Pakistan Travel Guides for International Visitors
Practical guides built from our published itineraries: when to go, where to go, how long you need, what is included and what to check before you book.
Start with the season you are travelling in, then narrow down by region and trip style. The guides below are arranged by topic, so you can check permits, packing, weather and how the itineraries handle things like flights and buffer days before you choose a trip.
How to use these guides
Use the guides in stages. Before you book, start with the seasons and the planning guides to settle when to go and how long you need. Once you have dates, move to the trekking, transport and packing guides to prepare. On the trip, the region and destination guides are the reference for where you are and what you are seeing.
- Deciding: seasons, trip styles and how-many-days guides.
- Preparing: trekking preparation, flights, permits, packing and insurance guides.
- On the road: destination and region guides for the places you pass through.
Planning your trip
Begin here before you book: first trips, choosing an itinerary, flights and arrival, entry rules and the everyday basics.
- Planning a first tripA first-timer's guide to Pakistan: how our trips are structured, choosing a region and trip style, seasons and official advice. Start planning here.
- Choosing a northern itineraryCompare northern Pakistan's regions, Baltistan, Hunza and Nagar, Nanga Parbat and Chitral, and the tours, safaris and treks we publish for each. Find your fit.
- Skardu flights and weatherHow our itineraries handle weather-dependent flights to Skardu and Gilgit, the road fallback via Chilas and the buffer days. Plan your dates with this.
- Getting to the northFly or drive? How our itineraries travel from Islamabad to Skardu, Gilgit and Hunza by air or via Chilas and Babusar. Compare the two routes north.
- Official advice and entry rulesWhere to check Pakistan's current visa rules and your government's travel advice, and why advice differs by district. Find the official sources here.
- Practical basicsThe basics for visitors to Pakistan: the rupee, Pakistan Standard Time (UTC+5), power plugs, languages and mountain connectivity. Plan ahead with them.
- Arrival and departure daysWhat the first and last days of our itineraries include, from airport transfers and city tours to buffer days. See why they matter for your flights home.
Seasons
Weather changes sharply between the lowlands and the mountains, so read the season guides before you fix your dates.
- SpringWhich of our trips run in spring: the cherry blossom tour in March, Kalash spring festival in May and early-season treks from mid-May. Compare spring options.
- SummerSummer is the main trekking and expedition season in Pakistan's mountains. See every programme in season from June to August, with altitude and duration.
- AutumnAutumn colour in Hunza and Baltistan, plus the late-season treks and tours that run into September, October and November. Compare autumn programmes.
- WinterWinter options in Pakistan: the Cholistan camel safari from October to March and the Kalash winter festival in December, while high routes close. Compare.
- Best time for each tripThe published best time for every one of our programmes in one table, from March blossom to summer treks and desert winters. Find your season here.
- FestivalsThe Kalash festivals in Bumburet, polo at the Shandur Pass and the Cholistan Jeep Rally: what each involves and when. Plan a festival trip with us.
Trekking and expeditions
From choosing and preparing for a trek to glacier routes, base camps and the practicalities of multi-day walking.
- Preparing for altitudePreparing for a high trek in Pakistan: fitness, the rest days built into our itineraries, gear you bring and medical advice to seek. Start preparing here.
- AcclimatisationRest, acclimatisation and buffer days in each of our treks and expeditions, compared with its highest point. Choose a route with a sensible pace.
- Trekking vs expeditionThe difference between a trek and a mountaineering expedition in our programmes: altitude, length, permits and peak royalties, and climbing days. Compare.
- Permits and zonesHow our programmes label trekking areas as open, permitted or restricted, and which list permits or royalties. See the table and confirm your route.
- What's includedWhat our twelve treks list as included and not included: hotels, flights, jeeps, food, porters, permits and insurance. Compare the services side by side.
- Treks from AskoleCompare the routes that start at Askole, the last village below the Baltoro and Biafo glaciers: K2 base camp, Snow Lake and the expeditions. See the table.
- Treks from HusheCompare the treks that start in Hushe: Masherbrum base camp, the Hushe Valley trek to K6 and K7, and the Gondogoro La crossing to Concordia. See the table.
- Treks in Hunza and NagarThe treks that start in or finish in Hunza and Nagar: Rakaposhi and Diran base camp, Rush Lake, and the end of the Snow Lake crossing. Compare them here.
- Glacier treksThe treks and expeditions whose itineraries travel on glaciers: Baltoro, Biafo, Hispar, Gondogoro, Chogo Lungma and others. Compare length and altitude.
- Base camp treksEvery base camp in our itineraries: K2, Masherbrum, Rakaposhi, Laila, Spantik, Nanga Parbat, K6/K7 and Gondogoro. Compare length, altitude and season.
- Camping on treksHow many nights each of our treks, expeditions and safaris spends in tents, and what the itineraries say about camps. Choose the camping level you want.
- Choosing a trekAll eleven of our treks compared by highest point, length, tent nights and season, with a starting point for each level. Find the right trek for you.
- Long trips (25+ days)Our longest programmes, from the 25-day Hushe Valley trek to the 51-day K2 expedition, compared by duration, altitude and tent nights. Plan the time you need.
- Pakistan's 8000 m peaksPakistan's five 8000m peaks, K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum II, and how our expeditions and treks let you climb or see them.
- Insurance and rescue coverOur programmes exclude personal insurance and helicopter rescue fees. See what that means and which cover to check before a trek or expedition.
Trip styles
Whether you want to trek, tour by road or keep the trip short, these guides compare how the different styles feel day to day.
- Trekking or touring?Should you trek or tour? Compare our tours with hotel nights against treks with nights in tents, by length, altitude and season, and find your trip style.
- Tours without trekkingOur tours that need no trekking: seasonal tours of Hunza and Skardu, the honeymoon tour, cultural heritage tours and fishing trips. Compare the options.
- How many days you needEvery programme sorted by length, from 7-day fishing trips to the 51-day K2 expedition, so you can match a trip to your time. Find a trip that fits.
- Trips of two weeks or lessOur programmes of 14 days or fewer: fishing trips, the camel safari, the honeymoon tour, short treks to Rakaposhi and Laila, and two bike tours. Compare.
- Jeep travelWhere our itineraries switch to 4x4 jeeps: Askole, Hushe, Arandu, Tatto, Deosai and the Shandur Pass. See the jeep days and the jeep safari in one place.
- Planning a heritage itineraryHow to plan a heritage trip in Pakistan: UNESCO sites such as Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, Mohenjo-daro, Makli, Lahore Fort and the four cultural tours we offer.
- Packing for the mountainsWhat to pack for northern Pakistan, based on what our programmes exclude: sleeping bag, climbing gear and layers for altitude. See the full list.
Regions and sights
Karimabad or Skardu, the Karakoram Highway, lakes, forts and passes - choose where to go, then match a trip to it.
- Hunza or Skardu?Hunza or Skardu for your trip? Compare the two regions by landscape, access, treks and tours, using the programmes that visit each. Find the right base.
- The Karakoram HighwayHow our itineraries use the Karakoram Highway via Besham and Chilas to Gilgit, Hunza and the Khunjerab Pass, and the bike tour on it. Explore the route.
- LakesThe lakes our itineraries visit, from Rush Lake at 4,694m to Sheosar, Satpara, the Kachura lakes, Saif-ul-Malook, Phander and Kutwal. See the days and trips.
- Forts and palacesThe forts and palaces on our routes: Baltit and Altit in Hunza, Khaplu, Derawar and the Cholistan forts, Noor Mahal and Mohatta Palace. See which trips visit.
- Mountain passesThe passes our itineraries cross or visit, from the Khunjerab and Shandur by road to Gondogoro La, Hispar La, Mazeno and Haramosh on foot. See which trip.
- Three mountain rangesNorthern Pakistan holds three great ranges: the Karakoram, the western Himalaya and the Hindu Kush. See which of our programmes are in each range.
Travelling from your country
Country-specific pages answer how visitors from each region plan their Pakistan trip, from flights to what a typical first visit looks like.
- From the USAFor US travellers: State Department advice and STEP, the time difference by US time zone, visas, the embassy and seasons. Plan your trip from the USA.
- From the UKFor UK travellers: FCDO advice and why it matters for insurance, the GMT and BST time difference, visas and the High Commission. Plan your trip here.
- From CanadaFor Canadians: Government of Canada travel advice and registration, time differences from Toronto to Vancouver and visas. Plan your Pakistan trip.
- From AustraliaFor Australians: Smartraveller advice, seasons opposite to our trekking calendar, the time difference from Sydney and Perth, and visas. Plan your trip.
- From GermanyFor German travellers: Auswärtiges Amt advice and the ELEFAND crisis list, the CET time difference, visas and the Berlin embassy. Plan your trip here.
- From FranceFor French travellers: Conseils aux voyageurs, the Ariane registration, the time difference, visas and the Paris embassy. Plan your Pakistan trip.
- From the NetherlandsFor Dutch travellers: Nederland Wereldwijd colour-coded advice, the travel app, the time difference, visas and The Hague embassy. Plan your trip here.
- From SwitzerlandFor Swiss travellers: FDFA travel advice, the Travel Admin app, the CET time difference, visas and the Embassy of Pakistan in Bern. Plan your trip.
- From ItalyFor Italian travellers: Viaggiare Sicuri advice, the Dove Siamo nel Mondo registration, time difference, visas and the Rome embassy. Plan your trip.
- From JapanFor Japanese travellers: MOFA overseas safety information and Tabireg, the 4-hour time difference, visas and the Tokyo embassy. Plan your trip here.
Destination guides
Read about the valleys, towns and passes our itineraries actually visit, and see which programmes stop there.
- Hunza ValleyHunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan: Karimabad, Baltit and Altit forts, and every trek, tour and bike ride we publish that stops there. Find the right trip.
- SkarduSkardu is the starting point for K2, Baltoro, Hushe and Deosai trips. See which of our itineraries stay there, how they get there and what they do nearby.
- GilgitGilgit, the capital of Gilgit-Baltistan, is a junction for Hunza, Ghizer and Chitral routes. See which of our trips pass through and what they visit there.
- Shigar ValleyShigar Valley lies north of Skardu on the road towards Askole and the Baltoro. See which of our tours and treks include Shigar and what they do there.
- KhapluKhaplu, on the Shyok River east of Skardu, has a historic fort and the Chaqchan Mosque. See which of our tours, treks and bike rides stop there.
- Hushe ValleyHushe is the last village below Masherbrum, K6, K7 and the Gondogoro La. Compare the treks, bike tour and seasonal tours that go into the Hushe Valley.
- Nagar ValleyNagar faces Hunza across the river, with Minapin below Rakaposhi and Hopar at the Barpu Glacier. See the treks and tours that visit the Nagar Valley.
- Upper HunzaUpper Hunza between Attabad Lake and the Khunjerab Pass: Gulmit, Passu and Sost. See which of our itineraries stay or ride there and what they include.
- Khunjerab PassThe Khunjerab Pass (4,693m) is the Pakistan–China border on the Karakoram Highway. See which of our tours and treks drive up to it and what each day involves.
- Deosai PlainsThe Deosai Plains are a high plateau and national park between Skardu and Astore. See every jeep, horse and bike trip we publish that crosses Deosai.
- Astore ValleyAstore lies on the eastern side of Nanga Parbat, with Rama Meadows and the road to Deosai. See the jeep safari, trek and bike tour that pass through Astore.
- Fairy MeadowsFairy Meadows sits below Nanga Parbat, reached by jeep from Raikot Bridge to Tatto and a walk up. See which of our trips go there and what each day involves.
- Concordia & the Baltoro GlacierConcordia sits at the head of the Baltoro Glacier below K2. See every trek and expedition that walks from Askole up the Baltoro and how long each takes.
- Lakes around SkarduThe lakes and sights around Skardu in our itineraries: Upper and Lower Kachura, Shangrila, Satpara Lake and the Manthal Buddha Rock. See the trips that visit.
- Naran & Kaghan ValleyNaran and the Kaghan Valley, with Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Lulusar Lake and the Babusar Pass. See the honeymoon tour and other trips that travel this way.
- Swat ValleySwat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa holds Gandhara Buddhist sites and the Swat Museum. See which of our cultural and biking itineraries pass through Swat.
- ChitralChitral, in the Hindu Kush, is the gateway to the Kalash valleys and the Shandur Pass. See the cultural tours and bike tour that travel through Chitral.
- Kalash ValleysThe Kalash valleys of Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir near Chitral, home to the Kalash people and their festivals. See the tours that visit and when they run.
- Shandur Pass & GhizerThe Shandur Pass links Chitral and Ghizer, with Phander Lake on the eastern side. See the polo, fishing and biking trips that travel the Shandur route.
- PeshawarPeshawar, near the Khyber Pass, holds Gandhara heritage and an old city. See which cultural tours stop in Peshawar and what their itineraries visit.
- TaxilaTaxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Islamabad, is a key Gandhara site. See which of our cultural and seasonal tours include Taxila and how.
- Islamabad & RawalpindiAlmost every trip starts and ends in Islamabad. See the sightseeing our itineraries include there and in Rawalpindi and Murree, and on which days.
- LahoreLahore, capital of Punjab, is known for its Mughal heritage. See how our Indus civilisation tour and camel safari connect through Lahore and what they include.
- KarachiKarachi on the Arabian Sea is the start of the Indus civilisation tour and the sea fishing trip. See the sights and days each itinerary spends in Karachi.
- Mohenjo-daro & MakliMohenjo-daro and the Makli necropolis near Thatta are UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sindh. See how the Indus civilisation tour visits both from Karachi.
- Bahawalpur & CholistanBahawalpur and the Cholistan Desert: Noor Mahal, Derawar Fort and the desert forts on the camel safari route. See each day and the season for desert travel.
Trek, biking, fishing and cultural tour guides
A page for every published programme, with its day plan, key facts and where it goes.
- K2 Base Camp TrekFollow the 18-day K2 Base Camp Trek from Skardu and Askole up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 base camp (5,150m). Review each day and the inclusions.
- K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La TrekAn 18-day trek up the Baltoro Glacier to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, returning over the Gondogoro La to Hushe. Review each day and ask for an itinerary.
- Snow Lake TrekA 21-day Karakoram trek from Askole up the Biafo Glacier to Snow Lake, over Hispar La (5,151m) and down to Hunza. See every day and what is included.
- Fairy Meadows TrekA 12-day trip combining the Fairy Meadows trek and Nanga Parbat base camp walk with Karimabad, Hunza and the Khunjerab Pass. Explore the day-by-day itinerary.
- Great Karakoram TraverseA 32-day traverse from Hushe over Gondogoro La to Concordia, then via the Biafo Glacier, Snow Lake and Hispar Pass to Hunza. Review the full route and services.
- Laila Base Camp & Haramosh La TrekA 14-day trek from Arandu up the Chogo Lungma Glacier to Laila base camp, over the Haramosh Pass and past Kutwal Lake. Review each day and the inclusions.
- Masherbrum Base Camp TrekA 16-day trek from Skardu and Khaplu to Hushe village and Masherbrum base camp (4,200m), with a rest day at base camp. See the itinerary, season and services.
- Mazeno Pass TrekA 17-day trek around Nanga Parbat from Tarashing over the Mazeno Pass to Loiba Meadows and Diamir base camp, highest point 5,390m. Explore the full itinerary.
- Rakaposhi Base Camp TrekA 14-day trip from Minapin in Nagar to Rakaposhi base camp at Tagaphari, then Karimabad, Hunza and the Khunjerab Pass. Explore the itinerary and season.
- Rush Lake TrekA 15-day trip from Karimabad via Hopar and the Barpu Glacier to Rush Lake (4,694m), with a rest day at the lake and a Khunjerab Pass drive. View each day.
- Spantik Base Camp TrekA 15-day trek from Skardu to Arandu and up the Chogo Lungma Glacier to Spantik base camp, with a rest day there. Explore each day and the inclusions.
- Hushe Valley TrekA 25-day Hushe Valley trek linking Masherbrum base camp, the K6 and K7 base camp and the Gondogoro base camp, highest point 5,650m. See the day-by-day plan.
- Deosai Biking TourRide from Jaglot via Astore and Nanga Parbat base camp over the Chackor Pass to Deosai and Satpara Lake. Explore the 19-day biking itinerary.
- Hindu Kush Bike TourA 19-day ride from Dir to Chitral, the Kalash valleys and the Shandur Pass (3,720m), then through Ghizer and Gilgit to Hunza and Passu. Explore each day.
- Hushe Valley Biking TourA 14-day biking tour from Skardu via Khaplu and Machulo to Hushe village, with K6 and K7 viewpoints in the Charakusa Valley. Explore the full day plan.
- Karakoram Highway Bike TourA 14-day ride that starts at the Khunjerab Pass (4,693m) and descends the Karakoram Highway through Sost, Passu, Gulmit and Hunza to Gilgit. See each day.
- Marine Fishing TripA 7-day sea fishing trip that flies from Islamabad to Karachi for offshore boat charters, reef fishing near Churna Island and trolling sessions. View each day.
- Trout Fishing TripA 7-day trout fishing trip from Gilgit to Kargah Nullah, Singal, Phander Lake and the Ghizer River for brown and rainbow trout. Explore the itinerary.
- Freshwater Fishing TripA 7-day freshwater fishing trip from Islamabad to the Chashma and Taunsa barrages on the Indus for rohu, catla and mahseer. Explore the day-by-day plan.
- Gandhara Civilization TourA 14-day heritage tour from Islamabad through Taxila, Peshawar, Takht-i-Bahi and Swat to Buddhist rock carvings in Gilgit and forts in Hunza. See each day.
- Indus Civilization TourA heritage tour from Karachi to Makli, Thatta and Mohenjo-daro, then Taxila, Peshawar, Chitral, Swat, Hunza and Lahore. Explore the itinerary and inclusions.
- Kalash Festival TourAn 11-day trip from Islamabad to Chitral and Bumburet for a Kalash festival in May, August or December, with four days in the valley. See the plan.
- Polo Festival TourA tour from Islamabad to Gilgit, Phander Lake and the Shandur Pass for several days of polo games, music and dancing, returning via Chitral. See each day.