Final Up to date on March 26, 2025
For intrepid mother and father, touring Pakistan with children is an journey of a lifetime. We’ve simply returned from an epic Pakistan household journey and we’re sharing our expertise.
With its popularity as a ‘harmful place’, Pakistan doesn’t often come to thoughts when planning a visit with children. But it surely far exceeded my expectations with its lofty mountains, spectacular valleys, crackling glaciers, jaw-dropping views and a few of the most hospitable folks on Earth. As I realized from our current summer season journey to Pakistan, it’s a extremely underrated journey vacation spot brimming with mindblowing landscapes and wealthy tradition.
The nation is energy–filled with landscapes of actually epic proportions: mountains extra spectacular than something I’ve seen elsewhere (and I’ve been to Antarctica, Nepal and Bhutan – which says quite a bit about Pakistan). There’s loads of journey available with children: from ziplining throughout the Hunza Valley to climbing up Eagle’s Nest, visiting native households in Gojal Valley and assembly a rescued snow leopard in Naltar Valley.
What It’s Wish to Journey Pakistan with Youngsters
Any journey to Pakistan is an journey – for each adults and youngsters alike. Intrepid mother and father and adventurous little ones will love the huge landscapes, outdoorsy enjoyable and welcoming locals (lots of whom will wish to take photographs with you!).
Needless to say touring right here isn’t essentially simple, particularly for youths who aren’t used to squat bogs, dirty cities or fundamental lodging. You’ll want a ton of persistence too, with street closures, automotive breakdowns and peaceable protests half and parcel of life in Pakistan.
Pakistan clearly isn’t appropriate for households who’re used to having WiFi on a regular basis or those that desire themed parks or malls to nature. However for daring and outdoorsy households, touring Pakistan with children might be a rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Vacationer Visa for Pakistan
Pakistan has now made it very simple for vacationers to get an e-visa. Once I utilized for our e-visa, it price US$25 per particular person and took simply 3 days to be authorized. Since 18th September 2024, the vacationer visa is free for many nationalities and it takes solely 24 hours for e-visas to be authorized. Apply in your e-visa right here.
The web software is sort of an easy, although prolonged course of. You’ll must enter all of your private data, in addition to your flight particulars and lodge bookings. After I submitted my software, they emailed me saying I wanted to submit the license variety of my tour operator. I uploaded that in addition to a a call for participation from our information Hanna for good measure, and bought approval inside a day.
Is it Protected to Journey Pakistan with Youngsters?
For years, Pakistan has been portrayed by the media as a harmful place attributable to Taliban actions. The nation has stabilized immensely since peak Taliban exercise (2009-2012) and many of the violence have been concentrated across the Iran and Afghanistan borders. Nowadays, Pakistan’s navy has a decent maintain on the nation to take care of peace.
There are nonetheless safety points in additional distant areas of the nation, however after years of battle with violence and terrorism, many elements of Pakistan are thought of secure for each locals and foreigners. We spent most of our time in Gilgit-Baltistan, thought of the most secure and most lovely state in Pakistan. We additionally felt fully secure in Lahore and Islamabad.
A few of the areas it is best to keep away from touring embody the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Balochistan. However these areas require permits to enter anyway, that are very tough for foreigners to acquire. Alex Reynolds, who runs Pakistan ladies excursions and owns a traveler’s hostel in Islamabad, wrote a wonderful evaluation of the security state of affairs in Pakistan.
Do You Have to Guide a Tour to Journey Pakistan?
It’s not necessary to e book a tour to journey Pakistan – however you’ll expertise much more with an area information who can deliver you to distant villages, join you with locals and introduce you to Pakistani meals. Apart from, the mountainous northern area of Pakistan (which I consider is a must-see!) is rural and distant, and having a information and 4WD will make a world of distinction.
We traveled Gilgit-Baltistan with an area information, Hannan Balti, and actually loved seeing the area by his lens. His ardour for his homeland was actually infectious and we realized quite a bit about Pakistan from him. He made positive to pack sufficient into the itinerary, however not an excessive amount of, particularly since we have been touring Pakistan with children. His worth was additionally very cheap. You’ll be able to attain out to him on Instagram.
Throughout the huge cities of Pakistan (Lahore and Islamabad), we explored on our personal and had no downside in any respect. It’s somewhat simple to get round by taxi or Careem and talk with locals. However to discover the gorgeous mountainous area, we positively advocate hiring information and 4WD transport.
Which Ages Would Most Get pleasure from Pakistan?
We traveled Pakistan with our 9-year-old daughter, and she or he positively loved it. She did get overwhelmed in Lahore with the acute warmth and chaotic site visitors, however we saved our first few days in Pakistan sluggish and simple to offer her the time to regulate to it.
Needless to say Kaleya has been to 57 nations, lots of that are creating nations; plus she’s adaptable and adventurous, loves climbing and doesn’t thoughts roughing it in dodgy inns and yucky bogs. However even then, Pakistan was somewhat difficult for her.
Pakistan is unquestionably not appropriate for youths of all ages. I might wait a number of years if I had a toddler or child, as child provides will be laborious to search out within the rural areas. Youngsters from 6 years outdated onwards might be extra appropriate for touring Pakistan, as they’ll hike and stroll longer distances. These 9 to 13 years of age would be the excellent age as they’re extra impartial and may higher admire the character and historical past right here.
How Lively is a Journey to Pakistan?
After all this is determined by you and what you intend to see in Pakistan, however on the whole, most sights are accessible by street and youngsters don’t must hike for hours to go to locations. On our journey, we largely did quick hikes to viewpoints and glaciers, in addition to enjoyable walks round outdated villages and historic forts. We did miss out on sure spots like Fairy Meadows, because it concerned lengthy hours of driving and climbing to get to.
We spent most of our time in Gilgit-Baltistan driving the Karakoram Freeway (KKH). The 1,300km freeway was inaugurated solely in 1978 – after almost 20 years of building by greater than 24,000 Pakistani and Chinese language employees. Some sections usually are not in the most effective situation and also you’ll be off-road driving quite a lot of the instances, but it surely’s positively a street journey of goals and an journey that the entire household can take pleasure in (with out a lot bodily challenges).
Is Altitude Illness a Concern in Pakistan?
Altitude illness isn’t a serious concern in Pakistan, until you go to locations larger than 4,000m (13,000 ft) in altitude. The very best place we went to on our journey was the Khunjerab Go on the China-Pakistan border. We drove there from Attabad Lake and the descent was somewhat gradual, so we didn’t endure from altitude illness.
Most individuals fly to Skardu or Gilgit to get to northern Pakistan (like we did), however each cities aren’t fairly that prime. Skardu is at 2,500m (8,000 ft) and Gilgit Metropolis is at 1,500m (4,800 ft), and we didn’t really feel any impact from the ascent in any respect. In the event you’re involved, I recommend scheduling a number of relaxation time upon arrival and produce Acetazolamide or Diamox to forestall altitude illness.
Methods to Get Journey Insurance coverage for Youngsters
It’s vital to have journey insurance coverage whether or not you’re touring Pakistan with children or solo. There’s threat concerned in flying inside Pakistan (learn the part on getting round Pakistan), in addition to driving within the mountainous north as landslides are frequent. Our flight to Skardu was delayed for 5 hours, which now we have been now compensated for by our journey insurance coverage.
Security Wing is the most well-liked journey insurance coverage firm today. They cowl children at no cost so long as you’ve bought a plan with them. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as another sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than the protection begin date. Consult with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
When to Journey Pakistan with Youngsters
It’s no secret that Pakistan he sees an enormous vary of weather conditions because of the huge vary in terrain. The most effective time to go to will rely largely on whether or not you’re heading to the dramatic mountains within the far north or by the mosques and bazaars within the south.
The most effective time to go to Gilgit-Baltistan and drive the Karakoram Freeway is in the course of the Pakistani summer season, from April to October. The summer season temperatures within the mountains are comfy (although scorching at instances) and the excessive pastures are at their superb peak. However be ready for the excessive warmth and humidity in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi.
We traveled Pakistan in August, and located the climate in northern Pakistan to be extraordinarily nice. On most days, we have been simply in short-sleeved t-shirt and trekking pants; we solely wanted a light-weight jacket within the evenings and at larger altitudes. Word that whereas the Karakoram Freeway by Pakistan is open year-round from Islamabad to the customs submit at Sost, the worldwide border crossing between Pakistan and China’s Xinjiang border closes in winter between November and March.
How Lengthy to Journey Pakistan with Youngsters?
Pakistan is a large and intensely numerous nation with terrain starting from sea stage deserts to the second highest level on earth on the summit of 8611m (28,251ft) K2. Its lofty mountains aren’t simple to get to or navigate, with landscapes and street closures a typical incidence in northern Pakistan – which suggests you want time. And, as you in all probability know, touring with children requires much more time and suppleness.
We spent two weeks in Pakistan and felt that we had a superb tempo and it was an ideal period of time. If you wish to discover extra of Skardu and trek to Fairy Meadows, then you definately’ll want at the very least 3 weeks in Pakistan. I’m sharing our Pakistan itinerary beneath.
Our 2-Week Pakistan itinerary
- 3 Days in Lahore — to get to know the nation’s tradition hub
- 1 Day in Gilgit — to start out your epic street journey on the Karakoram Freeway
- 1 Day in Hunza Valley — to discover historic forts and the outdated Silk Street
- 1 Day in Nagar Valley – to see huge glaciers and viewpoints
- 1 Day in Khunjerab — to feast on dramatic views of Passu and go to the China border
- 2 Days in Attabad Lake — to relaxation and benefit from the superb turquoise lake
- 1 Day in Naltar Valley – to go to a rescued snow leopard on the way in which again to Gilgit
- 1 Day in Naran Valley – to discover the inexperienced meadows
- 3 Days in Islamabad – to get to know the nation’s capital
Getting Round Pakistan with Youngsters
As Pakistan is an enormous nation, you’ll most definitely want to make use of a mix of transport modes to get round. There are long-distance buses, however these are really helpful solely when you’ve got infinite time in your arms.
By Airplane
Journey distances will be lengthy in Pakistan, and flying can minimize down journey time considerably. As an illustration, you’ll be able to fly from Lahore to Skardu in simply 1 hour; whereas driving takes near 23 hours. Nonetheless, Pakistan’s airways don’t have the most effective popularity; it’s stated that 1 in 3 pilots right here have faux licenses (click on to learn CNN article). Additionally, flights to Gilgit have a excessive proportion of cancelation as climate situations must be excellent to fly.
On our journey to Pakistan, we flew from Lahore to Skardu as an alternative of Gilgit – as that flight route has a decrease proportion of cancelation. Our flight wasn’t canceled but it surely was delayed for five hours. To keep away from working the danger of lacking our onward flight to Istanbul, we selected to drive to Islamadad as an alternative of flying, which took over 14 hours.
By Automotive
The best strategy to get round Peru is by automotive, however you’ll want a 4WD to traverse the tough mountain roads. In keeping with my information Hanna, foreigners can truly lease 4×4 automobiles and drive in Gilgit-Baltistan. We’ve rented vehicles and pushed in lots of elements of the world (together with Peru, Iceland, Japan and South Africa), however we determined to e book a tour to be on the secure aspect.
Driving in Pakistan requires some grit and it’s not for the faint-hearted. Landslides and street closures are frequent in northern Pakistan (when it rains or glaciers soften, the rivers overflow and both flood or destroy roads). One other factor to look out for in Pakistan are the drivers! They take wreckless driving to an entire new stage.
By Bus
We didn’t take any bus in Pakistan, however I’ve learn on a number of blogs that inter-city buses in Pakistan are fairly reliable and simple to e book. Faisal Movers is the largest bus firm in Pakistan and you may e book tickets on-line. This web site is an efficient useful resource for bus schedules and knowledge in Pakistan.
By Taxi
Throughout the cities, we used Careem or inDrive to search out ridesharing vehicles. Each apps labored very well for us and accepted cost by Paypal. We even used Careem to discover a driver that introduced us from Lahore to the Wagah India border (1 hour away), waited for us for two hours after which drove us again. The trip solely price us US$15 return.
Greatest Issues to Do in Pakistan with Youngsters
There are boundless actions and hikes I like to recommend doing in Pakistan, however I’m not going to listing all of them right here. As an alternative I’ve picked the actions that Kaleya loved probably the most and share them with you:
Hike to Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint
This was simply Kaleya’s favourite factor we did in Pakistan. We bought to Eagle’s Nest simply in time for sundown, and as we hiked as much as the point of view, the complete valley beneath us turned a gorgeous shade of golden-orange colour, backdropped by mammoth snowcapped mountains. We have been blown away by the panoramic view, whereas Kaleya had a good time scrambling across the boulders and leaping from one rock to a different!
Cross the Husseini Suspension Bridge
The long-lasting Husseini Suspension Bridge is probably probably the most well-known of the various precarious rope bridges in northern Pakistan. Regardless of its harmful appears, nonetheless, the Hussaini is is a comparatively secure bridge and has turn out to be probably the most in style vacationer sights. After being washed away in a 2011 monsoon, the bridge has been fully reconstructed and it now depends on metal cables and strong picket boards. Kaleya went ziplining throughout the bridge and had a blast!
Lunch with a Native Household in Gojal Valley
One in every of our favourite experiences in Pakistan was getting invited to an area household’s residence. The household was extremely welcoming and even ready a feast for us, that included a yummy yak soup, selfmade bread and conventional desserts. We additionally bought to go to their orchard, attempt the wonderful fruit they’d grown, and take a stroll round their village. Their little lady grew to become associates with my daughter, and it was so lovely to see them having enjoyable!
Meet a Rescued Snow Leopard
In Naltar Valley, our information introduced us to see Pretty, a snow leopard that had been rescued (as a child) in Khunjerab and positioned right here by the native authorities. It’s protected and brought care of by the municipality, and housed in an enormous enclosure with various room to roam. It was fairly rattling spectacular to see an endangered species up shut.
Hike round Hoper Glacier
It was a brief however steep hike to get to Hoper Glacier, and it positive was spectacular! In keeping with our information, Hoper Glacier is likely one of the few glaciers on the earth that’s nonetheless increasing (most are retreating). When you get to the point of view, there are steep steps to get even larger to a different panorama level. Our child actually loved traipsing up these slopes and watching the glacier from above.
Go to the Altit Fort
We had a wonderful native information at Altit Fort who gave us fascinating insights into how the princess and prince used to reside on this mountaintop fort. He shared with us humorous anecdotes and nuggets of information that Kaleya loved too. He additionally confirmed us some spectacular viewpoints.
Discover the Heritage Museum in Islamabad
Tucked beneath the Monument to Pakistan, the Heritage Museum doesn’t look too interesting from the skin, however behind its ornately carved gate is a treasure trove of artifacts and well-signed cultural reveals showcasing the traditions and tradition of Pakistan. Kaleya positively loved studying all about Pakistan right here.
What to Eat in Pakistan with Youngsters
Pakistan could also be a particularly numerous nation; but it surely’s there one factor that unites the folks, it’s their meals. Pakistani individuals are happy with their meals and their dishes primarily function sturdy flavors, tantalizing spices and flavorful melted ghee.
Pakistani meals share quite a lot of similarities with Indian meals, however their dishes are milder and never fairly as heavy and spicy. For teenagers who don’t like spicy meals, there are often some non-spicy choices obtainable. My daughter, who’s often not an adventurous eater, truly tried and loved chapshoro, hen karahi and biryani.
In huge cities, you’ll discover some worldwide meals choices; there are Domino’s, KFC and McDonalds shops throughout Lahore and Islamabad. However within the rural areas, you’ll often solely discover Pakistani meals. Generally additionally they serve Chinese language dishes (that are my daughter’s favourite meals) however they are usually spicy as effectively.
Listed below are a few of the finest Pakistani dishes to attempt:
- Pakora – These easy-to-make crispy, fried fritters are a basic finger meals served as a starter or a aspect dish.
- Hen karahi – An iconic dish in Pakistan, karahi is pricey to the hearts of all Pakistanis. The dish takes its identify from the black, iron, scoop-shape pan.
- Biryani – A rice dish made with tender stewed lamb or beef, and infrequently served on particular events.
- Nihari – This Pakistani favourite is made oof slow-cooked lamb shank together with the bone marrow.
- Kebabs – Grilled meat skewers typically served with biryani or pilao rice for dinner.
- Chapshoro – Our favourite dish in Pakistan is a street-side snack nickamed ‘Pakistani pizza’. It’s made up of dough filled with minced meat, baked within the fireplace of a woodfire oven.
- Paratha – We had this yummy flatbreads for breakfast each day, often with daal (lentil) or chickpea stew.
- Halwa poori – A breakfast of champions, this can be a mixture of a poori (deep-fried gentle and fluffy bread), served with the rich-tasting halwa (made with wheat semolina, sugar and butter).
Methods to Maintain Your Youngsters Wholesome in Pakistan
Meals hygiene will be a problem within the rural elements of Pakistan, however we didn’t get sick or something from the meals. We largely ate in eating places but additionally tried some avenue meals and ate at native eateries.
Water from the faucet will not be secure to drink, however you’ll be able to simply discover bottled water in all places. I additionally advise vacationers to not eat raw greens or fruits that you simply haven’t washed your self.
There are not any required vaccines to enter the nation however you might be suggested to have your polio and tetanus vaccines so as. In the event you wish to be as secure as doable, having the Typhoid and Hepatitis A (and even Hepatitis B) vaccines are really helpful.
Methods to Keep Linked Whereas Touring Pakistan
I like to recommend getting an area SIM card on the airport upon arrival or an eSIM earlier than arrival. We purchased our eSIM on Airalo but it surely solely labored in Lahore and Islamabad. Our information kindly shared his hotspot with us after we have been touring by Gilgit-Baltistan. To have knowledge within the mountains, that you must get a SIM card from Zong at Lahore or Islamabad airport.
All of the inns and guesthouses we stayed at had fairly respectable WiFi. Make certain to make use of the WiFi to obtain reveals/books for offline use on the iPad for our daughter on significantly lengthy drives.
What to Put on in Pakistan
Islam is the state faith of Pakistan, and Pakistan is taken into account a conservative nation (although not fairly as conservation as Iran or Afghanistan). Girls ought to cowl their knees and shoulders – so no sleeveless singlets, shorts or cropped tops – and on the whole put on free clothes. Protecting your hair will not be required, however pack a shawl for mosque visits. Males must also cowl their shoulders, although shorts are acceptable.
Vacationers don’t must put on the standard Pakistani shalwar kameez (tunic with pants), but it surely’s respectful to decorate in native clothes. It helps you mix in and it’s additionally one of the simplest ways to maintain cool within the excessive warmth. It’s advisable to put on the shalwar kameez within the streets of outdated Lahore, but it surely’s tremendous to put on t-shirts and climbing pants within the mountains of northern Pakistan.
We purchased our shalwar kameez in Sapphire Gulberg Lahore (there’s additionally one in Islamabad’s Centaurus Mall) for round US$30/set; there are many choices for each adults and youngsters. We solely purchased one set every and simply saved reusing it. You’ll discover cheaper choices within the bazaars.
My Packing Record for Pakistan with Youngsters
If you’re touring Pakistan in summer season like we did (June to August), don’t be misguided by the information you discover on the web. In keeping with my information, summers are hotter than normal now, maybe attributable to international warming.
Once we have been there, the coldest temperature we skilled was 18°C (65°F), and we solely wanted a small jacket for evenings and excessive altitudes. Primarily, simply pack a number of quick-dry t-shirts, free tops, climbing pants, and a light-weight, windproof jacket.
Listed below are a few of the necessities to pack for a summer season journey to Pakistan:
Value of Journey in Pakistan with Youngsters
Pakistan is de facto reasonably priced, and you may simply journey the nation even when you’ve got a decent price range. We paid round US$60 per particular person per day for our tour and it included all our lodging, breakfasts, dinners, entry charges, transport and information.
Lodging is comparatively low cost in Pakistan. Yow will discover non-public rooms in guesthouses for $25-35 per night time and nicer inns with views round US$60-80 per night time. We spent round US$100-120 per night time at higher-end inns in direction of the beginning and finish of our journey.
Eating places in Pakistan are very reasonably priced. Anticipate to pay round 900 to 1500 rupees (US$3 to five) per particular person for an honest meal in a restaurant. The parts are huge and meals are communal, so most individuals often order one or two dishes to share amongst 3-4 folks.
The place to Keep in Pakistan with Youngsters
On this Pakistan journey, we handled ourselves to good inns since they’re fairly reasonably priced. Though choices are restricted within the mountainous area of Gilgit-Baltistan, the locations we stayed at have been all fashionable and model new.
Lahore: Ramada by Wyndham Lahore Gulberg II
For our first few days in Pakistan, we wished to ease Kaleya in so we booked three nights on the Ramada Inn. It was model new, fashionable and extremely clear. The breakfast buffet unfold lined the whole lot from baked items to recent pancakes, every kind of curries, stews and Pakistani classics. Additionally they present complimentary airport transfers. Test charges right here.
Gilgit: Ramada by Wyndham Gilgit
Overlooking Gilgit Metropolis, this spanking new lodge is the most effective on the town and has fashionable, luxurious rooms. Our room had ceiling-to-floor window that opened as much as the swimming pool. Breakfast was made to order and we had recent chai, eggs and paratha each morning. Test charges right here.
Eagle’s Nest: Hunza Elysion
Positioned proper by the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint, Hunza Elysion is a newish guesthouse with spacious family-sized rooms excellent for us. The employees right here is wonderful and their homecooked meals is topnotch. Test charges right here.
Aliabad: Apple Backyard Hunza
This contemporary guesthouse in perched on the hills overlooking Aliabad – the views of Mount Rakaposhi from the rooms are spectacular! Our room was easy (with a moist rest room) however we cherished waking as much as this gorgeous view within the morning. Test charges right here.
Attabad Lake: Famree Resort
Presumably the most effective lodge we stayed at in Pakistan, Famree Resort is a trendy lodge perched atop the spearmint waters of the Attabad Lake. Our information kindly bought us upgraded at no cost to the Presidential Suite and we had the privilege of having fun with a relaxation day right here at this idyllic spot. Test charges right here.
Islamabad: The Avenue Lodge
For our previous few days in Pakistan, we rested up on this small however fashionable boutique lodge within the enterprise district known as Blue Space. Our triple room was excellent for us, breakfast was served in our room and we had a terrific restaurant simply by the foyer. Test charges right here.
Sensible Suggestions for Touring Pakistan with Youngsters
- Make certain your youngsters are updated with routine vaccinations, and take into account doable journey vaccines effectively earlier than departure.
- Apply in your Pakistan e-visa forward of time to be sure you have them ready earlier than arrival.
- When planning your Pakistan itinerary, ensure that to think about some downtime and relaxation days. Take it simple in your first few days in Pakistan, give your children loads of time to regulate to the warmth and chaos.
- Keep in mind to pack rehydration tablets in case your little one vomits or experiences diarrhea. Within the lowlands, you’ll must be further cautious with warmth exhaustion and dehydration.
- Take the chance to point out your children the right way to be respectful of locals. Purchase a set of shalwar kemeez (tunic and pants set) in your children to allow them to costume like locals and mix in.
- Get your children to attempt Pakistani meals, you’ll be able to often ask for them with none spice. In the event that they’re nonetheless spicy for them, there are often some choices like fries and biryani.
Get pleasure from Your Journey to Pakistan with Youngsters!
Thanks for studying this far! I hope this information to touring Pakistan with journeys will make it easier to plan your personal journey together with your infant. I simply wish to remind you to not pack in an excessive amount of; the important thing to having fun with Pakistan with children is to decelerate and spend your time outdoor. Be happy to go away me any questions or feedback you could have beneath.
Learn extra articles on Pakistan or different elements of South Asia:
Disclaimer: This submit accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I get a small fee while you buy something by my hyperlinks. As all the time, I solely companion with corporations I’ve personally used and may advocate.
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