The Best 1 Month Pakistan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

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Yes, you need one month in Pakistan. Any shorter Pakistan itinerary including the mountains in the North and you’ll feel super rushed.

Truthfully, there is no perfect Pakistan itinerary. Everyone who visits Pakistan has different goals and priorities when it comes to attractions. If you want to hike multi-day routes through challenging mountain terrain you’ll obviously stay in some cities longer than this guide recommends. If you’re bold enough to rent a motorcycle and travel the country independently (I’ve got an itinerary just for you), that will look a little different too.

THIS Pakistan itinerary is for the “average traveler” to Pakistan. The traveler who wants to experience the many diverse cultures, foodie spots, and regions of Pakistan while tackling some day hikes along the way. It’s jam-packed with the best scenery and most interesting places but it doesn’t leave you staying in any one place too long. It also gives you plenty of time to accommodate for bus breakdowns, landslides, and other situations that are likely to slow your travel in this magical country.

Because travel in Pakistan isn’t always easy.

That’s why I think it’s important that first-time visitors to the country don’t try to bite off more than they can chew.

The biggest problem with other online “Pakistan itineraries” is they give you the places in Pakistan that we all wish we could visit but they don’t plan it in a way that you can replicate without your own form of transportation. This guide can be 100% navigated by public transport in Pakistan.
If you’re looking for the BEST PAKISTAN ITINERARY for travelers with their own mode of transportation (motorcycle, hired car, overland vehicle) then this is the guide for you (*coming soon*).

This Pakistan itinerary covers 24/25 nights. If at any point you feel rushed, fall in love with a place, or fall ill to a bout of food poisoning this gives you a few extra nights to play around with. It also gives you the flexibility to change plans and add towns that pique your interest along the way.

The Perfect Pakistan Itinerary

There are essentially three different starting points for anyone’s Pakistan itinerary. Islamabad (the most popular international airport), Karachi (the largest city + also well connected via air), and Lahore (the land border with India).

My itinerary is going to begin in Lahore. Many travelers choose to visit Pakistan in the first place after (or while) traveling in India.

Map of My 1-Month Pakistan Itinerary

These maps are designed to help you better visualize Pakistan before your visit. You’ll notice that the itinerary is very “north-heavy”. This is because most of the Southern regions of Pakistan are off-limits to foreign visitors without special permits or escorts.

You need to read my guide to all things travel in Pakistan to better understand why/where you can’t easily visit as a foreigner. This will also explain why certain destinations you might have seen online are not on this Pakistan itinerary. (*coming soon*).

Lahore (3 Nights)

Good for foodies + cultural sights.

Pure unadulterated chaos. This is the city that pays homage to Pakistan’s ancient heritage. It’s not particularly nice to say any city is “stuck in time” but Lahore does not feel like a city of the 21st century. And that’s what I love about it. With incredible restored Mughal forts, mosques, and palaces (much like India), THE food scene in Pakistan, and markets galore…Lahore is a traveler’s favorite city. If you are going to extend your stay in any of Pakistan’s major cities, make it this one.

While Lahore does have an international airport you’ll probably be arriving overland via the Wagah Border Crossing between Wagah, Pakistan and Atari, India. I wrote a whole blog post detailing how to cross from India to Pakistan. Despite ALL the people who said it’s not possible to cross here, it’s actually super straightforward unless you are an Indian or Pakistani passport holder.

Useful Lahore Tips

• Download Uber to get around the city. This is always the cheapest option but without a SIM card you’ll likely have to get a rickshaw back to your hotel.
• This is one of the only cities in Pakistan that allows Rickshaws. Another good option for getting around but be sure to haggle.
• Be sure to read my full Pakistan Travel Guide (*coming soon*) for tips like which ATMs work, how to get a SIM card, and where to book your hotels for the best price.
• Shopping in Lahore is cheap!! This means if you’re a little short on conservative clothing or want to pick up a new traditional outfit this is a great place to do it. I like Generation. The outfits are fun, colorful, and affordable. I got 2 full outfits for about $25 total.
• Lahore is sweltering hot. It’s a desert very similar to Rajasthan in India. This means you should plan your exploring for early morning or evening.
• How conservative should you dress in Lahore? I would say medium to conservative. It is not as modern as Karachi and Islamabad and you should have a headscarf with you at all times even if you don’t always feel like you need to wear it.

Must See Attractions in Lahore

These are the places that I think are 100% worth visiting assuming you have three days in the city.

• Tomb of Emperor Jahangir. ($1.50 or 500 rupee entrance fee) Best to visit when it opens at 9 AM.
• Lahore Fort. ($1.50 or 500 rupee entrance fee) The most impressive room is the Sheesh Mahal. Also good to visit early in the morning.
• Badshahi Mosque. My favorite place. Many people recommend you visit around sunset but I prefer sunrise if you want to take photos without other people.
• Masjid Wazeer Khan. Enter through the famous Delhi Gate & walk through ancient preserved streets to see the colorful mosque.
• Fakir Khana Museum. This is one of the largest private museums in South Asia. It’s an amazing collection of really cool artifacts and it adds a little culture to your trip.
• FOOD. You should be eating constantly in Lahore. This city is Punjabi and has numerous specialties worth eating. Fortunately for you, I’ve written a complete foodie guide to Pakistan that outlines all the best places to eat in the country and Lahore is featured HEAVILY on the list.
• Want more things to do? If you have extra time in the city, check out Lost With Purpose’s Off-The-Beaten-Path things to do in Lahore for more ideas.

Interested in a local guide? This guy can take you around the city and show you some of the lesser-known places that aren’t on every single Pakistan itinerary and Lahore blog post. And give you some valuable insight into the country.

WhatsApp Anjum: +92 300 4250874

What to Skip: I was disappointed with Food Street on Fort Road near the Badshahi Mosque. Don’t bother visiting. Not only was the food basic and bland but it was extremely over-priced. It’s the most touristy place in all of Lahore, Pakistan.

Where to Stay in Lahore

To save your sanity you are going to want to stay outside the Old City. I like to stay in Gulberg 2. Which admittedly is the bougie district. There are Western-style coffee shops, expensive restaurants that serve international cuisine (like a Cuban spot and PF Changs), and lots of shopping centers. Not usually my cup of tea but you’ll be using Uber or rickshaws to get around the city anyway so you might as well stay somewhere relatively comfortable and quiet.

Rose Palace Hotel, Gulberg 2, Lahore

Not only is the place comfortable and clean they also have a VERY large free breakfast included in their booking.com offer. Accommodation in Pakistan is actually quite pricy when compared to other countries in South Asia but this one is worth the extra $$$.

How to Get From Lahore to Islamabad

The best way to get from Lahore to Islamabad is by bus. Specifically, Daewoo or Faysal Movers. The journey takes about 5-6 hours and costs around $4-5 dollars depending on whether you purchase regular or VIP tickets. I’m not super picky when it comes to bus companies but these two are some of the best in Pakistan and I suggest using them whenever you can for long routes.

I explain more about the bus system in my full Pakistan Travel Guide but just to get the gist here– the buses are extraordinarily nice with personal TVs, snacks, and reclining chairs. Also, VIP tickets allow you to sit inside the bus station waiting area (hello A/C) and get you a free coffee while you wait. You do NOT need to purchase this route in advance. It runs hourly and is never full.

Islamabad (2/3 Nights)

Good for every Pakistan Itinerary. A necessary preparation stop for all travelers.

Islamabad is a fake city. By that I mean, it’s a manufactured one. From above the city is a perfect set of grids touching the crowded twisting streets of Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi was the original city in this region of Pakistan and then when the government decided it wanted a neat and organized capital city…it just made one right next door. Because of this Islamabad is rather boring. It has no character. But there are a few interesting sights scattered around the Islamabad/Rawalpindi area.

There is a *better* way to see Pakistan than by bus. It’s via motorbike. The freedom of the open road. You’ll be able to see every single attraction on this list and much more. But I understand that not everyone is comfortable or capable of riding a motorcycle. So I created a second itinerary for motorbikers. (*coming soon*). If you choose this itinerary instead, you’ll rent your bike here in Islamabad.

Useful Islamabad Tips

• No rickshaws are allowed in this city. Uber also doesn’t work in Islamabad. In fact, finding a rideshare service that works can be rather difficult at times. We used InDrive. It’s a good app to download as it also works in Lahore and Karachi as well.
• E-11 is your home base. Or it should be. You’re within easy access to everything you need to be in Islamabad. And you definitely don’t want to stay in Rawalpindi.
• This is likely your last chance to stock up on cash before heading north. ATMs are not the most reliable in this country so be sure to plan ahead here.
• If you need cold-weather clothing before heading into the mountains Ascender Outdoors is a high-quality outfitter in the area. Or you can hit one of the resell shops near Karimabad that take slightly used gear from popular outfitters and resell them for a fraction of the price. I’ll include this shop area in my section about Karimabad.

Must See Attractions in Islamabad (+ Rawalpindi)

• Faisal Mosque. This is the 5th largest mosque in the world and a stunning structure tucked up against the lovely Margalla Hills.
• Markazi Jamia Masjid. This is a very impressive mosque in Rawalpindi. Just be sure to visit outside prayer times.
• Visit the Pakistani Truck Art Market. You can get any number of souvenirs decorated by the local Islamabad artists. They speak little to no English however and are tucked into the back of a busy truck station so to visit you’ll have to stay at the hostel I recommend below and ask the owners Alex & Sana to take you. It’s the best souvenir I’ve ever gotten myself.
• Murree Brewery. Pakistan’s only brewery. It does have alcohol as well as freshly made malted juices. Just be sure to check the hours because they are only open mid-day and not usually open at all on weekends. Be sure to bring your ID!
• Food. But again, reference our foodie guide.

You might notice that the attractions list in Islamabad is a little light. This is because most people will spend their time in Islamabad readying themselves for the northern mountains. Making copies of their passports, getting cash, re-upping on snacks, and purchasing cold-weather clothing.

Where to Stay in Islamabad

Coyote Den Travelers Hostel.

I’m not even going to give you another option because you will be making a HUGE mistake by not staying here. I’ve stayed in 3 or 4 places throughout the city (in varying budgets) and Coyote Den is by far the best for several reasons.

For starters, the place is cozy and comfortable. There are both cheap dorms and nicer private rooms so don’t be deterred by the “hostel” label. The place has a super beautiful rooftop looking straight at the lush Margalla hills. It’s also in E-11.

Secondly, (and most importantly) the people who run Coyote Den Hostel are the people you want to get to know before you start exploring Pakistan. Sana is a Pakistani guide who runs motorcycle tours in the country with his American travel partner (and hostel co-owner) Alex. She can also help you with anything and everything travel-related in the country.

Even if you don’t take any tours with them or rent a bike from them, they are still an excellent resource in a country where you benefit greatly from having someone in the know.

To book your stay at the hostel directly you can message them on WhatsApp and feel free to say you got the number from Geena at Beyond The Bucketlist. WhatsApp: +92 346 8557771

How to Get From Islamabad to Skardu

You have two easy options to get from Islamabad to Skardu.

Domestic flight. There is a several times-per-week flight from Benazir Bhutto Airport in Rawalpindi into Skardu. The flight usually costs between $40-$80 dollars and takes only 1 hour. Book your flight here.

Bus. There are several bus companies that run from Rawalpindi/Islamabad to Skardu. K2 Movers is one of the most reputable ones with the route. They have a daily bus that leaves at around 6 PM costing around $13. Daewoo is the other favorite which leaves at around 4:30 PM daily costing around $16. Now hold onto your socks, this journey can take anywhere from 14 hours to 24 hours.

You can always hire a driver to take you around North Pakistan as well. But this is not the cheapest option. Nor the quickest. I say, motorcycle yourself, take the bus, or book the flight.

Optional Stop: Fairy Meadows (1 Night)

Good for Iconic Mountain Views & a staple on every traveler’s Pakistan itinerary.

I didn’t include Fairy Meadows on my original itinerary because I don’t think it’s worth ALL the hype that it gets. That being said it is the easiest way for travelers (without their own transportation) to see Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world, in all its glaciated glory.

Fairy Meadows is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Pakistan.

To visit the scenic valley, you’ll stay at a hotel near the Karakoram highway or in Fairy Meadows itself (much more expensive) and ride in one of the jeeps up the “most dangerous road in the world”. While the road looks treacherous no one has died driving it so it’s hardly the most dangerous road in the world in my opinion but the nickname still sticks.

In Fairy Meadows, you can enjoy the view, embark on a day hike, or do some more serious trekking if you have a guide. Add this on to your Pakistan itinerary if you feel like you have some extra time to fill.

Skardu (2 Nights)

Good for Trekking and Nature.

Skardu is an incredible destination for hiking in Pakistan. If you plan on hiking one of the many multi-day routes in the area you will need to allocate more time in the country. Or skip a few of the other destinations on this list.

In full transparency: I didn’t get to Skardu due to the weather when I visited in late October. But I can tell you what I planned on doing and seeing while I was there and I promise to update this portion of the Pakistan itinerary once I return.

Must See Attractions in Skardu

Skardu is known as the gateway to K2, 2nd highest mountain in the world, so it’s no surprise that most of what there is to do there is hiking and mountain-related.

• Safaranga Cold Desert. Hike up the dunes at sunset for breathtaking views.
• Manthal Buddha Rock. There are a few Buddhist sites throughout Pakistan and this is one of them.
• Trek to Masrur Rock. This scenic vista is the best around and involves a full day hike at elevation so come prepared.
• See the Kharpocho Fort. Even if the Fort itself is little to write home about the views outside it are worth the visit.
• Take a day trip to Shigar or Kachura Lake. Both these areas are super scenic and pretty easily reached from Skardu.

Where to Stay in Skardu

Here are two highly recommended places to stay within Skardu that you can book ahead of time if you would like.

How to Get From Skardu to Minapin

If you’re relying on public transport for this Pakistan itinerary you’ll have to take two buses.

The first leaves from Skardu multiple times per day to Gilgit. This can take as long as 6 hours sometimes. You should go to the bus station as early as possible so that you can make it to Gilgit and onward to Minapin on the same day.

The shared public bus/van leaves Gilgit at around 3 PM daily (or whenever it gets full) and should only take a little more than an hour to reach Minapin.

As you’re probably starting to pick up on…getting around in Pakistan can be a little tricky. You’ll need to be flexible and willing to burn a few days due to long transport times. But I can promise you the drives will pass quicker than you think because of the spectacular views.

Minapin (2 Nights)

Good for those planning to hike Rakaposhi.

Minapin is the start of the Rakaposhi Base Camp Trail. This is the number 1 reason to stop in Minapin and why you’ll be spending at least 2 full days in town. The town of Minapin is little more than two dirt streets, a handful of shops, and a few lovely guesthouses.

Must See Attractions in Minapin

Spoiler it’s all hiking.

Hike Rakaposhi Base Camp

It’s impossible to miss the impressive exposed face of the glaciated Rakaposhi mountain. And it is oh so tempting to climb. We’ve visited twice now and neither time the weather cooperated with us. But NEXT TIME, I’m ready for it.

The Rakaposhi climb is best done with an overnight stay at base camp where you can take in an epic sunset, sleep near the glacier, and enjoy the hike both up and down. You CAN do the whole hike fairly *easily* in one day. It’s about 10km round-trip with 1400m of elevation gain (4500ft!) and usually takes hikers about 8 hours. It’s steep and scenic and already at elevation. So, if you want to really savor it be sure to rent a tent and gear from one of the many outfitters or hire a guide from any of the guesthouses.

Credit where credit is due. Bucketlistly has a great blog post detailing how to hike the mountain in one day if you so choose.

Embark on Numerous Other Hikes in the Area

While Rakaposhi is undoubtedly the hands-down winner…there are plenty of other great hikes into the Karakoram mountains.

Where to Stay in Minapin

Unfortunately, my pick for the best place to stay isn’t currently accepting bookings from any online agencies. Roomy Yerts in Minapin is worth the risk of a walk-up stay though and I linked the booking.com site for photos. The rooms are super comfortable and they have small huts for cheaper stays. But the best part about Roomy Yerts was the guesthouse meals! Please eat here if you choose to stay.

How to Get From Minapin to Karimabad

Follow the twisting turns of the Karakoram Highway. Almost everyone passing here will be headed onward to Karimabad, the most popular of the Northern towns. You’ll be able to catch any number of buses from Gilgit and it shouldn’t take more than a few hours.

Karimabad (3 Nights)

Good for all travelers. Epic views, gateway to Hunza, and more.

Welcome to the OFFICIAL Hunza Valley. Karimabad is the single most popular destination in the northern mountains. It’s popular with backpackers, bougie travelers, and both foreign and domestic visitors. For good reason. But all this popularity has gone to its head and now there are tons of shopping stalls and lots of overpriced restaurants in the city. While that has impacted its charm…it’s still far from touristy when considered against the rest of the world.

The Hunza Valley is home to the Ismaili Muslims. This is a different sect of Islam than the more popular Shia and Sunni. You’ll notice that the area is much less conservative than other regions of Pakistan and that sometimes you’ll even find locals drinking alcohol.

Must See Attractions in Karimabad

• Eat Apricots and Walnuts! Many of the restaurants serve cake with it inside because it’s a regional favorite.
• Drive to the Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint on a sunny day. This is one of the best views in the Hunza Valley.
• Read my foodie guide to Pakistan to see the best places to eat in Pakistan. One of them is a women’s collective that employs local women and cooks PHENOMENAL food.
• Visit the Baltit Fort in Karimabad. Your ticket gives you a free guide and there are nice views from the top level of the fort.
• I have found that of all the Hunza towns — Karimabad has the best views. Walk around and enjoy them.
• Hike Ultar Base Camp if for some reason you choose to skip Minapin and the Rakaposhi hike. You’ll see signs in town and can find the directions on maps.me.
• Shop! As I mentioned there is lots of shopping to do while in Karimabad. I personally bought a pashmina and some rings from the local jewelers. Many of the stones were harvested from these very mountains.
• Pay a visit to the nearby Ganish Village. This was the very first settlement in all of Hunza (dating back 1,000 years). There are some mosques still standing that are more than 400 years old.

Where to Stay in Karimabad

I’m offering both my favorite place to stay in Karimabad (which is not particularly budget-friendly) and a more backpacker-style spot.

How to Get From Karimabad to Gulmit

You can take yet another bus or van whichever leaves first from Karimabad to Gulmit. It shouldn’t take longer than an hour.

Gulmit (1 Night)

Good for travelers interested in supporting female-owned and operated businesses.

Gulmit is a tiny little town with one main reason for visiting (in my opinion). The Women’s Weaving Collective. This small shop is a rare rug-making workshop run and staffed entirely by local women. This is super rare in Pakistan’s male-dominated society. Supporting this business puts money directly into the pockets of Pakistani women and gives them a way to not be completely reliant on their husbands and fathers.

Be sure to bring cash. Karimabad is one of the last places you might be able to withdraw money. Read my blog on tips for traveling in Pakistan for an idea of how much cash to bring with you when traveling north from Islamabad.

Must See Attractions in Gulmit

• Women’s Rug Making Collective. They have lovely woven rugs of all sizes.
• The old preserved house next door. I’m not exactly sure what to call it but it’s a slice of Pakistani history and a very interesting look at how homes are traditionally made with natural materials in the mountains. I was told this home is about a hundred years old.

Where to Stay in Gulmit

There are some really cozy backpacker-style guesthouses in Gulmit. But all of them are labeled on maps.me only and walk-up. If you want to book ahead of time these are your two best options.

If you are short on time I recommend not staying overnight in Gulmit and instead continuing on to Passu the same day. The two towns are only 20 minutes apart.

How to Get From Gulmit to Passu

You will either have to catch a bus passing by on the Karakoram highway from Gilgit to Passu OR hire a taxi to make the short scenic journey. The drive is just 20 minutes from hotel to hotel.

The reason I recommend a taxi (or your own form of transport) is that when you reach this far northern region it becomes much more difficult to reach the sights. For example, you will pass both the Passu Glacier and the Passu/Husseini Suspension Bridges on your way from Gulmit to Passu. These are iconic attractions in the area and you SHOULD see them. This will require a taxi hire that your guesthouse can arrange.

Passu (2 Nights)

Good for mountain lovers.

Welcome to my favorite town in Northern Pakistan. This is an essential stop on every 1-month Pakistan itinerary. Here you sit just off the Karakoram Highway surrounded by tall conical snow-capped peaks known as the Passu Cones. This stretch of the highway is lined on all sides by the behemoth mountains. I couldn’t stop swiveling my head around as we drove through the teeth of some of the highest mountains on earth.

Must See Attractions in Passu

• Passu Cones. Best at sunrise or sunset on a sunshine-soaked day. Stay at the Ambassador Hotel for the best view of the cones with your tea in the morning.
• Passu Glacier Hike. This is a quick day hike easily navigable on your own with the help of maps.me. You’ll have to hire a car that can navigate the short off-road stretch to the parking lot though. From here, the glacier stretches out creaking and groaning beneath you all the way to the snowy Karakoram peaks.
• Patundas Glacier Trek. This is a 3-day hike that requires a local guide. Your hotel can arrange it for you. The trail starts out the same as the Passu Glacier hike but then enters the mountains and traverses the glacier itself. This is well worth extending your stay in Passu if you have the time.
• Yak Burger. Known for its fresh made yak burgers and exceptional views, this is the place to eat in Passu.
• Passu Suspension Bridge. This is different than the very popular and touristy Husseini Suspension Bridge. The Passu Suspension Bridge is 100% free to walk across and is a real access bridge to a small village across the river. It requires a walk down a sandy cliffside trail from the highway, however. So if you’re looking for an easier bridge (even if it’s not quite as scenic) then the Husseini Tourist Bridge is colorful and right off the highway. But you do have to purchase a ticket to visit this one. AND you will likely be there with lots of other tourists. I really recommend making the trek to the Passu Suspension Bridge.

Where to Stay in Passu

If you insist on booking in advance then Passu Peak Inn is your (only) bet. But I urge you to reconsider. The Ambassador Hotel outside the city of Passu is SO WORTH the stay. The rooms are basic and comfortable but the morning views of the Passu Cones make the stay that much more incredible.

While it is easier to reach this hotel if you have your own mode of transportation (see my motorcycle guide *coming soon*) you can always hire a taxi or request a pick-up from the bus station.

How to Get From Passu to Chiporsun

Another adventure that requires a taxi. But again, well worth the money. If the weather and conditions are poor you will need to hire a jeep to reach the deepest parts of the valley as the roads are pretty treacherous.

Chiporsun Valley (2/3 Nights)

Good for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Only for the intrepid.

Stunning. Simply stunning. It’s a place I’ll let the photos speak for themselves because there is nothing here but vast mountain landscapes and small rural villages pressed up against the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan. I recommend 2-3 nights here so you can go deep into the valley and enjoy remote nature.

The sleeping conditions in guesthouses here are basic. Don’t expect luxury or things like running water. There won’t be any internet either. But that’s part of the charm of this place.

Where to Stay in Chiporsun

While I have visited Chiporsun Valley, I did it with the help and company of my local friend Sana and my travel friend Alex from Lost With Purpose. All this to say that she wrote a far better blog post about Chiporsun Valley and literally everything you would ever need to know to plan an independent visit. There are NO hotels that you are able to pre-book on an online booking portal here. WhatsApp phone numbers only.

This is her blog post on Chiporsun Valley. Also, do yourself a favor and peruse some of her other Pakistan Blog Posts for more destination-specific information and fun travel stories. No one knows Pakistan (no foreigner anyway) as well as she does.

How to Get From Chiporsun to Gilgit

Before you return South toward Islamabad you could also go all the way to the border with China along the Karakoram. Once you hit the Karakoram highway again, you can continue North toward the Khunjerab Pass between China and Pakistan. This pass is 16,500 feet and super scenic. If an excursion like that sounds intriguing to you, hire a driver to take you there and back.

But all roads run toward Gilgit. You’ll have to return to the town of Sost from Chiporsun Valley to catch any buses heading onward to Gilgit. I had my own transportation here, so I won’t pretend to know the exact prices and times (they change anyway) of the buses in this area but I do know that they exist and the drive should be around 4-5 hours.

Gilgit (1 Night)

Good for a day of rest.

Gilgit is one of the largest cities in North Pakistan. It has an airport and lots of decent places to eat. But other than that…your stopover here is pretty much just to break up the long journey south so you don’t spend 24 hours on a bus.

Where to Stay in Gilgit

Your stay in Gilgit will mostly be used to break your very long journey back to the Punjab state into manageable bite-sized pieces.

How to Get From Gilgit to Islamabad

Bus: 24 hours, around $15 per person, leaves 1-2 times daily.

Flight: A quick 1-hour flight for $60 per person. To save your sanity I really recommend the flight as it can also be quite scenic. The link above is the best way to book as you can’t book directly on PIA flights without a Pakistani phone number and credit card.

Detour: Peshawar (2 Nights)

Good for cultural sights and city lovers.

Peshawar is a really underrated city with an old city and unique culture that makes paying it a visit worth your while. It’s also less visited than many other major cities in Pakistan which was appealing to me. It’s very easy to snag a bus from Islamabad to Peshawar. It only takes around 3 hours to travel between the cities. If you have the time give it a go.

Where to Stay in Peshawar

I stayed with a friend during my visit so I haven’t actually used either of these hotels but both have good reviews and look promising.

How to Get From Peshawar to Karachi

If you choose to visit Peshawar you have two options to reach Karachi.

Bus: Daewoo Express runs this route and expects it to take about 24 hours & costs $27 per person.

Flight: For about $65 you can snag a direct 2-hour flight from Peshawar Airport to Karachi on Serene Air.

How to Get From Islamabad to Karachi

If you choose to skip Peshawar you have three options to reach Karachi.

Bus: 22 hours of travel via Faisal Movers should cost you around $27 per person for a “business-class” seat with snacks. Keep in mind there are no toilets on the buses in Pakistan.

Flight: Depending on the day, flights from Islamabad Airport to Karachi cost between $60-$90 a piece. Click here to book PIA flight without a Pakistani credit card. It takes under 2 hours.

Train: After all the trains I took in India, I really wanted to take a train in Pakistan. I think it’s a very relaxing and scenic way to travel. More so than by bus anyways. But train travel in Pakistan is limited. This is one of the few routes that actually makes sense to try. This train takes a little over 24 hours and travels via Lahore. A sleeper bunk on the Karachi Express costs you around $20 per person.

Before you go be sure to brush up on my other essential Pakistan posts to help you travel in the country. It’s not the easiest place for a woman to travel.

Karachi (2 Nights)

Good for foodies and city lovers.

When we first arrived in Pakistan the customs agent told me not to visit Karachi because it wasn’t safe for foreigners. Then the Pakistani man standing next to him insisted it was and that I had to go see the seaside city. I saw this argument play out repeatedly anytime someone mentioned Karachi in Pakistan. My take on the sprawling city…it’s a perfectly safe place to travel and offers a look at the Sinhd desert province of Pakistan. An area very different from the Northern Mountains.

Unfortunately, Karachi is super far away from everywhere else in Pakistan you’ll be visiting. So I understand if it doesn’t land on your itinerary. But it’s a perfect city to leave the country from with its huge international airport and cheap fares to Turkey and Dubai.

Must See Attractions in Karachi

• Tooba Mosque. A really unique construction and outside of prayer time, totally empty.
• Clifton Beach. Not for swimming, but great for sunsets.
• FOOD. You know where to go.
• Saddar Neighborhood. A great place to walk around and look at the going-ons of the city. The Empress Market is just one of many street markets in this area of town.
• Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam. Another really unique-looking monument in the city.
• Shah Jahan Masjid Thatta. While this mosque is not actually in Karachi it is worth a day trip if you find yourself with an extra day. It’s about an hour outside the city by bus and you should be able to get yourself there and back fairly easily.

Where to Stay in Karachi

Neighborhoods matter when you’re talking about an area as big as Karachi. Despite being slightly out of the way of many tourist sights Clifton is the neighborhood that most foreigners are told to stay in. I completely agree. Not all of Karachi is great to wander around in after dark but you’ll have no problems in this area.

Leaving Karachi

Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and has an International Airport with regular flights to Turkey, Dubai, and other major cities across the region. It’s easy to plan your departure from Pakistan from this city. If you have plans to return to India however, you will need to take a bus or book a domestic flight back to Lahore. Thanks to the poor relationship between the two countries you cannot fly directly between them.

Consider skipping Karachi if you need to exit from Lahore. I enjoyed my time in the city but I didn’t find it interesting enough to warrant a 20-hour bus or train journey BOTH ways. We only visited because we had booked flights out of this airport.

Even with a full month in Pakistan, you’ll still feel as though it passed in a whirlwind. I’ve visited the country twice now and the list of places I want to see within its borders only grows. But this 1-month Pakistan itinerary covers all the best “must-see” sights within the country while giving you a good overview of the culture and a varied landscape.

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