60 Beautiful places to visit in Pakistan that will change your perception about the country

Unlike what most Western media tries to tell you, Pakistan is actually a beautiful country filled with welcoming people. However, the perception most people have about Pakistan involves Taliban insurgents, military regime, dusty roads, and crowded unsafe cities but if you ever visit Pakistan, you’ll see that this can’t be further away from the truth. Sure, the country is experiencing a dose of unrest in some parts of its territory but most of Pakistan is covered in divine mountains, rugged peaks, charming villages, emerald-green lakes, picturesque desserts, and majestic meadows but that’s not even the half of it! That’s why we wrote this article; to show you that Pakistan is a beautiful country with a lot of amazing places to visit.

Before we start, you should know that Pakistan is formally divided into four provinces; Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. There are two autonomous regions- Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The capital of Islamabad is a separate federal territory. With that being said, now we’ll proceed to cover the 60 most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan by province. We start with the southernmost province.

Balochistan Province

Balochistan is the biggest, least frequented, and poorest province of Pakistan despite the fact that this province covers most of Pakistan’s Arabic Sea coast and is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. The main reason for this is that there’s ongoing civil unrest in this part of the country; the majority of the people who stay here are Baloch, an ethnic group with different culture and traditions that similarly like the Kurds doesn’t have its own country despite controlling a large territory in both, Pakistan and Iran.

Because of this, most governments advise their residents not to visit this region of Pakistan. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any beautiful places to visit in Balochistan. On the contrary…

Gwadar

Gwadar is a picturesque port town that overlooks the coast of Oman. The city went from a small fishing village to the third-largest port in Pakistan. For years, Gwadar’s potential as a port town was untapped, mainly because of security concerns. Today, things finally seem to be changing for the better. After, China’s recent investment in the region, it seems like Gwadar will finally start utilizing its potential not only as a port town but also as a tourist destination with a lot of beautiful beaches surrounded by picturesque mountains.

Makran Coast

Because of the situation in Balochistan, Pakistan never tapped into the potential of some of the most beautiful beaches on the Makran Coast. The coast stretches across 1,000 kilometers along the Gulf of Oman and is home to hundreds of divine beaches. Most of them are accessible by the 650-kilometers-long Makran Coastal Highway. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the region are Kund Malir, Onmana, Sonmiani, Pasni, and of course, Astola Island; the largest one in Pakistan and an epitome of Balochistan’s untouched natural beauty.

Pir Ghayb Waterfalls

Pir Ghayb is one of the most Instagrammable waterfalls in Pakistan. In addition to natural beauty, the falls also hold a special place among religious locals. According to local beliefs, the invisible saint (Pir Ghaib) was saved by the Almighty after being attacked by the Wicked King’s army. The local legend says that he threw his stick in the mountain, causing the water to pour out, drowning all of his enemies.

Whether this is true or not, there’s no denying that this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan even though getting there isn’t easy and requires passing through a territory that most governments classify as ‘unsafe to travel’.

Moola Chotok

Moola Chotok is another wonder of nature in the largest province of Pakistan. This hidden ravine surrounded by tall cliffs creates the Chotok Waterfalls; one of the largest and most beautiful falls on the Indian subcontinent. Unlike some other places on this list, visiting Moola Chotok is completely safe after the Government’s military intervention in the Khuzdar District. However, if you want to get there, it’s probably best to rent a car. You can compare prices from most rental companies in Pakistan here and make sure you’re always getting the best deal!

Hanna Jheel

Completely surrounded by mountains, close to where the Urak Valley begins, this beautiful reservoir is one of the most frequented places in Balochistan. The reservoir was built by the British in 1894 but even though man-made, no one can deny the lake’s beauty, especially during the snowy winters. Hanna Jheel is another place in Balochistan that’s completely safe to visit for both, locals and foreigners.

Waadi-e-Bolan (Bolan Pass)

Waadi-e-Bolan is a mountain pass in Western Pakistan that consists of a long stretch of gorges and numerous azure-blue lakes in between. The narrow gorges and stretches of this pass can make you dizzy but the nature surrounding the pass is absolutely breath-taking. The pass is also a part of one of the most strategic roads in Pakistan because it’s a gateway to and from South Asia, and hence, is relatively heavily guarded and safe to visit.

Hingol National Park 

Hingol National Park is one of the most beautiful national parks in Pakistan. The park is covered in lush forests and completely surrounded by towering mountains. Still relatively unfrequented, the tourist facilities in the park are improving in recent years. Furthermore, in 2004, the park was connected to Karachi via a new highway. Both measures are expected to boost tourism in the park that’s home to countless subtropical forests and arid montanes, more than 250 plant species, 180 different species of birds, 65 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 35 species of mammals.

Sindh Province

The Sindh Province covers the South-eastern part of Pakistan and is a historical home of the Sindhi people. Sindh is a lot safer than Balochistan and can be accessed by travelers without any issues. The province borders Balochistan (West), Punjab (North), the Arabian Sea (South), and the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan (East). Sindh is also home to the former capital, Karachi.

Karachi

Karachi is the country’s largest city, a former capital, and the seventh-largest city in the world with 15 million residents. It’s Pakistan’s financial and industrial center and the most diverse and cosmopolitan city in the country. There are a lot of interesting things to do in Karachi and here, we’ll cover some of the city’s highlights.

Masjid-e-Tooba, Karachi

We just can’t compile a list of the best places to visit in Pakistan without mentioning the Tooba Mosque. The mosque’s dome is arguably the largest in the world that stands without a single pillar supporting it. This alone is a reason enough to visit this architectural masterpiece.

Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi

Because Karachi was at the time the capital of Pakistan, it was deemed appropriate to build the mausoleum of the nation’s founder in Karachi. Today, the beautifully designed mausoleum is one of the most iconic symbols of Karachi and one of the most popular places to visit in the former capital of Pakistan.

Mohatta Palace, Karachi

You probably didn’t expect to find any Rajasthan-style palaces in Pakistan but you’d be wrong. The Mohatta Palace was built in 1927 with original stones from Jodhpur. The palace was home of Indian businessman Shivratan Chandraratan Mohatta and today is one of Karachi’s most beautiful architectural landmarks. This palace has all characteristics of Rajasthan architecture and is one of the most beautiful places in Karachi.

Clifton Beach, Karachi

Clifton Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Karachi and a popular tourist attraction. It’s one of the best picnic spots in Karachi with several restaurants and a lot of recreational activities in near proximity to the beach (horse riding, camel riding, buggy carts, etc.).

Churna Island, Karachi

This uninhabited island in the Arabian Sea is one of Pakistan’s best-kept secrets. In addition to Churna Island’s natural beauty, this is also a severely underrated diving spot with rich marine life. Yes, Pakistan has that too!

Thatta

Thatta was the medieval capital of Sindh during three consecutive dynasties and as such, is one of the most important historical places in Pakistan and one you should definitely visit if you like history. The two most popular tourist attractions in Thatta are the Shah Jahan Mosque and the Makli Necropolises.

Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta

Thatta’s central mosque has arguably the most elaborate display of tile work in South Asia. The mosque is also famous for its geometric brickwork; a decorative element that’s quite uncommon for mosques built during the Mughal era. 

Makli Necropolises, Thatta

This necropolis is one of the world’s largest funerary sites and is deservingly on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 1891. The site covers an area of 10 square kilometers and is home to between 500,000 and 1 million tombs, including the tombs of royalties, several Sufi saints, and numerous renowned scholars.

Hyderabad

Even though not as famous as the Hyderabad in India, this city is Sindh’s second-largest and the eight-biggest city in Pakistan. Hyderabad was the capital of Sindh before the British moved it to Karachi in 1843 and the city has a lot of important historical sites, including the Mausoleum of Mian Ghulam Kalhoro, the tombs of numerous Talpur rulers, the beautiful Rani Bagh Garden, and the iconic Navalrai Market Clocktower, just to name a few.

Gorakh Hill

Located around 95 kilometers Northwest of the city of Dadu, Gorakh Hill is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan. This hill station is one of the most popular winter destinations in Pakistan and one of only a few places in Sindh where you can see snow.

Ranikot Fort

Did you know that the world’s largest fort is located in Pakistan? With a circumference of 32 kilometers, the so-called ‘Great wall of Sindh’ was built in the 9th century (but it’s not known exactly who built it and why) and today, it’s one of the most important historical places in Pakistan and one you have to visit if you’re into history.

Mohenjo-Daro

The 4,500-years-old archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro is one of the most important ones in Pakistan. It’s widely accepted that this was one of the world’s earliest major cities and one of the largest settlements of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation contemporaneous with the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt. The city was abandoned between the 18th and 19th centuries, rediscovered in the 1920s, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.

Kot Diji

There aren’t too many things in Pakistan that are older than Mohenjo-Daro but Kot Diji is one of them. This archaeological site dates back to 3,300 B.C. and was once the forerunner of the Indus Civilization.

Islamabad Capital Territory

Islamabad was built as a planned city that’s supposed to become the capital of the country in the 1960s. The main reason for this was the city’s geographical location in the heart of Pakistan, surrounded by mountains from three sides. Obviously, this city isn’t as historically important as Karachi, Hyderabad, Multan, or Lahore, but it’s still an interesting city with a few important monuments.

Faisal Mosque

Faisal Mosque is the biggest mosque in Pakistan and the fourth-largest mosque in the world. The mosque was designed by Vedat Dalokay (famous Turkish architect) and funded by the Saudi King Faisal (whom the mosque is named after). The mosque was inspired by a Bedouin tent and is one of the most exciting pieces of contemporary Islamic architecture.

Pakistan Monument

Can we complete this list of the best places to visit in Pakistan without mentioning perhaps one of the most important modern landmarks in Pakistan? This monument was constructed to symbolize the unity of the people of Pakistan and the heritage museum onsite will tell you more about the people who gave their lives for the country. The monument’s unique elevation makes it visible from almost everywhere in Islamabad’s Metropolitan Area.

Margalla Hills and Daman-e-Koh

This picturesque Himalayan hill range is one of the best ideas for a day trip from Islamabad. The hill is located north of the capital and it’s a popular tourist activity because of the beautiful surrounding nature and bird-watching opportunities. The hill is also home to Damman-e-Koh; a spectacular hilltop garden with a lovely view. If you visit during the winter, you might even get the chance to experience a cheetah encounter.

Punjab Province

The province of Punjab covers the bulk of the transnational Punjab region and is the second-richest and second-largest province of Pakistan. Punjab has been inhabited since ancient times, it’s home to several UNESCO Heritage Sites, including Taxila (unofficially the world’s first university), and is probably Pakistan’s most important historical region.

Lahore

Lahore is the capital of the Punjab Province and the second-largest city in Pakistan. If Karachi is the financial/industrial hub of Pakistan, then Lahore is the cultural, educational, and political hub of the country. The city was under the control of numerous different empires throughout the years, and as such have accumulated an impressive number of important historical sites.

Lahore Fort, Lahore

This 16th-century fort has been protecting the city for over 600 years and is perhaps Lahore’s best-known landmark and the city’s only UNESCO Heritage site. On the fort, you’ll find engraved designs that showcase elements of both, Muslim and Hindu influences, beautifully-carved marbles, and 21 notable monuments.

Badashahi Mosque, Lahore

Badashahi Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lahore and Pakistan. It was built during the rule of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and is an important piece of Mughal architecture and heritage. The mosque was built five centuries ago but it’s still the second-largest in Pakistan with a capacity of 56,000. How’s that for impressive?

And speaking of impressive places to visit in Pakistan?

Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore

Near Badashahi Mosque, you’ll find the famous Minar-e Pakistan. Built in the 1960s, this national monument symbolizes the strive for an independent homeland for the Muslims of British India. It might not be one of the oldest buildings in Lahore but its unique blend of Mughal/Islamic and modern architecture makes it one of Lahore’s most beautiful architectural sites.

And speaking of beautiful architectural sites…

Sheesh Mahal, Lahore

Sheesh Mahal translates to ‘palace of mirrors’ and this name is rather descriptive. The palace is decorated by intricating mirror-work of finest quality inlaid into the white marble walls and ceilings, creating a gleaming effect that will take your breath away.

Tomb of Jahangir, Lahore

This tomb is one of the most grandiose eternal resting places I’ve ever seen but you can’t expect less from the tomb of a Mughal Emperor. This architectural masterpiece is dotted with pietra dura on the outside while the inside is decorated with delicately-carved marbles and fascinating frescoes. And if that’s not enough, the lush, green gardens that surround the mausoleum make this place even more beautiful

Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore

This bazaar doesn’t require a special introduction. It’s one of Pakistan’s oldest markets famous for jewelry, textiles, antique shops, and the country’s best street food.

Bahawalpur & Lal Suhanra National Park

Lying amidst the spectacular arid landscapes of the Cholistan Desert, Bahawalpur is the heart of what was once a princely state that was a part of the Rajputana states stretching across the region of Rajasthan. The Nawabs ruled Bahawalpur until 1955 and fortunately, most of the things that were built during their rule are in great condition. Some of them are the most important landmarks of Bahawalpur even today. Perhaps the most famous monument is the Noor Mahal (an Italian-style chateau), but also Farid Gate, Derawar Fort, and the royal tombs.  

The city also serves as a gateway to the beautiful Lal Suhanra National Park; a UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve and one of only a few places on Earth where you can find desert, forest, and wetland ecosystems at such a small territory.

Katas Raj Temples

The Katas Raj is a complex of Hindu Temples that surround a sacred pond named Katas. According to Hindu mythology, the pond was created by Lord Shiva’s tears after the death of his wife Sati.

Hiran Minar

Hiran Minar translates to ‘deer temple’ and this is an accurate description of this 17th-century complex. Emperor Jahangir built this temple for his pet antelope who was the emperor’s loyal hunting companion. The emperor was known for his fondness of nature and this complex embodies his relationship with nature and animals.

Murree

Muree is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Punjab. This town was created in the 1850s as a sanatorium for British troops but today is one of the most beautiful mountain resort towns in the region and one of the places you have to visit when traveling to Pakistan. The winters are very cold but the landscapes are breath-taking while the summer temperatures are pleasant, making Murree a great getaway destination throughout the year.

Qila Rohtas

Located near Jhelum, this massive fort was built during the reign of Sher Shah Suri. Rohtas Fort is arguably the largest fort on the Indian subcontinent and a marvelous sample of the Muslim military architecture in South Asia. Hence, it’s no surprise that Rohtas Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. The fort has 12 gates, a royal mosque on site, and a traditional haveli mansion (among other things).

Multan

The city of Multan is an eclectic mix of ancient historical sites, medieval Islamic architecture, and Sufism. It’s the seventh most populous city and one of the best places to visit in Pakistan when it comes to religious sites. Multan attracts thousands of Sufi pilgrims from all around Pakistan with its innumerable mosques, shrines, and tombs that earned the city the nickname ‘City of Saints’.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Formerly known as the North-West-Frontier Province, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa is Pakistan’s smallest province and home to the ancient kingdom of Gandhara. Today, the province is home to several different ethnic groups that’s been politically combined into one province. Hence, turmoil isn’t uncommon. After the 2001 attacks, the Pakistan Army’s search for al-Qaeda fighters in the area resulted in armed resistance and several terrorist groups emerged.

Today, things are getting better, but there are still certain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that travelers are advised to avoid.

Peshawar

Peshawar is the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the largest Pashtun-majority city in Pakistan. It was the former capital of the Kushan Empire until the White Huns conquered it. Today, the city is famous mostly for its historical sites, such as Bala Hisar Fort, Jamrud Fort, the ancient Buddhist Stupas, the Peshawar Museum, Sunehri Mosque, and many others.

Lulusar Lake

Sitting at 3,410 meters, Lulusar Lake is one of the highest mountain lakes in Pakistan. With its beautiful backdrop and turquoise-blue color, Lulusar Lake is one of those places that leave even the biggest wordsmiths speechless.

Ansoo Lake

The word ‘ansoo’ translates to ‘tear’ and that’s an appropriate description for this teardrop-shaped lake. Getting there isn’t a breeze because the lake sits at 4,245 meters (13,927 ft) but once you get there you’ll forget all about the hell you experienced climbing to the lake. Interestingly, because of its remote location, the lake was undiscovered until 1993.

Lake Saiful Muluk

Speaking of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan, we just have to mention Lake Saiful Muluk. This beautiful, blue lake is located in the northern part of the Kaghan Valley and is surrounded by snow-capped mountaintops throughout the year which makes this one of the most Instagrammable places in the whole country.

Nathia Gali

Nathia Gali is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This mountain resort town is located at the center of the Galyat range and it’s famous for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and pleasant weather.

Kalam Valley

This picturesque valley in the northern part of the province is covered in lush green forests, speeding mountain streams, beautiful lakes, and hidden waterfalls that will blow you away. It’s one of the best places to visit in Pakistan if you’re a nature lover who likes getting off-the-beaten-track.

Shogran and Payee Lake

Shogran is another popular hill station in this part of Pakistan. It’s one of the safest and most frequented places in the region. However, if that’s not your cup of tea, you can get off the beaten track and visit the beautiful and lonely Payee Lake atop of the green plateau near the Hindu Kush.

Boyun Village

Boyun or ‘the Green Top Village’ is a charming village comfortably sitting at a level plateau, 1,000 feet above Kalam. The only way to reach the village is by driving on a dirt road or on foot from Kalam. With sweeping panoramic views of the valleys below, the village is home to one of the best viewpoints in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Kalash Valley

The three Kalash valleys are home to the Kalash people; said to be descendants of the armies of Alexander the Great, and one of the most beautiful parts of Pakistan. This region is cut off from the rest of the country. Hence, the people have very different characteristics, speak a different language, and even practice a different religion. The three valleys are ringed by the famed Hindu Kush mountain range and if you want to experience the remoteness that allowed the Kailash community to thrive isolated from the rest of the world throughout the years, you should seriously consider visiting.

Gilgit-Baltistan Autonomous Region

Until recently, there was a separatist movement that strived to separate the region to seek independence of Gilgit-Baltistan from Pakistan. However, in 2019, the military managed to defeat the rebels and bring security back into the autonomous region of Gilgit-Baltistan. Today, Gilgit-Baltistan is the northernmost administrative territory of Pakistan and home to numerous mountain peaks higher than 20,000 feet, ski centers, the world’s highest polo ground, and several fascinating national parks.

Babusar Pass & Karakoram Highway

I have to start with Babusar Pass. If there’s a heaven, I’m sure it would something like this with green valleys on the horizons and mountaintops so high that they go through the clouds. The pass is a part of Karakoram Highway; one of the most scenic drives not only in Pakistan but in the whole world. The road passes through some of Pakistan’s highest mountains and connects Gilgit-Baltistan to the province of Xinjiang in western China. Karakoram Highway is famous for being one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century.

Hunza Valley

If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes dotted with snow-capped mountains, visit Hunza Valley in the northernmost part of Pakistan. The region borders the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan and due to its remoteness, it’s one of the least-visited parts of the Indian Subcontinent. There are several notable attractions in Hunza Valley, such as Attabad Lake, Eagle’s Nest, and the Passu Cones.

Attabad Lake

This divine lake is one of the most recent additions of Pakistan’s tourism scene. The lake was created when a large landslide blocked the flow of the Hunza River, creating a bright-blue turquoise lake.

Eagle’s Nest

Words can do little justice to one of the most beautiful sunset spots in Pakistan. If you fall in love with the surroundings and the amazing sunsets, you can even stay in the upscale hotel conveniently named after the viewpoint.

Passu Cones

Tupopdan (6,106 meters) is a cone-shaped mountaintop near the village of Passu. It’s one of the most interesting masterpieces of nature I’ve ever seen. Hence, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most photographed places in Gilgit Baltistan.

Gilgit & Naltar valley

Gilgit is the regional capital, but honestly, it fades in comparison to cities like Peshawar, Lahore, and Karachi. However, the beautiful surroundings and mountainesque landscapes, including the picturesque Naltar Valley surrounding the city are a reason enough to visit.

Khaplu Palace

Khaplu Palace is probably the oldest palace in this part of Pakistan. It was built in the 19th century but restored recently. Since 2011, the palace is home to one of the finest museums dedicated to Baltistan’s culture and heritage.

Concordia (Karakoram)

Sitting at the confluence of the mighty Baltoro Glacier and the Godwin-Austen Glacier, Concordia is one of the most majestic places to visit in Pakistan. I’ve done a lot of camping throughout the years, but Concordia is arguably the best camping spot I’ve seen. The views are amazing and will make you feel like you’re camping at the edge of the world. On top of that, it’s also a great starting point for reaching several of the neighboring mountaintops, including…

K2

Everyone knows that Mt. Everest is the highest mountaintop in the world. However, the number of people who know which top is number 2 is significantly lower. Subsequently, the number of people who know this mountaintop is actually in Pakistan is even lower. Sitting at 8,611 meters, K2 is the highest point of the Karakoram that’s often referred to as the ‘Savage Mountain’. George Bell, one of the first who tried to climb it, described K2 as ‘a savage mountain that tries to kill you’. Personally, I know this is one of the places I have to visit in Pakistan before I die, but if you’re looking for something less extreme, you should at least try trekking to…

Rakaposhi Base Camp

Pakistan has a lot of mountains, probably too many for all of them to be mentioned on this list. However, if you’re looking for a relatively easy trek that showcases the best of Pakistan’s mountains, you should definitely attempt trekking to Rakaposhi Base Camp. From here, you can get some insane views of the third-highest mountaintop in Pakistan (7,800 meters). We chose to put this place on this list only because it’s a lot easier than K2 and Broad Peak (the two highest mountaintops in Pakistan). Also, it can be achieved in a day, making it a lot more practical for visitors.

Deosai National Park

The Deosai Plateau is the world’s second-highest plateau, falling only behind Chang Tang. The plateau is also home to Deosai National Park, famous for its rich flora and fauna. The plateau is sitting between the Karakoram and the Western Himalayas and is covered in snow for 3 quarters of the year. The park is home to numerous different species including red fox, Himalayan ibex, gray wolf, snow leopard, golden marmot, the Ladakh urial, and more than 120 species of migratory birds.

Fairy Meadows

Fairy Meadows has recently become one of the most popular places in Pakistan and there’s a good reason for that. The meadows are reachable by jeep and offers amazing views of the rolling meadows and Nanga Prabat (the world’s 9th highest mountaintop) in the background.

Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir translates to ‘Free Kashmir’ and is an autonomous region in Pakistan. The entire region of Kashmir is divided between India, China, and Pakistan. According to India, the entire region belongs to India. According to Pakistan, the part of Kashmir they control is ‘free’ while the rest is ‘occupied’. As you’re probably figuring it out, things in Kashmir are quite complicated but that doesn’t change the fact that Kashmir, whether in India or Pakistan is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.

Muzaffarabad

Situated in a valley formed by the confluence of the Neelam and Jhelum rivers, Muzaffarabad is the provincial capital. Needless to say, this isn’t a typical regional capital with important landmarks and monuments. But the nature surrounding the city is absolutely mesmerizing.

Neelum Valley

Named after the Neelum River which passes through it, this 150 kilometers-long valley known as the Blue Gem of Pakistan (because of the crystal-blue river) is dotted with mountain streams, lush forests, towering mountains, and charming archaic houses. If you like getting off the beaten track, Neelum Valley is a perfect choice.

Kel 

Kel is one of the most picturesque mountain villages I’ve ever seen. Located 155 kilometers away from Muzaffarabad, the village is famous for the gemstones found at the Nangi Mali Mine and the surroundings. Hence, the nickname ‘the gem of Azad Kashmir’.

Is Pakistan safe to visit?

This is the main concern for most people who plan to visit Pakistan. I have to admit, during my first visit, I felt uneasy too. However, all of my concerns went out of the window as soon as I reached. Unlike what the media is trying to tell you, Pakistan is not a country full of terrorists. It’s actually a country of warm and welcoming people who go out of their way to accommodate and help tourists.

Sure, there are areas that aren’t safe but in some parts where traveling is possible, tourists are escorted by the military. But except for parts of Balochistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan is relatively safe. However, that doesn’t mean you should travel without travel insurance. Personally, I recommend choosing SafetyWing. They are more expensive than most travel insurance companies but they have you covered no matter what happens. Unlike some other providers that have cheaper packages but don’t provide any coverage for a lot of emergencies.

What’s the best time to visit Pakistan?

The short answer is ‘it depends on what you want to do’. If you want to go skiing or indulge in other winter activities, the obvious choice is during the winter. However, I don’t recommend this because most of the mountain roads are not open due to heavy snow. This also means you won’t see some of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan.

The peak season for visiting Pakistan is between May and October but if you want to catch the shoulder season, you can still have a great time visiting in April or early November too.

How much time to spend in Pakistan?

Pakistan is a big country and if you want to explore it in great detail, you would need at least a couple of months. The distances between places are long and the roads aren’t the best and some of them are not for the faint-hearted. I spent one month in Pakistan and it felt like too little and I knew I have to visit again.

Furthermore, if you want to do some trekking, you have to be strategic; allow enough time for your body to adjust to the high elevation and new environment. If you like trekking like me, you could probably spend a month just exploring the mountains of Northern Pakistan!

Helpful resources for visiting Pakistan

Looking for a cheap flight to Pakistan? Check out Qatar Airways’s Discover the World at a low price program. Not because I’m their affiliate but because this special offer always gets me the cheapest flights.

If you want to take a tour in Pakistan, I recommend GetYourGuide’s tours for the main tourist attractions.

To get some great accommodation deals in Pakistan, use this link and save 15% on all accommodation bookings in Pakistan.

For the best travel insurance deals for traveling to Pakistan, check out SafetyWing.

Last but certainly not least, get a Pakistan visa. I visited Pakistan five times and the best visa intermediary I came across is definitely IVisa. Their price is almost the same as getting a visa on your own, except their team will do all of their work for you.

Did you like this list of the best places to visit in Pakistan? Would you ever consider visiting this country someday? Did this post inspire you to visit Pakistan? Let us know in the comments!

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