‘Why are you going to Pakistan?’ That’s the primary query you’re more likely to hear if you point out your journey plans. Say you’re travelling solo and count on a flood of queries — about security, skepticism, and ideas for ‘safer’ locations. Chances are high, these folks haven’t skilled Pakistan themselves. Anybody who has will let you know it’s an exceptional nation stuffed with the warmest folks, extraordinary landscapes, and meals that stays in your coronary heart lengthy after you allow.
Straight up, solo journey in Pakistan isn’t for everybody. It’s a difficult and rewarding journey that requires you to belief your instinct and former expertise. In the event you’re weighing your choices between exploring absolutely solo or becoming a member of a small group journey, right here’s every part you have to know to make the best selection for you.
Why journey to Pakistan?
Slowly shifting onto the worldwide stage, the world is lastly beginning to see what a exceptional and numerous nation Pakistan is. Dwelling to 5 of the world’s fourteen 8,000m (26,000 ft) peaks, together with the formidable K2, it’s a climbing fanatics’ dream. Pakistan is a panorama of screensavers, from snow-capped mountains and glacier lakes to huge dry deserts.
Whereas the character right here is undeniably spectacular, it’s the individuals who depart the deepest impression. Conscious of their nation’s misunderstood status, Pakistanis are keen to indicate you the aspect of their homeland the media typically ignores. Their hospitality is known. Beaming smiles are adopted by invites for chai (tea) and a paratha (flaky flatbread). With English as an official language, conversations move simply, permitting for real connections with the individuals who make Pakistan so particular.
Is Pakistan protected?
Security is a standard concern for anybody contemplating solo journey to Pakistan, and it is a legitimate query given the nation’s advanced status and portrayal within the media over time. Nevertheless, the panorama is altering. With a powerful push to spice up tourism, Pakistan’s authorities has made important strides in enhancing safety throughout the nation.
Standard vacationer locations like Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Hunza Valley, Karakoram Freeway, and Skardu are actually usually thought of protected and welcoming.
Locations to keep away from in Pakistan
We are able to’t paint the proper image of Pakistan. Some areas nonetheless face ongoing conflicts and challenges, which needs to be averted in your security. You don’t want to fret about by chance stumbling into certainly one of these locations, as you’ll require a Non-Objection Certificates (NOC) to go to these high-risk areas — one thing that’s not simple to get.
No-go areas for vacationers embody Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), close to the Pakistan/Indian border in Azad Kashmir, and components of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). At all times examine present journey advisories and seek the advice of locals or your embassy for steering on the place to not go. Nevertheless, we all the time be certain that all of our Pakistan excursions stick with protected areas of the nation.
Finest locations to journey to in Pakistan
The toughest half about solo travelling in Pakistan is selecting the place to go. You are spoiled for selection with its wealthy tradition, historical past, and oh my gosh landscapes. Listed here are a few of the greatest and most secure locations to go to:
Islamabad
A contemporary metropolis constructed within the Sixties, Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan, providing a refreshing mix of inexperienced areas and up to date buildings. A go to to the Faisal Mosque, the fifth-largest mosque on this planet, is a should particularly at sundown. You possibly can take heed to the maghrib prayer because it echoes over this distinctive mosque as a welcoming gesture from Pakistan itself.
Soak within the serenity of Faisal Mosque on: Pakistan: Hike the Karakoram Mountains
Lahore
A metropolis that brings each cell in your physique to life. The chaos of Lahore is usually a little distracting, however behind the noise is a metropolis steeped in historical past and tradition — to not point out a few of the greatest (and spiciest) meals in Pakistan.
It’s an interesting mix of Mughal, Sikh, and colonial structure, with a few of the nation’s greatest historic websites, resembling Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Wazir Khan Mosque.
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Karimabad
The capital of Pakistan’s Hunza area, Karimabad, is known for its astonishing views of snowcapped peaks like Rakaposhi, Ultasar, and Ladyfinger. Do not miss climbing as much as Baltit Fort, believed to be over 700 years previous, for a shocking vista and a neighborhood historic historical past lesson. In the event you can tear your gaze from the spectacular views for greater than two seconds, discover the city’s handicraft shops filled with woven rugs, scarves, and valuable gem stones.
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Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Basecamp
Usually known as heaven on earth, Fairy Meadows is an space of gorgeous grassland that now appears like a mini alpine village beneath the watchful eye of the ninth highest mountain, Nanga Parbat. Often known as the ‘Killer Mountain’, it’s well-known for its lethal climbing charges – round 25% of climbers making an attempt the summit sadly die.
What’s it prefer to journey solo in Pakistan?
In the event you’re contemplating making Pakistan your inaugural solo journey journey — perhaps don’t? Solo touring in Pakistan is totally doable and a number of enjoyable. You’ll have numerous Pakistani buddies by the tip of your journey and share many cups of chai, but it surely’s not with out its challenges.
No matter gender, you’ll stand out. Ever questioned what it’s prefer to be well-known? You’ll get a style of that have as locals eagerly ask for images and limitless questions — count on at the least one about your marital standing! Whereas the eye isn’t inherently unfavourable, it may be overwhelming at first. Belief your instincts, and if one thing doesn’t really feel proper, politely decline invites or interactions that make you uncomfortable.
Past the eye, chances are you’ll face a little bit of tradition shock. The cities might be loud, chaotic, and brimming with folks, and as an Islamic nation, the foundations and customs may differ from what you’re used to. Give your self time to regulate, and bear in mind, that is all a part of the journey!
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Transport in Pakistan
Navigating Pakistan’s public transport alone is usually a bit daunting at first. Whereas the infrastructure is quickly enhancing, particularly between bigger cities like Islamabad and Lahore, you’ll discover a few of the nicest buses you’ve ever ridden — full with bus hostesses serving snacks!
However if you happen to enterprise past the large cities, issues can get trickier. Timetables might be unreliable, driving might be exhilarating (to say the least), and typically choices are restricted. Hiring a non-public driver is likely one of the greatest methods to get round Pakistan. It’s a lot safer than many public buses, however they typically include a hefty price ticket that may drain the funds of a solo traveller until you discover somebody to share it with you.
Ought to solo feminine travellers go to Pakistan?
Completely, however you’ll need to have some expertise beneath your belt. Pakistan might be intense for solo ladies. All foreigners are topic to stares, however as a feminine travelling alone, you’ll expertise it extra, just because it’s unusual.
As a solo feminine traveller in Pakistan, you’ll must be extra vigilant right here than in locations like Southeast Asia or Europe. Your instinct is your most useful device, and former journey expertise helps you assess conditions and react accordingly.
Right here are some things to concentrate on earlier than you journey solo as a lady in Pakistan:
• Harassment, resembling catcalling and undesirable contact, can occur. It’s necessary to be cautious about who you befriend and the place you go.
• In some areas, chances are you’ll be the one lady round notably in conservative areas, which might really feel uncomfortable.
We’re not sharing this to scare you, however that will help you perceive what to anticipate and assess if you happen to’re ready to deal with these challenges.
Advantages as a solo feminine traveller in Pakistan
Being a lady in Pakistan may give you a singular perspective on the nation. You may have entry to experiences typically off-limits to male travellers, like moving into the kitchen the place the true magic occurs.
Pakistani hospitality is unbeatable and often steps up a notch for feminine travellers. Since solo ladies are a uncommon sight, native folks typically exit of their approach to make you are feeling welcome, providing assist and guaranteeing you have got a memorable and pleasing time.
What to put on in Pakistan
Pakistan is a conservative Islamic nation, and adhering to the costume code is necessary for each female and male travellers.
Whereas the costume code is mostly much less strict for males, most Pakistani males nonetheless go for modest clothes, sometimes carrying a shalwar kameez – the normal outfit for each women and men – or lengthy pants paired with a t-shirt or long-sleeve shirt. Within the cities, shorts are unusual, although you may see them in areas like northern Pakistan.
What ought to ladies put on in Pakistan?
As a lady touring in Pakistan, it’s necessary to decorate conservatively, protecting most of your physique. Follow lengthy skirts, clothes, or pants protecting your knees, and ensure your shoulders and chest are additionally lined.
Sporting a shalwar kameez is an effective way to decorate appropriately and comfortably. Purchasing for one is usually a enjoyable expertise, with limitless designs, colours, and patterns to select from. You need not put on a headband on a regular basis, but it surely’s advisable when visiting non secular websites or getting into a mosque.
Finest time to journey in Pakistan
In the event you plan to discover the northern areas, the most effective time to go to is Might to October. This era affords excellent climate for trekking in Pakistan, with delicate temperatures and clear skies within the mountains. All our Pakistan excursions run throughout these months to scale back the probabilities of the climate dampening your adventures.
Nevertheless, these months additionally coincide with the most well liked time of the yr in cities like Lahore and Islamabad, the place temperatures can soar to 40°C (104°F) with excessive humidity, leaving you sweaty. For a extra snug metropolis expertise, contemplate visiting between November and March when the climate is cooler and extra nice.
