Pakistan: the land of magnificent mountains and landscapes, an endless array of culinary magic, the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, glittering shrines, 400-year-old forts, and then some. The infrequently-visited South Asian nation is blessed in so many aspects, yet still remains free from the annoyances of mass tourism.
To travel in Pakistan is to enter another world, a world of synchronized chaos and beauty that will pull you in from the moment you first feel it. The diverse country is filled with alpine lakes, remnants of ancient civilizations, rugged beaches, and the opportunity to make friends by simply stepping outside your front door.
Though mysterious to those who haven’t been there, Pakistan will soon have you feeling like you’ve found a second home. Its affordability, endless possibilities for adventure, and foodie-friendly cities make it one of the most incredible travel destinations in the world. Intrigued?
Marvel at the beauty of the Wazir Khan Masjid
The Wazir Khan Masjid is a 300+-year-old place of worship located inside the Walled City, Lahore’s oldest neighborhood that has been around for centuries. The Mughal-Era mosque was completed in the 17th century and its state of preservation is impressive. Lahore being the de facto “cultural capital” of Pakistan means there’s so much to see in this city, but Wazir Khan is by far one of the most notable of its treasures. Adorned with intricate tile work and frescoes, a visit to this masterpiece will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. To get the best view of the mosque and the surrounding Walled City, you can ask the caretaker to be let up to the top of one of the minarets for a small fee—be prepared for a seriously magical view!
Expand your palette at Asil Phajja Siri Paye
Hear me out. Paya might be one of the weirder dishes you try in Pakistan, but it’s definitely worth a taste. Paya consists of a soft and juicy mutton hoof cooked in a flavorful curry stew. I know it sounds strange, but trust me, it’s delicious, especially in Lahore. This kooky piece of cuisine is often eaten as a breakfast item, alongside some freshly baked naan, of course. Fatty and tender, it tastes a heck of a lot better than it sounds.
Fall into a state of trance at Sufi dhamal in Lahore
Perhaps one of the most interesting things you can do in Pakistan is experience dhamal. What’s dhamal, you might be wondering? Only the coolest religious ritual ever, if you ask me! Dhamal is a form of Sufi meditative practice where devotees whirl and twirl themselves into a trance alongside the reverberating beats of dhol drums. The event is typically accompanied by copious amounts of hashish and will bring about other-worldly vibes. The Madho lal Hussain shrine in Lahore is one of the best places to get acquainted with the practice. Try to arrive around 7 on a Thursday night.
Cruise around Rawalpindi in a rickshaw
Though you can certainly call an Uber, the easiest (and quickest) way to get from place to place in the jubilant metro of Rawalpindi (Islamabad’s older, historical twin city) is by auto rickshaw. Rickshaws are tiny, square-shaped vehicles that jive through chaotic metros faster than a traditional four-wheeler ever could. They’re usually painted in bright colors and come in multiple forms. The most adventurous way to get your rickshaw fix in is by hailing a qingqi, which has the passenger booth on the back, giving you the best views, and occasionally a heart palpitation or two!
Stay with a local in Hunza Valley
Pakistanis are some of the most hospitable people in the world, so don’t be alarmed when you start receiving invitations to stay the night in peoples’ homes! Staying with a Pakistani is the single best way that you can really get a feel for life and culture in the country, and the experience is sure to lead to long-lasting friendships and a stomach full of delicious, home-cooked food. While you’ll undoubtedly receive these types of invitations just by being out and about, Couchsurfing is another great resource.
Devour a plate of biryani in Karachi
Biryani is a Pakistani meat and rice dish that’s loved all over the country, but it’s Karachi where you can sample the best of the best. Though biryani might look like just another rice dish, the City by the Sea prepares it in a way that’s unparalleled anywhere else in South Asia. You can find biryani all over Karachi, though locals rate Madni Biryani as one of the best.
Let a Lahori put you in a food coma
While Karachi might be the spot for biryani, Lahore is where it’s at for virtually anything else. The best way to sample the best restaurants in Lahore (and street food, of course) is by relinquishing all control and letting a local guide you. Lahoris are some of the biggest foodies in Pakistan, and you can rest assured that they will not steer you wrong. The food scene in Lahore is usually open until at least 2 AM, so prepare yourself for a very full day of eating!
Cycle or hitchhike your way up the KKH
The KKH, short for the Karakoram Highway, is an 810-mile national highway that connects Pakistan with China. But the part of this famous road that’s worth an adventure stretches from Gilgit to the Chinese border, clocking in at about 168 miles. This grand stretch is filled with some of Pakistan’s most sought-after scenery: Attabad Lake, the Passu Cones, and the rickety Hussaini Bridge, to name a few. The KKH is best explored slowly, which is why hitchhiking or cycling are two of the best ways to take in its beauty.
Visit the ancient city of Taxila
Pakistan is teeming with historical places, but few are as impressive as Taxila: an archeological site that holds remains dating back as far as 1000 BCE. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains everything from stupas, caves, monasteries, and not just one, but four fortified cities. The best part is that Taxila isn’t too far from the capital, Islamabad, making it an easy day trip.
Trek to the basecamp of Rakaposhi to see a 7,778m giant
If there’s one thing Pakistan has no shortage of, it’s mountains and treks. The country is chock-full of seriously epic routes that will undoubtedly blow your mind, and the Rakaposhi Basecamp Trek is one of them. The trek starts from the village of Minapin and can be done in 1-3 days, depending on whether or not you choose to camp (Psst! You should!). Be prepared for a bit of elevation gain–1,400 m to be exact–and a breathtaking view of the Rakaposhi glacier at the top.
Take a trip to the Kalash Valley
The Kalash people live in three valleys in Pakistan’s Chitral district, and from the moment you arrive, you’ll realize how unique their traditions are compared to the rest of the country. Kalasha women wear colorful headdresses and black robes, and the community has its own religion, language, and festivals. If you happen to be in Pakistan during the months of May, August, or December, do check to see if you can make it for one of their epic celebrations, which consist of traditional dancing, rituals, and a whole lot of homemade mulberry wine.
While away the days at Phander Lake
The highlight of the picturesque Phander Valley, Phander Lake is often overlooked by tourists. Don’t be like them! The lake is situated in the Ghizer district of Pakistan, which despite its bright blue lakes and rivers that literally look like a painting, still remains infrequently visited. For the easiest access to lakeside relaxation, stay at the affordable, clean, and hospitable Lake Inn Guest House, which is mere steps away from Phander’s main attraction.
Travel back in time in Peshawar
Peshawar is the oldest living city in South Asia, and you can feel that as soon as you step out into the Old City. Narrow alleyways, bygone Havelis, and street-food carts loaded with everything and anything will greet you, along with some of the friendliest folks in all of Pakistan. Don’t miss out on the Mughal-era Mahabat Khan Mosque and the Bab-e-Khyber, a famous gate that sits slightly outside the city and marks the start of Khyber Pass, an important trading route on the Old Silk Road.
Catch a sunset from the Margalla Hills
Aside from being green and clean, Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, also offers some seriously sweet hikes. The lush Margalla Hills has numerous trails to choose from and the view from the top is the best place to catch a signature South Asian sunset. Bring a headlamp for the way down!
See the world’s highest polo ground on the Shandur Pass
The Shandur Pass is a flat plateau that connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Gilgit Baltistan. Aside from snow-capped peaks, herds of yaks, and mossy grass, you can also see the highest altitude polo ground in the world, which sits at a hefty 3,700 m. If you happen to be in Pakistan in early July, you can catch the pass at its most lively during the annual Shandur Polo Fest.
Go lake hunting in Swat Valley
Swat Valley is full of mesmerizing alpine lakes, set in fairytale-like landscapes complete with wild horses and herds of livestock. Start your journey in Kalam, where you can hire local guides and gather information. Kandol, Spindhor, Kooh, Godar, Izmis, Mahodand, and Mastij are just some of the icy-blue wonders to admire. Just don’t forget to pack a good pair of hiking boots.
Trip out on truck art
Truck art? Yes, truck art. The uniquely-Pakistani art form can be found on lorries, rickshaws, tractors, and buses all over the country and make streets and highways look kaleidoscopic. Truck drivers take their designs seriously and often bedazzle their rigs with all types of shiny trinkets in addition to the paint job. You can see this art form all over the country, but anywhere in Sindh province tends to have especially technicolor roads.
Check out one of the world’s highest deserts
Katpana is a massive cold desert located near Skardu in Pakistan’s Baltistan region. The sprawling sands stretch all the way across the border to India, but the portion of it in Baltistan can be found close to the Skardu Airport. During winters, the desert becomes covered with snow, which is definitely picturesque, but you should visit during the summer to spend a night camping under the starriest of skies. No light pollution here!
Attend an Urs
An Urs is a death anniversary of a Sufi saint and such commemorations take place all over Pakistan throughout the year at each saint’s shrine or tomb. The exciting thing about these fascinatingly beautiful events is the fervor in which they’re celebrated. For 3-4 days, pilgrims come from all over the country to pay respects. But the event is also filled with dhamal, (Sufi-meditative dance), qawwali performances, bazaars, and then some. One of the most festive and zealous Urs celebrations in the country takes place every April at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan.
Blast off to Mars AKA Hingol National Park
All of Pakistan’s nature is unreal, but Hingol National Park takes things to an entirely different level. The one-of-a-kind landscape truly looks like something from the red planet; a mud volcano, dramatic rock formations, and stunning beaches all give the massive park an extraplanetary feel. Hingol can be easily visited by road from Karachi, and the best way to go is by car with a local friend.
Experience Eid
Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Azha are two of the biggest and most important annual holidays in Pakistan and either one is absolutely worth planning your trip around. Both Eids consist of multiple days of prayer, festivities, feasting, and family time. Eid-ul-Fitr commemorates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan while Eid-ul-Azha is a feast of sacrifice where cities begin to look like farms full of goats, cows, and sheep. Both of these are celebrated in each and every corner of the country, though I highly recommend the Walled City of Lahore as the perfect place to meet locals and really dive into the festivities!
Delve into Interior Sindh
Sure Pakistan’s mountains are epic, but some of the country’s richest culture and history lies within the province of Sindh. Few foreign travelers make it past Karachi, which is yet another reason why you have to dive into Interior Sindh. Add the Ranikot Fort, Mohenjo Daro, Sehwan, and Manchar Lake to your list, though don’t be afraid to go where the flow takes you. The entirety of the province is enchanting.
Venture to Deosai Plains and feel one with the sky
At over 13,000 feet above sea level, Deosai is the second-highest plateau in the entire world. The mesmerizingly beautiful meadow is famed for its epic vistas, lakes, and starry skies. Keep in mind that Deosai is only accessible in the summer months, with wildflower season peaking from May to July.
Cheer at the Wagah Border Closing ceremony
Every day before sunset, a wildly whacky ceremony takes place at the land border of India and Pakistan on the outskirts of Lahore. Instead of just closing the border gates like most other countries, Pakistan and India have a wild, nationalistic show of force that you’re unlikely to see anywhere else. Head over early if you want to get a good view of the action!
Meander through Multan, the City of Saints
Filled with intricately decorated tombs, shrines, and mosques, Multan used to be home to a multitude of now-famous Sufi mystics several centuries ago. As a result, the Punjabi city is filled with some of the most beautiful historical sites in all of Pakistan, as well as some pretty banging street food too!