FAQs

Geographically, located at the latitude of 23° – 27° North and 61° – 76° east in the Northern Hemisphere, Pakistan occupies an area of 796095 Square KMs or 31043 Square Miles. The country shares border with India in the east, Arabian Sea in the south, Iran in the south-west, Afghanistan in the north-west and with a high altitude border with China in the North east China

Pakistan has only been negatively advertised by the mainstream international media. The country of more than 220 million people, Pakistan is among the low crime rate states. An odd incident may happen like it happens everywhere in the world. Feedbacks, guest reviews and Vlogs by international travelers visiting different regions of Pakistan in different times, testimony safety and warm hospitality of its people. Besides holiday makers, there are hundreds of foreigners working in multinational companies, NGOs, and diplomats serving for foreign missions travel length and breadth of Pakistan comfortably. Pakistan is a country of more than 220 million people with a low crime rate. Tourists are only advised to use the services of registered and reputed travel agencies to ensure the most comfortable and reliable holiday possible.

There is a blend of tourist attractions in Pakistan’s four provinces – Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – and three territories – Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and the capital city of Islamabad. The northern regions are mountainous ideal for adventure tourism while the southern part has more cultural aspect. Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral make up the highest mountain ranges – the Karakoram, the Hindukush and the Himalaya – where some of the highest mountains and longest glaciers of the world exist while the collision point of the continental plates also located on the Karakoram Highway near Hunza. Kashmir, Swat and the Kaghan valley feature lush green medium size hills and snow-crowned mountains and all three destinations are located at an easy access from the capital city Islamabad.

It really depends on the intension and taste of the traveler. From the southern Arabian seashores to the northern mighty mountains, Pakistan offers a variety of culture and adventure tourism. From the early Mehrgarh civilization in Balochistan, Indus valley civilization of Mohenjodaro & Harrapa, and Gandhara Civilization of Taxila & Takhtbai to mountaineering, trekking, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel & yak safaris, paragliding, hunting, Golf trips, whitewater rafting, trout fishing, bird watching… there is so much to choose from. The best times to visit different regions are: • March & April: For blossom Tours to Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat and Chitral • May to September: For mountaineering, trekking in Hunza-Naga, Baltistan and Chitral. • October to November: Autumn/Cultural tours in Chitral, Hunza & Baltistan • November to March: Cultural tours to southern Pakistan, golf tours and hunting.

A number of international airlines connect the world with Pakistan. These airlines arrive at five major international airports in Pakistan as mentioned below.

 

Islamabad International Airport

Almost all major airlines operating into Islamabad including Emirate Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Etihad Air, Fly Dubai, Oman Air, Mahan Air, Kam Air, Afghan Air, Turkish Airways, Pegasus Airlines, Arabia, Qatar Airways, Pakistan International (PIA), Saudi Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Thai Airways, China Southern Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines, Air China, Malindo Air besides commercial Pakistani and international airlines. More on https://islamabadairport.com.pk/

 

Karachi Qaid I Azam International Airport

Several international airlines operate to Karachi, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Cham Wings, Iran Air, and Pakistan International PIA. More on https://karachiairport.com.pk/

 

Lahore Allama Iqbal International Airport

Originally known as Lahore International Airport, it was renamed after the poet philosopher Muhammad Iqbal, one of the pioneers that led to the creation of Pakistan. Various international airlines are currently operating to Lahore including Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Mahan Air, Pakistan International (PIA), Saudi Arabian Airlines, Thai Airways, Turkish airline, and Kuwait Airways. More info on https://lahoreairport.com.pk/

 

Peshawar International Airport

Bacha Khan International Airport (IATA: PEW), formerly known as Peshawar International Airport, is an international airport is a fourth-busiest airport located in the southwestern end of the city of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. More details on flight schedule and airlines at https://peshawarairport.com.pk/

 

Sialkot International Airport

Sialkot is a major export hub of Pakistan and the privately-owned airport was built by the business community. Major airlines flying to/from Sialkot are from middle-east besides Pakistan International airline and Pakistani private airlines. More details on https://www.sial.com.pk/

All nationalities must obtain a valid visa for entry into Pakistan. Tourists are advised to contact the nearest Pakistan Embassy/High Commission/consulate in their respected country/city.

For the detailed information on visa, please refer to https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/

 

Pakistan does have visa on arrival facility for a number of countries. Please check the details here https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/visa-on-arrival-tourist/

If you wish to extend your stay, you can apply for extension from passports office in the cities. In the remote areas of Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly Northern Areas) and Chitral tourist visa can be extended by the District Coordinating Officers or local passport offices.

As health regulations change from time to time, it is best to check for the latest advice while applying for a Pakistani visa at the Pakistani embassy in your country. After the outburst of Covid 19, there are strict regulations by airlines and destinations on traveling. Vaccination certificates against Covid 19 must be carried while Covid 19 negative (PCR) tests are mandatory before traveling to and out of Pakistan.  For further assistance please visit https://covid.gov.pk/

In all major cities of Pakistan there are modern medi-care facilities with latest equipment and finest specialized doctors treating major surgeries and diseases at a reasonable price as compared to the rest of the world. Pakistan has good doctors and paramedics. Many doctors serving at hospitals are internationally qualified from medical schools in Europe U.K and USA and also carry international work experience. Even in small towns there are basic health units to receive emergency healthcare.

Yes, both foreign and Pakistan women can often be seen traveling alone in different parts of Pakistan and working in remote regions of the country. Dressing is one’s own choice. However, it should be modest, respectful and blended with local customs which does vary from one region to the other as Pakistan has a diverse landscape housing a diverse range of cultures. In the cities, where lifestyle is comparatively modern, people wear relatively fancy, fashionable and modern dresses as compared to that in remote regions where dress code is usually modest – long shirt and loose trousers with a scarf on.

Again, dressing is a personal choice but modest dressing compatible with local culture is the ideal dress code. T-shirt and trousers/jeans can be a good combination. In Pakistan, men wear shalwar qameez (traditional Pakistani dress comprising of a long loose full sleeves shirt with loose trousers) in rural areas while in urban areas men usually wear western suits at official occasions or social events. Women in rural areas usually wear traditional dress (colorful loose long shirt and trousers) but in urban areas women dress up. Some foreigners even prefer to wear Pakistani traditional dress in Pakistan. However, wearing shorts in big cities or during trekking on the mountains away from residential areas is still OK.

Pakistan inherits a diverse culinary tradition of the Moghuls, Central Asian, Iranian, and Turks. There is a rich variety of local and continental food available in the food streets, restaurants and hotels. Street food is also very famous. Each of its province and territory has its food specialties usually coming straight from the ovens be it a restaurant or a house. In the cities one can enjoy a wide range of food items in hotels, restaurants and at food points. Popular with the locals are meat, fish and mild or spicy vegetable, curries along with rice Pullao and lentils for lunch and dinner. Also, Tikka (barbecued mutton/beef/chicken), Seekh/Shish Kabab (minced meat grilled on a skewer), Shami Kabab (minced meat) and Sajji (barbequed whole chicken, or leg of lamb) are common in all the four provinces but traditionally done in different ways. Naan (a soft thick bread specially backed in clay ovens) or roti/chappati (traditional homemade flat bread backed on stove) is usually consumed with all kind of foods including curries, lentils, mixed vegetable while rice is an important side dish on the table. In the mountain regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, the food is quite different and simple cooked with less spices and fat. At the same time, the variety of dry fruit, that is preserved to consume during winters, is a healthy diet which is further processed to cook and back different traditional dishes.

We do not recommend drinking tap water or any open source water anywhere in Pakistan. Filtered or bottled mineral water is available in all major hotels, restaurants and bazaars everywhere in Pakistan at a reasonable price. During the treks and camping, glacier/spring water is boiled or water purification tablets are used to supply clean water.

Pakistan is a dry country and consumption of liquor is prohibited to sell or consume for all Muslims. However, non-Muslim foreign tourists are exempt from this restriction and can purchase liquor from an authorized vendor (usually a 4 or 5 star hotel). Hotels having liquor vending license can also sell liquor to non-Muslim foreigners in-house. However, drinking in public places is totally prohibited.

Pakistan has a great network of Motorways, Highways, Expressways, Strategic roads, and Arterial roads. All roads connecting major cities and leading to key tourist destinations in Pakistan are well paved except a few extensions and connections in the remote regions. Major highways including the Karakoram Highway, the Makran Coastal Highway, and the Indus Highway are very well done. The variety of traffic on the roads including animal carts small Rickshaws, Quinchis, Suzukis, colorful buses and cars and motorbikes and cycles making it slightly difficult to drive in big cities. Therefore, one has to be prepared for a little less controlled traffic though.

A tourist may import a vehicle without duty under a Carnet-de-passage en dounne for a period of 3 months against an undertaking before Customs Officer at entry points. However the vehicle cannot be sold or ownership cannot be transferred during this particular period. In Pakistan people drive on the left side of the road because Pakistan is a former British colony. Tourists who are used to driving on the right side of the road may find it difficult to drive in Pakistan. However, tourists holding an International driving license can drive in Pakistan, but it is important to understand the traffic rules. Traffic rules are not really strict and one has to have good driving skills. Sometimes despite the number of horns screaming, the drivers really don’t care they’re going the wrong way. Many tourists visit Pakistan with their own vehicles and drive across Pakistan comfortably.

Pakistani Rupee is the official Pakistani unit of currency and comes in denominations of Rupee 5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50 & 10 in paper bill while coins come in 5, 2 and 1. It is not necessary to purchase Pakistani currency before travelling to Pakistan; there are several authorized money changers in all major cities and money can also be exchanged in hotels and at major airports. The authorized money changers remain open from 0900 to 1700 Hours (Monday to Saturday) but are closed on Sunday. Also, there are no restrictions on import of any foreign currency into Pakistan. It is important to bring the fresh currency notes as old, worn out, and stamped bills are hard to exchange. US Dollars, Euro, Pound Sterling and other major currencies are readily exchanged in Pakistan. Banking Hours: Monday to Thursday: 0900 – 18:00 Hours Friday: 0900 – 1230 & 14:00 – 18:00 Hours Saturday & Sunday: Closed While traveling out of Pakistan one can reconvert any un-spent Pakistani rupees into the foreign currency from banks or money changers. This service is available at all major airports too but the rates may vary.

English is the official language and pretty much understood in Pakistan while almost everybody can communicate in Urdu which is the national language. Urdu is a blend of Persian, Arabic, Turkish and various local languages spoken similar to hindi but written in the Persian-Arabic script.

Each of the four provinces has regional languages – Baluchi in Baluchistan, Pashtu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province, Punjabi in Punjab and Sindhi in Sindh. Gilgit-Baltistan is multilingual yet because of highest literacy rate people can easily communicate in English though there are 9 distinct languages besides several dialects are spoken. Most of the sign boards are also in English and can be a good help in navigating.

Learning some basic words before you come to Pakistan can be helpful though it is not mandatory.

Urdu Glossary

English Urdu Pronunciation Greeting (Peace be with you) » Salaam alay kum Reply to Greeting (with you also be peace) » Waalay kum as salaam How are you? » Aapka (or Tumhara) kya hal heyh? I am well. » Theekh heyh or Theek thak. What is your name? » Aapka (or Tumhara) naam kya heyh? Do you speak English? » Kya aap angrezi boltay hain? I am English/American/French » Meyn angrez/amrikan/fransisi hun. Which way to Lahore? » Lahore kiss taraf heyh? How much is this/that? » Yeyh/Voh kitne ky heyh? Thank you » Shukria. Good Bye » Khudha Haafiz. Yes » Ji haan, haanji or haan No » Naheen (na’en) Okay/Good » Achhaa When? » Kub? Three O’clock » Teen bajay Morning » Subha Evening » Shaam Go/going » Jao/Jaana Near » Nazdeek Far » Dur Food » Khana To eat food » Khana khana To drink » Peena Meat » Gosht Beef » Gai ka gosht Goat meat » Bakri ka gosht Chicken » Murghi Fish » Machii/machhlii Egg » Anda Vegetable » Subzi Potato » Aalu Spinach » Palak Lentils » Daal Rice » Chavel Bread » Roti, naan, chapati Baked bread » Double roti Yoghurt » Dahi Water » Pani Tea » Chai Salt » Namak Sugar » Cheeni Home/house » Ghar/makaan Bed » Palang, charpai Blanket » Kambal Pillow » Takya Sheet » Chader Fan » Pankha Candle » Mombutti Hot » Garam Cold » Thanda (m)/thandi (f) Small » Chhota (m)/chhoti (f) Big » Burha (m)/burhi (f) Clean » Saaf Expensive » Mehenga
English Numbering		Urdu Pronunciation	English Numbering		Urdu Pronunciation
1	»	ek	12	»	bara
1.5	»	dehr	13	»	tera
2	»	doh	14	»	chawda
2.5	»	dhai	15	»	pandra
3	»	teen	20	»	bees
4	»	char	25	»	pachees
5	»	paanch	30	»	tees
6	»	chhe	40	»	chalees
7	»	saath	50	»	pachaas
8	»	aath	100	»	ek saw
9	»	naw	2,000	»	doh hazaar
10	»	dus	100,000	»	Ek Lakh
11	»	gyara	10 million	»	ek crore

All major credit cards can be used to make payments at hotels and to purchase gift items. If your credit card is encoded with a PIN number it is possible to withdraw cash (Pakistani rupees only) from cash machines in main cities and towns. However, to travel to remote areas, one must carry local Pakistani currency.

Tipping in Pakistan is not obligatory; it is entirely at one’s own discretion. Staff generally expects to be tipped at the end of the tour. If the staff during the trip performed well, a good tip is considered well-deserved. However, there is no defined amount as it depends on the situation, number of days spent and performance of the staff. With groups clients can join in to add to an amount.

Pakistan is a shopper’s delight no matter wherever you go. From a variety of oriental hand woven carpets, textiles, colorful fabrics, Kashmiri Pashmina shawls, embroidered table linen and bedspreads to leather goods, traditional silver and gold jewelry, precious and semi precious stones, wooden artifacts and antiques are rated as key produces.