Things to Do in Pakistan

About Pakistan

Pakistan sits at the crossroads of the Karakoram peaks and the Thar Desert, with geography that ranges from extreme mountain terrain to arid lowlands. The country draws mountaineers to K2, the world's second-highest peak, and history buffs to Lahore's Mughal monuments. Prayer calls echo through markets. The smell of cardamom and rose water fills the air, mixed with diesel fumes and crowd noise. Pakistani hospitality is real—locals will invite you for tea within minutes of meeting, and meals turn into multi-hour gatherings whether you planned for it or not. The country preserves its Silk Road history, though finding these sites takes effort and patience that most tourists won't commit to. Sufi shrines draw pilgrims across the region, and the music tradition around them remains active. The Indus River valley holds layer upon layer of archaeological remains from empires that controlled the trade routes, then collapsed when those routes shifted. Lahore has the architecture. Karachi has the population and economic activity. The northern valleys offer trekking that competes with Nepal—for now, before tourism development changes the experience. The food is worth the trip alone. Street vendors and home cooks both know what they're doing. Come hungry.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Use ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber in major cities for safety and fair pricing. For long distances, book Daewoo or Faisal Movers buses online—they're reliable and comfortable. Avoid local transport during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).

Money: Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is the currency. ATMs are widely available in cities but scarce in remote areas—carry cash for northern regions. Haggling is expected in bazaars; start at 50% of quoted price. USD accepted at some hotels.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly, especially at religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering mosques. During Ramadan (dates vary), avoid eating/drinking publicly during daylight. Friday prayers (12-2 PM) close many businesses temporarily.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. Street food is generally safe at busy stalls with high turnover. Try local specialties like biryani, karahi, and lassi. Vegetarians should specify 'no meat/chicken' as 'vegetarian' may include chicken.

When to Visit

Pakistan's diverse climate varies dramatically by region and elevation.Spring (March-May)offers ideal conditions nationwide with temperatures ranging 20-30°C in plains and 10-20°C in mountains. Cherry blossoms bloom in Hunza Valley, making it peak season with prices 40% higher.Summer (June-August)brings scorching heat to plains (35-45°C) but perfect trekking weather in northern mountains (15-25°C). Monsoon rains affect eastern regions with 200-400mm rainfall.Autumn (September-November)provides excellent weather everywhere—plains cool to 25-35°C while mountains remain accessible with 10-20°C temperatures. This is harvest season with golden landscapes and 20% lower prices than spring.Winter (December-February)sees plains temperatures drop to 5-20°C, perfect for exploring cities and deserts, while northern areas become snow-bound and inaccessible. Accommodation costs drop 50% during winter.Major festivals:Eid ul-Fitr (April 2024), Eid ul-Adha (June 2024), Pakistan Day (March 23), Independence Day (August 14).Best for:Adventure travelers should visit April-May or September-October; budget travelers prefer November-February; cultural ensoiasts enjoy the comfortable spring and autumn months.