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Pakistan Travel Guide

Johnnie Stanton -
June 11, 2025

Overview

Pakistan is packed with unforgettable tourism highlights, from the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the ancient ruins of Taxila. The vibrant cities of Lahore and Karachi offer incredible food and culture, while the northern areas like Hunza and Skardu boast some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world.Top sights in my opinion? The historic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, the breathtaking Fairy Meadows near Nanga Parbat, and the forts and bazaars of Peshawar. Whether you’re researching the best time to visit Pakistan or dreaming of Hunza Valley travel, this guide covers everything.

Quick Facts About Pakistan

Language

Urdu (shukriya = thank you)

Currency

Pakistani Rupee (PKR)

Visa

E-visa for most nationalities (check requirements)

Power Plugs

Type C / D (some Type M)

Religion

Islam (majority)

Capital

Islamabad

Climate

Varies by region hot in the plains, cold in the mountains

Apps

Careem (ride-hailing), FoodPanda (food delivery)

Flights Information for Pakistan

As a tourist, your main airports will be:

  • Islamabad (ISB) Best for visiting the capital and northern areas
  • Karachi (KHI) Major international hub with flights from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia
  • Lahore (LHE) Great for exploring Punjab’s cultural sites

Smaller airports like Skardu (KDU) and Gilgit (GIL) serve the northern mountain regions, but flights can be limited and weather-dependent. Major airports: Islamabad (ISB), Karachi (KHI), Lahore (LHE). For northern areas like Hunza, fly to Skardu (KDU) if weather permits.

Safety Information You Should Know Before Visiting Pakistan

A common search: Is Pakistan safe for tourists? Yes, but:

  • Avoid border regions
  • Checking travel advisories before visiting border regions
  • Dress modestly
  • Monitor travel advisories

Locals are incredibly hospitable, but it’s always good to stay aware of your surroundings.

Climate

Pakistan’s climate varies a lot depending on where you go:

  • Plains: Avoid summer (45°C+). Best: Oct–Mar.
  • Mountains: May–Sep for trekking (some passes closed till June).
  • Northern Mountains (Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit): Cold winters (heavy snowfall in some areas), pleasant summers (15–25°C/59–77°F).

Best time to visit?

  • October–March for most of the country (comfortable temperatures).
  • May–September for trekking in the north (though some high passes may still be closed).

Budget & Other Essentials

  • Affordable but not as cheap as Southeast Asia: Budget hostels Approx (~1,500 PKR/$5), mid-range hotels from Approx 4,500 PKR ($15).
  • Food is delicious and cheap: Street food Approx (50–200 PKR), restaurant meals Approx 300–800 PKR.
  • Transport: Trains (slow but economical), buses (comfortable options like Daewoo), ride-hailing (Careem).
  • Street food: Approx 50–200 PKR
  • SIM Cards: Jazz/Zong (buy at airports)

Final Tip

Pakistan is best for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability. The landscapes are stunning, the food is amazing, and the people are incredibly welcoming. If you’re looking for a destination that’s still off the mass tourism radar, Pakistan should be on your list.Would you like me to adjust any section to better match your style? Or should I draft another guide (e.g., Iran, Turkey) in the same voice? Explore More

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pakistan safe for solo travelers?
Yes in cities like Lahore/Islamabad. Avoid risky zones.
Best time to visit Pakistan?
Oct–Mar for cities, May–Sep for northern trekking.
How to reach Hunza Valley?
Fly to Skardu or take the Karakoram Highway.

Johnnie Stanton

Editor in Chief & General Manager

Johnnie Stanton covers visas and entry requirements for Travel and Diaries. His guides explain what travelers actually need at the border visa-on-arrival rules, eVisa application steps, passport validity requirements, and regional visas like the East African Tourist Visa -sourced directly from government immigration portals and official embassy pages, with each guide dated so readers know when the rules were last verified. Visa policy changes fast and misinformation is everywhere; Johnnie's standing rule is that if a claim can't be traced to an official source, it doesn't get published. He works alongside the Travel and Diaries visa assistance team.

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