Things To Do
in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country of dramatic contrasts, where the snow-capped peaks of the Karakoram meet vast deserts and bustling bazaars. Its rich cultural heritage blends Mughal, Persian, and South Asian influences, visible in architecture, music, and cuisine. Hospitality is renowned here, with meals shared across family tables and streets alive with warmth and color.
From the ancient Indus valley to modern cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, Pakistan invites curious travelers to explore its layers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike up the Margalla Hills where the sunrise paints the lush greenery in golden light. Enjoy viewing Islamabad’s skyline and serene trails as birds chirp around you. Capture panoramic photos of Faisal Mosque nestled among the peaks.
Descend to the city for lunch at a local dhaba serving spicy street snacks and refreshing lassi. Visit the grand Faisal Mosque and stroll through the nearby Shakarparian Park. Explore the Pakistan Monument Museum for an insightful look at the nation’s history.
Dine at a rooftop café in F-6 sector overlooking the city lights. Wander through the bustling Centaurus Mall for shopping and desserts. End the evening sipping Kashmiri chai at a cozy street tea stall.
Drive north to the ancient ruins of Taxila and explore its Buddhist stupas and archaeological museum. Wander between moss-covered stone structures that date back over two millennia. Learn about the Gandhara civilization through intricate sculptures and relics.
Continue your journey to Murree, the queen of hill stations, nestled in the pine forests. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a hillside café with panoramic mountain views. Walk along Mall Road, sampling local cherry jams and fresh pakoras from roadside vendors.
As dusk falls, head to Pindi Point for a horse ride beneath towering deodar trees. Sip hot tea while wrapped in a blanket on a hilltop bench. Retire to a cozy chalet lit by lanterns, listening to the soft rustle of the trees outside.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🏠1 bedroom apartment (city center, 1 month) | $200-500 |
| 🚗Local transport ticket (per ride) | $0.25-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee/tea | $1-2.50 |
| 🛒Groceries (basic weekly) | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning landscapes from mountains to deserts
- Warm hospitality and rich food culture
- Low-cost travel in many areas
- Vibrant historic cities and UNESCO sites
- Security concerns in certain regions
- Air pollution in big cities
- Inconsistent infrastructure outside major routes
- Limited nightlife and alcohol regulations
- "السلام علیکم" - Hello / Peace be upon you
- "شکریہ" - Thank you
- "مہربانی" - Please
- "معاف کیجیے" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "میں سمجھ نہیں سکا" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Pakistan
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive red sandstone mosque with grand arches and marble inlays; best at golden hour.
Historic fortress with courtyards, palaces, and intricate tile work; dramatic lighting at dawn.
Iconic monument set in a green park with city views; ideal for skyline shots.
Mughal garden with symmetrical avenues and reflective pools; great for long-exposure photography.
Colorful hillside villages against towering peaks; striking mountain backdrops.
Jaw-dropping glacier-carved valleys and jagged summits; best from designated pull-offs along routes.
Food in Pakistan
Pakistan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fragrant spiced rice layered with meat and aromatics; iconic in Karachi and Lahore.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked beef or lamb stew, typically enjoyed with fresh bread.
Spiced minced-meat kebabs fried to a crisp, a hallmark of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Thick slow-cooked blend of wheat, barley, lentils, and meat.
Leavened flatbreads baked in a tandoor; perfect with curries.
Spinach curry served with corn flatbread; a winter staple in Punjab.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering spices, meat, produce, and street snacks.
A legendary market street with chaat, kebabs, and regional specialties.
Vibrant shopping street with eateries and street-food options.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Cover shoulders and knees in public; modest dress is appreciated, especially in rural areas.
A simple verbal greeting like Assalamu Alaikum is common; handshakes are typical among locals of the same gender, with elders often preferring formal greetings.
Remove shoes before entering homes and many mosques; follow local signage and guidance.
Ask permission before taking portraits of people; avoid sensitive sites and military establishments.
Safety
Tipping in Pakistan
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is not included; 10-15% is typical for better service. For street vendors, rounding up is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are increasingly accepted in major hotels and some restaurants; mobile wallets like JazzCash and Easypaisa are popular in cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures across most regions; blossoms in Punjab and northern valleys; ideal for city sightseeing and early treks.
Hot in plains; cooler and clear in the north—great for trekking and scenic drives; stay hydrated and protect from sun.
Moderate weather; clear skies and harvest atmospheres in many valleys; excellent for photography and road trips.
Cold and snowy in the north (Hunza, Skardu); southern cities milder but nights can be chilly; pack warm layers and plan for road closures in high passes.
Pakistan at Night
Hiking in Pakistan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
High-altitude trek with iconic Nanga Parbat views; best in late spring and early summer.
Glacier-carved valley trek with sweeping mountain panoramas near Hunza.
High-altitude plateau with wildflowers and wildlife; superb summer photography.
Airports
How to reach Pakistan by plane.
Gateway to the north; well-connected to major cities and northern hubs.
Lahore’s main airport with domestic and international flights; access to the eastern Punjab region.
Karachi’s major airport and one of the busiest in the country; gateway to southern Pakistan.
Regional airport serving Sialkot; important for business travel and regional access.
Gateway to Balochistan’s interior and trade routes in the southwest.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Largest group; diverse languages and dialects centered in Punjab.
Predominantly in Sindh; culture rooted in coastal cities like Karachi.
Concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and parts of Balochistan; strong tribal and mountain traditions.
Urban populations in Karachi with distinct linguistic and cultural traits.
In Balochistan; desert and mountains with deep tribal traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The national passion; watch tests, one-days, and T20s; local leagues and street cricket are common.
Historical main sport; still played and celebrated in some regions.
Pakistan has a storied history in squash with many champions; local clubs offer academies.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many curries feature dal (lentils), chana (chickpeas), aloo gobi, paneer, and seasonal vegetables; ask for no meat and look for clearly labeled vegetarian options.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pakistan.