Is Pakistan Safe? An Honest Look at Travel in Pakistan (as an American Woman)

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Safety is relative. You can meet your demise in any number of ways in every single country on this planet. You can die stepping out of the shower on your way to work today. But I know that isn’t what you’re asking. When people ask the question “is X country safe?” what they really want you to do is estimate the likelihood they are to be murdered or otherwise maimed by another human being. They might be interested in petty crimes like theft or natural disasters. But generally speaking, I find that people are most concerned about other people.

So is Pakistan safe? What is it like to travel in the country? How do people treat you? Am I making a mistake by planning a trip to Pakistan? These are the questions this blog post was designed to address.

I feel alive in Pakistan. The fresh mountain air, the snow-capped peaks, the spicy cuisine sitting heavy in my belly. The country’s landscape is as diverse as its people. It has the kindest humans, the strongest chai, and holds a special place in the heart of almost all who choose to travel here. But this post is not a glossy tourist brochure. It’s dedicated to preparing travelers for a visit to Pakistan. It’s neither an easy country or a dangerous one. You can say it’s complicated. And without proper preparation, you could incite an international incident or come away with a less than rosey picture of Pakistan. 

Too many people travel to Pakistan and neighboring countries simply for the adrenaline or the cachet of it. They visit because it makes them feel like an experienced worldly traveler. But you shouldn’t visit anywhere unless you are interested in the culture and willing to keep an open mind about local practices.

Is Pakistan Safe?

Yes. With a little asterisk.

Like I said, nowhere is SAFE. But Pakistan can be traveled *safely* if you agree to follow some rules and boundaries during your trip. This isn’t a carefree fanciful vacation to the Caribbean, this is travel, semi-adventurous travel at the very least, to a theocratic (as in not-secular) country with dramatic landscapes and limited infrastructure.

Pakistan has made a huge effort to protect travelers (and locals). If you do decide to pay the country a visit you’ll notice 10,000 military checkpoints essentially dividing each region and monitoring the comings and going of everyone. On top of that Pakistan has its own intelligence agency (like the CIA) called the ISI that I’m fairly certain are monitoring every single citizen and human who enters the country’s borders. You could look at this in a sinister way, but it made Pakistan a safer place.

Research is key when visiting Pakistan. Fortunately, you’re already here so that’s a good start.

Overall, I would say I felt about as safe in Pakistan as I did in Iraq and India.

The US Department of State (& Most Other Countries Governments) Says No

But rarely do I find myself in agreement with the US Government.

Pakistan is pretty much consistently locked into the Level 3 risk: Reconsider Travel. They claim this is due to threats of terrorism and violence. And while I’m sure the government means well (I’m actually not sure of that at all)– you are almost assuredly not going to experience acts of terror on your trip to Pakistan.

I would venture that there is only a slightly increased risk of a suicide bomber in Islamabad when compared to any major US city.

My point is essentially….these travel warnings issued by the government are garbage (for Americans, I’m told that for Europeans it can affect your travel insurance). Disregard them completely and instead finish reading my blog post and then search for accounts from other travelers who have recently visited the country. Straight from the mouths of people who have actually been there.

But is Pakistan Safe for Women?

Well, people of all genders do live here. Women, children, men. Yes, women can (and do) travel to Pakistan. Solo and with their partners. You will be expected to follow many more cultural guidelines and rules than your male counterparts but your safety concerns are pretty much the same.

Sexual Assault, Groping, and Rape in Pakistan

If you’re a female traveler, especially a solo one, this is your travel nightmare. I think this is what many women are concerned about when they travel to parts of the world that are male-dominated and patriarchal. Of which, Pakistan is both.

Let’s address groping first.

I’ve been accosted by men in crowded places in Indonesia, Egypt, the USA, Sri Lanka, and India. The experiences are seared into my mind. I did not experience this behavior in Pakistan but I will not say that it does not occur. I know many female travelers who have spent some time in the country and confirm that the random market butt-grab does occur on occasion.

Okay, full disclosure, I did get boob-grabbed by a very elderly woman in the remote regions of Pakistan, which I’m still not fully sure what that was about. It did not, however, seem sexual so I almost didn’t mention it here. Almost.

I BELIEVE FIRMLY that what you wear does not justify sexual harassment in any country. But in practice, the closer to cultural norms that you follow, the less likely you are to get groped. I was wearing shorts (*gasp*) in Egypt, India, and Sri Lanka when the incidents occurred. Tight pants in Pakistan will likely have the same effect on men who grow up in a society that believes Western women are overly-sexual horndogs who desperately want their butts grabbed.

As for rape and other forms of SA…

I’ll address other steps you can take as a woman to ensure that you don’t give any overly zealous men the “wrong idea”. Customs are different here. What we in the West might consider simple politeness or friendliness between sexes can be perceived very differently on this side of the world. Don’t get yourself into any sticky situations. Also, always keep your door locked at night (obviously, I’m sure this isn’t news for solo female travelers).

Is Pakistan Safe for LGBTQ+ Travelers

I am a straight white American woman with dark hair and olive features. So I can really only speak from that perspective. Being LGBTQ+ or a different race would/could change my perceived level of safety about a destination. Specifically, this destination. Pakistan is not a particularly liberal country in any sense, particularly when it comes to same-sex couples. I don’t feel comfortable advising same-sex couples to travel freely in Pakistan. You absolutely could. But you would have to be very careful and discreet which doesn’t sound like a wonderful time to me.

Instead, I’m going to show you to the expert. Queer in the World has a full blog post on traveling Queer in Pakistan. He is going to be the best and most knowledgeable resource on the topic. As for traveling as a Black man/woman in Pakistan– Blackman Da Traveller is a YouTuber who has traveled all throughout Central Asia and the Middle East.

Why is Pakistan so Complicated? 

Pakistan is a complicated country. It’s not the most stable politically. It borders Afghanistan which is currently governed by the conservative-extremist group known as the Taliban and many Taliban subgroups exist within Pakistan’s own borders as well. The country is also unstable geologically. They suffer extraordinarily from climate change which leads to extreme temperatures as well as volatile land movements like earthquakes and landslides.

They are an Islamic Nation but allow other religions to exist within the country. This usually leads to these small religious minorities being oppressed and discriminated against. All this to say, that Pakistan, like many nations around the world, has its fair share of problems. Let’s talk about the problems you might come face-to-face with as a traveler.

Risks of Travel in Pakistan

Now that we’ve discussed sexual assault and murder above, both of which are wildly unlikely– let’s look at the problems within Pakistan that you might actually face.

• Landslides.
• Conservative Dress Codes.
• Scorching Temperatures.
• Food Poisoning.
• Bus/Car/Motorcycle Accidents.
• Infectious Diseases.
• Altitude Sickness.
• Bedbugs.
• Death by Too Many Selfies. (kidding, but you will be asked often at popular tourist sights).

Okay, the list doesn’t look great when you lay it out like that. But consider neighboring India and you face almost all the same troubles (minus the dress codes sometimes) with the addition of being impaled by an angry street cow.

But What About The Acts of Terrorism?

Suicide bombings do *occasionally* happen within the borders of Pakistan. The reason that I don’t label them a concern for travelers is because Pakistan severely limits the areas that foreigners can visit within the country. If there are any signs of unrest or risk of attacks they promptly close the borders of that region. Like they have done with Swat Valley in the past. And the Pakistan military is pretty on top of it. They monitor the comings and goings of EVERYONE in that country very carefully.

Attacks that do catch them off-guard usually hit their own headquarters or police stations. These are not places that foreigners are.

Even the most conservative people I met in Pakistan still shared a chai with me and were nothing but polite and hospitable despite me being a foreigner, non-muslim, and a woman. For this reason, I put the risk of being caught in an explosive terrorist attack to be about the same as a shoot-out in an American grocery store…it could feasibly happen but the odds are pretty low.

The easiest way to put a huge red target on yourself is to flout societal norms and disrespect locals. Like I said before, there are rules you should adhere to to keep yourself and others safe. Don’t illegally sneak (good luck trying it anyway) into regions where foreigners aren’t allowed. You being stupid in Pakistan could cause an international incident and ruin the still-developing tourism industry in the country for decades to come.

What to Expect in Regards to Petty Crime in Pakistan?

Pretty much none at all!

Thanks to Islamic leanings across the entire country you pretty much won’t ever have to worry about things being stolen from you. Theft is virtually non-existent in countries that are predominately Islamic in faith.

Karachi is the one destination in Pakistan that doesn’t fit this rule. Karachi is a huge city whose streets experience a lot of poverty and it’s more of a melting pot of cultures. Big cities always have more risk of theft. If you add Karachi to your itinerary be sure to only carry the cash you need on you and don’t flaunt any wealth as you walk around. Exercise caution.

How To Avoid The Aforementioned Risks While in Pakistan

Worried about any of the “risks” mentioned above? These are the things travelers of all genders can do to protect themselves.

Landslides

Okay, landslides are a hard one. You can’t control nature. Apart from not visiting the Northern Mountains in Pakistan (which you definitely should visit), your best bet is to travel with a local or on public transportation as they stay up to date with the conditions of the road.

You should also avoid traveling on super rainy days and be prepared with snacks for when the inevitable landslide derails your schedule.

Conservative Dress Codes

Keep scrolling down to my female travel tips if you are a woman. But in regards to both genders…buy a Shalwar Kameez. This is the outfit you will see almost every single Pakistani wearing. This isn’t like buying a Sari in India. This outfit is essential for visiting mosques and conservative regions in the country.

When you don’t wear the Shalwar Kameez, wear pants and sleeves. There is no reason for either gender to ever be wearing shorts. It’s just not a good idea. Short sleeves are fine for men on those scorching hot days. But leave the tank tops at home.

Skip the Scorching Temperatures of Summer

Summer in Pakistan is not a joke. You’ll see temperatures in Lahore and Karachi hit 130 degrees F. DO NOT TRAVEL IN SUMMER. You will be filled with regret. Do visit for Spring or Fall instead. Temperatures in those cities will be a mild 100 degrees F.

Steer Clear of Food Poisoning

I have a massive foodie guide to Pakistan. This is where you should eat in the country.

And oh, you’ll eat. Huge gut-busting meals are a centerpiece of socializing in Pakistan. It’s one of my favorite countries to eat in. Someone knock on wood, but I have not gotten food poisoning in Pakistan thus far. That being said, it’s pretty rampant in South Asia.

• The water is never clean to drink, always buy bottled or filter yourself.
• Fried foods over fresh when you’re choosing street food. You want it to be cooked.
• Juice is a risk. A risk I take daily, but yes, still a risk. This is because of the ice and using full unwashed fruits.
• Busy restaurants are always the way to go.
• Reviews in Pakistan are difficult to decipher so don’t bother. Most places have thousands of reviews but I don’t usually agree with them and neither does my Pakistani foodie friend.
• Skip shitty hotel food. These buffets in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi are where you are most likely to fall ill.
• Bring some hand sani with you at all times. You touch a lot of things and you’ll be expected to eat with those hands.

Trust your gut (pun intended) and follow typical travel rules when dealing with street food and you should be fine. Pack some Pepto-Bismol just in case. You won’t be able to find it once you’re here in the country.

How to Avoid Car/Motorcycle/Bus Accidents

Pray to Allah.

This is a risk everywhere you go. Probably the biggest risk of all in Pakistan. The roads can be treacherous and drivers can be maniacs. This is why we drive ourselves when we visit the country. But I also trust the people who drive the roads often.

Read More: Why Choose A Motorcycle Tour in Pakistan.

Hospitals in Pakistan are not great TBH. Try not to do anything that will land you in one.

How to Avoid Infectious Disease

Dengue and Malaria are spread by mosquitoes and just like the rest of Asia, some repellent goes a long way. Also, July-September is the peak Dengue mosquito season. Yet another reason to avoid the summertime. Mosquitos aren’t a concern in the Northern mountains due to the high elevation.

Polio has recently had a resurgence in Pakistan. This just means you should have a polio vaccine. Typhoid and Hepatitis are two other vaccines that you should keep up to date in case of foodborne illness. COVID as well. I caught it in Pakistan in 2023.

Basically, just make sure to stay on top of your travel vaccines, bring copies of your documents with you, and you will be fine. Especially if you are traveling overland via India because they check documents thoroughly at the border.

Watch Out For Altitude Sickness

Pakistan is home to the tallest mountain ranges in the world. Many cities are at elevation and if you plan on hiking you need to take precautions. Drink lots of water, take time to acclimate, be sure to eat enough, and be easy on yourself.

Here are the symptoms to watch out for. If you experience any of the symptoms of Altitude Sickness the only cure is going down. Don’t try to sleep it off at the same elevation as you risk developing very serious complications like HAPE and HACE.

How to Avoid Bedbugs in Pakistan

Sleeping conditions in the North of Pakistan specifically, are not what Western standards are used to. Often you will have a big thick comforter that is most definitely not washed after ever use. If you are concerned about that then you should bring one of those little sleeping bag liners like this to separate your skin from the bedding.

Pakistan Travel Prerequisites

Not everyone should travel to Pakistan. I think that there are a handful of traits and experiences that a person should possess before they venture to this country. If you’re here reading this you probably already have them. But if not — now is the time to start cultivating them before your trip. 

Note: This is focused on independent travelers. If you are a little unsure about your visit join a tour with Coyote Trail and Lost With Purpose. I know both of them personally and trust them explicitly with all things travel in Pakistan.

Before ANYONE Visits Pakistan They Should…

• have traveled to “Islamic” countries previously. Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey are good examples. 
• be comfortable around armed military checkpoints + generally ok with guns being out in the open.
• have a basic knowledge of Islam and a willingness to abide by the cultural norms. 
• be a flexible person able to adapt to forever-changing plans. 
• be able to be calm and cool-headed in tense situations. 

Thats it. If you can do those things then you’ll have a wonderful time in Pakistan.

What It’s Like to Travel in Pakistan as a Woman

Reminder: I am a white American woman in my early 30s who traveled to Pakistan with my husband (or fiance). I can only speak to what I felt traveling under these specific circumstances.

My experiences varied by city and region. In the more liberal metropolitan areas like Islamabad and Karachi, I fell into the background of society. Many local women wear “regular” clothes rather than traditional attire and these regions see lots of foreigners. It feels like India for the most part.

Then you have Lahore & Peshawar. Cities still yes, but more conservative. Here I always wore a headscarf and felt the eyes of curious locals on me anytime I left the hotel. As a foreign woman, I often felt like a spectacle. Even if I wasn’t always approached, you are always watched.

Pakistani people have perfected what we in the West call the resting “bitch face”. I’m sure it’s a cultural norm that’s meant to not initiate interaction between the genders on the street but it can look quite intimidating to have someone dead-faced staring you down. Many travelers say it feels unfriendly, unwelcoming, and unnerving. We are used to smiling at strangers if we catch each other’s eye. But that’s not always the case here. My advice? Don’t take it personally and don’t assume the dead stares are out of dislike or anger. It’s just a cultural norm.

Generally speaking, I felt that Pakistani people across the board were more interested in foreigners than you typically experience around the world because they see less of them. This means I was frequently approached for selfies, conversation, and invited to join people while they ate.

The Privilege of Being a Traveler VS a Local Woman

I was also allowed to exist between the genders. That’s the best way to describe how foreign women are expected to behave in the country. We don’t have to follow ALL the rules and norms that local women are held to. And no, that’s not fair, but it’s the experience that I had and saw in Pakistan.

For example, I rode a motorbike with my legs not side-saddle (because that’s wildly dangerous), with my not-yet-husband. I also am permitted to eat in men’s dining rooms on occasion. These are things local women don’t do. I went on a motorcycle trip with 7 Pakistani men as the only woman, I smoked hash, and drank alcohol. These are things that would be culturally frowned upon for a local woman to do but was accepted by all the men that a foreign woman was doing it.

In the most conservative regions, I never felt unsafe. Just observed. Expect to be a curiosity and often find yourself a little overstimulated or over-socialized if you are not an extrovert.

Here are some interesting things to note about traveling in Pakistan as a Woman

You will often be asked to eat in restaurants in the “family room”. This room is separate from the rest of the restaurant, usually by a curtain or something like it and it’s where they put women and children. Your whole party (if you have mixed genders) will eat back there. Sometimes they make exceptions and let foreign women eat in the men’s section. I enjoy this because the men’s section is usually better.

Unmarried women and men should NEVER be alone together. Like ever. So, don’t put yourself in any compromising positions if you’re a solo woman and a seemingly harmless man invites you to his home for something.

Women don’t touch men they aren’t related to or married to. When meeting people wait to see if the man extends his hand to you before you offer yours.

You might not be permitted to visit everywhere that men can. Specifically religious sights.

“Rules” For Women Traveling in Pakistan

Let’s wrap it up with the lady-specific stuff. These are the rules you should be prepared to follow while traveling in Pakistan. If you are not comfortable with any of this…then Pakistan isn’t the place for you.

For a comprehensive guide to independent travel in Pakistan and all my tips for traveling in the country (not just safety-related ones) read my full blog post. (*coming soon*)

• Always keep a headscarf on hand. Whether it’s on your head or in your day bag you never know when you might need it.
• Long sleeves & long pants or skirts always. 3/4 length is acceptable. Be sure things are flowy rather than tight-fitting.
• Get a SIM card for emergencies. You want to be able to use maps and contact your hotel just in case.
• Take on a Quieter Demeanor. If you’re generally very boisterous or loud, just read the room.
• If most women around you are wearing a burka, you should be too.
• Try to avoid eye contact with strange men. Eye contact is seen as an invitation or sign of “interest” in conservative areas.
• Don’t lie down in front of men. You might think this is a weird rule to point out but since you’ll often be eating in those lounging charpoy chairs or on the floor, it could cross your mind to stretch out fully…but that’s a no-go.

Read More: If you want more in-depth information about traveling in Pakistan as a woman…read Alex Reynolds from Lost With Purposes Blog. She’s more knowledgeable about Pakistan and has spent more time in the country than anyone I know.

Still Concerned? Here’s How to Make Your Visit to Pakistan Even Safer!!

• Do NOT ever take photos of women in Pakistan without explicit consent.
• Don’t plan your trip during a major Pakistani election. This is when your itinerary is most likely to be derailed by protests and unrest.
• Don’t do drugs. Hash is ubiquitous in Pakistan. Although, definitely not legal.
• Make friends with a local or try Couchsurfing. As I mentioned the hospitality of Pakistani people is unrivaled and the best way to stay safe in the country is to have some input and protection from locals. Stay at Coyote Den Travellers Hostel to meet some great people.
• Take a Tour. If you’re still feeling nervous about traveling in Pakistan independently then you should consider a tour. Here are a few that I recommend HIGHLY. Pakistan is totally safe and manageable for anyone when you let an experienced tour guide take the reins.

For the Ladies…

The biggest thing you can do to make yourself safer in Pakistan is to try to imitate how the genders interact with one another in Pakistan. And to understand what is creep behavior by Pakistani standards. This way you can identify it early and nip it in the bud.

Here’s a list of behavior in Pakistan that is likely not as innocent as you think it is…

• Selfies with a solo male or group of men. You might be used to this from your travels if you’ve been to India. But men shouldn’t be taking photos with women they don’t know in Pakistan and that is questionable behavior. Don’t be shy to decline to take photos. You can kinda feel when they are harmless or just an excuse for men to get close to a woman.
• One-on-one invitations. Don’t accept any invitations that seem like they might be one-on-one.

To deter a too-friendly man in Pakistan you should say that he reminds you of your little brother. It’s a playful way to make clear your intentions.

Am I Making a Mistake Booking a Trip to Pakistan?

If you fit the prerequisites above, then not one bit.

Pakistan is one of those countries that sticks with you. Most people who visit get a little obsessed with the place and keep returning for years to come. First-time visitors are always worried about safety…but once you go and start to understand the place a little bit more you’ll see that you’re just as safe there as you are anywhere.

Pros of Travel in Pakistan

I feel like I’ve been throwing so much heavy information at you, that you may have forgotten that I love Pakistan.

I’ve traveled to the country twice now for a month at a time and I plan to return numerous more times throughout my life. So to take a quick breather, let’s go over the reasons that Pakistan is a safe and INCREDIBLE travel destination for those few intrepid enough to visit.

1. Pakistan has the best hospitality of anywhere I have ever visited.

Pakistani hospitality is unrivaled. Their politeness and hosting capacity have no end.

Locals go so far out of their way to help you if you have any issues in the country. You’ll also get invited for tea, dinner, activities, and everything else. We made so many friends in the country and through them got to experience so many different parts of life in Pakistan. If you stay open-minded and accept these invitations then your experience traveling in Pakistan will be immersive and unique to anywhere else you’ve previously visited.

2. Where there’s a will there’s a way.

Even if there isn’t a ton of tourist infrastructure in the country, there’s always a way to get around. Even if that way is hitch-hiking sometimes. Read my full itinerary to plan your month backpacking in the country.

3. Amazing Food, Stunning Landscapes, Lots of Cultural Sights and Attractions

I probably don’t need to give you reasons to visit Pakistan at this point. If you’re here, something has already piqued your interest. But in case you were wondering, Pakistan is spectacularly beautiful and well worth the effort it takes to visit.

My goal is never to convince anyone that they SHOULD travel somewhere. Because truthfully it depends on the person whether you will love or hate a destination. Pakistan is even more polarizing a destination than most. But I do hope that after reading this blog post about Pakistan you better understand what it takes to travel safely in the country and feel more confident booking that flight.

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