Pakistan as a country
Pakistan gained independence and was founded on 14th Aug 1947 after partitioning from India. People from both countries migrated in search of new homes as Hindus migrated to India and Muslims migrated from India to Pakistan. Pakistan became the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in 1956, and 14 years later, East Pakistan separated, becoming Bangladesh.
Pakistan has a population of almost 220 Million People, and it has 4 Provinces (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and KPK) & Kashmir State. Pakistan has its border with China in the North, India in the East and Iran in the southwest, and Afghanistan in the West. The people of Pakistan are friendly and their hospitality is famous.
NOTE: Pakistan is currently open for tourists with no restrictions.
What is there to see in Pakistan
Pakistan is a four-seasonal country with all kinds of landscapes. If you are starting from South Karachi, you can visit the Beaches, then travel to the central region Deserts, and then north to the Mountains. There are Lush Green Mountains to the Rocky and Mud Mountains. You will see forests, rivers, and valleys. This country is rich in culture and history. In fact, there is something for everyone so don’t miss it.
Overview of Major Cities & Valleys
Lahore: Culture, Food, Historical Sites, Famous Wagah Border Ceremony
Karachi: The largest city in Pakistan, Historical Sites
Islamabad: Capital of Pakistan Modern City
Taxila: Ancient Buddhist Heritage Sites more than the 2000 Years old
Peshawar: Old City with Old Bazar and Delicious Food, Different Culture
Swat & Kalam: Mountain Valley of Hindukuch Mountain Region
Kalash Valley (Bamburet): A Tribe with unique culture and religion
Hunza & Nagar: Valleys of 7 Mountains which are 7000m plus height, Karakoram Highway, Pak-China Border
Ghizer: Region of Beautiful Lake and River
Skardu: Largest region of the North with the World’s second-highest mountain K2, Largest Glaciers, Largest Meadows Deosai Plain.
Pakistan Visa Process
You can apply for a Pakistan Visa through the online visa portal, and always remember if you are not in your home country and applying from 3rd country, never mention that you are not in your home country unless you have a resident permit or work visa. You should select that you can be interviewed at the Pakistan embassy of your home country and pretend as if you are there. The chances of the interview being called are less than 5% and you will get a visa without any trouble. If you mention about 3rd country where you are traveling or currently residing, you will be asked to submit a Resident Permit or Work visa, and failing to do so will lead to the rejection of a Pakistan Visa.
When you apply for a visa, you can be asked for a Letter of Invitation to submit, which you can get from your close Pakistani Friend or from a Licensed Tour Company that is authorized to deal with Foreigners so you can get one from here http://adventureplanners.net/letter-of-invitation/ without booking any tour. Also never mention Traveling to Baluchistan or Kashmir Regions in your visa applications as these are restricted areas so naming them in your itinerary can lead to the rejection of your visa.
There is a new category of visa as well, which is called the Visa prior to Arrival and 126 country’s nationals can apply in this category which is more simpiler version of visa.
Visa Extension Process in Pakistan
Once you have arrived in Pakistan, you are eligible to apply for a visa extension. You can apply for your Visa extension by using the online visa portal.
Upload the documents below for Visa Extension
- Copy of Passport First Page & Entry Stamped Page
- Passport Size Picture
- Sponsored Letter of Visa Extension from a Tour Company or a Close Pakistani Friend (Same as LOI)
- Current Visa
The best way is to apply through an online visa portal at least 15-20 days before your visa expiry, you can log in and apply for an extension same as you have applied for a Pakistan visa, this process will take up to 15-20 days but once you have applied for a visa extension you can stay in the country and you can keep the submission receipt with you. If somebody stops you, so you can show them this receipt as proof of visa extension. Visa extension starts from the date it is approved.
Overstay in Pakistan
If your visa has expired and you are in Pakistan and want to leave, you have to apply for an exit permit online, which is accessible through this government website https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/exit-permit/
You have to buy a flight ticket before applying for an exit permit or if you are leaving the country by land border, you can write a cover letter explaining your land border crossing. You will also see there is a requirement for a letter from the Ministry of the Interior in the exit permit documents submission you can simply upload your cover letter for the flight ticket in that and skip this letter as it’s not required actually.
Arrival & Immigration
Immigration officers at the airport are friendly, and the process will not take much time. You should have printed out your EVisa to save time at the immigration counter. The process will take 5 minutes. If anybody at the airport asks for money, never give them and ask them to present a receipt for any legal tax if there is any. They cannot stop you as you have a visa and are legal to enter Pakistan, sometimes, someone can only ask for a bribe, so never pay them a single penny.
Currency of Pakistan & Currency Exchange
The currency of Pakistan is called the Rupee, and it doesn’t have any symbol; it’s written as PKR. Money Changers are easily available in Major cities, and you can search on Google for money changers. You will get multiple options and go to the one that has the best rating. There are money changers at the airport, but their exchange rate is not good, so only exchange a limited amount at the airport. If you are traveling to the Northern Area (Gilgit Baltistan, KPK), it’s best to get your money exchanged in the cities to avoid inconvenience.
ATM & Banks in Pakistan for Foreign Cards
There are a few banks that accept all international cards, and those are Bank Alfalah, Standard Chartered Bank, Allied Bank, and HBL. Although Bank Alfalah is top one to accept international cards
Credit Card Acceptance in Pakistan
Credit Card culture is not common in Pakistan, and only high-end brands or big stores have the option of credit cards. it’s always best to carry cash with you to avoid trouble while traveling.
National Language of Pakistan:
Urdu is the National language of Pakistan and is spoken in all parts, and you can learn a few words which will help you in traveling.
- Hello – Salam o Alaikum
- Thank You – Shukria
- How are you? – Ap Kaisay Hain?
- I am fine – Main Theek Hun
- Bye – Allah Hafiz
- One – Aik
- Two – Dow
- Three- Teen
- Four – Chaar
- Five – Paanch
- Ten – Das
- Hundred – Sow
Other Major Local Languages
There are many local languages in Pakistan, but the major ones are Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi, Pashto, Saraiki, Shina, and Balti.
Seasons in Pakistan & Best Time to Visit
Pakistan has all four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, and at the same time, you can enjoy Winter and Summer because its spread over the south and north. If you are in the south, you can enjoy hot weather, and when you travel to the north, that will be cold at the same time. The best time to visit Pakistan is between March to November as most of the places remain open and easily accessible.
- Spring: March-April
- Summer: May-Sep
- Autumn: Oct-Nov
- Winter: Dec-Feb
If you are planning to visit Pakistan during Ramadan, then you may need to understand the culture and religion, which prohibits people from eating during daytime, but you can have food in your hotels, and try not to eat in front of people as they cannot eat. As a non-Muslim and foreigner, you can eat outside in public areas but ethically it doesn’t look good. You can buy food from bakeries and super store at day time but restaurants remain closed and open up again in the evening. You can also find a lot of free food in the evening and people give food for free at many places every day.
Religions in Pakistan
The state religion of Pakistan is Islam, and other Minorities are Christian, Sikh, and Hindus
Culture of Pakistan
As a Muslim-majority country, people are Moderate Muslims, and Culture is different from region to region. If you are in big cities, you will see all kinds of people from all regions, so it’s a mix of cultures and people wearing Shalwar Qamiz (Local Dress), Pant Shirts, and Jeans, and you easily mix with them.
If you are in interior Sindh, where people are not very religious, but you will find conservatives in their culture, so when you are in villages, it’s better to get permission if you are planning to take pictures. It’s always best to be accompanied by a local person. People of these regions are friendly, and you will often be asked to have tea or food with them; it’s part of the culture throughout Pakistan.
Punjab, in comparison to Sindh, is similar only difference is the language and dress code, with different varieties of food. People here in this province are also very friendly and open. They might not speak English, but they will try to help you and offer you Chai (Tea) all the time.
KPK, the northwestern province, is Religious, and people are conservative. Although they are friendly, the hospitality of this region is
above all, you will be offered to stay at their home for free, and you will be fed all the time until you get fat. One thing just remember in this region is never to take photos of a woman, as they don’t take it lightly, and this is like you hit their pride if you take pictures of their women, so always remember this rule for KPK province, except Kalash Valleys, where people are more liberal and they are non-Muslims.
Gilgit Baltistan, this province is mixed with different ethnic groups, and if you are traveling in the Hunza region, these people are Agha
Khanis and Friendly People. Gilgit Baltistan Province was the first province in the country to have the majority of tourists in the 1980s. They are divided into two regions, one is Gilgit and the other is the Baltistan Skardu side, and they all have a welcoming nature.
Dressing for Men & Women in Pakistan
Men wear Shalwar Qameez, which is a traditional dress throughout the country, but you can wear Jeans and a Shirt, which is also common in cities and the dress code of offices is also Pant and Shirt so you will not look like an alien If you will be wearing jeans and shirt, You can wear occasionally local dress and earn more respect from People.
Women normally wear Long shirts and trousers, which are colorful and beautiful. You will see girls wearing short shirts and Jeans as well in the big cities, but it’s not common and not considered good in the villages or in rural areas. If you wear the local dress, you will get more respect from people.
Trekking in Pakistan
If you are planning to do trekking in Pakistan, you are going to be in love with Pakistan. it is heaven for trekkers with thousands of wild and unexplored trekking routes and mountains, Some of the Major famous Treks are (K2 Trek, Nanga Parbat Basecamp, Rakaposhi Basecamp, Rush Lake, Karomber Lake Trek) If you are going to do trekking above 6000 meters you will need to get a trekking permit and you have to engage Tour company as without that you will not be allowed to go on that trek. You would also need to apply for a Trekking Visa, which is separate from a normal tourist visa, and details 
can be obtained from the government’s official visa web portal. You can also get some more information about the trekking route from the Tripmate Application, which can be downloaded from the Play Store (only available for Android Version).
Major International Airports in Pakistan
Pakistan has many airports, but the major airports are Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, and Islamabad International Airport.
Internet Availability in Pakistan
Internet is the backbone of any country in these modern times, so Pakistan also has 4G Service throughout the country, and Landline Internet is available in Hotels and at Home. You will find good internet in Big Cities, and the internet in the mountains will be weaker, but it works. There are some famous tourist points where the internet or mobile doesn’t work at all (Fairy Meadows, Deosai Plains, K2 Basecamp.
If you are planning to do trekking internet will not work on all major treks, so plan accordingly.
Security Situation in Pakistan
The security situation in Pakistan is overall perfect, and you can travel to a major part of the country. There are a few restricted areas where you cannot travel without obtaining an NOC, which are Baluchistan & Some parts of Kashmir. These are politically unstable regions, so to avoid any trouble government has banned the entry of foreigners into these regions. The rest of the country is open to you, and you can visit all provinces and areas away from a 5-10km border. You will likely be given Armed Escorts free of cost in the interior Sindh and South Punjab Regions, so I recommend that if you are interested in history, then only visit this area, you will be fed up with these armed escorts and movements controlled by the police. Once you are in Central Punjab and North, you will have your freedom, and you can travel anywhere without any Escort.
Now you can travel to Hingol National Park, Balochistan, by using a Local tour Guide from Karachi. You can contact Adventure Planners Pakistan to arrange a guide and tour for you and to obtain an NOC.
Best Mobile Networks in Pakistan
No particular network is best for the whole of Pakistan, so you can choose one according to your traveling plan. If you are traveling in the central and southern regions (Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, Karachi) Zong is good. If you are traveling to the North, specifically the Gilgit Baltistan Region, then SCOM is the only option with 3G/4G Internet, and it can be used in the cities as well. You can buy this SIM card in the mountains, or you can buy it from Backpackers Hostel in Islamabad.
Where a foreigner can buy a SIM card
As a foreigner you can buy a Sim card from the official service Centers of Mobile Network Companies, as Shops or selling points cannot sell sim cards to a foreigner on their passports so don’t get scammed by anyone selling sim cards on the road or at the airport as currently, No Network have any setup at airports to sell sim cards for foreigners in Pakistan. SCOM is available at Backpackers Hostel Islamabad.
Transport in Pakistan & Best Bus Companies
All cities are connected by Buses, Vans, or Through Railway Network. If you are landing in Karachi you can use a Bus or Train to travel to central cities like Lahore or Islamabad. You can experience Green Line Train, which was started a few years ago, and it offers good service and a comfortable journey. If you are landing in Lahore best option is a Bus to reach Islamabad in the quickest way.
There are a few bus companies which are reliable and recommended. Here is the list according to cities. Fare of the buses are Approximate, not exact, as these companies change fares often
I: Karachi-Lahore
Faisal Movers (25 USD) Executive & Business Class
Daewoo (30 USD PKR) Economy, Executive & Business Class
Bilal Travels (25 USD) Economy & Executive Class
Qconnect Bus Luxurious Bus
II: Lahore-Islamabad
Faisal Movers (10 USD) Executive & Business Class
Daewoo (12 USD) Economy, Executive & Business Class
Bilal Travels (10 USD) Economy & Executive Class
QConnect (20 USD) Business Class
III: Islamabad-Gilgit-Hunza
Faisal Movers (17 USD) Executive Class
Domestic Flight Connections in Pakistan
Islamabad → Skardu (ISB-KDU)
Every day, there is one flight between Islamabad and the Skardu route, and in peak season, there are multiple flights every day.
Airline: PIA, AirblueIslamabad → Gilgit (ISB-GIL)
Gilgit is a small airport and only an ATR Plane can land on the airstrip, there is only PIA flight operating for this airport and often cancelled if weather is not good, in off season one flight daily, and in the peak season, there are 2 flights operating every day.
Karachi -Islamabad (KHI-ISB)
Jinnah International Airport Karachi is one of the busiest airports in Pakistan, and there are multiple flights every day operating to Islamabad. Major airlines are (Fly Jinnah, Airblue, PIA, Air Sial, Serene Air)
Online Transport Booking Applications in Pakistan
Daewoo and Qconnect have their own booking application, and there is another one called Bookme, you can download the application or book through the website Bookme.pk for Train Tickets. You can use the Pakistan Railways Application or website https://pakrail.gov.pk/, they ask for CNIC to enter while booking, so you can use this ID as a general to book your tickets (61101 1234567 9)
Online Taxi Applications in Pakistan
Yango, Indriver, and Careem are 3 major taxi apps, and Bykea is a bike ride application working in Pakistan. Yango or Indrive are better because you don’t get many cancellations by drivers instead unlike Careem, where driver cancels your ride all the time if they don’t like the
destination where you want to go. Both companies offer different ride types from Economical to Luxury ones. You can also take a bike ride most economical option, and enjoy budget traveling within the city. These applications work only in the big cities and is not available in the northern part, like Gilgit or Skardu region.
How to get a Taxi at the Airport with no internet
When you arrive at the airport and you don’t have an internet connection, the best way is to use the Metro Cab service from Airport’s designated counter, as they are reliable and not expensive. You can find their counter near the exit gate after collecting your luggage at Islamabad International Airport and similar at other airports.
Vegetarian Food & Restaurants in Pakistan
Normally, in the Roadside restaurant, you will find both Veg and Non-Veg Options. Pakistani people love Vegetables, so you will get options for Daal and vegetables in most of the restaurants. When you want to order food, ask them to make it nonspicy, as normally they add more spices and fry them before serving you.
Vegan Food & Restaurants in Pakistan
Being a vegan is not common in Pakistan so you have to find places where you can get vegan food or you have to cook by yourself. Here we have a list of vegan food restaurants in different cities. you can check the below link
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SVlkmd9olDxNMqvVIcMFezExX_R3KgjnP8l5kU3nm4w/htmlview?fbclid=IwAR3oQIKMYu9028XpFYagnc-2xaY61tKHeDwYyPKZJwfiwa2iRq7oIbmKkYI#
Drinking/Alcohol Consumption in Pakistan
Pakistan is a Muslim country, and by Law, it’s forbidden for Muslims to consume Alcoholic drinks, but as a Non-Muslim, you can buy alcoholic drinks from the big designated hotels (Serena, Marriott, Flashman, Pearl Continental) and drink in hotels or inside, not in public spaces.
Online Food Applications in Pakistan
Food Panda is where you can order all kinds of food online.
Hotels & Hostels in Pakistan
Pakistan is a developed country, and in Major Cities, you can find all kinds of Hotels from the Budget range to 5-star.
Tourist Hostels are not common in Pakistan, and there are a couple of proper hostels. One is in Lahore, named Backpackers Den, and the other one is Backpackers Hostel Islamabad.
In Gilgit Baltistan, there are many budget hotels Madina Hotel 2 Gilgit, Ther Hermes Hotel and Backpackers Hostel, Hostel Nomads in Hunza, Sehris Guest House Skardu and Rehman Backpackers Gulkin are a few them which accommodate Backpackers.
Car Rentals in Pakistan
You can rent a car in Pakistan with a driver. Cars without drivers are pretty expensive and mostly without insurance, so the owner of rental companies doesn’t want to put their vehicles at risk and only give cars to drivers, you have to pay not only rent but driver food and accommodation as well it $10 per day. You can rent a car from Adventure Planners Pakistan.
Common Scams in Pakistan
There are no major scams with tourists in Pakistan as the tourism industry is still new here and people are friendly nature. But always be cautious with regular taxis, and they might overcharge you, so before taking a taxi, ask for the fare for the destination.
Motorbike Rentals in Pakistan
Motorbike rentals are not common in Pakistan, and you can get Motorbike rentals in Islamabad from Pakistan Bikers. They have a wide range of motorbikes.
You can Rent Motorbike and you will be given Helmet Complimentary. These companies offer lightweight motorbikes mainly Suzuki GS 150 and Suzuki GS 150 SE. Pakistan Bikers offer Zongshen RX3, Tekken 250, Yamaha YBR G, and CB150F also available
Overland Traveling To and From Pakistan
You can enter Pakistan from 5 Borders,
Pak-China Border, which is in the extreme North of Pakistan in the Gilgit Baltistan region and is called Khunjerab Pass.
Wagah Border with India which is close to Lahore City (currently Wagah border has been closed since May 2025)
Taftan Border: This border is 10 hours from Quetta City and connects Zahidan with the Pakistani town Taftan.
Rimdhan Border with Iran which connects Gwadar Port City with Iran Bandar Abbas Port City
Torkham Border with Afghanistan Many tourists have crossed to Afghanistan recently without any trouble, so it is also an option for adventure seekers, but you have to obtain an Afghanistan.
The easiest border is the Wagah Border with India; despite the fact of not have good diplomatic relations with India, it is the easiest and most relaxed border for tourists to come in and go out. (Currently closed since May 2025 )
Drone Policies of Pakistan
If you are planning to bring the drone to Pakistan, you can bring it without any problem, as currently, Pakistan doesn’t have any policy for drones but while flying in cities, be careful not to fly around military or government buildings. In some areas, you need to get NOC before flying, so it’s always best to ask some friends or ask hotel owners about flying rules in specific regions (Hunza, Gilgit, Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi)
Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Pakistan
Many Foreigner solo travelers have been to Pakistan, and they have loved the country. Women get more respect from families and are often invited into homes by families to have food with them. People will ask you for selfies quite often so it’s common. You might have to deal with people staring at you but it’s normal because they don’t see many white foreign women, so you are like an alien to them. Wear moderate clothes, and it’s best if you can wear local clothes, as you will earn more respect and help from locals. If you are visiting KPK Province it is advised to travel with caution and take help from local friends to find hotels and transport. Because no man will sit next to you in the bus or van if you are a woman, and sometimes transporters try to avoid giving seats to women only if they see their next seat will be wasted if no other woman is booking. Overall it’s all safe for Women to travel. Hitchhiking is not common and is also not considered the safest way of traveling.
Restricted Areas For Foreigner
As per the new government policy, foreigners are allowed to travel to all major parts of Pakistan without any restriction and NOC, excluding Baluchistan and Kashmir. In Balochistan, if the foreigner is entering from Iran via Taftan Border, you will be escorted to Quetta to obtain an NOC from the home department and travel further to non restricted areas. If you are planning to visit Baluchistan that you have to obtain an NOC through a Licensed tour company, which can apply NOC for you well in advance. Kashmir is partially open for foreigners, with some areas that are off-limits and foreigners cannot visit. Previously known as FATA, which is close to the Afghanistan border, is also not open, but you can visit if you know someone local there.
Tourists can travel in border areas that are far from
- Pak-China border (10 miles)
- Pak-Afghan border (10 miles)
- AJK, along Line of Control (5 miles)
- GB, along LoC (5 miles)
- Siachen, along Line of Actual Contact (10 miles)
Emergency Contact Numbers of Authorities
Police: 15
Rescue: 1122
Gilgit Baltistan Tourist Police: 1422
Hot Water Timings in Mountains (Economy & Economy Plus Hotels)
- Evening 3 hours (6:00 pm-9:00 pm) & Morning 3 hours (7:00 am-10:00 am). This timetable varies from region to region.
- In the North, Hotels have no heaters so you can ask for double blankets in case you need and some hotels will provide heating mattresses.
Check List
Immunization / Personal Medication
There are no compulsory inoculations required for entry into Pakistan. If you are taking medicine for conditions such as diabetes or heart problems, make sure you carry the necessary medicines in your hand luggage at all times, in case your main luggage is delayed.
Tipping Etiquette
For tips to the local guide and the driver is 2-3 USD per day minimum. However, you are most welcome to give more as your wish based on their service. This amount may be small to us but considered valuable for them. Other tipping is discretionary.
For hotel and restaurant staff, you can give to them directly with a minimum of 200-500 PKR, If they help you in any way and you are happy with it.
Photography
Generally, countries are friendly for photographers. However, there are certain places where photographing is restricted: military objects, police check points, and airports. In the Northern Pakistan region, it is advisable to get permission first if you want to take pictures of local women as this can sometimes be a sensitive issue within their community.
Voltage
The voltage in the region is a standard voltage of 220 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. They use type C (2 round pins) and type D (3 round pins).
Suitable Clothing in Pakistan for travelers
Comfortable and solid walking shoes with strong soles and support are essential. If you are traveling to the North must bring warm clothes, sweaters, Jeans, a Rain jacket, a Scarf, Cotton socks & walking shoes, but also some T-shirts with long and short sleeves to remain safe from UV rays, and thin cotton trousers. A bit for every occasion
Sanitation in Pakistan
Indian (Squat Seat) and English Seats are available in Pakistani Toilets in hotels, but the majority of public toilets only have Indian seats.
The temperature in Pakistan
March-April
The daytime average in Northern Pakistan can be around 10-15 Celsius.
The night-time average in Northern Pakistan can be around 5-10 Celsius.
In Islamabad, will be around 15-25 Celsius.
May-June-July-August
The daytime average in Northern Pakistan can be around 25-35 Celsius.
The night-time average in Northern Pakistan can be around 25-30 Celsius.
In Islamabad, will be around 35-40 Celsius.
Sep-Oct-Nov
The daytime average in Northern Pakistan can be around 10-15 Celsius.
The night-time average in Northern Pakistan can be around 5-10 Celsius.
In Islamabad, will be around 15-25 Celsius.
Dec-Jan-Feb
The daytime average in Northern Pakistan can be around 0- -5 Celsius.
The night-time average in Northern Pakistan can be around -5 – -10 Celsius.
In Islamabad, will be around 03-08 Celsius.
Please take note, when we reach Khunjerab Pass (4793 meters) temperature can drop to 1 Celsius or even sub-zero at any season, hence warm clothing is a MUST while visiting Khunjerab Pass, even if you only visit there for less than 1 hour for photos.
Please let us know If you have any queries will try our best to reply soonest possible. Thanks and have a great day all!
