Last Updated on October 23, 2025 by Sarah Wilson
When I told friends and family that I was going to Pakistan, the reactions were… dramatic, to say the least. Some were horrified, warning me I’d be kidnapped, or murdered. The reality? None of that happened. Instead, I met some of the kindest, most polite, and welcoming people I’ve ever encountered in my travels.
I travelled in a small group with Native Eye Travel, which turned out to be a great way to explore the country with experienced local guides. In some areas, such as the Swat Valley, we were required to have a police escort. It might initially sound intimidating, but it felt more like VIP treatment than anything else.
Pakistan is a country that surprises you at every turn. It’s stunningly beautiful, culturally rich, and still largely off the typical tourist trail. But before you go, here’s what you need to know:
What to Expect in Pakistan
Warm Hospitality
Pakistanis take pride in their hospitality. Don’t be surprised if strangers invite you for tea, share their food, or insist on helping you with directions. It’s genuine and a huge part of the travel experience here.
Dress Respectfully
Modesty is key. Women should opt for loose-fitting clothes that cover their arms and legs, and it’s a good idea to carry a scarf with you, for visiting mosques or more conservative areas. In many tourist spots, a loose-fitting T-shirt is perfectly acceptable. Men should also dress modestly and steer clear of shorts.
Bring Cash
Cash is king in most of Pakistan, especially outside the big cities. ATMs aren’t always reliable, so carry enough local currency (Pakistani rupees) for day-to-day use.
Transport Takes Time
Road trips can be long, winding, and occasionally chaotic. Factor in extra hours for delays and enjoy the journey—it’s often as memorable as the destination.
Safety Feels Different Than You Think
Yes, Pakistan has had its issues in the past, but many parts of the country are perfectly safe for tourists today. In the north, it sometimes meant travelling with a police escort, but it always felt more like a precaution than a real risk.
Food & Drink
From sizzling street kebabs to fragrant biryanis, Pakistani food is rich and full of flavour. Be prepared to eat with your hands, and don’t miss the local chai culture—it’s everywhere.
And a heads-up: Pakistan is a dry country. You won’t find bars or restaurants serving alcohol, so swap your usual sundowner for sweet, spiced chai.
Expect Curiosity
Foreign tourists are still a novelty in many places, so people may approach you with questions. Expect to hear “Where are you from?” a lot, always asked with genuine interest and friendliness.
Practical Guide to Visiting Pakistan
Visas
Visas can be applied for online, but the process can be frustrating. Patience is key. I was rejected twice, for reasons never explained, but I just kept reapplying until I was finally approved. The good news? It’s free.
When to Visit
Spring (March–May): Great weather for exploring valleys and cultural sites.
Summer (June–August) is the best time for trekking in the mountains, though expect heat further south. This is when I visited.
Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and stunning colours in the north.
Winter (December–February): Cold and snowy in the north—best only for experienced winter travellers.
Getting Around
Domestic flights save time if you’re covering long distances (like Islamabad to Gilgit).
Buses and minibuses are cheap but slow and sometimes bumpy.
Jeeps are the most practical way to tackle mountain roads—we travelled this way throughout the north.
Language
Urdu is the national language, but English is widely understood in cities and among younger people. Learning a few words of Urdu goes a long way.
Money
Carry Pakistani rupees in cash, especially outside big cities. International cards work in some ATMs, but not all.
Connectivity
Local SIM cards are affordable, can be purchased upon arrival at the airport and provide good coverage in most populated areas. You’ll need your passport to buy one.
I bought an eSIM in advance with Airalo.
Health
Drink bottled or filtered water.
Pack some stomach medicine just in case.
Women may feel more comfortable with a light scarf in public, even outside religious sites.
Highlights of Northern Pakistan
If you’re heading north, here are some of the most memorable experiences:
Hunza Valley
A dreamlike valley surrounded by peaks, glaciers, and turquoise rivers. Karimabad is a lovely base with views of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar.
Skardu
Gateway to the mighty Karakoram Range, with surreal landscapes like Shangrila Lake, Upper Kachura Lake, and the Deosai Plains.
Gilgit
A small but important hub on the Karakoram Highway, perfect for resting and resupplying before heading deeper into the mountains.
Swat Valley
Nicknamed the “Switzerland of Pakistan,” with rolling green hills, rivers, and friendly communities.
Karakoram Highway
Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this epic road winds through towering peaks and deep valleys, linking Pakistan with China. The scenery is jaw-dropping, but the road itself can be pretty scary in places, with sheer drops plunging into raging rivers below.
💡 Travel Tip: We travelled in jeeps, the best option for these rough, narrow mountain roads. If you don’t like heights, avoid sitting on the edge side—though if you can handle it, the views are spectacular.
Pak-China Border
At the Khunjerab Pass, I spotted the highest ATM in the world and seeing Chinese tourists waving at us across the fence still makes me smile.
Kalash Festival
A rare cultural highlight, where the Kalash people celebrate with music, dance, and colourful dress in their remote mountain valleys. Being there to witness it felt like stepping back in time.
Rickety Cable Cars
In a few mountain villages, we crossed rivers in tiny, hand-cranked cable cars that looked like they belonged in another century. Terrifying and exhilarating all at once—but for locals, it was just an everyday commute.
Final Thoughts
Visiting northern Pakistan changed my perspective. What I found was not the danger people warned me about, but a region full of history, breathtaking landscapes, and people who went out of their way to make me feel welcome.
And while you won’t find alcohol here, I honestly didn’t miss it. Endless cups of chai, shared with locals against the backdrop of snowy peaks and roaring rivers, were more than enough.
If you’re looking for a destination that challenges perceptions and rewards adventurous travellers, northern Pakistan might surprise you, too.
For more posts on the -Stans, check out this one on Uzbekistan.
Pin This Post For Later
