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Pakistan

The 1700 KM+ route we traversed by motorcycle via pot-holed roads scattered with debris from this mornings landslides, wove through verdant green valleys and between the spines of two great mountain ranges — The Karakoram and the Hindukush. We were literally surrounded on all sides by white snowy peaks. The landscape dwarfs anything that crosses it, known to locals as the land of Giants. With numerous spires stretching well into the “dead zone”, Pakistan’s tallest and most noteworthy mountain is K2, towering above the others at more than 28,000ft.

Few people aside from peak baggers looking to climb K2 or “serious” travelers checking destinations off their map go to Pakistan. The media has not been kind to the country and most foreigners would assume that Pakistan is unstable, unsafe, and uninteresting to the average traveler. But Pakistan is none of these things. Yes, it’s a conservative Islamic Republic that requires visitors, especially females, to follow a strict code of conduct and cultural norms. And despite what many famous Youtubers will have you believe, it’s not a country for everyone.

You will face challenges on the road in Pakistan. But alongside those challenges and the numerous embarrassing cultural faux pas you’ll make along the way, you’ll also find mountains, trekking, delicious regional food like Chapshuro stuffed with lightly seasoned yak meat, incredibly ornate mosques and ancient historical sights, religious diversity with the chance to participate in unique pagan rituals, and so much more. Pakistan is one of the most interesting places I’ve ever had the chance to visit. And while I wouldn’t recommend the country to beginner traveler’s– you don’t need as much experience to navigate the in’s and out’s of Pakistan as you might think.

Pakistan Travel Guide

Recommended Cities: Lahore, Islamabad, Karimabad, Gulmit, Kalash, Booni, Ishkoman Valley, and Sindh Province.

Minimum Recommended Trip Length: 3-4 weeks to see the highlights. But I promise you’ll wish you stayed longer. Fortunately, a visa is easy to extend.

One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: Motorbiking through the northern mountains on the Karakoram Highway.

Things to Consider Before You Go: If you’re a woman your visit to Pakistan is much more complicated than your male counterparts. You will need to bring headscarves, 3/4 length sleeve blouses, long dresses, and nothing form-fitting. You’ll face a lot of unique challenges too. Pakistani men are not used to dealing with foreign women in many places and you’ll have to be vigilant to not “give them the wrong idea” by too much eye contact or chattiness. You’ll have to rely on your gut a lot in this country. But many women do travel solo here and as with any destination most people are kind, helpful, and welcoming.

If you’re a solo woman and a little wary about traveling in Pakistan (or just want an exceptional experience in the country) then I would consider joining a tour by Lost With Purpose. She offers women’s tours and motorcycle adventures (read my post for more info).

Visa Requirements

The visa process for Pakistan is pretty straightforward. Unless you’re applying from India, in which case read my blog post on crossing the Wagah Border. Otherwise, head to this website and apply for an E-Visa. It costs $60 for Americans to stay for 30 days. The visa can take up to 5 business days to receive.

Note: You will need a sponsorship letter or a letter of recommendation from someone inside Pakistan. You can easily obtain one of these from any hotel inside Pakistan for a fee (just arrange it ahead of time). Or if you’re taking my advice and joining a tour with Lost With Purpose, Alex can arrange a letter for you.

Estimated Backpacker Budget

On a Shoestring: $30/day 

Flashpacker: $50/day 

Backpacker Luxury: $70/day

Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be cooking your own meals or eating street food and sleeping in hostels or guesthouses.  Backpacker Luxury opts for hotel rooms, eats mostly in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.  

Pakistan Blog Posts