This is the ultimate guide to Solo Female Travel Pakistan in 2019.
And let me clear about something;
This is NOT a lame “Solo Travel” prediction post.
Yes I will cover the most important information and ‘Dos and Dont’s’ of Solo Female Travel Pakistan in 2019.
But you are going to see the in-dept guide which is for tourists right now.
So if you’re planning to visit solo Pakistan this year, you’ll love this guide.
- e-Visa System
- Tourists’ Attraction
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Do’s and Don’ts
- Security
- Foods
- What other tourist says?
Forbes ranked Pakistan as one of the “Coolest Places” to visit in 2019. In 2018, The British Backpacker Society had ranked Pakistan as the No. 1 adventure travel destination.
Now, Pakistan is a becoming a famous destination for solo female travelers because of the beautiful landscapes and vast culture.
Visas are getting simple and Pakistani government is trying to provide facilities which never happened with this speed before.
So, if you’re planning to travel here in Pakistan then, my very first suggestion is applying for a quick Visa through the official website.
Yes, this all can happen now in the new Govt. of IMRAN KHAN’s PTI. Moreover, Pakistan has now become on of the greatest tourism country in the world.
Pakistan’s eVisa System
Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior recently introduced the tourist visa for citizens of 175 countries.
This Single-entry tourist eVisa features a validity of three months and permits travellers to enter the country for tourism.
Even more, it allows them to remain in Pakistan for up to thirty days on their 1st application.
Moreover, citizens from 50 countries are eligible to apply for Visa on arrival at the airport. And the citizens from 95 countries are eligible to apply for Visa on Arrival under Business.
Some nationalities want a Letter of Invitation (LOI) from a registered tour company or an individual who is inviting you that lives in Pakistan.
For this, you need to have a really specific travel planning and you have to familiar with the exact names of the places and cities you wish or want to go.
This is a precautionary tip, just in case you have to give an interview within the embassy as most of the foreigners do.
Visa for Visiting Pakistan
There are two types of visas which you can apply for online:
- First Time, you can apply only if you don’t have a valid Pakistan visa
- Extension, you can apply for extension if you have a valid Pakistan visa and also you have a residence in Pakistan.
The above two conditions are applied on both of the following visiting visa categories.
1. On Arrival Visa: You can apply for Tourist Visa On Arrival if you have nationality of these countries.
Validity: Tourist Visa On Arrival is valid for up to 3 months.
Note: You have to submit your application for Visa on Arrival almost 2-3 working days before you plan a trip to Pakistan. Because the processing duration of visa on arrival is minimum of 48 hours
2. Tourist Visa: A typical visa, you can apply only if you are residing in these countries.
Validity: Valid upto 3 months but can be extended later for upto 6 months.
More detailed procedure and guidelines you can find here.
Beautiful Pakistan
From the wild stretches of the Karakorams within the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus river within the South, Pakistan remains a land of high journey and nature, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird looking,
Here are the number of activities you might be interested in when visit Pakistan: Hiking, mountain climbing, white water rafting, camping, paragliding, zip lining and snow skating that stimulate the adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan.
Pakistan is blessed with a rich and varied flora and fauna. Ten of eighteen mammalians are represented and available in Pakistan with species starting from the world’s smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean Pygmy Shrew, to the most important mammal ever known, the blue whale.
The high Himalayas, Karakoram, and the Hindukush ranges with their alpine meadows and permanent snow line. Also, the pine forests down to the sub-mountain increase the beauty even more.
The huge Indus plain merging into the nice desert, the coastline, and wetlands, all provide a remarkably wealthy kind of vegetation. And associated wildlife together with avifauna, both endemic and migratory.
Pakistani Language
Most educated people speak sensible English but, if you plan to travel to remote villages or the mountains, you’ll like to learn Urdu to communicate with the locals.
Visiting Pakistan as a Woman
Apart from the news in international media, Pakistan has become more peaceful and safer for woman as well. People in Pakistan are very supportive and hospitable, specially the people of north Pakistan are amazing when it comes to hospitality.
Police is very supportive, you just need to be little bit careful that you don’t violate any rules implemented by the Government of Pakistan.
Travel Destinations of Pakistan
The world’s highest made-up international border is shared between China and Pakistan. And the historic Silk Route, parts of which run along the beautiful Karakoram highway.
While you’re within the north, you should amuse yourself with essential stops which include the sky-blue Attabad Lake. The lake was shaped after a giant landslide blocked off a valley within the Hunza region.
The fascinating thing regarding this region is how seamlessly nature and history intertwine here. The landscape shaped the history of this region, and marks of this history could be experienced all across the northern regions.
Kaghan Valley
Beautiful Valley of Kaghan is the jewel among the various lovely valleys within the District of Mansehra in division Hazara in the KPK, Province of Pakistan.
Neelam Valley-Kashmir
About 240 kilometer long beautiful Neelum valley is located to the North & North East of Muzaffarabad.
Hunza Valley-Gilgit Baltistan Province
Hunza is a charm among the various stunning valleys within the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
Hunza valley is a valley full of hills placed in Gilgit. The main city of Hunza is Karimabad (formerly called Baltit) is the capital as well as the preferred tourist destination of Hunza. As known as the valley is for its beauty, the people of Hunza also are well-known for their friendliness and hearty reception.
Hunza’s tourist season is usually from May to October, because in winter the Karakoram highway is usually blocked by the snow, unlike most places in Pakistan.
Hunza valley features a very high literacy rate of more than 90th. People in Hunza are hospitable and nice.
Hunza has superb landscapes and hunza itself is gorgeous, when you’ll walk around, meet the locals, and eat superb food, you’ll find out that they are very friendly to tourists.
Music instruments are also created here and if you get the chance, head to the native music academy to listen number of the local instruments of the region, just like the rabab.
You don’t have to take the stress of finding a suitable transport because buses and taxis depart from Gilgit to anyplace you plan to travel.
From Gilgit, you go to Hunza and stay in the old Hunza Inn. The owner is pretty much friendly and can speaks excellent English as well. Also, they work as organizers for trekking and hiking tours.
This place is the most suitable choice to remain in Hunza, so, don’t delay and book a room in advance.
Gulmit is a village not too far away from Hunza, you’ll get a shared taxi and visit the Gulmit Carpet Centre. There can be an organization of girls artists who create ancient carpets. It allows the ladies artists to show their arts to the tourists and of course, it generates money for them for good.
Trekking
Hunza valley is known for its trekking. The second highest peak of the planet, K2, is found in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, where Hunza valley is also placed. There are numerous trekking tours that tourists can avail of.
Borith Lake
Borith Lake is a lake placed close to Gulmit, Gojal, within the upper Hunza area. The altitude of Borith is roughly 2,600 m (8,500 feet) higher than the sea level.
The lake is often reached via a 2-kilometer unpaved jeep route from Husseini village and is also accessible by a 2-3 hour of trekking route directly from Ghuylkin, across the end of the Ghulkin glacier.
The positioning is a crucial sanctuary for migrating wildfowl and is a must-visit for bird-watchers and nature lovers. Throughout the months of March and June, you can witness a large variety of ducks strolling back from the warmer parts of southern Pakistan, and from September–November, it happens in reverse.
Baltit Fort
Baltit Fort or Balti Fort is an ancient fort in the Hunza valley and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The fort was founded back in 700 years ago and has been remodeled and altered over the centuries. It’s placed at a height, and you either have to walk or take a jeep to reach there.
From the terrace of the Baltit Fort, you furthermore may have a splendid bird’s eye view on the houses of the village Karimabad.
Restaurant Hunza is extremely known for its native foods. That is served at most of the restaurants placed within the Karimabad market area. The traditional foods in Hunza are Sharbat, diram-fete, davdo, muleda and several others. These dishes are cooked with pure butter and oil, however, they’re slightly expensive.
While shopping, there are minimum of 70 shops placed in Karimabad’s active streets. One among the finest things in this area is the formation of handicrafts from precious and semi-precious minerals and gemstones. Many tourists visit the Gilgit-Baltistan for this reason.
While talking about security, it has never been an issue with Hunza and it is extremely safe. The people are better-known for their friendly behavior, the same as all Pakistan cities. Although, it is best to dress with modesty and don’t show obvious actions that make you uncomfortable while doing that.
Currency, its obviously Pakistani rupees are preferred everywhere all across the country. However, all the International Mastercards and Visa cards are accepted within the ATM.
Chitral
You can take a bus from Gilgit to Chitral. It’s a really long ride with few checkpoints however it’s wholly worthwhile. Don’t forget to hold a minimum of fifteen copies of your passport with you.
You only sleep one night in Chitral and then the next day you may continue your journey to the Kalash Valley.
I spent a day with the Kalash people in 2 completely different towns called Bamburat and Rumbur. The Kalash is an ancient tribe of Pakistan with a really specific manner of life, religion, and rituals. The Kalash people believe that they’re descendants of Alexander the great and ladies wear colored embroidered dresses and beaded headdresses called susutr. For more detail, you may visit my Kalash Valley Tour blog or watch the Vlog below.
Skardu-Gilgit Baltistan
Skardu is in the North of Pakistan, encircled by the mighty mountains of Karakoram and Himalayas, the personification of beauty, calmness, and geographical are. Skardu is the center of trekking, trailing and climb journeys.
Skardu’s famous places are Khaplu, Hushe valley (k1, k2), Deosai national park, Basho valley, Katpana Village, Shangrila Resort, Manthal Buddha Rock Cravings, Shigar valley, Satpara Lake, Kharpocho Fort, higher Kachura Lake, Organic Village, and Sarfarange Cold Desert Skardu.
Skardu is probably a 10 kilometers wide, vast and forty kilometers long valley, at the confluence of the Indus and the Shigar Rivers.
Sarfaranga Cold Desert
The Sarfaranga desert is known as the highest cold desert on the planet. These high mountains attract thousands of climbers from everywhere in the world each year, and some have even lost their lives in efforts to summit these steep climbs.
This white sand desert spread from the Khaplu Valley to Nubra Ladakh and Shigar Skardu valley to Zanskar, India Occupied the Kashmir region
Sarfaranga desert famous for the Sarfaranga Desert Rally and the rally is organized with the collaboration of the govt of Gilgit-Baltistan.
you can read my detailed guide about Sarfaranga Cold Desert
Basho Valley
After the jeep ride of two Hours from Skardu, there’s located the gorgeous and astonishing Basho valley. The valley is known for camping and surrounded by the dense alpine forest under mighty peaks. The valley has lovely green pastures and clear water streams. You will witness the attractive shining stars during the camping in Basho valley.
Travelers should have this place on must-visit in Skardu to possess the most effective camping expertise.
The Basho valley, with its lovely springs, is one of the favorite places to visit. It receives many foreign visitors annually, with a handful of trekkers and climbers crossing the Haramosh while traversing up the Chomo Lungma (glacier).
Shigar
Shigar is a district in the Baltistan division of Gilgit–Baltistan within the north of Skardu in northern Pakistan. The River of Shigar, crossing the Shigar valley, falls in the river at Skardu city.
Khaplu
Khaplu also spelled Khapalu, is a city that is the executive capital of the Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan, in northern Pakistan. Lying 103 kilometers east of the city of Skardu. It had been the second-largest kingdom in the old Baltistan of the Yabgo dynasty.
Khaplu is the headquarter of district Ghanche there are several civic facilities are available.
Khaplu is a lovely spot and worth visiting. It’s a mass of jungle consisting of an abundance of apricot trees.
Khaplu has several historical places to go to i.e Khaplu Palace about 250 years old. The famous Chaqchan mosque over 700-year-old, the tomb of Mir Muhammad over 600-year-old.
Hushey Valley
Hushey is the most engaging place to go to in district Ghanche. A series of lofty peaks i.e Mashabrum, K-6, K-7 k-12, Saltaro Kangri and lots of more light over 7000 meters exist in this valley. The distance from Khaplu to Hushey is 42 Km. This valley also has the potential for eco-tourism.
Thalley Broq Valley
Thalley valley is one of the most lovely spots it’s concerning fifty kilometers from Khaplu. the luxurious green valley and beautiful scenery are marvelous. Thalley broq is a gorgeous place for camping and hiking. a night stay at Thalley Broq is a lingering moment, even in the full moonlight.
Thalley valley additionally provides track to k-2 base camp from Shinkgkang via Kurboq SA and Baqma to Aliang Hushey. Thalley valley also offers a pleasant track to Shiger valley via Thalley La and Gibe you the chance to look at a series of snow-capped mountains.
K1 Mountain- Masherbrum
Masherbrum is found in the Ghanche District, Gilgit Baltistan of Pakistan. At 7,821 meters it’s the twenty-second highest mountain in the world and the ninth highest in Pakistan. It absolutely was the first mapped peak in the Karakoram mountain range, thus the designation “K1”.
Masherbrum (Masha (queen or lady) which means “queen of peaks” and Brum that means mountain) it’s also called K1.
K2
Pakistan has a number of the most effective trekking in the world and several of the world’s 2nd highest mountains.
K2 conjointly called Mount Godwin-Austen or Chhogori at 8,611 meters (28,251 ft) above sea level. This is the second-highest mountain in the world, after Mount Everest at 8,848 meters (29,029 ft).
K2 is the highest point of the Karakoram and the highest spot in each Pakistan and Xinjiang. It’s placed on the China–Pakistan border between Baltistan in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, and also the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang,
Astore-District
Astore is one of the 10 districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The district contains the Astore valley and is finite to the west by Diamer District, to the north by Gilgit District, to the east by Skardu District and to the south by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Neelum District of Azad Kashmir.
You can take the direct 45-minute flight to Gilgit from Islamabad and a drive of 4 hours (98.2 km) to the Astore valley.
Route three ‘Kohistan and Dasu’:
- Islamabad to Chilas via Kohistan: 495km, sixteen Hours by Road.
- Chilas to Raikot Bridge: 56.4km, two Hours by Road.
- Raikot Bridge to Astore: three hours (55.3 km).
There are over 50 little lovely villages in Astore. a number of which are Astore , Eidgah Gorikot it the Headquarter of the District Astore.
It contains various valleys and villages. The fascinating places are Nanga Parbat (Rupal face) Rama Lake, Chilim, Kala Pani, Minimerg Dambho, Domail Kamri, and Gutumsar Pershing. There plains comprise lush green land, pasture, and forest of pine trees and deodar.
The lake is the wonderful spots for fishing.
Shina is native languages while Urdu and English also are used for communication.
Trishing Village- Nanga Parbat
Nanga Parbat trishing is next to Sachen glacier and is found in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan and Lahore/Naran twelve hours and Naran/Trishing ten hours.
Situated at an altitude of around 2900 meters on the southern face of Nanga Parbat, Trishing is one of the foremost lovely villages of Pakistan. It’s the last jeepable point towards the Rupal face of Nanga Parbat.
The village has around 250 settlers and main language is Shina. There’s no direct transport accessible and you’ve got to reach Astore 1st and from there, it’s a 1.1/2-hour drive, road condition after Gorikot is extremely dangerous.
Recently, I visited, I made a decision to go to Trishing. You tend to reach Jaglot from Pindi and from there then hired a taxi for Astore, from Astore you tend to again hire a taxi that takes you to Trishing village after crossing Gorikot and Chorat village.
The journey from Astore to Trishing is unforgettable, because of the gorgeous views I might call it a period of time expertise.
There are 2 hotels in the village that are Nanga Parbat and Rupal hotel. You can stay at the Rupal hotel. If you ever dreamed regarding counting stars at night than Trishing is that the excellent spot for making this dream true.
The best time to go to Trishing valley is between July to September. Weather is cold in the evenings in summer and it gets intolerable in winter (around -20C). you’ll additionally think about visiting Fairy Meadows then trek to the other side of Nanga Parbat base camp.
Keep in mind that there’s only 1 stretched jeep that serves Astore/Trishing route only once daily.
Trishing To Herlikofer Base Camp Nanga Parbat. track time app.6 hrs. We extremely suggest to not carry your rucksacks, rent porter along with the donkey, begin early in the morning. Hike slowly and save energy.
Rupal Valley-Trishing Rupal Base Camp ASTORE
LOCATION:- 82 KM FROM KKH THALICHI AND 42 KM FROM ASTORE H/Q
The Rupal valley lies simply south of 8,126 meter Nanga Parbat and is standard for treks to the mountain’s Rupal Face, one in all the best mountain faces in the world.
The Rupal is home to Shina speaking herdsmen, high peaks on either aspect of the valley build it a panoramic, albeit remote destination for adventurers.
Most treks to the Rupal valley begin in the village of Tarashing, Rupal that means silvery in Shina, is that the name of the last village facing the south side of Nanga Parbat. Village thus named for Nanga.
Deosai (National Park)
Actual Location: 138 kilometers FROM KKH THALICHI AND ninety-eight kilometers FROM ASTORE H/Q
In the Urdu language, Deosai means that ‘the land of Giants’. it’s regionally known as Ghbiarsa by Balti people because it’s only accessible in summer. Deosai falls in Astore & Baltistan an average elevation of 4,114 meters (13,497 ft) above sea level, creating the Deosai Plains one of the highest plateaus in the world.
Over 124 resident and migratory in the park include the golden eagle, lammergeyer, griffon vulture, laggard falcon. The Deosai Plains also is home to the Himalayan ibex, red fox, golden marmot regionally known as Phia, gray wolf, the Ladakhurial, the snow leopard,
Deosai Plains are settled at an average elevation of four,114 meters (13,497 ft) on top of sea level and considered because of the second-highest plateaus in the world.
Deosai is the world’s second-highest plateau. It remains covered with snow for eight months. the remainder of the year. It hosts a variety of gorgeous flowers of all hues and colours, However, not a single tree is found during this plateau spread over 3000 sq. km.
Actually, Deosai is that the combination of 2 words ‘Deo’ (giant) and ‘Sai’ (shadow). for centuries, it’s believed that this place is haunted by giants, so the name ‘The Land of the Giants’ came into being. The weather is kind of unpredictable here, typically it starts snowing in summer. The sunlight and clouds appear to play hide and seek here, with the sun shining one minute, and overcast in next.
In Pakistan brown bears are found in Deosai/Mini Deosai, a sanctuary protected by WWF. Whereas moving from Chillium to Skardu via Deosai brown bears are often seen near Kala Pani and Bara Pani beside brown bear, black is additionally found mostly in western components of Domel and Kamri.
Sheosar Lake
Sheosar Lake means that ‘Blind Lake’, as ‘Sheo’ in Shina Language means that ‘Blind’ and ‘Sar’ means ‘Lake’. (Also known as Shausar Lake) is a lake settled in Deosai national park. The lake is at an elevation of 4,142 meters (13,589 ft) within the Karakoram-West Tibetan plateau alpine steppe. Its approximate length is 2.3 kilometers (1.4 mi), width 1.8 kilometers (1.1 mi), and average depth is forty meters (130 ft).
Domel Minimarg (Urdu: منی مارگ)
Minimarg is a village within the Astore District of the Pakistani region of Gilgit-Baltistan. It’s located on the right bank of the Neelum stream to the north of Taobat, just about one hundred ninety kilometers from town of Gilgit.[1] the average elevation is 2,844.6 meters above sea level.
People living in this region speak the Shina language.
Minimarg is a village within the Astore District of the Pakistani region of Gilgit-Baltistan. The hamlet sits on the correct bank of the Neelum River to the north of Taobat, at a median elevation of 2845 m. The setting of wooden homes on the scenic mountain landscape makes a sense as if it’s been taken out of a fairy tale.
The lovely valley of Minimarg is a center point for exploring Domel, Rainbow Lake and Chota Deosai. Heavily wooded Domel and magnificently maintained Rainbow Lake are crowns of Minimarg.
The picturesque valley is at a distance of regarding eighty-three kilometer from Astore accessed via Chilum Chowki & Burzil top.
Rattu High Altitude School
Rattu Army High Altitude school is located at Rattu (Northern Areas). Rattu is one in all the century-plus old cantonments of Kashmir and placed at an altitude of 9000 feet above sea level.
The weather throughout summer remains very pleasant but winters are very cold and temperatures vary between ~20°C to -35°C. Rattu receives three feet to six feet snow throughout winter.
Army High Altitude faculty was established at Rattu (Northern area of Pakistan) in December 1987. This institution trains troops in High Altitude and Mountain Warfare operations as well as skiing. throughout summers students also are given an opportunity to climb 19000 feet altitude on numerous peaks.
Rattu is a tiny village town situated at the Astore district within the Northern Areas currently referred to as Gilgit Baltistan of Pakistan. Rattu has been traditionally used as a route for traders going to Kashmir from Astore, Gilgit and other components of present-day Gilgit Baltistan of Pakistan. Rattu is known for its delicacies: cumin (Zira, zeera, jeera) and tasty trout fish.
Rattu is a busy city wherever agriculture includes cattle, pastures, and dairy farm products. Its people speak the Astori dialect of Shina and Pakistan Army’s High Altitude school is located in Rattu.
Rattu is home to adventure sports too, with a natural skiing slope and facilities for coaching in winter sports. Fishing and trophy hunting for markhors are still common within the area.
Gayari
Gayari base is one in all the foremost necessary Pakistani bases within the area. It’s an important supply hub for troops and equipment passing through to a lot of remote bases and isn’t far from a military hospital.
At the time of the ice avalanche, the base was occupied by troopers of the sixth Northern light-weight Infantry Battalion, a unit “trained in mountain operations”. Avalanches are uncommon within the area of Gayari; due to the low avalanche risk, Gayari was a much bigger complicated and housed more soldiers than other bases within the Siachen region.
The glacier avalanche broke off at an elevation of around 4560 meters above sea level at a distance of around 1300 m from the camp.
Now I give you a short overview of the rest of Pakistan’s city Information.
Karachi-Sindh Province
It is the foremost thickly settled city in Pakistan, the economic hub and fifth-most well-liked city in the world.
Quetta-Balochistan Province
The city is close to the Bolan Pass route that was once one of the main entrances from central Asia to South Asia. You can go Gawadar from here because the road is fantastic.
Gwadar-Balochistan Province
The Gwadar Port is a deep seaport situated on the Arabian Sea at Gwadar in Balochistan province of Pakistan. The port features prominently in the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor plan and is considered to be a link between the ambitious One Belt, One Road, and Maritime Silk Road projects.
Lahore
Local people say that “if you haven’t been to Lahore you haven’t been born.”
Lahore is considered the Paris of Pakistan. Lahoris are very hospitable people they inviting and hosting foreign tourists from around the world; giving them an opportunity to experience real Pakistan.
Places you can’t miss in Lahore are the Badshahi musjid that is one amongst the foremost splendid and beautiful pieces of Mughal design and one of the biggest mosques within the world.
This is really another lovely mosque you need to see are Wazir Khan musjid and Sohneri musjid. In addition, Food street where you’ll realize top side restaurants with an incredible view and live music.
ISLAMABAD-Capital of Pakistan
Your flight can arrive directly within the capital and you’ll keep in Guest House or hotel pre-booking is incredibly necessary. I’m not a follower of huge cities but it deserves at least in the future of your itinerary. You’ll take a taxi to move around or if you get a sim card, you’ll ask for an uber or cream, a really common app to induce taxis in Pakistan.
Some places you want to visit whereas you’re here are the Pakistan Monemento, the Heritage Museum, and Lok Virsa, which are placed within the same place. Lok Virsa is a place wherever you’ll hear local music, purchase handicrafts, and there’s always a cultural event to envision. You’ll see on-line the program and see what kind of activity you’re interested to visualize. Of course, you can’t miss the Faisal musjid, Shakarparia, and DamaneKoh.
Accommodation in Pakistan
Accommodation in Pakistan is simple to search out. I always booked a hotel or hostel before arriving at every destination. You have to be quick while reserving a room during public holidays because Pakistani people like to travel around their country and room can be engaged. However, Pakistani people are so friendly they never let you to get a room instead they’ll try to host you in the houses, people invariably offered a room and tea. This all happened with reference.
Pakistani are so friendly they’ll even provide you with nice food and the simplest chai in the whole world. So, if a family offers you a room to sleep, don’t feel shy and experience the culture. Also, Pakistan Tour Development PTDC has several guesthouses to host tourists like you which is highly recommended.
Transportation Networks of Pakistan
Traveling to Pakistan is extremely simple. Big cities like Islamabad and Lahore have Uber but you can always take a taxi or a tuk-tuk (aka-rickshaw).
The simplest way to travel between cities is by bus or by plane due to the long distances. Low-cost flights are offered, but if you don’t wish to miss the superb landscapes, I will suggest you take a bus.
The best choice is Faisal Movers & Daewoo express it’s the safest and quickest way to move around. You’ll get your ticket directly at the bus terminal or buy it online if you wish to book a seat.
Furthermore, you could get a shared taxi to be more comfortable throughout the long-distance trips or rent a private car with a driver.
However, I won’t suggest hitchhiking in Pakistan because of the multiple checkpoints you’ll realize on your way.
Even though Pakistan is incredibly safe, you’ll face plenty of checkpoints. That’s why I like to recommend you to hold your passport with you all the time and bring with you a minimum of twenty copies of your passport and visa.
A network of public buses is run across the country and some airlines operate flights between the main cities. However, flights to the northern areas are simply noncontinuous by weather, and therefore the mountain roads will be powerful and effortful to navigate.
If you would like to completely enjoy the experience of traveling In Pakistan, you simply have to come ready with patience, a solid dose of trust in personalities, and a sprinkling of courageousness.
Life in Pakistan for a Woman
I would say that solo travel in Pakistan, as a foreign woman, gives you the best scope to meet new people and get to know the country’s rich cultures.
There is this concept that traveling solo as a woman in Pakistan is dangerous but see, on the contrary, I’ve found that whenever I traveled alone, people were out of their way to facilitate me, made me feel secure and comfy and that too without me even requesting them to facilitate me.
I feel there’s a cultural force here, not many women travel solo in Pakistan, thus one that will straight off become a form of “sister,” and other people are very aware regarding creating you are feeling welcome. There’s positively a way of fondness towards women generally here and while this isn’t necessarily always a decent thing, in the specific context of travel it’s meant that I’ve always felt safe.
Pakistan is the land of cordial reception and you’ll realize the kindest people you’ll ever meet. The protection scenario in Pakistan is completely fine.
You will never face any issue and every time required some facility with language or directions you certainly continually found somebody willing to assist.
If you wish landscapes, nature, culture, architecture and delicious food, Pakistan is going to be the proper place for you.
The security scenario in Pakistan is incredibly good, even better than what my friend’s foreigner’s female assumed and expected before arriving within the country.
You know, like every country within the world, there are some areas prohibited for foreigners, just like the border regions with Afghanistan. Yet, you’ll get access to some prohibited areas by obtaining an NOC (no objection certificate). You’ll get this document in any huge police station.
Meanwhile the rest of the country you don’t get to take the permission of native govt. offices because now no security problems in Pakistan.
Of course, Pakistan has more matured some very troubling times within the past, but the protection scenario has improved hugely over a previous couple of years. Currently Pakistan is incredibly peaceful.
What Not to Do in Pakistan?
Pakistan is a Muslim country and when you are in Pakistan, avoid discussing religion & politics if you don’t have much information.
Is Pakistan Safe for Westerners?
Interested in visiting Pakistan as a woman, but concerned about your safety? You’re not the sole one, lots of ladies have asked me “Is it safe for women to travel in Pakistan?”
Here’s the answer from a Western Tourist who spent many months of adventures solo traveling in Pakistan as a female.
Impressions of Pakistan as a travel destination from a foreign visitor’s perspective and where she shared thoughts about Pakistan having the potential to be the #1 tourism destination within the world.
I feel that over the years, Western media has contributed to putting together a very one-sided, and one-sidedly negative image of Pakistan. From news stories on TV to shows like “Homeland,” a lot of what we have a tendency to hear regarding the country internationally will lead us to believe that it’s an empty and violent land stuffed with dangerous people; a no-go zone. Believe me, this can be extremely wrong perception.
Is Pakistan Safe for Female Tourists
As a solo female you’ll be invited by locals to stay & sleep in their house but avoid staying with them unless you have got references or know them already only in the huge cities like Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi. Although you may stick with locals within the mountains like Gilgit, Hunza, Skardu, Chitral & Kalasha valleys as locals are familiar with western tourists.
What to Wear in Pakistan?
Changing the color of your hair will not disguise the actual fact that you just are a foreign woman.A lot of necessary is what you wear.
Dress properly while traveling in Pakistan.I might recommend a long kurta short with a pair of jeans or loose pants alongside a {shawl} or shawl, that’d assist you plenty.
CLOTHES:
Many people think that because it’s a Muslim country you have got to cover your body if you’re a woman. The reality is that you simply can dress as you wish but, in my expertise, I will suggest you hide your legs and shoulders. You may use a Dupatta (Scarf) to cover your head while visiting religious places in Pakistan.
In this manner, you’ll enter the mosques that are value seeing from inside. One thing I would highly recommend for Pakistan is that you wear local clothing. Even as a male or female traveling in Pakistan, you feel much more comfortable wearing the local dress that helped you blend in.
Food and Drinks
Delicious foods are everyplace you’ll eat and use purifiers to drink water. People in Pakistan are thus friendly to travelers that generally entire families can come over and invite you to share their meal.
For those with sensitive stomachs: Pakistani food is an explosion of flavors and a flurry of ingredients, therefore while it’s super delicious, it isn’t for the faint of heart.
Trekking in Pakistan
The most accessible mountains obscurity else within the entire world, can you be able to trek to the bottom camp of an 8,000 meters high peak.
Short information about Pakistan for Travelers
A cash economy – Pakistan barely believes in Jazz cash, Credit cards bring money.
Pakistani Rupees are the official currency – At the time of writing, i’d say, 1USD = google it for PKR. 156, that makes it pretty straightforward to convert.
Everything is negotiable – Everything may be bargained for, particularly the building rooms. Expect to pay totally different amounts from alternative guests.
It’s pretty low cost – you’ll simply travel Pakistan for fewer than $50 on a daily basis, sleeping in private rooms and eating three meals outside.
American Woman Traveling to Pakistan
Pakistan is good, and a lot of traveling women ought to visit. Pakistan is a simple country to travel in now, and really, I do suggest an American woman traveling to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for exploring Pakistan.
This government of Pakistan is doing very hard work specially for the state and international tourists.
Opening new spots, constructing roads and facilitate a lot of.
But it wasn’t simply her fearlessness that caught my eye, it had been my content on Pakistan that actually forces me in. because I didn’t simply visit for per week or 2, I born here and lived here for an extended amount of, taking time to essentially dig into what Pakistani culture, and it’s people, are actually like, making videos and telling stories on experiences there that are in contrast to anything I’ve seen out there.
Few saying about Pakistan by American Woman Eva zu Beck ,
via Forbes
With all my friends and all the media outlets I knew warning me against traveling to Pakistan, the moment I stood in the queue to board my first flight to Islamabad, I admit I wasn’t sure whether I was in the right place. It’s very hard to extract yourself from all the common preconceptions about Pakistan as a person living in the Western world and consuming Western media. After all, the one single image of the country we are given is that of an unsafe, unwelcoming place – which is of course very wrong.
But as I stood in that queue, I had people approach me, asking where I was from and whether this was my first time in Pakistan. Those wrong preconceptions quickly began to wither away before I even landed on Pakistani soil. And from what I know, this seems to be a pretty standard change of sentiment among foreign visitors.
And this is what pains me: in the West, we are told to fear Pakistan and Pakistanis. The reality is totally different.
Conclusion
It’s conjointly necessary to notice that Pakistan hasn’t had abundant international leisure tourism in recent years, that I believe makes people a bit a lot of curious about why you’re there, what brought you to the country, and… it’s not uncommon for people to offer proof of Pakistani hospitality by being extremely hospitable to foreign travelers and take you within the lovely culture of a favorite place within the world. this is often true peaceful Pakistan.
Eventually begin to change into a lot of tangible plan, as Pakistan Google searches discovered a land of tall peaks, lush valleys, and rich heritage. And once you eventually get your visa, the deal can ensure. and are available as solo female travel in Pakistan or solo travel in Pakistan if you’re male and you know this may the start of an incredible journey.
Pakistan is deep and vast. every time I am going back to identical places, I realize one thing new learn, something new expertise. However, in the future, I’d prefer to facilitate expand the opportunities for outside adventures within the mountains. anytime I see those peaks,
I begin dreaming of the unimaginable opportunities for skiers, riders, mountaineers, and trekkers out there. Hiking coaching faculty is already started in MalamJaba. Ansoo Lake and Kumrat valley are open because of the newest spot for tourists. Sarfaranga Cold Desert jeep Rally is occurring each year, whereas some facilities do exist already,
I’d like to participate within the renaissance of Pakistan as a foremost adventure destination, that I do know is coming.
Yumna Warraich is a 24 year old Pakistani Tourist Biker who has traveled across the country on her motorcycle. She recently completed her M.Phil. in Marketing from National University of Modern Languages NUML.