This submit is being often up to date thanks the continual enter I get from some superior vacationers. All the data you see right here relies on the most recent updates. In case you have any additional data, kindly let me know as a result of, in Pakistan, guidelines do change rapidly!
If you happen to ever determine to journey to Pakistan, I promise you that you’ll have the journey of your lifetime.
From hitchhiking on tractors and psychedelic vehicles to driving over extraordinarily slim mountain roads constructed on a cliff 1,500 meters excessive, troopers who voluntarily offer you their AK-47 for taking a photograph, essentially the most hanging panorama and the truth that you possibly can camp in the midst of a paradise utterly by your self.
Touring to Pakistan is, undoubtedly, the last word expertise and journey.
Nevertheless, this isn’t significantly a straightforward place to journey in. Happening a visit to Pakistan requires somewhat little bit of preparation, in addition to various matters to know beforehand.
Usually, I would come with this sort of data in a generic journey information, along with a journey itinerary. Nevertheless, there’s a lot to say about Pakistan that I made a decision to write down a separate article about it.
By the way in which, if you wish to hold monitor of all my travels and photographs, bear in mind to comply with @againstthecompass on Instagram.
This information accommodates all the sensible data. For locations to go to, don’t neglect to examine my 1-month Pakistan itinerary
Right here you will see:
Visa guidelines
Journey Insurance coverage for Pakistan
Tour operator in Pakistan
Cultural conduct and information
Books for touring in Pakistan
Safety & security
Forms and permits
Costs and cash
Web and calling
Transportation
Trekking in Pakistan
Meals, alcohol & chai
Lodging
Different basic data you need to know
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Visa for visiting Pakistan
NEW data Could 2019
1 – Earlier than April/Could 2019, you couldn’t get a visa on the highway – As a rule of thumb, a Pakistani visa may solely be utilized for from your own home nation or nation of residence.
2 – However lastly, they’ve launched an e-visa system – As much as 176 nationalities can now apply for a Pakistani visa on-line. You’ll be able to apply by this portal. Many vacationers have already been profitable 🙂
3 – It may be used to enter by any port of entry – Each airport and land borders.
4 – Visa size – The applying means that you can apply for a visa legitimate for as much as 11 months. You can too apply for a multi-entry visa legitimate for greater than 1 yr.
5 – Value – I consider it relies on nationality and the size of your journey however I maintain a Spanish passport and the only entry 2-month visa prices 35USD. Then, I attempted to use for the multi-entry visa and it price 52USD.
6 – Apparently, a Letter of Invitation will not be required anymore – Alternatively, the system means that you can add a resort reserving affirmation (as a substitute of the LOI). They simply require a reserving for the primary few days after which you possibly can cancel it instantly.
7 – Nevertheless, it’s not as superior because it appears – The system presents fairly a couple of bugs, like some features don’t work (solely typically) and, if you submit your utility, the data might be despatched to the embassy/consulate of your nation of residence and the issue is that the embassies themselves aren’t totally conscious of this course of and so they simply apply their very own guidelines.
Because of this, whereas some embassies don’t require the LOI, some embassies do (just like the USA), whereas others (just like the one in Beirut), will let you know to use the normal approach.
I like to recommend you attempt to apply your self to see the way it works, contact your embassy and, for the most recent studies/questions, you’re welcome to remark beneath.
8 – Timing – Once more, it will depend upon the embassy. One traveler claimed that he acquired it in someday whereas others say it takes a number of days. It is strongly recommended to use upfront.
9 – The way to get your Letter of Invitation – I like to recommend you attempt to apply with a resort reserving but when it doesn’t work, you’ll have to get a Letter of Invitation.
An LOI can solely be offered by a sound tour operator however, sadly, most of them pressure you to guide a tour.
Fortunately, I discovered the blokes from Discover my Journey, a fairly cool native tour firm who can challenge an LOI and all it’s important to do is reserving both a Lahore Metropolis tour or a resort, that’s it.
They cost you 100USD for the LOI and the Lahore Metropolis tour begins at 10USD. Sure, it is vitally low-cost, that’s why I like to recommend them.
Furthermore, you may get an unique 10% low cost through the use of the promo code ATC-PAK. Simply e-mail them by their contact web page, mentioning my weblog and the promo code.
By the way in which, this 10% low cost can be utilized on any of their personalized excursions.
10 – Making use of by way of embassy – Some embassies (just like the one Beirut) could let you know to use by way of the normal approach, which sucks rather a lot, particularly as a result of you possibly can solely apply on the embassy out of your nation of residence and so they all the time require an LOI.
Embassy guidelines differ enormously, relying on the nation you apply from. For instance, I maintain a Spanish passport and am a Catalan resident, so I may apply on the Consulate in Barcelona, which solely price me 27€. In Madrid, they cost double no less than and, so far as I perceive, UK passport holders pay as much as 100USD. Furthermore, it took me 40 days to get my visa, whereas different embassies challenge it in lower than per week.
11 – Visa extensions – Effectively, the e-visa portal has an extension part/choice however up to now, I don’t know from anybody who has tried it.
In any case, visa extensions may be simply performed in main cities. There are passport workplaces in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Chitral, Gilgit, and Skardu however apparently, the simplest place is in Lahore.
12 – Visa extension guidelines – Significantly, each individual touring to Pakistan could have a totally totally different expertise after they attempt to prolong their visa. The reason being that guidelines aren’t written and it’ll all depend upon the one that is behind the counter on that particular day. Welcome to Pakistan. Nevertheless, most vacationers declare that Lahore is the simplest place to do it.
Nonetheless, some folks declare that they needed to wait for two weeks to get the extension whereas others only a few days. Furthermore, some folks acquired an extension solely at some point of their present visa, whereas others acquired 5 months.
What appears to be a continuing is that you would be able to solely prolong it a couple of days previous to your expiring date, however not earlier than. For extra data, learn this submit from my good friend Alex: Extending your visa in Lahore
13 – Overstaying and leaving overland- Once more, all people could have totally different experiences right here. The official data says that, if you happen to overstay for lower than 15 days, you’ll have to pay a small price. Nevertheless, I overstayed for five days and, on the customs, once I mentioned that I didn’t have any cash, they let me go along with a smile. Please be aware that I left by the Pakistan-China border, at Khunjerab Go
Journey insurance coverage for touring in Pakistan
14 – Your common journey insurance coverage equivalent to World Nomads (lastly) covers Pakistan – And there are two the reason why I feel World Nomads is the best insurance coverage for touring in Pakistan:
- The fundamental plan already covers trekking as much as 6,000 meters (be aware that, in Gilgit-Baltistan, it is vitally straightforward to achieve 4,000-meter base camps.
- They supply with limitless medical bills (and Pakistan may be wild)
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM WORLD NOMADS
15 – Nevertheless, it doesn’t cowl unlucky occasions associated to conflict, terrorism, kidnapping and stuff like that – In my humble opinion, Pakistan is usually secure however security is a subjective subject and, if that may be a concern for you, maybe, you need to contemplate shopping for a journey insurance coverage specialised in high-risk locations, like First Allied.
Their coverage covers any terrorism-related accident and, severely, their fundamental coverage could be very low-cost. Nevertheless, other than these unlucky occasions, First Allied could be very restricted in the case of trekking, medical bills for getting sick, and so forth., so if you wish to be 100% coated, it ought to complement your World Nomads insurance coverage.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE QUOTE FROM FIRST ALLIED
For extra data and choices, learn: The way to discover the fitting journey insurance coverage for Pakistan
Tour operator for visiting Pakistan
16 – While you go to Pakistan, some folks favor to go on a tour – Pakistan is a fairly wild nation, so I completely perceive why some vacationers would favor to journey with an skilled tour information, particularly if you go trekking.
I undoubtedly suggest the blokes from Discover my Journey, a strong firm with a few years of expertise which might prepare completely something you need, from driving the Karakoram Freeway to trekking the K2 Base Camp and any personalized tour or trek it’s possible you’ll provide you with.
Furthermore, you may get an unique 10% low cost (on any tour) through the use of my promo code ATC-PAK.
Simply e-mail them by way of their contact web page, mentioning my weblog and the code and inform them which type of tour you need.
Cultural conduct and information when touring in Pakistan
17 – Urdu, which is like Hindi, is the official language – Nevertheless, every area has its personal (or a number of) native languages, so totally different from one another. English is broadly spoken amongst educated folks.
18 – Pakistan is among the most ethnically and culturally numerous international locations – From the South Asian wanting folks of Punjab and Sindh; to the folks of the Pashtun areas, nearer to Iran or Afghanistan; the pagan tradition of Kalash; the Shias from Gilgit and Nagar; the Ismailis of decrease Hunza and the Wakhis (and likewise Ismailis) of higher Hunza. Touring in Pakistan is like touring in a number of, totally different tiny international locations. It’s fascinating.
19 – Keep in mind, you’re the visitor – Individuals are inclined to say that, in Iran, Sudan and Iraqi Kurdistan, you discover essentially the most hospitable folks on this planet. Effectively, clearly, they haven’t visited Pakistan. Whereas it’s true that these international locations are very hospitable, Pakistanis deliver it to the following degree. On this nation, you’re the visitor, which implies that the locals try so that you can have the absolute best time of their nation or area.
19 – The hospitality may even be overwhelming – Throughout your journey in Pakistan, you’ll be invited for lunch, dinner and even to remain at folks’s homes so many instances that, on many events, you’ll have to refuse.
After your refusal, they are going to insist as soon as once more, again and again. They can even insist on carrying your bag and providing you meals 100 instances even if you happen to say that you’re full. These are their cultural guidelines and you’re the visitor.
20 – So overwhelming however simply don’t get indignant – In the future, some random males who I had by no means seen earlier than got here to my resort at 7:30 am within the morning, knocking on the door of my room, waking me up from an excellent sleep.
Apparently, they heard that there was a foreigner within the village, so they only needed to hang around with me. I acquired somewhat bit indignant, continued sleeping however then I type of felt dangerous, as all they needed was to point out me across the village.
21 – Paying for meals – For some cause, Pakistanis all the time need to pay in your meals to the extent that it will get awkward. I personally didn’t prefer it, particularly once I may see that the native folks didn’t have a lot cash. If potential, attempt to again them up.
22 – Carrying a Shalwar Kameez – The standard Pakistani gown, which 80% or 90% of Pakistanis put on, known as shalwar kameez. Must you put on it? It’s not obligatory however, if you happen to do, the locals will actually respect it, particularly within the Pashtun areas.
23 – Islam – Pakistan is essentially the most conservative nation I’ve ever been to. You need to be cautious and all the time respect their guidelines. If you happen to do, they can even respect you and you’ll have the very best time of their nation.
Helpful books for touring to Pakistan
24 – Finest journey information – Pakistan Traveller – That is essentially the most up-to-date and supreme guidebook about Pakistan. 256 pages stuffed with maps and limitless journey ideas. The creator, Tim, is an Australian man who has visited Pakistan 10 instances since 2006. The information is obtainable in numerous codecs, together with Full-color paperback, Finances Paperback, and e book. A must have!
Click on right here to examine costs on Amazon
25 – To know concerning the tradition – Pakistan – Tradition Sensible!: The Important Information to Customs & Tradition
Click on right here to examine costs on Amazon
26 – For extra political background – Pakistan, a tough nation – This award-winning guide gives you a deep understanding of the state of affairs in Pakistan these days.
Click on right here to examine costs on Amazon
247- Overcome language limitations – Urdu-English phrasebook – Most educated folks communicate good English however, if you happen to plan to go to distant villages or the mountains, you have to data of Urdu to speak with the locals.
Click on right here to examine costs on Amazon
28 – A traditional – Pakistan Lonely Planet Information – It’s actually outdated however, if you happen to like to gather Lonely Planet guides, maybe you want to purchase it. In any case, historical past, maps, and different touring data by no means will get outdated!
Click on right here to examine costs on Amazon
Safety and security if you journey in Pakistan
29 – Pakistan will not be harmful however you need to be cautious. You may need learn from different blogs that Pakistan is among the most secure international locations on this planet. Personally, I wouldn’t say that. Whereas I feel that Pakistan will not be a harmful nation, in some areas, it’s higher to be cautious, particularly within the area bordering Afghanistan.
30 – Police are there that can assist you. All through your Pakistan travels, you’ll be repeatedly interrogated by dozens of various policemen and folks from the military. Who’re you? Why are you right here? The place are you going? Not like in different international locations, in Pakistan, the police and navy are fairly cool and, in your personal safety, they’re commanded to ask you these questions.
31 – You’ll have to register at greater than 100 safety examine posts. I’m not kidding. Throughout my 56-day journey in Pakistan, I needed to register greater than 100 instances at totally different military and police examine posts. Typically, to get from one vacation spot to a different, I needed to register greater than 10 instances! At every examine submit, it’s important to get off the automotive or bus and write down all of your private data in a pocket book. This can decelerate your journey significantly.
32 – Convey one thousand passport & visa photocopies. It’s good to deliver a great deal of photocopies as a result of, at some examine posts, when you have a passport copy, you don’t need to get out of the automotive. In any other case, you’ll waste your time.
33 – Sometimes, you get a private guard, free of charge – Once more, not kidding. For safety functions, in some areas, you’re going to get a private armed guard. Typically, you may need to pay for his meals however, in line with the police, you aren’t compelled to. It’s as much as you. For extra data, learn my submit: Is Pakistan secure?
34 – Having a private armed guard appears type of cool however, to be trustworthy, it’s not that a lot – The primary time you get an armed guard you get type of excited. WOW! I’ve a guard who carries an AK-47 for simply myself! Nevertheless, after half an hour, you would possibly begin hating him as a result of he’ll put you below quite a lot of restrictions.
35 – Ladies touring solo is extra frequent and safer than you suppose – Ladies inform great matters about their experiences throughout their journeys by Pakistan. I’m not essentially the most certified individual to speak about this subject however my good friend Alex has written this glorious submit: Is it secure for a girl to journey in Pakistan?As well as, the Broke Backpacker has additionally written this magnificent ladies’s interview.
36 – Pakistani intelligence is the very best secret service on this planet – One of many the reason why Pakistan will not be a harmful nation is due to the Pakistani intelligence, which is taken into account the very best intelligence corps on this planet, even higher than the CIA.
Bear in mind that they’re watching your steps and they’ll all the time know the place you’re. I do not forget that, whereas mountaineering round a distant space within the Astore Valley, a person carrying a salwar kameez (the normal Pakistani garments), got here to me and mentioned, ”You’re the Spanish, proper?” Sure, he was from the Pakistani intelligence.
For additional data on security, together with which areas are the most secure, learn my submit: Is Pakistan secure?
Forms and permits in your journey in Pakistan
37 – Don’t belief any supply of paperwork data, not even In opposition to the Compass – In Pakistan, guidelines aren’t written and matters are continuously altering. Locations which not require a allow, would possibly require it in a single day, by the following day it was altering it again once more.
A navy man instructed me as soon as that, when this occurs, it’s as a result of they’re suspicious of some Taliban or terrorism exercise. This data doesn’t move all through the nation, so you will notice that everybody (together with nationwide police, native police, the Military, the locals, vacationers and blogs) will all the time have a distinct opinion. Don’t belief anybody. Examine it your self, when you’re on the bottom.
38 – In Pakistan all the pieces is feasible – If there’s something helpful I learnt throughout my journey in Pakistan, it’s that, as in any corrupt nation, all the pieces is feasible and all of it relies on your contacts. If you realize the fitting folks, you are able to do completely all the pieces you need, together with visiting forbidden areas with out a allow.
39 – What’s an NOC? – A No Objection Certificates, which is mainly, a allow required for sure restricted areas.
40 – The way to get an NOC – The easiest way to get an NOC is thru an area with contacts. If you happen to don’t know any native, contact your embassy, however it might take as much as Four or 5 working days to proceed. Moreover, Ishan, from SWAT Valley Backpackers can get it for you.
41 – When do you want an NOC – As I mentioned earlier than, don’t belief any supply of paperwork data. Throughout my journey in Pakistan, a good friend of me was required to get an NOC to make use of the highway between Timargara and Chitral. In the future later, I attempted to make use of that highway however the NOC was not required anymore. Nevertheless, formally, you would want an NOC to go to Balochistan, the Khyber Go and Tribal Areas and Kashmir.
Costs and cash
42 – It’s fairly low-cost – You’ll be able to simply journey in Pakistan for lower than $20 a day, sleeping in non-public rooms and consuming Three meals exterior.
43 – All the things is negotiable – All the things may be bargained for, particularly the resort rooms. Count on to pay totally different quantities from different friends.
44 – All the time include a reference – Throughout your journey in Pakistan, contacts are essential and that’s why in both resorts or trekking tour firms, if you happen to come referenced by an area, you’re going to get a greater worth.
45 – A money economic system – Pakistan barely believes in bank cards. Convey money.
46 – Pakistani Rupees are the official foreign money – On the time of writing, 1USD = 100PKR, which makes it fairly straightforward to transform.
Web and calling
47 – Web – Besides in Gilgit-Baltistan, the web works fairly nicely all through the nation
48 – The Chinese language are about to introduce optical fiber – Apparently, by the tip of 2017, the Chinese language could have launched optical fiber to Gilgit-Baltistan so, hopefully, the web will work correctly on this space as nicely.
49 – Get ZONG – Don’t suppose additional. ZONG is the very best cell operator, particularly within the northern areas. Besides within the Kalash Valley and a few distant areas in Higher Hunza, ZONG has the quickest web.
50 – Inform an area to enroll in you – The draw back of ZONG is that, as a foreigner, you have to go the central workplace and pay fairly some huge cash to enroll in it ($20 or $30). Inform an area to enroll in you, so that you’ll simply pay $7 for a SIM Card plus 1 month’s value of information and calls.
Transportation for touring round Pakistan
51 – You’ll get used to the mountain roads – Most mountain roads are very scary as they’re extraordinarily slim and constructed on insanely excessive cliffs. Don’t panic. You’ll simply get used to them!
52 – You’ll be taught to be affected person – In completely nearly each lengthy bus journey I took, we had a breakdown. Typically, we had been stopped for 2 hours! And someday, we stopped as a result of the bus ran out of fuel! Are you able to consider it?
53 – Public buses & minivans go in all places – Like in most growing international locations the place most individuals can’t afford to purchase a automotive, buses and minivans journey to even the remotest areas within the nation. In Sindh and Punjab provinces, Daewoo is essentially the most luxurious bus. For touring to Gilgit from Islamabad, you need to undoubtedly take NATCO VIP Bus ($17). Don’t fear, will not be that VIP.
54 – Prepare – In Sindh and Punjab provinces to Peshawar, you possibly can transfer round by practice. There are totally different practice firms however you need to all the time take the non-public ones, as they’re extra punctual. Use AC normal, as it’s the one utilized by the Pakistani center class. It’s not costly, not smelly and comfy sufficient.
55 – Psychedelic vehicles are a lifestyle – Everyone falls in love with the vehicles in Pakistan, as they’re so significantly adorned that they’re a blessing to your lens.
56 – Hitchhiking is just too straightforward – It’s really easy, that typically, it’s sooner and simpler than taking public transport, particularly on the Karakoram Freeway (from Gilgit to Khunjerab Go). Everyone will need to choose you up! As a basic rule, on the KKH, I didn’t hitchhike on motorbikes (there are such a lot of accidents) and automobiles with ladies inside.
57 – Aircraft is fairly handy – Touring by bus from Islamabad to the northern areas, together with Chitral, Gilgit and Skardu takes ages (from 15 to 20 hours). There are flights connecting Islamabad with all these cities. Tickets price as much as $100, roughly. E-book your flights right here. Please be aware that, for flying to and from Gilgit, it’s essential to guide a number of days (even weeks) upfront. Additionally keep in mind that many flights get canceled as a result of climate situation.
Learn: 80 Ideas for touring to Iran
Trekking in Pakistan
58 – Probably the most accessible mountains – Nowhere else in the whole world, will you have the ability to trek to the bottom camp of an 8,000 meters excessive peak summit in solely two days. Even in case you are a newbie trekker, you are able to do quick treks and have the ability to take pleasure in essentially the most superior mountains!
I’ve written two studies of two of among the treks I did:
Trekking to Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat
Trekking to Rakaposhi base camp
Meals, drinks, and alcohol
59 – Meals is extraordinarily oily – Pakistanis love oil an excessive amount of. They put tons of it in completely each meal, together with within the steamed rice, which they are going to all the time fry afterwards. When you’re in a restaurant, all the time ask for half fried.
60 – It’s nearly dry – Within the Sindh province and Islamabad, you will discover liquor shops. In the remainder of the nation, alcohol is simply obtainable on the black market, however most locals (who drink) can get it for you simply.
61 – Count on to have ten cups of chai a day – Chai, which is tea with milk, is a lifestyle in Pakistan and an indication of hospitality.
62 – Faucet water, be careful! – Don’t dare drink faucet water. Within the northern a part of the nation, the locals will let you know that the faucet water is nice, because it comes from the mountains and glaciers. This can be true, however I nonetheless acquired sick once I drank from a mountain fountain. All the time use a water air purifier.
63 – You’ll get sick – I don’t know anybody who didn’t get sick in his abdomen throughout his journey in Pakistan. Attempt to keep away from salad, meals stalls with flies (they’re onerous to search out) and don’t drink faucet water.
Lodging throughout your go to in Pakistan
64 – Costs may be negotiated to the intense – Every time they let you know the value, ask if they’ve a less expensive room. Significantly, on many events, I managed to get half of the preliminary worth.
65 – In case you are on a finances, all the time ask if they’ve a dorm – Surprisingly, many resorts have dorms and so they don’t let you know till the tip of the negotiation. The nice matter is that, since there aren’t many backpackers, you’re most definitely to get the dorm only for your self!
66 – In most of Pakistan, you’re coated – In Pakistan, there’s quite a lot of home tourism, so most touristic areas are stuffed with resorts for completely each finances, from hostel to mid-range and luxurious rooms.
67 – However it could be tougher to search out respectable lodging in the remainder of the nation – In cities like Peshawar, Karachi, Multan, and mainly wherever exterior of Swat Valley, Chitral, Northern areas, Islamabad and Lahore, discovering respectable (finances) lodging could also be difficult.
68 – Couchsurfing is quiter well-liked! – There are a great deal of profiles, particularly within the huge cities.
If you wish to know all my resort suggestion per metropolis, learn my Pakistan Itinerary
Extra data you have to know for touring to Pakistan
69 – When to journey to Pakistan – Most vacationers come to Pakistan due to the mountains. Nevertheless, these are solely accessible from mid-April to mid-October. For the remainder of the yr, they turn out to be remoted, as a result of heavy snow. However, if you wish to go to the Sindh and Punjab provinces, it’s essential to are available in winter, from November till February, when the climate is cooler.
70 – Border crossing in Pakistan – You’ll be able to enter or exit from China (right here’s my report), India (learn this submit from the Broke Backpacker) and Iran (learn this submit from Misplaced with Goal).
71 – Signal as much as the Backpacking Pakistan Fb Group– If you wish to get up-to-date touring data from vacationers who’ve been there lately, this group is sort of helpful, plus can also be an ideal place to satisfy different vacationers who’re touring in Pakistan similtaneously you.
72 – Signal as much as The Karakoram Membership Fb Group – With over 80,000 members (principally Pakistanis) that is an superior discussion board to satisfy locals, who will offer you native ideas, in addition to an opportunity to satisfy up with them. Due to this group, I’ve made a few excellent native pals! One be aware: ignore the folks from this group who needs to promote you garbage.
73 – Do not forget that in Pakistan you want pals – Pakistan will not be a straightforward place to journey round. From reserving buses to getting permits, pals are essential for a rustic the place guidelines aren’t written. The Karakoram Membership is a superb place to make native pals. In huge cities, particularly in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi, Couchsurfing can also be a giant deal. Each websites helped me immensely.
Extra sources
Right here you possibly can learn all my guides and articles about Pakistan
Are you touring to Iran? Right here you can even see all my articles and guides to Iran
And in case you are touring to Central Asia, don’t neglect to examine all my guides to the Stans
That’s all the pieces you have to know! If you happen to suppose I forgot one thing, please let me know! Ah, Ah, and do not forget that, in Pakistan, you shouldn’t plan an excessive amount of! Welcome to the nation of sudden occasions. From limitless bus breakdowns to time-consuming examine posts, new native pals and paradises the place you need to spend ages, throughout your Pakistan travels, you’ll understand that nothing will go in line with your plan.
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