The Magnificent Himalayas & Karakoram Ranges
The Fascinating Cultures and Colors of the Land
The Surreal and Enchanting Glory of Nature
The Contrast of Spellbinding Grandeur and Sheer Simplicity
The Most Spritutal and Ancient Places
Tourism in Pakistan
The Land Of Adventure And Nature
Mr. Wasi Shah Minister Of State - PTDC
MR. AFTAB UR REHMAN RANA Managing Director - PTDC
Strategy to Help Mitigate the Socioeconomic Impact of COVID-19 on Pakistan's Tourism Industry
Standard Operating Procedues (SOPs) and Guidelines for tourism industry in Pakisan
News and Happenings
The Ministry of Tourism has begun work on launching a "Tourism App" aimed at providing convenience and information to the public. Through this app, tourists will be able to access all the information they desire about various destinations. Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Wasi Shah, announced this initiative, showing the government's commitment to enhancing the tourism experience for visitors. As the Minister for Tourism in Pakistan, I am taking practical steps to promote tourism and turn Pakistan into a paradise for tourists. The fruits of these efforts will soon reach the tourists, and we are committed to making Pakistan a top tourist destination. Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Wasi Shah. (October 04, 2023)
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) along with with its collaborators organized a one day Culture Caravan to Taxila in connection with World Tourism Day, 2023. The participants of Culture Caravan was also given a tour of the archaeological sites there, the 2200- year old University Taxila, UNESCO World Heritage site Jaulian and Gandhara Art and Craft Village Taxila. The Culture Caravan to Taxila was led by State Minister for Tourism Mr. Wasi Shah while Minister for Education and Tourism Baluchistan Dr. Qadar Bakhsh Baloch, Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Ambassadors and Diplomats from different countries, media persons, stakeholders of tourism industry, students and various scholars. The event was organized to explore the rich history of the region and engage with experts to provide insight into the significance of Gandhara Heritage. (September 27, 2023)
Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Wasi Shah, commended the noble efforts of the Austrian mountaineer Wilhem Stendl, who raised $170,000 for the children of Pakistani porter Muhammad Hasan, who tragically lost his life during the K2 expedition. Minister Wasi Shah expressed his admiration for Wilhelm Stendl's unwavering commitment and stated, "What truly astonished and touched me was that Mr. Wilhelm Stendl, despite not being Pakistani, felt a selfless connection to Muhammad Hasan and his family. He took concrete steps to help them during a time when many others act solely in their own interests. People like Mr. Wilhelm reaffirm my faith in humanity." (September 20, 2023)
Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Wasi Shah, has stated that the government is taking all possible measures to promote tourism, create employment opportunities for the youth, and achieve significant economic gains through increased tourism activities. The government is also focusing on providing quality education in the field of hospitality and tourism management to students, with the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM) playing a significant role in this endeavor. Minister Wasi Shah expressed these views during his media interaction at the Kothm Head Office in New Garden Town, Lahore, on Monday. He emphasized the government's commitment to boosting tourism and highlighted the positive role that COTHM is playing in providing education and training in the hospitality sector. (September 18, 2023)
Dubai: The Minister of State for Tourism and Chairman of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Mr. Wasi Shah, visited the exhibition titled 'The North' held in Dubai by ICD Brook Field Palace. The curator of 'The North,' Imad Mian, briefed the Minister Wasi Shah about the event. Minister Wasi Shah appreciated this unique initiative and highly praised the work of artists. He emphasized that this project holds cultural, economic, and global significance for Pakistan. Showcasing Pakistan through photography is a beautiful endeavor. Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Tirmizi, was also present alongside Minister Wasi Shah during the occasion. (September 14, 2023)
Minister of State for Tourism/Chairman Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Mr. Wasi Shah Tuesday said that Pakistan and China Year of Tourism celebrations 2023 would pave the way to further enhance the journey to promote the country’s tourism industry. Addressing a ceremony of Pakistan and China Year of Tourism-2023 organized by Pakistan-China Friendship Association - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter in collaboration with Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), the minister said that the friendship of Pakistan with the brotherly nation of China was stronger than mountains, deeper than oceans and sweeter than honey, whereas Pakistan welcomed its Chinese friends to invest with open arms in the country. (September 06, 2023)
Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Wasi Shah met with the family of the deceased porter in Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, who had tragically lost his life while working. During the meeting, in addition to Hasan's family, officials from the Skardu administration and Assistant Commissioner Shigar, Hamza, were also present. The Minister expressed deep sorrow over Hasan's death and assured that his sacrifice would not be in vain. He pledged the government's full support to Hasan's family, including providing a job for his widow, covering all educational expenses for their three children, and covering all medical expenses for their elderly mother. (September 05, 2023)
Minister for Tourism and PTDC Chairman, Wasi Shah, met with the delegation from the Woking Borough Council, who came from the United Kingdom under the leadership of Mayor Muhammad Elias. Minister for Tourism, Wasi Shah, stated that there are ample opportunities for foreign investment in the tourism industry in the northern regions of Pakistan. By providing modern facilities in these areas, foreign tourists can be attracted. He also mentioned that a theme park for children will soon be established in Skardu. (September 02, 2023)
Minister of State for Tourism/Chairman PTDC, Wasi Shah, presided over a meeting held at the PTDC Head Office today, addressing proposals for the training and welfare of porters in the mountaineering community. The meeting was attended by Managing Director of PTDC, Aftab ur Rahman Rana, Manager (P&P)-PTDC, Sadia Nauman, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Abu Zafar, Deputy Director of the Gilgit Baltistan Tourism Department, Sajid Husssain, accomplished Mountaineer and Alpine Club Member of the Investigation Committee, Rehmatullah, and distinguished Adventure/Tour Operator Qarar Haidri. (August 30, 2023)
Chief Secretary Gilgit-Baltistan, Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani called on the Minister of State for Tourism, Wasi Shah, to engage in an extensive discourse on the captivating allure of Gilgit-Baltistan and the strategic measures essential for the augmentation of tourism within the region. The Chief Secretary Gilgit Baltistan presented a comprehensive overview of Gilgit-Baltistan's tourism landscape to Minister of State for Tourism Wasi Shah. Managing Director PTDC, Aftab ur Rahman Rana was also present on the occasion. (August 23, 2023)
Renowned poet, media person, columnist and recently appointed Minister for State on Tourism and Chairman of PTDC Board of Directors, Mr. Wasi Shah, paid a visit to the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Head Office where he assumed the charge of Chairman PTDC. On his arrival he was welcomed by the Managing Director of PTDC, Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana. Later MD PTDC gave him a comprehensive briefing on the functions, operations, and role of PTDC as a national tourism organisation. (August 22, 2023)
For booking of Government Rest Houses in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while travelling to KP, please visit https://booking.kptourism.com/
Pakistan Showcasing its Rich Tourism Potential in World Leading Travel Show - Arabian Travel Mart 2023 Islamabad (1 May 2023): A 25-members’ delegation of Pakistan under the leadership of Mr. Awan Chaudhry, Advisor To Prime Minister on Tourism and Sports is participating in ATM Dubai 2023 from 1st to 4th May to showcase the rich tourism potential of the country. Mr. Awn Chaudhry, Advisor to Prime Minister on Tourism and Sports and Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan in UAE jointly inaugurated Pakistan’s Pavilion at ATM 2023, Dubai. (May 01, 2023)
PTDC is excited to share with you the news that Pakistan has won the award of Best New Exhibitor at the Travel and Adventure Show 2023. This leading trave and tourism expo was recently held at New York,USA from 28 to 29 January. Mr. John, the CEO of Travel and Adventure Show presented the award to Mr. Aftab Rehman Rana, MD of PTDC. In his comments on this occasion, Mr. Rana mentioned that Pakistan's participation in Travel and Trade Show at New York has been highly impactful in terms of response from the public and engagement of all the team members throughout two days of the show. The management of the show highly appreciated it a lot and has awarded Pakistan as the Best New Exhibitor of this year. Mr. Awn Chadhury, Chairman of PTDC and Advisor to PM in Tourism congratulated all the members of Pakistan's delegation including the provincial tourism departments and private sector tour operators for their dedication and commitment. He also highly appreciated the support of team of PTDC, TDAP and Pakistan Consulate General at New York to make all this happen. (January 29, 2023)
Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director PTDC held a meeting with Mr. Zhang Heqing, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of The People’s Republic of China in Islamabad to discuss the promotion of bilateral tourism between Pakistan and China. Discussion was held on improving facilitation for the tourists on both sides to enhance people to people contact. Mr. Heqing informed that year 2023 will be celebrated as the year of China-Pakistan Year of Tourism Exchange. In this regard a Gandhara Art Exhibition is already planned at Palace Museum in Beijing to showcase Pakistan’s rich potential of diverse culture and long history. Mr. Rana said, that two brotherly counties need to further enhance cooperation in tourism sector to increase the flow of tourists from both sides which will be greatly helpful in improving the people to people contact between to two counters. He especially emphasized on the need to promote group tours through the registered and licensed tourism operators of both the countries to provide convenient way to enjoy touristic sites through guided tours. He also highlighted the need of Chinese language tour guides in Pakistan for which help is required from Chinese side to arrange special training courses. He also recommended about the opening of Khunjrab Pass for tourist traffic as it provide easy access to the visitors of both the sides. He also shared various other recommendations with the Cultural Counsellor of China in this regard. It was also agreed that a working committee having representatives of both the sides will be formed to make the collaboration in tourism promotion more meaningful and fruitful. (November 24, 2022)
PAKISTAN READY TO SHOCASE ITS RICH TOURISM POTENTIAL AT WORKDL TRAVEL MARK LONDON FROM 7 TO 9 NOVEMBER 2022 03-11-2002 Islamabad: Pakistan is in the final stages of preparation to showcase its rich tourism potential at World Travel Market (WTM) which is scheduled to be held from 7th – 9th November 2022 at Excel London. Managing Director PTDC, Aftab ur Rehman Rana informed that PTDC after the interval of almost 14 years is going to setup an impressive Pakistan Pavilion in WTM London in collaboration with provincial tourism departments and private sector companies. He said, Promotion of Pakistan as a top tourist destination is the prime focus of government of Pakistan. Pakistan is blessed with breath-taking natural beauty, rich culture and heritage and great diversity of landscape offering an un-matched tourism potential. Government of Pakistan aims to enhance the influx of foreign tourists to explore the rich touristic potential of this country and contribute in in the socio-economic development of its people through tourism. He said, World Travel Market (WTM) London is one of the largest international tourism exhibitions which will provides a unique platform to Pakistan to interact with global tourism organizations, top tourism experts and professionals, exhibitors and visitors from a variety of sectors including tourism, hospitality, aviation, transport, travel technology, resort management companies and various other sub-sectors of tourism industry. It is an event of global significance where more than 180 countries come together and showcase their tourism potential under one roof. Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has put together a high level delegation of 39 members led by Mr. Awn Chaudhry, Advisor to Prime Minister on Tourism & Sports and Chairman PTDC. Delegation also includes Mr. Abdul Khaliq, Tourism Minister - Balochistan, Raja Nasir Ali, Tourism Minister – Gilgit Baltistan, Mr. Faheem Akhtar, Minister for Tourism, Law & Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), CEOs and MDs of eight private tour operation and hotel management companies and senior officials from PTDC, AJK, GB, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab tourism departments. It is hoped that participation in World Travel Mark London will provide a great opportunity to Pakistan to showcase its rich tourism potential at this global platform and help in develop G2G, B2B and G2B linkages with the leading players of tourism industry. (November 03, 2022)
Rohtas Paintings and Heritage Crafts Exhibition Marks Intl Tourism Day on Sept 27 Celebrating World Tourism Day 2022, an exhibition of paintings and Heritage Crafts from Rohtas Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site at PNCA Islamabad was inaugurated today at PNCA. Ms. Fareena Mazhar, Federal Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division, Mr. Youssef Filali Meknassi, Director of UNESCO Pakistan and Ms. Emanuela Benini, Director of Italian Agency for Development Cooperation jointly inaugurated the exhibition. Art works showcasing collection by as many as 13 talented artists from across the country are on exhibit experimented with oil, acrylic and watercolor mediums to promote sustainable and responsible tourism at the World Heritage Site of Rohtas Fort. The event is was organized by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STFP) in collaboration UNESCO Islamabad and Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), PNCA and Serena Hotels.
Experts discuss challenges, opportunities in Tourism Sector Experts including policy makers, federal and provincial government representatives and heads of various tourism related companies here Monday discussed the challenges as well as opportunities in the tourism sector during the five sessions of National Tourism Conference here Monday. The conference was organized by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) on the theme “Rethinking Tourism” to celebrate World Tourism Day at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). (26th September 2022)
PTDC organized Three-day photography, art exhibition on International Tourism Day. As many as 322 photographs and around 100 paintings were submitted by established and amateur photographers and painters from across the country in the Photography and Painting competition that was displayed at Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) on September 26, 2022. The competition was organized by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to celebrate International Tourism Day 2022. The themes for the competitions included Tourist Attractions of Pakistan, Landscapes, Culture and Life, Adventure Sports and Flora & Fauna. While the painting competition was in two age categories including youth and kid competitions.
Pakistan’s Tourism Potential Highlighted in Myanmar . Pakistan Embassy in Yangon, Myanmar in collaboration with Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) organized a one-day seminar on Tourism Potential of Pakistan at Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel. (27th July 2022)
The 97th meeting of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Board of Directors was held in the head office of PTDC on May 30th. Mr. Awn Chaudhry, Special Advisor to Prime Minister/Minister of Tourism and Sports attended this meeting as special invitee. Managing Director, Aftab Rana, welcomed Mr. Awn Chaudhry and the member of board of directors of PTDC. MD PTDC informed the board members that Pakistan has made a significant improvement on the International Travel and Tourism Development Index by moving up six places as per the latest report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF). (May 31, 2022)
PTDC and World Bank jointly organized workshop on National Tourism Competitive Index for Pakistan Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and The World Bank (WB) jointly organized a workshop in Islamabad on National Tourism Competitiveness Index (NTCI) for Pakistan. The workshop was attended by relevant federal and provincial stakeholders, private sector, industry experts and the academia. Tourism remains a priority sector for the government and is identified as one of the key drivers of economic growth. (May 23, 2022)
Advisor to PM Aoun Chaudhry visits PTDC after taking charge as Minister of Tourism and Sports. Mr. Aoun Chaudhry has been appointed as advisor to the Prime Minister on Sports & Tourism. On the advice of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, President Dr. Arif Alvi approved the appointment of Awn Chaudhry as his advisor. Aoun Chaudhry’s post will be equal to that of Federal Minister.
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) joins hands with Silk Road Center to organize International Conference and Art festival on Buddhism in Pakistan. This event is going to be held at PNCA Islamabad on 14 and 15 March 2022. Interested people can get themselves registered at this link: https://buddhisminpakistan.org/
Mr. Azam Jamil, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Tourism (SAPM) / Chairman PTDC held meeting with the Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE H.E. Afzaal Mahmood and Head of the Pakistan Pavilion at the Dubai Expo Rizwan Tariq during his visit to Dubai. (March 04, 2022)
Online Consultative B2B Webinar between Tour Operators of Pakistan and China was organized by PTDC to enhance bilateral linkages between two countries. (March 03, 2022)
A Seminar was held at Xenia School of Hospitality on "How to Promote Tourism in Pakistan at International level and introduce the concept of Halal Tourism". Mr Tariq Mehmood, founder Director of Halal Gateways UK gave an informative presentation on Halal Tourism which is now gaining popularity at global level. Mr. Aftab Rana, MD of PTDC was invited as Chief Guest to attend this event. (February 27, 2022)
Mr. Azam Jamil, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Tourism (SAPM) / Chairman PTDC chaired PTDC's 96th Board of Directors meeting at PTDC Head Office, Islamabad. (February 23, 2022)
Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director PTDC, held a meeting with Dr. Kasir, CEO of Discover Pakistan TV to develop a collaborative partnership between the two organisations for the promotion of Tourism in Pakistan. (February 19, 2022)
Mr. Azam Jamil, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Tourism (SAPM) / Chairman PTDC visited Lahore Fort and appreciated the restoration and conservation efforts of Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA). (February 14, 2022)
Winter Sports Festival was successfully held at Ganga Choti, Bagh AJK in collaboration with AJK Winter Sports Association. The festival included activities like Ice and Snow Competitions, Cross Country Ski Marathon, colorful cultural show, Alpine Skiing and Ice Skating performances while the closing ceremony will by followed by prize and medals distribution. (February 12, 2022)
Mr. Azam Jamil, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Tourism (SAPM) / Chairman Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) visited Peshawar Museum, Gor Gathri and Sethi House Peshawar. Director Archeology, Khyber Pakhtunkhaw gave a detailed briefing to SAPM about Historical Places of Peshawar. (February 09, 2022)
Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director PTDC, delivered a presentation on tourism sector performance at President House, Islamabad. He highlighted the significance of tourism and hospitality sector and tourism potential of Pakistan. (February 09, 2022)
Mr. Azam Jamil, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Tourism & Chairman Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Called on Chairperson TEVTA Mr. Ali Salman to discuss Skill Set Required in Tourism Industry, Progress on TEVTA Based Centre of Excellence for Tourism & Hospitality at GSTC Murree. The Meeting also Discussed Skill Based Programs, Job Opportunities & Scope for Tourism Sector in Pakistan in Future. Chairperson TEVTA Congratulated Azam Jamil, for joining as SAPM & Assured his full support for Promoting Tourism in Pakistan. (February 02, 2022)
Mr. Azam Jamil, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Tourism Coordination / Chairman PTDC called on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Matters related to the promotion of tourism sector in the country were discussed in the meeting. (January 27, 2022)
Managing Director PTDC, Mr. Aftab Ur Rehman Rana attends finals of National Ice Hockey Championship at Ghulkin, Upper Hinza to promote winter tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan. 16 boys and 5 girls teams participated in this event, sponsored by PTDC. (January 24, 2022)
Webinar - Roundtable on Heritage Legislation of Pakistan: Issues, Constraints and Challenges was held at PTDC Head Office, Islamabad. A roundtable discussion was held to review the heritage legislation in Pakistan, explore the potential of heritage tourism and look for the source of funding for heritage. (January 20, 2022)
Mr. Azam Jamil, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Tourism Coordination / Chairman PTDC inagurated "Akhuwat School of Hospitality and Tourism". He appreciated the efforts of TDCP and highlighted the significance of tourism and hospitality sector. (January 16, 2022)
Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director PTDC, was invited as Guest of Honor in COTHM Islamabad Annual Convocation 2022 at Marriott Islamabad. He appreciated the efforts of COTHM institution and highlighted the significance of tourism and hospitality sector. (January 12, 2022)
Mr. Azam Jamil has been appointed Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Tourism Coordination. With an illustrious career in the Hospitality and Tourism industry starting with Intercontinental Hotels in the mid-seventies and spanning well over 4 decades, Mr. Azam has been responsible for spearheading some of the key projects and institutions that shape Pakistan’s tourism industry today. (December 31, 2021)
Latest Updates
Honorary Tourism Ambassador for Germany
Promotion of Bilateral Tourism Between China and Pakistan
Pakistan’s Tourism Potential Highlighted in Myanmar
Pakistan’s Participation in New York Travel & Adventure Show 2023
World Travel Martket (WTM) - London (06-08 November 2023)
Validation Workshop on Development of National Tourism Competitiveness Index - NTCI - May 23, 2022
Destinations.
Kaghan Valley
Neelam Valley
Hunza Valley
Tourism is a focused area of the present government. Several initiatives are being undertaken to garner the potential offered by the tourism industry. To develop and enhance coordination with provinces, federal ministries, and private actors, facilitate in the development of policies, strategies, framework, etc, to market and promote tourism potentials nationally and internationally; and capacity building for the provision of quality human resource, the Government has constituted the National Tourism Coordination Board (NTCB). NTCB is mandated to:
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) was incorporated on March 30, 1970, under the repealed Companies Act 1913 (now the Companies Ordinance, 1984) as a Public Corporation Limited by shares.
PTDC is owned by the Government of Pakistan (99.75% share). The Principal objective of the corporation is to promote and develop tourism in Pakistan.
WHERE TO GO
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Balouchistan
Azad Kashmir
Gilgit Baltistan
World travel martket (wtm) - london (07-09 november 2022).
Welcome to Pakistan
From the mighty stretches of the Karakorams in the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching, are a few activities, which entice the adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan.
Pakistan is endowed with a rich and varied flora and fauna. High Himalayas, Karakoram and the Hindukush ranges with their alpine meadows and permanent snow line, coniferous forests down the sub-mountain scrub, the vast Indus plain merging into the great desert, the coast line and wetlands, all offer a remarkably rich variety of vegetation and associated wildlife including avifauna, both endemic and migratory. Ten of 18 mammalian orders are represented in Pakistan with species ranging from the world's smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean Pigmy Shrew, to the largest mammal ever known; the blue whale.
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- Coordinate with provincial, national and international organizations dealing with the tourism sector.
- Market and Promote tourism potential of Pakistan.
- Facilitate the provinces in developing a regulatory framework for quality standards in the Hospitality sector.
- Coordinate national participation in tourism related international expos and events.
- Develop synergies amongst provinces and regions.
- Provide Technical assistance to provinces to develop institutions in tourism sectors.
As a part of the strategy, the NTCB formulated following thematic working groups to develop strategies and action plans in their assigned specific areas:
- Cultural, Heritage & Archaeology Tourism Working Group
- ECO Tourism Working Group
- Tourism Branding & Marketing Working Group
- Regulatory & Policy Reforms Working Group
- Religious Tourism Working Group
- Investment Promotion Working Group
- Infrastructure & Facilitation Working Group
- Adventure Tourism Working Group
- Trans Himalayan Jeep Rally Working Group
Coming Soon
Wander-Lush
20 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan – From Mountains to Mosques
It’s hard to imagine a more magnificent landscape than the rugged peaks, hidden villages and wind-swept plains of Pakistan. Here are 20 of the most beautiful places in Pakistan , from wild mountain passes and unreal lakes, to ornate mosques and ancient fortresses.
Thanks to Samantha for sharing her Pakistan tips. Samantha is a self-proclaimed South Asia addict and hippopotamus lover who’s been on the road for seven months so far. She blogs about her indefinite budget-backpacking adventure at Intentional Detours, where she shares guides and stories to help and inspire you to visit offbeat places, too.
Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.
Western media might try to tell you otherwise, but trust me – Pakistan is an absolutely stunning country. Think famous mountain peaks, emerald-green and turquoise-blue valleys, deserts filled with remnants of ancient civilization… And that’s not even the half of it.
One thing’s for sure: Pakistan sure isn’t lacking in beautiful places to visit!
Also read: 7 best Pakistani cultural experiences for travellers .
During the 4 months I spent in the country, I was constantly blown away by what I was seeing. There’s an endless number of perfect natural (and man-made) sights to see while backpacking Pakistan , so I thought I’d spotlight 20 of the very best for future travellers.
20 most beautiful places in Pakistan
Without further ado, here are the 20 most beautiful places in Pakistan (in no particular order), a country that quickly and fiercely stole my heart.
1. Swat Valley
Though it has had a rough past, the present and future of Swat Valley are shining very bright. This stunning valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan is something straight out of a fairy tale.
Think bright green fields and forests, picturesque villages, and rivers boasting shades of blue so clear and bright you wouldn’t have thought them real!
The true beauty of Swat can be found around the town of Kalam, which serves as a base to the explore the beauty of the valley. Here are 3 places you can’t miss in Swat Valley:
Boyun Village
Boyun, also known as Green Top, is a short drive or manageable up-hill walk from Kalam town. When you finally reached the pinnacle, you’ll be rewarded with a panorama of one of the most vast and beautiful villages I’ve ever seen – along with sweeping views of the valley below. Boyun is an easy day trip from Kalam.
Kandol and Spindhor Lakes
These alpine lakes lie 2 hours away from Kalam. These days, Kandol Lake is accessible via jeep track and is a bit more commercialised, whereas Spindhor can only be reached on a 2-hour trek. Whichever you choose to visit, both are absolutely counted among the most beautiful places in Pakistan.
Ushu Forest
This well-preserved forest is full of deodar trees and is a fabulous place to get lost. The road that leads into the forest continues on to several villages set along the Kalam River.
2. Hunza Valley
If you live in Pakistan – or have read anything about the country – it’s almost certain you’ve come across the name Hunza. Don’t let the word ‘valley’ confuse you, though – Hunza is actually a massive district made up of numerous valleys and villages. One part of the ancient Silk Road , here are some of the most beautiful sights in Hunza:
Passu Cones
The Passu Cathedral is a natural work of art and one of the most recognisable scenes in Pakistan. Though staying overnight in Passu village is no longer allowed, the cones are visible from a ways away, starting from the village of Gulmit. The most iconic view of the Cathedral is from the Karakoram Highway, about an hour’s drive from Gilgit City.
Attabad Lake
A lake that doesn’t look real… Even when you’re standing right in front of it. Attabad was born out of tragedy when a massive landslide occurred in 2010. The flow of the Hunza River was blocked, and the now-famous lake was created in its wake. Its bright-blue turquoise waters make the it one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.
Eagle’s Nest
Want to see one of the most epic sunsets in the Hunza Valley? Head to Eagle’s Nest around golden hour! The name comes from an upscale hotel/restaurant nearby, but you can drive up to the viewpoint without going there.
3. Yarkhun Valley
Though it’s relatively unheard of and forgotten compared to Pakistan’s most famous tourist spots, I think Yarkhun Valley was the most beautiful place I visited in the country. Located in the Upper Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Yarkhun dazzles with its mountain ranges and untouched villages.
Reaching the valley, which stretches for many kilometres past the administrative town of Mastuj, requires a bit of effort if you don’t have your own vehicle. If you do have one though, the ride isn’t too bad – just prepare for mostly dirt roads!
The side valley of Gazin is most definitely worth a detour if you make it all the way to Yarkhun. Here, you can see the mountains of the Thoi Pass, a high-altitude pass that connects Upper Chitral with Yasin Valley in Gilgit Baltistan.
4. Phander Lake
Phander Lake, located in Phander Village, is almost too good to be true. The teal-coloured lake sits silently amongst light-green trees befitting a landscape painting.
Despite being insanely beautiful, Phander Lake doesn’t see anywhere as close to the number of tourists as the more popular Attabad Lake does.
During the 4 days I spent in Phander relaxing lakeside, I didn’t encounter any other tourists. If you do visit, I highly recommend you stay at the Lake Inn, which is a short walk away and charges 1,000 rupees per night.
There is also the expensive (5,000 rupees) PTDC that overlooks the lake, but the hospitality and value at Lake Inn reign superior.
5. Broghil Valley
Located way up north very close to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, Broghil Valley was formerly only accessible via trek or horseback. These days, the once-hidden locale can be reached by a treacherous jeep track – yet it still only receives a handful of visitors during the few months it’s not frozen under heaps of snow.
Currently, whether or not foreigners are allowed to visit Broghil is iffy. (If you’re insistent, make sure you check with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Chitral before making the trek up there.) But Pakistanis – please go see this beauty! The valley is home to numerous high-altitude lakes, yaks, and sprawling green pastures, all set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop that soars above 13,000 feet.
Moreover, a day’s trek from Lashkargaz, the last village in Broghil, will lead you to Karambar Lake, one of the highest in the world!
A city… Say what? Yes, Lahore may be a metro but its treasure trove of historical places surely makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan. Lahore was the city of Mughals, and so much of their creations still remain.
If you’re wondering what are the best places to visit in Lahore , hold tight because there’s a whole lot of them!
The most famous of the city’s monuments include the Badshahi Mosque, the Wazir Khan Mosque, and of course the Lahore Fort. Add to that dozens upon dozens of beautifully preserved tombs, lively shrines, and havelis upon havelis , and you have yourself the cultural capital of Pakistan.
7. Hingol National Park
Hingol National Park is technically in Pakistan, but it looks more like a Martian planet! The park is over 6,000-square-kilometres and contains incredibly unique rock formations, vast canyons, numerous animal species, and even a mud volcano .
What’s more, part of the National Park hugs the coast, adding the ocean to all its other assets. Though totally out-of-this-world in its looks, Hingol is only 3.5 hours from Karachi, Pakistan’s most populous city.
Pakistanis shouldn’t have any problem entering the park, but foreigners have had mixed experiences. Some who were accompanied by locals have been able to spend a night/ weekend in the park, while others were only given day permission. There is no public transport to the park, so having access to your own transportation is a must.
8. Kalash Valleys
The Kalash Valleys, comprised of Bumboret, Rumbur, and Birir, are home to the Kalash people, a religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan with their own beliefs, culture and language. The valleys they live in are certainly some of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – not just for their natural splendour, but also for the beauty of the Kalash themselves.
The valley of Rumbur is particularly stunning. Here, kilometres of dusty road and mountains rumble alongside the Kalash River. The Kalash people live in wooden homes that cling to the high hills, and the women are particularly famous for their brightly-coloured traditional dress and headwear that differs from anything else one can find in Pakistan.
Being only 2.5 hours from Chitral City, it’s very easy to make it out to one of the valleys these days. If you do decide to head to Rumbur, take a day to trek all the way into the valley. The last settlement of Rumbur, Sheikhandeh, is a former Nuristani village whose inhabitants migrated across the border to Pakistan a few hundred years ago.
9. Deosai Plains National Park
Deosai is often referred to as the roof of the world. And it kinda is. At 4,117 metres (13,497 feet), the massive plateau is the second-highest on the planet, and is only really accessible during summer.
Sprawling emerald-green meadows, snow-capped peaks and glistening blue lakes greet visitors who make the journey to this beautiful spot. The Himalayan Brown Bear calls Deosai its home and has been spotted by many a visitor – watch out for them if you’re camping!
The park charges an entrance fee of 1,000 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Pakistanis.
10. Gorakh Hills
Hills in the desert… Yup, the Gorakh Hill Station is located in Sindh, but is certainly elevated as a part of the Kirthar Mountains. At 1,734 metres (5,689 feet), the top of the hills provide some of the most beautiful views in Southern Pakistan. This is the perfect spot for a weekend camping trip.
Gorakh Hills are about 8 hours from Karachi, but only 2 to 3 hours from the city of Dadu, making the latter a better place to start your journey. There is no public transport, but there are a few rest houses for anyone who isn’t looking to pitch a tent.
11. Shimshal
Though a bit out of the way compared to some of the other beautiful tourist places in Pakistan featured on this list, Shimshal Valley is well worth the effort required to reach it. The locale is known for being a major adventure destination that’s particularly popular amongst climbers and mountaineers.
But Shimshal isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan for adrenaline junkies. The village itself is divine come summer. Incredibly, it almost exclusively relies on solar energy! Easier short treks to nearby yak pastures can also be arranged, as can just simply wandering around and enjoying the epic vistas and fields of mustard-yellow flowers.
12. Shah Jahan Mosque
Thought all the Mughal relics were in Punjab? Think again! The Shah Jahan Mosque – also known as the Jamia Masjid – is located in Thatta, a town in Pakistan’s Sindh province. It’s widely known for having the most elaborate display of tile work in all of South Asia. Blue and sandstone colours adorn the interior of the mosque and are sure to wow all who visit.
The mosque was commissioned by Shah Jahan when he sought refuge in Thatta back in 1647 and somehow remains in amazing shape today. Though Sindh might seem to be a far cry from the mountains, the immaculate artistry present here makes it one of the most beautiful tourist places in Pakistan.
13. Fairy Meadows
Though it has become a bit touristy (and pricey), Fairy Meadows is no doubt a stunner. The meadows offer an incredible view of Nanga Prabat, the world’s 9th highest mountain peak.
Reaching Fairy Meadows is a bit of a challenge. The journey starts with a jeep ride across one of the most dangerous roads in the world and culminates with a 5 kilometre trek. It’s possible to rent a campsite, or you can bring your own equipment to enjoy a night or two basking in one of Pakistan’s most epic views.
Currently, the price for a jeep into the meadows is around 8,000 rupees ($51), and walking the road is prohibited. Lucky it’s possible to split the cost with other travellers.
14. Chapursan Valley
Like Broghil, Chapursan Valley also borders Afghanistan’s Wakhan but is situated more to the east. This stunning collection of villages and vistas sees only a handful of tourists and is one of the most remote places you can visit in Hunza.
Chapursan is home to the Wakhi people, an ethnic group who speak Wakhi and belong to the Ismaili sect of Islam. With royal blue skies, massive mountain peaks, sprawling lakes and virtually no commercialisation, Chapursan Valley is as beautiful a place in Pakistan as they come!
To reach it, you’ll first need to head to the town of Sost that sits near the Pakistan-China Border. If you have your own vehicle, you’re all set to head on up from there. If not, shared jeeps leave from Sost each morning around 6am.
While in the valley, don’t miss the Baba Ghundi Shrine, a mystical Sufi shrine dedicated to a saint who supposedly held magical powers. Also don’t forget to enjoy the company of the yaks!
15. Khunjerab Pass
This high-mountain pass isn’t for the faint of heart. At nearly 4,600 metres (15,397 feet), this popular tourist attraction connects Pakistan with China to form the highest paved border crossing in the world.
Many people venture to the border to take photos at the official gate, which is surrounded by insanely tall peaks and grassy fields. As for transport, it’s best to travel here with your own vehicle as bus tickets can get pricey. For adventurous travellers, hitchhiking is also an option, as it is on much of the Karakoram Highway.
16. Rakaposhi Base Camp
For all those trekking enthusiasts out there – this one’s for you! The Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek is doable in one day, even for beginners, and offers some truly insane views of Rakaposhi, a 7,800-metre peak!
There are few ways to get as up close and personal with Pakistan’s giants than this. The trek starts from the village of Minapin, where it should take those with a decent fitness level about 4 to 5 hours to reach the top.
While it is possible to camp, the descent is much quicker, making the entire journey there and back a plausible one-day affair. Due to extreme weather, it’s only possible to do the trek between May and October.
17. Margala Hills
Islamabad might be a glitzy ‘new’ city, but did you know it also has a vast array of hills perfect for climbing? The Margala Hills are spread out over over 12,000 hectares and contain multiple hiking and running trails.
Ascending to the various peaks of the range show off Islamabad in ways you might not have known were possible. There are few places in Pakistan that remain so close to the city yet so deeply connected to nature.
18. Rohtas Fort
Say hello to another of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – this time a 16th-century fortress that’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rohtas Fort is located near Jhelum in Punjab, which is about 4 hours from Lahore and 2 hours from Islamabad.
The fortress is one of the largest in the Subcontinent and has remained in remarkable condition despite its age. Hours can be spent roaming around the massive structure, a beautiful relic that almost seems to transport visitors back in time.
It’s easy to get lost amongst the walls and gates for an entire day. Keep in mind that the fort charges an entrance fee of 500 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Pakistanis.
19. Naltar Valley
Naltar Valley is about 54 kilometres (34 miles) from Gilgit City in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The popular tourist attraction is known for its dramatic forests, a collection of crystal-clear lakes, and in the winter, skiing facilities.
Though many tourists just come for the slopes, I think the real magic of Naltar can only be witnessed in the summer months when the lakes unfreeze and the forests can be best enjoyed.
This magical valley is only accessible via Jeep, but public transport does exist from Gilgit. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists in the valley’s two villages. To avoid peak tourist season, steer clear of visiting during the month of May and try coming in fall instead. You might be lucky enough to catch some epic foliage towards the end of October.
20. Katpana Desert
Beautiful places in Pakistan truly cover every landscape imaginable… Including the Katpana Cold Desert. Though it has all the makings of a ‘warm’ desert, what makes the Katpana stand out is its altitude. It does, in fact, become covered with snow in the winter.
Said to be the highest cold desert in the world, sand dunes at this altitude look truly unique. Very few countries can lay claim to such a rarity. Travellers can reach the Katpana Desert easily from Skardu, as it’s only about 30 minutes away. Don’t count on there being public transport, though.
Most beautiful places in Pakistan: Final thoughts
Listing the 20 most beautiful places in Pakistan isn’t an easy task when almost everywhere you turn, the landscape is mesmerising in one way or another. Though this is only a small sample of what Pakistan has to offer, I strongly recommend trying to visit at least a few of these highlights.
I absolutely loved every minute of the 4 months I spent travelling through Pakistan. But in a country this big and beautiful, I know there’s always more to discover. Happy adventuring!
Most beautiful places in Pakistan
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81 Comments
Dear Emily, Thanks for the best article about Pakistan’s beautiful tourist attractions. I am wondering to know have you visited to the Ghizer Valley like Yasin, Ishkoman, and Phander Valleys there many best places to visit as well. Above all, this part of Pakistan is less visited by tourists either international or domestic.
Great article! Thank you so much!!
Amazing journey and Finding Pakistan is a beautiful and pleasent country full of colours and Attractive places. It’s natural and there is just a little bit investment needed to be put into the Tourism and Management. We hope you shall visit our other areas of our country. Thanks
Thank you Emily for exploring my region. I am resident of Gilgit Baltistan and I still couldn’t write about the beauty of my region as you did. Thank you for visiting Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan as well. Welcome you again
I noticed most of these are northern areas, really pakistan needs to improve the ways to attract the international tourism providing them super facilities, sure safety and appropriate services..
I suggest you to visit visit Azad kashmir all district (10) of Azad kashmir are beautiful such a wonderful place you can search all district’s photos on Google. Heaven on earth
suggest the most beautiful, quite and relaxing place in Azad Kashmir
Shounter Valley, Baboon Valley Azad Kashmir heaven on earth
Thanks for giving us beautiful insights into our country
Yes Pakistan is the one of the beautiful country Please extend number of places because I ever some most places I think there is 50+ places for visiting
Dear, First of All appreciate your effort to consolidate Pakistan beauty in your article and really Pakistan is most beautiful country in World, if we explore it properly then we will experience this.
You could easily expand this article to 50 places. Pakistan has incredible natural beauty and the people are most hospitable
Being a Pakistani Please have a look at the Skardu (New Zealand of PK) by search on Google you will find such amazing photos. I appreciate your effort, Emily and Samantha!
Wow, absolutely stunning! I hope I can visit some day. Thanks so much for your comment!
Emily u r welcomed, I live here in rawalpindi if u like u will be welcomed with warm heart.
Excellent article…Pakistan is amazing indeed.
Gilgit-Baltistan is famous for its dramatic mountains especially the snow-capped mountains. GB has unlimited scenery views and is known as heaven on earth. It is one of the beautiful places in Pakistan, delighting and pleasing several tourists, travelers, and adventure lovers. Planning to visit Gilgit-Baltistan? Here are the most enchanting places to visit.
I’m surprised to see Rohtas Fort on here. It’s an amazing site for sure. We have family that live in the village inside the Fort, so whenever we’re in Pakistan, we visit quite often. I still think more effort needs to be made in order to maintain it…
All these places are Beautiful. Pakistan is a beautiful country.
Wow Such amazing article . My land my heaven
Thank you for the beautiful insights. Neelum valley in Kashmir is gorgeous, particularly the area around rattigalli and shounter valley. Naran and Sapat valleys as well as haramosh and then the wonderful Concordia and Snow lake treks. Pakistan has Karakorums Himalayas and Hindukush mountain ranges. Beautiful alpine lakes, pristine forests and waterfalls.
Thank you Taimur for the recommendations!
Sad to see that The Beauty Queen of Pakistan (Kumrat Valley) is not included in the list
Thank you Nazim for the recommendation! It looks spectacular!
Not only Kumrat but who North Pakistan is worth seeing. North.pk interested people may work on this portal.
Northern areas of Pakistan are really paradise of Allah on earth. These areas are magically beautiful. Once you reach there, you will never like to come back. I will suggest the tourists to visit l these location to see nature.
Thank you for sharing the amazing article. Pakistan is like heaven on earth. Everyone must visit Neelam valley.
Great Information for us I love Pakistan and i love traveling
Thanks for your great information about beautiful placese
I have been to most of the places .there are more beautiful places in Pakistan just like kumrat valley,jaz banda, madak lasht Chitral, phasti chitral, Rama lake gilgit baltistan and many more
Emily, is this information-you gathered is from internet or you literally visited these areas?
Hi Jamil, thanks for your comment. This is a guest post by Samantha of Intentional Detours. You can find her bio at the top. She has visited these places in Pakistan and many others – you can follow the link to her site for more articles.
From Bangladesh, i want to visit pakistan. But getting visa is a big problem from Bangladesh. Can any one help me? By proper information.
AssalamoAlykum, hope someone in Pakistan should help out, I live far away but have visited some of those Beautiful places, wish you will too someday
Hi thank you very much and i mean it. its lovely great introduction to Pakistan. And you are right Pakistan is a big and really beautiful country its impossible to mention and visit all the great places whether its Mountains, People, Deserts, Rivers, Sandy beaches with blue waters or Green planes. yes we should try to explore more and more. Good effort lady. Love it
Thank you Abdul for your comment!
Wow, Excellent post. Hats off to ur brilliant exploring skills.
Pakistan is one of the top tourist countries in the world. It has so many beautiful places to visit that attracts people from this world especially the northern side.
Lovely Post… Commendable.. though you haven’t listed Pakistan in your “Asia” destination tab 🙂
If u go Lahore u should also go Nankana sahib shrine , situated nearer to Lahore,
Such a beautiful places in pakistan every body most visited all this places I love pakistan
Sooooo beautiful natural places in Pakistan and many places you don’t show. so more places visit in Pakistan & highlights the natural beauty to show the world.. thanks
Unbelievable, I have visited only few of them and missed most of them because I stayed out of the country most of my life. Not only Pakistan but the Pakistani people are also amazing, very friendly, hospitable, helping and very kind people. Pakistani food is delicious, every big city has its own variety.
Thanks for your comment! I hope you get to explore more of Pakistan soon 🙂
This a great list of beautiful places in Pakistan. Pakistan is a wonderful country which has many attractions for every one. Thank you for sharing. The pictures are awesome I must say.
Mashallah, Very nice places. I am going to kund beach in Islamabad
Truly Pakistan is like heaven on earth.
Hello! Indeed Pakistan is really a Heaven on Earth and the Hearts of Pakistanis are more beautiful than these places. I believe that the World must now open its eyes and see the peace and tranquility we Pakistanis have earned through the hardships and struggles. Our Hearts are always open for everyone.
I love nature and of course the beauty of pakistan everyone should visit here and see the beauty of nature
Pakistan is rich in it’s culture, traditions, historical places and natural beauty. You have nicely described most of the beautiful places to visit in Pakistan.
Nice review about Beautiful Places in Pakistan.
♥ 😘 From Pakistan 🇵🇰 ♥ 😘
so many beautiful places in Pakistan…
Valuable information. Let’s promote Pakistan tourism in a positive way.
Nice info and I have visited 7 places from them but I try to visit physically all . Such a great contribution. Like it and appreciate you.
Minar-e-Pakistan is equivalent to nationalism and patriotism in Pakistan. It is the national monument, located at the center of Lahore. The tower was built between 1960 and 1968 on the site where the All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 1940.
Very interesting article
Great list but you missed many many beautiful places in Pakistan. Our country has a lot of natural beauty.
Hi Emily, Thanks for ur article, it was an excellent effort. Yes there can be hundreds of wonderful sites in Pakistan but u filtered very well. Since I’m an admirer of GB beauty of Pakistan n visits a lot, probably its a typo saying Rakaposhi @ 7800 feet (actually it’s 7800 mtrs) but to me this small error impacts the uniqueness of this Majestic beauty of the world. Rakaposhi is the TALLEST free standing mountain in the world, almost 20000 feet (6000 mtrs) from base to top, few people also misunderstand this record with Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which is about 16000 feet (4800 mtrs) from base to top. Rakaposhi is not only the tallest but the steepest climb in the world, whee u can see its summit while standing on the road at the bottom.
Shall strongly suggest to keep writing n keep visiting Pakistan.
Thanks n regards,
Thanks Nadeem for all the tips!
HI Emily thanks for your blog it is quite helpful and gives me idea to planned by visit being a pakistani i never visit northern areas of pakistan but i am planning to go on dec 2020 and i feel mountains areas will be fully covered by white sheet (full of snow) i hope my tour will be amazing INSHALLAH.
I’m so glad to hear that! Happy travels!
Dear all, Seeing is believing. But how about visa to travel to Pakistan. I am not sure if visas are issued to Pakistan by Pakistan embassy here in India currently. Please do elaborate. Thanks again…
Pakistan has opened E visa and and on Arrival tourist Visa for majority nationalities around the world. That’s why number of international tourists growing sharply. For india some restrictions however Sikhs getting religious tourist visa and Indians with dual nationality get visa easily on foreign passports.
Excellent information. I would also like to add Ketas in Potwar platue with it amazing hindu temple ruins and beautiful scenery.
Hi Emily, Your article on 20 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan is just an amazing effort. One can understand how challenging it is to select only 20 out of hundreds of attractions stretching across the country. Its diverse landscape, historic monuments, cultural diversity, food, weather patterns presenting seasonal variations in natural colors, and much more…. The more you travel the more you explore. Keep it up!
saif ul malook is also a beautiful lake in pakistan.
Thanks for the tip!
No mahudand lake is best
I don’t know who wrote this but they forgot to mention the most beautiful and picturesque Kaghan valley here. So heartening!
Thanks for the recommendation!
Tirah Tirah is the most beautiful natural and popular aria in Pakistan but unfortunately no one is known to it.i am certainly say .if you come to tirah then you will come again and again. It has all natural no artificial and it has highest mountain with full up natural trees and beautiful waterfalls. Being only 3.5 hours from Peshawar city .it is very easy to go there .no difficulty .it has peaceful way regards niaz muhammad afridi
Pakistan is a really amazing country with lots of places to visit as a Pakistani I didn’t knew about them.Truly Pakistan is like heaven on earth
Can I ask what I should see 2weeks free time near lahore and islamabad I will be in December so north pakistan I cannot go
Hey Mexx, you can still visit Hunza valley in December, alternate routes are open, and you can also take flights from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu if you want to avoid long road journeys. Both places are easy to access in winters and breathtaking.
Indeed Pakistan is really a Heaven on Earth and the Hearts of Pakistanis are more beautiful than these places. I believe that the World must now open its eyes and see the peace and tranquility we Pakistanis have earned through the hardships and struggles. Our Hearts are always open for everyone.
Beautiful places. Amazing people. Everyone should visit this piece of heaven on earth
PAKISTAN IS AMAZING THANKS FOR YOUR COMPLIMENT
Very welcoming people, safe country unlike what we usually see in media. Many places are like heaven on earth.
My land my heaven
I have also visited many beautiful places in Pakistan. Hunza Valley is just like heaven.
Amazing article No doubt, Pakistan is full of amazing and beautiful places. All kind of natural beauty is present in many areas of Pakistan including streams, rivers, and mountains, etc.
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Travelling Without a Passport
20 Reasons to visit Pakistan
There’s more to this country than what’s in the news. Beer, good food, and rich history are just some of the reasons to visit Pakistan!
You’ve probably heard of this infamous country by now, but believe it or not, there was a time when I’d be traveling to Pakistan, and people wouldn’t know a thing about it. In a way, that’s still somewhat true. Over the last decade or so, Pakistan has dominated the headlines for something or another, but there’s more to this country than what you see in the news.
I’m one of the lucky ones. Despite my parent’s protests, I spent my twenties living and working in Pakistan as a journalist and used my time off for exploring. One of my greatest memories was traveling from Karachi to Taobat, the furthest point in Azad Kashmir, by road.
I still don’t have the words to describe the scenery in the region, and I wanted to stay there and never leave. My greatest joy would be to let the mountains eat me up and for my ghost to remain there, I’m told the country has places, more haunting, that I’ve yet to see.
Between the mid-1950s and 1970s, Pakistan was a favorite spot to visit on the notorious Hippie Trail — an overland journey exploring the cities, cultural and natural highlights of Europe and Asia encompassing marijuana, enlightenment, and a good time! But even in the 1990s, if you wanted to visit Pakistan’s north, you had to book a hotel well in advance.
Now, after a long hiatus, Pakistan is surfacing once again as a travel-worthy destination. Security has improved, and the country is going through a renaissance of sorts, which is mostly thanks to the Internet and social media and travelers from all over the world openly sharing their joy at visiting this South Asian country. With influential globetrotters visiting regardless of mainstream thought, travel publications shining a light on the country’s cultural diversity and natural wonders, and the Pakistani government’s efforts to promote tourism, this forgotten place is welcoming visitors to its diverse cities and unspoiled northern regions once more. Here are 19 reasons to visit Pakistan – before the rest of the world does!
Travel to: Pakistan
1. It’s the best time to visit Pakistan
Towards the end of last year, Condé Nast astounded many travelers all over the world when it crowned Pakistan as its number one destination for 2021: “this is a place of exquisite landscapes, where green spaces are overlooked by towering mountains,” they said. While there are still things to consider when traveling to the country, travel advisories have been softened, and after almost two decades, tourism is once again being promoted in Pakistan.
2. Pakistan is adventure’s best-kept secret
In June of 2018, CNN Travel published an article showcasing Pakistan as adventure’s best-kept secret. It sparked a storm in the country’s local media, and the story went viral; friends who were up north at the time told me that residents in the remotest of Pakistani villages were sharing it. In the article, Jonny Bealby, the founder of Wild Frontiers, a company that has been operating tours in Pakistan from the USA and UK for 20 years, explains that he’s noticed a shift in attitudes and that the security situation has improved dramatically, making it possible for people to visit. Bealby also states that when you pair Pakistan’s cultural allure with its cuisine, incredible hiking and trekking, and epic mountain ranges, you get the perfect adventure travel destination.
3. Friendly and hospitable locals
Being hospitable is embedded in Pakistani culture; there’s no real concept of a formal invitation; you are simply welcome.
People call on one another at home without a prior meeting, shopkeepers will ask you to have chai with them while you go through endless blocks of fabric, and if you’re traveling to the country, you will be embraced with open arms. Almost everyone who visits comes back with reports of how friendly and helpful the locals are, and there are some incredible examples of this. Hunza, a valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, crowned by the Hindu Kush and Karakoram mountain ranges, is leading the way for the country’s touristy renaissance. For the past few years now, this alpine valley has drawn people from all over the world, but in 2017, Hunza was pushed beyond its capacity with the volume of visitors when 1.72 million tourists made their way to the valley. As such, the hotels were bursting, so locals opened up their homes to travelers that needed a place to stay.
4. For mountain scenery beyond your wildest imagination
When the British Backpacker Society released its list of top 20 adventure destination for 2018, everyone was surprised to see Pakistan swipe the number one spot. Having visited themselves in 2016, they wrote a heartening post encouraging their followers in the thousands to book a trip to the country that very day! They say that “Pakistan is one of the friendliest countries on earth, with mountain scenery that is beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. Head north to the astonishing peaks of the Karakoram along the unforgettable Karakoram Highway, probably the world’s greatest road trip. It is beautiful, exciting, and culturally interesting, and travelers are rewarded at the journey’s end-point with perhaps the most beautiful natural sight on earth, Hunza Valley.”
5. To discover Pakistan’s music culture
Pakistan has its own soundtrack, permeating all over. From the folksy hipster sounds of Coke Studio, rhythmic Qawwalis, and melodic rubab to house, rap, and rock. Adventure.com recently investigated Pakistan’s electronic music through DJs Omair Anjum and Mohammed ‘Mosh’ Shah, aka the Fake Shamans, who are trying to revive the nightlife scene from the 1990s with their open-air house raves.
Pakistan’s music is as rich as it is diverse, part of the country’s very fiber, and has always put it on the map. The late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan did many collaborations with famous western artists such as Eddie Vedder and Peter Gabriel on the soundtrack of Martin Scorcese’s The Last Temptation of Christ. Khan was a Qawwal and sang devotional Islamic Sufi songs; his album Intoxicated Spirit won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album. You can catch the next wave of Pakistan’s talented musicians bringing their indie rock sounds to the basements of city coffee shops, in raps about the Balochistan province on music apps dedicated to promoting Pakistani music (for a taste of it check out The Sibbi Song), live performances in open spaces or small Qawali gatherings.
6. To meet the descendants of Alexander the Great – the last pagans of Pakistan
Deep in the Kalasha Valleys of Chitral in northern Pakistan, surrounded by the Hindu Kush peaks, you’ll find the Kalash people, an indigenous matriarchal-led tribe who claim to be the descendants of Alexander the Great. Among them are the last pagans of Pakistan.
The Kalash people have their own culture, language, and way of life. Every year at the end of May, visitors come to experience their Chilam Joshi Festival, which takes place across three valleys. It’s one of the highlights of the year. Everyone drinks, dances, and celebrates their deities.
7. To see the picture of Robert De Niro in Chitral’s best-known hotel
Years ago, Robert De Niro stayed at the famous Hindukush Heights hotel in Chitral, a northern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and he even left a message about his wonderful stay in the hotel’s guestbook. There’s off-the-beaten-track, and then there’s in the middle of nowhere, and when the owner of the hotel, Siraj Ul-Mulk, began building it on the side of a remote mountain , his friends thought him mad.
Ul-Mulk was right; people were wrong and, before long, were flocking to the hotel to experience Chitral’s alpine scenery. Hindukush Heights sits on a foothill overlooking the unspoiled landscape, and the view will make you feel like you’ve been given a sneak peek of heaven.
8. To experience a polo festival that’s out of this world
One highlight that has visitors venturing to Pakistan’s north is the Shandur Polo Festival, which is held every year in July at Shandur Top in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan. In this highly charged tournament, teams from Chitral and Gilgit compete with each other. What makes this spectacle more beguiling is the backdrop of snowy mountains, flawless, sparkling lakes, alpine flowers, and blades of grass that never seem to end.
9. Food that will rival any cuisine
Like hospitality, food is part of Pakistan’s culture. I love eating in Italy and cooking Thai and Malaysian food all the time at home, but the taste of Pakistani food brings tears to my eyes. Fragrant and spicy, many local dishes carry a cultural heritage rooted in geography and the complex history of the country.
From all the times I’ve stopped off to eat karahi (a wok-based chicken stew of tomatoes and ginger) on my trips to the north and chapli kebabs (spiced meat patties) from Nowshera to steaming hot dum biryani on a Friday or the charred spices left clinging to my fingers after a late-night chicken tikka and ice-cold kulfi melting on my tongue, no cuisine on earth tastes as good. In Pakistan, even the simplest things are delicious; my mother-in-law’s plain yogurt, for example.
Unlike the rest of the world, the fruit is seasonal, so you can only eat what’s in season, and it’s so fresh. In Hunza, the land of apricots, food is cooked in apricot oil; if you ever go, make sure you eat the pancakes at Cafe De Hunza. Along with using local produce, Pakistan’s dishes take on methods and flavors from different influences. Northern food is not as spicy and draws on Afghanistan (Kabuli pulao, for example), Lahori cuisine is more robust with traditional Punjabi elements (rich gravies made from dairy and butter), and Kashmir has its own style of cooking.
However, Karachi is probably one of the greatest food destinations on the planet. The metropolis is full of things to devour, from the exquisite BBQ and street food on the iconic Burns Road too early morning breakfasts at Boat Basin and drinking sweet chai and salty parathas at a makeshift cafe on the side of the road, any foodie worth their salt, will rejoice.
10. Because a woman who traveled to every country in the world put Pakistan in her top 5
In 2017, Cassie De Pecol set a record by becoming the first person to travel to all 196 countries on the planet. After her groundbreaking journey, Pecol shared her top ten countries, of which Pakistan was her fifth favorite, stating that it was one of her most educational and enriching experiences.
11. You can travel there as a solo female
Cassie De Pecol is not the only woman who has ventured on a solo journey through Pakistan. More recently, Rosie Gabrielle, a Canadian motorcyclist who quit her job a couple of years ago to embark on a dream solo ride around the world, has been documenting her travels in Pakistan on Instagram and sharing her experiences as a solo female traveler in the country. She shares that she has received numerous offers from families to stay with them and has been greeted with “countless smiles and cheers of joy as I pass people and they realize it’s a female riding.”
Marsha Jean is a 21-year-old who is currently hitchhiking and cycling her way across Pakistan. Like Gabrielle, as a solo female traveler, she has found that locals are happy to offer her a place to stay and help her out. Having fallen in love with the country, she plans to stay on longer than she intended. Eva zu Beck also garnered the interest of foreign and local media with her solo journey of Pakistan and even made a travel show highlighting the country’s crafts: Sindhi ajrak, glass bangles, and Kashi pottery. As females, all of them had a positive experience.
12. To discover Pakistan’s raw beauty
Hunza may be Pakistan’s golden ticket to pull in tourists from outside the country but travel in any direction up north to discover unyielding beauty. It’s hardly surprising when the country is home to some of the world’s defining mountain ranges and menacingly majestic peaks with glorious places like Fairy Meadows at their foothills.
Last year, National Geographic Traveler touted the high-altitude plains of Deosai National Park, Kaghan Valley (a region of myth and mystery), Attabad Lake, and Neelum Valley among some of the best places to “venture further afield and discover a lesser-known, wilder Pakistan.”
13. It’s not just for intrepid travelers
Last year I wrote an article for the Globe and Mail about how Pakistan’s north is no longer for seasoned climbers and intrepid travelers ; there’s been a rise in recreational holiday-makers who want to explore the region. Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes are remote and unspoiled but accessible, so even if you aren’t a hardcore adventurer, it’s easy to get there.
14. To drink the legendary local beer
The local beer from Murree Brewery is legendary, if only because the local laws actually forbid Muslims from drinking. Founded by the British in 1860, it’s Pakistan’s oldest and largest creator of alcoholic products. Murree also became the first brewery in the Muslim world to produce a 20-year-old malt whiskey, dubbed the “Rarest Malt Whiskey.”
15. Because going once is never enough
Almost all the influential globetrotters who have visited Pakistan plan to go back; some have already visited more than once. Many of them explained that they couldn’t get enough of the country. For example, Beck went for the first time in April 2018, and two months later, she was back in the country and ended up extending her trip to the end of the year. Alex Reynolds, the blogger behind Lost With Purpose who backpacked through Pakistan, has already been three times and describes herself as addicted to the country.
16. So you can see it everyone else does
Early last year, I was talking to a friend after she had come back from her annual trip to Pakistan’s north, one which she has been doing for years. She lives in Lahore and frequently travels around the country and has noticed that it’s getting busier by day with foreign visitors. There are more unofficial reports from other locals who say the same, the northern parts, especially Hunza are packed with tourists, and they have to book hotels months in advance. Official numbers mirror this; thanks to better security conditions, in 2017, tourism in Pakistan was up by 300 percent more than the previous year, of which only 30 percent was domestic.
17. For the cultural diversity
Encompassing four provinces, there’s so much cultural diversity in Pakistan. From one region to the next, there are differences in the food, art, traditions, and way of life. Either way, everything in this country ensnares each one of the senses, and it’s a fascinating experience discovering the different rituals and customs that come together to make Pakistan the melting pot that it is.
18. To explore mosques and forts
Natural wonders aside, in the larger cities and small towns found in the north, you can discover some glorious architecture in Pakistan. In the port city of Karachi, you’ll see remnants of colonial times with landmarks like Frere Hall and Empress Market or the abandoned Bristol Hotel.
Lahore has many splendid Mughal structures: the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Shalimar Gardens. Further up north, you can live like Baltistani royalty at the restored Khaplu Palace; this mid-19th-century imperial building is now a unique hotel experience. Or stay at Serena Shigar Fort, a heritage hotel that gives visitors an opportunity to explore the past while enjoying a bowl of homemade ice cream made with cherries from the gardens.
19. It’s never been easier to go
To promote tourism in the country, the Pakistani government has plans to relax its visa policy. Since early 2018, obtaining a leisure visa has gotten much easier for nationals of many countries. Citizens from China, Malaysia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom can now obtain a visa on arrival in Pakistan if they have an electronic travel authorization (ETA). In the future, ETAs will be rolled out to many countries in South America, the Middle East, and Asia.
A 30-day multiple entry visa on arrival is already granted to individuals of certain countries when they are traveling as part of a group from a designated tour operator. Twenty-four countries are eligible for a tour group visa, most of them in Europe, but this policy has also been extended to the USA, Canada, as well as Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
20. Because there’s more to Pakistan than what you hear in the news
There are few countries in the world that can enrich your life in the way Pakistan can. Don’t take what the media says or my word for it; find out for yourself why people rave about this country.
If you’re feeling nervous but intrigued, you can look into a group tour and put yourself in the hands of experts who know this country well. From the Karakoram peaks to cities and towns that transport you to a different time and place, there’s so much more to Pakistan than what you see in the news, and the world is catching on.
Based in Toronto, Sahar is a full-time content editor for Days to Come and part-time travel junkie.
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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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- 10 Best And Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Pakistan
23 Mar 2023
Stretching from the large mountains in the north to the vast Indus alluvial delta in the south, Pakistan is full of natural beauty and stunning mountains. In addition to bright deserts and some of the world’s highest peaks, the country offers numerous attractions for sightseeing, hiking, mountain climbing and skiing. Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and ancient monuments continue to enchant visitors from all over the world. There are a lot of places to visit in Pakistan where you can have memorable experiences, have a look at these most beautiful places for your holiday in Pakistan.
10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Pakistan
Pakistan is gifted with a plethora of historical and natural treasures. A land full of breathtaking vistas and extraordinary places is a must-visit once in a lifetime. To guide you on your trip here is a list of the places to visit in Pakistan . Make sure you add some of these to your itinerary before heading to this destination.
1. Hunza Valley 2. Attabad Lake 3. Swat Valley 4. Naran Kaghan 5. Badshahi Mosque 6. Concordia 7. Neelum Valley 8. Deosai National Park 9. Mohenjo-daro 10. Piri Sohawa
1. Hunza Valley
Located in Gilgit Baltistan, the Hunza Valley is one of Pakistan’s hidden gems. This isolated valley is nestled between the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain peaks. This is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan because of its lush farmlands. Here you can find markhors, ounces, ibexes, and red foxes. In this valley, a glorious view awaits you, and the locals are warm and friendly.
Best time to visit: April to September
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2. Attabad Lake
This beautiful lake which provides tranquil waters was originated as a result of a landslide in January 2010 in Attabad Village. The lake has vivid blue waters that pierce through the hilly land of Hunza Valley The lake is one of the most popular tourist places in Pakistan , offering exciting experiences like skiing, boating, catching fishes and others.
Best time to Visit: March to June
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3. Swat Valley
Despite its tragic history, Swat Valley’s present situation is very promising. There’s something fairytale-like about this spectacular valley in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Being one the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan among all other attractions, this valley has great weather and friendly locals. Visitors can enjoy trekking, hiking, backpacking, or simply enjoy in the natural environment.
Best time to visit: April to May
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4. Naran Kaghan
Naran and Kaghan are two amazing places to visit in Pakistan which are located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They are amazing places to explore for those who love nature. You will find beautiful rivers, stretches of fields, snowcapped peaks, and picturesque lakes in these areas. Each year, thousands of tourists come to this valley from all over the world.
16 Photogenic Valleys In India That Every Traveler Must Visit
5. Badshahi Mosque
Originally built during the 1670s, Badshahi Mosque is a monument of the Mughal Empire, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent for nearly three centuries. Located in Lahore, this mosque is a great representation of Mughal architecture, with four minarets and three domes forming the courtyard. The mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monument truly justifies being one of the beautiful tourist places in Pakistan .
Best time to visit: The monument can be visited the whole year round except for the hottest months here, which are June and July.
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6. Concordia
Concordia is one of the paradisiacal Pakistan tourist places for hikers and climbers. It is situated in the north of the country, around the Chinese border. Pakistan is home to five of the fourteen highest mountain peaks in the world. You can get an excellent view of four of these five highest mountains from Concordia. This makes Concordia an unmissable place for sightseeing in Pakistan .
Best time to visit: June to August
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7. Neelum Valley
The Neelum Valley in northern Azad Kashmir is a bow-shaped valley situated between peaks that soar 13,000 feet into the sky, surrounded by verdant forests and flowing streams. Neelum Valley is one of the most beautiful places to see in Pakistan. This valley has pristine rivers, mirror-like lakes, and lush landscapes.
Best time to visit: March to October
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8. Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park, known as the Land of Giants, has a landscape of snow-capped mountains rising from the highland. This area has an astounding amount of biodiversity, including Himalayan wolves, Siberian ibex, red foxes, and yellow-bellied marmots. For someone who loves biodiversity and is seeking the best tourist places in Pakistan , Deosai National Park is an ideal place.
Best time to visit: July to September
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9. Mohenjo-daro
Mohenjo-daro, located in Sindh, a province in southeastern part of the country, that is among the famous places to visit in Pakistan . It is home to the Sindh people and a historical site dating back to 2500 BCE. The ruins and mounds were discovered to be part of an ancient civilization called the Indus Valley civilization. Those who love history will be fascinated by the engineering and urban planning that was far ahead of their time.
Best time to visit: The monument can be visited whole year round.
15 Best Places Of Indian Cultural Heritage You Must-Visit
10. Pir Sohawa
Pir Sohawa is located in the Margalla Hills, near Islamabad. Being among the best tourist places in Pakistan , there is more to admire about this tourist spot than just the breathtaking views. Located approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, this place is famous among tourists and locals for outings in the fresh breezes and admiring the stunning scenery.
Best time to visit: March to December
30 Unexplored Places In India That Will Totally Stump You
Now when you got this list of some of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan , make sure you add these to your bucket list on your trip to this beautiful country. Take a break from the busy pace of life and do unwind by spending some serene time in these beautiful locations. And for when you come back, do not forget to share your beautiful memories with us so that your trip could inspire others to witness the beauty on the other side.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .
Frequently Asked Questions About Beautiful Places to visit in Pakistan
Is it safe to visit Pakistan during Covid-19 times?
Make sure you are fully vaccinated before travelling to Pakistan. It is advisable to get your PT-PCR negative test report. We recommend staying updated with the most current information and travel guidelines of the country before travelling.
Which is the most beautiful city to visit in Pakistan?
Islamabad, which is the capital city of Pakistan is also a really beautiful city to visit. It is home to several historical monuments and other tourist attractions.
Which are the most visited places in Pakistan?
Some of the most visited places of Pakistan include Badshahi Mosque, Neelum Valley, Attabd Lake and Khagan Valley.
What is the best time to visit Pakistan?
The best time to visit Pakistan is from May to October. This is the best time to explore the beautiful valleys and magnificent mountain ranges that lie in the northern part of the country.
What are the best things to do in Pakistan?
As a tourist, you can visit the amazing valleys and admire the breathtaking landscapes they offer, experience the rich culture and history by visiting the ancient monuments, try various mouthwatering dishes of Pakistan and go for a trek in the stunning peaks.
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Tourism in Pakistan
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Tourism in Pakistan has a lot of potential. But why is this industry so important and what does it all mean? Read on to find out…
Pakistan, positioned at the crossroads of South and Central Asia, is a burgeoning presence in the global tourism industry. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range to the historical cities of Lahore and Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan presents a tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, I’ll navigate the intricacies of Pakistan’s tourism sector, highlighting its rich heritage, scenic beauty, and the efforts in place to foster its growth. Join me as we journey through the multifaceted allure of Pakistan.
Geography of Pakistan
Pakistan is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the east, Afghanistan to the west, Iran to the southwest, and China to the northeast. The country’s coastline runs along the Arabian Sea, and it shares maritime borders with Oman and Iran. With an area of approximately 796,000 square kilometres, Pakistan is the 33rd largest country in the world. The country is also home to some of the highest peaks in the world, with the Himalayas in the north and the Karakoram range in the northwest.
The geography of Pakistan is quite diverse, with different landscapes and features found throughout the country. In the north, the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges are home to a number of high peaks, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The Indus River, which is one of the longest rivers in the world, flows through the country from north to south and is a vital source of water for irrigation and hydropower.
In the east, the Thar Desert covers parts of the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. The desert is home to a unique ecosystem, with a variety of flora and fauna adapted to the arid climate. The coastline along the Arabian Sea is also an important feature of Pakistan’s geography, with several important ports located along the coast.
Pakistan is also prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and droughts, which can have a significant impact on the country’s population and infrastructure. The 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan, for example, killed over 80,000 people and caused widespread destruction, highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness and response measures.
Overall, the geography of Pakistan is an important factor in shaping the country’s economy, culture, and society. The country’s diverse landscapes and natural resources provide opportunities for agriculture, tourism, and energy production, while also posing challenges in terms of infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and disaster management.
Tourism Industry in Pakistan
Tourism industry in Pakistan has a lot of potential due to the country’s diverse geography and rich cultural heritage. Despite this, tourism has historically been underdeveloped in the country, although there has been a recent push to increase investment in the industry. Pakistan offers a range of attractions for tourists, including historical sites, stunning landscapes, and friendly people.
One of the most famous tourist destinations in Pakistan is the northern region, which is home to some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, such as K2 and Nanga Parbat. These mountains attract mountaineers and trekkers from around the world who come to challenge themselves and enjoy the stunning views. Additionally, the region is known for its scenic valleys, including Hunza, Skardu, and Chitral, which offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the people living in the area.
Pakistan also has a rich cultural heritage that can be traced back thousands of years. Historical sites such as the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro and the Mughal-era Badshahi Mosque in Lahore attract tourists interested in history and architecture. Additionally, the vibrant street culture and delicious cuisine of Pakistan are popular with tourists who want to experience the local way of life.
Despite these attractions, tourism in Pakistan faces a number of challenges, including security concerns and poor infrastructure. However, the government is taking steps to address these issues, such as investing in tourism infrastructure, improving security for tourists, and promoting the country’s image abroad.
Pakistan has a lot to offer tourists, and the tourism industry has the potential to be a significant contributor to the country’s economy. With the right investment and policy measures, Pakistan can attract more tourists and showcase its unique attractions to the world.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse geography that offers a variety of attractions for tourists. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Pakistan are:
The Northern Region: The northern region of Pakistan is famous for its stunning landscapes and mountainous terrain. The region is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2 and Nanga Parbat, as well as picturesque valleys such as Hunza, Chitral, and Skardu. Tourists come to the northern region for trekking, mountaineering, and to experience the traditional way of life of the local people.
Lahore: Lahore is the cultural capital of Pakistan and is home to many historical and cultural landmarks. One of the most famous landmarks in Lahore is the Mughal-era Badshahi Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world. Other attractions in Lahore include the Lahore Fort, Anarkali Bazar, and the Walled City of Lahore.
Islamabad: Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and is known for its modern architecture and scenic locations. One of the most iconic landmarks in Islamabad is the Shah Faisal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Pakistan and can house up to 100,000 worshippers. Other attractions in Islamabad include the Margalla Hills, Daman-e-Koh, and Rawal Lake.
Karachi: Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and is known for its vibrant culture and stunning beaches. Some of the most popular attractions in Karachi include Clifton Beach, the National Museum of Pakistan, and the Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum.
Mohenjo-Daro: Mohenjo-Daro is an ancient city located in the province of Sindh and is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Pakistan. The ruins of the city provide a glimpse into the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which dates back to 2500 BCE.
In conclusion, Pakistan offers a range of attractions for tourists, from stunning mountain ranges and valleys to rich cultural and historical landmarks. These attractions have the potential to contribute significantly to the country’s tourism industry if the infrastructure and security measures are improved to attract more locals and tourists alike.
Popular Types of Tourism in Pakistan
Pakistan offers several types of tourism due to its rich diversity, history, and geography. Some of the popular types of tourism in Pakistan are:
Adventure Tourism: Adventure tourism is a popular type of tourism in Pakistan, thanks to the country’s diverse geography, including high peaks, treacherous passes, high-altitude lakes, and vast deserts. Pakistan’s Northern region, including valleys such as Hunza, Skardu, and Chitral, are popular among tourists interested in trekking, hiking, and mountaineering. The region is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2, Nanga Parbat, and Gasherbrum. Besides trekking and mountaineering, river rafting, paragliding, and skiing are also popular in the northern region.
Religious Tourism: Pakistan is home to several holy sites of different religions. The country’s most famous religious tourist destination is the city of Multan, where Sufi saints are buried. Each year, millions of pilgrims from different parts of the world visit Multan. Similarly, the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore is a popular place of worship for Muslims, while Sikh pilgrims visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal.
Cultural Tourism: Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage with a diverse mix of cultures, religions, and traditions, which makes it an excellent destination for cultural tourism. Pakistan’s cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, are home to many historical landmarks, such as forts, palaces, mosques, and tombs. Additionally, Pakistan’s street markets, bazaars, and cuisine offer a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.
Ecotourism: Pakistan offers many protected areas for wildlife, including national parks and nature reserves. These areas provide opportunities for eco-tourism, such as birdwatching, wildlife safaris, and nature walks. National Parks such as Khunjerab and Margalla Hills National Park attract tourists interested in nature and wildlife.
In conclusion, Pakistan offers diverse types of tourism, ranging from adventure and cultural to religious and eco-tourism, due to its diverse geography, rich heritage, and striking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking adventure, adventure, and spiritual fulfilment. The potential for Pakistan’s tourism industry to grow further can only be increased by promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices while providing better host infrastructure and safety measures.
Economic Impacts of Tourism in Pakistan
Tourism has the potential to bring strong economic benefits to Pakistan. By creating jobs, supporting local businesses and promoting cultural exchange, the industry can boost the country’s economy. Some of the key economic impacts of tourism in Pakistan are:
Employment Generation: Tourism creates jobs in many sectors such as hospitality, food and beverage, transportation, and entertainment. The sector provides direct employment to tour guides, hotel staff, and artisans, among others. Furthermore, the industry generates indirect employment in related sectors such as construction, farming, and manufacturing.
Business Development: The tourism industry benefits local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and transportation services. Small businesses such as souvenir shops and handicraft dealers gain from an increase in tourist activity as they cater to tourists looking for local products and gifts. This increased business often leads to numerous entrepreneurial opportunities that help develop remote and rural areas.
Foreign Exchange Earnings: Tourism is a significant source of foreign exchange earnings for Pakistan. Tourist spending generates revenue for businesses, and foreign exchange earnings from the sector contribute to economic growth through increased exports and import substitution. This increased revenue can help balance the country’s trade deficit, which can contribute to better currency stability and foreign reserves.
Improved Infrastructure: Tourism plays a significant role in infrastructure development, especially in remote and rural areas. Improved infrastructure such as roads, airports, and accommodations, among others are required for boosting tourist activity, which in turn can benefit the entire population by improving the area’s connectivity and transportation facilities.
Promoting Cultural Exchange: Tourism promotes cultural exchange, showcasing local cultures, customs, and traditions, which also promotes social cohesion between visitors and locals. The interaction between tourists and the local community can create an environment that fosters mutual respect and understanding of each other’s lifestyles and cultures.
In conclusion, the tourism sector provides a range of economic benefits, including the creation of employment opportunities, business development, foreign exchange earnings, infrastructure development, and promoting cultural exchange that can impact Pakistan’s development positively. By investing in the tourism industry, Pakistan can leverage its rich heritage, culture, and geography to promote tourism that can benefit the entire country.
Social Impacts of Tourism in Pakistan
In addition to economic benefits, tourism in Pakistan can also have significant social impacts. The sector can promote cultural exchange, social interaction, and create opportunities for local communities. However, tourism can also have negative social impacts, such as increased crime or exploitation of local residents. Some of the key social impacts of tourism in Pakistan are:
Promotion of Cultural Exchange: Tourism in Pakistan promotes cultural exchange, which is beneficial for both tourists and locals. Visitors can learn about the local culture through interactions with people, experiences of cultural traditions, and trying local food. These interactions can increase cultural awareness and promote mutual respect between people from different backgrounds.
Preservation of Local Traditions: Tourism in Pakistan can contribute to the preservation of local traditions, as they help maintain the cultural heritage of local communities, such as folk music, dance, and art. Visitors can support local artisans and craftspeople, by purchasing their products or participating in cultural shows or events that celebrate the local culture.
Improved Social Infrastructure: Tourism development can lead to improved social infrastructure, such as healthcare and education, for the local population. The development of the tourism industry can encourage private sector investment in such areas, leading to social progress and sustainable growth in local communities.
Increased Awareness of Environmental Issues: The tourism industry can raise awareness of environmental issues and promote responsible tourism practices. Living locally, tourists learn about the impacts of littering, deforestation, and pollution on local ecosystems, which as a result, can inspire them to practise responsible and sustainable practices.
Potential for Negative Impacts: However, the tourism industry also has the potential to negatively impact local communities, such as the exploitation of residents and their cultural and social extinction. Additionally, tourism can lead to increased crime, overcrowding and inappropriate behaviour that can negatively affect the community’s values, customs and traditions.
Tourism in Pakistan can provide significant social benefits by promoting cultural exchange, preserving local traditions, improving social infrastructure, and increasing awareness of environmental issues. However, its negative impacts such as social exploitation, cultural erosion, and increased crime rates need to be carefully monitored and addressed to ensure maximum social benefits for both visitors and local communities.
Environmental Impacts of Tourism in Pakistan
The tourism industry provides many socio-economic benefits, but it can also have significant environmental impacts on Pakistan’s ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and natural resources. Significant developments can result in deforestation, water pollution, and the degradation of the ecosystem, which can negatively impact the local ecosystem and wildlife. Some of the key environmental impacts of tourism in Pakistan are:
Resource Consumption: Tourism in Pakistan can lead to the excessive consumption of natural resources like water, energy, and timber. In areas with limited resources, tourist development can result in water shortages and energy outages, taking a toll on the surrounding ecosystems and harming the local community’s livelihoods.
Deforestation and Land Use: Tourist development can result in the clearing of forests and the destruction of habitats due to the construction of resort facilities, roads, and other infrastructure, risking biodiversity and the depletion of natural resources. Overdevelopment can also lead to soil erosion, habitat fragmentation, and the displacement of wildlife.
Waste Generation: Tourism in Pakistan can generate significant amounts of waste, including plastic waste and food waste. Improper waste management can lead to environmental pollution, posing serious risks to ecosystems, marine life, and public health.
Climate Change: Tourism in Pakistan is a significant contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to transportation, and energy consumption. As a result, touristic development can contribute to climate change which can have negative impacts on the country’s ecosystems and natural resources, such as increasing temperatures, changing weather patterns, and sea-level rise.
Marine Life: Pakistan’s 1,064 km coastline and associated marine ecosystems provide a significant attraction for tourists. However, unrestrained touristic development like land-based pollution, and overfishing, compromise marine ecosystems and negatively impact local communities reliant on the sea for their subsistence, livelihoods, and tourism services.
Effective sustainable management and mitigation practices can help reduce these impacts of tourism in Pakistan, and the industry can adopt sustainable tourism practices such as responsible waste management, water conservation, and renewable energy. This can help minimise the negative environmental impact of tourism and protect the local ecosystem, wildlife and natural resources.
In conclusion, the tourism industry has significant environmental impacts on Pakistan’s delicate ecosystems, natural resources, and wildlife habitats. It is essential to preserve Pakistan’s biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of development by using environmentally responsible tourism practices to mitigate the negative impact of tourism on the environment.
FAQs About Tourism in Pakistan
Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Pakistan, lets answer some of the most common questions on this topic:
1 – Is Pakistan safe for tourists?
Pakistan is generally safe for tourists as the government has increased security measures in popular tourist destinations. That being said, visitors should exercise caution in certain areas, particularly in border regions and areas known for criminal activity.
2 – What is the best time to visit Pakistan?
The best time to visit Pakistan is typically between the months of October and April when the climate is mild and temperatures are lower. Summers can be hot and humid, particularly in the southern parts of the country.
3 – What should tourists wear in Pakistan?
Tourists should dress modestly, particularly in religious or conservative areas. Women should dress in loose clothing that covers their shoulders and legs, and men should avoid shorts.
4 – What are the main tourist destinations in Pakistan?
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan include Islamabad, the Northern Areas, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan.
5 – What is the currency used in Pakistan?
The currency used in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR).
6 – Is it possible to get a visa for Pakistan on arrival?
Visas are not normally issued on arrival in Pakistan. Tourists must obtain a visa before arriving in the country.
7 – What languages are spoken in Pakistan?
The official language of Pakistan is Urdu, but English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas. Several regional languages are also spoken throughout the country.
8 – What is the cost of travel in Pakistan?
Pakistan is considered to be a budget-friendly destination with many low-cost options for accommodation, food, and transportation. The cost of travel can vary based on individual preferences and the activities that visitors want to experience.
9 – Can tourists purchase alcohol in Pakistan?
Alcohol is strictly prohibited in Pakistan for Muslims and is not readily available for tourists. Visitors can only consume alcohol in designated areas of hotels.
10 – What are the customs and etiquette in Pakistan?
Visitors should respect local customs and traditions in Pakistan, dress modestly, and avoid public displays of affection. Additionally, it is customary to remove shoes before entering a household or mosque, and visitors should respect religious and cultural practices during their stay.
To Conclude: Tourism in Pakistan
Pakistan, with its diverse landscapes ranging from towering mountains to historical sites, offers untapped potential for the discerning traveller. As tourism in the region grows, so too do the challenges and responsibilities of preserving its cultural and natural treasures. For Pakistan to thrive as a sought-after destination, it is imperative to address the multifaceted impacts of tourism. Through sustainable and responsible practices, Pakistan can ensure that its rich heritage and breathtaking vistas remain intact for future generations to explore and appreciate.
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Sustainable Tourism Foundation
Travel to learn - learn to travel, sustainable tourism foundation pakistan.
Pakistan has great opportunities for the tourism development based on its spectacular natural landscapes and unique cultural heritage. Tourism is one of those economic activities that have the potential to bring considerable benefits to the nation. If it is managed effectively, tourism can be used as a vehicle to deliver socio-economic benefits directly to rural and remote areas.
To guard against past mistakes and to help promote best practice in the future, it is important to recognize the need for partnership and cooperation for the development of sustainable tourism in Pakistan. All stakeholders should join hands to adopt the internationally recognized nature and culture friendly practices to insure the sustainable development of tourism sector in coming years.
The Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STFP) has been formed as a national body by a group of eminent professionals from the tourism industry as well as environmentalists as a non-profit and non-political organization to promote environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism in Pakistan. The Foundation is registered under the Societies Registration Act XXI, 1860.
STFP is working closely with federal and provincial governments agencies responsible for the promotion of tourism as well as it has established networking with private sector organizations and other like-minded national, regional and international organizations to facilitate and support synergy of policies, initiatives and activities at local, regional and national level.
Pakistan Tourism Forum (PTF)
Pakistan is blessed with natural beauty, cultural diversity and rich historical background. In spite of being blessed with a full range of tourism attractions, so far we have not been fully successful in exploiting this potential.
Green Trekking Campaign
The northern territories of Pakistan are renowned for their natural beauty and attractive mountain landscape. It is the meeting places of great mountain ranges of the Himalayas, the Karakorums, Hindukush and Pamir. Because of its unmatched beauty of natural landscape, it is known as a paradise for trekkers and adventure tourists.
Mission Green Pakistan – Clean Pakistan
The Mission of our Green Pakistan – Clean Pakistan Campaign is to make Pakistan a green and clean country for its citizens and an attractive tourist destination for its visitors. Pakistan’s tree cover is decreasing at an alarming rate — massive deforestation started in the 1990s as remote areas opened up with the construction of roads, and it has not ceased.
Indus Dolphin Ecotourism Project
Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan has launched a project with the help of NRSP-USAID Small Grants and Ambassador’s Fund Program for seeking fishermen community and general public support for the conservation of unique Indus Blind Dolphin.
Back to Nature – Youth Environment Leadership Program
Back to Nature - NYELPis a national environment leadership program for young people aimed at providing them with both leadership training, and unique learning opportunities not available at home or in the classroom.
Tourism and SGDs
During the 70th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, a record of 154 heads of state or government gathered at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York from 25-27 September 2015 to formally adopt the bold and ambitious 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Promotion of Sustainable Archeological Tourism in Swat Valley
In pursuance to its objectives to promote archaeological tourism in the country, Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan in collaboration with Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) and Italian Archaeological Mission’s ACT Project has launched a project to promote sustainable archaeological tourism by promoting cultural and archaeological heritage sites of Pakistan.
Summer Nature Study Camp for Kids
The Environmental Education Wing of STFP provides exciting & educational adventure outings for young students of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Our “Back to Nature- School Summer Nature Study Camp focuses on providing leadership training & learning opportunities that are not available in the classroom or at home. .
Promotion of Pro-Poor Tourism
Tourism is often claimed to be the largest industry in the world, thus creates both opportunities and responsibilities. Tourism can bring great benefits to the local communities but only if it brings sustainable livelihoods, employment or additional incomes.
Sustainable Tourism Network
One of the main objects of STFP is to create awareness and share information with the general public and industry stakeholders about the best practices of sustainable tourism, ecotourism, pro-poor tourism and other forms of responsible tourism.
Promotion of Community based Heritage Tourism at Rohtas Fort
UNESCO Convention on World Heritage asks for giving heritage a function in the lives of people and enhance the role of community in management and protection of heritage sites through awareness raising and developing economic stakes.
Promotion of Responsible Tourism in Kalasha Valleys
Funded by SDC and supported UNESCO Pakistan and Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the project “Strengthening the Resilience of Kalasha Communities through Protection and Promotion of their Cultural Heritage” was implemented by STFP during 2019 and 2020.
Capacity Building of Tour Guides
In Pakistan, there is serious shortage of trained tour guides. In order to fill the gap of trained tour guides and to improve the standards of tour operation services, Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STFP) annually organize two Tour Guides Training Programs.
STFP’s Pakistan Tourism Forum (PTF) acts as a National Think Tank on Tourism in Pakistan and provides advice and expert opinion to policy makers and major stakeholders on the sustainable development of tourism in Pakistan.
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Our mission is to promote and facilitate the growth of sustainable and equitable tourism in Pakistan in close partnership with concerned stakeholders from the public, private and non-profit sectors.
13 Reasons Why You Should Visit Pakistan At Least Once
Pakistan is one of the most intriguing and interesting countries in the world. This is because within its mountainous boundaries on one side and its desert dunes on the other, it contains a multitude of cultures stemming from a great variety of ethnic groups.
Each ethnic group, whether they live in the northern mountain peaks or the southern desert lands, bring with them age-old traditions, fascinating cultures, all varieties of food, bright clothes and enchanting myths, creating a land of unprecedented uniqueness. You need to visit Pakistan at least once in your life because the soul of the people and the beauty of its natural landscape topped with the fascinating aspects of its rich culture are sure to make it an experience you will always treasure.
The Natural Beauty
Pakistan is famous for its geographical magnificence because it contains all the varieties of natural phenomena starting from rolling hills leading to towering peaks in the north. It has vast fields and rivers, towards the province of Sindh we begin to witness oceans, and finally there are vast deserts making it a complete treasury of nature’s gifts. One reason the landscape remains so enchanting is because most of it is still preserved in its rawest and most natural form. Let us not forget that Pakistan is proud to lay claim to five of the highest and most glorious mountains in the world.
Pakistan has four provinces, with each having its own culture, traditions, dialect and palette of food and art. This cultural diversity stems from the ethnic variation causing it to have profound and long lasting effects on the entire culture as a whole. If you travel across the entire country, crossing over to each different province is almost like going to a new country where you will notice the difference in the way people look, dress, speak and behave. This diversity is what enriches the variety of food we have, the great range of music and instruments we play, the enriched variety of songs and literature we read as well as the great number of local dialects we own. It is a truly fascinating experience because you are able to experience a multitude of unique cultures under the umbrella of one collective culture, making your trip a lesson in diversity.
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Traditional Food
The food in Pakistan is famous for its specialized use of all sorts of herbs and spices. Every traditional dish is a special concoction whose recipe has been perfected through generations to give it a perfect taste. Each dish, whether it is lentils or chicken roast or even lamb has to be seasoned and cooked to perfection, and therefore when the final dish is prepared it is a pleasure to eat every single bite. The country is also famous for its unique sweets known as ‘Mithai’, sweet goods made with local recipes and topped with an assortment of nuts. Pakistan is known for its agriculture and therefore you should be prepared to taste the kind of organic fruits and vegetables you can only dream of.
The Local Bazaars
There is a thriving market culture that is still alive in Pakistan. There are hundreds of market places in every city and district, each with their own unique culture. The interesting thing about the local bazaars is that each shop still has an owner who has been there for decades and can answer any question put forth about his trade. The owners of clothes shops will tell you about any type of cloth in the world whereas the silver jeweler will tell you about any kind of silver present anywhere in the world. This relationship that the vendors have with customers is so precious in today’s modern age of impersonal shopping that any purchase can be transformed into a great bonding session and an even greater lesson about the product.
Beautifully Ornamented Handicrafts
This country has such an abundance of craftsmen that are so marvelously skilled at producing certain goods because they have learned a particular skill from their fathers, who in turn learned it from their fathers. There are beautifully woven carpets that take more than six months to create due to the intricacy of the designs embossed on them. There are magnificent embroideries done on all sorts of clothes, special jewelry is also cut to perfection using hands instead of machines. Utensils made from copper and silver follow the same pattern of unique craftsmanship, making the country a haven for handmade handicrafts that are not available in this variety anywhere else in the world.
Entrancing Local Music
Most musicians on the outskirts of cities and rural locations along with some in urban centers, prefer to use the traditional instruments of the east such as the flute, the rubab, the harmonium and the tabla (local drum). Along with the beauty of the sound produced by these local instruments, there are notes and hymns that go back more than 1,000 years, that are sung by local musicians that can put you into a state of intoxication without any substance. No matter how many rock and metal concerts you have attended, the experience of listening to a Qawwali (Devotional music) will be a musical experience that will resonate with you forever.
The Unique Hospitality
Anyone who comes from abroad is pleasantly surprised at how all the locals go out of their way to be hospitable to their guests. Whether you are in one of the major cities or backpacking in the Northern areas, anyone who crosses your path will tell you all you need to know about the area and the conversation will always end in them inviting you as a guest to their house for either tea or dinner. There is hardly anyone who does not offer foreigners a sightseeing tour of the area in which they are staying so that they can see all the unique things that are unknown to travelers.
Magnificent Clothes
In Pakistan you can find any kind of cotton, silk, wool, lawn and linen. It has more variety of cloth than anywhere else in the world because most women still choose to buy their own cloth and get it stitched. On top of that there is such a wide variety of skilled craftsmen who can make the most beautiful designs on any cloth using all sorts of beads and stones so you can have the kind of custom-made clothes you always dreamed of.
Passion for Sports
This country is famous for its relentless passion for sports, with cricket and polo being the national favorites. Pakistan has some of the most famous polo matches in the world that take place in Shandur, which is the highest altitude polo field in the world. Whenever there is a cricket match, a kind of frenzy appears and puts the whole country into a mood of festivity. You will see people dancing, listening to music and jeering uncontrollably every time the Pakistani team makes a goal.
Glorious Mosques
During the centuries that the Mughals reigned over the sub-continent, they hired the most illustrious artists and architects of the time to create marvelous mosques that are still as glorious as they were in their heyday, such as the Wazir Khan Mosque and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. There is also Shah Jahan Mosque in Sindh which was commissioned by the emperor Shah Jahan and is made entirely out of marble. There is a large mosque made out of one dome known as Gol Masjid in Karachi. The architecture, minarets and exquisite artwork accompanied by flawless calligraphy, make these mosques an architectural marvel that should be experienced first-hand.
Ancient Temples
There are a multitude of ancient Hindu temples in Pakistan, some that date back to the times of the ancient Hindu scripture of the Mahabharata, said to have been written around the 8th-century BC. One of the most famous Hindu temples in Pakistan are the Katas Raj Temples that have all the magnificent appeal of ancient architecture encapsulated in their perfectly-shaped domes and eloquent carvings. Along with these there are countless others that are centuries-old, such as Jagannath Mandir in Sialkot, Hinglaj Mata Mandir in Balochistan, Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi, Naval Mandir and the Goraknath temple in Kyber Pakhtun. All these temples boast impeccable architecture and carry within them the magnificence of antiquity in all its glory as they were constructed to pay tribute to some of the holiest deities of the Hindu religion throughout the centuries.
Treasure Chest of World History
The entire land of Pakistan is a unique treasure chest of history. It contains history from the time of the Buddha and some of the earliest statues of the Buddha along with significant remains of Buddhist monasteries can be found in areas such as Taxila. There are also significant remnants of the Greek world in the form of art, utensils, swords and statues from the time of Alexander the Great who invaded this land around 327 BC. There are awe inspiring temples dedicated to the various Hindu Gods due to the great prevalence of Hinduism and great mosques that echo the art of the great Mughals who were the invaders from Central Asia. In the 20th-century, great buildings were made and prestigious clock towers and railroads still stand as testament to the rule of the British.
Beautifully Decorated Trucks
Anyone who visits Pakistan is completely blown away by the mesmerizing art that fills all the trucks. These beautifully decorated trucks have become a widespread representation of Pakistani culture. There is an entire sub-culture that revolves around the ornamentation of them and there are special artisans skilled in the art to whom this task is assigned. There are a plethora of bright colors and designs, symbols and emblems, famous lines of poetry and endless birds and flowers engraved on all the huge trucks that traverse the roads of the country day and night, carrying goods from one place to another. You will never see a truck that is not a piece of unique art and each truck is a colorful representation of the thriving culture of Pakistan.
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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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10 Days in Northern Pakistan
If you’re considering your first visit to Pakistan and want an itinerary to rival all others, I’ve got you covered. I recently spent 10 days in Northern Pakistan and I had the adventure of a lifetime. If you are planning a visit to Pakistan for the first time, these are the highlights you cannot miss.
Why you should visit Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the most underrated travel destinations for a variety of reasons. Not without its’ problems, Pakistan is known for having a complex and complicated history since it was established in 1947. For that reason I would personally recommend a guided tour for your first visit, though have no reason not to encourage a solo journey given my own experience.
For the sake of clarity, travelling solo (and in particular as a female) in the likes of Bali or Bangkok is very different to travelling solo in Pakistan. If you are new to solo travel I would suggest gaining experience in countries more populated by tourists and indeed, with a more developed approach toward tourism and foreign visitors.
Because I didn’t travel through Pakistan as a solo female, I would suggest reading this post by The Broke Backpacker for further information and clarity given her thorough documentation on the topic (and brilliant coverage of Pakistan!)
This itinerary follows my 10-day adventure throughout Pakistan, starting in Islamabad. The tour was put together by our guide Atta (you can email him here) who works full time as a guide in Northern Pakistan (more on Atta later).
Islamabad (or Isloo to the locals) is the capital city of Pakistan but not even close to the biggest city. There are a whopping 213 million people in Pakistan and just 1 million in Islamabad. That makes the city great for a stopover and introduction to the country. I’d recommend at least one full day to explore Islamabad, though it wouldn’t hurt to allow for two and take advantage of shaking jet lag at the same time.
Start the day right with one of the best coffees in Islamabad , found at Mocca Cafe in Kohsar Market. While you are there be sure to wander around and begin to experience the local shopping. I would suggest taking advantage of the opportunity to buy a scarf or two, as you will need to wear a scarf when entering mosques and as a general rule, it is a good idea to have on one hand for certain situations that call for covering up as a sign of respect to the local culture.
For a beautiful pashmina (which are in fact from Nepal), head over to Maharaja Handicrafts at F6 markez, school road. For Afghan Handicrafts and antiques head over to the few shops around the corner from Maharaja on Aga Khan Road near the flower shops.
Check in to the Serena Hotel if you want an unforgettable introduction to Pakistani culture, architecture, and opulent interiors inside what is considered the most beautiful hotel in Islamabad. The hotel has all the perks you could ever need, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and huge restaurant to enjoy a buffet breakfast.
An important note on this itinerary: it relies entirely on this first flight from Islamabad to Skardu, which is unfortunately subject to many cancellations given the weather path entering the mountain ranges in Skardu. Should your flight be cancelled and you are travelling as part of a tour, alternative arrangements will be made for you. If you are travelling on your own accord, I would recommend having a few days of flexibility in case of cancellation, as there is only one flight a day and it is entirely weather dependent.
Unfortunately our trip began in just that fashion: a cancelled flight to Skardu, resulting in a 12 hour drive toward that direction and a prompt in us reversing our itinerary. With a dose of optimism I am hoping the same does not happen to you, so will proceed to share the itinerary as it was originally planned as we still visited all of these places – just in reverse and with much more time in a bus!
On the way to Skardu be sure to request a seat on the left hand side of the plane for the best photo opportunities – you won’t regret it as you enter the mountain ranges in the North!
Once you arrive be sure to stock up on dried apricots, walnuts and almonds for the long journey by road over the coming days. There were days where we would not eat for 12 hours at a time given the remote locations of these towns, so it is better to be prepared!
Shigar Fort
A couple of hours drive from Skardu and you will arrive at Shigar Fort, one of Northern Pakistan’s most beautiful hotels occupying an old fort. The experience is real and raw – almost so real that it feels as if you have stepped in to a movie set because it is so picturesque. The town itself is also great to walk around during the day amidst the hustle and bustle or you can take a bicycle for a more relaxed afternoon to stretch the legs after your long plane and bus journey.
If you can time your luck, there may be a local polo match taking place nearby. Ask your guide or one of the locals for updated information – this is a popular sport in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and known popular as “Game of the Kings”.
Khaplu Palace
It is a further three hours drive to reach Khaplu Palace, but this is hands down one of the most beautiful properties to stay in all of Pakistan and indeed, the highlight of my trip. If you have time to spend more than one night, this property is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Be sure to make use of the guided palace tour as there is much to learn about the history of the palace and its surrounds.
The Royal High Tea is an experience not to be forgotten and is served on a terrace overlooking the palace grounds and has sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. If you ask politely the hotel staff may also let you explore the rooftop of the palace, which has 360 degree views over Khaplu.
If you are feeling more active and adventurous, there is a great panoramic view to be had at Thoqsikhar , a two hour hike from the palace. Ask the hotel to pack a picnic lunch or start your journey early in the morning with the sun and return to the palace for a relaxed lunch in the gardens.
If you have time the day you are checking out, consider stopping at Bara , a small town just 20 minutes from Khaplu and en route to your next destination: Gilgit. Here you will find a wool spinning and weave centre that trains and supports local women. This is also a great place to purchase a local Baltistani topi.
It is a lengthy drive from Khaplu to Gilgit, so be sure to leave in good time if you wish to see Gilgit before dark and perhaps even take a hike to the water channel above the city that offers views of the valley below and also features the victory monument of Taj Mughul as well as the 7th century Kargah Buddha rock carving . Whilst in Gilgit we stayed at the Serena Hotel and I was starting to realise how much I appreciated these beautiful hotels being all across Pakistan! They were extremely welcoming and felt like coming home. Buffet breakfasts were a highlight as were the interiors, always dedicated to the local area and paying tribute to influences in Central Asia.
Karimabad, Hunza
If you are going to spend a few days in any one place, I would highly recommend basing yourself for a few days in the Hunza Valley. Renowned for its charm, cleanliness and 995 literacy rate, Hunza is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful cities to visit in the North of Pakistan.
If you’re feeling peckish, start your day at Cafe de Hunza for a slice of famous walnut cake with an iced latte (which is actually a frappe for ye Westerners) and so refreshing after days and days of instant coffee!
There are many towns to explore in Hunza, but with limited time we made our way to Gulmit, one of the highlights in the Hunza Valley. Here there are a number of women’s initiatives and it was one of the few cities where we saw women in the streets. To support local communities, some great items to purchase as souvenirs or gifts to take home are apricot creams and oils, gem stones, woollen shawls and woodcraft. You will find many artisans and shop keepers on the streets who are more than willing to help (many of which speak perfect English) and not once was I hassled to buy anything throughout my time in Pakistan.
Not too far from Hunza, I would highly recommend a visit to Attabad lake . This lake appeared after a landslide that killed 20 people known as the Attabad disaster. The lake collects glacial silt from the surrounding mountains, resulting in its turquoise blue colour in Spring and Summer. Further down the road edging closer to the border with China is the rickety bridge known as “The Indiana Jones Bridge” for its likeness, though it never appeared in the films. It is totally worth a visit but not for the faint hearted!
Karakoram Highway
Considered to be one of the greatest engineering accomplishments of the 20th century, the Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan and China and is one of the highlights of Northeastern Pakistan. The entire journey is 805 miles long but you don’t need to drive the entire way to experience some of the epic scenery that takes you through hair-raising turns, endless mountain ranges and many small villages where locals will wave as you pass by.
Fairy Meadows
If adventure travel is more your style and you’re ready for one wild ride, do not miss the chance to jump on the jeeps and make your way to fairy Meadows along a steep cliff edge. After a one hour drive to the end of the road, it is just a 1.5-2 hour hike to the Fairy Meadows camp, which is a popular stop en route to the Base Camp for Nanga Parbat.
If time is on your side you might consider embarking on the trek to base camp the following morning – according to my guide this was a further 10-12 hour hike with basic lodging at base camp. The Swiss-style cabins at Fairy Meadows are lovely and lush, complete with hot water and electricity! This was a beautiful part of the world to wake up and enjoy the crisp mountain air so if time is on your side, you may even want to stay an extra night.
Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.
Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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Your visit to Pakistan seems like an adventure. These photos are stunning.
Do you know any trusted tour organizers that I could contact? I will be travelling solo and would prefer to have someone with me all the time or join a group.
The places you mentioned are some of the breathtaking places on earth.
Such a beautiful country Pakistan is
Are these places open nowadays?
Let’s visit hunza together
Totally agree with the writer about 10 days itinerary in Northern Pakistan Tour. If any one wish to hikes more then just Islamabad Tour, 10 days itinerary is even not enough. We visited Karakorum hike spending 2 weeks time staying in a beautiful lodge trek just for seeing some sights. K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II are the highest peaks of Karakoram Mountain Ranges that are clearly visible if you hikes.
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Home Article Sustainable tourism in Pakistan: Vital perspectives
Sustainable tourism in Pakistan: Vital perspectives
TOURISM, a dynamic and vibrant sector, has a significant impact on the global economy. It broadens horizons, fosters cultural understanding, and enriches lives. According to a 2018 report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism contributes 10.4% of global GDP and supports one in ten jobs worldwide.
In Pakistan, the tourism industry is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and cultural gems. It attracts millions of tourists each year and contributed 5.9% to Pakistan’s GDP in 2022. From the historical ruins of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa to the natural beauty of the Hunza and Swat valleys, Pakistan offers a unique blend of experiences for every traveller.
However, the positive impact of tourism comes with an environmental cost. Unmanaged waste, particularly single-use plastics like bags and bottles, pollutes scenic landscapes and waterways. This issue is exacerbated by a lack of awareness among both tourists and locals. In Pakistan, fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas are particularly vulnerable. The melting glaciers serve as a stark reminder of the urgency of climate-friendly tourism.
Pakistan’s tourism industry has immense potential. By embracing eco-friendly practices, it can safeguard its natural wonders and create a more sustainable and equitable future for its communities. The journey towards responsible tourism requires collaboration between the government, tourism operators, and travellers. It ensures that future generations can enjoy Pakistan’s beauty without compromising its environmental integrity.
Planning an eco-friendly adventure in Pakistan requires a shift in perspective. Begin by selecting destinations that are committed to sustainable practices. When considering transportation, opt for options that reduce your carbon footprint, such as trains or buses, and explore local transportation options like cycling tours.
Accommodation is another area where you can make eco-friendly choices. Consider staying in eco-lodges that use local materials and minimize energy consumption. Supporting home stays not only provides authentic experiences but also empowers local communities.
Packing light and right is another crucial aspect of eco-friendly tourism. Avoid single-use plastics by bringing reusable water bottles and shopping bags. Utilize refillable toiletries and support local businesses selling eco-friendly souvenirs. Remember to practice responsible waste disposal and minimize your impact on natural sites. Participating in clean-up drives can be a rewarding experience.
Respecting local culture and ecology is integral to sustainable tourism. Dress modestly in culturally sensitive areas and avoid disturbing wildlife. Take the time to learn about local customs and traditions to enhance your experience and minimize cultural misunderstandings. Lastly, consider supporting conservation efforts by contributing to organizations that work to protect endangered species and habitats. Choosing tours that directly support conservation initiatives can also make a significant difference. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your adventure is not only memorable but also kind to the planet.
Promoting sustainable tourism in Pakistan requires systemic changes. Government policies need to enforce regulations on waste management, plastic reduction, and responsible tourism practices. Additionally, the promotion of sustainable infrastructure, such as eco-lodges and renewable energy sources, is crucial.
Community involvement is key to educating local communities about the importance of sustainable tourism and empowering them to participate in its development. This can be achieved through various means, such as workshops and training programs on topics like waste management, water conservation, and cultural sensitivity. Community-based tourism initiatives can involve local communities in planning and managing tourism activities, ensuring they benefit directly and learn about sustainable practices. Educational outreach programs can partner with schools and community organizations to deliver educational programs about the environment, culture, and responsible tourism.
Tour operators should be encouraged to offer eco-friendly tours, promote responsible accommodation, and educate tourists. Tourism awareness campaigns are also necessary to educate tourists about the importance of responsible behaviour and the fragility of Pakistan’s ecosystems. Local media campaigns can raise awareness about the importance of eco-tourism and promote responsible practices. Exchange programs can facilitate knowledge and best practice sharing between local communities and tourism stakeholders from other regions.
Inspiring examples from around the world can guide Pakistan’s eco-tourism efforts. Costa Rica’s Community-Based Tourism, Bhutan’s Homestay Program, Tanzania’s Maasai Mara Conservancies, Indonesia’s Village Eco-Schools, and Nepal’s Responsible Tourism Training are all initiatives that demonstrate how communities worldwide are learning and thriving in the eco-tourism space. These examples can provide valuable insights for Pakistan as it seeks to develop its own sustainable tourism industry.
Through the implementation of these strategies, Pakistan has the potential to pave the way for sustainable tourism, preserving its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes for future generations. It’s important to remember that responsible tourism is a collective effort, where every mindful decision made by travellers and policymakers alike contributes to a more sustainable future. Sustainable tourism is more than just a passing trend; it’s a necessity in our modern world. It serves as a potent instrument that can stimulate economic growth, safeguard the environment and foster social inclusion. As we journey and discover the world, let’s commit to doing so responsibly, ensuring we leave a positive imprint wherever we roam.
—The writer is a young activist who comes from Islamabad and now lives in Dubai.
Email: [email protected]
Hammad Gillani
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Pakistan Travel Advisory
Travel advisory june 23, 2023, pakistan - level 3: reconsider travel.
Reissued with updates to health information.
Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Do not travel to:
- Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to terrorism and kidnapping .
- The immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict .
Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian, as well as local military and police, targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past.
Terrorist attacks continue across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and KP, including the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties.
Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid sometimes changing with little or no notice. There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities, particularly Islamabad, and security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country. While threats still exist, terrorist attacks occur less frequently in major urban areas than other parts of Pakistan.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Pakistan due to the security environment. Travel by U.S. government personnel within Pakistan is restricted, and additional restrictions on movements by U.S. government personnel outside of U.S. diplomatic facilities may occur at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions, which can change suddenly.
The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar is unable to provide any consular services to U.S. citizens.
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Pakistan.
If you decide to travel to Pakistan:
- Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
- Remain aware of your surroundings and local events.
- Vary travel routes and timing, especially for routine trips.
- Be cognizant of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, government and military institutions, and other locations.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
- Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergencies. Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
Balochistan Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to Balochistan province. Active terrorist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.
Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .
KP Province, including the former FATA – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to KP province, which includes the former FATA. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces. These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel.
Vicinity of Line of Control – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including the Line of Control. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Travelers are advised to confirm the status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. An Indian visa is required to enter India, and no visa services are available at the border.
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Pakistan official admits involvement in rigging election results, x faces restrictions in pakistan amid protests over alleged vote rigging, pakistan election: pti joins religious parties, ppp backs rival pmln, bhutto about-turn: behind the ppp plan to back pakistan’s new government.
Sitting beside Sharif at a news conference in Islamabad, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari , former foreign minister and chairperson of the PPP, confirmed that Sharif would be their coalition’s candidate for prime minister.
He added that his father, Asif Ali Zardari, would be the alliance’s candidate for president.
Sharif, who is the younger brother of another former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, said the PMLN-PPP coalition also had the support of other smaller parties.
The announcement comes after 10 days of intense negotiations following the February 8 elections, which resulted in a hung National Assembly when no party secured the 134 seats needed for a simple majority and to form government on its own.
Independent candidates aligned with another leading political party – jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) – won the most seats at 93 but did not have the numbers or a political party or coalition that would enable them to govern.
PTI-aligned candidates were forced to run as independents in the face of state restrictions against the party.
The PMLN is the largest party with 79 seats, and the PPP is second with 54. They along with four other smaller parties have a comfortable majority in the legislature of 264 seats.
Vote rigging
In response to the announcement by the two parties, the PTI, which had also been trying to form coalitions with smaller parties, branded their rivals “mandate thieves” in a post on the social media platform X.
PDM 2.0 = #MandateThieves pic.twitter.com/9ukk4oJZvF — PTI (@PTIofficial) February 20, 2024
The PTI has alleged there was widespread vote rigging in the elections, a claim that was seemingly backed up when a senior bureaucrat on Saturday admitted to his involvement in changing election results.
The PTI faced a severe crackdown from government agencies and security forces in the weeks before the elections.
In January, the party was even denied the use of its election symbol, the cricket bat, which resulted in its candidates running as independents instead of as members of the party itself.
Meanwhile, the social media platform X has been disrupted across Pakistan since Saturday when the vote manipulation admission was made public and people went out into the streets to protest.
“X has been inaccessible in Pakistan [since Saturday] because it is used by the public to protest,” Usama Khilji, a digital rights activist told the Agence France-Presse news agency. However, Pakistan’s government has not acknowledged the outage.
The delay in forming a government in Pakistan – a nuclear-armed nation of 241 million people – has caused concern as the country grapples with an economic crisis amid slow growth and record inflation and rising violence by armed groups. It needs a stable administration with the authority to take tough decisions.
Bhutto Zardari said on Tuesday that the PPP and PMLN would push to form a government as soon as possible.
According to the country’s constitution, a session of parliament has to be called by February 29, after which a vote for a new prime minister will take place.
- Saturday, Feb 24, 2024
- UPDATED 07:48 pm PKT
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More rain, snowfall likely in tourist points in Pakistan
24th Feb, 2024. 07:41 pm
Passport Issuance Begins for Hajj Pilgrims in Pakistan
Speaker, Deputy Speakers in Sindh Assembly to be elected on Feb 25
MQM-P delegation met PML-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat
The Pakistan Meteorological Department ( PMD ) forecasts rain, wind, and thunderstorms, along with snowfall over the hills, in Murree, Galyat, and other tourist sites in Pakistan from Saturday evening/night to Tuesday (February 24-27).
As per the synoptic situation, a shallow westerly wave is prevailing over the northern parts of Pakistan. A new westerly wave is expected to enter Balochistan on Sunday night and affect the upper parts of the country on Monday.
Under these conditions, rain, wind, and thunderstorms, accompanied by snowfall over the hills, are likely in Murree, Galyat, and tourist destinations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan from Saturday evening/night to Tuesday.
Snowfall could disrupt traffic in Murree, Galyat, Naran, Kaghan, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Shangla, Astore, Hunza, Skardu, Neelum Valley, Bagh, Poonch, and Haveli on Monday evening/night and Tuesday. The possibility of landslides in Murree, Galyat, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan cannot be ruled out during this period.
Rain, hailstorm, snowfall expected in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted rain, wind, and thunderstorms, along...
Murree’s minimum temperature is expected to range between -02-00 degrees Celsius on Sunday and -01-01 C on Monday.
Meanwhile, freezing weather persisted in Murree, Galyat, and other tourist destinations in Pakistan during the last 24 hours. Murree experienced light snowfall.
Kalam remained the coldest place, with temperatures dropping 12 C below freezing. The minimum temperature in Astore was recorded at -09 C, Skardu -06 C, Gupis, Hunza -05 C, Gilgit, Bagrote, and Malam Jabba -04 C.
In Murree, the minimum temperature was recorded at -02 C, with relative humidity during the morning at 56 percent.
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