Useful tips for traveling to Pakistan
Planning to travel to Pakistan? This blog will have every detail covered! As a company working with foreign tourist, we will pen down all essential information that will help you get accumulated with what our beautiful country has to offer. We will critically cover all aspects.
Pakistan is a beautiful and a diverse country, from jaw dropping nature to diverse landscape and delicious food are some of the many things you will experience in Pakistan. Hospitality is one of the major reasons why Pakistan is compelling more and more people to travel.
About Pakistan?
Pakistan is officially called “the Islamic republic of Pakistan”, a 6th most populous country in South Asia, founded on 14th August 1947. The event is commonly referred to as partition, the event has millions of heart saddening stories associated with it with its affects still visible till date. Pakistan officially has 4, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Punjab and Azad Kashmir & Gilgit Baltistan are also part of Pakistan’s northern areas.
While modern Pakistan may have sprawling cities and a young population, it’s roots can be traced to ancient times, with Indus Valley civilization in the southern Pakistan. The modern day Pakistan’s territory had multiple civilization and conquerors including Ghandara civilization from where Buddhism emerged, alexander the great, the Delhi sultanate, Mughal empire and the British Raj.
Languages in Pakistan?
As stated earlier, Pakistan is a culturally diverse country, and same applies to languages here. Majority of people speak atleast 2-3 languages but not essentially English.
While Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, there are specific languages spoken in each province and mostly in cities, the majority of upper and middle class do understand and speak English. Most people speak some English but it depends what area are you in.
In addition to Urdu & English, Pashto, Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, Potohari, Shina, Wakhi and the list goes on. Every province has their own regional language.
Pakistan & It’s provinces!
Pakistan has four provinces and three territories, and each with its own distinct language, culture and flavour
Punjab (Province)
Cities/Destinations: Lahore, Rawalpindi & Multan
Punjab is located in the middle of the country border the province of KPK, Sindh. The Province is home to major agricultural activity, with vast fields of crops, coupled with massive Mughal relics and greenery with Lahore is also located in Punjab as its provincial capital.
Sindh (Province)
Cities/Destinations: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur & Sehwan Sharif
Sindh is the southern most province of Pakistan and is home to Pakistan’s biggest city- Karachi. It is also a port city and a major hub of economic activity. While Karachi may not have a lot of ancient relics, but if one travels to interior Sindh, one can explore deserts, forts, Sufi shrines.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Province)
Cities/Destinations: Peshawar, Chitral, Swat, Kalash valley
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or KPK is one home to some one the most places on Earth. Located to the west of the country with this province sharing border with Afghanistan, the province also includes which was previously known as FATA (Federally administrative Tribal areas).
The province is rich in Ancient Gandara civilization- this is where Buddhism originated from- the province is home to Pashtun people and a province that keeps setting new standards when it comes to hospitality. While some areas near the border region are off limits, swat, Peshawar, Kalash are some of the popular areas that attract tourist from across the world.
Balochistan (Province)
Cities/Destinations: Quetta, Gwadar, Hingol National Park, Makran Coastal highway and many more
Balochistan landscape is surreal. Some of the areas in Balochistan are also referred to as Mars on earth. The Province is home to Amazing beaches, Mud volcanoes, oasis, and natural formation of rocks that resembles to Sphnix- the great pyramid of Ghiza etc.
The province borders Iran & Afghanistan- and is biggest province and least travelled by. Unfortunately though, the province is mostly off limits for foreign tourist except only of approvals are sought.
Islamabad (Federal Capital Territory)
Islamabad is the federal capital of Pakistan. When travelling to Pakistan, a lot of you will be travelling from Islamabad. There are plenty of things to do in Islamabad but the city is generally quieter.
Gilgit Baltistan (Territory)
Cities/Destinations: Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, K2, Fairy meadows & Nanga Parbat & a lot more.
When talking about Mountains, the only thing that comes to mind is Gilgit Baltistan as it is home to some of the highest peaks in the world. It’s not like Pakistan’s other areas don’t have mountain ranges (Sindh has Kirthar mountain ranges, Balochistan has Toba kakar, Siahan, Kirthar and central makran mountain range, KPK has Hindukush) but there is something special about mountain ranges on Gilgil Baltistan.
The region is also called the ‘Northern areas’ and is home to world’s three highest mountain ranges in the world ‘The Karakoram’, ‘The Himalaya’ & ‘The Hindukush’ and the Junction point is where all these mountain ranges meet. The region also hosts some highest mountains like K2- 2nd highest, Nanga Parbat 9th Highest, Rakaposhi 27th highest and some of the biggest glaciers outside the polar region. If you seek nature, Gilgit Baltistan is your go to region.
Azad Kashmir (Territory)
Cities/Destinations: Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley & Lakes
Azad Kashmir is one of the beautiful territory of Pakistan. The locals fought war against Indian and got its freedom while there is still a part of it that is occupied by the India. The Azad Kashmir borders Kashmir that is occupied and under Indian occupation and the border area is often subject to flare up between Pakistan & Indian military. The Azad Kashmir host beautiful Neelum Valley and many trekking paces which however are not accessible to foreign tourist due to security concern; however, foreigners can visit Muzaffarabad, Mirpur etc.
Destination Pakistan Guide- Culture in Pakistan
Pakistan has a diverse culture which vary from region to region and is pretty vibrant. Religion plays a vital role in shaping the culture in Pakistan.
Hospitality:
The hospitality in Pakistan is second to none. It is a renowned fact that Pakistanis don’t shy when it comes to hospitality. Pakistanis treat guest as ‘Guest from God’ and think its their honor to treat them. While travelling in Pakistan, we have seen guests being invited by local to sleep in their homes, feed them, taking them out to show their areas and giving away gifts. The hospitality is amazing but we encourage to pay the vendors etc since Pakistan has endured massive inflation and people giving something is usually at expense of something in terms of monetary value.
You can always appreciate the help extended by locals in monetary terms if they accept it Likewise small gifts from your home country would mean a lot to them. Enjoy Pakistan’s hospitality.
What to wear in Pakistan (Dress code):
When travelling to Pakistan and wondering what to wear? We are often asked this question and honestly there is no official rule, but its best to dress modest. We will classify what’s best to wear for Men/Women while travelling to Pakistan. Western clothes are generally Okay, you’d find many people wearing western clothes, especially in big cities and shopping malls.
Women: Pakistan is generally a conservative country with exceptions in few areas. We recommend that you dress modestly, meaning wearing long pants and loose dress/Shirt. Head scarves aren’t necessary unless you are entering a Masjid/Mosque. You can always wear local Shalwar Kameez which is super comfortable and easy to buy.
Men: Men can wear shorts but you would not come across many locals wearing it and its not allowed in places of worship, like Masjid/Mosque.. We recommend that men also dress modesty, pant and shirts are best and shalwar kameez is recommended. Not Tank tops etc.
Women in Pakistan
Pakistan is generally a conservative society so while in some areas of Pakistan, you wont find on the streets, there are areas where you would find a lot of women on the streets specially in big cities; however, we still recommend to take measures and report anything off or harassment to our management while travelling with us. Incase you are alone, it is best raise your voice or resist while making a scene, and someone will come for help as Pakistanis are protective of women and respect foreign women's.
Things to be careful of! Applies on both Male & Female:
As a foreigner travelling in Pakistan, it is recommended to avoid public display affection like kissing & touching in public. Openess about boyfriend/girilfriend is frowned upon. As a couple travelling Pakistan, it is recommended to pretend to be married when asked. Just to be on safe side, Women should be on guard while dealing with men. You can call younger and middle aged men ‘Bhai’ which is brother in Urdu and ‘Chacha or uncle’ to older men.
Religion
Pakistan is an Islamic republic and majority of people are Muslims. Islam is the official state religion. There are people from other religion too like Christians and Hindus. While travelling to Pakistan, it is important that you are respectful of Islam and other religions and also important to steer clear of the discussions on the religion.
Food in Pakistan!
As with diversity in Pakistan, the food is equally diverse and rich in flavors and taste. Almost every province and region has their own best to offer.
Pakistan food is generally very tasty but whether its healthy, it is something that you will have to judge yourself. The food contains loads of oil, meat and bread; however, while travelling to remote areas, you wont find much yoghurt or salads with few exceptions like Onions, Cabbage, carrots etc.
Food is usually full of flavor and spicy. Visitors in Pakistan may have stomach issues at some point. When in big cities in Lahore and Karachi, you will have numerous cafes offering international flavors.
Vegetarians & Vegan are a complex concept in Pakistan except in some areas. Most Pakistani dishes contain meat, dairy products like butter or yoghurt. If you are one of the these, it is important that you tell us before hand.
Money in Pakistan:
The currency in Pakistan is ‘Rupee’ and it comes in the denomination of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 & 5000. Coins are also available but ever since the inflation, they have become useless. Getting money from ATM is pretty easy in big cities as ATMs are available everywhere. However, while travelling North, It can be challenging. The ATMs are not available everywhere in the north and can run out of the cash as well, so make sure you carry substantial Pakistan currency while travelling north. Moreover, Credit/Debit cards aren’t accepted by locals in the north.
It is important that you get your Dollars/Pounds/Euros exchanges before travelling to Northern Pakistan.
Approx Costs While Travelling North:
Below are approx. cost while travelling to Forts which are subject to change.
- Altit fort: $10
- Baltit fort: $10
- Deosai National Park Entry: $20
- Cold desert Safari: $50 per jeep (usually 30- 45 Mins)
- Shangrilla Resort: $20
- Attabad Lake Boating: $10-$20
- Attabad Jetski: $3
- Shigar Fort Entry: $15
- Masur Rock Hiking: $5
- Hussaini Bridge: $1
- Baskochi top: $5
- Zipline At Hussaini Bridge $5
How to apply for Visa?
We have a separate page where we list down ways to access visa. Click here to read it in detail:
What’s weather like in Pakistan?
The weather in Pakistan varies from area to area. In the northern Pakistan, weather can be unpredictable due to high altitude. Sunny days can be experienced from Springs to Autumn but weather can drop at night in summers as well. In Sep/Oct, it can be a bit rainy or snowfall in Sep/Oct which have become unusual of late due to global warming.
The southern regions in Pakistan can be dry with temperature ranging from 20-30 C.
