The Most Amazing Places to Visit in Pakistan

When it comes to places to visit in Pakistan, there are so many unique sights and experiences for every trip of traveler.

Mountains and rivers for the adventurous, archaeological sites and temples for history buffs, and fantastic dining for the foodies.

Where do you start when trying to plan your trip to Pakistan? Right here!

This post will take you through the best places to go in Pakistan by province, as well as information on getting around, safety, and planning your trip.

Best Places to Visit in Pakistan

I was traveling through Pakistan with the University of Karachi as part of the International Entrepreneurship Summer School (IESS) program.

We spent the first 10 days in Karachi and the program’s second half exploring Sindh and North Pakistan. Big thanks to the wonderful IESS team for sponsoring this incredible trip!

Pakistan comprises four provinces: Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. There are also two autonomous territories – Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan – and one federal territory, Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan.

Pakistan is a large country with a big population, so it takes a while to get between places. For example, when we traveled from Karachi to Islamabad by train, it took 24 hours!

You must factor in these travel times when planning your trip to Pakistan. If you’re short on time, I advise sticking to one area.

Places to Visit in Sindh

Karachi

Karachi is the capital of Sindh and Pakistan’s largest city, with a population of over 18 million. It’s one of the biggest cities in the world!

There’s no shortage of things to do in Karachi; just watching the crazy traffic could entertain you all day.

Whether your exploring the historic markets, paying tribute to Pakistan’s founder, or shopping in the country’s biggest mall, Karachi has you covered.

For more inspiration on where to visit in Karachi, check out my complete guide to visiting Karachi.

Pakistan is home to many important historical places, including six UNESCO World Heritage sites. Two of these historical places to go to in Pakistan are in Sindh.

Chaukhandi Tombs

Just 28km outside of Karachi are the Chaukhandi Tombs. This historical site contains tombs of the ancestors of a local tribe, which are estimated to be from the 15th-18th century.

Mohenjo-daro

This historical place in Sindh was only discovered in the early 1900s, soon followed by an extensive study and excavation of the area.

It was concluded that the mounds and ruins were once part of the Indus Valley Civilization, a contemporary of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Mohenjo-daro is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with immense historical significance, making it one of the best tourist places in Pakistan.

Like many places we visited in Pakistan, I was shocked at the number of tourists, or lack thereof, visiting here.

I cannot think of many places in the world these days where you can walk around an ancient civilization without hoards of tourists. Just one more reason to love Pakistan!

Tip: Avoid visiting Mohenjo-daro in the middle of the day, as the temperatures outside are scorching. There is virtually no protection from the sun walking through the site.

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not directly overhead. At the site, they rent umbrellas and hats.

Makli 

Another important UNESCO World Heritage site, Makli, is the largest necropolis in the world.

Spread over 10 square kilometers, we were transported in open cars to explore this massive complex of tombs.

It might seem strange to visit a graveyard, but the tombs left by the Mughal empire are impressive. With intricate details found on each one, you could spend hours exploring them all.

Ranikot Fort

Ranikot Fort is a historical Talpur fort in the Jamshoro District of Sindh. It’s known as The Great Wall of Sindh and is believed to be the world’s largest fort, with a circumference of approximately 32 kilometers! 

I loved walking through this fort and exploring the different rooms you could get inside. There are a lot of great photo opportunities here, and at the top, you have great views of the surrounding area.

I visited many forts on my trip through India last year, and although impressive, they are generally crowded with tourists. At Ranikot Fort, I saw about two other groups of people aside from ours.

Tomb of the seven sisters

Another historical place to visit in Sindh is the Tombs of the Seven Sisters, which have an interesting story behind them.

According to legend, seven sisters resided here in a cave and didn’t meet with any men. Raja Dahir, the Hindu ruler at the time, came to know of their beauty and ordered them to be brought in front of him.

When the sisters heard this, they became terrified and started to pray. Suddenly, the earth opened up during their prayer, and they disappeared in it.

I have to say – the area did feel that it had a certain magic! Aside from the history, the tombs are also a great place to view the beautiful Landsdown Bridge over the Indus River.

Sunrise/Sunset is the best time to visit. You may even see the rare Indus River dolphins in the water if you’re lucky.

Shan Jahan Mosque

Being a predominantly Muslim country, Pakistan has a lot of beautiful mosques to visit, but Shan Jahan was my favorite. The mosque is designed elegantly with beautiful colors. The geometrical designs found throughout the mosque left me feeling mesmerized.

The Mughal King built the mosque as a gift to the people of Thatta for their hospitality. It took three years to complete after starting construction in 1644.

Places to Visit in Punjab

Lahore

Lahore is the capital of Punjab province and one of the best cities to visit in Pakistan.

With heavy influence from the Mughal Empire and British Raj, you can find many beautiful gardens, forts, and mosques here. Here are the most beautiful places to visit in Lahore:

Badshahi mosque

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Lahore is the Badshahi Mosque or the “emperor’s mosque.” It was built in 1673 by the Mughal emperor using gorgeous red sandstone.

Tip: To get a different view, head to Haveli restaurant on food street after for a nice meal. There you get excellent views of Badshani Mosque from the restaurant top.

Lahore Fort & Shalamar Gardens

Right next to Badshahi Mosque is Lahore Fort. This is another gorgeous piece of Mughal architecture built in the 1580s. The fort is located in the northwest corner of the walled city of Lahore. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history.

The Shalamar Gardens are another royal complex located 7km from the fort. The gardens were influenced by Persian and Islamic traditions and are a prominent example of Mughal Gardens.

Both Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981 for their outstanding universal value.

Wazir Khan Mosque

Lahore is full of beautiful mosques. It’s known as the Paris of the East for a reason! Located in Lahore’s inner city, Wazir Khan Mosque is another worth visiting while you are here. It’s currently on the tentative list as a UNESCO world heritage site. This 17th-century mosque is an architectural masterpiece!

Minar-e-Pakistan

Minar-e-Pakistan is a 70mtall structure that looks similar to the Eiffel tower. It marks the spot where in 1940, the Muslim League of British India passed the resolution to create the independent Muslim country of Pakistan. At the top of Minar-e-Pakistan, you get excellent views of Lahore Fort and Badshahi mosque.

National History Museum

Nearby to Lahore Fort, you can find the National History Museum of Pakistan. It’s in Iqbal Park, a beautiful park that attracts thousands of visitors yearly. You can learn about Pakistan’s fascinating history at the national museum through interactive audio and visual exhibits.

Open: Tuesday -Sunday 10-4:30. Closed Mondays.

Delhi Gate

One of the best attractions in Lahore is Delhi Gate, which leads to one of the oldest Bazaars in the city. Once inside, you can only get around on foot, which is a nice break from the heavy traffic in Pakistan.

You can also visit a restored Shahi Hamman (traditional bath) inside the Bazaar. The city has done a great job restoring the Hamman and making it accessible for visitors. There are tour guides readily available to take you around the Hammam.

Waga Border Ceremony

Lahore is just a couple of kilometers away from India, and at the border, there is a ceremony that happens twice a day. It’s a military ceremony where soldiers march up and down trying to impress, while locals on each side cheer, sing, shout, and show their patriotism.

Unfortunately, due to timing, we could not attend the border ceremony. This was a huge disappointment for me, as I have heard great things about the ceremony, and it’s something high on my bucket list.

If you get the chance to visit Lahore, please go to this so I can live vicariously through you!

Multan

Another city in the Punjab province you may want to visit is Multan. It is Pakistan’s 7th largest city and a major cultural and economic center of southern Punjab. It is home to several shrines, tombs, and mosques, attracting devotees year-round.

Places to Visit in Islamabad

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and its own federal territory. With just over one million residents, the city has a completely different atmosphere than Karachi. I found Islamabad to be much more calm, clean, and green. If you’re heading into the Northern area, Islamabad is an excellent place to start.

Faisal Mosque

While in Islamabad, be sure to check out Faisal Mosque. It’s a contemporary mosque that looks quite different than others in the country, making it one of the best tourist places in Pakistan.

Instead of the traditional domes found in most mosques, Faisal Mosque is topped by sloping roofs. The main prayer room can hold up to 100,000 people!

Non-Muslims are requested to avoid visiting during prayer times and Fridays. Visitors should take off their shoes before entering the courtyard and dress conservatively.

Monal Restaurant for views of the city

After a visit to the mosque, head up to Monal restaurant, located on top of a hill outside the city center. From there, you can get incredible panoramic views of Islamabad, and the food is delicious!

Taxila

Just 32km from Islamabad is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city of Taxila.

The ancient site sits on a branch of the silk road that linked China to the West. The ruin sites at Taxila reveal the pattern of urban evolution on the Indian subcontinent over more than five centuries. It’s considered one of Asia’s most important archeological sites.

Northern Areas of Pakistan

Once you leave Islamabad and head North, you will start to see an entirely new side of Pakistan. The Northern areas were my favorite part of Pakistan to explore. With epic roadtrips, lakes, and mountains – it leaves you feeling that you have escaped into the wild.

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One of my favourite parts about driving through Northern Pakistan was how much fun everyone was having on the roads. It’s probably not the safest, but being able to sit on top of the van and out the window added so much to the experience. I loved seeing other cars passing by doing the same, groups of friends and families screaming cheers as they drove by, and all the random people dancing on the side of the road! This place embodies the spirit of a road trip and I love it.

A post shared by Lora | Solo Adventure Travel (@explorewithlora) on Aug 29, 2019 at 11:04am PDT

The main highway that goes through the North is the Karakoram highway. It’s the highest paved international highway in the world. This drive is an adventure in itself, taking you through many of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Places to visit in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

After leaving Islamabad, we made out way to Naran. It takes about eight hours to reach Naran from Islamabad via bus, with some beautiful places to stop along the way.

Babusar Pass

One of the highlights of the road is Babusar Pass, a section of the road which reaches a total elevation of 4,131m. Beautiful views of the road below make you appreciate the work that went into building the roads through Northern Pakistan.

It’s a shock to go from the valleys below to such a high altitude. Be sure to bring a jacket to keep you warm and take your time exploring the area, as the altitude can leave you feeling winded quickly.

Lulusar Lake

Another great place to visit near Naran is Lulusar Lake, which is 48km away. This is the biggest lake in the Kaghan Valley at 3,410m. The turquoise color of this lake is just stunning!

Naran

Once you arrive in Naran, a fun thing is to go white-water rafting done the Kunhar River. The rapids are suitable for beginners, as they are only class I and II. Just be warned – you will get wet!

The main street in Naran is busy with hotels, restaurants, and shops where you can book Naran tour packages. It’s also an excellent place to pick up souvenirs or supplies before heading further up North.

Many of the areas in the North are cold (yes, even in summer), so if you need to buy a jacket or scarf, you can get them in Naran for relatively cheap.

Naran is also a good place to connect online as you may not have an internet connection afterward. There is no data coverage on the phone networks past Naran, and the Wi-Fi at our hotels in the Northern areas did not work for me.

Swat Valley

This stunning valley looks like it came straight out of a fairytale! With gorgeous forests, rivers, and villages, Swat Valley is one place you don’t want to miss in Pakistan.

Places to Visit in Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit Baltistan is the northernmost administrative territory of Pakistan. It’s home to several mountain peaks over 20,000 feet, including K-2 and Nanga Parbat. It is where you will find many of Pakistan’s best attractions!

Fairy Meadows

Although difficult to reach, Fairy Meadows is undoubtedly one of the most magical places you can visit in Pakistan. This is due to the incredible views you can get of Nanga Parbat, the 9th largest mountain in the world.

To get to fairy meadows, you need to take a scary jeep ride up a mountain, followed by a 2-3 hour hike to the campsite.

Although challenging to reach, it’s one of the most unique campsites I’ve stayed in. The views of Nanga Parbat are unreal. You can also do a day hike from the Fairy Meadows campsite to Nanga Parbat base camp.

Skardu district

In the center of Gilgit-Baltistan in Skardu District. Made up of lakes, deserts, roadways, and picturesque villages, this is the best place to visit in Pakistan for nature.

Skardu District is the base camp for some of the world’s highest mountain peaks, including K2. Another attraction is Deosai National Park, a 4,114-metre high wonderland rich in flora and fauna.

On my trip, we didn’t get the chance to visit the Skardu district, but I’ve heard many good things about it. When I return to Pakistan, it is one of the first places I will visit!

Karimabad (Hunza Valley)

Karimabad is the capital of Hunza valley, a mountainous valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region that is often called heaven on earth. Once you see Hunza Valley, it’s not hard to understand how it got that title.

Two of the best viewpoints for enjoying Hunza Valley are Eagles Nest and Baltit Fort.

Baltit Fort

Baltit Fort is not only good for views but has an interesting history. This fairy-tale-like fort was built in the 8th Century BC on top of a hill overlooking Karimabad. You can get guided tours inside the fort, where you can learn about its history and glimpse how they used to live.

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Go ahead, tell me Pakistan isn’t beautiful ❤️

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To visit Baltit fort you will need to walk up a steep hill for 10-15 minutes where there are some stores along the way. I recommend visiting these afterward to buy souvenirs in Pakistan. You can get excellent quality gemstones and natural Ibex scarves.

Eagles Nest

Another incredible place to view Hunza Valley is at Eagles Nest. It can be reached by vehicle and a short walk up to the top. I recommend visiting Eagles Nest at either at sunrise or sunset.

Although the area is beautiful any time of day, to see the sky change colors against all of that beauty is a memorable experience. It’s one of the best Pakistan tourist attractions!

Attabad Lake

Undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Pakistan, Attabad Lake should be high on your list. This turquoise-hued Lake in Hunza Valley was created after a massive landslide in 2010. Although the landslide created a lot of destruction at the time, what got left behind is beautiful.

At the dock, you can rent jet skis or take a boat tour to explore the lake.

Passu Cones

Driving along the Karakoram highway, you will encounter a lot of beauty, but one of the most striking landmarks is Passu Cones.

You can start to view the cones from the town of Gulmit, but if you drive further down the road, you get even better views. There is a place to pull off the side of the road, marked by the words ‘Passu.’

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A post shared by Lora | Solo Adventure Travel (@explorewithlora) on Aug 31, 2019 at 1:36pm PDT

Hussaini Suspension Bridge

A few KM North of Karimabad in Upper Hunza is the Hussaini Suspension Bridge. Known as the most dangerous bridge in the world, it’s composed of steel ropes and wooden planks. The bridge serves as a connection between the villages in the area, and locals walk it every day.

As a tourist, you can try and walk on it, but this comes with a word of caution. The rapids in the water below are fast, and it is unlikely you will be saved if you fall.

I was on the fence about walking across Hussaini Bridge, but the decision was made for me when we arrived, as the bridge was closed due to safety issues. I am still curious about it and wish we could have gone. Let me know if you get the chance to walk across Hussaini Bridge!

Pak-China Border

The Pak-China border is one of the most stunning borders I have ever encountered. To get there, you have to drive through the Khunjerav Pass, which goes up to a total elevation of 4,673m! This is a must-see place in Pakistan.

You start the drive through green valleys, and by the end, you will be surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s a fantastic drive and a fun experience at the top.

Many people hadn’t seen snow before, which was so fun to see! The border was one of my favorite Pakistan tourist places that we visited.

Other Places to See In Pakistan

Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Another region of Pakistan that looks quite beautiful is Kashmir. Unfortunately, when I was visiting Pakistan, tensions rose between India and Pakistan over the dispute over the Kashmir territory, and I was advised that it wouldn’t be safe to see.

However, Kashmir is home to some of the country’s most beautiful areas, so I feel it should be mentioned in this article. I hope to see it one day. The Neelum District looks particularly stunning, located in the the northernmost district of Azad Kashmir.

Due to the ongoing issues, I can’t recommend Kashmir as a place to visit. But of course, things change quite frequently regarding political situations.

When planning your trip to Pakistan, find out the current situation and maybe you can go.

Hingol National Park

Located in the Lasbela District in the province of Baluchistan is Hingol National Park. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to visit this part of Pakistan, but this park caught my eye as an interesting place to visit.

It’s got strange rock formations that will make you feel like you’ve entered another planet and is the only mud volcano in South Asia. I haven’t seen one of these outside of Cartagena Colombia!

Getting around Pakistan

Since Pakistan’s tourism industry is still developing, joining a group tour is the easiest way to get around Pakistan. I recommend this 15-day trip with Epic Backpacker Tours takes you deep into the northern area of Pakistan, where the most beautiful sights are.

Other, here’s some information on getting around Pakistan.

Train

Pakistan has an extensive train network that goes as far North as Islamabad. We took the train from Karachi to Islamabad, which took about 24 hours in total (although it was supposed to take 18). I also took the train back from Lahore to Karachi, which took about 18 hours.

There are three different classes on the train in Pakistan. We traveled in the business class section, which was quite nice as far as train travel goes.

Each compartment has six fold-out beds (3 on each side), a large viewing window, and a small table. The staff serves included meals on the train and will come by with snacks you can purchase.

Flying

You can also fly between many places in Pakistan, although this option is typically more expensive than taking the train or bus. One of the leading regional airlines is Pakistan International Airlines.

I haven’t flown with them, but I’ve heard some bad reviews from friends who have, so be careful when booking a flight with them. To find the cheapest flights within Pakistan, search on Skyscanner.

Busses

Once you reach the northern areas, mini-busses are likely how you will be traveling around. Due to the sharp turns on the roads in the North over mountainous locations, it is not recommended to take a large-sized bus through this area.

Pakistan’s tourism industry is still developing, so you must be patient with bus times and expect delays!

Renting a car or private driver

You could also consider renting a car in Pakistan, which would give you the ultimate freedom to explore the country. Note that there are checkpoints throughout the country, and in certain parts, they will put a security guard in the car to travel with you.

This may seem strange, but it’s just how things are in Pakistan. You don’t have to worry about arranging this, as they will assign you a guard at the checkpoints. Just make sure you leave an empty seat for them!

There is also the option of hiring a private driver. This may sound expensive, but it can be surprisingly affordable in a country like Pakistan, especially if shared with other travelers.

Of course, it won’t be as cheap as taking the local bus, but you have the freedom to explore wherever you want, on your own schedule. Plus, free hands to take photos!

Within the cities in Pakistan, there are local buses, taxis, and Uber. They also have a service called Careem in Pakistan, which works the same way as Uber.

Safety in Pakistan

Safety in Pakistan is a big concern for travelers, and even I felt nervous as I left on the plane to go there. However, once I arrived, those concerns quickly went out the window.

Pakistan is not a country full of crazy extreme terrorists, as the media may have you believe. On the contrary, Pakistan is a country full of the kindest and warm-hearted people I’ve ever met.

Every person I met in the country welcomed me with open arms and went out of their way to ensure I was always ok. There was no time during my month in Pakistan when I felt in danger or threatened.

But of course, Pakistan does have its problems, and I can’t say the entire country is safe. It’s important to realize that many of these issues are localized, mainly in the border areas near Afghanistan.

One of the best things you can do to keep safe while traveling is to have travel insurance to protect you in case something goes wrong. I recommend using World Nomad’s Insurance for coverage in Pakistan.

Solo Female Travel in Pakistan

Although I typically travel the world solo, during my time in Pakistan, I was with a group of other travelers and locals as part of the IESS program. Therefore I want to direct you to some additional resources about female travel in Pakistan.

• Guide to Solo Female Travel in Pakistan
• Female Pakistan Travelers Facebook Group
• Pakistan Tours for Women

I will say that based on my experience in Pakistan, I would be happy to go back there as a solo female traveler. I also know many other female travel bloggers who have spent months traveling in Pakistan solo with no issues.

Best time to visit Pakistan

The best time to visit depends on where you want to go in Pakistan. The high season is from May-October when the weather is dry and warm throughout the country.

It might seem strange to visit such a hot country during the North American summer, but this is the best time if you want to explore the Northern areas.

This is because during the winter (November-April), much of the landscape is covered in snow. You likely won’t be able to access many of the places I’ve mentioned in this post during this time.

Even in August, it was still snowing in some places we visited! May-October is also peak trekking season, as there is little rainfall in the area.

If you only want to visit regions like Sindh and Punjab, then November to April would be a good time to visit, as the weather will be more pleasant.

I visited these areas during the summertime, and it is very hot. Not unbearable, but you won’t be able to spend long periods outside without shade.

How long to spend in Pakistan

I spent almost a month in Pakistan, and honestly, it wasn’t long enough to see all the places I wanted. Because the distances are so long between places, and road conditions aren’t the best, you can expect long days of travel between locations.

You could see a lot of the province of Sindh in one week and then at least a day to travel to either Lahore or Islamabad, depending on how you get there.

Lahore is worth spending a couple of days in as there are many interesting places to visit. Islamabad is a good stop before heading into the Northern Area.

If you only want to visit the Northern Areas of Pakistan, then to save time, fly into Islamabad instead of Karachi.

I recommend a minimum of two weeks to explore the Northern areas of Pakistan. Otherwise, you will spend all your days driving and not have much time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

If you plan to do trekking then you will need even more time to give your body rest days and time to adjust to the altitude. I could have easily spent a month just in the Northern areas of Pakistan.

10 tips for visiting Pakistan

1. You need a visa!

You most likely need a visa to get into Pakistan (there are only five countries that don’t), and if you are Canadian or American, you definitely do.

But don’t worry, getting a Visa for Pakistan has become MUCH easier this year thanks to the introduction of the e-visa. But it still requires a bit of work and documents. I wrote a detailed guide on how to get the visa to Pakistan, which has all the information you need.

You need a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to get a visa, and the easiest way to get this is by joining a group tour (which is a great way to travel to Pakistan).

Check out Epic Backpacker Tours, which offer uniquely crafted tours around the country. Use code LoraIsEpic for 5% off!

2. Getting Money

The official currency of Pakistan is the Pakistan Rupee (1USD = 157 PKR), but it can be difficult to get money out of the ATM using your international debit card.

Many banks these days have automatic blocks on their cards when used in certain locations, and in my case, I had to visit several different ATMs in Karachi before I found one that actually gave me money.

If you can find an ATM with an ‘Interac Plus” square on it, the chances are higher it will work.

To avoid not being able to get money while in Pakistan, you can try and get it beforehand at your bank at home.

I advise doing this with lots of time as they will likely have to order the Pakistan rupees in, and it’s possible they might not have them at all.

The next best thing you can do, and something I always do when I’m traveling somewhere, is to take US cash. As much as this sucks for us Canadians, it really is an international currency.

You will easily be able to exchange US dollars for Pakistan rupees at a currency exchange once you arrive.

Bigger chains and most hotels will accept visas but many small shops only take cash. Things are pretty cheap in Pakistan though, so you won’t have huge expenses when it comes to day-to-day living.

3. Local Language

The official language of Pakistan is English, but the national language is Urdu, and many different dialects are spoken in the Northern regions.

Most of the time, you can get by fine speaking English, especially in the cities. In the more remote areas, it won’t be as prevalent, but usually, there will be someone around who can speak English. That said, all locals will appreciate you speaking a bit of Urdu. Here are some common phrases:

• Asalaam-walaikum – Greeting/Well Wishes
• Aap kaise (for male)/ kaisi (for female) hou? – How are you?
• Jee Han/Jee Nahin – Yes/No
• Shukeriya – Thank you
• Maaf kijeah – Pardon me/Excuse me/Sorry
• Khuda Hafiz – Goodbye

4. What to wear

You can technically wear whatever you want in Pakistan, but you might get stared at in the wrong way and may offend some locals.

I recommend wearing long trousers and a loose-fitting t-shirt. In the more remote areas, I would wear a 3/4 length sleeve. You don’t need to wear a headscarf unless you are visiting a mosque.

Note on Visiting Mosques

Pakistan has many beautiful mosques that you can visit. When visiting, women should wear head scarfs, and all guests should cover their knees and shoulders, and take off shoes before entering.

I really recommend that you dress extra conservatively while visiting mosques (i.e. have your full body covered). While visiting the Shan Jahan Mosque in Sukkur, one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan, I wore three quarter length pants, a t-shirt, and a headscarf – thinking this would be OK.

Nothing was said to me at the time, but afterward, I posted the picture on my Instagram account and it got reposted by a larger Pakistan travel account

A few hours later, I start getting notifications from people commenting telling me I have shamed the mosque and offended them.

It was in no way my intention to do this, and reading these comments wasn’t a fun experience. I felt terrible. It was a lesson to learn, and I will be dressing far more conservatively while visiting future mosques.

5. Bathrooms

Many bathrooms in Pakistan are fine, but there are going to be points when you will encounter squat toilets, especially in the more remote places in the Northern region. These generally aren’t very clean and rarely have toilet paper.

While traveling through Pakistan, you should always carry hand sanitizer and toilet paper. You will be thankful for it many times.

I also strongly recommend bringing medicine from home in the event that you get stomach sick. Almost everyone I was with that was not from Pakistan got sick on our trip at least once.

Unfortunately, I was sick for over half the trip and had to go through several courses of antibiotics to get better. Not a fun time when all you have is a squat toilet!

You should ask your doctor for antibiotics to take with you in case you get diarrhea that lasts longer than a couple of days.

This is a common practice to give to patients who are traveling to places like Pakistan. They saved me once, and I wish I had gotten more before my trip! I also recommend bringing over-the-counter medication for stomach issues, as well as dehydration salts and painkillers.

6. Staying Connected

You definitely want to unlock your phone before going to Pakistan so you can get a local SIM while you’re there. The data is incredibly cheap and often works much faster than the wifi. You can buy data at local shops.

They sell data in scratch-off cards. You have to purchase the card and then scratch the code on it, then input that code into your phone to load it. It’s a little confusing, but if you ask any local they can help you. Pakistanis are very friendly and always happy to help.

The wi-fi is not the best in Pakistan so one thing you could bring to help is a wi-fi extender. This handy portable device picks up the signal and boosts it to the room you’re in, making a huge difference in speed.

If you are traveling North past Naran you will not really have data. We lost our phone data signal on all networks after driving out of Naran, and the Wi-Fi did not work at any of the hotels we stayed in.

7. Getting around Pakistan

Pakistan’s tourism industry is still developing, and you have to be patient when it comes to getting around. Expect long delays! You can fly between many cities in Pakistan but it’s a more expensive option. A more economical option would be to take the train or local bus.

In the Northern regions, you will have to travel via mini-bus unless you rent a car or hire a private driver. You can find more information about getting around on my mega-post on how to plan your trip to Pakistan.

8. Nightlife/Alcohol

Pakistan is an Islamic republic, so alcohol is illegal. There are no clubs/bars, or alcohol sold in shops. But if you really want a drink, tourists can buy and consume alcohol in hotels.

You would think without alcohol that the nightlife would be kind of dead but it’s exactly the opposite.

Karachi is known as the city that never sleeps and it’s true, there are always people out on the streets at all hours of the night

It’s common to not eat dinner until late in the evening around 10, and locals stay out for much longer than that. I was going to bed before the locals I was traveling with every night (Am I secretly a grandma)?

9. Eating in Pakistan

Pakistan has an amazing food culture, but as a vegetarian, it’s not the easiest country to eat in. Their diet has a lot of meat in it, and I almost felt that I was missing out on experiencing the food culture by not eating it.

I can say that my fellow travel companions in Pakistan seemed to really enjoy the food! That said, there are some vegetarian dishes, and they are delicious, spicy, and fragrant.

The one thing I didn’t love about Pakistani food is that it’s very rich and hardy. This is fine for a few days, but after a while, it was starting to make me feel sick. You can easily overeat and leave feeling bloated.

Another important thing while eating is to always wash your hands and ensure the fruits and veggies have not been washed in the local water, as this is not safe to drink.

Unfortunately, hygiene standards are not the best everywhere in Pakistan, and you need to be careful where you eat.

Ask locals for recommendations or look at reviews before you pick a place. If in doubt, you could always ask to see the kitchen.

Lastly, don’t be afraid of the street food! This was actually some of the best food that I ate in Pakistan, and where I found many vegetarian options.

10. Get ready to be the center of attention

One thing you need to prepare for if you travel to Pakistan is to be the center of attention.

The tourism industry is still emerging, and there aren’t that many people visiting, so locals really want to talk to you. Get ready to be asked for a lot of selfies, invitations for tea, dinner, and even to stay at their house!

Pakistani hospitality is world-class. As their guest, it is an honor for them to host you. Most locals will go above and beyond to make your stay in Pakistan amazing.

This is actually quite nice, but if you aren’t used to the attention it can feel overwhelming. Just remember that it’s coming out of a genuine place.

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I am so grateful to have had the chance to explore Pakistan. Full of natural beauty and fantastic hospitality, it’s a place that surprised me over and over again.

Pakistan is not what you think it is. It’s not some horrible terrorist state or a barren desert.

Pakistan is a beautiful country with the most welcoming people I have ever come across. Forget about the bias you know from home; open your heart to the kindness of people here, and you will have an amazing time.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see many of these places become much more popular in the upcoming years. Now is a great time to visit these places if you want to have the incredible scenery to yourself.

I hope this post could inspire and guide you on where to go in Pakistan when planning your trip.

Looking for more Pakistan travel inspo? Check out these posts!

• How to Get Your Pakistan Visa
• The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Pakistan

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