Discover Pakistan

From the world's highest peaks to ancient civilisations — Pakistan is one of Asia's most extraordinary travel destinations

Why Visit Pakistan?

Pakistan is a land of staggering diversity — home to five of the world's fourteen 8,000-metre peaks, the ancient Indus Valley civilisation, vibrant Mughal architecture, and some of the warmest hospitality on earth. Since the launch of the e-visa system and improved security, tourism has surged, with the country welcoming over 2 million visitors annually.

Mountains & Adventure

K2, Nanga Parbat, Karakoram Highway, trekking and mountaineering paradise

History & Culture

Mughal heritage, Gandhara art, Taxila ruins, 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Warmth & Hospitality

Famous Pakistani hospitality, diverse cuisines, colourful bazaars, Sufi music

Top Attractions

1. Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan

Often called the real-life Shangri-La, Hunza Valley offers jaw-dropping views of Rakaposhi (7,788m), ancient Baltit and Altit Forts, cherry blossom season (March-April), and the turquoise Attabad Lake. The Karakoram Highway connecting Islamabad to China passes through here.

2. Lahore — The Cultural Capital

Home to the magnificent Badshahi Mosque (1673), Lahore Fort (UNESCO), Shalimar Gardens (UNESCO), the Walled City's Food Street, and the electrifying Wagah Border ceremony every evening. Lahore's food scene is legendary — nihari, paye, and seekh kebabs on every corner.

3. K2 Base Camp Trek

The trek to K2 (8,611m) base camp in the Karakoram Range is one of the world's great mountain adventures. The Concordia viewpoint offers views of four 8,000m+ peaks simultaneously — K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II.

4. Swat Valley — The Switzerland of Pakistan

Lush green valleys, Buddhist ruins at Butkara, Mingora bazaar, Malam Jabba ski resort, and Fizagat Park. Swat was once a major centre of Gandhara Buddhist civilisation and has recovered strongly since 2009.

5. Mohenjo-daro, Sindh

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's earliest urban settlements (2500 BCE). The remarkably preserved Indus Valley Civilisation city features the Great Bath, Granary, and grid-pattern streets that predate Rome by millennia.

6. Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat

A grassland near the base of Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the world's ninth-highest mountain. Fairy Meadows offers stunning camping, stargazing, and the challenging trek to Nanga Parbat base camp. Accessible via a thrilling jeep track from Raikot Bridge on the Karakoram Highway.

7. Islamabad & Taxila

Pakistan's modern, green capital city with the grand Faisal Mosque, Margalla Hills trails, and Lok Virsa Museum. Nearby Taxila (UNESCO) holds Gandhara Buddhist ruins dating to the 5th century BCE — once a major learning centre visited by Alexander the Great.

Quick Facts for Visitors

CapitalIslamabad
CurrencyPakistani Rupee (PKR). 1 USD ~ 278 PKR (2026)
LanguageUrdu (national), English (official), Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi
Best time to visitMarch-May (spring) and September-November (autumn)
VisaE-visa available for 175+ nationalities
Time zonePKT (UTC+5)
EmergencyPolice 15, Ambulance 1122, Fire 16
Electricity230V, 50Hz — Type C, D, G plugs
UNESCO Sites6 — Mohenjo-daro, Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, Lahore Fort & Shalimar, Rohtas Fort, Makli Necropolis

More Destinations

Northern Areas

  • Skardu & Shangrila Resort
  • Deosai National Park (highest plateau)
  • Naltar Valley & coloured lakes
  • Khunjerab Pass (China border, 4,693m)
  • Passu Cones & suspension bridge

Punjab & Sindh

  • Rohtas Fort, Jhelum (UNESCO)
  • Makli Necropolis, Thatta (UNESCO)
  • Multan — City of Saints & Sufi shrines
  • Thar Desert & Tharparkar temples
  • Karachi — Clifton Beach, Port Grand, food

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

  • Chitral & Kalash Valley (unique culture)
  • Kumrat Valley
  • Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist ruins (UNESCO)
  • Naran-Kaghan Valley & Lake Saif ul Malook

Balochistan

  • Quetta — Fruit gardens & Hanna Lake
  • Hingol National Park & Mud Volcanoes
  • Gwadar & Hammerhead Rock
  • Ziarat — Juniper forests & Quaid's Residency

Visa Information

Pakistan's e-visa system allows citizens of 175+ countries to apply online. Processing takes 7-10 business days. Tourist visas are available for 30 or 90 days, with single or multiple entry.

Getting There

Major airports:

  • Islamabad (ISB) — New Islamabad International
  • Lahore (LHE) — Allama Iqbal International
  • Karachi (KHI) — Jinnah International

Travel Advisory

Check your government's travel advisory before visiting. Most tourist areas in northern Pakistan and major cities are considered safe. Avoid border areas with Afghanistan and parts of Balochistan. Always register with your nearest Pakistan embassy.