After spending my wonderful time in Pakistan, I always tried convincing others to visit this incredible country and giving them some Pakistan travel tips. However, I always got the response, “Pakistan”, are you kidding me?

Well, whoever you are making conversation with would probably make this response in case you break the news that you are going to be Pakistan. “But why Pakistan?” someone would add.

To be brutally honest, that’s a pretty natural reaction because of what media is putting Pakistan in picture for. Be that as it may, the reality is the reverse. Alright, I remained the guest of this incredible country for more than two weeks. And honestly and that’s something I am disappointed at. I mean, I wish I could have spent two months in Pakistan, at least.

It might seem a bit weird to you but people of Pakistan are ranked higher amongst the happiest nations in the world. One thing I loved the most about the people of Pakistan is that they are pristine pure. Extremely hospitable. No kidding. Offering a cup of tea (or food when it’s time) is the tradition everywhere. Whomever you will visit, you will be warmly welcomed by the hosts and presented with everything that you can hope for.

May I get you another very interesting fact about Pakistan? Should I?

Alright, Pakistan is recently listed among the top 10 coolest places to hang your hat in 2019 by Forbes, an American Business Magazine. That’s sensational, isn’t it?

Check out these other 5 top secret places to visit in 2020!

With that, Pakistan has managed to get #1 position in the list of top travel destinations of 2018. Yes, everything has changed now. I guess soon Pakistan will be given the status of one of the top adventurous destinations of the world. Yes, I have got a bunch of reasons to support my statement. Alright, I will get onto it.

Pakistan is one of the most sensational places which will blow your senses. Incredible food, caring and beautiful people, architectural splendour, never-ending deserts, historical destinations, lush green woods, pristine pure waters, snow-capped mountains, and so on. This list is never going to end if you are paying a visit to Pakistan as the lover of Mother Nature.

So, if Pakistan is on your bucket list for the next trip, I am right here with a few Pakistan travel tips in order to be safe and secure throughout the visit.

Pakistan Travel Tip #1- Make up your mind and then start packing

Before everything, make up your mind. Yes, that’s something beneficial. If you are fixing your gaze on witnessing the picturesque sceneries, snow-topped mountains or super hospitable people, just go and make it. Alright, to get inside Pakistan, you get to get three things. A valid passport, visa and an airline ticket and that’s that. Whoa!

Once you have covered all the bases, you are ready to dive into a completely new world of excitement. Pack your rucksack adequately (specifically if you are desperate to visit Northern Pakistan). Just keep enough clothes and stuff on you and don’t overpack. Just in case, your luggage goes beyond the allowed weight limit, just take advantage of the services from any company which deals in sending cargo to Pakistan at competitive rates.

Put on our thinking cap before packing. Pack your clothes, shoes, sunblock lotion (if you are heading to Sindh and Punjab in summers), flashlight, travelling bag, medicines (if any) and most important things you might be needing there.

Pakistan Travel Tip #2- Keep a close eye on the weather while packing your rucksack

One of the most amazing thing about Pakistan is that it offers diverse weather conditions. I mean, the climate can sometimes change even after every 10km. So, while packing your bag for Pakistan, take note of weather conditions. If you are heading to Northern areas of Pakistan, remember to pack warm clothes.

And that’s not the case with Punjab and Sindh if you are visiting these places in summers. Still and all, keep a close eye on the weather whilst packing your rucksack.

Pakistan Travel Tip #3- Get the services of a guide or try to learn the local language

It is difficult to learn about culture and languages when you are visiting Pakistan for the first time. For this case, you can hire a guide who has got a grip on different languages. Also, a local guide will walk you through the local traditions and rules. Urdu is the national language of Pakistan (though most of the people in Punjab know Basic English), so try out learning a few common words of Urdu and believe me, you’ll be highly appreciated by the locals.

Some of the common words I remember include “Assalam-o-Alaikum” (it’s used by almost everyone while greeting), Shukriya (a very popular word to say Thank you), and “Khush Aamdid” (you will hear it from everybody, it’s a word for welcoming others). And if you want to take the leave of somebody, just say “Khuda Hafiz”. Well, it’s not gross, you will be extremely appreciated, that’s a given.

Pakistan Travel Tip #4- Be ready to face a Diverse Culture

Don’t overthink in any case. No ifs, and, or buts about it. Pakistan has a majority of Muslims (nearly 90%), so it is going to be a cultural and religious shock for you. Yes, you heard it right. People out there follow traditions and religious customs that you won’t witness everywhere in the world. With that, food is great, absolutely amazing.

Alright, let’s get into this. Yes, appropriate dressing is something you should keep close weather on (I am being brutally honest). In particular mosques, shrines are the places you are paying a call on. Also, taking off your shoes is compulsory. Covering your head and especially breast with a scarf (for the case of female backpackers) will be something fructiferous. No two ways about it.

Pakistan Travel Tip #5- Don’t forget to pack a camera

Without a shadow of a doubt, you will be leaving a piece of your heart after your visit to Pakistan. From snowy mountains to barren deserts, to jam-packed cities with tonnes of old-time architecture, Pakistan has everything to steal your heart. Be that as it may, don’t forget to pack a decent camera to capture all the moments you’d spend in Pakistan. I mean, why not make a record of all the moments that you can look back on afterwards?

Pakistan Travel Tip #6- Buy a travel insurance

Not only an important Pakistan travel tip but definitely the most recommended tip while travelling anywhere in the world is to buy travel insurance. While travelling you are exposed to all sorts of risks, let it be a food poisoning issue, a broken bone, stolen luggage, a missed or cancelled flight or any unforeseen situation, having travel insurance in hand is a blessing.

Safety Wing is low-cost travel and medical insurance providers, offering 10 days insurance with as little as 13.2 USD (SUPER SUPER CHEAP!) Moreover, one young child aged between 14 days to 10 years can be added with the adult at no extra cost, making it a perfect deal for people travelling with families. So why not make your travel to Pakistan care-free by having insurance in hand which is little for your pocket too.

One of the most important questions I got asked about after coming back home was “Is Pakistan safe?” Well, I want to make my case with this line “Yes, Pakistan is 100% safe except the areas adjacent to Afghanistan border”. And if you have made a record of all the moments you spent throughout your trip, you’d be able to show your family and friends instead of telling stories. I must say, your camera will help you become a storyteller. Don’t forget to share your Pakistan travel tips and experiences if you have already been the guest of this phenomenal place.

Author’s bio

This article is written by Isla Oliver. She herself is fond of Travel and loves to share her experiences. Currently, she works for a company that specializes in sending cargo to Pakistan from the UK. In her line of service, she has visited Pakistan several times, hence she wrote this article on the basis of her experience.

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