Pakistan

From the traveltalk.dk family – started in Denmark in 2018

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Pakistan

Pakistan is a country in South Asia. Its neighbours are Iran, Afghanistan, China and India. The southern coast is formed by the Arabian Sea.

Unfortunately, travel in some parts of the country is not particularly safe at present according to authoritative sources, while large parts of the country, including Islamabad, have been visited by many tourists in recent years. Read the travel advice below and make your own assessment.

Capital: Islamabad

Population: 188.9 million (2015) 

President: Mamnoon Hussain

Currency: Pakistani rupee

Prime Minister: Nawaz Sharif

Official languages: Urdu, English

Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel advice

UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice

More about travelling to Pakistan

Getting around

Transport in Pakistan is both an experience and a challenge. The national airline flies between the larger cities, and this can be the quickest way to cover long distances. Tickets should be bought well in advance, and you should expect departures to be changed at short notice.

Trains do run, and the rail network connects a wide range of towns along the main routes in Punjab and Sindh. The trains are often old and slow, but they offer a closer look at everyday life than flying does. Train travel calls for patience, and it is wise to reserve seats well ahead on popular services.

Buses are the most widespread form of long-distance transport, with both local and private operators. Quality varies a great deal, and many travellers choose to hire their own driver or a private taxi for longer journeys. Local taxis in the cities are negotiated on price in advance, and the larger cities also have app-based taxis. Car hire is possible, but traffic in the big cities is dense and unpredictable, and most locals prefer to be driven. Whatever you choose, never travel alone at night on long routes.

Safety and practical advice

The security situation varies sharply from region to region and should be assessed on the basis of the current recommendations from the Danish and British foreign ministries, which are updated regularly. Some areas, particularly close to the border with Afghanistan and in parts of the north-western provinces, have been assessed by the authorities as high risk, and travel there is advised against entirely or almost entirely. Major cities and the most visited tourist areas in the north and in Punjab are generally assessed as lower risk, but they still call for attention.

The culture is conservative, and it is a good idea to dress modestly, especially outside the big cities. Women will often find it helpful to cover shoulders and legs and to carry a headscarf when visiting mosques and shrines. It is also wise to photograph people with discretion and to ask before doing so.

Religion plays a central role in daily life, and during Friday prayers and religious festivals there may be disruption to traffic. Respect for prayer times and for eating and drinking during the fasting month of Ramadan is important. Alcohol is prohibited for most people, and you should avoid carrying it in public places.

As for health, contact your doctor or a travel health clinic well in advance so that vaccinations and travel medicine can be planned. Drinking water should be bottled water with a sealed cap, and you should be mindful of heat and sunstroke, especially in the plains. Travel insurance covering medical treatment and repatriation is a good idea.

Getting there

Most international travellers fly into one of the major airports. Islamabad has an international airport, which lies closest to the capital and is the easiest gateway for those heading to the northern areas. Karachi is the country’s largest city and has a large international airport, while Lahore is an important hub for Punjab and the historic quarter of eastern Pakistan.

Routes to these cities often require at least one stopover, so travel time from Europe is long. It is a good idea to check current flight connections before booking, as availability can change. You should also build some margin into your itinerary, because delays and cancellations are not uncommon.

As for visas, prior application is required, and you should check the current requirements with the official authorities, as the rules may change. Your passport should generally be valid for longer than the planned period of stay, and it is wise to keep copies of both your passport and visa, both digitally and on paper. On arrival you can expect thorough checks at passport control, and you should be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your trip.

Food, accommodation and costs

Pakistani cuisine is strongly influenced by spices, meat and bread, and many dishes are cooked in large pots over an open fire. Karahi, a fried stew of meat, tomato and ginger, is a classic, and biryani, with rice and spiced meat, is found almost everywhere. Naan and chapati are served with most meals, and in the north you will come across dishes with more intricately prepared meat and cheese. Vegetarian options exist, but meat is very common in traditional cooking.

Accommodation ranges from simple budget hotels and guesthouses in the smaller towns to international chains and traditional luxury hotels in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Budget lodging is available in most cities, but standards can vary widely, so it is wise to look at the room and the sanitation before checking in. In the northern mountain areas you will often find small guesthouses with a fine view, but facilities are frequently basic.

Costs in Pakistan are generally low by European standards, especially for food and local transport. How much you spend each day naturally depends on your standard and choice of accommodation. It is best to check current prices in Pakistani rupees at the time of travel, as the exchange rate and price levels can change. It is wise to bring cash, as card payment is not widespread outside the larger hotels and shops.

When is the best time to travel

Pakistan has very large climate differences, and there is no single time to travel that suits the whole country. In the high mountain areas of the north, where the Karakoram and Himalayas meet, summer is when the roads are open and the valleys are green. Winter is long and cold, and many passes are closed by snow.

South of the mountains the picture is quite different. The plains around Punjab and Sindh can get very hot in summer, with temperatures reaching a level that makes outdoor activities during the midday hours almost impossible. The cooler and drier period from autumn to early spring is therefore the most comfortable time for those who want to explore the cities and historic monuments.

Summer on the southern plains is, in other words, something most visitors should avoid, unless they are used to heatwaves. The monsoon from July into August brings heavy downpours and flooding in several areas, which can disrupt both transport and planned excursions. Bear in mind that the weather in the north and south can be very different in the same month.

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