Pakistan, formally the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is an exceedingly religious country in South Asia. It is arguably the world's fifth biggest country, with an estimated population of 225.2 million, and has the second largest Muslim population worldwide. Pakistan is also the ninth-most densely populated country by land, encompassing a territory the size of Utah or Rhode Island.
Pakistan's major cities are packed with fascinating historic sites, great galleries and ancient shrines. A Pakistan travel guide will help you discover these landmarks, along with plenty of shopping, eating and sightseeing opportunities. However, most travelers visiting Pakistan's major cities will do so via the congested, motorized street bazaars that litter the city's outskirts. A guide to the country's cultural heritage will prove to be useful, as well, in avoiding unfortunate pitfalls such as dangerous street vendors and poor quality goods.
Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is an excellent place to begin exploring the myriad attractions of Pakistan. There are endless events and festivals to attend while traveling through Pakistan; if you're traveling from Europe or America, make sure to include this destination in your itinerary. Islamabad is also home to numerous hotels, both budget and luxury, catering to every budget. Pakistan is easily one of the most culturally hospitable countries in the world, and the people of Pakistan are widely seen as being friendly and welcoming. In addition to enjoying some fantastic shopping opportunities at Islamabad's bazaars and markets, you'll want to visit Pakistan's famous madrasahs for a spiritual encounter with Allah.
Baluchistan is an area of southwestern Pakistan that offers visitors many wonderful opportunities for cultural experiences. The prominent culture and festivals of Baluchistan often draw countless western tourists to this part of the country. If you're traveling from Europe or America, you'll likely find some affordable accommodations in Baluchistan, as Baluchistan is one of the cheapest countries in the whole of South Asia. A good Baluchistan travel guide will show you much about the local cultures and people of Baluchistan, and you'll learn a lot about Baluchistan's rich history, as well as current culture and customs.
Forts and palaces are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan, as travelers from across the globe come here to see for themselves. The golden desert of the Karakoram Hinterland is another popular attraction among travelers, who come to see the panoramic beauty of Pakistani soil. It's also the best time to go camping in Pakistan; camping can easily be organized through tour organizations and can even be done at any time of the year. If you're planning to camp here, the best time to do so is from April to October. A camping trip in Pakistan is something that you should not miss, especially if you're traveling from countries such as Europe or America.
One thing that a Pakistan Travel Guide can tell you about Pakistan is its culture. This is largely different from other South Asian countries, as most people in Pakistan are friendly and welcoming. In fact, Pakistan has one of the largest populations of educated foreign women, who can be seen at numerous foreign universities here. If you're a solo female traveler, you can expect to make plenty of new friends in Pakistan. These friendships could even help you to expand your boundaries and discover a whole new world!
Another common topic that most travelers talk about when it comes to Pakistan is its wide variety of delicious dishes. The ingredients used for cooking in Pakistan are mostly local ones, making it more appealing to travelers from abroad. Pakistani chefs have mastered the art of blending different spices and flavors to make mouth-watering dishes. While you can find Western-style food in Pakistan, most locals prefer to make their food more authentic. Try to take a break from the Western-style restaurants and try some authentic Pakistani food. You'll be surprised at the difference!
One of the best places to go while traveling to Pakistan is Lashkar Azam, a town in the northwestern areas of Pakistan. This town is renowned for its temples and for being home to many saints and holy figures. Lahore, the capital city of Pakistan, has a vibrant nightlife, as well as an interesting history. Both the northern and the southern parts of Pakistan are known for their spice markets and for providing a lot of opportunities for adventure.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Pakistan are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Pakistan
May to October is generally considered the best time to travel to Pakistan, as there is little to no snow in the entire country, and the summer holidays make the country rather lively. This is the best time to travel to the northern reaches of the country, where the beautiful valleys and stunning peaks lie
If you're travelling to Pakistan on a British passport, you will need to get a visa before you travel. Visa violations can be treated as a criminal offence and could result in a fine or detention.
See which forms you may need for entry into Pakistan.
The official currency of Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Pakistan you can grab amazing Pakistani Rupee deals via Wise.com (GBP to PKR).
The snow leopard is the national heritage animal of Pakistan. This list of the mammals of Pakistan shows the conservation status of the 173 mammal species
Punjabi food? Biryani is a dish that most people think of when they think about Pakistan, but in Pakistan itself, biryani is limited to certain areas of Pakistan, and is actually seen as an elite meal that excludes a large portion of the population.
You can typically expect to pay around £1.90p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Punjab: The languages of the province of Punjab are Punjabi, English, Urdu, Pashto and Saraiki. Punjabi is the most common spoken language in Pakistan You can learn some basic Punjabi before you travel to Pakistan and really impress the locals!
The currency in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (10% is standard for tipping.).
The GMT time difference is 4 hours