Q: When to Go to Pakistan?

The best time to visit Pakistan is during the months of May to October when the weather is neither too cold in the north nor too hot in cities like Lahore and Islamabad. In my opinion, September and October are the best times to visit as the valleys of North Pakistan are turning orange, and popular destinations are free from the local crowds. Accommodations in places like Fairy Meadows become cheaper as well.

Question 1

Why Visit Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Pakistan is not your typical travel destination. Looking from the outside, you may wonder, "What is there to see in Pakistan?" It turns out, there are tons of stunning places that are begging for you to explore.

From Lahore, the cultural capital city of the Punjab province, to the pristine snowy peaks of the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush mountain ranges, you will be surprised to discover that these places exist in Pakistan.

Other than the scenery, the hospitality of the Pakistani people is unmatched by anyone. The friendliness and kindness of its people are one of the highlights of traveling in Pakistan. Strangers will come up to you, strike up a random conversation, and help you out as best they can, while expecting nothing in return. I have to tell you, it is such a breath of fresh air when a taxi driver pays for your lunch!

From the mountains of Gilgit Baltistan to the cultural heritage of Punjab, Pakistan has everything for a grand adventure unlike any other country you have been to before.

Question 2

When to Go to Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

The best time to visit Pakistan is during the months of May to October when the weather is neither too cold in the north nor too hot in cities like Lahore and Islamabad.

In my opinion, September and October are the best times to visit as the valleys of North Pakistan are turning orange, and popular destinations are free from the local crowds. Accommodations in places like Fairy Meadows become cheaper as well.

Question 3

How to Get to Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

There are several major airlines that fly to Lahore. One of the best ones is Emirates, Qatar, THAI, and Etihad Airways. If you are looking for a flight from where you are, I would recommend you browse through Expedia or Skyscanner to find the best and cheapest deal possible.

Question 4

How to Get Around Pakistan?

Accepted Answer

Within big cities like Lahore and Islamabad, Uber is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel around the city. A rickshaw is also a good option in Lahore if you haggle hard. Beyond Islamabad, taxis or hired jeeps are sometimes required to get to remote places around the area.

From Lahore to Islamabad, you can take a Daewoo Express bus (search for Rawalpindi as a destination instead of Islamabad, as the bus station is located in Rawalpindi, a twin city next to Islamabad) that connects the two cities. From Islamabad to Gilgit, you can either fly or take a NATCO overnight bus that will take around 18 hours to reach the destination. Be sure to check out our detailed guide on traveling to Gilgit from Islamabad as there are certain things you need to prepare before you get on the bus.

Beyond Gilgit, you will either have to flag down a bus from the Karakoram Highway yourself or hitchhike, which is the most effective way to traverse the Karakoram Highway as the buses are often full and do not come on time. Besides, the locals are more than happy to drive a guest around their country, and they will try to help you as best as they can so that you will have a great time in their country.

From Sost to Skardu, you can take a bus that leaves for Gilgit at 5 AM. When you arrive in Gilgit by 9 AM, you can board the next bus bound for Skardu. With the new road completed, it should take approximately 4 hours to reach Skardu. Therefore, if you leave Gilgit by 9 AM, you should arrive by 1 PM.

From Skardu to Astore, you will have to rent a jeep to travel on the unpaved road in Deosai National Park, and it will take approximately 7 hours to reach Astore.

Start Here

One Month in Pakistan: A Backpacking Itinerary

Planning

How to Get to Gilgit from Islamabad

2 Weeks Itinerary for the Karakoram Highway

Explore Karimabad: A Complete Travel Guide

Hiking Rakaposhi Base Camp: A Complete Travel Guide

Fairy Meadows Hiking Guide: A Complete Itinerary

Visiting Islamabad: 6 Cool Things to Do & More

7 Amazing Things to Do in Lahore, Pakistan