Pakistan tours & holidays

Pakistan’s climate varies widely, ranging from continental in the mountainous north to a mix of subtropical and semi-arid in the lowland plains and along the coast.

In the north, regions like Gilgit-Baltistan have rugged terrain and long winters with lots of snow. The trekking season typically runs from May to October, when mountain passes are open and weather conditions are more favourable. These areas are generally sheltered from the summer monsoon that affects the south, though occasional showers, thunderstorms and even snowfall are still possible.

Further inland, in provinces like Punjab and in nearby areas like Islamabad, the climate is subtropical with scorching summers and a defined monsoon season. From late June to August, the southwest monsoon brings heavy rains and high humidity. Usually by October, the weather turns drier and temperatures become more manageable.

Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, has suffered from a negative image – mainly since September 2001 and issues relating to safety and international relations. People can quickly cast it aside as a troubled nation, let alone consider travelling there, but there’s so much more to Pakistan than the media would have you believe. 

Pakistan is a diverse country of many ethnic groups. Though the majority of the population practise Islam, it has been shaped by various faiths and empires throughout history and is a melting pot of Indian, Central Asian, South Asian and Persian influences.  

Urdu and English are the official languages, though over 70 others are spoken. Linguistically and culturally, the northern Pakistanis of the Karakoram ranges have more in common with, say, their northern Indian or Afghan neighbours than those living in Karachi or Hyderabad. 

That said, Pakistanis share two things in common – the first being cricket, which has the power to transcend politics and unite people across the country. The second is hospitality. According to Islam, a guest is a blessing from God, and you’ll find that the locals will go out of their way to share a cup of tea, invite you in for a meal or strike up a conversation (probably about cricket).

Like many conservative countries, Pakistan takes a more traditional view of gender equality. Men are generally considered responsible for providing for their family, while women care for the home and the children.

However, women across the country are fighting for more independence, including in tourism. You can meet some of the trailblazing women forging new paths for women on our trips.

The official creation of Pakistan came in 1947, though the history of its land and people is much older. The Indus Valley civilisation flourished along the Indus River for over 700 years. After its decline, the region came under the rule of several empires, including the Persian Achaemenid Empire, followed by Alexander the Great and his Macedonian army in 327 BCE.

Over the centuries, the region remained a crossroads of cultures and religions. Buddhism and Hinduism prevailed until Muhammad bin Qasim led a successful campaign in 711 CE, bringing Islam to Sindh and parts of southern Punjab. Islamic influence gradually expanded, reaching its peak with the Mughal Empire, which spanned much of modern-day Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Bangladesh. As the empire weakened in the 18th century, the Sikh Empire rose to power in the Punjab region.

By the mid-19th century, the British East India Company had taken control. Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British Crown assumed direct control of the Indian subcontinent, ushering in the era of the British Raj from 1858 to 1947. During this time, a distinct Muslim political identity began to take shape. One influential figure was writer and poet Muhammad Iqbal, who envisioned a Muslim-majority area within the subcontinent, though historians debate whether he meant an autonomous province rather than a separate nation.

The name ‘Pakistan’ was coined in 1933 by student Choudhry Rahmat Ali, using an acronym of Punjab, Afghania (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kashmir, Sindh and Baluchistan. Pakistan gained independence from the British in 1947, but as borders were drawn, over 10 million people were displaced and an estimated two million people died in the ensuing violence. This clash was the basis of the still unresolved Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India.

Despite its complex past, Pakistan is a country shaped by thousands of years of history, culture and resilience. With incredible treks, sublime scenery and welcoming communities that take great pride in hosting visitors.

Things to try in Pakistan

Nihari

This popular dish is found across the Indian subcontinent. A slow-cooked shank of lamb, goat or chicken is stewed with some 50 spices, including garam masala, cardamom and cumin and served with naan or roti.

Sajji

Originating in the Balochistan province, this meaty dish is a whole lamb or chicken marinated in salt and roasted over coals. Sometimes it’s covered in green papaya paste, sometimes it’s stuffed with rice, but one thing's certain: it’s always delicious.

Halwa poori

A popular breakfast in southern Pakistan, deep-fried bread ­– or poori – is served with halwa (a traditional sweet), yoghurt and a chickpea or potato curry. It’s light and oh so right.

Kheer

This traditional dessert is a rice pudding combined with almonds, pistachios, cashews, saffron and cardamom. It’s served in terracotta bowls and is very moreish.

What are the plant-based options like in Pakistan?

Travelling as a vegetarian in Pakistan can require a little patience. The cuisine is heavily meat-based and many dishes are cooked with meat stock or ghee. Vegetarian dishes like dahl are popular, but they’re sometimes served with shredded meat, so be clear you don’t eat meat – including fish and chicken! Snacks like paratha and piping-hot roti are also abundant.

Vegan options can be harder to find. Ask for your dish to be prepared in a separate pot without animal products, but be understanding if this causes some confusion.

Of course, this is all a lot easier when you’re travelling with a local leader who can help you decipher menus!

Pakistan is bordered by four countries – Iran, India, Afghanistan and China – with disagreements over the Kashmir region (India and China) and the Durand Line (Afghanistan). It stretches from the Arabian Sea in the south to the mighty Karakoram mountains in the north and can be split into three geographical regions.

Northern highlands

Northern Pakistan is incredibly mountainous. It has three of the world’s mightiest mountain ranges – Karakoram, Hindu Kush and the Western Himalayas – and is home to the second-largest peak, K2 (8611 m) and more than 50 mountains rising above 6500 metres.

Given the challenging terrain, the northern highlands have a sparse population with remote villages scattered throughout the valleys. Winters here are severe, as you’d imagine, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.

Balochistan

Southwest Pakistan, known as Balochistan, borders Iran and Afghanistan. It accounts for 44 per cent of the land mass but less than 10 per cent of the population, most of whom are concentrated in Quetta. The summers are hot, and the winters can be freezing, though rainfall is relatively low compared to the rest of Pakistan.

Indus Plain

Much of Pakistan’s population and economy are focused around the mighty Indus River, which shelters several notable species, including the endangered Indus River dolphin.

The river basin’s fertile plains are responsible for most of the country’s food supply. That said, it can also fall victim to devastating floods which affect millions of people, especially during the monsoon from mid-July to September.

Pakistan is a largely cash-based society. Debit and credit cards are usually accepted in hotels and shopping centres in cities like Islamabad and Lahore (though cash is still preferred), but they're not reliable in smaller shops, markets and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash, especially when travelling outside major cities.

You’ll find ATMs in most cities and towns, but access is more limited in the mountains and small towns and villages, so be sure to plan ahead.