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Overview
Pakistan is where it all started for Wild Frontiers and 25 years on it remains our spiritual home as well as one of the most exciting destinations we offer. Increasing in popularity but still untouched my mass tourism, the country offers warm hospitality, beautiful scenery, fantastic food and a host of cultural sites.
In the north west you’ll find some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. In the fascinating kingdom of Chitral you can explore Chitral Town and stay ...
Pakistan is where it all started for Wild Frontiers and 25 years on it remains our spiritual home as well as one of the most exciting destinations we offer. Increasing in popularity but still untouched my mass tourism, the country offers warm hospitality, beautiful scenery, fantastic food and a host of cultural sites.
In the north west you’ll find some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. In the fascinating kingdom of Chitral you can explore Chitral Town and stay with a prince, and a true highlight of a trip to Pakistan, visit our friends the Kalash, where you can spend a couple of nights learning about their lives and enjoying one of their colourful festivals. We also offer tours taking in the dramatic Shandur Polo Festival against an unbeatable mountain backdrop.
For walkers our journey to the roof of the world offers hiking amongst the Karakoram Mountains, which offers a great chance to explore the dramatic scenery and visit remote villages.
In the south explore the cultural and artistic capital of Lahore, with its museums, forts and old town, the cosmopolitan Karachi and the stunning UNESCO site of Mohenjo-Daro
Over the years we have grown very adept at negotiating our way around the political, cultural and logistical complexities of this fascinating country and forged close links with our friends there, even founding our own school in Baleygon. So, forget what you read in the news and come with us on a journey into a land whose very breadth and beauty will fill the heart of even the most seasoned traveller with an entirely new sense of wonder.
Meet the Expert
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Pakistan with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
Whether you want to travel on one of our award-winning itineraries or build your own journey from scratch, our expert consultants will help create the perfect tour for your tastes and budget. Below are a few suggestions of the kind of trips we can offer, all of which can be tailored to you.
EXAMPLE ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF PAKISTAN
BEST EXPERIENCES
Catch a game of Frontier Polo
Check if there is a game on to see this wild version of polo played at altitude. Local teams contend in fierce competition with crowds of Chitralis in attendance. This fast-paced energetic game is a fabulous experience and a great way to chat to the locals.
Spend time with the Kalash people
Head out on a village walk to learn about this fascinating pagan tribe and their animist beliefs. Visiting our Kalash friends in their homes allows you to interact with them, hear their stories and learn about their distinctive culture and lifestyle.
Witness the Wagah Border Ceremony
Join the patriotic crowds to witness the extraordinary – and very bizarre – Wagah Border Ceremony. Watch the spectacle of the frontier guards of Pakistan and India squaring up to one another in an act of great bravado, pomp and ceremony.
Explore Lahore's Mughal Architecture
With its magnificent Islamic monuments, spectacular reminders from the era of British rule, chaotic old city bazaar and modern status, Lahore remains high on the list of Pakistan's un-missable sights and is known as the country's cultural capital.
Feast on Street Food
For unrivalled views over the Old City, there are several restored havelis providing a variety of tasty Lahore delicacies from fried fish to Chapli kebabs, to more exotic dishes like nihari and paya, all to be washed down with cool lassi or pink Kashmiri tea.
Go in search of wildlife
Explore Chitral Gol National Park to see if you can spot any markhor; a wild mountain antelope indigenous to these parts. If you are really lucky you might even spot the elusive and exquisite snow leopard!
Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery
Northern Pakistan is home to some of the most impressive mountain scenery on earth. Wind your way through lush valleys and up over impressive mountain passes, surrounded by high peaks and powerful rivers, you'll certainly feel on top of the world.
Drive the famous Karakorum Highway
Embark on one of life's greatest adventures as you drive along the famous Karakorum Highway, following in the footsteps of traders, warriors, poets and pilgrims who have travelled this spectacular road for millennia.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Discover more
WHEN TO GO
The weather conditions can be extremely varied. In the mountains of Pakistan, where you will often be travelling at heights of up to 3,000 metres, even in the middle of summer it can turn bitter; at the same time the temperature in Islamabad could be nudging 40 degrees. Generally though, outside of the months of June and July you should largely be OK.
Meet the expert, Clem
Clem is our Pakistan expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Clementine by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
LGBTQIA+ Guidance
When planning to travel as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, there may be additional things you wish to consider doing, such as:
- Speaking to one of our travel experts for information about travelling in your chosen destination and local attitudes towards members of the LGBTQIA+ community
- Checking the Human Dignity Trust map of countries that criminalise LGBTQIA+ people, which highlights potentially dangerous regions and countries
- Checking the ‘Local laws and customs’ section of your country's official foreign travel advice page
- Looking for any updates for your desired destination on the Human Rights Watch LGBTQIA+ rights page
- Buying a recommended guidebook, as many include an LGBTQIA+ section and advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers
USEFUL INFORMATION
Travel Tips
• Carry a bandana - the dust in the jeeps can be a nuisance
• Make sure you take a torch - power cuts happen
• Don’t drink too much Kalash wine - you WILL suffer!
• Carry something warm over the Shandur Pass - it can snow even in July
• If travelling by jeep ask the driver to take the roof off - you'll see a lot more
• Don't visit Lahore museum on the first Wednesday of the month - it'll be closed
Practical Information
Time: Pakistan is 5hrs ahead of GMT. A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com
Money: Currency: The currency in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee. To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com
A few points to help you plan: Payments are mainly made in cash. Only the few large hotels and banks accept credit cards and Travellers Cheques so they are basically useless. If using ATM machines, be sure to notify your bank before you travel. It is strongly recommended you travel with US dollars or Pounds Sterling in cash. On arrival you will be able to change money into the relevant currency and your tour leader can help you arrange this.
NB – please do not change more than you think you will need as in some cases you will not be able to change it back into hard currency.
Electricity: If using a camera with film we suggest photographers bring plenty of rolls. Those bringing video & digital cameras that require battery chargers should also bring a two-pin, continental style adapter. In most hotels you can charge from the mains using a travel adaptor plug.
Food and Alcohol: As an Islamic republic almost all alcohol is banned in Pakistan. Murray beer and whisky are available to non-Muslims at a few hotels but to be honest it’s hardly worth drinking. In the past customs used to confiscate any bottles they found tourists bringing into the country but in the last few years this has been eased and so long as one is subtle – no Johnnie Walker duty free bags, please! – you can bring in whatever you want. And a sundowner while at the Eagles Nest is very satisfying indeed. So if you want a good quality tipple, then bring it with you. Our local friends are also much appreciative if you have some to share!
The food in Pakistan is akin to that of its neighbouring country India. With many flavoursome dishes, it is an ideal location for vegetarians. That said, chicken and mutton are available for those that like their meat.
Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can be catered for; however on some occasions the type of food may be limited. Please let us know your requirements as soon as possible so we can make any arrangements to cater for your needs.
Travelling Solo In Pakistan
All of our small group tours are designed to cater for solo travellers: the number of solo travellers will vary from tour to tour, but usually over half will be travelling alone. Get all of the excitement of discovering new places combined with the security of travelling with an organised group, with like minded people.