Things to Do in Pakistan in March

March Weather in Pakistan

28°C (82°F) High Temp

15°C (59°F) Low Temp

33 mm (1.3 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window: Clear skies and mild temperatures make March the sweet spot between winter cold and summer heat, ideal for trekking in northern areas like Hunza and Skardu without altitude sickness from snow
Almond and cherry blossom season: Northern valleys burst into bloom, creating stunning photography opportunities and the famous Hunza spring festivals that locals celebrate after the harsh winter
Optimal visibility for mountain viewing: Pre-monsoon clarity offers the best views of K2, Nanga Parbat, and other peaks - visibility can reach 200+ km (124+ miles) on clear days
Tourist infrastructure fully operational: All mountain roads reopen after winter closures, northern hotels resume full service, and domestic flight schedules return to peak frequency

Considerations

Unpredictable temperature swings: Daily variations of 15°C (27°F) require layered clothing - mornings in Islamabad can be 10°C (50°F) while afternoons hit 25°C (77°F)
Peak domestic tourism season: Pakistani families travel heavily in March due to school holidays, creating crowds at popular spots and inflating accommodation prices by 30-40%
Occasional spring storms: 2-3 dust storms per month in Punjab and Sindh can disrupt flights and create poor air quality days with AQI reaching 200+

Best Activities in March

Hunza Valley Cherry Blossom Trekking

March is the only month when Hunza Valley's famous apricot and cherry blossoms peak while weather remains perfect for hiking. Temperature range of 5-18°C (41-64°F) allows comfortable day treks to viewpoints like Eagle's Nest without summer heat exhaustion. Local Wakhi communities celebrate Nowruz during this period, offering authentic cultural interactions unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Book accommodations in Karimabad 4-6 weeks ahead as this is peak blossom season. Day treks typically cost PKR 8,000-15,000 including guide and transport. Look for guides certified by Pakistan Alpine Club through the booking options below.

Skardu and K2 Base Camp Preparation Treks

March offers the perfect acclimatization window for serious trekkers. Skardu's weather stabilizes with minimal precipitation (under 10mm/0.4in monthly) and daytime temperatures around 12°C (54°F). This is when experienced mountaineers arrive for K2 season preparation, creating opportunities to join guided acclimatization treks to Askole and Concordia approach routes.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks range PKR 25,000-45,000 per person for 5-7 day expeditions. Book through licensed trekking operators 6-8 weeks ahead. All permits and equipment rentals should be arranged in Skardu - see current expedition options in the booking section.

Lahore Historical Walking Tours

March's moderate temperatures (15-26°C/59-79°F) make extensive walking through Lahore's Walled City comfortable. This is before the intense summer heat that makes outdoor exploration unbearable by May. Morning tours can cover 8-10 km (5-6 miles) through Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and narrow bazaar lanes without heat fatigue.

Booking Tip: Half-day walking tours cost PKR 3,000-6,000 per person. Start tours at 9 AM to avoid afternoon heat buildup. Book with certified guides who speak your language - current tour options available through the booking widget below.

Islamabad and Rawalpindi Cultural Exploration

The capital region's spring weather makes March ideal for exploring both modern Islamabad and historic Rawalpindi. Clear skies provide excellent views from Daman-e-Koh viewpoint at 685m (2,247ft) elevation, and comfortable walking temperatures for exploring Raja Bazaar and Lok Virsa Museum outdoor sections.

Booking Tip: Day tours combining both cities typically cost PKR 5,000-8,000 including transport. Book private guides for flexibility in timing - group tours often rush through locations. Check current guided tour availability in the booking section below.

Karachi Coastal and Urban Discovery

March offers Karachi's most pleasant weather before summer humidity peaks. Sea breezes keep coastal areas like Clifton Beach comfortable while temperatures stay below 28°C (82°F). This is optimal for exploring outdoor markets in Saddar, visiting Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum, and evening strolls along the Arabian Sea without excessive heat.

Booking Tip: City tours range PKR 4,000-7,000 for full-day experiences. Evening tours are particularly popular in March due to comfortable temperatures. Book with operators who include both historical sites and local food experiences - see current options below.

Punjab Rural and Sufi Heritage Tours

March's agricultural season brings Punjab's wheat fields to vibrant green life, and comfortable temperatures make rural travel enjoyable. This is ideal timing for visiting Sufi shrines in Multan and Pakpattan, experiencing rural Punjabi culture, and attending traditional Basant celebrations if timing aligns with local festivals.

Booking Tip: Multi-day Punjab cultural tours cost PKR 15,000-25,000 per person including accommodations. Rural areas require advance planning for accommodations - book 3-4 weeks ahead. Look for tours that include authentic village stays through the booking options below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Shandur Polo Festival Preparation

While the main festival occurs in July, March sees teams beginning preparation in northern areas. Visitors can witness traditional polo practice sessions in Chitral and meet players who will compete in the world's highest polo ground at 3,700m (12,139ft).

March 23

Pakistan Day Celebrations

March 23rd marks Pakistan's national day with military parades in Islamabad and cultural celebrations across major cities. The parade showcases Pakistan's military capabilities and cultural diversity, with public access to certain viewing areas.

March 20-21

Nowruz Celebrations in Northern Areas

Persian New Year is celebrated by communities in Hunza, Chitral, and other northern regions. Visitors can witness traditional music, dance performances, and spring welcoming ceremonies that have been practiced for over 3,000 years.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system: Pack both thermal underwear for 5°C (41°F) mountain mornings and lightweight cotton shirts for 28°C (82°F) afternoon temperatures - daily swings of 15°C (27°F) are common

Quality hiking boots: Essential for rocky terrain in northern areas, plus comfortable walking shoes for city exploration on uneven surfaces and long distances up to 10 km (6 miles) daily

High-altitude sunscreen SPF 50+: UV exposure intensifies above 2,000m (6,562ft) elevation, and March's clear skies provide no cloud protection during 8+ hour mountain daylight

Lightweight rain jacket: Afternoon showers occur 10 days per month lasting 30-45 minutes - waterproof but breathable fabric prevents overheating in 55% humidity

Power bank and universal adapter: Frequent power cuts in rural areas, plus Pakistani outlets use British-style three-pin plugs - 10,000+ mAh capacity recommended for multi-day treks

Cash in small denominations: PKR 100-500 notes essential for tips, street food, and local transport - many areas don't accept cards or large bills

Modest clothing: Long pants and shirts covering arms required for mosque visits and cultural sites - lightweight fabrics in neutral colors blend better in conservative areas

Personal water bottle with purification: Tap water unsafe for tourists - bring 1-liter (34oz) capacity bottle plus purification tablets or portable filter for remote area refills

First aid kit with altitude sickness medication: Include acetazolamide for elevations above 2,500m (8,202ft), plus basic supplies for cuts and stomach issues common with dietary changes

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights 6+ weeks ahead for March travel: PIA and other carriers reduce frequency in winter then surge-price when routes resume full schedule - early booking saves 40-60% on northern Pakistan flights

Carry photocopies of passport and visa separately: Police checkpoints are frequent in northern areas and border regions - officials often retain documents temporarily, so copies prevent delays during processing

Download offline maps before departing cities: Internet connectivity drops significantly in mountainous regions, and GPS accuracy decreases near borders - offline maps prevent navigation issues during multi-hour drives

Learn basic Urdu greetings and numbers: English proficiency varies dramatically outside major cities - knowing 'As-salaam alaikum', 'shukriya' (thank you), and numbers 1-20 improves local interactions and pricing negotiations

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects: Many tourists rush to 3,000m+ (9,843ft+) elevations in Hunza without acclimatization - spend at least one night each at 2,000m (6,562ft) and 2,500m (8,202ft) to prevent severe altitude sickness

Overpacking for consistent weather: March's temperature swings catch tourists unprepared - bringing only summer or only winter clothing leaves visitors uncomfortable during 15°C (27°F) daily temperature variations

Ignoring cultural dress codes in religious sites: Many tourists arrive at mosques in shorts or sleeveless shirts - this prevents entry and creates awkward situations that proper research prevents