There is a travel warning issued for this country. Please check the website of your country's foreign office for the latest information.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Pakistan Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Pakistan – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type D
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Pakistani Rupee (PKR) £1 ≈ PKR 368.39 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Pakistan, especially in major cities. Credit cards are accepted in some businesses, though cash is still preferred.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is common in Pakistan, with 10% being the usual amount in restaurants. Taxis and hotel staff appreciate small tips. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not allowed in Pakistan. Alcohol consumption is restricted to non-Muslim communities in certain locations. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is allowed in designated areas, though smoking indoors in public spaces is typically restricted. |
| Pakistan Day (23 March) |
Commemorates the Lahore Resolution of 1940, which called for a separate Muslim homeland |
|---|
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 1122 (Ambulance, Fire), 15 (Police) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Careem, Uber |
| Other: | Pakistan offers a rich cultural experience, but travellers should be cautious and aware of the country’s security situation. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Pakistan, Pakistan
Climate and season vary a lot by region: northern mountains (Hunza, Skardu) best May to September for trekking, cities (Lahore, Islamabad) best October to March, south (Karachi) best November to February
Khunjerab Pass border and high mountain roads such as Babusar Pass usually open only around April or June to November, snow closes them in winter
Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset
Don't miss
- 🏔️ Admire the stunning mountain views of Hunza Valley
- 🏛️ Explore the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-Daro
- 🏰 Visit Lahore Fort and stroll through Shalimar Gardens
- 🛣️ Drive the legendary Karakoram Highway to Khunjerab Pass
- 🎆 Witness the Wagah Border flag-lowering ceremony at sunset
- 🚤 Cruise across Attabad Lake’s turquoise glacial waters
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Pakistan?
Pakistan's appeal lies in its remarkable historical treasures and cultural heritage. The country boasts six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-Daro from the Indus civilization, the Buddhist ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and magnificent Mughal-era monuments like the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque. Beyond the historical sites, you'll find warm hospitality from locals known for their welcoming nature and a rich tapestry of cultural traditions spanning music, dance, literature and cuisine that blends Persian, Arab and Indian influences. However, travelers should be aware of certain challenges. Security concerns exist in some regions, so it's advisable to research destinations thoroughly and check current travel advisories before visiting. While major tourist areas have improved infrastructure in recent years, language barriers may exist in more remote areas. Women travelers should dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or conservative areas.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Karachi
A bustling port on the Arabian Sea, Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city. It features historic colonial architecture, vibrant bazaars, modern skyscrapers, a waterfront promenade, museums and diverse culinary scenes that attract travelers year‑round and cultural festivals. -
2
Peshawar
One of Pakistan's historic gateways, Peshawar sits at the Khyber Pass entrance near the Indus River. This bustling city offers ancient bazaars and the Babur Gardens, yet remains quieter than Lahore for travelers seeking authentic culture away from major tourist crowds. -
3
Taxila
This historic site in Pakistan's Punjab region features ancient ruins, Buddhist monasteries and towering stupas. Visitors explore well-preserved archaeological remains, ball courts and temples that showcase a rich cultural heritage spanning millennia of history and civilization.
🏯Places worth seeing
-
1
Mohenjo-daro
Ancient Indus Valley city, Mohenjo‑Daro showcases sophisticated urban planning with grid streets, drainage systems and mud-brick structures. Excavations reveal residential blocks, public baths and a central citadel, illustrating early civilization's engineering. -
2
Rohtas Fort
-
3
Badshahi Mosque
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4
Tomb of Jahangir
-
5
Wazir Khan
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6
Fort Derawar
-
7
Shah Jahan Mosque
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
-
1
K2
The second-highest peak on Earth, K2 rises dramatically from Pakistan's Karakoram range. Its steep slopes and treacherous conditions attract mountaineers seeking extreme challenges, making it one of the world's most formidable climbing destinations. -
2
Chaukhandi tombs
-
3
Ranikot fort
-
4
Misgar Valley
-
5
Katas Raj Temples
-
6
Mehrgarh
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Basant Kite Festival
-
Shandur Polo Festival
-
Lok Mela Folk Festival
-
Sindh Festival
-
Sibi Mela
-
Chitral Shandur Polo Festival
-
Mela Chiraghan (Festival of Lights)
-
Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
-
Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrations
-
Eid-ul-Adha Celebrations
Knowledge before you go
- Check visa and security advisories before booking flights.
- Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees to blend in and respect local customs everywhere.
- Drink only bottled or purified water; avoid ice and street food to prevent stomach illnesses.
- Hire local guides for northern areas like Hunza; obtain No Objection Certificates for restricted regions.
How to travel to Pakistan
Most international visitors arrive in Pakistan through major airports in Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad, with connections to many global hubs. As of March 2025, most nationalities require a visa to enter Pakistan, which can be obtained through Pakistani embassies or as an e-visa for many countries. When planning your trip, consider that the most pleasant weather for sightseeing is from October to March, avoiding the extreme summer heat in most regions.
Access summary
- Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi: Fly to ISB, LHE, KHI from major hubs.
- Northern areas (Hunza, Skardu): Fly Islamabad–Gilgit/Skardu, continue by road into valleys.
- Pakistan International Airlines hub at KHI/ISB/LHE; not in any alliance.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Pakistan
Pakistan offers accommodations for various budgets, from luxury hotels in major cities to mid-range options and budget guesthouses. In tourist destinations like Lahore and Islamabad, you'll find international hotel chains alongside boutique hotels in historic buildings. Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses and hostels in most cities. For unique experiences, consider heritage hotels in converted historic buildings or homestays in northern regions. Prices are generally lower compared to many international destinations.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Pakistan
Getting around Pakistan offers various options depending on your destination. In major cities like Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, taxis, ride-sharing services and auto-rickshaws are widely available. For intercity travel, domestic flights connect major cities, while buses and trains provide more economical options. The country has an extensive network of buses connecting most towns and cities, though comfort levels vary. For exploring historical sites and cultural attractions, guided tours are often the most convenient option.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Pakistan are around 73% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to PKR) is 21% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Safety varies by region in Pakistan. Tourist areas have improved security in recent years, but it's advisable to check current travel advisories before visiting. Exercise caution in crowded places and avoid remote border regions. Consider hiring local guides for unfamiliar areas.
Health & Medical
Major cities have good quality private healthcare facilities, though services may be limited in rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Food hygiene varies, so be cautious with street food and drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies widely across Pakistan. Major cities and newer tourist facilities offer some accessibility features, but historical sites, ruins and older areas often present challenges for mobility-impaired travelers with uneven surfaces and limited facilities.
Tap water
Tap water is generally not safe for drinking throughout Pakistan. Rely on bottled water with sealed caps, which is widely available and inexpensive. Most hotels provide complimentary bottled water daily.
Packing recommendations for Pakistan
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
🕶️
Sunglasses
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
🪰
Insect repellent
🧣
Scarf
for women
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
covering shoulders and knees
🔋
Power bank
💊
Anti-diarrhoeal / stomach medication
🩹
Basic first aid kit
👒
Sun hat
hat, sunglasses, sun cream
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
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