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Pakistan

Pakistan - what to expect

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It shares its borders with India to the east, Afghanistan to the northwest, and Iran to the west while China borders the country in the northeast. It is the world’s fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million.  According to a recent survey, Pakistan has ranked as the third cheapest country in the world. That makes it a good place for budget travelers. Pakistan encompasses a rich diversity of landscape starting from three mountain ranges of Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindukush. Five of the world’s highest mountain peaks are present in Pakistan that includes K2 and Nanga Parbat.

Pakistan North is considered one of the heaven-like paradise for nature lovers. It contains a section of the ancient Silk Route and Khyber Pass, the famous passageway that has brought outside influences into this region.  Along the Indus River, the artery of the country, the ancient site of Mohenjo-Daro marks one of the cradles of civilization.

Naltar Lake, Pakistan
Naltar Lake
Kunhar River Naran, Pakistan
Kunhar River Naran

Fast Facts

  • Official Name: Islamic Republic of Pakistan
  • Capital: Islamabad
  • Population: 223M, 5th largest in the world
  • Currency: Pakistani Rupee 1$ = 153 PKR
  • Official Language: Urdu
  • Visa Requirement. A visa is needed to visit Pakistan. Applicants from 175 countries would be able to apply E-Visa, which will be augmented with Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
  • Best Season to Visit. Pakistan has four seasons and its different parts can be visited in different seasons. However, Summer (may-September) is the best season to visit the North of Pakistan. On the other hand, winter is best for the south of the country.

Top Experiences

  • Trek to K2 base camp
  • Drive on the Karakoram Highway to feel the vibe of the Ancient Silk Route.
  • Trek to Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base camp
  • Chill out in the Hunza
  • Wander through the Ancient city of Moen jo Daro, one of the world’s earliest civilizations
  • Get afeel of remoteness in Korakoram, Himalya and Hindukash
  • Travel to Khanjrab Pass, The highest trade route in the world
  • Try a sunset in Jiwani, Balochistan
  • Visit the worlds second-largest salt mine
  • Try a Lahori food
  • Admire the truck art of Pakistan
K2 and Broad Peak, Pakistan
K2 and Broad Peak, Pakistan

Safety

Most of the places of Pakistan are safe now for travelers. Although Pakistan was under a continuous threat of terrorism from the previous decade the situation has significantly improved now. However, international travelers are advised to avoid the Baluchistan or Fata areas if they haven’t a personal contact in those areas. Moreover, they need a NOC to visit such areas. Also, the same thing applies to the border areas with India. Conclusively the places that casual tourists are likely to visit are peaceful these days and most of them were peaceful in past too.

Budgeting Plan

Transportation – Pakistan’s transport system is primarily dependent on road transport, which makes up 90 percent of national passenger traffic. Over the past several years, road traffic has grown much faster than the country’s overall economic growth.

  • Bus: The current public transport system in Pakistani cities consists of buses and wagons. There are a few reliable private companies had made their positions to provide reasonable inter-city services among the big cities of Pakistan. The best available booking site is Bookme.pk. However, you can directly book your travel journeys by Daewoo Pakistan or Bilal Travels.
  • By Air: It is a convenient way for long journeys or Inter province travels. Skyscanner is a site to check and book your travels.
  • Train: Trains will be a good experience if you are flexible in time don’t bother to unexpected delays. In this way, you can see the broad Pakistani Landscape from Lahore to Karachi. For booking and timetables, you can use Pakistan Railway’s website.
  • Metro: Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar has metro systems that are good for within-city travel.
  • Taxi: Ride-sharing services Careem and Uber is a reliable and economic way of traveling within cities.
  • It is the same Tuk-tuk ride of south Asian countries. In addition to a unique Rikshaw ride experience, it is very convenient and cost-effective too

Accommodation – Pakistan is one of the attractive places for budget travelers. Although the backpacker-style hostels are very few that are even around the capital, however, you can find a budget room under 10$. Again the options on Booking.com and Agoda or also very few as most of the hotels are not using these portals. A few other apps are also useful to get information about the stays within different cities like Tripmate.pk.

When you’re looking for a hotel, do your research, read reviews to get a feel for the place. and book somewhere that suits you

Food and local Dishes – The cuisine of Pakistan has some of the most diverse and flavorful recipes in the world due to the infinite amount of special herbs and spices available, and each traditional dish comes with a deep history that connects it to a particular province. The list begins from

  • Nihari: one of the most famous stews in the entire country. It is a slow-cooked spicy dish that simmered in spices for hours.
  • Karahi: This is an iconic dish of Pakistan, and can be found throughout the country.
  • Haleem: A slow-cooked dish made with Barley, Wheat, chickpeas, chicken/mutton/beef, a lot of spices, and onions.
  • Halwa Puri: A heavy breakfast that people do especially on weekends.
  • Mutton Qorma
  • Saag: A dish commonly found throughout the Punjab Province of Pakistan. Its recipe is as simple as its preparation. Rather we call it an art than cooking. You will be lucky if you get the authentic saag dish from anywhere.
  • Paya: A traditional food from the Indian Subcontinent. The main ingredients of the dish are the trotters (or hoof of a cow, goat, buffalo, or sheep); cooked with various spices.
  • Biryani: A spicy rice dish made of layers of different colors and ingredients.
  • Sajji: A large piece of either lamb or chicken stuffed with rice and topped with a tasty green papaya paste. It’s then placed on a skewer and roasted for several hours.
  • Katakat: a dish originating from Lahore, Pakistan made from a mixture of various meat organs.
  • Chapli Kebab. The Authentic Chapli kebab can be found when you go towards the north of the country. Often made with beef which is minced and blended with onions and a combination of spices.
  • Paratha; An oil-cooked bread, mostly used in breakfast.
  • Chai (Tea). A tea with added milk or Doodh Pati when tea leaves are added with pure milk and boiled.
  • Lassi: Some called it a national drink although it is a typical drink and can be tasted throughout the country.
  • Kheer is the most famous traditional dessert in the country.
  • It is atypical north Piza and

Suggested daily budget –  For Backpacking a suggested budget is about 30$. It includes a basic hotel, a portion of basic food, and public transport within the city with a couple of site seeing.

TIPS, DOs, DON'Ts

  • Bargain will be beneficial to a great extent.
  • Be flexible with your plan always add a fair cushion while traveling
  • Pakistani or the most Hospitable to host guests and most sensitive to religious affairs. So, plz Take notes of cultural sensitivities between these two points.
  • Ride-sharing apps Careem and Uber are best to get around in big cities.
Kukush Lake, Langar, Pakistan
Kukush Lake, Langar, Pakistan

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