Pakistan rewards travellers who arrive prepared and informed. The logistics of travelling here — particularly in the northern mountains — require more active planning than a typical European or Southeast Asian trip. But the effort is repaid many times over. These 20 practical tips distil the knowledge that experienced Pakistan travellers wish they'd had before their first visit.
Best Time to Visit
Apply these tips to any season, but preparation is most critical for mountain travel from April to October.
Top Highlights
- Always carry cash in Pakistani rupees — card payments are limited outside major cities
- Learn 10 Urdu words — greetings, thank you, and numbers. The goodwill it generates is extraordinary.
- Book Gilgit and Skardu flights early — very limited seats and frequent weather cancellations
- A local SIM (Jazz or Zong) with data is available at airports for Rs. 500–1,000
- Dress modestly outside major hotels — long sleeves and covered legs for both genders in mountain areas
- Travel insurance with high-altitude medical evacuation is non-negotiable for trekking
Essential Tips
- Keep photocopies of your passport and visa separately from the originals
- Inform your bank of travel to Pakistan before departure to avoid card blocks
- Download Maps.me and OsmAnd with Pakistan offline maps before entering mountain areas
- Pakistan Standard Time is UTC+5 — adjust sleep schedules on arrival to minimise jet lag
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need travel insurance for Pakistan?
Yes — travel insurance is essential for Pakistan, particularly for mountain regions. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation by helicopter from remote mountain areas (K2 Base Camp, Fairy Meadows, Deosai). Standard travel insurance often excludes high-altitude activities — read the fine print carefully.
What should I wear in Pakistan as a tourist?
Modest clothing is appreciated throughout Pakistan. For men: long trousers, short or long-sleeved shirts. For women: loose-fitting clothing covering arms and legs; a headscarf for mosque visits and smaller villages. In major cities (Islamabad, Lahore), clothing can be more relaxed. In mountain villages, modesty is more important.
Is Pakistan vegetarian-friendly?
Pakistan's diet is heavily meat-based, but vegetarian options are available everywhere. Dal (lentils), roti (flatbread), sabzi (vegetable dishes) and rice dishes are staples and found across the country. In tourist areas (Karimabad, Skardu, Lahore), dedicated vegetarian items are offered. Vegan options exist but are less common.
What vaccinations do I need for Pakistan?
Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and ensuring routine vaccinations (MMR, Tetanus/Diphtheria) are current. Hepatitis B is recommended for longer stays. For rural mountain areas, some travellers also consider Rabies vaccine. Consult a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before departure.