Ready to Tour Pakistan? Here's What You Need to Know

 

Pakistan has been in the news lately, but not all of it has been good. At the same time, however, there are many fantastic reasons to tour Pakistan that have nothing to do with current events. The landscape features dramatic mountains and valleys and countless historic sites from the Indus Valley Civilization to the more recent conflicts of 1947 and 1971. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about touring Pakistan!

 

Tourism industry in Pakistan

Tourism in Pakistan is a growing industry, with annual revenue of $1.8 billion and projected revenue of $4.4 billion by 2020.[3] The biggest increase in tourism came after 2001 when a sharp fall in violence gave way to increased international travel, especially hiking and mountaineering. There were also more than 35 million domestic tourist visits every year.[2]

 

Safety in Pakistan

Traveling around can be dangerous. Keep a close eye on your belongings, and avoid carrying valuables in public as much as possible. Only use official transportation and avoid rush hour, especially in Karachi. When traveling by car, drive with your doors locked and windows up, even if you’re driving during daylight hours; keep a whistle or other noise-making device on hand that can help draw attention if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

 

Security precautions while traveling in Pakistan

Most foreign visitors experience no problems while traveling in Pakistan. The biggest danger is from terrorists, who typically strike crowded, soft targets such as markets and places of worship. An attack on a tourist site would be very rare. Foreigners have not been targeted for attacks. Instead, tourists tend to get caught up in sectarian violence between Shia and Sunni Muslims in Karachi or Balochistan province.

 

How safe is northern areas of Pakistan?

Although northern areas are generally safe, they are isolated and make it difficult for tourists to quickly leave if something were to happen. Furthermore, because of how rural these regions are, it can be quite expensive (and logistically challenging) for travelers to make their way here. However, there’s plenty of culture and beautiful landscapes in northern Pakistan that would be hard to miss; so if you can make your way up north with relative ease, then you’ll certainly find yourself in a rewarding environment.

 

Accommodation options in Pakistan

There are a number of options for accommodation in Pakistan depending on your preference. In major cities like Karachi, Lahore andIslamabad, you can expect to find high-end accommodations at four or five star hotels. If you’re looking for affordable accommodations in larger cities, then check out hostels in Pakistan. In touristy areas, such as Murree and Swat Valley, homestays are also popular.

 

Natural disasters in pakistan

It’s very important to know about natural disasters in your destination before you go. There are areas of Pakistan that are vulnerable to natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods and droughts. Make sure you take note of any potential disaster-prone areas where you plan on staying or traveling through during your trip.

 

PLACES TO VISIT

- The first thing you should know is that there are a few places in Pakistan that are extremely dangerous for tourists. They may seem like tourist destinations on paper, but they're not safe and you should avoid them at all costs. Areas such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) can be dangerous, so keep an eye out for anything suspicious and stay away from any crowds.

 

LAHORE

FOR DECADES, Lahore has attracted tourists from across South Asia. Attractions such as Badshahi Mosque, The Walled City of Lahore and Anarkali Bazaar attract visitors from India and other neighboring countries in large numbers. Recently however, with travel advisories released by foreign governments citing security concerns for citizens travelling to Pakistan, tourism has been on a decline. But what is it like for tourists in Lahore? Are there any safety concerns that need to be considered? I decided to do some investigating.

 

HUNZA VALLEY

Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Hunza Valley, a breathtakingly beautiful part of northern Pakistan. Its location along both sides of Karakoram Highway, rich natural landscapes and centuries-old forts are among some of its top draws. To help ensure your journey is both safe and memorable, follow these tips before you go.

 

CHINA BORDER

International tourists may enter China through one of five entry points; these include: Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Torkham (Nanga-Parbat). Chinese visas are required for foreign nationals transiting though these border crossings. The visa is valid for three days within which time travellers must exit China on a flight destined for their home country or a third country. Failure to do so will result in deportation by Chinese authorities. Travelers must visit an immigration office within 24 hours of arrival.

The Top 5 Best Cities to Visit in Pakistan

 

Although Pakistan may be one of the most misunderstood countries in the world, it’s also one of the most beautiful. With landscapes varying from deserts to mountains to ocean, there’s plenty to see and do in every corner of this amazing country. Still, that doesn’t mean that everyone should go everywhere in Pakistan or that everything will be worth seeing to every person who travels here. If you’re planning on traveling to Pakistan, or if you want to know where other travelers are recommending, then here are the top five best cities in Pakistan.

 

1) Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi is a major city of Punjab, located within a couple hours’ drive from Islamabad. It’s also Pakistan’s fourth-largest city and has plenty of places for sightseeing and recreation. The Attock Fort is a popular tourist attraction as well as multiple sites that feature Mughal architecture.

 

3) Islamabad

The capital of Pakistan is also one of its largest cities, with over 1.7 million residents, and home to numerous government facilities, embassies and more. The city boasts a world-class golf course and international hotels as well as unique local attractions like a lake on which everyone rides paddleboats.

 

4) Peshawar

Peshawar is a city in northern Pakistan, on the eastern bank of Kabul River. The city shares boundaries with Kohat and Waziristan (on North), Mardan and Swabi (to west), and Nowshera and Charsadda districts (to east). The grand mosque was built by Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

 

5) Karachi

Karachi is currently the largest and most populated city of Pakistan. It is also one of its biggest commercial centres, with a rich cultural heritage including Mughal architecture. Karachi is truly one of a kind: no other city combines so many contrasts within it — from cultural diversity, religious harmony and economic opportunities, to poverty and crime. All these factors contribute towards making Karachi an extremely vibrant and exciting place to live.