the country. Since only Non-Muslims are allowed to drink alcohol in the country, foreigners and the 3% of Non-muslims are the only ones allowed here. If you’re looking for a drink, know that many foreign hotels do have bars with alcohol.

Hash is illegal in Pakistan. But you’ll see it throughout the country (probably). Smoke at your own risk.

Accommodation: Tips on Choosing the Best Places to Stay in Pakistan

Let’s move on from politics and rules/regulations to comfort. Specifically, how to choose a good place to stay in Pakistan.

These are my four favorite places to stay in Pakistan: three are budget-friendly & one is a little fancier.

• Coyote Den Traveler’s Hostel. (Islamabad)
• Rose Palace Gulberg. (Lahore)
• Off-To Resort. (Karimabad) $$
• Waypoint Hotel. (Karachi)

Generally, hotels in Pakistan are slightly cleaner than in India when booking budget rooms. It is very important to consider A/C if you need it and the location. I preferred not to be in the thick of the cities since I had my own transport because they were so loud. But if you will be relying on rickshaws and public transport, this probably won’t work for you.

Booking.com is the best platform to use if you choose to book ahead.

It is definitely cheaper to use Booking.com in the major cities if you have a “genius discount.” In more rural areas, the cheapest places will usually not have an online booking option. In that case, you’ll need to arrive and then ask around or use Maps.me where many of these places are labeled.

Couchsurfing is an excellent option…if you’re feeling highly social.

This is probably not a good destination for first-time couch surfers. But if you’re an avid user of the app then this is a great place to use it! Pakistan has some of the best hospitality I’ve ever experienced in my travels. People love to host you, feed you, and spend time with you. This makes meeting locals and learning about the country and its culture super easy.

Don’t expect consistent electricity or wifi. 

Power outages are common, especially as you venture into the northern mountains. While many places have a generator to facilitate basic amenities like lights, it’s not enough to power everything. Wifi is spotty throughout the country even when the power is on.

Hot water is rare, but you don’t need it.

Hot water is also a no-go almost everywhere. Instead, hotels will boil water for you to bucket shower with if required.

Transportation Tips for Getting Around in Pakistan

Let’s start with the different ways to get around this country…

Public Transport

The most common mode of transport for travelers.

• Pros: Cheap, relatively comfortable, connects all popular destinations.
• Cons: Takes forever, doesn’t stop at remote scenic sights, doesn’t go to all destinations, requires a lot of patience and waiting around.

The most adventurous and also the best for reaching ALL destinations.

• Pros: Pure destination freedom, on no schedule but your own, + still very affordable.
• Cons: Not for those who can’t drive on chaotic South Asian roads.

Hired Driver

Only suitable for those with a larger budget looking to visit remote regions.

• Pros: All the freedom that self-drivers enjoy.
• Cons: Expensive, must find a driver that you trust, forced to be social with a driver for the duration of your trip.

What about rickshaws?

Rickshaws are an exciting and convenient way to get around cities. Specifically, Karachi and Lahore. You should always agree on a price ahead of time and be ready to pay in cash. The three-wheeled rickshaws imo tended to be the most honest. You should use your own map whenever possible as they will often try to take you by memory and it’s easier on everyone if you show them the map.

Rickshaws are actually not allowed within the city limits of Islamabad, however. For this, you’ll need a rideshare app like Careem, InDrive , or Uber.

Using Rideshare Apps

I prefer using rideshare apps in Pakistan whenever possible. In fact, like I mentioned above, you’ll need to in many situations. They can also give you a good gauge on what the reasonable price is and are almost always a little cheaper than you’ll get with a rickshaw.

Taking the bus in Pakistan

Even if you plan to rent a motorcycle and drive yourself throughout the country, you’ll probably have to take at least one bus. Fortunately, buses in Pakistan are surprisingly comfortable.

Pakistan has the most comfortable buses in South/Southeast Asia. Full stop. Faisal Movers and Daewoo are the best ones. You can book your tickets at the local bus station (best option) or call and reserve a ticket ahead of time. Buses leave pretty much hourly to major destinations. You can see the schedule on the Faisal Movers website.

Eating in Pakistan: How and Where to Do It

Pakistan is a seriously underrated food scene.

Read More: I wrote a full guide on all my favorite places to eat in Pakistan and what to get at each.

Vegetarians Traveling in Pakistan

Pakistani is a meaty cuisine. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan you are probably going to have a very different food experience than us meat eaters. It’s definitely possible to travel in the country as a veggie but you’ll probably have to stick to dal, bread, and rice for the duration of your stay.

Is street food safe to eat in Pakistan?

People always ask me about the safety of street food. I eat street food in every single country I travel to. In all my food poisonings around the world, only one has likely been a result of street food. This is because street food is usually cooked right in front of you. Food poisoning is more often to occur from pre-prepared food that is allowed to sit in the heat or cross-contaminate in some way.

Pakistani street food is no different. If you’re very concerned about it, I would avoid the fruit juice stands or anything prepared without heat. These actually have the highest likelihood of getting you sick.

Safety in Pakistan & Other Important Concerns

Let’s wrap up this Pakistan travel guide and dig into all the other things random things you need to know about travel in Pakistan.

Pakistan is not as dangerous a place as it is portrayed. 

I know above I said it’s not easy for solo women, but that does not equate to a DANGEROUS place to travel. I think the dangers of Pakistan are often overhyped in the media. And then underhyped by certain influencers who travel there. The truth is…every single country/place poses some risk of death. Humans are fragile beings.

Are Theft/Muggings a Problem in Pakistan?

Not so much. Because Pakistan is a deeply religious country theft is far more common to occur from other foreigners than devout Muslims. The only city I was cautioned about for muggings was Karachi. But again, I did not feel that was a concern while I was traveling in the city.

You should exercise normal caution with your belongings and be aware of your surroundings, just as you should anywhere else. 

Is Sexual Assault a Major Problem in Pakistan?

If you are a solo woman, I would say that you should take some higher than normal precautions…not because assault is rampant but because there are many occasions I heard of where men in the country “got the wrong idea” about. foreign woman’s romantic interest because of small things you might do without thinking about it. Accepting invitations to one-on-one encounters, an innocuous shoulder touch or hug, or even just the audacity to have prolonged eye-contact with someone as a lone woman.

This is not meant to scare you. I don’t know anyone who was sexually assaulted in Pakistan. I wasn’t groped in the country. I’m just laying out the male/female dynamic that *could* conceivably create an awkward situation when a man interprets that “she definitely is interested in me, I should make a move” when that was NOT the intention.

Terrorism? Murder??

Listen, I’m not going to say that attacks don’t occasionally occur in Pakistan. But they occasionally occur in the USA, France, and UK. They usually target police and military compounds and rarely, are tourists ever anywhere near the area of attack. Personally, I think it’s far more likely you slip and die in the shower while attempting to give yourself a bucket shower.

The most dangerous part of Pakistan? The roads.

And yet, you will still probably survive. Pakistan’s roads are very much like India’s. There is a crush of traffic, potholes, and chaotic driving maneuvers. But added to that is the volatility of the landscape. Expect delays while traveling into the North from landslides, floods, and various other natural causes.

Prepare for stares. 

I think this is what makes some travelers feel unsafe or uncomfortable in Pakistan.

And while obviously, not every look is friendly (it’s not in any country), Pakistani people are very, very curious about foreigners, and in remote regions, they don’t see a lot of them. You’ll often get stares. Not always with smiling faces. But that’s just the way it is. Get comfortable being in the spotlight real fast.

Be cautious when drinking refilled water bottles. 

Unlike many Southeast Asia countries where locals have switched to bottled water, Pakistani residents outside the major cities often drink naturally filtered or glacial water. 

Foreign tourists without the gut biome to back up their culinary adventures often get sick because of this. But sometimes you’ll be totally fine. It’s 50/50. So spin the chamber if you’re feeling lucky. Otherwise, check the bottle seals even in hotels. 

Lassi, juice, and fresh vegetables or fruits are the most common food items that disagree with tourists stomachs in Pakistan because of the water used in the preparation. 

Getting in the Right Mental State for Travel in Pakistan

Finally, your mental state. Part of this Pakistan travel guide is getting in the right headspace. Pakistan is a country that is likely to test your limits in many ways. But it’s important to keep a cool head and to enjoy your time in the country.

Always remember, don’t panic.

This is the key to traveling in difficult regions. Just relax. Things have a way of working out in Pakistan.

Your plans will change all the time. Flexibility is key.

Despite writing this Pakistan travel guide, not once has our planned Pakistan itinerary unfurled flawlessly before us. Strikes, fuel shortages, landslides, security issues, and unreliable transportation schedules hinder travel. There is also the fun stuff like new friends or just learned of sights and destinations. Either way— you should prepare to throw your entire route out the window. And give yourself much more time than you think you need in the country. 

Read More: That being said, we do have a month-long recommended route to follow.

Remember: Pakistan is filled with the kindest and most hospitable people you will ever meet. 

Please don’t take advantage of their hospitality without giving back. 

This means not haggling over every single dollar, bringing gifts if you visit people’s homes, being gracious and accommodating, and picking up the bill for family-style dinners if you can. 

Every step of the way, we were hosted in people’s homes, gifted lovely souvenirs from new friends, and given free meals at restaurants that were excited to host foreigners—so much so that I felt bad not being allowed to contribute. 

As a traveler, even one on a tight budget, you are in the top 1% of the world. Pakistan is a nation where many live in poverty. You’ll notice how far your dollar goes in the country immediately. In fact, we spent around $40 per day in Pakistan as a couple. As a visitor, it’s in bad taste not to give back when you can. 

You Are Officially Ready to Take on Pakistan!

This Pakistan travel guide covers the basics of what to expect in Pakistan, how to find cheap yet comfortable hotels in Pakistan, and how to stay safe within the country, even as a solo female. If you have any Pakistan-specific questions that you think would benefit this article, throw them in the comments, and I will answer as best I can!

Save This Pakistan Travel Guide For Later!

Further Reading...

Wagah Border Crossing Tips (India to Pakistan on Foot)

Step-By-Step Pakistan Motorcycle Itinerary: 3 Weeks in the Mountains

The Best 1 Month Pakistan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

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Where to See Orangutans in the Wild: Sumatra vs Borneo

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33 Things to Know before traveling Pakistan | Pakistan Travel tips

Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

Despite ancient history, breathtaking natural landscapes, popular mountain trekking, delicious food and warm hospitality, Pakistan is often overlooked by tourists. However, the country has been gradually opening up to tourism in recent years. Before you plan your trip to Pakistan, there are things to know before traveling Pakistan to make your trip hassle-free, safe and enjoyable This guide shares essential Pakistan travel tips to keep in mind before traveling to Pakistan.

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33 Things to Know before traveling Pakistan | Pakistan travel tips

Table of Contents: 33 Things to Know before traveling Pakistan | Pakistan Travel tips

• 1.0.1 1. Pakistan’s Natural Beauty is Heaven on Earth
• 1.0.2 2. Rich Cultural Heritage
• 1.0.3 3.  Islam is the main religion
• 1.0.4 4.  Outdoor Adventure
• 1.0.5 5. Pakistani Food
• 1.0.6 6. Pakistan food can be spicy and oily
• 1.0.7 7. Hire a food tour or hire a guide to appreciate Pakistani food
• 1.0.8 8. Food Safety & Health in Pakistan
• 1.0.9 9. Vegetarian dishes do exist in Pakistan
• 1.0.10 10. How to get a Letter of Invitation for your Pakistan tourist visa
• 1.0.11 11. How to Get a Pakistan tourist e-visa
• 1.0.12 12. Currency in Pakistan
• 1.0.13 13. Foreign exchange shops
• 1.0.14 14. Withdraw enough cash
• 1.0.15 15.  Not all hotels accept foreigners
• 1.0.16 16. Prices in Pakistan
• 1.0.17 17. Urdu
• 1.1.1 18. Know the areas in Pakistan to AVOID
• 1.1.2 19. Crime in Pakistan
• 1.1.3 20. Armed Security Guards & Military Checkpoints
• 1.1.4 Pakistan roadtrip checkpoints
• 1.1.5 Armed Security Guards for Travelers
• 1.1.6 21. Get perspectives from locals and travelers of Pakistan
• 1.1.7 22. Genuine and Warm Hospitality
• 1.1.8 23. Dress modestly in Pakistan
• 1.1.9 24. Dress is more casual in Northern Pakistan
• 1.1.10 25. Respect local customs
• 1.1.11 26. Strict propriety between sexes
• 1.1.12 27. Female solo travel can feel uncomfortable your first time
• 1.1.13 28. Sexual harassment
• 1.1.14 29. Segregation
• 1.1.15 30. Transportation
• 1.1.16 31. Altitude sickness (AMS)
• 1.1.17 32. Be prepared for emergencies
• 1.1.18 33. Be open-minded
• 1.1.19  What are your Pakistan Travel tips? What would you add to Things to Know before traveling Pakistan?

1. Pakistan’s Natural Beauty is Heaven on Earth

Did you know Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes? From the towering Northern peaks of the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges to the stunningly, lush green valleys of Hunza and Swat, it is not known as the Switzerland of Central Asia for nothing!

Home to some of the world’s highest peaks, it attracts as many hardcore trekkers as Nepal . The country also boasts stunning lakes, such as Attabad Lake and Lake Saif-ul-Malook , and magnificent waterfalls, like the majestic Neelum Valley Waterfall. And the list goes on…

2. Rich Cultural Heritage

If you’re a cultural enthusiast, Pakistan is home to a diverse mix of cultures and traditions, with a rich history that spans over 5,000 years. It has a Sufi heritage which gives way to the ideology of Islam.

Visitors can explore ancient archaeological sites like the ruins of Taxila, an ancient city that was once a center of Buddhist learning.

Archeologically, there are forts, shrines, mosques, tombs, stupas, monuments and petroglyph carvings to visit.

3.  Islam is the main religion

Pakistan is 97% Islam , with Hindus, Christians, Parsis, Sikhs, and Buddhists sharing the rest of the breakdown. As an Islamic character, you see mosques, palaces, tombs, and fortresses

4.  Outdoor Adventure

Pakistan is an outdoor adventure lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of activities like trekking, mountaineering, and white water rafting. Home to some of the highest and most scenic mountain peaks in the world, many visit Pakistan for trekking. The country’s rugged terrain provides an ideal setting for numerous trekking routes that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. I’ve heard the beauty even surpasses Nepal (gasp!)

 K-2 is the second highest mountain in the world.  Nanga Parbat , also known as Killer Mountain , is Pakistan’s second highest mountain with a nickname that has solidified its reputation as a challenging trek. But there are  easier bucket list hikes that will garner epic views, like Fairy Meadows – known for its seemingly magical beauty- and Passu hike to Borith Lake where you’ll pass glaciers and Lake Attabad.

And this is just the tip of the glacier!

5. Pakistani Food

Pakistan food has Indian roots but its mixed with Irani, Afghani, Persian, Western and Mughal influences (check out this introduction to Pakistani food ). It has a wide range of dishes, from spicy and aromatic curries to succulent kebabs and biryanis. Must-try dishes include chicken tikka, nihari, and biryani .

Do you have broader Pakistani eating goals to aspire to? Check out Migrationology’s list of Pakistan Must Try foods.

6. Pakistan food can be spicy and oily

Pakistani food is super flavorful, delicious and filling, but it can also be very oily and very spicy.  By spicy here, I mean heated flavor. The level of spice can be similar to Korean and Thai dishes, but not to the point of scalding the taste buds. Even my morning scrambled eggs had a heated edge, which actually added to its addicting flavor.

Pakistan food tip: Request a yogurt side dish like raita. It will soothe the heat into a palatable bite.

If you are allergic to or have a low tolerance to spicy foods,  hire a guide or take a food tour to be more informed about foods you can tolerate and to have assistance when you order. A guide will be able to find non-spicy foods for you or translate your dietary needs to the cooks. Also know, that might not always be effective. Although we had a local tour leader to request dishes without spice, many Pakistanis do not understand that concept of foods without spic and orders still came with mild spice.

7. Hire a food tour or hire a guide to appreciate Pakistani food

I love taking guided food tours to help me better appreciate and understand the foods of a country. However, Pakistan does not have a many of these yet.  So you’re better off hiring a local guide through the recommendation of your hotel.

8. Food Safety & Health in Pakistan

Travelers should take precautions when it comes to food and drink. It’s advisable to avoid tap water and instead opt for bottled water, which is widely available.

Additionally, be cautious where you try street food, as it may not be hygienic. It’s best to have a food guide to introduce you to reputable spots but also be prepared in case you get sick.

Pakistan Travel Tip: Bring your western antidiarrheal just in case. You can also visit the local pharmacy for any medication if you get sick in Pakistan.

Follow my guide on how to avoid getting sick whilst traveling

9. Vegetarian dishes do exist in Pakistan

Pakistan is a very meat loving country. Although there are aspects of Pakistani food which are similar to Indian foods,  veganism is not a concept in Pakistan.  Luckily, there are dishes that just happen to be vegan/  vegetarian such as dal (lentil) dishes, lobhia kah salan (dish with black-eyed peas), pakora (fried vegetable fritters) and aloo paratha. 

There are bean and vegetable dish variations prepared with various spices and curries: Shahi daal (moong dal),  bhindi masala (okra), maashki dal , aloo chana (potato with chickpeas), lotus root curry, baingan ki borani (eggplant dish), chana dal samosa (see food photos here ).

Whether those dishes share the same oil as meat dishes, I don’t know. If you are a strict vegan, you will want to think twice about Pakistan.

If you’re vegetarian traveler, read my  Vegetarian Travel Tips

10. how to get a letter of invitation for your pakistan tourist visa.

For a while, the only way to get your Letter of Invitation to apply for your Pakistan tourist visa was by being invited by a Pakaistani local, book a spot on a tour with a Pakistan tour operator or buy a Letter of Invitation from a local tour operator. These are the reliable, fuss-free and lawful ways.

Another option for travelers that I’ve heard of -particularly for those who are willing to take risks- is to apply for your Pakistan tourist visa with your hotel booking details. This places responsibility on your hotel to vouch for you. But it also exposes you to encounters with officials, who may be having a bad day or who want to make it difficult for you in order to get baksheesh (aka side payment or bribe ).

I’ve heard stories about baksheesh in Pakistan and I’ve seen officials give travelers a bad time by picking on something small to pull them out of line. A passenger in front of me – a family man with wife and child- was pulled aside and taken to a sizeable queue that led to the official “back room”.  When the immigration official returned to continue his job, he laughed sneeringly to his buddies. They can make it difficult for you out of mere entertainment.

Get your letter of invitation from a tour operator.

11. How to Get a Pakistan tourist e-visa

Pakistan requires a Pakistan tourist e-visa for entry. You will not be able to board your plane without your visa.

You can apply for a Pakistani visa through the country’s embassy or consulate in your home country but the easiest way is to get a Pakistan tourist e-visa online via the Pakistan government website (if your country is eligible). Always use NADRA, the government site. You’ll be required to have a passport, passport photo and a Letter of Invitation and hotel/itinerary details . It’s not too different from getting an India tourist visa .

You can get a 30-day, single-entry or multiple entry tourist e-visa. The single entry visa itself is good for 3 months. Pakistan visa fees range (you can calculate your cost here ).

The process of obtaining a visa can be as quick as a few days or it may take weeks. It is advised to apply at least three months in advance of your trip, so you don’t stress about it.

Tip: It’s always a good idea to make copies of your passport and other important documents. I like to make both, printed and mobile photo copies. The latter gives me quick access and is great when your passport is at the bottom of your bag or back at the hotel.

12. Currency in Pakistan

Pakistan is a cash-based society and the official currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani rupee.

Foreign credit cards are not widely accepted, although you can use them at large western hotels and higher-end shops in large cities. Please bear in mind, the vendors pay credit card fees to credit card companies and thus, lose money from that sale. Use cash for small purchases; the country is undergoing a severe economic depression, so please be a responsible traveler ( read my travel tips) , before your trip!

ATMs can be found in large cities, but the tricky part i s that not all ATMs take foreign cards and some ATMs can accidentally eat them. Thus, it’s always best to go to a bank ATM during operating hours.  The max withdrawal you can take out of a Pakistani bank ATM is 60,000 Rs or $65. Fortunately, you can withdraw cash as many times as you need in your visit to the ATM. Just be aware of ATM fees.

Here’s 20 ATM tips you MUST know before traveling

Order Pakistan ruppee from your home bank: Consider ordering Pakistan rupees from your home bank, to reduce your stress and have money when you arrive into Pakistan.  Bear in mind, as Pakistan does not see a lot of foreign travelers, airports may not have a strong infrastructure to deal with their needs properly. It will cost a little more, but finding a foreign currency exchange or bank ATM that accepts foreign credit cards is one of the trickier things about traveling Pakistan. 

When I arrived into Islamabad airport, there was one non-descript foreign exchange desk and no ATMs that took foreign cards. The arrivals area for tourists did not have foreign travelers in mind so there was not a strong infrastructure for dealing with their needs. At the currency exchange desk I was able to exchange $100 USD; that was all I was allowed.

13. Foreign exchange shops

Foreign exchange shops take USD, Euro & popular currencies. Exchange money at local banks to avoid scams .  However, many banks in Pakistan don’t exchange money, you must go to a money exchange office or Western Union. The country is sensitive to money laundering, so you will need your passport and visa. It is helpful to have a local person with you as a sort of guarantor that you are who you say you are and your business in Pakistan is for tourism.  Tip: Bring clean unmarked and newish looking bills. 

14. Withdraw enough cash

Before traveling up north or to more remote villages, withdraw enough cash as ATMs are limited, challenging to find and its dispenser may run out of cash. On the tour, it is advised to take out enough money before leaving the urban cities.

15.  Not all hotels accept foreigners

Pakistan is a wonderful country to travel but it can be tricky.  Just as not all ATMs accept foreign debit cards, not all hotels accept foreigners.

16. Prices in Pakistan

Prices in Pakistan are inexpensive for a western traveler.  It’s in the ballpark of India prices, with quality being higher .

Budget and guesthouse lodgings: $5-$30 USD A Coke  30 cents USD My Kurta tops: $6-8 USD Salon hair cut & style: $24 USD Room service sandwich: $5 USD A restaurant meal: $2-4 USD Meal at Mc Donalds or Subway sandwich : $4 USD

Responsible Pakistan Travel Tip: Some travelers love a great deal to the point of cruelty. I wouldn’t haggle a vendor down from a decent wage, especially given Pakistan’s economic depression. I’ve spoken to workers and it’s gotten so low that some are considering moving away.  Prices are quite low — getting a vendor to give you something for practically free is not cool; it’s cruel. Know your prices and be mindful that vendors need to feed a family in their country, while you are taking a vacation .

Average Monthly Net Salary in Pakistan: $168 USD/month Average cost of apartment rental in Pakistan city: $100/month USD

The official language of Pakistan is Urdu. Although many people in Pakistan speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic Urdu phrases, such as hello ( salam ), thank you ( shukriya ), and please ( meherbani ).

On another note, you will find a predominance of signs in English when traveling Pakistan. Fret not when looking at food menus or transportation instructions.

Safety and Security

18. know the areas in pakistan to avoid.

It is always advisable to check the latest travel advisories from your country’s government before planning your trip to Pakistan. But it is also important to get a fuller picture from the travelers and locals that are actually traveling and living in Pakistan in real time. Check travel blogs to research what travel bloggers have experienced and search online travel forums.

Pakistan has its share of security challenges with the bordering countries it has and the nation dipping into economic depression. Researching online media you’ll negative and scary stories about Pakistan; although, I’ve typically found that about many countries I’ve wanted to travel:  India , Turkey , Greece , South Korea , Thailand , Myanmar , Mexico . Read my thoughts on why Solo Travel is safe for women .  Although there is a level of truth to western media, danger exists in every country. After traveling (and living in some of) those countries I mentioned, I consider the U.S. as being more dangerous, so amidst the media noise, a solo traveler must reach for a more grounded perspective from locals and travelers in the field.

While a majority of Pakistan is safe for tourism, there are areas that are considered “high risk areas” and are off-limits to foreigners. High risk areas to avoid in Pakistan are the border regions with Afghanistan and India (the Wagah border is safe and it is also open for crossing). Parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces are also best avoided. These are places you would not generally stop to visit if you were a tourist and if you did, you might pass through it but any extended stays, the government would send security escorts.

Main cities and Northern Pakistan are generally considered safe for tourism.

19. Crime in Pakistan

To think crime does not exist in any country is naive. Every city and country has crime and poverty. Be street smart and proactive anywhere you go.

Pakistan is going through a bad economic depression. Many locals have talked about with me. They feel it. For the most part, Pakistani nature is hospitable, generous and friendly. But there will be urban pockets where locals may advise you to not flaunt your valuables or mobile phones.

Pakistan Travel Tip: Ask locals and your hotel if there are any areas to avoid. They will kindly tell you what to look out for and which neighborhoods are best avoided. 

20. Armed Security Guards & Military Checkpoints

Armed security guards and military police checkpoints are a norm in Pakistan. The wealthy employ them as staff outside their mansion. You’ll find them everywhere.

Pakistan roadtrip checkpoints

If you’re doing an independent road trip in Pakistan, prepare to get pulled over multiple times.  On my Pakistan group adventure , our operator created several copies of our group information (with the names and passport numbers of each traveler) to give to our driver to distribute, along with his driving information. thus, if you’re doing a Pakistan roadtrip independently, be prepared to get pulled over and show your driving and passport details.

Tip: If doing an independent road trip in Pakistan, have multiple copies of your passport handy. 

Armed Security Guards for Travelers

The Pakistan government and tourism department keeps a hawk-eye on travelers entering their country. They know about everyone who is entering Pakistan and who they need to watch for. The Pakistani government and tourism department work hand-in-hand to take responsibility for safe travel in their country.  They want to know that you’re there to be a tourist and not falling into high risk areas, where there is controversy, conflict or potential terrorism, like Balochistan states or tribal areas. The moment a traveler hops the curb into a security sensitive place, the tourism board deploys armed security guards to “escort” them to safety.  This is wonderful if you’re a very security loving traveler. But a complaint of independent travelers is that they find it restrictive of their freedom. I personally, like the security mindedness, although I can see the cons towards independent travelers.

After arriving in Naran and wanting to do a bit of wandering and snack shop exploration of the town,  our hotel sent an armed security guard to escort our group. They mentioned that the day or week prior- there was a local protest and unrest, so they wanted to provide this extra measure of safety. As hotel guests, the hotel felt responsible for our safety. Thus, our guard’s  function was to take us to get our snacks and then bring us back immediately. No wandering or town exploration as I had hoped. In the morning I attempted this again and the morning guard dissuaded me from leaving the hotel grounds.

Pakistan Travel Tip: If you feel you want an escort, you can hire a security guard escort through a local operator or the tourism department. They can be inexpensive because they are a common service. If you don’t want to splurge, then wandering into a risky area could get you one for free!

21. Get perspectives from locals and travelers of Pakistan

Locals know where the dangerous zones are and whether warnings are well-warranted.

If you ask travelers traveling Pakistan and Pakistani locals, if Pakistan is safe, you’ll find many replying with a resounding YES! They’ll tell you the hospitality of Pakistani people is overly welcoming and people will open their homes to you. What you’ll experience in Pakistan is always going to be greater and what you see on western media is a small piece of the greater pie.

When the U.S.A travel advisory marked Khunjerab national border (by China) as dangerous, a local tourism government official corrected me and said that the border is safe and open for crossing.  I’ve read online that the India-Pakistan borders are unsafe, but researching border crossing via the Wagah border, I’ve found the border is open and thus, one of the travelers of my group successfully crossed Into India from Lahore!

Read my Pakistan- India border crossing instructions

22. Genuine and Warm Hospitality

Pakistani people are renowned for their kindness, generosity, and hospitality, and visitors often find themselves making new friends and connections, welcomed with open arms by the locals. Nevertheless, solo female travelers should show a little restraint as solo interaction does not always mean the same thing.

Read my  31 Solo female travel safety tips

23. dress modestly in pakistan.

Being Muslim, Pakistan is a conservative country, so it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Both, men and women are recommended to cover their shoulders, arms, and legs in public.

For men, T-shirts and jeans/trousers or okay anywhere in Pakistan.

Women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover their arms and legs, and a headscarf is recommended when visiting mosques.

The Shalwar kameez is a light-weight, loose-fitting shirt/blouse top and pants combination. If you’ve ever bought a kurta in India or Nepal, then you can likely use that.  The shalwar kameez is the common local denominator of comfortable clothes, for both men and women (read tips on how to buy/wear one ). It is an ideal outfit to navigate both, weather fluctuation and cultural etiquette.

24. Dress is more casual in Northern Pakistan

In the mountains of north Pakistan in the Gilgit-Balistan and Hunza Valley regions dress etiquette is more more flexible, as locals are used to seeing tourists trekking in all kinds of clothes. For women, long sleeves are still recommended, but t-shirt wearing is okay only when trekking or engaged in physical exertion. No shorts, short skirts for men or women however. Bikinis are out if you’re planning to jump into a river or lake.

25. Respect local customs

Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, it’s considered impolite to eat or drink in public during the month of Ramadan, and you should always remove your shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home.

26. Strict propriety between sexes

Pakistan is a strong patriarchal culture. Families are very protective about their daughters and wives and so you won’t see many of them outdoors in public, unescorted. Women you’ll see travel in groups of women or with a husband. Thus, you will notice a shocking population of men walking the streets and employed in visible labor positions.

Pakistan has strict unspoken cultural rules about propriety between sexes and there is little public interaction between them, unless they are work colleagues.

Advice from local Pakistani women and female travelers, who have traveled Pakistan will warn you that even a smile can be taken the wrong way. Flirtation with men won’t be taken casually and should be avoided. Being from Hawaii, it’s easy for me to start chatting, asking questions and joking casually; it was too challenging for me to not be this way, so I bounced between smiling and being super don’t-f***-with-me serious .

In Islamabad, some young men saw me vlogging and wanted to know my YouTube channel. They were acting in a curious but rowdy and imposing way. I knew this curious interaction – likely very innocent- was culturally not supposed to happen and I did not want to make any mistakes, so I kept walking.  My driver who was accompanying shoo’d them away, scolding them that they should know better.

27. Female solo travel can feel uncomfortable your first time

Be prepared to encounter stares and more stares if you’re a foreign-looking, female solo traveler. I felt this discomfort traveling India over a decade ago and with Pakistan. It can feel dissettling. The way locals treat women are different from men, whom they might be curious enough to approach for a selfie.

Everywhere I went alone, men, women and children stared as if they never saw a person who looked like me. Locals don’t see foreign tourists often and most assumed I was Chinese .

I made the mistake of going out during a public holiday and the streets in Lahore, were filled with men, who stared at me from all around. Younger men attempted to get closer, to look at or approach me and I ultimately decided not to vlog my experience because being stared at felt so uncomfortable.

Aside from intense and uncomfortable curiosity, I still felt local Pakistanis were kind. Some men helped me hail a taxi in spots that were hard to get to or find. Others were just really hospitable in a respectful way.

There’s a bit more complexity to this matter of gender interaction. I’ll have to do a separate post on it.

Tip: Due to the fact many Pakistan are genuinely hospitable, it’s important to ride that fine like between trust and caution, especially in regards to gender interaction. I would never recommend a female solo traveler to place her guard 100% down or entrust it to a man she barely knows.

28. Sexual harassment

Similar to India, sexual harassment can exist in a male hierarchical society like Pakistan. Female travelers who are naive and do not understand cultural improprieties, may be in for a rude awakening. This is why it is always important to research cultural etiquette before traveling Pakistan and dressing modestly to blend in is advised.

If you’re a woman, avoid sharing your personal marital or hotel details, phone number or email with Pakistani men. The advice feels similar to India in that it opens the door to potentially accepting sexual advances. I’ve read about women being stared at, being groped in passing or exchanging their phone number only to get a barrage of sexually explicit texts and inappropriate invitations. This did not happen to me when I visited Pakistan, but I left a very little opportunity for it.

It is essential to understand that sexual harassment is not acceptable behavior in conservative culture that Pakistan is. Men should not misbehave towards women.

Tip: Bringing it to public attention in a loud way, the community will bear down on the man and come to the woman’s rescue. If no one comes to assist, then be even louder and shaming so that people know he is a scoundrel.

Check out my India travel survival tips – they can be applied here.

29. segregation.

Due to the strict code between the sexes and the possibilities of sexual harassment that Pakistani women face, there is a strict code of segregation to protect women from unpleasant situations. Look for the female and male sections. If you are the only woman who is surrounded by men in a train car, you’re in the male section .  Leave and look for signs for the female section. there are female cars and male cars.

30. Transportation

Pakistan has a well-developed transportation system and city-to-city highways feel like western freeways, even down to the caution signs. There are many similarities between European and U.S. driving. Roads are much nicer and surprisingly higher in standards compared to neighboring countries like India and Nepal, where remote villages might be gotten to via rocky dirt roads.

Road safety standards in Pakistan may not always be up to par with western safety regulations, especially when traveling into the northern regions. The iconic Karakoram Highway (the 8th Wonder of the World) is the longest road but parts of it can narrow to a dangerous one-vehicle road. Pakistani drivers are surpring expert at navigating this type of one-vehicle road face-off as well as the paper slim pass by’s– our driver Aadil was so professional!  Accidents are not uncommon and weather can affect road safety.  There are landslides and glacial streams running through and over the roadways, and certain seasons this road will be closed.

Buses can be crowded. It’s recommended to use a reputable taxi service or hire a private car with a driver. Some travelers like to bike or drive a motorcycle to get around. Just know road standards may change with the weather. Keep plans flexible.

When using public transportation, avoid traveling at night. If you’re renting a car, be cautious and avoid driving in remote areas or at night.

Pakistan still does not have a metro. They have flyover buses- like in Rawalpindi, a bus that has a separate flyover lane above street traffic, dropping you off at station stops similar to if you were to ride a metro.

Tip: Pack light so you can fit on crowded public transportation. Check out 6 Best Convertible Carryons for Solo Travelers

Road trip tip: If doing an independent road trip in Pakistan, consider hiring a driver! They are experts at navigating the Karakoram HIghway and you may come across several situations where you’ll be glad to have one!

31. Altitude sickness (AMS)

When visiting Northern Pakistan, you’ll be traveling higher altitudes and thus, may experience symptoms of Altitude sickness or AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness) . This occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in your body and it needs to acclimatize. Symptoms can range from nausea, vomitting, dizziness, headaches, physical fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid pulse, insomnia (read this Pakistan blog and Nepal trekking blog ) .It’s best to avoid physical exertion and acclimatize before going higher.  It’s best to consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical concerns.

The first day I arrived in Ladakh – which runs parallel to areas of Northern Pakistan- it felt exhausting simple to walk from my hotel into town and my heart raced at night as I was going to bed. I had to take things slow for the first couple of days.

Pakistan Guide Tip: Some of my travelers used altitude sickness patches that they claimed worked!

32. Be prepared for emergencies

Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation. I always carry a small first-aid kit of bandaids and antibacterial ointment.  Know the location of the nearest hospital or medical facility. I like to always be aware of the local pharmacies; when i’m sick, I make a visit there.

33. Be open-minded

In conclusion, Pakistan is a hidden gem that offers visitors an array of natural beauty, cultural heritage, warm hospitality, adventure sports, and delicious cuisine. Despite some negative portrayals in the media, the country is generally safe for tourists who exercise common sense and take necessary precautions.  By following these guidelines, you can explore the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty without any hiccups.If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Pakistan should definitely be on your travel radar.

Ready to travel Pakistan with me? Join me on a fall Northern Pakistan adventure

  what are your pakistan travel tips what would you add to things to know before traveling pakistan.

Quick India Packing Essentials :

• International Multi plug Travel Adapter/Converter
•   Convertible Wheeled Backpack Carry-on – stay light and mobile
• Female Urinary Device – for squat toilet beginners
• Anti-theft Wrist Wallet – when shopping at local marketplaces
• Biodegradable Baby Wipes – clean up in the heat/public restrooms
• Probiotic Gummies – travel with a healthy gut
• Silk Liner – protection against bed bugs
• Large Pashmina Scarf – multipurpose
• Convertible Hiking/Adventure Pants – multipurpose
• Sun Bum Facial Sunscreen Stick Vegan & Reef-Safe – sun protection for face
• Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen
• Female Safety Devices List
• Visit my Amazon Survival Essentials for more recommendations

   My India Adventure Survival Resources

• Internet Abroad : eSim to stay connected abroad. Activate it before your trip & have it upon arrival! Skyroam Solis 5G is Global wifi hotspot (take 10% off with referral code GRRRLTRAVELER )
• Trip Insurance Finder Tool f or insurance within your budget. I just get World Nomads trip insurance (they cover travel theft & is accepted by yoga schools)
• Deals : Expedia for great weekend trip package deals
• Book hotels   without a cancellation fee . Use this Hotel Comparison Tool to find low prices! India has chic hostels on Hostelworld (always read reviews!!!!)
• Book trains and buses : 12goAsia
• India Tour: Join or customize a GRRRLTRAVELER Adventure
• Yoga in India:   Experience an Indian Ashram,  a yoga retreat or training certification ( read my experience ) in India.
• How to Get your India Visa for U.S. Travelers

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14 things you need to know before traveling to Pakistan

Sep 2, 2023 • 9 min read

Pakistan offers amazing adventures but it pays to read up on the challenges © Dave Primov / Shutterstock

Pakistan is one of the world’s great surprises, with an incredible diversity of scenery – from the world’s biggest mountain glaciers to the sparkling waters of the Indus River – alongside some of the most beautiful forts, mosques and archaeological sites in the Subcontinent. It is the cultural bridge between India and Central Asia and home to some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet.

It would, however, be fair to say that Pakistan has a mixed reputation beyond its borders. The country is beset with economic, political and security problems, but much has changed security-wise in recent years. An incredible welcome is guaranteed here, but this is also a destination that requires a bit of research in order to travel with confidence. Start your planning with the following essential travel tips.

1. Choose the right season for the areas you are visiting

Travel in Pakistan is strongly affected by the seasons . The summer months of July and August are the best time to visit the high mountains of the Karakoram and Hindu Kush ranges in the north, but this is also the busiest time for domestic tourism and it’s incredibly hot elsewhere in the country. If you want to explore the center, south and west of the country, consider a visit in spring (April and May) or autumn (October and November), especially if you don’t plan on going trekking. October brings fabulous fall colors to places like the Hunza Valley, whereas winter (November to February) is the best time to explore central and southern Pakistan.

Festivals worth planning your trip around include the Shandur Polo Festival in the second weekend of July, held atop the mountain pass between Hunza and Chitral, and the Chilam Joshi spring festival in the Kalash Valley in mid-May.

2. You’ll probably need a visa and letter of invitation to visit Pakistan

Most foreigners need a visa to enter Pakistan but you can apply online through the immigration department’s slightly glitchy e-visa system . You will also need a letter of invitation from a local hotel, your Pakistani host or a Pakistani travel agent to secure a visa, so give yourself enough time to get this document in place. Even if you don't plan on taking a tour, travel agencies can provide a letter of invitation for a fee. Contact your local Pakistani embassy or high commission for the latest information. 

3. Be prepared for some challenges if you travel during Ramadan

The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan brings a specific set of challenges for travelers. Most Pakistani Muslims avoid eating or drinking between dawn and dusk during this holy month, and most restaurants close during the day, with offices often working reduced hours. You’ll need to be fairly self-sufficient when it comes to food during daylight hours and you should avoid eating in public during the fasting period. This said, evenings are especially lively during Ramadan, as the devout break their daily fast with blowouts in local restaurants.

The dates for Ramadan shift annually according to the Islamic lunar calendar and sightings of the moon, and the festival moves forward by 11 days each year, relative to the Gregorian calendar; in 2024, the festival should start around 10 March.

4. Get a Pakistani SIM card to use the local taxi apps

Public Wi-Fi is not all that common outside of larger cities in Pakistan, so it’s useful to bring an unlocked smartphone for mobile browsing. Buy a local SIM card from the main customer service center for your chosen operator, in whichever town you happen to be in. Travelers recommend Zong , Telenor or Jazz for central Pakistan, or the government-owned SCOM for the mountainous northern area of Gilgit-Baltistan .

With a local SIM and phone number, you should be able to use local taxi apps such as Uber and its local equivalent Careem , which will save you both time and money, compared to flagging down local taxis in big cities such as Islamabad and Lahore .

5. Bring plenty of photocopies of your passport

There are lots of checkpoints in Pakistan where you'll need to show your identity documents, so bring lots of photocopies of your passport’s information pages and Pakistan visa, and always travel with the original passport on your person. You’ll find yourself handing over these copies regularly on long-distance road trips, including when traveling on the Karakoram Highway . 

6. Enjoy the local hospitality (but don’t abuse it)

Culture and customs can vary widely as you move from region to region in Pakistan but in general, you’ll find most Pakistanis to be extremely friendly and hospitable. Conversations, cups of chai and even dinner invitations flow easily, and you can expect to participate in hundreds of selfies.

Hospitality is so integral to Pakistani culture that many locals feel obliged to offer to pay for a foreigner’s meal or bus tickets, even if money is short. You may have to turn down these invitations multiple times to avoid burdening anyone unnecessarily. If you do share a meal in Pakistan be sure to pass and accept food with your right hand only; the left hand should not be used for eating or shaking hands. 

7. Women travelers might face some challenges in Pakistan

For the most part, Pakistan is a conservative, male-dominated society, and this can pose some challenges for female travelers. Women and men don’t mix much in public, and women generally sit in segregated areas on public buses and trains and, often, in restaurants. Attitudes towards foreign women can be protective and curious but women traveling alone may face some suspicion, and sexual harassment can sometimes be a risk in crowds. Special rules for women also apply at some religious sites.

For solo women travelers traveling through Pakistan, it helps to already have some experience of travel in other Islamic countries. Women traveling with a male companion generally face fewer obstacles. On the plus side, women travelers can gain insights into family dynamics and the lives of Pakistani women, which are completely off-limits to male travelers. And in some situations, foreign women may have unique access to both the male and female worlds.

8. Invest in a shalwar kameez to travel like a local

Pakistan’s national dress is the shalwar kameez , a garnet resembling a long shirt worn over wide, baggy trousers, popular with both men and women. It's worth investing in a set if you are going to be traveling for any length of time in Pakistan. The shalwar kameez is supremely practical and comfortable in this climate – you’ll also blend in nicely with the crowd, and locals will respect you for sharing in their culture. Women should also add a dupatta scarf to cover their hair when visiting mosques and other religious sites.

9. Dial down public displays of affection

Many Pakistanis are socially conservative, and public displays of affection between men and women – including kissing, touching and even holding hands in public – are frowned on. Attitudes towards LGBTIQ+ people can also be quite negative, and same-sex relationships are illegal, so Pakistan is not a good place for openly  LGBTIQ+ people to travel . It is not unusual for Pakistani men to hold hands or drape arms around each other, but this is generally platonic. 

10. Treat bargaining as a lighthearted sport

Haggling is acceptable, commonplace and often necessary in Pakistan, but it is best approached as a lighthearted social exchange rather than a life-or-death struggle, as some travelers treat it when traveling in Asia. The goal is for both purchaser and seller to walk away happy. 

When bargaining, respond to the first price quoted with a lower offer, then work back and forth until you reach a price you can both agree on. If you can afford it, avoid haggling over small sums – local people are often poorly paid and financially insecure, and overpaying by a few rupees won’t make a big dent in your wallet.  

11. Be aware of the no-go areas

The security situation can vary widely as you travel around Pakistan. Potentially dicey areas include parts of rural Sindh, some neighborhoods in Karachi , the area of Indus Kohistan close to Abbottabad (where Osama Bin Laden lived in hiding until 2011), parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan , and all of Baluchistan and Azad Kashmir provinces.

In general, you are unlikely to stumble into a danger zone because foreigners require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to visit such places, and you won’t be given one of these without excellent local contacts. The safest parts of the country are central Punjab Province and the area north of Gilgit, extending as far as the Chinese border along the Karakoram Highway . Check out the latest travel advisory information from your home government before you travel. 

While the risk is small, terrorist attacks and kidnappings do take place in Pakistan, and street crime can be an issue in parts of Karachi. Stay alert, exercise caution, and heed local advice on problem areas. Be aware that Sufi and Shia shrines are sometimes targeted by extremists, so visiting these locations can bring a slightly elevated risk.

12. Don’t panic if you get an armed escort

The Pakistani government is keen to protect the nation’s tourism industry, and officials sometimes insist that tourists take an armed guard to visit certain locations. You don’t have to pay for these guards, but the use of their services is mandatory. 

Some travelers find the guards somewhat constraining but their presence is usually just a precaution. You may be given a police escort in places such as Swat, the Kalash Valley and the scenic Fairy Meadows hiking area (on the northern flanks of Nanga Parbat peak).

13. Get travel insurance (and read the small print)

Good travel insurance is important for travel to Pakistan, but be aware that most policies won’t cover you for areas where your home government advises "against all travel." For example, in 2023, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office was advising against all travel to Swat and Peshawar, amongst other destinations. Check the latest government travel advisories for up-to-date information and plan your itinerary accordingly.  

14. Give some thought to potential problems before you come

Beyond security issues, natural disasters such as flooding and earthquakes are unfortunately common at times in Pakistan, while power cuts are a smaller but more frequent occurrence. Monitor the local and international media for news on problem areas, and if you get caught in a natural disaster, follow the guidance of the authorities.

In terms of personal health, intestinal problems are the most common complaints among foreign tourists; the two golden rules are don’t drink the tap water and be wary of pre-cooked food. Eating from busy stalls and restaurants where food is freshly cooked is the way to go. 

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Backpacking in Pakistan – 1 to 4-week itinerary

By Joan Torres 44 Comments Last updated on September 9, 2024

Wanna travel to Pakistan with Against the Compass?

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

May 18th to 31st, 2025

This is the most comprehensive and detailed Pakistan itinerary blog available on the internet

From south to north, I spent two whole months backpacking in Pakistan.

I arrived in Karachi by plane and left the country  overland through China .

It was a wild, adventurous journey and probably one of my best traveling experiences ever.

From extremely overwhelming hospitality to the most striking landscapes ever and just wilderness everywhere;  Pakistan is bloody awesome and, unless you have actually been there, it’s very difficult to explain and convey the deeply personal experience you get.

With all my honesty, if you like real adventure, traveling to off the beaten track destinations and just getting immersed in the local culture, I strongly believe that Pakistan should be at the very, very top of your bucket list.

However, I am also aware that Pakistan is not the easiest place to travel in the world, as traveling information is scarce and you can’t really get the comforts which you may find in other countries.

For this reason, based on my personal journey, I have compiled some useful information and created this 1 to 4-week itinerary for backpacking through Pakistan which, hopefully, will help you plan your journey through one of the most fascinating countries I’ve ever been to.

This article aims at helping you plan your itinerary but it doesn’t really talk about other traveling information such as visas, safety, budget, etc. For this, you should read: Things you should know before traveling to Pakistan

In this Pakistan travel itinerary you will find:

Table of Contents

• Day 1, 2 – Lahore

Day 3, 4 – Islamabad

Day 5, 6 – fairy meadows, day 7 – gilgit.

• Day 8, 9 – Minapin & Rakaposhi Base Camp

Day 10, 11, 12 – Karimabad (Hunza)

• Day 13, 14 – Back to Lahore
• Day 1 to 4 – Lahore & Islamabad

Day 5, 6 – Peshawar

• Day 7 to 11 – Swat Valley
• Day 12 – Journey to Chitral

Day 13 – Chitral

• Day 14, 15, 16 – Kalash Valley
• Day 16, 17 – Back to Chitral & Shandur Pass
• Day 18 to 30 – Gilgit Baltistan
• Extending your itinerary
• More resources for backpacking in Pakistan

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Introduction to backpacking in Pakistan

Pakistan is a pretty big country.

By this, I mean that Pakistan is a destination which can’t be visited in a week or, at least, not properly.

Most of the country’s beauty lies in the northern areas (Gilgit-Baltistan), which are not easily accessible.

Once you have reached these northern areas, moving from one place to another takes ages, sometimes several hours just for less than a hundred kilometers.

In addition, this is also the capital of unexpected events. Believe me when I say that, during my 2-month journey, I experienced more than ten bus breakdowns, no kidding, perhaps even more. Backpacking in Pakistan is extremely slow.

Therefore, if you’re planning to visit Pakistan for a week, I would recommend going when you have more time to spend there.

However, if your job will never allow you to do that, no problem, I am sure you can work something out and visit a couple of southern cities.

For all the practical information, don’t forget to read my ultimate tips for visiting Pakistan

Best books for backpacking in Pakistan

This is just a selection of the best 3 books but, if you want to know all the options, remember to check this list containing the best books on Pakistan , classified into history, politics, novels and travelogues.

Best travel guide

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

To know about the culture

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

For more political background  

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

Backpacking in Pakistan: a 2-week travel itinerary

If you are backpacking in Pakistan for two weeks, you can get a nice feeling of the northern areas, as well as a few cities. However, just to let you know: you will have to rush a lot.

This 2-week Pakistan travel itinerary is for anyone, whether you are traveling by public transportation, hitchhiking or in your own car.

However, as I said before, from landslides to bus breakdowns, Pakistan is the country of unexpected events.

If you really want to save time, you can fly from Islamabad to Gilgit (northern areas), as the bus journey that goes through the Karakoram Highway takes a whole day. However, just keep in mind that flights fill up very quickly, so book in advance. Get the lowest prices on Skyscanner for the Islamabad-Gilgit flight. 

Pakistan 2-week travel itinerary – MAP

The 2-week itinerary follows the Karakoram Highway, almost until the Chinese border.

There are loads of other places to discover along this road, so remember to read my Ultimate guide to travel the Karakoram Highway .

Day 1,2 – Arrival in Lahore

Lahore is the cultural capital and where the real things are going on.

From Sufi dancing to underground ladyboy parties, good food and one of the most stunning mosques I’ve ever seen; Lahore is like nowhere else and that’s why your journey should start here.

If you fly to Pakistan, there’s the option of flying to Islamabad which, apparently, would be more convenient, as it’s literally closer to the north. However, I seriously think that you can’t miss Lahore.

In Lahore, go to Badshahi Mosque , one of the most beautiful mosques I’ve ever seen and one of the largest in the world. Its courtyard can fit up to 100,000 worshippers. Can you believe it? More than the Camp Nou Football Stadium in Barcelona!

After visiting the mosque, you can’t miss strolling the alleys of the Old City, where you can get lost among spice bazaars, colors and loads of street food.

In the Old City, there’s another very cute mosque called Wazir Khan , dating from the 17th century, which once was one of the most important centers for training Islamic calligraphers.

At night, I recommend you go to one of the many rooftop restaurants in the fancy Food Street and order a delicious lamb karahi (a local curry).

If you have time, you should also go to see the Wagah Indian-Pakistani border ceremony . As you may know, Pakistan and India are not the best friends ever, so, every day, they do a weird ceremony which basically, is a hostile show of power.

There are hundreds of people attending and both Indians and Pakistanis show a freaking crazy fanaticism.

Here you can check more things to do in Lahore .

Where to stay in Lahore

Backpacker Hostel – Lahore Backpackers – This is the meeting point for all the independent travelers in Pakistan and the only real backpacker hostel.

Budget Hotel – Rose Palace Hotel – A great value for money option and one of the preferred budget options for foreigners.

Islamabad was built in 1960 with the sole objective of becoming the capital of Pakistan.

Composed of wide and extremely clean streets and greenery, Islamabad might differ a bit from the image you have of Pakistan.

Here is where the Pakistani elite lives and where you find the best restaurants in the country. Huge mansions and the most expensive cars are just the normal everyday stuff in Islamabad.

By the way, wild marihuana grows everywhere in this city.

Here you must visit the Faisal Mosque , the largest one in the country. If you stay for the night, go for dinner and see the sunset at  Monal , located at the highest point of a hill from where you get magnificent views of the city.

Here you can check out more things to do in Islamabad

Moving around town is a bit tricky, as distances are freaking long. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you’ll have to mainly rely on taxis. Get Uber, as it’s way cheaper than the regular taxis.

Islamabad is just OK.

I stayed here for a few nights because I had plenty of time and I spent my days eating at some very good restaurants and hanging out with local friends at very expensive Western-style cafés.

This should be the least interesting place to visit in your Pakistan itinerary.

If you want to skip it, that’s fine.

However, if you travel by public transportation, you must stop here on your way to the north (Gilgit-Baltistan).

Buses leave after 6pm though, which means that, if you leave Lahore early in the morning, you may have time to catch one on the same day.

Read: The ultimate guide to the Karakoram Highway

How to get from Lahore to Islamabad

These two big cities are connected by a pretty good and wide 380km road and the fastest way to get there is by bus.

They leave every day at all times. Just ask at the hostel for the exact location.

Alternatively, you could also go by train but it’s much slower, plus it gets delayed pretty often so, if you only have two weeks, you may want to go by bus. Timing: 4 hours .

Where to stay in Islamabad

Backpacker’s Hostel Hostel – Backpacker’s Hostel Islamabad  – A real, awesome hostel, and the best option for backpackers in town.

Budget Hotel –  Royal Galaxy Guest House Islamabad – This guest house is well-rated and offers pretty good prices as per Islamabad standards.

Coming from Islamabad through the KKH, when you arrive at Raikot Bridge, you will see a detour that takes you to Fairy Meadows, a stunning, green meadow, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan. From here, you get stunning views of Nanga Parbat, a striking peak 8,125 meters high, which belongs to the Himalaya range. 

For further information, I wrote a very comprehensive guide:  Fairy Meadows trek and Nanga Parbat base camp

How to get to Fairy Meadows from Islamabad

There are 4 or 5 daily buses (from 6pm to 9pm, approximately) that depart from Islamabad to Gilgit. NATCO is the best company out there and the one that the Pakistani middle class uses. The VIP bus, which is the only one with AC, costs 2,000PKR.

Theoretically, the journey takes 15 hours but, due to the constant landslides and the endless breakdowns, mine took more than 21 hours.

By the way, I recommend buying your ticket at the bus station on the morning of the day of departure. Try to book a first-row seat. 

Location of the station: 33.638026, 73.025308 . You will need to get off at Raikot Bridge, which is around two hours before Gilgit.

For more details, remember to check my Fairy Meadows Guide .

Gilgit is the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, a city with a Shia majority and the perfect base for exploring the surrounding valleys.

It has a wide range of hotels and restaurants, as well as bazaars and a few touristic sites. Given its strategic location which, for years, linked China with the Indian sub-continent, Gilgit became a proper city.

The town has a river with some pretty bridges where you can take nice photos. I also recommend you visit the Kargah Buddha , a Buddha statue carved in a cliff during the 7th century.

Gilgit may be a nice town but, if you only have two weeks, don’t stay here for long as the beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan is in the surrounding valleys. Actually, if you have your own vehicle, I would recommend going straight to Minapin.

How to get from Fairy Meadows to Gilgit 

There’s no actual public transportation but, at Raikot Bridge, the police will stop the first car or bus that passes to take you to Gilgit, for free. Welcome to Pakistan!

Where to stay in Gilgit

Budget Hostel –   Madina Hotel II – Most backpacker will come to this place, if there is any in town, of course! It’s a simple but very great place, with awesome staff!

Top-end –  Serena Hotel  – If you want some semi-luxury and comfort (I do very occasionally, just to re-charge energy) Serena Hotels is a pretty popular hotel chain in Pakistan.

Day 8, 9 – Minapin and Rakaposhi base camp

Following the Karakoram Highway , around 75 kilometers from Gilgit, you find a detour that leads to Minapin, a small, lovely village with awesome views of the mountains and from where you can organize a trek to the Rakaposhi base camp, one of the best treks I’ve ever done.

Spend the first night in Minapin and, early on the next day, go to the base camp. If you are reasonably fit, you can reach it in just one day and come back the day after. I am sure you won’t regret it.

For more information, read: A guide to the Rakaposhi base camp

How to get from Gilgit to Minapin 

If you don’t have your own car, hitchhiking is the easiest way, much quicker than going by public transportation. Actually, I didn’t take a single minibus when backpacking in northern Pakistan.

Where to stay in Minapin

Budget Hotel – Osho Trang –  Minapin also has what is the best guest house in Gilgit-Baltistan, run by Israr, a very kind man who has been dealing with foreigners for many years.

Karimabad is the main city in the region of Hunza, the most northern area in Pakistan, a place whose inhabitants are Ismailis , the most liberal branch of Islam.

For the first time in your journey, here you will most likely talk to women and, perhaps you may be invited to drink some local wine, who knows.

Ladies, it’s time to uncover your head and get some relaxation!

Karimabad is surrounded by striking mountains over 7,000 meters high, as well as being home to two UNESCO World Heritage forts.

Given its laid-back atmosphere, it’s really easy to spend 4 or 5 days wandering around Karimabad and its narrow alleys which, by the way, are made of stone and, at some point, they have a close similarity to some old cities in Europe.

Here, you must visit  Baltit and Altit forts  and  Eagle’s Nest , a 360º viewpoint, from where you get clear views of Rakaposhi, Diran, and Lady Finger.

If you like hiking, Karimabad is also a great place for day hikes.

You may also be interested in this epic guide to solo female travel in Pakistan

How to get from Minapin to Karimabad 

Like I said, hitchhiking the Karakoram Highway is the easiest way to move around.

Where to stay in Karimabad 

Backpacker hostel –   Old Hunza Inn – is the most budget, backpacking option.

Top-end – Hunza Serena Inn – If you are looking for the best hotel in Karimabad, Hunza Serena Inn is an awesome hotel. I used to go there to have tea, enjoy the views and connect to the internet 🙂 

Day 13, 14 – Back to Lahore or Islamabad

If you are planning to go back by public transportation, you really need to plan ahead for your journey back to the city, as buses leave Gilgit very early in the morning and the journey may take up to 21 hours. Therefore, perhaps, you should leave Karimabad on the 12th day.

Alternatively, like I said before, if you want to save an entire day, you could also fly from Gilgit to Islamabad. Find the cheapest prices on Skyscanner.

Moreover, to save an extra half day, it would be wise to book your return flight from Islamabad, not Lahore.

Backpacking in Pakistan: 1-month itinerary

Remember to check the 20 best books on Pakistan

If you are backpacking in Pakistan for a whole month, you can do all the above and, in addition, visit the northwest of the country which, basically, includes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province .

This means that you don’t have to make the long journey from Islamabad to Gilgit through the Karakoram Highway . Instead, go to Peshawar and, from there, go north through Swat, Chitral and the Shandur Pass, on your way to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Before taking this route, you should know that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the most conservative area in Pakistan, inhabited by the Pashtuns, an ethnic group with very extreme, fundamentalist ideas about Islam.

Here, most women wear the Afghan burqa, so if you are a woman, dress very modestly. For men, you should definitely dress like them, in a local salwar kameez .

On the other hand, the Pashtuns are the most hospitable and inviting people in the country. You’ll have a lot of fun.

Pakistan 1-month travel itinerary – MAP

Instead of following the KKH from Islamabad to Gilgit, you ascend from the western part of the country.

Day 1, 2, 3, 4 – Lahore and Islamabad

Check the 2-week backpacking itinerary for all details. 

Peshawar is history: it’s the oldest city in Pakistan, one of the oldest cities in Asia and used to be the capital of the Kushan empire.

Located right at the border with Afghanistan at Khyber Pass , Peshawar had also been a really important and remarkable Silk Road point, linking north and south, east and west Asia.

Today, Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and home to the finest bazaars in the country. Due to its proximity to the Tribal Areas, a region filled with loads of Taliban-friendly people , you should be careful, always dress like a local in a salwar kameez and, if possible, try to walk around with local friends. I met local people through Couchsurfing , so I never encountered any problem.

The best thing you can do in Peshawar is to stroll down its bazaars, buy a real Pashtun hat, go to a restaurant to eat the best lamb in the country and, basically, get ready for one hundred chai invitations .

However, to be honest, not many people invited me because, apparently, I really look like a Pashtun, so they thought I was a local, especially wearing my salwar kameez  😀

I would have liked to visit the historical  Khyber Pass but it requires a permit which takes several days to proceed, as well as some well-connected friends.

Alternatively, just at the gate of Khyber Pass, there is a market selling smuggled stuff from Afghanistan, such as daggers or even USA military suits.

Read: Is it safe to visit Afghanistan now?

How to get from Islamabad to Peshawar 

NATCO buses run daily for just a few USD. You can also come by train. Ask any local friend where the bus station is.

Day 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 – Swat Valley

The local Pashtuns call it the Switzerland of Pakistan but, in my opinion, Swat is way better.

If you like hiking through fairy forests, along some of the most off the beaten track mountains in Pakistan, you can’t miss the Swat Valley.

Some years ago, in 2009, the region was controlled by the Taliban but, after a six-month bloody war, they were finally expelled.

Do you know Malala Yousafzai , the Pakistani girl who won the Nobel Peace Prize? She’s from the Swat Valley and got the prize after she was shot for refusing to obey the Taliban during this invasion.

Remember that this is a super conservative area, inhabited by people with very deep fundamentalist ideas. Most men living here have never seen a woman’s face apart from their close female relatives.

Actually, girls wear the hijab since they are really, really young and, when they grow up, they switch to the Afghan burqa. Just be careful with what you say and respect their local beliefs. If you do, you’ll have the best experience ever, trust me.

But despite all this, as I said, the Swat Valley is home to an extreme beauty. I recommend you visit Malam Jabba , a ski resort which turns into a lush, green meadow in summer. Also, you should visit some pretty big Buddha carvings which are worth a look.

If you like trekking, there are a lot of hiking opportunities around. I recommend you first go to Mingora , the main town in the Swat Valley, and organize your treks from there.

Furthermore, you really can’t miss Kalam , a small district a couple of hours from Mingora, consisting of a village in the middle of a stunning, beautiful valley.

Kalam is a real off the beaten track place, so be prepared to be excessively overwhelmed by the local hospitality. I stayed there a couple of nights and it was, by far, my favorite place in the Swat Valley.

To know what is it like when backpacking in the Swat Valley, read this post from Offbeat Traveling : Visiting the Swat Valley in Pakistan

For trekking tips, read: Trekking in Kalam, Swat Valley

By the way, in Swat, you must contact my good friend  Ihsan Khan from Swat Backpackers , a local Pashtun who will be happy to show you around and organize treks for you at a very friendly price, staying at his place as well.

Ishan can also help you get the bloody NOC, which they may require if you try to enter the Swat Valley.

Where to stay in Mingora 

Rose Palace – I stayed at this mid-range hotel for a couple of nights. Double rooms with private bathroom.

Where to stay in Kalam 

I stayed in a very budget hotel called Mehboob Hotel, which was not very nice. Alternatively, you can stay at the PTDC Hotel , which is within the mid-range option.

Day 12 – The journey to Chitral

The journey to Chitral is a pretty tough one and it takes the entire day. I left early morning and arrived in Chitral around 11pm. We got delayed two hours because the bus driver ran out of gas. Yeah, this should not surprise you in Pakistan.

If you are in Mingora, you should first get a minibus to Timargara . At Timargara, you must take a second minibus towards Chitral. It’s a pretty awesome and scenic journey.

Alternatively, if you are in Kalam, you can also go to Chitral through Kumrat Valley and Dir. For more information, read: How to get from Kalam to Chitral .

Apparently, only in September 2017, they finished a tunnel which had been built for ages, so you may save a good couple of hours.

Chitral is a relatively big town and a transit point for going to the Kalash Valleys or Gilgit Baltistan.

I didn’t do much here besides checking out one mosque and registering at the police station. If you don’t register, they won’t allow you to enter the Kalash Valleys.

By the way, if you visit the Kalash, the police in Chitral will also give you a private guard armed with an AK-47, which is compulsory for any foreigner visiting the area since. in 2009/10, the Taliban crossed the border, attacking and killing several people nearby.

Getting a guard seems to be pretty cool but it actually sucks, as you don’t have the freedom to move around.

However, I was really lucky and didn’t get one as I went there during the Kalash Joshy Festival and, since there were a lot of foreigners, they ran out of policemen 😀

Where to stay in Chitral 

Al Farooq Hotel  –  Good Wi-Fi and friendly owner.

Day 14, 15, 16 – Rumbur and the Kalash Valleys

More than 2,000 years ago, on his journey through the Hindu Kush range, Alexander the Great and his troops left their footprints and descendants in what is today called the Kalash Valley, home to an ethnic community in Pakistan who have fair skin, are blue-eyed and believe and practice a religion which for centuries, has been classified as pagan.

Unlike more conservative Pakistan, the Kalash people drink alcohol and women have a completely different role, represented in more freedom, a greater independence and some very colorful dresses.

From an anthropological point of view, the Kalash Valleys are such a unique and fascinating place.

There is much to say about Kalash people and that’s why a very detailed article is on its way .

In this valley, we also managed to enter a forbidden village inhabited by people who are originally from Nuristan, an Afghan province which is today a Taliban-controlled area.

There are several Kalash villages, all of them spread across three different valleys, named Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir. Bumburet is the biggest village, hence the most commercialized one; whereas Birir is, perhaps, too small and there is not much going on. I suggest you go to Rumbur , which is very authentic and big enough to keep you busy for a couple of days.

How to get to Rumbur 

Whichever valley you visit, you should first go to the village of Aini (30km away). From Chitral main bus station, there are mini-vans, as well as shared taxis, going there.

In Aini, you can take one of those local pickups with 20 other locals hanging from the back of the car with their chickens and their goats. It’s quite a cool experience.

Where to stay in Rumbur

Engineer’s Guest House – Engineer (this is his actual name) is a local, kind man who speaks very good English and will try to make your stay unforgettable.

Day, 16, 17 – Back to Chitral and the journey to Gilgit through Shandur Pass

This was the best road trip I did while backpacking in Pakistan. It was really tough but awesome at the same time.

The road ascends through freaking steep cliffs by finally going over Shandur Pass, a breathtaking 3,700 meters mountain pass.

It’s a 360-kilometer challenging, mountain road.

We did it in a private Jeep and it took us more than 18 hours, leaving at 5am and arriving at 11pm. But damn, what a journey… The road is absolutely fascinating from the start until the end.

At the Shandur pass , you also find the highest polo pitch in the world. If you are backpacking in Pakistan during the summer months, you may be lucky to see a polo match.

Moreover, as you can imagine, there are plenty of valleys and trekking opportunities around this area but, for this, you will need a hell of a lot of time. We wanted to camp somewhere near Shandur Pass but, when I was there in May, it was really cold.

If you want to go by private Jeep, ask the owner of Al Farooq Hotel, as he has loads of contacts. We got a pretty good deal, finding one guy who had to go Gilgit anyways, so we paid less than 15USD each.

If you go by public transportation, the journey takes two whole days . Yes, two days! You need first to go to Mastuj, stay there for a night and take a second minibus on the next day. I seriously think that, if you can share costs, going in a private Jeep is, definitely, much better.

Day 18 to 30 – Gilgit, Fairy Meadows, Minapin, Rakaposhi basecamp, Karimabad and back to Islamabad

Extending your pakistan travel itinerary – additional places for backpacking in pakistan.

I traveled in Pakistan for two months, which allowed me to visit a couple of additional places. If you have only one month but you have a car, it’s also possible to visit some of them.

Astore Valley (5 days)

If I had to choose one place from Gilgit-Baltistan, I would choose the Astore Valley. Home to the most stunning scenery I have ever seen, the Astore Valley used to be a trading route that connected Gilgit-Baltistan with the Indian subcontinent.

Coming here takes a lot of time, so plan your trip accordingly. The heart of the Valley is 7 to 8 hours from Gilgit, assuming that you are traveling by Jeep. 

For more information, I wrote this post: Astore Valley, a historical paradise in Pakistan

Naltar Valley (3 days)

Another very pretty valley located 3 to 4 hours from Gilgit. Naltar is greener and at a lower altitude than Astore. It receives quite a lot of domestic tourists, who come for both trekking or just chilling.

In Naltar, you can’t miss the Rainbow Lake, a very peculiar lake with loads of color tonalities. If you are not camping, I recommend staying with my friend Salman at The Dream Jungle Inn, located quite inside the valley. Call him at +923445474816.

Passu (3 days)

Located in Hunza, following the Karakoram Highway after Karimabad, the Passu Range is one of the most iconic ranges in Hunza, as the mountains are so sharp and thin that they look almost impossible to climb.

Passu is a peaceful village from where to do awesome treks, as well as visiting  Passu and Batura glaciers , the latter being one of the largest glaciers in the world, outside the polar regions (56km).

Khunjerab Pass (1 day)

Located at 4,600 meters above sea level, the China-Pakistan border crossing, which goes over the Khunjerab Pass, is the highest and, consequently, one of the most beautiful borders in the world.

It has become a real tourist attraction, which means that you can actually go there, even if you are not planning to cross.

For more information, read: China-Pakistan border crossing at Khunjerab Pass .

South Pakistan (7 days)

What about the southern part of Pakistan?

Most travelers just explore the northern areas but, Sindh and Punjab provinces are where the real cultural heritage of Pakistan lies.

I was actually planning to explore these two areas thoroughly but, when I came in April, it was really, really hot so I quit and headed north.

In a week, I just managed to visit two cities: Karachi , the largest city in Pakistan, and Multan , home to some Sufi shrines.

If I ever come back to Pakistan, it will be in winter and I look forward to exploring the entire south and visiting places such as Thatta, Bahawalpur, Hyderabad, and many others.

Other resources for backpacking in Pakistan

Sign up to the  Backpacking Pakistan Facebook Group – If you want to get up-to-date traveling information from travelers who have been there recently, this group is quite useful, plus it is also a great place to meet other travelers who are backpacking in Pakistan at the same time as you.

All guides and articles for traveling in Pakistan destination

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

Travel Itineraries to other countries in Central Asia

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

You might also like our Iran travel guide.

44 comments

Hey! A very comprehensive piece of work there!

Just wanted to pitch in something. There’s a place in Sindh, Gorakhpur Hill, around 5700 in elevation, and 94 km from the city of “Dadu.” During summer its temperature remains around 20 degrees, while sometimes falls below zero during winters. Wish you’d have visited it before heading up north drying this trip of yours 🙂

But when you do plan to explore Sindh during winter, do visit it. Also, pls visit Karoonjhar Mountain, which is in “Tharparkar.” It is incredible.

All the best with your endeavours!

Hi Amna! Thank you for your suggestions! I Googled them and yes, they look gorgeous indeed! Hopefully, on my next visit 🙂 Take care

You are damn right, I have seen first post which contains detailed itinerary of Pakistan. Thanks for sharing it, this is unbelievable.

Really enjoyable reading this! We’re planning a trip towards Pakistan starting next summer so it’s nice to find impartial and useful information on the country! Are visas straightforward? We’re from the UK.

Hi Joshua, good to know that you’ll go to Pakistan. You need to apply from your home country and they may ask you for a letter of invitation, which you can get from an agency, and your flight itinerary but if you enter overland you don’t need to show it, at least in my experience.

Welcome to Pakistan in advance! 😀 Yay!

@Joshua: Here’s a link that you may find useful: http://www.vfsglobal.co.uk/pakistan/how_to_apply.html

Really enjoyable reading this! We’re planning a trip towards Pakistan starting next winter. thank you.

Great place to be visited with natural landscapes and true beauty!

Excellent piece very helpful even for local Pakistaniz, you were a bit harsh on Islamabad thou :p its more than just a city of elites you have to be local to really explore the city.

Well, I also said that it has the best restaurants in the country and Faisal Mosque! But yeah, my point is that, it differs a lot from the image the TV Show homeland portraits us 🙂 !

Hey, really enjoyed reading this article. Love your travel blog! We are planning to go to Pakistan end of September/October. We’d love to do some 1-2week hiking with a tent, would you recommend doing that around that time, especially regarding the snow situation? Do you have any Special recommodations. We are quite experienced hikers and don’t mind Long distance walks. Thank you so much!

Hi Bine, I climbed both Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat base camps during the month of May and it was fine… Rakaposhi was covered with water because the snow just melted and the Nanga Parbat was covered by snow but we could go just 150 meters before . The rest of the trail was completely lush green. I don’t know how high or far you wanna go but September should be fine… October is like the transition month so you never know!

Hi, thanks for so much useful info and advice.

I am hoping someone can help me… my husband is a UK British citizen as am I but I am a brit born citizens born to PakistanI parents who are also now British citizens. I have recently had a Pakistani I’d card made due to my parents being originally from Pakistan and I am currently applying for our 3 children’s cards too.

The problem is that my cousins son and daughter ate marrying in late December and hubby has a week off then so we thought we’d visit.

My unclé can write a letter showing he is inviting us but we are uk expata living in Saudi Arabia.

I’ve printed off a form and know there are requirements but tbh there’s no actual link to forward the info onto… there’s an email address but I’m not sure if anyone actually reads and responds to it?

Wit hour using am agent what does my hubby actually need as we’d like too know if he can get his visa or not and then book flights to fit around everything so we can travel workout add my hassle.

Any advise is welcome.

Many thanks,

Samına Robinson.

Hi Mina, I don’t fully understand your question but since you are living in Saudi, did you try to contact the Pakistani Embassy in Riyad or the Consulate in Jeddah? For these type of requests and information, is better to go to the embassy in person.

If you go by public transportation, the journey takes two whole days. Yes, two days! You need first to go to Mastuj, stay there for a night and take a second minibus on the next day. And i have also been to Pakistan also and i really like the way they treated me is quite good enough and this inspires me a lot.

Hey Joan, Your blog is an excellent and helpful resource for travel planning! I would visit Pakistan if the Canadian travel advisories did not advise against non-essential travel.. Which is a shame as Pakistan has quite stunning mountainous regions and my partner and I love to hike. I hope in the future Pakistan is a safer country for foreigners and tourism can flourish more freely and openly! -Lisa

Hi Lisa, the Government Travel advice is definitely biased and extremely exaggerated. Whereas I agree that some parts of Pakistan may have some potential dangers, the rest of the country, including the northern mountains are super safe, seriously. You should really consider it!

Really very impressive information’s about Pakistan

Hi! Thank you for that valuable detailed information! I will be in pakistan for 20 days. What would you recommend for my itinerary for that amount of time? For a solo female traveler if that changes anything:) thank you!! Em

with 20 days, I think that, from Islamabad or Lahore, you should travel directly to Gilgit Baltistan and just stick to that area!

Thanks for the informative article. I’m in the same position as the person above who commented. Did you travel with find adventure the whole time or did you do it alone? I also have slightly under 20 days. I guess I’m going to Gilgit tomorrow then.

Hi Jaffar, I did it alone

Just letting you know that FindMyAdventure is no longer accepting your promo code!

Ah, Sorry, they just clarified. The code is not applicable to the LOI cost, which is $100 USD but can be used towards the actual tour. Sorry about that!

no problem, thanks for letting me know 🙂 In any case, I am ending the promo with them this week and should update the post accordingly

Hi Joan, We are planning a trip to Pakistan with a friend in late February. Do you believe it is still worth to go to Gilgit and prepare some adventures up there ? I’m afraid we won’t be able to enjoy much the scenery.

Otherwise would you have any recommendation for beautiful sceneries in the south of Pakistan (around Karachi or a bit more north) ?

Thank you in advance !

Hello Santi, I know one girl who is in Gilgit as we speak and she is enjoying her time very much. It’s cold and you can’t go to the side valleys but Hunza is gorgeous any time of the year

So happy to read your blogs.

I like to visit take for one month itinerary. On march – April, my goals is want to see blossom peak there.

I want to ask is it safety for woman, if I go there alone? And is that’s easy for finding transportation as your itinerary?

Hi there, Regarding being a woman in Pakistan, I suggest you contact any solo female traveler who has been there. They will definitely give you the best advice but as per what I hear, it depends on where you go, but the northern mountains are mostly fine. And yes, finding transportations is very easy, and in the mountains you ca hitchhike too

Hi Joan! Thank you for your wonderful blog, have been reading it and travelling with you virtually. I have heard that Pakistan reopened borders and thinking of going there. As I understand you travelled in the northern part in spring and skipped the south because of the heat. In my case it is going to be in winter. Do you think it is possible to visit some places in the north in winter or is it all closed? Thank you!

Hi Nick, you can definitely visit pretty much any city and town along the Karakoram Highway, as long as there aren’t any landslides blocking the road and, if there are, you may just need to wait for a couple of hours for them to clear the road. The only issue is that the roads reading to the side valleys might be inaccessible.

Thank you for the reply, Joan! What do you think about using Couchsurfing in Pakistan? I used it in many countries in Asia, but Pakistani society seems to be more traditional. Is it ok to ask local girls from Couchsurfing to show around and to have a conversation or is it better to communicate with males there?

Hi Nick, CS is great in Pakistan but just be aware that Pakistanis are extremely hospitable, to the extent that on some occasions, it can be a particular overwhelming experience.

I don’t think asking local women, politely, to meet up for a coffee will hurt anyone, plus in Lahore or Islamabad, there are many open-minded women.

Thanks a lot, Joan! I appreciate your advice. Let’s see how in goes in the time of Corona

Hello Mate.

Thanks for this wonderful write up, I wish you to write something about backpacking tours in the karakoram range, particularly K2, and K2 Base Camp Trek, in my humble opinion it’s K2 that represent Pakistan outside the country and bring lot of visitors. Thanks

“Most men living here have never seen a woman’s face apart from their close female relatives”

I mean, this is kind of a ridiculous statement to make. As a Pashtun myself from the conservative Bajaur region, who has been to Swat and Peshawar many many many times before, I can tell you that men are quite a bit more used to seeing women that they are not related to than you might think. Remember, while you might not see many women unveiled on the streets of the Old City in Peshawar, women in the more upscale neighborhoods of little tourist interest often will only wear a loose sheer headscarf (like Benazir Bhutto used to wear). Further, many of these people have been to nearby Islamabad, or Karachi and Lahore where its common for women to go completely without a headscarf. Further, Swat used to be a very touristy places where rich and unveiled Pakistani women used to come visit a lot. And that’s to say nothing of the older men who remember the hippy travelers of the 60s and 70s.

Hey Joan, wonderful job

👍🙌😍 I’m going to Pakistan and want to know about the chance and convenience of renting a car without driver (NOT motorbike) and drive myself with google maps/maps.me on my phone from islamabad to Kalasha Valleys, Baltistan (Hunza Valley, Karimabad, Naltar, Khubjerab Pass, etc). Is it possible, safe to do it??? THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your time & attention 🌏🙏

Hi there, yes of course, it’s highly doable, many people do it, but of course, driving ca be crazy in Pakistan, but no more than countries in the Middle East for example

Thank you very much, Joan. I’m also concern at the frequent times needed to stop for gas in certain areas (mostly Peshawar and close to Afghanistan, Swat Valley, Naltar, etc.), all these times there would be clear for everyone around that a foreigner is travelling alone, so my concern is about security. Also about where to leave the car every day/night, or even if i sleep inside the, i’m also concerned about the car’s security or my own in certain areas. Hopefully my doubts are only product of my ignorance about travelling in Pakistan, but i wanted to open them to you. So thank you very much because your blog is really encouraging me and the blog it is simply wonderful 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Hey there Joan, thank you very much for your answer and kindness, i’m also concerned about the safety issues driving, stopping for gas frecuently in remote areas close to Afghanistan so anyone around woul notice that a foreigner is travelling alone & moving in certain areas including Swat Valley, Naltar, Chilas. The concern is also about where to park the car during the day/night for car’s safety or even myself in case i’d sleep in the car some night as well. What’s your opinion/advice regarding these matters but trying also to be driving/alone maybe not always but as much as possible? By the way, again, wonderful blog. Thank you very much for your time & attention. 🙏🏻

HI! congratulations for the article. one question: around mid – end of september is it still possible to trek to Kalam and Astore valley? also between the two destinations which one did you prefer? many thanks in advance!

Hi Sandro, yes, it’s actually a great time in September. I personally prefer Astore much more.

Hi! I am afraid of ticks. Should I protect against ticks in summer in a tour of Rakaposhi and Nanga Parbat base camp? Thank you very much your help!

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Pakistan – Travel Budget

No matter what kind of traveler you are, Pakistan will make sure to fully serve your needs (yet, with certain limitations)! Read below for detailed info on the various standard costs that you have to take into account while working on your travel budget. I have not included air ticket costs, as this will very much depend on the season that you are planning to travel to Pakistan, the airline that you will select for your flight, as well as if you are going to book your tickets well in advance or in a short-notice.

Hopefully, the recommendations I am also providing (based on my personal experience) will give you some inspiration and help you get some parts of your trip in the right direction!

Accommodation

Undoubtedly, accommodation is the most important factor while traveling. A good or a bad hotel experience can either make your day or entirely ruin your trip. With that being said, where you stay does matter!

During our trip to Pakistan, we had the chance to stay in a great variety of lodgings; hotels, guest houses, camping sites, resorts. You name it. What we came to realize is that the accommodation standards in Pakistan are not yet at the same level as in western countries. Sure, you will find several high-end resorts and luxury hotels in the country, if that’s your thing, but not in all locations. So, sometimes, you may have to compromise to something slightly more basic (meaning no warm water, no heating, experiencing electricity cuts, etc). As a visitor, it is important to acknowledge and embrace this reality. Essentially, hotels worth staying in can be too expensive, while the cheaper options may have quality issues.

Personally, we feel lucky enough for having selected LOKAL Rooms for our stay in the 3 big cities, namely Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.  “LOKAL Rooms”   is a local start-up with a fresh idea of uplifting selective mid-level budget hotels by utilizing existing rooms and fully refurbishing them onto a brand new concept. They are aiming at the best hospitality experience for their guests by carefully selecting properties at the hippiest and safest locations in each city.

All LOKAL rooms we stayed at were spacious enough and had a modern and distinctive design, with the most popular city landmarks being beautifully featured in different decor details. We were also positively surprised by the small “hidden” gifts added as a fine touch in our rooms. More specifically:

• The paper tag of the bottled water was transformed into a bookmark for our notebooks!
• An illustrated city postcard, which we could either send to our friends back home (I did) or keep as our own personal souvenir (I did, as well)!
• An “insider’s” card with a list of out-of-the-beaten-track recommendations for LOKAL explorers, just because local knowledge makes a world of difference!

To top up the experience, a LOKAL captain was serving as our local interface for any question we had or support we needed throughout our stay. And all that at such an affordable price!

Moving out of the cities , for a basic, yet decent budget accommodation expect to pay at around 4000-5000 PKR (20-25€) for a double room. If you are on an extremely low budget, you can get even lower, but in this case the rule “what you pay is what you get” fully applies. Taking into account the kindness and hospitality of the Pakistani people we have met throughout our trip, I would strongly advise budget travelers to also look out for a Couchsurfing host.

Car / Driver / Petrol

From personal experience, I would definitely recommend that you hire an experienced local driver for moving around, especially in the Northern part of Pakistan. Having your own driver/car, not only gives you full flexibility to go wherever you want, whenever you want, and stay as long as you want, but most importantly helps you save on time.

If you have read my dedicated article on  “The Ideal Route To The North”   you will see that you need an absolute minimum of 9-14 tight days for just that part of the country. The proposed itinerary, on the indicated time schedule, is only feasible if you have your own driver, and are determined to follow such a heavy itinerary. Obviously, budget travelers that will opt to use public transportation or hitchhike, will require extra time and effort to move around.

A fair daily cost for a private driver with his car is 70-80$. This amount includes driver’s accommodation and food expenses but does not include petrol. However, you can agree on a higher daily rate that will include petrol and tolls (if applicable on the route you have selected). We felt that it was better to have full control (and get a clear indication) on petrol costs by agreeing to pay separately. Eventually, for the  “Islamabad – Gilgit (via Besham) – Hunza (Khunjerab Pass not included) – Skardu – Shigar – Chilas – Chitral (via Besham) – Peshawar – Islamabad”  route we paid for petrol/tolls around 150€ on a hybrid car.

Another important element to take into consideration is whether your driver speaks (or not) good English. Even if you can survive with basic (to no) communication with him, it helps to be able to have a proper interaction. Keep in mind that he will be the person who will facilitate your registration process at the various police checkpoints, he will make suggestions on places to sleep or eat along the way, he will be your translator in your interactions with locals, etc. So, unless you get an additional English-speaking guide with you (extra cost), you should target a driver who can communicate sufficiently in English.

We were lucky enough to find the “ideal” driver, by total coincidence and I would like to highly recommend him to everyone that is reading this post! Rehman is one of those persons that might formally get introduced as your driver, but at the end of the trip will greet you goodbye as a true friend! To start with, he speaks English fluently (he has lived and worked abroad for a number of years), and has extensive knowledge about his country. We enjoyed great talks during our long car rides about life in Pakistan, and he was a great source of information. He gave us so many valuable insights about the country, the people, the culture, and its traditions. Throughout our trip, he was extremely responsible and took such good care of us. Normally a driver is just a driver. Rehman was more like our guardian angel!

It is worth mentioning that he also had a lot of acquaintances in nearly all the places we visited. He was, therefore, able to negotiate better prices for our overnight stays. In addition, whenever we needed special filming permissions, he stepped in and helped us in getting what we needed promptly and without much hustle.

If you are planning a trip to Pakistan and are looking for a driver, I strongly urge you to get in touch with Rehman. I am sharing his contact details here below, for this purpose:

Rehman Ullah Khattak

• Mobile Number: +92 340 3131310

There are certain places around Pakistan that are accessible only by jeep. Having said that, this will be an additional cost for you to consider. Here below, you will find a list of places that require such a jeep, including the respective cost (if known):

• Fairy Meadows: 8.500 PKR (45€) for a return ride. You can share the ride (and cost) with other passengers if more people are heading to the same direction on the same day/time. 5 people can comfortably fit in the jeep, but we have seen jeeps loading way more!
• Kalash Valley:  6.000-7.000 PKR (28-33€) for a one-way ride on a safari-style jeep. We managed to find an old-style jeep for 5.000 PKR (27€). Once again, you can share the ride (and cost) with other passengers, if you are lucky enough to find others heading in the same direction with you. On these specific jeeps, I think the maximum capacity is 3-4 passengers!
• Borith Lake / Passu Glacier:  3.000 PKR (16€) for a return ride. Not a very popular destination, so I am not sure if you can find other people to share the ride with.
• Hoppar Glacier / Nagar Valley: We didn’t manage to visit the site ourselves, but it is said to be a top destination close by to Karimabad/Hunza. Cost not known.

Bus Tickets

There are certain routes between big cities that you can easily and comfortably travel by public transportation. These routes are very well connected by frequent buses, including VIP services (yet, not at the same standards as we would call a VIP bus in western countries).

You can see here below the ticket cost per route, for your information. I am also indicating in brackets the bus company we have used. If we were to compare these two companies, we would definitely recommend Faisal Movers.

• Islamabad – Lahore (Faisal Movers): 1.650 PKR (8,5€)
• Lahore – Multan (Daewoo): 1.200 PKR (6,5€)
• Multan – Karachi (Daewoo): 2.850 PKR (15€)

Entrance Tickets / Touristic Sites

Some entrance tickets I can recall we paid during our trip, are the following:

• Hussaini Bridge: 100 PKR
• Attabad Boat Ride: Starting from 1.800 PKR for a 30’ ride
• Altit Fort: 1.200 PKR
• Baltit Fort: 1.200 PKR
• Kalash Valley: 600 PKR
• Derawar Fort: 400 PKR
• Noor Majal: 75 PKR (outside entrance only – the museum was closed)

Expect to pay for a meal from 200-500 PKR (1-2,5 €) in standard local restaurants, or around 1.000 PKR (5€) if you go for a more expensive one. Street food is even cheaper, so you have quite a variety of options to choose from without hurting your wallet!

Depending on the areas that you want to visit, you might need to buy separate SIM Cards. Northern Pakistan, as an example, is only served by SCOM . In the rest of the country you can use ZONG .

As a foreigner, you can only purchase your SIM card at franchise stores in the cities. However, activation is not instant but can take from few hours to a couple of… days!

Indicative cost: 1.200-1.500 PKR (6.5-8€)

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Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Pakistan

Backpacking Pakistan for the first time a few years ago is where it all started at Off the Atlas.

I admit, my mind was blown by the experience. Like so many other travelers who visit Pakistan for the first time – the feeling I had being in the mountains, driving the Karakoram Highway with the huge peaks rising to the sky in all directions – it felt like how I imagined travel 40 years ago – before the age of Instagram and Google Maps.

Travel in Pakistan is raw, wild, and one hell of an adventure. Nowadays many parts of Pakistan still offer that same feeling. At this point, I have been to Pakistan 15 times and have spent a total of 21 months in the country over the last 6 years.

The tradeoff with Pakistan being a hugely underrated and underdeveloped travel destination is that it is not always easy to travel here – but that’s part of the adventure, right?

This guide to backpacking Pakistan is the product of many years of traveling and going on expeditions here. The goal is to get you the information you need to get Off The Atlas in Pakistan as well for a life-changing travel adventure that you will never forget.

DID YOU KNOW THAT I RUN TOURS IN PAKISTAN?

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

Getting Started: Visas and Paperwork

You need to get a visa to enter Pakistan – full stop. But don’t be intimidated! The process is actually very simple now. In the past, you needed to send your passport to a Pakistani Embassy in your home country. Now, one can apply for an Evisa online via the NADRA platform.

For the majority of travelers coming from Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and many Asian countries – you will need to apply for a tourist visa.

Note: If you plan on doing any trekking or mountaineering in restricted areas like Central Karakoram National Park, then you will need to apply for a Trekking and Mountaineering Visa – which take a minimum of 4 weeks to get. It is not something I suggest you do in-country, but rather before coming to Pakistan.

Getting a Letter of Invitation (LOI)

Before you apply for the visa though, you will need to obtain a Letter of Invitation from an authorized travel company in Pakistan. Now there are a lot of tour operators who might try to sell you an LOI. I have even heard of some scammers selling fake LOI

Let’s keep it simple.

Go with a company/person very well known in the backpacking community: Haris Ali Shah of Adventure Planners. Haris is one of the few Pakistani tour operators who can provide an LOI without needing to book a tour with him (though he offers motorbike rentals and affordable tours as well). He can provide an LOI quickly with no hassle. No need to shop around for any other operator – Haris is the man! He also runs the best backpackers hostel in Islamabad, Islamabad Backpackers .

The price for a Letter of Invitation (LOI) is around $75 USD.

Tell Haris Chris from Off the Atlas sent you and you can have a small discount.

Haris’ Whatsapp number: +92 301 858 5054

Other Documents Needed for Pakistan Tourist Visa

In addition to the LOI, you will also need the following things to ensure your application goes smoothly:

Best Time of Year to Visit Pakistan

Since the real draw for adventure travelers are the mountains in the North – you’ll need to plan your visit according to what you want to do.

Spring Time is Blossom Season (March – May) : Arguably the best time to visit. The landscapes explode with spring color as the apricot and cherry blossoms come into bloom The weather is still cool but there are many days with sun. Spring is still a little too early for any serious trekking in the high mountains. Any trekking above 4000 meters will be limited until at least the middle of May.

Summer Time is Trekking Season (June – August) : If trekking and mountaineering is what you are looking for, the best time to come is June and August. This is when all major climbing expeditions are here and when the high mountain passes are in a condition to cross. In high mountain meadows, wildflowers explode across the landscape. Note that in Punjab and Sindh, monsoon rains can wreak havoc with floods.

Fall Time is Autumn Foliage Season (October and November): Similar to parts of New England, USA – Northern Pakistan erupts in stunning fall foliage, starting usually in October. Golden, orange, and red hues dot the hillsides as the weather starts to edge told winter cold again. For photographers, fall time is right up there with the cheery blossom season in terms of beauty.

Winter Time is the Slow Season (November – February): Due to cold, snowfall, and the roads being overwhelmed by winter conditions – wintertime in the North is SLOOOW. Unless you are a photographer keen on capturing some of the frozen lakes and snow-dusted hills, I would avoid traveling to northern Pakistan in Winter. Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan are great winter options though as the oppressive heat that dominates there most of the year is temporarily at bay.

Best Itineraries For Backpacking Pakistan

One thing should be very clear to you before you start planning your Pakistan trip. The distances in Pakistan are massive and the roads are generally pretty shit. If you only have a few weeks, try not to make your Pakistan travel itinerary unattainable by trying to cram too many destinations into your plan.

As mentioned, I have traveled to Pakistan 10 times and even now, I only choose a few new places to visit if I only have a few weeks. Public transportation is available but it can take a long time to get from A to B.

Below are a few “classic” as well as off-beat travel itineraries for backpacking Pakistan.

Pakistan 2 Weeks Travel Itinirary

When you factor in “Pakistani time” and the vast travel distances, two weeks gives you just enough time to glean a solid understanding of Pakistan. If your budget allows – I recommend taking at least one internal flight ($90, PIA Airlines) to the north to save time.

I do recommend coming by road at least one way so you get to experience backwater Pakistan and the sights along the Karakoram Highway through the lush valleys of KPK.

I am intentionally not putting specific amounts of time you should spend in each place because we are all different and most likely you will find a place where you want to spend more time in. Give yourself a minimum of 12 days to physically be in Gilgit Baltistan though so that you have some flexibility and won’t feel rushed

• Islamabad – Naran / Chilas – Travel through the stunning Kagan Valley and Cross Babasaur Top.
• Chilas – Aliabad – Entering Gilgit Baltistan, this is your first exposure to the big mountains.
• Aliabad – Hunza – Treks, Homestay opportunities, local wine – all of these things are possibilities.
• Patundas Trek in Hunza : Easily the best 3-day hike in Northern Pakistan.
• Passu Area: Take a day or two to explore around Passu village.
• Hunza – Chapursan Valley : Step back in time and discover the untouched Chapursan Valley
• Flight Back to Islamabad from Gilgit : Save a day to explore Islamabad by taking a flight back.

Pakistan 1 Month (or 2!) Travel Itinerary

Now we’re talking! In a few months, you can really cover some ground and truly get a feel for what life is like in Pakistan. There are many ways to go about this backpacking Pakistan itinerary – but I do suggest hitting most of the 2-week itinerary mentioned above first as most of those places are not to be missed.

Some modifications include spending a week between Lahore and Islamabad/Rawalpindi before you head north. Lahore is a fascinating city worth spending some time in before you blitz off to the mountains.

Here are some of the must-see places during your 1 month Pakistan itinerary.

• Lahore : Great food, ancient mosques, bustling markets. It’s all here. Spend at least 4 days here.
• Rhotas Fort: Interesting for history buffs, a bit of a side journey if you don’t care.
• Rawalpindi: Pindi is where the action is if you are staying close to Islamabad.
• Peshawar: Pakistan’s oldest city, close to the Afghan border.
• Chitral: Most first-time visitors to Pakistan don’t come here, but that is a mistake!
• KalashValley: One of the most unique valleys in Pakistan from a cultural perspective.
• Swat and Kalam Valley: An off-beat paradise for hikers in the summertime.
• Yasin Valley: One of the more picturesque, off-beat valleys of the north
• Karimabad-Altit: Cool forts and homestay opportunities
• Hunza – Shimshal – Chapursan: See my 2-week itinerary above!
• Fairy Meadows : Touristy, but the Nanga Parbat BC trek makes it worth it.

How to Travel in Pakistan

As mentioned, the distances and poor road system in Pakistan mean getting from A to B can be a challenge if you are traveling independently. Depending on your budget and time frame, there are a few different options.

When planning your Pakistan itinerary you should do so in a logical way that allows you to hit the interesting places in one region so you don’t end up crisscrossing vast areas multiple times. Having an understanding of the geography of Pakistan and especially the north is crucial to having an awesome trip.

Modes of Transport in Pakistan

Buses are by far the cheapest option for budget backpackers. They are also slow and often require taking multiple connections to reach a place. It is definitely an experience taking a public bus all the way north.

I far prefer taking shared taxis versus the bus. They are a good way to do 5 – 15 hour journeys cheap. For example, getting from Gilgit to Islamabad by shared taxi may only cost $20 USD and will get you there twice as fast as the bus. You can pay more for the front seat as well.

On two occasions I have rented a car and driven myself around. This actually is not that easy though as self-driving rentals are not very common in Pakistan. The major downside is that I am yet to find a car rental place that will give you insurance with your car. It is cheaper to hire a car by the day with a driver than it is to drive yourself (which seems crazy!). For having true independence though, this is the best option.

Driving the Karakoram Highway by motorcycle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are Gilgit, you can rent a bike (or opt for a motorcycle tour) with my friends at Karakoram Bikers. If you have experience driving a bike you will find big stretches in Hunza and other parts of the north where the roads are in great shape. In other places though, you really need to be careful. Always wear a helmet!!

If you have extra cash in your budget, I recommend flying some of the time. Going overland is great and all but taking the plane saves a TON of time. Plus the views are epic from the air of the big mountains. Note that on many occasions I have had many flights canceled by PIA (which I refer to as “Pain in the Ass” airlines) – the national carrier of Pakistan. Be prepared for canceled flights if the weather is not good and count your blessings if the flight runs!

Money in Pakistan

Pakistan is a cash-based economy. Foreign cards don’t really work here and there is not a culture of paying for things with your debit card. Occasionally you can find ATM machines that work with foreign cards, but not outside of big cities (unless you get very lucky). I have found the ATM at Islamabad airport to work – but it will only issue 20,000 rupees at a time ($115 USD) – which means you have to make five transactions if you want to pull out a decent amount of money.

Bringing cash in is always the best way to go. The best currencies to bring are British Pounds, Euros, and USA $100 bills. The money should be in good shape and not have marks or tears on it. Money exchangers can easily be found in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, etc.

Exchange your money in the cities before departing for the mountains.

Budget for Backpacking Pakistan

Traveling in Pakistan can kind of be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. My travel style at this point in my life is something of a mid-range budget.

Whilst I started off taking public transit, eating cheap samosas 2 times a day, and staying in cheap hotels, I now prefer to enjoy a bit more in the way of comfort and convenience.

Keep in mind that the estimates below are not for traveling totally barebones. Accommodation estimates are midrange, but not luxury.

Note : if you plan on doing some multiday trekking while you are here, bring a minimum of $1000-1500 in cash so that you can hire a guide, porter, food, payout tips, and still have money left over to travel in Pakistan for a few weeks afterward.

Midrange Pakistan Travel Budget

Hotel in Islamabad: 4000-7000 rs ($24-41) Hostel Room in Islamabad: 2500 rs ($15) Hotel in Skardu : 3000 – 7500 rs ($20-45) Uber Ride in Lahore: (15 mins) 300 rs ($2) Shared Taxi from Gilgit to Islamabad: 2500 rs ($15) Private Car from Islamabad to Gilgit: 17000 rs ($100) Meal at a simple restaurant: 300-1000 rs ($2-6) Meal at a western-style restaurant in a city: 1000-2500 rs ($6-15) Cup of Chai: 100 rs (70 cents) But most locals won’t let you pay for it! Entrance to a National Park: 800-1200 rs ($4.50-7) 3-4 Day Trek with Guide and Porters: 50,000 – 85000 rs ($300-500)

Travel Insurance for Pakistan

Many people ask me: “is it possible to get insured for traveling in Pakistan?” “Like, do western insurance companies think Pakistan is too dangerous to offer insurance to this wild destination?” The answer is no!

I never go to Pakistan (or any country for that matter) without at least some basic insurance.

My three go-to insurance companies that I have personally used are:

Global Rescue: A few months ago I bought a year-long policy with Global Rescue because they are the best in the business when it comes to emergency rescue in the most remote places on earth. Since I am on an expedition a few times a year, these guys provide all the real coverage I need without any BS or hidden limitations. If you want truly solid coverage – the folks at Global Rescue will sort you out.

World Nomads: They offer good medical coverage and heli-rescue and have advanced plans if you plan on hiking at higher altitudes. I once had a sleeping bag fall off a van here and they replaced it once I filed my claim back home

Safety Wing : Saftey Wing is basic travel insurance that covers most of your needs but does not cover any personal property loss. They are one of the cheaper options and I use a re-occurring plan every month so I always have at least some coverage. They also off digital nomad-specific insurance if you need something more long-term.

Traveling as a Couple in Pakistan

There is a rumor that un-married foreign couples can’t share hotel rooms in Pakistan. This is not true! Even if an uptight hotel manager asks if you are married a simple “yes” will suffice. In all my years traveling in Pakistan though, I have never been asked or denied a room when traveling with my girlfriend.

Keep in mind that Pakistan is a conservative Muslim country though and basic rules of social behavior should be followed to avoid unnecessary attention and stares. Don’t show public displaces of affection; IE don’t make out with your partner in public.

Traveling as a Pakistani – foreigner couple can be more tricky though, especially if the woman in the couple is Pakistani. In this case, you will likely need to provide proof that you are married to share hotel rooms.

Unfortunately, Pakistani women can be judged unfairly all over Pakistan if they date (or marry) foreign/non-Muslim men, and in some cases in can even be very dangerous for them.

Foreign lads take note: be very careful and sensitive to local stigmas and conservative attitudes if you start dating and traveling with a Pakistani woman. There is no obvious “hook up” culture in Pakistan – and the hookups that do happen are VERY underground. Just be careful.

Is Pakistan Safe?

Despite its reputation for being a country housing millions of terrorists and constantly on the verge of nuclear war with India Pakistan is one of the safest countries I have ever visited – full stop. No country is perfect of course.

That said, there are some annoyances of traveling here and practical safety measures one must take. Getting into Gilgit Baltistan overland often involves many police checkpoints for foreigners. At one point I think I had to go through 15 of them! This causes travel delays but should not be taken as the areas you are passing through are inherently dangerous. The police often want to have tea and hear about your travels – mostly because I think they are bored shitless.

Bombings happen every year in various Pakistani cities – mostly targeting local government/police/religious minorities. That said, you are more likely to die in an American mass shooting event than you are to be unlucky enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when a bomb goes off.

There are some parts of Pakistan foreigns should avoid and/or can’t travel to. These areas include:

• Places near the Afghan border or Waziristan
• Parts of Balochistan though this is an ever-changing situation
• Azad-Kashmir – most places are off-limits for foreigners here
• Cholistan Desert
• Tharparkar Desert

Traveling as a Woman in Pakistan

My experiences traveling as a solo man are certainly not the same experience a woman would have. I’ll be honest about that. Pakistan is not an easy place to be a woman and the same is true for foreign lady travelers. Like in any country, there are the occasional creeps in Pakistan who see a foreign (or local) woman and stare a bit too hard and have been known to also make inappropriate sexual insinuations or even marriage proposals!

Generally, Pakistani people are kind, welcoming, and genuine. Use your common sense (man or woman) and try to avoid situations that might put you in harm’s way – IE wandering around in a rough part of town alone / late at night.

Pakistani (and foreign) men reading this – please treat women with respect – they are not objects to be steamrolled with your eyes.

Joining a Tour in Pakistan

Independent travel in Pakistan, while rewarding can be hard. Traveling solo in Pakistan is not for everyone and can be a true challenge for those who can’t endure the logistical challenges, poor roads, and vast distances without a bit of support. For some long-distance treks you MUST go with a tour operator do to permits and logistics.

Maybe you just don’t feel like backpacking Pakistan alone. Or you are short on time? Want to join a group of like-minded travelers? Well, you are in luck!

Join me on one of the unique adventure tours I lead in Pakistan every year! Check out my company Epic Backpacker Tours for upcoming itineraries and dates !

Thank you for writing such a great informative article for today’s modern readers. Two thumbs up for great content and interesting views.

Cheers. Glad you enjoyed the blog!

Wow, this ultimate backpacking Pakistan travel guide is impressive! I’ve been wanting to explore Pakistan’s beautiful landscapes and cultures for a while now, and this guide has provided me with all the necessary information. The details on visa requirements, transportation, and accommodation are extremely helpful. Thank you for sharing this valuable resource with fellow travelers!

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Plane tickets to foreign destinations to get more expensive in Pakistan

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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has imposed new taxes on foreign travel with travellers to pay additional excise duty on purchasing tickets, ARY News reported on Friday.

According to the Finance Bill 2024-25 passed by the National Assembly (NA) today, an excise duty of Rs12,500 will be imposed on economy and economy plus class tickets, while business and club class tickets will be taxed at a higher rate.

For travel to the United States and Canada, the foreign travellers with business and club class tickets will pay excise duty of Rs350,000, while for Europe, the excise duty on business and club class tickets will increase by Rs60,000 to Rs210,000 rupees.

Similarly, for travel to New Zealand and Australia, business and club class tickets will be taxed at Rs210,000, while for China, Malaysia, and Indonesia, the tax will be the same.

The Pakistan government has also increased excise duty from Rs30,000 to Rs105,000 on business and club class tickets to the Middle East and Africa, including Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and other countries.

The taxes will be applicable to all international travel from July 1, and travelers will have to pay the tax at the time of booking their tickets.

READ: In a first, FED imposed on sale of properties

Earlier in the day, the  National Assembly (NA) approved the Federal Budget  for the fiscal year 2024-25 with a total outlay of Rs18,870 billion.

Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb moved the motion for consideration of the Finance Bill, 2024 to give effect to the financial proposals of the federal government for the year, commencing on July 1, 2024.

The motion was passed with majority vote which led to the passage of Finance Bill-2024 after clause-by-clause reading and adopting amendments after due process of voting. All the amendments, presented by the opposition members, were rejected.

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Backpacker's Guide to Traveling in Pakistan on a Budget

Posted by Huzaifa Anwar · July 19, 2024

Pakistan, a land of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality, is an ideal destination for budget-conscious backpackers. From the bustling streets of Karachi to the serene mountains of the north, Pakistan offers a unique travel experience without breaking the bank. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you explore this beautiful country on a budget.

1. Planning Your Trip

Research and Itinerary Before embarking on your journey, invest time in researching destinations and creating a flexible itinerary. Highlight key attractions, local experiences, and budget-friendly accommodations.

Travel Off-Peak Traveling during the off-peak season can significantly reduce costs. Avoid the summer months (June–August) when prices tend to spike and opt for spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November).

2. Getting There

Affordable Flights Look for budget airlines and use fare comparison websites to find the best deals. Booking flights well in advance can save you a considerable amount of money.

Visa and Travel Insurance Ensure you have the necessary visa and consider purchasing travel insurance. Some companies offer affordable plans tailored for backpackers.

3. Getting Around

Public Transport Pakistan has a reliable network of buses and trains. Option for local buses and trains for long-distance travel. Daewoo Express and Pakistan Railways are popular choices for intercity travel.

Ride-Sharing In cities, ride-sharing apps like Careem and Uber are cost-effective alternatives to taxis. For a more authentic experience, try the local rickshaws.

Hitchhiking Hitchhiking is common in rural areas and northern regions. While it’s a great way to save money and meet locals, always prioritize safety and trust your instincts.

4. Accommodation

Budget Hotels and Hostels Pakistan offers a range of budget accommodations, from guesthouses to hostels. In major cities, you can find dormitories and budget hotels at reasonable rates.

Couchsurfing Connect with locals through Couchsurfing. This not only provides free accommodation but also offers a chance to experience Pakistani hospitality firsthand.

Camping For the adventurous, camping is a great option. Many areas, especially in the north, have designated camping sites. Ensure you have the necessary gear, such as tents and sleeping bags, which you can find on  https://www.dominance.pk/collections/camping-gear

5. Food and Dining

Street Food Pakistan’s street food is not only delicious but also incredibly affordable. Try local favorites like samosas, chaat, and biryani from street vendors.

Local Restaurants Dine at local dhabas (roadside eateries) for authentic and budget-friendly meals. These eateries offer a variety of Pakistani dishes at a fraction of the cost of upscale restaurants.

Self-Catering Visit local markets and grocery stores to buy fresh produce and snacks. Preparing your meals can significantly cut down on food expenses.

6. Exploring Attractions

Free and Low-Cost Activities Many of Pakistan’s natural attractions, like hiking trails, lakes, and parks, are free to visit. Historical sites and museums usually have nominal entry fees.

Group Tours Joining group tours can be a cost-effective way to explore popular destinations. Look for local tour operators who offer budget-friendly packages.

Cultural Experiences Attend local festivals and events. These cultural experiences are often free and provide insight into Pakistani traditions and customs.

7. Safety and Health

Stay Informed Keep up-to-date with travel advisories and local news. Register with your embassy and have a list of emergency contacts.

Health Precautions Stay hydrated, use insect repellent, and practice good hygiene. Carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.

8. Money-Saving Tips

Negotiate Prices Bargaining is common in Pakistan, especially in markets and with rickshaw drivers. Don’t hesitate to negotiate for better prices.

Use Local SIM Cards Purchase a local SIM card for affordable data and calls. Jazz, Telenor, and Zong offer good coverage and competitive rates.

Avoid Unnecessary Fees Use ATMs that don’t charge withdrawal fees and avoid currency exchange offices with high commission rates.

Traveling in Pakistan on a budget is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. With careful planning, smart choices, and a spirit of adventure, you can experience the beauty and diversity of this incredible country without spending a fortune. So pack your bags, gear up from https://www.dominance.pk/collections/all , and embark on a memorable journey through Pakistan!

For more travel tips and gear recommendations, visit dominance.pk and follow our blog for the latest updates. Happy travels!

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Budget Tours & Trips to Pakistan

• Choose from 21 Pakistan tours
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10 best cheap Pakistan tour packages

Compiled by

Melissa Pakistan travel expert at TourRadar

Hunza Shangri-La Tour

Fairy meadows tour, explore hunza valley, explore hunza pakistan, 03 days taxila ghandhara civilization tour pakistan, islamabad guided day tour, backpackers guided tour to pakistan, pakistan karakoram highway group overland tour, 22 days, 4 days easy & moderate treks with walks to diran bc & fairy meadows, karakorum highlights.

“The service and response of this travel agency to be excellent. Easily 5-stars. The amount charged for my trip seemed like very good value.” DavithThomas, traveled in October 2018

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year
• Visit Khunjerab Pass, the highest paved road
• Discover ancient sites at Taxila museum
• Cross the Hussaini suspension bridge

“The journey to Fairy Meadows, though challenging, was expertly managed by their skilled driver, ensuring a smooth and safe ride.” Freddy, traveled in May 2024

• Trek to Fairy Meadows with stunning views
• Capture scenic views from Babusar Pass
• Enjoy dinner under the stars at Fairy Meadows

“The breathtaking landscape of towering mountains, vibrant autumn colors, and crystal-clear rivers made every moment enchanting.” Murtaza Mir, traveled in November 2023

• Shop at the vibrant NLI Market in Gilgit
• Drive the scenic Karakoram Highway
• Cross the iconic Hussaini Suspension Bridge

• Fly over Nanga Parbat en route to Gilgit
• Witness sunset over Hunza from Duiker village
• Explore the ancient Silk Road remains

• Enjoy boating at Khanpur Lake with lunch
• Drive to Taxila, explore ancient Gandhara
• Relax with dinner in Islamabad before departure

“If you ever travel to Pakistan, which you should, please use Exploria. The best of the best!” Doug Foxley, traveled in December 2022

• Shop and dine at The Centaurus Mall
• Discover cultural treasures at Lok Virsa Museum
• Enjoy dinner with a view at Monal Restaurant

• Witness wildlife in Khunjerab National Park
• Hike to the Batura glacier viewpoint
• Boat and jetski on the serene Attabad Lake

• Overland Truck
• Explore Lahore's historical sites and museums
• Jeep ride to Fairy Meadows with Nanga Parbat view
• Trek to Dudipat Lake in Lulusar-Dudipatsar

• Walking Adventure
• Cross the thrilling suspension bridges in Passu
• Explore Islamabad and Rawalpindi's vibrant streets
• View Nanga Parbat from the Indus Gorge

• Mountain Hikes
• Explore the modern capital of Islamabad
• Visit the bustling Naran Bazaar
• Trek to the legendary Fairy Meadows

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