Pakistan Travel Guide

From the incredible hospitality of its people to the second-highest mountain range in the world, the Karakoram, Pakistan is an amazing country that, unfortunately, does not have the best reputation. However, I assure you that after visiting it in person, you will definitely change your mind.

I spent about a month backpacking and exploring mainly the northern regions of the country. In this guide, you’ll find a wealth of information and advice on how to best plan your own backpacking trip, away from the main tourist circuits, all while keeping an eye on your budget.

Quick menu

Hopper Glacier.

When to visit Pakistan

Considering that most travelers come to Pakistan to visit its renowned mountains, the best time to go is roughly from April to October. During the rest of the year, many areas are completely inaccessible due to snow, and generally, temperatures are extremely low, making travel within the region very difficult.

On the other hand, if you are not planning to visit the Karakoram and instead want to explore the cities of historical and cultural interest found in the vast plains of Pakistan, the best time to visit is from November to March, during the winter when temperatures are much more pleasant. During the summer, temperatures can easily exceed 40 degrees Celsius, which, I can assure you from personal experience, is not enjoyable.

Documents and vaccinations to enter Pakistan

Getting a visa has never been easier. In fact, as of January 2019 you can apply online through the official website. For many nationalities you can even apply for the so-called “visa on arrival” which is usually issued in 48-72 hours. The three-month single-entry tourist visa costs $35, but if you want you can apply for longer, multiple-entry visas – obviously the cost is higher. Through the same website you can also extend the visa in case it is needed. On this page you will find the cost calculator.

N.b. Although the website implies that the on arrival visa is accepted only at the airport, after contacting immigration through the appropriate form, I was told that the on arrival visa would be accepted without any problem even at the land border with India and indeed it was, for other land borders I recommend contacting immigration.

Pakistan does not require mandatory vaccination but Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B are always recommended.

Altit Fort.

What to do and see in Pakistan

In this guide, prices are often expressed in the local currency. The official currency of Pakistan is called the “Pakistani Rupee” abbreviated as “PKR.”

The exchange rate, at the time of publication of this article, is €1 = 303 PKR. For the current exchange rate, I suggest you look at this page.

Pakistan is a rather large country, but, as mentioned earlier, most visitors focus—quite understandably—almost exclusively on the northern regions, specifically in the state of Gilgit-Baltistan. This area essentially follows the Karakoram Highway, the road that traverses the Karakoram mountain range to the border with China.

I spent the vast majority of my time in Gilgit-Baltistan during my trip to Pakistan, so you will find that the information on this region is the most comprehensive. However, if you are interested in other areas of the country, do not despair; I have gathered a considerable amount of information that I believe will be helpful.

N.b. Several times throughout the guide you will find links to https://www.alltrails.com/. If you want to use offline navigation directly from the Alltrails app you need to upgrade to the pro version. However, you can get around this by downloading the coordinates from the desktop version of the site in “Google Earth KML” format and then uploading them to Organic Maps or Maps.me which is by far one of my favorite travel apps.

Islamabad

Built basically from nothing in 1960 for the sole purpose of becoming the country’s capital, Islamabad is a city that is truly atypical compared to the rest of Pakistan: the roads through the city are wide and flowing, there is plenty of greenery, and seeing luxury homes and cars is by no means uncommon; in fact, the country’s entire political class and elite live here.

What to do and see in Islamabad

Given its recent founding, the city does not have much to offer in terms of history. My advice is to devote your time to other destinations. However, if you have even one day to spare, there are a couple of things worth visiting.

I recommend visiting the Faisal Mosque (Google Maps), which is the country’s largest mosque and one of the largest in the world. It can be easily reached by cab or, even better, using Uber, and regardless of where you stay, it should not cost more than a couple of euros.

Another interesting activity in the city is visiting the Margalla Hills. This hilly area on the outskirts of Islamabad offers plenty of opportunities for day hikes, with many trails starting in the city itself. During my visit in August, it was really too hot, but if hiking interests you, Trail 5 (All Trails) and Trail 3 (All Trails) seem to be the most popular.

If you just want to enjoy the view of the city without the effort, take a taxi or rent a motorcycle and go to Monal (Google Maps). This viewpoint at the end of trail number 3 is also accessible by road. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes where you can watch the sunset over the city. Another vantage point even closer to the city is Daman-e-Koh (Google Maps), which can be reached either on foot or by car.

Faisal Mosque.

How to reach Islamabad?

Islamabad is connected with direct buses to many of Pakistan’s major cities; there are buses from Lahore about every half hour and the journey takes more or less four hours. While buses from Gilgit leave in the late morning/early afternoon to arrive early morning in Islamabad, about 15 hours.

Where to sleep in Islamabad?

Backpackers Hostel & Guest House is a really good accommodation, more than a hostel it is an apartment used as a hostel, really spacious common room, shared kitchen, great wifi, friendly and helpful staff. I recommend booking early as they do not have many beds and it is often sold out. Another good option is Coyote Den Travelers Hostel Islamabad.

If you are looking for something more luxurious, Shelton’s Rezidor has good reviews and is a short walk from the Faisal Mosque.

Lahore

Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan and is for all intents and purposes considered the cultural capital of the country. If you are arriving overland from India then it is a must see but I strongly recommend a visit to anyone.

What to do and see in Lahore

The walled city (Google Maps) is where all the major tourist attractions and historic buildings are located. I recommend spending at least a couple of hours walking through the narrow streets that are teeming with life, bazaars and street food. The best part is that traffic within the walled city is virtually absent. From Mall Road, where most of the accommodations are located, to the walled city via taxi is 100-200 rupees during the day and 200-300 rupees in the evening.

Badshahi Mosque

Again this is one of the largest mosques in the world, the inner courtyard can hold up to 100,000 worshippers, unlike the one in Islamabad, it has a more classical style (Google Maps).

Any taxi driver knows which entrance is correct, but in case you want to walk to the mosque, the only entrance for the public is the one located here.This is a really large complex where in addition to the mosque there are a couple of restaurants, a nice green area, the Lahore Fort (Google Maps), and a Sikh temple (Google Maps).

I arrived late in the afternoon and got to visit the mosque only. The entrance is free but leaving your shoes outside in custody costs 20 rupees and when you enter you are directed to the museum where on the way out you are asked to leave an offering.

The temple can be visited only in the morning (I don’t remember the time) while the entrance (200 rupees) to the fort is only until 5:40 p.m., the mosque, on the other hand, is open until 8pm.

Badshahi Mosque.

Wazir Khan Mosque

There is another fascinating mosque in the walled city that is worth visiting called Wazir Khan Mosque (Google Maps). Built in the 17th century, while not as grand as Badshahi Mosque, it is definitely worth a visit. For a nominal fee of 100-200 rupees (negotiable), you can climb one of the towers on either side of the mosque, offering incredible views of the city.

Lahore City Museum

It is the largest and most significant museum in the country, established in 1864 during the colonial period. The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts, spanning from Buddhist to Islamic art, including numerous manuscripts, weapons, costumes, and ancient jewelry. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Fridays, the admission fee for foreigners is 1000 rupees (Google Maps).

The ceremony at Wagah Border

The Wagah (Pakistani side) or Attari (Indian side) border is the only open border between the two countries, and a rather special ceremony takes place here every day. The border is open only from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and around 3:00 p.m. a closing ceremony begins during which the border forces of the two states parade in traditional costumes and put on a real show while people watch from the stands.

I attended the ceremony from the Indian side, but visitors are welcome on the Pakistani side as well. Admission is free, and while I don’t endorse the competitive tensions between the two countries, I believe this experience is truly unforgettable and should not be missed.

A tuk tuk from Lahore to the border costs 600/700 rupees and if you ask them to wait for your return you can probably combine for 1,000 rupees round trip, it’s just over 30km, about an hour.

N.b. The opening and closing times of the border seem to vary often and consequently so does the start of the ceremony, so I encourage you to ask around.

Wagah Border.

How to reach Lahore?

To and from Islamabad there are buses practically every half hour. Of the “nice” buses, Nazi express is the cheapest company, 900 rupees. Skyways 1,100 rupees and Faisel Movers 1,200 rupees. The terminals of the three companies are all located a short distance from each other, south of Lahore. A tuk tuk from Mall Road costs about 300 rupees.

If you’re coming from India (Amritsar), you can combine the Wagah Border ceremony with the border crossing process: go through immigration and then return to witness the ceremony. This approach also makes it convenient to find transportation to Lahore after the ceremony concludes.

Where to sleep in Lahore?

Lahore Backpackers seems to be the most popular option among backpackers, I slept not far away at Regale Internet Inn, the internet is really fast and the staff is friendly and helpful, but don’t expect anything more.

Wazir Khan Mosque.

Gilgit

Gilgit serves as the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan and is a crucial hub for exploring the northern regions of the country. While the city itself offers limited attractions, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding valleys.

During your stay, which will likely span at least a day or two, I recommend taking a stroll along the main road leading to the Bazaar. If you’re a fan of chicken, there’s a restaurant you shouldn’t miss.

Another nearby attraction worth visiting is Kargah Buddha (Google Maps), an archaeological site dating back to the 7th century located approximately 8 km west of Gilgit. Here, you’ll find a rock-carved representation of the Buddha. They now charge foreigners 1000 rupees, so if you’re on a tight budget, it might be best to admire it from the outside.

How to reach Gilgit?

From Islamabad there are at least two companies that operate night buses every night: NATCO, which is the government company, has several departures from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. Along the way there are two checkpoints for tourists where you have to hand in a copy of your passport. The ticket costs 3020 PKR. A blog reader had a positive experience:” The bus was comfortable, did not make intermediate stops to load people along the way (as is always the case in India on public buses), and it took 16 hours because of a landslide after Chilas.”

I preferred to opt for Faisel Movers on the advice of the hostel where I stayed in Islamabad, it has departures at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the cost is PKR 4000 but the service is nothing short of impeccable, the buses are new and every seat has an airplane style screen, in any case it is at least 15 hours of bus time.

Another tip for those traveling on a budget: once you get off at the Gilgit bus station, without taking a taxi, small Suzuki trucks pass along the main road (to the side of the station) that go back and forth along the road and act as public transportation; the ride costs only 25 rupees.

On the other hand, for those with a more generous budget, limited time, or a desire to save 15 hours by bus, Gilgit offers daily flights to Islamabad for approximately €100. However, be aware that flights can be canceled without notice due to adverse weather conditions at high altitudes.

Where to sleep in Gilgit?

Medina Hotel 2 is an excellent, affordable, and clean hotel that also features a dormitory. All rooms overlook a lovely inner courtyard. The restaurant serves delicious food at reasonable prices, the Wi-Fi is quite good, and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Additionally, you can leave some belongings in their care while you explore the region, arrange tours, and rent vehicles. Highly recommended.

Fairy Meadows (Nanga Parbat Base Camp)

Fairy Meadows is undoubtedly the quintessential tourist destination in northern Pakistan. Once an alpine pasture with just a few shepherds, it has now transformed into a full-fledged tourist center nestled amidst greenery and mountains, offering accommodations for all budgets. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Rakhiot Glacier and the nearby Nanga Parbat, which, at 8,126 meters, is the ninth highest mountain in the world!

Nanga Parbat view from Fairy Meadows.

What to do and see in Fairy Meadows

As the title of this paragraph suggests, starting from Fairy Meadows, you can reach Nanga Parbat base camp in a day if you have decent physical fitness. The hike is a little over 8 km with about 700 meters of elevation gain. The trail is mapped out on maps.me (which I strongly recommend downloading!). If you go at a brisk pace, you can reach the base camp in 3 to 4 hours.

Once you reach this vantage point, take the right-hand trail. On the way out, I took the left-hand trail, which passes lower down. This route requires crossing a couple of streams in a way that isn’t exactly safe and the trail has many different tracks, making it difficult to follow. The right path, however, is much more beaten and likely the “official” one. Although the section that crosses the glacier is not easy to follow, there are a few piles of stones marking the way. In any case, it’s not that hard, but be careful where you step!

Once you reach the base camp, don’t expect any major structures or monuments. There is only a cross and a few plates. On the day of my visit, I was the only person there, but the views of Nanga Parbat are truly spectacular!

To recap, it should take you 3 to 5 hours maximum to reach the base camp from Fairy Meadows and no more than 3 to 4 hours to return. I recommend leaving early in the morning as mornings tend to be less cloudy. From personal experience, the whole hike can be easily done on your own. However, after talking to another traveler, I learned that if you arrive late, there may be a police officer at the viewpoint (where the junction is located) who will not allow you to proceed further on your own due to safety concerns. Don’t worry, as the officer will accompany you free of charge and act as your guide.

If you don’t feel comfortable doing the hike on your own, hiring a guide for the whole day should not cost you more than PKR 3,000. If you feel that doing the entire hike in a day is too much, you can spend the night at Behal, a shepherd settlement about halfway between Fairy Meadows and the base camp. There are accommodations ranging from tents to nice wooden bungalows, and the atmosphere is more relaxed than in Fairy Meadows, where most people stay.

Alternatively, you could simply visit Behal and then reach the viewpoint in a day without proceeding further (many people do just that) and enjoy the many other viewpoints along the trail, which up to this point is easy to follow and very enjoyable.

Finally, as many local tourists do, you could simply spend a few days relaxing in and around Fairy Meadows, sipping a few cups of coffee, and admiring the surrounding scenery.

Behal.

How to reach Fairy Meadows?

Reaching Fairy Meadows is not exactly simple. The first step is to get to Rakhiot Bridge, which is about 80 km south of Gilgit along the Karakoram Highway. To do this, you basically have three options: take the minivans to Chilas that leave every hour from Gilgit station (about an hour and a half), take a taxi, or hitchhike, which works great. Technically, if you arrive in Gilgit by bus from Islamabad, you could get dropped off directly at Rakhiot Bridge without going through Gilgit first. There are a couple of hotels at Rakhiot Bridge where you could leave your extra luggage before proceeding to Fairy Meadows.

Whatever your choice, I recommend getting to Rakhiot Bridge as soon as possible. The only legal way to continue from there (a police officer does not allow you to continue on foot) is to board a jeep operated by locals. The cost seems to increase every year. As of August 2019, the price for a round trip was PKR 8,000, which could be split among up to five people, provided they agree on the date and time of return. For example, if you want to spend two nights in Fairy Meadows and others in your group want to stay only one night, you can only share the jeep for the outward journey. You would have to pay the full fare for the jeep on your way back. Without the 8,000 rupees, the jeep does not move. In my opinion, it’s a scam, but unfortunately, that’s the way things work.

Once on board, you’re looking at almost two hours to cover just 14 km along a road that is definitely not for the faint of heart. When the road ends, you have a 1-2 hour walk to reach Fairy Meadows.

Update from a reader who visited Pakistan in the summer of 2023:

“Now the jeep costs as much as PKR 14,000. You can still share it with someone, but you must agree on the number of nights and time of return. They try not to let you share the jeep with Pakistani tourists who have a significantly lower rate. Additionally, the road, already dangerous, is subject to numerous landslides, even when it doesn’t rain. This year, it was closed for several days (it’s important to inquire, although difficult, before reaching Rakhiot Bridge). When I finally managed to go, there was a bump 3 km before the start of the trek, requiring us to get out of the jeep, walk a very exposed section, and then switch jeeps. The total cost remains the same, but you pay it fractionally for the two jeeps.”

Where to sleep in Fairy Meadows?

As mentioned above, Fairy Meadows, while more expensive than the rest of the country, offers accommodations for all budgets, from tents to luxurious bungalows. Prices are highly negotiable and influenced by the time of year. A tent and sleeping bag should cost about PKR 800 per night, while a basic bungalow is around PKR 3,000. Greenland Resort is a popular option among travelers. The place where I stayed it’s not open anymore.

Minapin (Rakaposhi Base Camp)

Minapin is a small village located about 80 km north of Gilgit and the ideal starting point for anyone who wants to reach the Rakaposhi base camp. If you’re not in the mood for a hard hike, I recommend skipping this leg, but if you have a chance, at least stop at this viewpoint that is literally along the Karakoram Highway from where you still have fantastic views of Mt. Rakaposhi without necessarily reaching base camp.

Rakaposhi Glacier.

How to get to Rakaposhi Base Camp

As already mentioned, reaching the base camp and returning to Minapin in a day is quite a challenge but absolutely doable in 7-9 hours, depending on your pace. The hike is about 18 km with a total elevation gain of 1600 meters. It’s not exactly a walk in the park, but I assure you it is worth it. Once you reach the top, you’ll have an incredible view of Mt. Rakaposhi and the glacier below—one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever seen.

Unfortunately, the path to follow is not entirely clear but is marked on maps.me. You can also download the GPS coordinates of the trail from AllTrails if you prefer. About halfway to the base camp, there is Upper Hapakun Hotel & Camping, where you can eat and, if you wish, spend the night before continuing the next day. Try to leave early in the morning, bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy the views!

If you’re interested, you can spend the night at the base camp either with your own equipment or with locals who have a permanent garrison and offer room and board. In the latter case, it’s better to arrange it from the valley. Finally, you could hire a local guide and cross the glacier to Mt. Diran base camp the next day. Although I haven’t done this, it is apparently a beautiful hike that should not be attempted without a guide!

Rakaposhi base camp.

How to reach Minapin?

Personally, I reached Minapin in a day from Fairy Meadows by hitchhiking from Raikot Bridge to Gilgit. I got dropped off here (Google Maps) and took a minibus to Aliabad, asking to be dropped off at the intersection leading to Minapin. I started walking the 3 km to the village, but after not even 5 minutes, a local stopped and offered me a ride. There are also mini buses that go directly to Minapin, but they are much less frequent than those going to Aliabad. In any case, hitchhiking is probably the most convenient and fastest option.

Where to sleep in Minapin?

I strongly recommend sleeping at Osho Thang Hotel. The facility is really clean, has a nice indoor garden, the staff is friendly and the food is simply delicious!

Karimabad

Karimabad was the main city in the Hunza Valley for centuries and is still its capital. Although Aliabad has surpassed it in size, Karimabad retains a significant historical and cultural heritage with many places of interest within a few kilometers. The inhabitants are mostly Ismailis, the more liberal branch of Islam. Many women walk the streets without burqas and might even speak to you, and finding alcohol is not difficult. In fact, some young Pakistanis see Karimabad a bit like our Amsterdam.

What to do and see in Karimabad

Karimabad, unsurprisingly, dominates the valley from above, a position that was likely considered strategic in the past and now offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. It is an ideal place to spend a couple of days relaxing, perhaps while enjoying walnut cake at Café de Hunza.

Fort Baltit as seen from the trail leading to Ultar Meadows.

Fort Baltit

Baltit Fort (Google Maps), on the other hand, is the one that dominates Karimabad from above.

To reach it, you walk through the oldest part of the hamlet, which at times resembles the streets of an old European village. I did not visit the inside of the fort but limited myself to the courtyard outside, so I will not comment on the interior. From what I was told, the interior of the fort is less bare than the one in Altit, and there is actually something to see. Admission costs PRK 1,000 and it is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Altit fort

Altit fort (Google Maps) is technically not in Karimabad but rather in nearby Altit but can easily be reached on foot as it is only 3 km from Karimabad. The fort is a UNESCO site and has been recently restored. Built on a cliff, it is really impressive but in my opinion not worth the entrance fee which, for us foreigners, amounts to PKR 1,000.

In any case, whether you decide to visit the fort or not, I recommend taking the walk leading to its entrance as you pass through the old part of Altit with traditional buildings on both sides. It’s really nice. Open daily 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Eagle’s nest

Since you are in Altit I recommend going up to the viewpoint called the Eagle’s Nest (Google Maps). From here you have an even more spectacular view of the entire valley and the iconic mountain called “Lady Finger,” and you can also see Diran and Rakaposhi in the distance. If you want, you could also spend the night here since there are numerous hotels and restaurants.

Technically you could walk to the top but, starting from Karimabad, it would take you at least a couple of hours. I had started with that idea but, as has often happened to me in Pakistan, halfway up a local on a motorcycle stopped and offered me a ride and on the way back I didn’t even make it 200 meters before the same thing happened. If that’s not your style and you don’t feel like walking either, a taxi should not cost you more than a few euros.

Hunza Valley view from Eagle nest.

Village of Ganish

Something that in my opinion is worth the price of the ticket, however, is a visit to the village of Ganish (Google Maps): again, this can be easily reached on foot from Karimabad; the entrance for the guided tour is located about here. This is the oldest settlement along the ancient Silk Road in the Hunza Valley. Buildings and mosques dating back more than 400 years still stand here. Admission to the village costs 500 rupees and includes a guide who in my case was an extremely nice man who provided a lot of information. The man, after leading tours throughout Pakistan for years, has returned to his home village to try to help raise the profile of this site.

Ultar Base Camp (Ultar Meadows)

The trail to Mt. Ultar base camp begins not far from Baltit Fort at this point. Theoretically, this is a rather short and scenic hike. However, I couldn’t do it because the gully just after the trailhead outside Karimabad is prone to constant landslides. During my visit, they were working to fix the situation. Therefore, if you’re interested, I strongly recommend inquiring about the current safety status before attempting the hike.

How to reach Karimabad?

Personally, I hitchhiked from the intersection leading to Minapin without waiting more than 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can take any minivan heading to Aliabad and then check for a minivan heading to Karimabad, or opt for a taxi or walk. There’s reportedly a minivan that departs early in the morning directly from Minapin bound for Aliabad as well.

Where to sleep in Karimabad?

I recommend Old Hunza Inn for its clean and affordable rooms, WiFi availability, friendly staff, and a beautiful common room with large windows overlooking the entire valley. Backpackers Stories by Old Hunza Inn is where I actually stayed; it’s essentially the same property but now listed separately.

Hopper

Hopper Valley isn’t part of the classic route along the Karakoram Highway, but if you have a few days to spare, I personally think it’s absolutely worth visiting. I especially recommend visiting the small town at the end of the road up the valley, where just a stone’s throw from the Baltoro Glacier lies the quaint town of Hopper.

Hopper village.

What to do and see in Hopper

Many visitors come to Hopper solely to marvel at the Baltoro Glacier, one of the world’s longest outside the polar circles. Its terminus is just a short distance from the village, offering a stunning view from numerous viewpoints atop cliffs. You can easily enjoy fantastic views of the glacier with minimal effort by simply visiting Hopper. Additionally, there are a couple of hikes starting from here if you’re interested.

The most popular trek leads to Rush Lake at the foot of Mt. Rush, the second highest alpine lake in Asia at nearly 4,700 meters. This trek includes a viewpoint where K2 is visible. While experienced trekkers can attempt it independently (you can find the itinerary on Wikiloc), unless you are really fast, you have to spend one night camping and cross two ice fields, so it’s not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Local guides and porters in the village offer their services affordably.

Crossing Hopper Glacier.

Due to time constraints, I followed a local’s advice and hiked across the first glacier to a shepherd settlement offering excellent views of Rush Peak and the Barpu Glacier, which meets the Baltoro near the village. I got this far in a little less than 3 hours. This enjoyable day hike isn’t marked on maps.me (it’s actually marked now), but the trail, frequently used by locals, is easy to follow. The challenge lies in crossing the Baltoro Glacier, which proved more complex than expected, especially entering and exiting as warned by locals. I managed to navigate it independently, but would advise hiring a local guide for safety reasons.

End point of my hike.

How to reach Hopper?

If you want to reach Hopper by public transportation, you have only one option. There is a single minibus that departs daily at noon from Aliabad and goes back the next day around 7:00 am. However, I successfully hitchhiked on the outbound journey by waiting at a spot easily accessible from Karimabad on foot. On the return trip, I managed to catch a ride on the back of a full minibus that dropped me off at the same intersection

Where to sleep in Hopper?

I slept at the Rush Lake Gateway Hotel “obliged” by the fact that the gentleman who gave me a ride while I was hitchhiking was a friend of the manager. In any case I got a private room with a bathroom for PKR 1,500 and the food served was delicious but there may be cheaper options in the village.

Passu

Passu is another excellent stop along the Karakorum Highway, it is a small village on the way to the Chinese border, here is one of the country’s most iconic mountain ranges: the “Passu cones,” which with their pointed shape seem almost impossible to climb.

Passu Cones.

What to do and see in Passu

Lake Attabad

Before even arriving in Passu, if you wish you can make a stop at Attabad Lake. This is an extremely deep emerald blue lake formed in 2010 after a disastrous landslide that literally wiped out an entire village. Passing through the Karakorum Highway you can clearly see the giant piece of mountain that broke off and gave rise to the lake that is now a tourist attraction where activities such as jet skis, fishing or simply a boat ride are offered.

Passu suspension bridge

Still continuing to Passu, another attraction is the suspension bridge that crosses the Hunza River, it is considered one of the most dangerous in the world as it is not in very good condition at all and the planks where you rest your feet are far apart, the crossing is forbidden for safety reasons but you can take the customary photo at the beginning of the bridge. Update: You can actually cross it now, so I guess you can take some cool pictures.

Passu Glacier

The glacier can also be seen via the road but I strongly recommend a very short hike that starts from Lake Borith. From here you only have to walk not even an hour and reach some beautiful viewpoints of the glacier below (Google Maps); at the beginning you walk along the road, while the last part is on a well-maintained and easy to follow trail, it is also mapped on maps.me. I made it as far as this viewpoint but one could continue further if desired.

I reached the lake with a self-driving Spanish guy I met a few days earlier. If you don’t have a vehicle, hitchhiking shouldn’t be a problem—it’s only 10 km from Passu.

Passu Glacier.

The Batura Glacier

The Batura Glacier is even closer to the village and can be easily reached on foot. There may be other trails leading to better vantage points but I personally followed this one (the only one on maps.me). Again, the trail is easy to follow and you can clearly see it going up the slope even from the bottom of the valley. From the top of the “pass” you can clearly see the glacier, but the views are not exceptional as the latter turns behind the mountain. If you want you can continue further but it was getting late and I preferred to turn back, in any case it is worth it, even if the view of the glacier is not the best, the view of the valley and the Cones of Passu is very nice.

Finally, at the hotel where I was staying they were also offering other longer treks and glacier hiking but I honestly have no information about that.

How to reach Passu?

Once again, I arrived by hitchhiking: a doctor from Gilgit gave me a ride from the crossroads leading to Hopper all the way to Passu, despite having other plans. Alternatively, you can always catch any northbound minivan that passes by.

Where to sleep in Passu?

I slept at Passu Inn. The family that runs the hotel is really hospitable (especially the elderly man), the room was clean, the food was great, and there is a nice courtyard to relax in and, when there is power, they even have wifi! The initial request was PKR 1,500 per night but I managed to get it down to PKR 1,000. Another popular option seems to be Passu Peak but from what I was told it is more expensive.

The trail leading to the viewpoint on the Passu Glacier.

Sost

I’ll start by saying that once I reached Passu, I decided to turn back, partly due to time constraints and partly because reaching the Chinese border for the customary photo at the pass didn’t interest me much.

In any case, Sost is essentially the last village before the border with China, just 80 km further north. There isn’t much to do there except try to arrange a cab to reach the pass the following day.

Note: Pakistani immigration is located here. If you plan to proceed further into China, remember that you must already have a visa. Additionally, you’re required to be accompanied by a Chinese guide due to strict regulations in the military zone of interest. If you’re considering crossing the border, you can find a detailed guide on this page.

How to reach Sost?

Public transportation goes right up to here, so any northbound minivan should take you to your destination, or you can always hitchhike.

Where to sleep in Sost?

Pamir Serai Guesthouse seems to be a popular option among travelers.

Khunjerab Pass

Located at 4,600 meters above sea level, Khunjerab Pass is the highest point on the Karakoram Highway and the highest border pass in the world. It has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing many visitors daily during the summer months (the pass is closed in winter) who come to take the customary photo. Although I haven’t been there myself, if you have the time, it could be a unique and enjoyable experience.

I’ve heard that the road leading to the pass offers breathtaking scenery. However, reaching the pass by public transportation is impossible. While there are direct buses to China, disembarking at the border and returning on a bus from the opposite direction or hitchhiking isn’t allowed. Therefore, the only option is to take a taxi, which according to my research is expected to cost about PKR 3,000. Additionally, there’s an entrance fee of PKR 1,300 for Khunjerab National Park.

Khunjerab Pass.

Skardu

Skardu serves as the gateway for all direct expeditions to K2 and treks leading to its base camp. From here, travelers proceed to Askole, where the road ends and the actual trek begins. If you’re interested, be aware that the trek typically spans at least 12 days, with prices starting around $1,500. You can find a great guide here.

What to do and see in Skardu

There is honestly not much to do in Skardu. I think one day is more than enough to visit the K2 Museum, which is located beside the PTDC Motel. The Italian government funded the museum and is definitely worth a visit!

Other sites of interest not too far from Skardu are Kharpocho Fort, Katpana Desert, and finally the so-called “Buddha Rock.” Even just visiting these last two sites without your own vehicle is quite inconvenient, which is why I recommend spending only one day in Skardu. In case you have your own vehicle, or are willing to hire or pay for a driver, you could also visit some of the waterfalls around Skardu such as Manthokha, Khamosh, and Basho.

Finally, Hushe is a remote village located within the valley of the same name about 150 km from Skardu; a local girl described it to me as a fairy-tale village and for many people, especially motorcyclists, it is the ultimate destination in this region of the Karakoram, from here many treks such as the Gondogoro La, Concordia and Charakus also start. You can find a guide here.

Katpana desert.

How to reach Skardu?

I was lucky enough to make the trip aboard my Spanish friend’s Toyota Runner that I had met a few days earlier, so I avoided what is generally a rather uncomfortable trip if done by public transportation. In fact, the road from Gilgit to Skardu is prone to landslides and rockfalls that can cause temporary closures, especially during the monsoon season.The first minibus leaves Gilgit at 9:00 a.m. so theoretically you could do a whole haul starting from Sost where there is a bus that leaves at 5:00. If you want, Skardu has an airport with flights to and from Islamabad.

Where to sleep in Skardu?

I slept at Indus Motel, a spacious and clean room with a private bathroom. The initial request was PKR 2,500 per night but I managed to get it down to PKR 1,000. Friendly staff and good food at cheap prices.

Deosai National Park

The Deosai Plateau, situated at an average altitude of 4,141 meters above sea level, is considered the second highest plateau in the world. The landscape here is completely different from what you may have seen so far. It features extremely green, rolling hills, contrasting starkly with the rocky peaks that characterize the rest of the region.

Our campsite spot.

What to do and see in Deosai

Deosai National Park is perfect for those who enjoy camping, fishing, and nature in general. There are no particular hikes that can be done within the park and basically you just follow the dirt road through it, making a few stops here and there.

Along the way you might spot some of the native species such as Himalayan brown bear, gray wolf, and snow leopard! Two classic stops are at Bara Pani Bridge, where there is a restaurant and I believe they also offer tents where you can spend the night, Chota Pani which offers the same facilities, and finally Shausar Lake. Admission to the park costs PKR 1,300.

How to reach Deosai?

In case it was not clear, I did this part of the trip in the company of myself-driving Spanish friend with whom we also spent the night in the park. Unfortunately, public transportation is not an option: so if you want to visit, it is probably cheaper to pay for a jeep to take you from Skardu to Astore during the day, visiting the park in between. According to my research, the cost is between 8,000 and 10,000; so finding someone to share it with would be ideal, the Pakistan backpacking group might be the place. The trip from Skardu to Astore takes about 7 hours.

Where to sleep in Deosai?

As already mentioned many people visit the park during the day, at Bara Pani Bridge and at Choto Pani technically tents are offered for sleeping. We had our camping gear and set up along the river before arriving at Bari Pani, from what we were told you can camp just about anywhere without any problems. Even in August it was really cold at night.

Shausar lake.

Astore and Rama Lake

Astore itself doesn’t have much to offer, but it is a practically necessary stop for those wanting to visit the decidedly prettier Rama Lake (Google Maps). This alpine lake is located at the foot of the north face of Nanga Parbat, essentially on the opposite side of the Fairy Meadows I mentioned earlier.

The emerald green lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is undoubtedly a very picturesque place. Fortunately, or unfortunately, it is rather easy to reach, as the road goes all the way to Rama Meadows, from where it takes about half an hour to reach the lake. This ease of access makes it extremely popular. Hitchhiking to Rama Meadows from Astore should not be difficult, and alternatively, you can arrange a taxi.

Finally, from Rupal, a village just over 30 km from Astore, there is a 5-day trek that I haven’t had the pleasure of doing but looks really nice. This trek leads to the base camp of the south face of Nanga Parbat. You can find a brief description on this page.

Rama Lake.

How to reach Astore?

If you are coming from Skardu/Deosai by jeep, then consider including transportation to Lake Rama by perhaps doing something like this:

Day 1, Skardu – Deosai – Astore

Day 2, Astore – Rama Lake – Astore. I was told that a jeep for three days and two nights (one spent in Deosai and the other spent in Rama Lake) including camping and fishing equipment, should cost around PKR 20,000.

From Astore there are frequent public transport connections to Gilgit. The road is in good condition, 4-5 hours.

Where to sleep in Astore?

Personally, we camped inside the forest at Rama Meadows, which is basically where the road ends and the trail to the lake begins. There are a number of campsites around here that offer food and tents to sleep in, and a couple of facilities that rent rooms, including a PTDC. If you do not camp, visiting the lake during the day and sleeping in Astore is definitely cheaper.

Other destinations in the north

The destinations described so far cover the main attractions in the north of the country, following the classic route along the Karakoram Highway. However, in this section, I want to offer some pointers for those who have more time or simply wish to explore destinations off the main tourist routes.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

This province covers the northwest of the country and can be combined with the Karakoram Highway route. Instead of heading directly to Gilgit, you can travel to Peshawar and proceed north through the Swat Valley and Chitral, then re-enter the Gilgit-Baltistan region via the Shandur Pass.

Before embarking on this itinerary, be aware that this region is the most conservative in the country. Most of the population belongs to the Pashtun ethnic group, which is known for its strict adherence to Islam. Therefore, women should dress modestly, and men are recommended to wear the local “salwar kameez” attire.

Note: Some areas in this region, especially those near the Afghan border, are considered unstable and potentially unsafe. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research as the situation can change rapidly.

Curious animals in the mountains of Pakistan.

Peshawar

Peshawar is Pakistan’s oldest city and one of the oldest in Asia. Today it is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and here, within the ancient city, are some of the best bazaars in the country. Another site of tourist interest is the Bala Hisar fort. There are frequent connections between Peshawar and Islamabad.

I report the experience of a reader of the blog: “I went on a day trip (departure from Faisalbad station to Islamabad, by Daewoo bus, about 2 1/2 hours, about 700 PKR, with the possibility of booking online): it is a place with a particular atmosphere, rather “hard core”, I was in the old city however I was instructed not to go to the northern part of the city where there is a park…people (only men) are very curious and generally nice, it seems they do not see tourists often. If one does not want to see archaeological sites, one day I think it is sufficient, but recommended. (In Peshawar you can get a visa for Afghanistan).”

Swat Valley

From Peshawar, proceed north through the Swat Valley, a truly spectacular mountainous area that offers several trekking opportunities away from the main tourist routes. In the past, the area was under Taliban control—even as recently as 2017—and the valley was closed to tourists. However, it now appears that the situation has stabilized.

The main tourist destinations in the valley are: Malam Jabba, Mingora (the main town from where several treks can be organized) and finally Kalam. On this page you will find excellent information on possible treks from Kalam while on this other page you will find a general overview of the Swat Valley.

Chitral

Chitral is a fairly large town that serves as a base for visiting the nearby Kalash valleys-Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur. Be aware that if you want to visit the Kalash valleys you have to register at the police station and you will be assigned a private guard: in 2009, in fact, a group of Taliban crossed the border killing several people. If possible, it is advisable to visit the region during the Chilam Joshi Festival, which lasts four days starting May 13 each year.

To reach Chitral from the south: from Mingora there are direct mini buses to Timargara from where you can take a second minibus to Chitral. The trip is quite long and can take up to 12 hours. Alternatively, you can also reach Chitral by starting from Kalam through the Kumrat Valley, for which you can find an excellent guide on this page.

Shandur Pass.

Shandur Pass

From Chitral, to reach Gilgit, you have to pass through the Shandur Pass, which is at an altitude of 3,700 meters. The journey covers 390 km and takes two full days by public transport. You must first reach Mastuj, spend the night there, and then continue to Gilgit the next day. Ideally, you should find someone to share the costs with and hire a private jeep, which takes about 18 hours to cover the distance. Al Farooq Hotel seems to be the go-to place for foreigners looking for companions to share the journey with.

Small parenthesis: at the top of the pass is the highest polo field in the world, and apparently the road up through the mountains offers truly spectacular views.

Yasin Valley

The Yasin Valley is about halfway between Gilgit and Shandur Pass, so it might be a good way to break up the trip. Alternatively you can visit it directly from Gilgit without necessarily continuing further to Chitral. Before even entering the Yasin valley, I was recommended Khalti Lake and Gupis village. If you start from Gilgit, there are shared minibuses that leave daily to Gupis at 11:00 a.m. from this point.

Naltar Valley

This is another valley that had been recommended to me and is located a short distance from Gilgit. The valley is much greener than the rest of the region and is especially popular with local tourists. The main attractions are the lakes at the end of the road and a Sanctuary where you can see the snow leopard.

Not exactly a snow leopard.

Other destinations in the South

I visited Pakistan during the summer, so I didn’t consider exploring the south of the country and, as a result, didn’t gather much information about it. Nevertheless, the main stops in the south are undoubtedly worth noting. Karachi, the former capital of Pakistan and the most populous city in the country, features the impressive Mazar-e-Quaid mausoleum, built entirely of white marble in honor of the founder of Pakistan. Here you can find a guide.

Not far from Karachi is Thatta, which, with its many UNESCO sites, is another must-visit stop in the south. Here you can find a short guide.

Quetta serves as a crossroads for anyone wishing to continue their overland journey to Iran.

Lastly, Multan, one of the oldest cities on the Asian continent, boasts numerous historical sites that can keep you busy for at least a couple of days. Here you can find a guide.

Mazar-e-Quaid.

If you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance through one of the links on this site, doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU & UK Residents, i recommend True Traveller. For everyone else i recommend HeyMondo (5% discount). Thanks!

Suggested itineraries in Pakistan

Below I list possible itineraries of 2, 3 and 4 or more weeks. As with any country there is no perfect itinerary given a time frame and it is especially true here in Pakistan where someone might come exclusively to do the trek leading to K2 base camp or visit the south of the country. So take what follows as inspiration and modify or create the itinerary according to your interests/budget!

15-day itinerary in Pakistan

This itinerary essentially covers the main attractions along the Karakoram Highway, plus a few days in Islamabad and especially Lahore. I’ll use Lahore as the starting point since flights to Islamabad and Lahore are often priced similarly, and starting from Lahore makes travel slightly more efficient if you are short on time.

Lahore (2 nights)

Day 1:

Recover from the jet lag, briefly explore the city and climb to the top of the Wazir Khan Mosque for sunset.

Day 2:

Spend the morning at the Badshahi Mosque, the nearby fort, and check out the Sikh temple. In the afternoon you can walk around the walled city, visit the Lahore Museum, and in case you are interested, get a local sim, ZONG is the best company. Ceremony at Wagah Border in the evening.

Islamabad (1 night)

Day 3:

Take a bus from Lahore to Islamabad, visit Faisal Mosque at sunset.

N.b. In my opinion Islamabad is never a must-see. So if you prefer to spend your time elsewhere, you could take the bus in the morning from Lahore, leave most of your luggage in custody at the bus station (I recommend Faisel Movers), visit the mosque and then return to the station to catch the bus to Gilgit.

Gilgit (2 nights)

Day 4:

If you opt for the overnight bus to Gilgit then you have basically the whole day that you could use to visit the Margalla Hills.

Day 5:

Arrive in the morning in Gilgit, take a walk along the bazaar and maybe visit the Khargah Buddha.

N.b. Again, as described in the “what to do and see” section you could save a day by stopping directly at Raikot Bridge and skip to day six. Gilgit, somewhat like Islamabad, is also by no means a must-see in my opinion.

Fairy Meadows (2 nights)

Day 6:

Reach Raikot bridge early in the morning and organize the jeep to reach the beginning of the trail leading to Fairy Meadows. During the rest of the day enjoy the views of Nanga Parbat.

Day 7:

Reach Nanga Parbat base camp in the day or alternatively hike up to Behal.

Minapin (2 nights)

Day 8:

Leave Fairy Meadows in the morning and reach Minapin.

Day 9:

Hike to Rakaposhi base camp.

Karimabad (2 nights)

Day 11:

Reach Karimabad. Visit the old part and climb up to Altit Fort.

Day 12:

Visit the Eagle Nest, Baltit and Ganish.

Day 13:

The Faisel Movers bus covering the Gilgit-Islamabad route originates right from Karimabad. Departure should be around 8 a.m.

Day 14:

Bus arrives in Islamabad early in the morning. Return flight from Islamabad or another 5 hours by bus to Lahore and return flight from here.

3-week itinerary in Pakistan

With three weeks in Pakistan I recommend following the itinerary just described and adding the following stops.

Hopper (2 nights)

Day 13:

Reach Hopper from Karimabad.

Day 14:

Spend the day in Hopper.

Passu (2 nights)

Day 15:

Reach Passu from Hopper and visit the Batura Glacier in the afternoon.

Day 16:

Short trek from Borith Lake to Passu Glacier, Passu suspension bridge.

Sost (2 nights)

Day 17:

Reach Sost from Passu and arrange a taxi to Khunjerab Pass for the next day.

Day 18:

Khunjerab Pass.

Gilgit (1 night)

Day 19:

Reach Gilgit from Sost and spend the rest of the day in Gilgit.

Day 20:

Gilgit – Islamabad bus.

Day 21:

Bus arrives in Islamabad early in the morning. Return flight from Islamabad or another 5-hour bus ride to Lahore and return flight from here.

4-week itinerary in Pakistan

With four weeks to spare I recommend following the three-week itinerary just described and adding the Skardu – Deosai – Astore circuit.

Itinerary of 5 weeks or more in Pakistan

With 5 or more weeks in my opinion, the best thing to do is to add Peshawar, Swat valley and Chitral first and then simply follow the 4-week itinerary just described.

Deosai National Park.

How to get around Pakistan

Buses in Pakistan

Buses are undoubtedly the most common, practical, and inexpensive way to travel between destinations in the country, especially between large cities. In the north, once you reach Gilgit on one side and Peshawar on the other, the large regular buses almost always give way to a minivan system that connects the more rural parts of the country.

The best company overall is Faisal Movers: slightly more expensive than the competition but I think it is worth it, the buses are new and each seat has its own airplane-style media station, especially recommended especially for the long Islamabad-Gilgit route. Other good private companies that connect major cities and are slightly cheaper: Daewoo Sammi and Skyways.

In the north of the country, including the Islamabad – Gilgit route, the cheapest option is the state-owned Natco company; however, the buses are often not in good condition and for a few hundred rupees less it is best to avoid whenever possible, Natco, unlike the other companies, however, also reaches destinations such as Astore, Skardu and Chilas for which there are no alternatives.

Basically, if you stick to the itineraries described, once you reach Gilgit to continue north along the Karakorum Highway by public transportation you have to rely on these often full to the brim minivans that shuttle between the main villages: somewhat like all developing countries very few people have cars, and local transportation also reaches really remote areas, for information just ask around to the locals.

Pakistan’s typical psychedelic trucks.

Taxis in Pakistan

In the city, taxis are really cheap and if you have access to the internet, in Islamabad and Lahore Uber is even cheaper than regular taxis. Another really cheap option are the infamous tuk tuks, which are banned from the streets of Islamabad but quietly go around the streets of Lahore and are undoubtedly the cheapest option.

Somewhat like in all developing countries, do not expect taximeters and always try to agree on the price before boarding. Taxis, especially shared taxis, are particularly popular even in the north of the country where they sometimes replace or run parallel to minivans to reach more rural areas.

Domestic flights in Pakistan

Domestic flights are not exactly cheap, but if your budget allows, reaching destinations such as Chitral, Gilgit, and Skardu by plane can literally save you whole days spent on the bus. The three airports just mentioned are served exclusively by Pakistan Airlines. Be careful, however, because although there are almost always two flights a day to these destinations, they are often canceled due to weather conditions.

To other destinations within the country you can also take a look at Airblue.

Trains in Pakistan

In the south of the country they are an excellent alternative to buses and objectively more convenient especially for long distances, the reference site is this one.

Hitchhiking in Pakistan

Pakistan can be considered for all intents and purposes a hitchhiker’s paradise. More than once I have had someone offer me a ride without even asking while I was walking along the road. This is especially true in the north of the country where so many travelers rely exclusively on hitchhiking; particularly along the Karakoram Highway it works like a charm!

I myself have hitchhiked on several occasions and have never waited more than 10 minutes. The locals are extremely happy to give you a ride and more than a few times have even insisted on taking me to my destination despite having to go somewhere else. Absolutely a must try and I assure you that after hitchhiking a couple of times along the Karakoram Highway you will get over the urge to take the packed and much slower minivans.

Finally, if you’re interested in renting a jeep to explore the north, I was informed by a group of locals from Lahore that they managed to rent one for only 4,000 rupees a day.

Motorcycles in Pakistan

Another popular option among travelers is to rent, or even buy, a motorcycle during their stay in Pakistan. Prices for a motorcycle in good condition seem to hover around €400. If you decide to rent a motorcycle in Gilgit and ride the Karakoram Highway to the Chinese border, as many do, expect to pay around 3,000 rupees per day.

Backpacking Pakistan: costs

At this point you are probably wondering how much a trip to Pakistan costs. The answer is that it is a really cheap country, one of the cheapest I have ever visited! If you travel low cost, you can easily sleep in private rooms and eat out three times a day on a daily budget of 20 euros, and most importantly, remember that virtually any price is negotiable.

Cost of Transport in Pakistan

Just to give you two numbers, the bus from Islamabad to Gilgit, more than 500 km and 15 hours of travel costs about 10-15 € depending on the company and service chosen. Minibuses along the Karakoram Highway are proportionally even cheaper, 100 km from Aliabad to Gilgit for about 2€, 20 km from Hopper to Karakoram Highway on the back of a minibus about 50 cents.

Taxis and tuk tuk are also really cheap. 5km during the day should cost no more than 300 rupees.

Cost of Food in Pakistan

Food is also extremely cheap. You can easily fill your belly for under 50 cents. Just to give you some numbers: a Roti, the flatbread that is served with practically every meal, normally costs 5-10 cents, a portion of Dal, a bean/lentil soup normally costs 40-50 cents, two nice pieces of grilled chicken, about 1.5€.

Cost of Accommodation in Pakistan

Unfortunately, hostels are not very common and are mainly located in the big cities, but sleeping still remains really cheap. During my month in Pakistan I never paid more than 1,500 PKR for a private room, often getting by with as little as 1,000 PKR. (Due to recent inflation, it’s probably 50% more expensive now.) These were almost always fairly modest rooms but very often with private bathrooms and all in all not bad at all.

If you camp or perhaps travel and sleep in your car, you can park and use the facilities, wifi and common areas for free in almost all PTDCs in the country. PTDCs are basically a chain of hotels belonging to the Department of Tourism Development.

Couchsurfing in big cities seems to be really popular and you should have no trouble finding a place to sleep. On the other hand, if you are looking for something more luxurious, the Serena Hotels chain has a few accommodations in the north of the country as well.

PTDC in Skardu with K2 museum in the background.

Other costs (withdrawals and sim cards)

In conclusion, it’s worth mentioning the fees for cash withdrawals in Pakistan. Cash is essential, especially outside major cities, and many banks do not accept international cards. I recommend bringing ample cash; the exchange rates in Lahore are favorable, with numerous exchange offices offering rates close to the interbank exchange rate.

If you need to withdraw cash, after trying several banks, the options that seem to work are MCB and Allied Bank, both charging PKR 800 per withdrawal, and Standard Chartered, which charges PKR 500 per withdrawal—making it the most cost-effective option. All three banks have a withdrawal limit of PKR 20,000 per transaction.Take a look at the best cards for traveling. If your phone supports eSIMs and you prefer immediate internet access without buying a local SIM, consider services like Airalo or Ubigi. However, note that eSIMs typically cost more per gigabyte than local SIMs, and their local partner may not always offer the best coverage. Most travelers would likely benefit from a local SIM (or even a local eSIM), but consider your specific needs, as exceptions exist. For instance, during my Japan trip, Ubigi’s plan was cheaper than any local SIM available to non-residents.

Street food In Pakistan.

Backpacking Pakistan: safety

Is Pakistan as dangerous as it seems? Is it possible to travel safely in Pakistan?

There are varying opinions on the safety of Pakistan. Many locals strongly assert that Pakistan is safe, and indeed, much of the country can be considered so. However, it’s important to recognize that some regions, particularly those near the Afghan border, may not be as safe due to instability and ongoing issues in those areas. As with any travel, it’s wise to stay informed and exercise caution, especially when venturing into less-traveled or potentially sensitive regions.

However, Gilgit-Baltistan, the state that certainly receives the most tourists, besides being the most liberal of all when it comes to Islamism, has been the site of only one terrorist attack in recent years. For example, if we look at this page, we notice that in the city of Quetta alone, there have been about 15 terrorist attacks in the past 10 years. To make a long story short, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are two states that if you are not willing to accept some risk, it is probably best to avoid; in the rest of the country, with a little common sense, you should not have any kind of problem and indeed you will enjoy the enormous hospitality offered by these people.

In conclusion, while I’ve encountered several solo female travelers, the experience may feel unfamiliar for women not accustomed to such strongly patriarchal societies. I recommend reading this informative article on the topic.

Lastly, I hope I haven’t caused any concern with the security section. Pakistan is definitely a country worth visiting, and I hope recent history and some regions’ instability won’t deter you from exploring it!

Are you planning a trip to Pakistan? Check out these posts:

The best cards for traveling

What to bring on your trip

Do you have any questions? Updated information? Feel free to leave a comment or message me on Instagram!

For donations/pizzas and virtual beers 🙂

Did you like the post? Pin it!