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Southern Asia

PakistanTravel guide

Explore Pakistan visa rulesCommon scams in Pakistan

Pakistan has ancient ruins, Mughal buildings, varied cultures and some of the world's highest mountains. Security risks differ greatly by region, and many governments advise against travel to parts of the country.

Why go

  1. Explore ancient sites at Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila.

  2. See Mughal buildings and gardens in Lahore.

  3. Discover the mountains, glaciers and valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan.

  4. Visit northern valleys with old forts and distinct local cultures.

  5. Browse markets for textiles, carpets, pottery and handicrafts.

Getting there

By air

  • Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad are the main international gateways. They have direct connections with Europe, North America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
  • Pakistan International Airlines serves domestic and international destinations. Airblue and Serene Air also operate flights from Gulf countries.
  • Airspace closures can cause delays or cancellations at short notice. Restrictions on Pakistani aircraft using Indian airspace may also increase ticket prices.

By land

  • Buses run from Kashgar in China over the Karakoram Highway to Pakistan.
  • The Iran route through Taftan leads towards Quetta. Foreign visitors may have to travel with a police escort and stop overnight in Dalbandin.
  • Travellers have reported crossing from Iran at Gabd-Kumb and taking a bus towards Karachi. The source says this border closes on Fridays.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights

    Pakistan International Airlines serves many domestic destinations, including Chitral, Gilgit and Skardu. Flights to northern airports are often cancelled because of bad weather. They can also be overbooked, so arrive early. Other domestic airlines include SereneAir and Airblue.

  • Intercity buses

    Buses are often the cheapest and most convenient way to travel between cities. Daewoo runs air-conditioned services between several major cities. Seats are booked one day ahead. Simple buses and minibuses leave major bus stations frequently. Advance booking is generally neither possible nor necessary. On regular services, you often pay the fare on the bus. Air conditioning and legroom may be limited. Smaller buses between major cities can be faster because larger buses often stop to collect passengers. Other major operators include Faisal Movers, Skyways and Niazi Express.

  • Local buses

    Cities usually have active local bus services, though how they operate varies. Keep coins and small notes for exact fares. Simple local transport can be crowded and may have little legroom.

  • Trains

    Many countries advise avoiding the railway because of terrorist attacks and derailments. The source also describes electrical fires, track bombings and train hijackings. Some routes require armed guards. Station timetables may not be in English, but ticket agents can usually explain the services. Fares depend on the class and facilities. Air-conditioned sleeper fares can be close to airfares.

What to see and do

  • Mohenjo-daro, Harappa and Taxila

    These ancient ruins offer a look at earlier civilisations.

  • Lahore

    Pakistan's cultural capital has Mughal landmarks including Badshahi Masjid, Shalimar Gardens, the Tomb of Jahangir and Lahore Fort.

  • Gilgit-Baltistan

    This northern region has very high mountains and vast glaciers.

  • K2

    One of Pakistan's great mountain peaks, it draws mountaineers and adventurous travellers.

  • Hunza and Chitral valleys

    The source highlights their scenery, distinct cultures and small pre-Islamic communities.

  • Northern fortresses

    Old forts add historic interest to the mountain landscapes.

Food and drink

  • Chapli kababs

    A popular barbecue meal.

  • Chicken tikka

    A popular chicken dish.

  • Nihari

    A classic dish made with beef shank.

  • Curries with bread or rice

    Main meals commonly include curry served with flatbread or rice.

  • Punjabi and Sindhi food

    These regional cuisines can be highly spiced and include vegetarian options.

  • Northern regional food

    Food in northern areas is generally milder. Other regional cuisines may use more meat and oil.

Money

Pakistani rupee (PKR), written as Rs; one rupee has 100 paise.

  • Carry small notes of Rs 10–100 because shops and drivers may not have change.
  • Keep larger notes separate so you do not show all your money when paying.
  • Some merchants falsely claim they cannot change large notes. Use exact change where possible.
  • Cash machines are common, but few accept international cards. The source names Standard Chartered as an exception.

Tipping: Small tips are appreciated for excellent service by hotel porters, taxi drivers and delivery workers. The source gives no fixed amount.

Typical costs

  • Mid-range hotels: Rs 2,000–6,000 per night.
  • Top-end hotels: from Rs 6,000 per night; luxury hotels in major cities charge at least Rs 10,000.
  • Bottled water: Rs 80 for a 1.5-litre bottle.
  • Branded jeans: about Rs 1,400–2,500.
  • Acoustic guitars: from about Rs 2,000.

Language

  • Urdu and English are the official languages.
  • Urdu is widely used for communication between different language groups.
  • Punjabi
  • Pashto
  • Sindhi
  • Saraiki
  • Balochi
  • English is common around many tourist sites and in major-city professional settings, but fluency varies.
Chai
Tea.
Meethi lassi
Sweet yoghurt drink.
Sabz chai
Green tea.
Mehmanawazi
Hospitality to guests.

Staying safe

  • Check government travel advice and local security conditions before choosing your route. Many governments advise against travel to parts of Pakistan.
  • The source reports war with Afghanistan as of September 2026. Avoid the Afghan border.
  • Warnings cover parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar, parts of Balochistan, the Karakoram Highway and some border areas.
  • Many governments advise against travel near the Indian border, especially the Line of Control, the boundary mentioned in the source.
3 common scams in Pakistan, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Be aware that hospitality to guests is a strong cultural tradition.
  • Expect that foreign visitors may attract stares or curiosity.
  • Allow for shorter working hours during Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.
  • Plan around restaurant closures during Ramadan. Most restaurants close until the fast ends at dusk.

Don't

  • Do not eat in public between dawn and sunset during Ramadan, even if you are not Muslim.
  • Do not drink in public during Ramadan fasting hours.
  • Do not smoke in public during Ramadan fasting hours.

Staying healthy

  • Drink only boiled, filtered or sealed bottled water. Avoid ice because it is usually made with tap water.
  • Avoid unpasteurised dairy. Fresh milk should be boiled and cooled before drinking.
  • Avoid mosquito bites because mosquitoes spread malaria and dengue. Dengue is especially common during summer and the monsoon.
  • The source says preventive malaria medicine is needed in places where malaria is common. Malaria risk usually falls at higher altitudes.

Where to stay

  • Hotels cover a wide range of budgets. Inspect the room before paying, especially the beds, bathroom and lights.
  • The cheapest hotels are usually near bus and train stations. Hot water and air conditioning may not be available.
  • Mid-range hotels generally have hot water and air conditioning. Check that the hotel has a working generator.
  • Ask for a non-smoking room away from the street. You can try negotiating the rate.

Outdoor adventures in Pakistan

Pakistan offers high mountain trekking and climbing in the north, hill walks around Islamabad, and beach activities around Karachi. You can also try paragliding, sailing and moth watching. Security conditions need careful attention, especially near borders and in areas covered by travel warnings.

  • K2 mountaineering

    ClimbingGilgit-Baltistan

    K2 is a destination for mountain climbing. No approach route or booking details are given.

  • Gilgit-Baltistan trekking

    TrekGilgit-Baltistan

    Head to Gilgit-Baltistan for trekking and hiking. Specific routes and arrangements are not detailed.

    • Travel warnings cover parts of the Karakoram Highway.

  • Margalla Hills Trail 3 to Pir Sohawa

    HikeIslamabadnear Islamabad

    Around 2 hours uphill March–November: start before 7:30 AM, or before 6:30 AM in peak summer.

    Start on Trail 3 in F-6/3 and walk uphill to Pir Sohawa. You can also reach Pir Sohawa by road in around 35–40 minutes.

    • The hills are steep and should not be underestimated.
    • Wear sturdy shoes and carry a large bottle of water.

  • Margalla Hills paragliding

    ParaglidingIslamabadnear Islamabad

    Contact the Pakistan Adventure Foundation. Reservations are recommended.

  • Islamabad mountain biking

    CyclingIslamabadnear Islamabad

    Hire a bike from K2Riders in F8/2. Trail information is available in ASG's hiking publication.

    • Cost: Buying a cheap bike in Islamabad or Rawalpindi: Rs 6,000–10,000.

  • French Beach scuba diving

    Scuba divingSindhnear Karachi

    Go to French Beach, halfway between Hawke's Bay and Paradise Point. Bring your own diving equipment.

    • Karachi's outer beaches can have stinging jellyfish, especially July–September.
    • Avoid walking alone on the beach after dark.

  • French Beach snorkelling

    SnorkellingSindhnear Karachi

    Visit French Beach between Hawke's Bay and Paradise Point. No snorkelling operator or equipment rental is named.

    • Stinging jellyfish can occur, especially July–September.
    • Avoid walking alone on the beach after dark.

  • French Beach surfing

    SurfingSindhnear Karachi

    Monsoon season

    Head to French Beach, halfway between Hawke's Bay and Paradise Point. No surf school or rental service is named.

    • Stinging jellyfish can occur during the monsoon, especially July–September.
    • Avoid walking alone on the beach after dark.

  • Clifton Beach

    BeacheSindhnear Karachi

    Visit Sea View in Defence. For a beach walk, start from McDonald's or Village restaurant.

    • Cost: Free entry.
    • Beware of strong currents, especially June–August.
    • The water off Karachi's coast is heavily polluted.

  • Hawke's Bay Beach

    BeacheSindhnear Karachi

    Reach the beach along Hawke's Bay Drive. Rent a shoreline hut for a day or a longer stay.

    • Cost: Karachi beach huts normally start from Rs 8,000 a day; prices vary and may be negotiated.
    • Stinging jellyfish can occur, especially July–September.
    • Avoid walking alone on the beach after dark.

  • Sandspit Beach

    BeacheSindhnear Karachi

    Visit the beach along Manora Drive. Shoreline huts are available to rent.

    • Cost: Karachi beach huts normally start from Rs 8,000 a day; prices vary.
    • Stinging jellyfish can occur, especially July–September.
    • Avoid walking alone on the beach after dark.

  • Manora Beach

    BeacheSindhnear Karachi

    Reach Manora by the 12 km Manora Drive causeway, or take a boat from Kemari harbour.

    • Swimming is not recommended because of strong currents and polluted seawater.

  • Paradise Point

    BeacheSindhnear Karachi

    Visit the coast west of Manora Island.

    • The water off Karachi's coast is heavily polluted.

  • Tushan Beach

    BeacheSindhnear Karachi

    Visit Tushan Beach near French Beach. Book a beach hut in advance.

  • Turtle Beach

    BeacheSindhnear Karachi

    Visit Turtle Beach near French Beach. Book a beach hut in advance.

  • Rawal Lake sailing and boating

    SailingIslamabadnear Islamabad

    Arrange sailing through private clubs at Rawal Lake. Access Lake View Park on the north shore from the road to Murree.

  • Lake View Park climbing wall

    ClimbingIslamabadnear Islamabad

    Go to the climbing wall in Lake View Park at Rawal Lake. The park is reached from the road to Murree.

  • Kemari harbour and island boat trips

    More to doSindhnear Karachi

    15–20 minutes for a short ride; longer trips are available.

    Hire a boat at Kemari harbour for a harbour tour or a trip to Manora. Larger boats can take you farther to Bundle Island or Buddo Island.

    • Cost: Private boats: around Rs 500–3,000 per hour, depending on size. Government ferries to Manora are free.
    • Photography is prohibited near the harbour's naval base and other sensitive installations.
    • Avoid touts in the parking area.

  • Karachi coastal dinner cruise

    SailingSindhnear Karachi

    Savor offers 2 hours of sailing.

    Book a day ahead for a cruise from Phase 8, DHA. Use Savor, or arrange a private boat through the nearby Carlton Hotel.

    • Cost: Carlton Hotel private boat: Rs 17,500 per hour, plus Rs 2,300 per person for dinner.

  • Chenab River boating and camping

    More to doPunjabnear Multan

    Drive towards Muzaffargarh, or take a minibus from Dera Adda. Get off after the Chenab bridge, follow the trail left, and walk to Chenab Park for boats.

    • Cost: Rs 100 per boat. The minibus costs around Rs 30.

  • Pir Chinasi and surrounding foothills

    HikeAzad Kashmirnear Muzaffarabad

    Follow Pir Chinasi Road from Muzaffarabad for about 17 km. Hiking, trekking and camping are described around Pir Chinasi, Saran, Sun Bun, Muskhi, Sakki and Jarran.

    • Travel advisories caution against non-essential travel to parts of Azad Kashmir.
    • Avoid areas near the Line of Control covered by travel warnings.

  • Shaheed Gali to Sri Kot

    TrekAzad Kashmirnear Muzaffarabad

    Travel to Shaheed Gali, about 16 km west of Muzaffarabad. Follow the 4 km trek to Sri Kot.

    • Travel advisories caution against non-essential travel to parts of Azad Kashmir.

  • Moth watching in northern Pakistan

    WildlifeAzad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Murree

    Visit the Himalayan valleys of Azad Kashmir, high mountain areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, or Murree's pine forests to watch moths. No organised outings are named.

    • Travel warnings affect parts of Azad Kashmir and the Karakoram Highway.

  • Gatwala wildlife and forest park

    WildlifePunjabnear Faisalabad

    Take Faisalabad–Sheikhupura Road to Gatwala Park, about 10–15 km from central Faisalabad.

  • China Creek speedboat ride

    More to doSindhnear Karachi

    Take the speedboat ride at Port Grand, near Jinnah Flyover on M. T. Khan Road.

    • Cost: Rs 500 per person, including entry to Port Grand.

Airports, metros and trains in Pakistan

Airports with scheduled flights

  • LHEAllama Iqbal International AirportLahoreMain international airport
  • PEWBacha Khan International AirportPeshawarMain international airport
  • LYPFaisalabad International AirportFaisalabadMain international airport
  • ISBIslamabad International AirportAttockMain international airport
  • KHIJinnah International AirportKarachiMain international airport
  • MUXMultan International AirportMultanMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • LahoreLahore Metro26 stations27.1 kmsince 2020

Trains

Rail network
7,540 km

People and safety in Pakistan

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.

  • Muslim96%
  • Hindu2%
  • Christian1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows life imprisonment.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #169 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

41% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 27 of 198 countries can visit Pakistan easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required10
  • eTA required17
  • eVisa165
  • Visa required4
  • Admission restricted2

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Asia12 of 49 countries
  • Americas5 of 35 countries
  • Oceania2 of 14 countries
  • Africa7 of 54 countries
  • Europe1 of 46 countries

Questions

Is Pakistan safe for a first visit?

Safety varies greatly by region. Many governments advise against travel to parts of the country, and the source advises avoiding the Afghan border.

Can I travel by bus without booking online?

Yes. Simple buses leave major bus stations frequently, and advance booking is generally neither possible nor necessary; fares are often paid on board.

Will my bank card work?

Few cash machines accept international cards. The source names Standard Chartered as one exception, and recommends carrying small notes for daily payments.

Can I get by with English?

English is an official language and is common around many tourist places, government offices and police stations. Fluency varies by region and background.

Can I drink tap water?

No. Drink boiled, filtered or sealed bottled water, and avoid ice made with tap water.

Is all Pakistani food very spicy?

No. Spice levels vary by region and cook, and northern food is often milder; tell the cook or waiter your preference.

What should I check before paying for a hotel?

See the room and check the beds, bathroom, lights and hot water. If you need air conditioning, check whether the hotel has a working generator.

What changes during Ramadan?

Most restaurants close until dusk, and working hours are shorter. Visitors should avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during fasting hours.

What weather should I expect?

Winter is cool and dry from December to February, while spring is hot and dry from March to May. The rainy season runs from June to September, and heavy rain can cause flooding.

How do I call a Pakistani phone number from abroad?

Use Pakistan's country code, +92, and leave out the first zero of the city or mobile code. Public Call Offices also offer paid calls within Pakistan.

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