Travelling to Pakistan… When I first told my Mum that I planned to travel to Pakistan as part of my hitchhiking adventure across the world, she was somewhat skeptical. She was probably wondering “for what reason would you travel to Pakistan?”
Pakistan is a country that is often portrayed in the media as a war-torn hellhole and tourism in Pakistan is still rare. Every year, only a small number of adventure backpackers and die-hard climbers travel to Pakistan, I was determined to be one of them…
Traveling in Pakistan is a truly unique experience, it can be frustrating, enlightening, life-changing and, more often than not, surprising. Pakistan is the ultimate backpacking destination and if you are a fan of real adventure, it’s time for you to travel to Pakistan!
Now let me tell you why:
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20 Reasons Why You HAVE to Travel to Pakistan
All the juicy details on why I love travelling to Pakistan, and why you will too.
1. People are Simply Amazing
While backpacking in Pakistan, the people I met were the most hospitable, kind and welcoming folk that I have ever encountered.
From the bustling streets of Lahore to the quaint mountain towns of Hunza, every time a local person spotted me I would, without fail, be rewarded with a huge grin and often an invitation to dinner. I lost count of just how many cups of free chai I drank but it was a lot…
Photo: Samantha Shea
I’ve been lucky enough to make many friends on my travels but the friendships I’ve forged in Pakistan were some of the most genuine I have ever made; the people simply cannot do enough for you.
I Couchsurfed my way around the country, being welcomed into the homes of numerous strangers who always insisted on feeding me like a king and showing me around their local town. I love Couchsurfing. It’s is an amazing way to meet locals, though in Pakistan this is also possible just by stepping outside!
2. Unbelievable Landscapes
OK, even the most illiterate of map readers should know that Pakistan is famous for its mountains, valleys, rivers, glaciers, and forests… This is a country with more than its fair share of truly wondrous sites and tourism in Pakistan is bound to take off eventually!
Photo: @intentionaldetours
Five of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, including the famed and deadly K2, are found in Pakistan. If you are into climbing, rafting or trekking, Pakistan is the country for you.
I have explored over 70 countries and I can safely say that Pakistan is the most diverse and beautiful country I have ever visited. There are plenty of unclimbed peaks just waiting to be conquered by a worthy adventurer…
3. Everything is Possible in Pakistan
You’ll often hear Pakistanis say this phrase, and trust me when I say they are NOT joking. Before visiting, you might have thought Pakistan to be a hardline place with strict rules and bureaucracy. And while the latter might be true to some degree, there seems to be a way around EVERYTHING in this country.
Photo: @intentionaldetours
Connections are golden and knowing the right people will allow you to access experiences and places that you would never be able to otherwise.
A good bribe will go a long way, and you can quickly move up the timeline of things you want done with a few extra dollaroos. On top of all that, things go on in Pakistan that you just would never expect. From wild Sufi festivals that are the opposite of conservative to underground electronic dance music scenes, everything really is possible in Pakistan.
484 pages with cities, towns, parks,
and ALL the out-of-the-way places you will WANT to know.
If you truly want to discover Pakistan, download this PDF.
4. You Can See K2 With a Tour
The multi-day trek to K2, the 2nd highest mountain in the world, is one of the most amazing experiences you can ever have. We’re talking surreal landscapes, glaciers, and all that jazz.
But unlike much of Pakistan which, with a bit of grit, can be explored alone, you MUST be with a registered guide and adventure tour company to head to K2. Why? Because it’s located in the Central Karakoram National Park, an area that’s restricted for foreigners.
Photo: Chris Lininger
5. Pakistan IS Safe!
Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about Pakistan, the main one is simply – is it safe to travel to Pakistan?– the answer is relatively simple. Yes, as long as you steer clear of Interior Balochistan and the former FATA region of KPK.
It’s true that Pakistan does sometimes get hit by terrorist attacks but, right now, every country in the world seems to be fair game and you are no safer sitting at home. The media feeds on fear and prejudice, do not let yourself be influenced.
Pakistani people are extremely anti-Taliban (and the Pakistani armed forces kicked Taliban ass in the border regions) and will do everything they can to keep you safe at all costs.
On occasion, you might be assigned a police escort. This does not necessarily mean you are in a dangerous area, it just means the local police branch is being overprotective as there is nowhere you can travel in Pakistan as a foreigner that’s actually dangerous.
Since 2019, escorts and security guards have mostly been abolished, but you still might be asked if you want one. I personally do NOT believe this is necessary unless you’re trying to go to a known dangerous area.
Solo female travel in Pakistan might be a bit trickier due to it being very rare for both locals/foreigners but if you take basic safety precautions and do research, you’ll be fine.
6. It Was a Part of the British Raj
One thing you might not know about Pakistan is that it was a part of The British Empire. As such, English is widely taught in schools and is often the de facto language for all business and political dealings.
For those looking to travel to Pakistan, this means that you will be able to communicate very well with the locals.
Photo: @intentionaldetours
It still pays to learn a little Urdu because Pakistani people will be very impressed to hear you speak it. Often they will shower you with compliments and huge smiles.
People living in mountainous regions will be less able to speak English as well so Urdu actually pays when you’re visiting Gilgit-Baltistan.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
7. It’s Home to a Part of the Historical Old Silk Road
Photo: @intentionaldetours
To travel in Pakistan is to step back into the pages of history. Marco Polo was one of the first European explorers to tackle The Silk Road, an ancient trade route that spanned the Orient, linking the treasuries of the Roman Empire to the Imperial Dynasties of China.
At the trade route’s heart lies the Karakoram, a pivotal crossroad between The Indian Subcontinent, The Middle East, and Central Asia. It is the corridor through which advanced three great faiths – Islam to the east, Buddhism to the north, and curry to the West.
Today, the unendingly impressive Karakoram Highway runs the length of the country and offers stunning views, epic motorbike adventures and the chance to follow in the footsteps of history.
8. You Get to Drive on the Highest Road in the World
The Karakoram Highway is a high-altitude road that connects Pakistan to China. It is the highest paved road in the world and is a vital artery of Pakistan’s economy. Trucks constantly ply this route and transport goods between the two Asia countries.
The Karakoram Highway is also breathtaking! The road itself goes straight through the heart of the mountains and offers unrivalled views of them. You’ll see Rakaposhi, the Passu Cones, and the Khunjerab border, all without even leaving the car!
A tour of Pakistan’s KKH should be on any motorist’s bucket list. It’s one of the most impressive roads ever and an absolute marvel to drive on.
9. Traveling in Pakistan is Cheap
Pakistan is the second cheapest country I have been to. It’s VERY EASY to visit Pakistan on a budget of around $100 a week – this will cover food, accommodation, transport and plenty of awesome activities. It’s also possible to spend even less if you have some quality adventure gear.
Photo: Chris Lininger
If you have Pakistani friends, they will almost certainly insist on treating you to everything. Pakistanis are unbelievably generous and although I tried on many occasions to pay for dinner, my Couchsurfing hosts would never allow it.
Accommodation in Pakistan can be quite expensive in cities, but there are multiple places you can camp and it’s also very easy to find a Couchsurfing host. Make sure you pack your tent if you want to save money on accommodation – well worth it when staying at places like The Fairy Meadows.
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View on Osprey View on REI10. Pakistan Has Fantastic Treks
Pakistan has some of the world’s best trekking, even better than Nepal. There are hundreds of truly stunning treks in Pakistan – from simple day hikes to multi-week expeditions that require some damn good adventure gear – and even the laziest of backpackers will have the chance to see some truly stunning terrain.
Photo: @intentionaldetours
Whilst backpacking in Pakistan, I went on a few stunning treks, the best of which was a hike to the legendary Fairy Meadows where I spent three days soaking in the incredible views of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth highest mountain.
I had the spot entirely to myself, it was low-season, and I had to trek through waist-deep snow to get there. It was a truly peaceful, special place.
11. The Food is Incredible
Pakistani food is just spectacular – rich, spicy, sweet; all that and then some. There are savoury curries, grilled skewered meats, fresh fruits, biryanis, karahis, and much, much more in Pakistan.
There were several times while I was travelling in Pakistan that I went out of my way to find the best possible morsels.
Photo: @intentionaldetours
Lahore has amazing (and spicy!) food, particularly on Food Street, and I recommend that everyone visit the Haveli Restaurant for some truly iconic sunset views.
But the best Pakistani food that I ever had was at a roadside stop outside of Naran – the karahi was just so damn good!
12. Multi-cultural Awesomeness
Pakistan is a country that is often depicted in the media as being a place of religious intolerance. This is far from true, you can find Muslims, Christians, and Hindus living side by side in many of the country’s cities.
Pakistan is ethnically diverse as well. People from the East are more Punjabi, the West is more Aryan (like Iran), and the North is more Turkic – some folks living in Gilgit Baltistan are offshoots of Tajiks. There are even many tribal groups still living, largely undisturbed, within the more remote parts of the country…
To travel in Pakistan is to be assaulted from all sides by new colours, tastes, sights, and smells. I truly felt like I was getting back to the raw spirit of adventuring and I was fascinated by the many colourful characters I met upon my travels in Pakistan.
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Get Yours Here Read Our Review13. There are Still Untouched Communities
Rudyard Kipling’s epic The Man Who Would Be King was partly inspired by the hidden hill tribes of Afghanistan and Pakistan. In the movie, two British ex-soldiers travel to a remote part of the Hindu Kush in search of glory and treasure. Granted, they perished due to their own hubris, but you can still visit some of these areas!
One of the most famous communities is the Kalash. Within the province of Chitral, the Kalash tribe is a very distinct tribe of Dardic indigenous people, once thought to be descended from soldiers of Alexander The Great’s army – deserters who had disappeared into the hills and now live in legend.
The Kalash people practice their own religious beliefs and are very fond of colourful festivals. Women are treated as equals to men and people enjoy libations more than most Pakistanis usually do.
You can visit the Kalash people at the moment if you like. Just reach out to a local tour operator in Pakistan and they will organize everything for you.
14. It’s Home to Incredible Mughal-era Architecture
The Mughals were one of the greatest dynasties of the Indian Subcontinent and built many famous monuments like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort in India. Lahore was the capital of the Mughal Empire for many years, which means it hosts some of the empire’s most brilliant architecture!
The Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort are two of the most impressive buildings in Asia and are great to visit. Both of these structures are beautiful and look almost like a fairytale. While I was visiting them, I actually imagined I was in Aladdin.
There are lots more Mughal structures in Pakistan, including the Wazir Khan Masjid, the Rohtas Fort, Shalimar Gardens, and the Tomb of Jahangir. Visit them all if you have the chance.
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15. There are a TON of Beaches
People often imagine Pakistan to be pure desert or super mountainous – they forget that it shares a border with the Arabian Sea too!
There is over 1000 km of coastline in Pakistan and most of it is empty. Imagine desert beaches with hardly any development and only the waves to contend with. There are sea stacks, arches, white cliffs, and fine sand, all of which together sounds like the perfect beach to me.
Granted, a lot of Pakistan’s coastline is off-limits because it is a part of Balochistan. Balochistan is a semi-autonomous tribal area and is often quite hectic. We’d recommend visiting the area with a Pakistani tour operator.
The beaches outside of Karachi are very good though – beautiful and popular with the locals. You’ll get to see a more fun side of Pakistani culture and catch some serious rays in the process.
16. Pakistani Clothing is Comfortable
While on one of my excursions in Pakistan, a few of us decided to shop for Shalwar Kameez; traditional Pakistani clothes. The baggy trousers and long shirt combo is not only suave as hell, it is also possibly the most comfortable thing you can ever wear – it’s like being massaged by your bed covers all day long!
Whilst we didn’t exactly “blend in”, the locals were certainly surprised, bemused and pleased to see us rocking the local dress, and it even earned us multiple offers of hot chai.
17. It’s a Mecca for Extreme Sports
If you’re a mountaineer, a rock climber, a paraglider, or any other sort of extreme sports athlete, then you’ve probably dreamed of visiting Pakistan already. Due to relative anonymity and a plethora of unexplored wildernesses, Pakistan provides the ultimate challenge for many…
K2 is the second-highest mountain in the world and receives a fraction of the number of climbers that Everest does. There have been far less successful summits of K2.
Many of the peaks in the Karakoram haven’t even been attempted yet, which means they are still unnamed. For peak-baggers, there is an endless amount of first-summits in Pakistan.
Rock climbing, white water rafting, and other sports are just starting to develop in Pakistan. It is only a matter of time before the Karakoram become as famous as the Alps or Himalayas. Organize a tour to Pakistan while it’s still raw!
A Budding Adventure Travel Writer’s Take on Pakistan
Samantha, friend of Will Hatton and veteran vagabond of travel in Pakistan of The Broke Backpacker team says about her favourite country…
I first traveled to Pakistan in 2019 and since have spent 10 months of my life (and counting!) in this fantastic country. From the incredible landscapes you can see in this post, to hospitality I didn’t know could exist in real life and SO much more, Pakistan has had my heart since I walked across the border from India on August 3rd, 2019.
While it’s hard to choose, one of the absolute best things about backpacking in Pakistan is the ease of long term travel. It’s common to get a visa for 60-90 days to start, and possible to extend multiple times while in the country, as I and many other travelers I know have. These days, the whole process is online too! Combine all that with the fact that Pakistan is damn CHEAP–think $12 a day or less–and you have yourself a true adventurous digital nomad’s paradise.
For more Pakistan stories from a female perspective, you can check more out from Samantha on her blog Intentional Detours.
18. It’s Way Off the Beaten Path
While more tourists are coming every year, it’s still super common to go weeks travelling in Pakistan without seeing another backpacker.
Domestic travel is alive and well, but foreigners coming to Pakistan is still a rarity. This largely makes the country free of scams. And due to its unfair reputation, people particularly love to see foreign tourists who have intentionally ventured here.
Photo: Chris Lininger
Pakistan is one of the few places in the world that still feels like a real adventure. As most people go to the same basic areas, it’s extremely easy to get WAY off the beaten path!
Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.
Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!
Buy on REI19. It’s Possible to Travel in Long-term
Since 2019 Pakistan has relaxed its visa policy and now the entire process is completely online on the PK E-Visa website.
Though the exact amount of days you initially get can vary, it’s very possible to extend your visa in the country. Nowadays, that too is done online for $20.
Photo: @intentionaldetours
I know of many travellers who have spent six months or more travelling in Pakistan, and a few who have stayed longer than a year!
So if you’re really looking to find a second home or a place to base yourself as a digital nomad, you can easily do so in the mountains and cities of Pakistan.
20. It’s the Best Adventure in the World!
Pakistani culture is so different from any other that I’ve ever encountered – they’re welcoming, unique, proud, and a little wacky, all at the same time. There were so many instances where I was just left stupified by how utterly special this place is.
I loved the over-the-top buses driving on the Karakoram. I thoroughly enjoyed walking and camping amongst some of the craziest and ridiculous mountains in the world. Most of all, I was humbled while getting to know the locals and learning more about their life in Pakistan.
There is no way to tour Pakistan without being impressed at some point. This country hits you with everything it’s got and leaves you just speechless. I left Pakistan a profoundly different person and I think that everyone who visits will feel the same way.
Travel Insurance for Pakistan
While I believe Pakistan to be a safe country to travel in, trekking requires insurance no matter where you’re planning to climb.
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Final Thoughts on Traveling to Pakistan
In a nutshell, Pakistan is an adventure playground.
This is a country that truly has everything; friendly locals, stunning landscapes, incredible treks, untapped white water rafting, undiscovered expeditions, colourful festivals, tasty food, and just enough thrills to keep you on your toes.
A trip to Pakistan is not your standard adventure, this is a chance to really connect with the local people and to see a country which, really, most foreigners know nothing about.
Through the surreal experiences and landscapes, I guarantee you one trip to Pakistan simply won’t be enough. And it shouldn’t be. This is a land that could take several lifetimes to explore!
Photo: @intentionaldetours
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Pakistan is indeed a heaven on earth.
Amazing travel guide and your pure experiences in Pakistan.
I have just visited the whole of Pakistan from peaks to pastures, hilly areas to the deserts. I found diversified cultures and amazing people. Hope you enjoyed your travel to pakistan.
Norhern pakistan particularly gilgit baltistan is the next tourism hub. Things are into the developments phase and soon we will have a modified and next level tourism there.
I have found the hospitality of the people across the Middle East to be mostly incredible. I can’t wait to see Pakistan and experience their culture and heights. Thankfully we have people like Will helping to make it clear that things aren’t always what they seem in news.
Thanks, Will Hatton for giving 18 points to LOVE more PAKISTAN, Our country is incredible and people are awesome and very warm welcomer towards tourists from around the world.
There are 1800,000 reasons to travel my Most beautiful country Pakistan. The beauty the food the hospitality and the rich culture of my country would make everyone speechless and they can’t express in words.
So I would invite the people of the whole world to visit Pakistan for travel n tourism and explore it’s beauty…
Pakistan is all safe! Believe me that I’m not exaggerating but informing you of the truth. Even many of the foreign countries are behind Pakistan to give protection to visitors of the world to its areas. The people of Pakistan are friendly and loving. They know how to be affectionate to others. I traveled to Mansehra, Naran, Kaghan in 2018 and I had a wonderful journey there. They show much care to each tourist and consider them their guests. I and my family were warm-welcomed by the people of Manshera. Some make a noise that Fata, some districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the cities of Peshawar, Quetta, and Nawabshah, the Lowari Pass, and the northern and western areas of Balochistan have some troubles. But this is not the correct picture of Pakistan. The fact is that you are just being misguided. The security situation in Pakistan has been improved, and the majority of areas are safe now. We want to tell you that in these areas of Pakistan you do not need any security if you decide to visit any beautiful place of the picnic mentioned above points of Pakistan. So feel free to visit here because quite recently, there have been zero attacks in most of these areas.
Such wonderful information we are thankful for your visit to our part of the world.
Pakistan is a blessed piece of Earth that has 4 beautiful seasons. You can enjoy each season here. The northern parts of this country are worth-mentioning and the allure of their charm cannot be denied. If you are planning to see snowfall this year or if you haven’t seen the view of snowfall, the mountains of Pakistan are the nice places that are offering refreshment to you.
we very much agree!
Hey Will, Thanks for sharing this article. I guess it was the need of the hour. People have always been skeptical of visiting Pakistan, they dont know what they are missing out on. You have also captured great pictures. Forever Gratitude!
Thank you very much for providing these valuable information about Pakistan. I really enjoyed reading and loved these photos as well.
This article is so great. I recently got into backpacking and I’m obsessed. Hopefully i can find my way over to Pakistan in the future.
Thanks!
Very beautiful places in Pakistan for tour
This article is just awesome! Became interested in Pakistan after eating one of my best meals ever, Pakistani food while in Malaysia. Cannot even imagine how good the food is in their home country. I believe it is totally worth traveling to this country even only for the food!
You should visit pakistan it is just awsome country and a unique experiance the people are so loving the food is so unique
Thank you so much
You portraited a true and peaceful Pakistan and this is reality what you seen.
Pakistan is beautiful country and loving nation welcoming people
Thank you for sharing the information! A very interesting article, I’m going to Pakistan and have weighed the pros and cons))). Your article helped to understand some points.
thank you for sharing this information.it is very good blog.i like this blog very much.when i saw this blog .i am very happy.
thank you for sharing this information.it is very good blog.i like this blog.so thank you once again.
This is an awesome post about Pakistan. I really like your blog..
Thanks
This is an amazing post. Thanks to Will for highlighting the positive side of Pakistan.
thank you for sharing this information .it is very good blog.and it is very helpful for me . so thank you once again
Hi, Will
I’ll start with what a great job you and your team do
With the broke backpacker .. truly an amazing site.
But I have a question.
How did you get the Visa for you 1st trip to Pakistan??
The visa seems a nightmare !!
I’m from the uk …
Hello, In order to get a visa to Pakistan, you need supporting documents and a Letter of Invitation from a travel company in Pakistan.
If you are looking to go to Pakistan in 2020, please have a look at our partner company’s website for all of the details :): http://www.epicbackpackertours.com/
Hi
This is lovely and insightful article! would you please tell which song do you associate with your trip to K-2, Fairy Meadows Pakistan ?
or which song reminds you of these places.
Anything by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan!
Wow this is awesome. Thanks for visiting and sharing.
thank you for sharing this information .it is very good blog. it is very helpful for me.
Thank you for sharing this information.It is very good and helpful.It is an amazing blog
Hey WILL HATTON , you have done a tremendous job of depicting Pakistan in the most beautiful way. Great job for creating such a spectacular website. I am so much impressed of your observation power and glad to you for expressing hospitality of Pakistan to your all followers. All the highlights you have added in this article are wonderful insights of traditions and cultures of different areas. I am Pakistani too and heartly welcome you and your family and friends again and again to explore it more. The more you visit the more you will be indulged in it’s love.
Pakistan looks a charming place to visit. The photos and the landscapes are giving me real travel goals to plan a trip soon to this paradise.
Positive people think positively. Happy to see that still there exists host of people who don’t have jaundiced and tunnel vision rather they have their own independent mind and soul.
Frankly speaking we have some challenges regarding tourists’ expectations yet we can easily overcome them in near future. Regards
You are welcome anytime dear…….
Hay Will,
I am really very much thank full to you with depth of my heart & soul because you expressed very well true picture of Pakistan in your presentation for travelers from all over the world.
Will I am so much impressed of your observation power and glad to you for expressing hospitality of Pakistan to your all followers.
I just wanted to add few things may be you did not counter in your previous trips.
1) Karachi food is also very famous in Pakistan if you want to test real test of Karachi you should have to stay few days in Karachi. I know this is difficult for you to stay in Karachi because you love to see mountains and landskaps but if would love to test best food in Karachi then coordinate with me I will guide you and can find test which you never forget.
2) Second you did not mentioned about water falls of Pakistan May be you visited several of them these water falls placed in several different pro wines in Pakistan I also cannot sure I have seen all of them but I can tell you some special ones.
3) Third Thing Fruits of Pakistan may be you tested most of them but I just want to remind you if you like then you should have to mention in your presentation.
4) Last but not least spiritual culture and spiritual knowledge of Pakistan.If you want to learn about it you can coordinate with me when you will come to Pakistan in next visit.
I really appreciate how well researched your piece is. As an American living in Pakistan for the past five years, my views very much jibe with yours. My Thai wife, two young daughters and I have only experienced warmth and genuine hospitality form Pakistanis, which runs very counter to the negative impression dished up regularly on 24 hour news networks. The only negative that you did not mention is the insane amount of rubbish that is everywhere. I always say that if you take a macro view, looking out over the distance, Pakistan is one of the most beautifully dramatic countries in the world. When you take a micro view, looking around at the ground around you, it is, most unfortunately, a rubbish heap. Still, we love living here and hope to continue for many years to come.
Totally agreed with you Jay: the garbage in Pakistan is really unfortunate sometimes. When we run tours in Pakistan, we try to reduce our waste by as much as possible and, in fact, I think we didn’t use a single plastic water bottle on the last one!
Awesome! Looks amazing!
In the summer months, it seems there is quite a large difference between the weather of places like Lohore/Islamabad and Fairy Meadows. Did you pack clothes for both areas in your backpack or how did you get around this problem?
Again: thanks!
Yes, there is a big climate difference between Lahore and Fairy Meadows – the former is more tropical and the latter is more alpine. The best way around this is to pack layers to Pakistan.
Dear Sir,
We appreciate your observations and love. But you should visit khyber pakhtoonkhwa province which is much more beautiful than hunza and gilgit, the beautiful places is kalam Valley, ayubia, swat Valley, naran, kaghan, nathiagali and more
Thank you Will, for the wonderful and lovely article about Pakistan.
It is really an amazing country to visit, whereby merely travelling on korakuram highway along the famous Indus River to Khunjrab pass at a height of 14700 feet (Pak China border), you can see the beautiful landscapes, riverine , high mountain peaks, glaciers and beautiful lakes.
Enjoy the trip.
Regards
Thanks, Will, for presenting the face of Pakistan that typifies it, except for some pics here and there. These might be exchanged, in the next update, with those that cast the nation equally as awesome as are the mountains sprawling in the background.
Anyway, thanks for “I cannot recommend Pakistan highly enough…”
One thing more, somewhat on a personal note, why are you “broke” yourself while telling others a kind of enriching fairytales?
Definitely a lot to see and do in pakistan. Maybe we would brave the trip one day.
Do it!
Our nation welcomes our neighbours with open arms brother. Please do visit and I am sure you would love it.
What a beautiful place it is! Thank you for portraying Pakistan so amazingly.
I am an Indian and I was afraid of visiting Pakistan. But your article has changed my opinion. I would like to visit Pakistan soon. Really Media always portrays negative things.
I appreciate your kind and open mind. We love our neighbours to visit us. When in Pakistan, if you tell Pakistani people you are from India, you would be treated as a guest of honor. 🙂
i love my pakistan thank you for sharing traval information
If you want to taste the best Pakistani food then do visit Karachi which has the most tasty and diverse food. This due to the fact that Karachi is mini Pakistan with people from all over the country and migrants, who came from different places in India, resides – all in equal numbers. You can get so many cuisines, local such as varieties of delicious Biryani, haleem, kabab rolls, nihaari, bar b q, chana chaat, karhaayi, haandi, all kinds of delicious kababs, qeema etc and then fast food like chicken broasts, burgers etc to go along with Chinese, Thai, Italian, French cuisines as well. Anyone who has tasted the food variety in Karachi, wouldn’t like the food elsewhere in the world.
Never knew it was this exciting although I have got a couple of Pakistani friends! ?
I wanted to know, is there still a visa and regulations for travelling or not anymore and anyone can easily book a ticket and fly to Pakistan?
Alas, traveling to Pakistan without some sort of visa beforehand is still not an option 🙁 But we’re hopeful that the future will be different!
Pakistan Online Visa System is now open for the citizens of 175 Countries!
Moreover, citizens from 50 Countries are eligible to apply for Visa On Arrival under Tourist Category and the citizens from 95 Countries are eligible to apply for Visa on Arrival under Business Category.
For more information, please check this https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/
WELCOME TO PAKISTAN 🙂
Depending on your country, more than 100 countries can now travel to Pakistan using Visa on arrival or e-visa. check out 😉
https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/
As far as my knowledge goes, the current government has made a new law that gives the option for several countries to apply for e-visa and get it upon arrival. But better check with the embassy in your country to be on the safe side
Thank you so much for admiring our Pakistan in such a decent way to the whole world.
Kindly check Kumrat Valley, Shounter Top and fairy meadows on google Images
I bet you will be Crazy. We are very down to earth People,Very Friendly and hospitality is our Customs.
Great article. I’m always curious about Pakistan -the opportunities to travel there are not that many. I always thought that Pakistan was safe, but thanks for pointing that out too. Many thanks for sharing 🙂
well. come and visit to pakistan, and we will feel very honer that i found you as our guest. i personally invite you to come pakistan and take inspiration of love from pakistan and their people. wait for your feed back.
Pakistan is the NO 1 place in the world that should be visit to everyone. NO any other place is available in this world where only the real natural beauty you can see and find this world is so beautiful because of pakistan. feel the nature in real sense and get rid out of artificial atmosphere.
These are really very best things you shared and beautiful pictures you capture.
I would love to go there.
Keep sharing!!
Thanks so much for doing this!
Awesome post! I’ve been hearing a lot of great things about Pakistan recently and after travelling through Central Asia last year and seeing the distant mountains along the border, it definitely made me curious. The scenery looks insane!
Thank you for sharing your experience in Pakistan. Seems to be a wonderful country to visit.
nice post
I appreciate your patriotic passion. pakistan is really a peaceful and beautiful country in the world. Pakistan is full of beautiful valleys baltisan, diameer, and Hunza valley. It is the place of best trekking peaks k2 base camp trek, gondogoro la trek, snow lake baifo hisper la trek, Gasherbrum-i and Concordia trek. Karakoram mountains range in Pakistan is favorite for all hiking and trekking lovers. i have a great experience on a k2 base camp trek.
Can’t wait to visit Pakistan. Thank you so much for the inspiration, Will. All the best.
To travel in Pakistan is to be assaulted from all sides by new colours, tastes, sights and smells; I truly felt like I was getting back to the raw spirit of adventuring and I was fascinated by the many colourful characters I met upon my travels in Pakistan.
This particular paragraph had me laughing because Im starting a series called Chronicals of Pakistan about my travels there since the age of six and just wrote about my experiences in Pakistan as being an assault on all your five senses.
Do let us know the URL of your chornicals of Pakistan. As a Pakistani, I appreciate and am grateful for your wonderful thoughts about us.
To travel in Pakistan is to be assaulted from all sides by new colours, tastes, sights and smells; I truly felt like I was getting back to the raw spirit of adventuring and I was fascinated by the many colourful characters I met upon my travels in Pakistan.
This particular paragraph had me laughing cause i just wrote about my experiences in Pakistan as being an assault on all your five senses too.
Yea man its absolutely right!
Always welcome to come here & have a great experience
Cheers!
I am a Pakistani, living in Karachi, which is the biggest city of Pakistan. You are absolutely right when you said that Pakistan is being wrongly portrait in international media. It is one of the most diversified countries in the world:from the highest mountain of northern areas to Arabic Ocean on South. Most people are peaceful and kind.
Do you have twitter account?
I love the way you explained everything about North Pakistan especially the old silk route. Now the local government is trying to open the old silk route for tourists. I hope it’ll will be another adventure for all of you guys next year.
Thanks
Thanks mate, terrific work. Indeed make me wanna pack my bag right away…
One hack I’d like to share to keep the country you visit as spectacular as it is: Book your beds with B’n’Tree. Every time you book a bed, one tree is planted. At no cost to you – brilliant for broke backpackers.
Take a look: https://ceekaiser.com/saving-the-planet/bntree-you-book-a-bed-we-plant-a-tree/
Keep up the fantastic work, Will, it really is a pleasure reading your stories (and staring at those amazing images).
Cheers!
Nice article. I am an Indian and i always thinks about Pakistan. How they are leaving with all these terrorist attacks. I always google about Pakistan and tourist places over there. they are brothers/sisters for Indians. Hope i will also get one day to visit Pakistan.
And when you visit, you would find us to be a very gracious host :).
Just come and you will find love and respect from each and every one of us 🙂
I doubt it would be such an enjoyable experience for a woman though, which saddens me greatly.
Lot’s of women have traveled to Pakistan and had a great time, my wife included. Plenty of women travel to India and Morocco and the hassle you recieve there as a woman is much greater than in Pakistan. You can read more here – https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/female-travel-in-pakistan-guide/
Thanks Will, although I have received nothing but respect from Indian men. I suppose it makes a difference if you are accompanied by some one who lives locally.
You do not have to be accompanied by anyone local. You will get protection from the local people, trust me. Even if someone tries to wrong you, there would be hundreds standing there to protect you. That is the kind of people we are 🙂
You are most welcome to Pakistan.
Thank you so much making this Truthful Article On Beautiful PAKISTAN and you believe or not but that’s absolutely true that Pakistan a peaceful & beautiful & kind heart peoples country you feel to visit in Pakistan with cheap budget
Regards.Ali
Thank you Will for showcasing the other side of Pakistan. I am sure efforts like this will inspire people to visit different communities , allowing themselves to rethink and refresh their understanding and perspectives. I really appreciate your work and efforts.
I am also putting a little bit of my efforts to bring people together. If you have a bit of time, It would be a great pleasure have some feedback on my website http://www.crossroadsadventure.earth
first of all as pakistani thanks to you my dear for your honest beautiful words u used for us. secondly i m using your words and your images along with ur name and link to this article on my youtube channel . for just a purpose to show the real image to maximum people arround the world. i will not monotize it . and i hope you will never mind . and the most important thing i love to welcome you a visit to me whenever you come to pakistan . just contact me at my email or (00923014258047).. i m a villager near to lahore approx. 100 km west…
Hi Will, can you recommend any treks or a good website on mountain trekking in Pakistan? Very interesting blog post, thanks for sharing!
Lots of amazing treks in Pakistan, if you want to book something in advance though I recommend connecting with my amigo Komail at http://findmyadventure.pk/
Very Nice Post Will Hatton. We will welcome you again in Pakistan. If ever come again, I am here for you in city Karachi.
Thank you so much, matt for visiting Pakistan. I wish I could host. Anyway, if you next tome come do let me know. I’m myself travel blogger and have enough knowledge.I’d love to host any foreign travel.
Saw on Instagram, I guess you are enrouting to Pakistan with more backpackers :$ (this is awesome).
Do share your plan this time round too!
Hi Will.
I am glad you liked my country, 🙂
You have no clue to what it has man, 😀 and I am glad you got a taste to what is it like (trek to fairy meadows).
There is so much here that still can be explored, and I am writing here to tell you about the entrepreneurs who sponsor the foreigners and bear their expenses so they could come here, travel almost for free, soothe their wanderlust, and get back to their homes happy.
You can email me to know more about such ventures when you visit Pakistan the next time ([email protected])
Cheers!
Glad to see this all stuff pakistan #WAS attacked by terrorists but now it is a peacfull country like europ or like other countries keep visiting pakistan
This is great news to hear that you are planning to open up a hostel in Pakistan soon along with your Adventure tourism business. What a great way to give back to a country that is completely misunderstood by Western media. Cheers, Mate!
Thank you so much for visiting Pakistan and describing it so beautifully in your article. We’re glad you liked us. Did you visit murrey ( near to Islamabad )? Its awesome place. We will pleased to see you again in Pakistan.
Any one wants to visit pakistan is most welcomeswelcomed and visit me to enjoy more without any expenses 00923006546004
Pakistan is a beautiful place indeed. I have always wanted to be there but due to tempting news and TV shows it was not possible for me to go there. Reading this article i have made up my mind one more time. I am planning to visit Philippines and India this summer, i might add Pakistan to my list.
Do it, Pakistan is awesome – just make sure you get the visa from your home country before you leave.
Will, thanks for writing this nice article–depicting Pakistan, its people, and its natural treasures in your beautiful and companionable style of writing. I am a Pakistani. Reading your article made me long even more for my country as I am living aboard. Please keep sharing stories and pictures from your next trips to Pakistan. You have included Kashmir to your must-see list, suggest you also visit some beautiful shrines stretched across country. Particularly, I would recommend you visit Multan (a 6-hour car drive from Lahore) in Southern Punjab for a breathtaking visit to one of its famous shrines and the tomb of Hazarat Shah Ruknuddin Alam.
I’ve been to Multan, amazing place! Unfortunately it’s damn impossible for foreigners to enter Kashmir…
Hey Will,
I’ve read this post as well as the backpacker’s guide to Pakistan. I’ve done a lot of backpacking in Chile, mostly staying in cheap hostels and doing day treks. I’m Pakistani by heritage and can speak Urdu, but haven’t been back since I was five. I’m hoping to go for two months alone in the summer of 2017. While a month will be spent staying with family in Karachi and Mirpurkhaas, I wanted your honest opinion on-
— is it safe for a younger woman (I’m 21) to be traveling alone, especially in the north?
—- do you think some of the hospitality was attributed to you being a man, and being white?
— you mentioned in the backpacker’s guide that you’d upload an article with some women’s perspectives on solo travel. Is this coming along?
Thank you so much!
I would absolutely love to go to Chile! In answer to your question – I think as a Pakistani women you would probably be OK but your best bet is to tap into the Karakoram Club – get in touch with Nida Aziz – and arrange to meet up with other adventourous female Pakistanis along the way (there’s a few and they are awesome!). In answer to the hospitality – Pakistanis are famously hospitable however in some of the less developed areas (cough – Swat – cough) men do not really know how to interact with women and tend to just ignore women and talk to them through male companions, it can be a little odd but this is not the norm, it’s just like that in this one place, that I encountred. I will definitely upload the article on women’s perspectives, I’ve just been swamped recently and right now I’m trekking in Myanmar – hence the late response 🙂
I don’t know if I’m allowed to mention another traveller’s account here or not but, apart from Will’s account on the matter (which I can’t wait for), there is a whole series of a young Dutch origin woman biking all across Pakistan. Check it out.
Wow, Thanks WILL you really help us to write about Pakistan.
Regards,
Awesome. It’s not every day you get a travel review of Pakistan. I’m randomly living with a guy from there at the moment. I showed him this and he loved it! Good work bud
Cheers Mike! You should totally visit man, it’s epic.
Beautiful photos. Pakistan looks so stunning and raw. We’d love to explore it one day. Just need to get the visa when we are home in Oz. Thanks for sharing.
Ahh I’ve lived in Pakistan most of my adult life yet haven’t had the courage to make the journey up north on account of being a single woman. Hopefully one day!
PS I’m glad people were hospitable to you, however I might attribute it to you being white haha! great post though
Hey Anum,
The people up north, after passing Chillas, are some of the most amazing people in the world. They have nothing, yet they are insanely hospitable, enlightened, progressive and accepting of everyone and everything. A common misconception is that the north is made up of tribal Pukhtoons (infamous for a lot of reasons). The actual inhabitants of the land are Gilgitis, Baltis, Khowars, Wakhi, Burusho, etc. None of them could be farther from being Pukhtoons or having that tribal culture which is often feared (unduly at times). Their women will entertain you with discussions about everything while the men will do everything they can to make sure you feel like a king no matter who you are or where you’re from. Take it from a Pakistani living abroad who grew up in Lahore and spent all most half his life stumbling around our North. I’ve knocked on random doors at 3 am for shelter in the middle of nowhere without ever being turned away. The fact is that almost no one knows anything about these people and their land, not even other Pakistanis.
Hi Will
Thanks for your positive yet impressive blog about Pakistan! It’s one of the most beautiful country and mostly untouched! From the mighty astounding Karakoram to the sandy beaches of gawadar ,it’s a must visit country! I hope it attracts tourists as Imran Khan has eased visa policy. Cheers mate -much love from bustling Lahore
Long live ??
it’s amazing what you write about Pakistan and I am excited because I will visit Lahore Pakistan on 14 December, thanks for sharing your experience, greetings.
You are going to have an incredible time! 🙂
Hi Will. I simply cannot thank you enough for portraying our country with sucj artfulness. Yes we have stunning landscapes and people with hearts bigger than the mountains. Will, i strongly recommend you to explore Neelum Valley. This valley stretches across like 260 km long river. In Pakistan it’s referred to as Examplery Paradise.
Neelum Valley is SO HIGH on my list for next time…
Dear Will Hatton,
Indeed it was a Devine pleasure reading throughout your blog. I being a Pakistani ?? did not have the courage to travel up country simply out the hype n fear created by our insensitive n stupid medias who have themselves shown our country as one of the most dangerous n unsafe countries in the world ?. We Pakistanis are indebted to you for all the glory n wonderful things you written about us. I wish you a safe n happy journey every time you visit our beautiful beloved country. Long Live Pakistan ?? Ameen. The best nation n people on earth ?!!
Sold! Pakistan looks amazing, much different than what you see on the news…
WOW, you’ve sold us. Hunza, in particular looks incredible!
We love hearing about what countries are REALLY like as opposed to what the media tells us they are like. Brilliant post!
Thanks amigos! 🙂
We always wanted to visit but your post convinced us 100pourcent! Keep up the great work! Well done for producing a rich and informative article. As usual 🙂
Patrick and Cecile from http://www.travel4lifeblog.com
Man I was smiling the entire time that I was reading this. Pakistan has been a place that I’ve always wanted to visit, especially the Karakoram Highway. I admittedly fell into the western way of thinking, believing that it was to unsafe to travel to, but it looks like thats mostly media hype then. It’s definitely high on my list, next to Iran. I’ll make it there eventually though. And they had an international DJ?! That’s just mad!
Man, Pakistan is simply the best adventure destination around… and crossing from Iran is a hell of a trip in itself! 🙂
I just came back from a month in India and after reading your blog, u am curious about Pakistan. Is it safe for a women traveling alone?
Yes, it is 🙂
Did you learn any Urdu while there and how useful is it?
Yes I did and it is super useful 🙂
Thank you so much for visiting Pakistan and describing it so beautifully in your article. We’re glad you liked us.
People around the globe do have a very wrong perception of Pakistan being terrorised country, yes it has some serious security issues but it’s mostly on a specific area like Waziristan the locals are completely safe here and now its getting much better thanks to the extremely hard working Armed forces of Pakistan.
Thankyou for showing the world a positive and beautiful side of Pakistan. Your articles really encourage us to see the world for from a positive point of view.
Will your Snapchat stories are exceptionally so motivating to go on adventures and being so brave.
Keep up the amazing work we love you.?
Pakistan is an incredible country 🙂 I cannot wait to explore more of it!
That Hash part was funny!
Wow, your photographs are amazing! And almost all of those things are reasons I will now put Pakistan on my must see list. Mostly it was the photos though 🙂
Nice post! Definetely makes me want to book a ticket. That last pic is awesome!
Thanks for visiting Pakistan, you had seen how much Pakistan is beautiful. I think you should visit to Kashmir (Pakistani Part). It’s also one of the beautiful piece of land on earth. Once again thanks for writing for Pakistan and sharing good image of Pakistan.
thanks alot for depicting our country in a beautiful way
These photos are amazing!! You’ve visited a country that a lot of people won’t dare.
Great article about Pakistan Will! I loved your adventures in the country on Snapchat, I think you showed a lot of people how friendly the people are and how amazing the nature is 🙂
Cheers Jessica! Pakistan is a damn awesome place…
I’m dying to get to India. And when I’m done exploring India, I definitely want to get back and visit the non-Indian parts of the sub-continent, starting with Pakistan. Funny about the hash!
Yeah you are right. This green country has unbelievable trekks. I am a lake trekker and I just can’t forget the trekks of Lakes like 21 KM Dudipatser Lake Trek from Jalkhand (Naran Region), Ratti Ghali Trek, K-2 Trek, Satpara Trek, etc etc.
Unbelievable landscapes like Siri Paye Meadows, Kel etc.
Amazing base camps of mountains like Doomni (Rakaposhi), Broad Peak, Tirchmir, K-2 etc
Stunning Festivals like Shandoor Festivels, Kalash Festivels…
In short Pakistan is a complete country. you can find every thing here.
Great blog! It’s so nice to see this beautiful country painted in a different light. I didn’t know there was so much trekking there to be honest. I’ve never been to Pakistan yet, but it’s definitely on my list 🙂
All what explained is reality and one can enjoy his trip lot more by indulding into many more activities like fine Art exhibitions, visiting museums, theaters etc. In nutshell trip to Pakistan will always be worth enjoying.