Language: Urdu and English (mostly spoken in big cities)

National Currency: Rupee. ATMs are available in most areas. Note that card payments are not as easily accepted, so having cash would be the best option. At the time of writing the exchange rate was $1 = 166 Rupee but please check again when you go as it may change.

Electrical plug: C and D types, Pakistan operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Best time to Visit: In general May to October is considered the high season – that is especially true if you are visiting northern mountainous areas. But even then we would still recommend bringing a fleece jacket with you. From November to April it would be best to visit southern provinces since summer months day time temperatures there can be excruciatingly hot!!!

Visa: You can apply for Pakistan visa online. And some countries are even eligible for visa on arrival. For those who still need a visa invitation we can provide one – please follow the link here.
For more information please visit https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/tourist-visa/

Security Situation

Is it safe to travel to Pakistan – has always been and will be for some time one of the major questions we are asked about Pakistan. We are aware that many governments warn against travel here but ultimately this is up for you to decide whether you are up for traveling to Pakistan or not. But here is what we have to say to this.

First of all we are always trying to keep up-to-date with the current internal safety situation and should we think something doesn’t look right we would cancel or postpone the tour, and we have done so before. Your safety is always our priority and we are strict with this.

Secondly, most of the areas you’d want to go in Pakistan to see its beauty are actually quite safe for tourists and locals alike. And others (for example, city of Quetta) where most of the insurgency happen actually do require a special permit to go to so you can’t go there just on a whim. It may also be possible that an armed guard could be assigned to us.

Pakistan’s security had dramatically improved since 2014 and since the government launched Garb-e-Azb, the number of attacks since then had fallen sharply. Certain areas require a permit to but these are not the areas where most of the people would actually want to see.

And of course do not forget to get a very comprehensive insurance that would cover you for anything here. And after the COVID-19 it would also be a good idea to have an addition to the insurance that would cover you for any reason of cancellation.

If you still require security – we can provide a private armed escort/guards within the cities or outside.
For more information please see here.
Investing in Pakistan and Security For Businesses – Mitigating Risks and Preventing “Security Theater”

Getting to Pakistan and Moving Around

By Plain
Pakistan has 3 main International Airports and this is where most travelers usually arrive – Karachi (Jinnah International Airport), Lahore (Allama Iqbal International Airport), Islamabad International Airport. Most of the well-known airlines operate to these 3 airports – Emirates, Saudia, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Air China and many more. So you will not have a problem finding a seat based on time, date or price.
There are 6 other smaller airports serving international destinations.
There are some reports of people being asked for a bribe so just beware and keep your documents close.

There are 3 airlines that operate domestic routes – Pakistan International Airways, Shaheen and Airblue (budget airline also flying to UAE and Saudi Arabia).

By Train
You can reach Pakistan by trains from India and Iran as well. Although this is not the most efficient way to travel and buses/ taxis maybe faster but still is an option should you decide to choose it.

From India you can take Samjhota Express; from Iran there is only one link from Zahedan to Quetta.

Domestic trains run within Pakistan on the following routes Karachi-Lahore-Peshawar, Karachi-Quetta, Quetta-Peshawar (with stops in Lahore and Rawalpindi).
If you need our help to book train tickets in Pakistan please contact us!

By Bus/ Car
Pakistan despite its reputation internationally has some pretty good quality roads. New highways are being built and overall quality is improving as well.
Traveling by bus would be the cheapest way to get anywhere in the country, there are good air-conditioned buses available for travel between large cities, but if you are a budget traveller you can go fora minibus or a larger non-air-conditioned buses as well. Tickets are usually plentiful and easily available, some you would have to book 1 day in advance, but for the most part you can pay the driver or get at the station before the departure.

Taxis
Uber and Careem are easily available. Just download the app and you are good to go.

Pakistan Festivals and National Holidays (www.timeanddate.com)

Traveling during Ramadan

Travel during Ramadan is possible but you just have to keep a few things in mind.
Food will be available for delivery and you can eat in the privacy of your room. Some street food stalls may be closed. Please avoid eating in public. North is more relaxed and you can find some restaurants open there. Buses and trains run on a normal schedule.

Pakistan Packing List

Ultimately each traveler has their own packing list but here are a few general things we would especially recommend when you travel to Pakistan:

• Light fast-drying clothing for hot areas and for summer months, as the weather can be unbearably hot
• Warm water-proof layers if you are going to explore Northers Areas of Pakistan. Why? It gets quite cold there at night, and in some places weather can change suddenly.
• Sun protection, glasses, hats, mosquito repellents
• Good sturdy hiking boots, daily walking boots
• Power adapters and power banks (especially true for Northern Areas)
• First Aid Kit and any essential medicines you need
• Copies of your documents and travel+medical insurance. We recommend a travel insurance with Cancel For Any Reason option. Also, please purchase it right after you book the tour.
• To reduce plastic waste you can also bring a reusable water bottle (for example, Lifestraw brand) or water purifying pills with you

If you are going on a tour that would involve hiking in the Pakistan Mountains for several days we will discuss what to bring with you personally..

What do People Wear in Pakistan?

It is a traditional country therefore you should dress modestly in Pakistan meaning coverning your shoulders and legs, nothing revealing or too tight. Long sleeve clothing will also protect you from the sun and mosquito bites in the evening. Men can wear a local clothing called shalwar kameez – long tunic with loose fitting pants. But this is not obligatory and totally up to you.