Final Up to date on April 30, 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 status as a ‘harmful place’, Pakistan doesn’t normally come to thoughts when planning a visit with children. However it far exceeded my expectations with its lofty mountains, spectacular valleys, crackling glaciers, jaw-dropping views and a few of the most hospitable individuals on Earth. As I realized from our current summer time 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 really epic proportions: mountains extra spectacular than something I’ve seen elsewhere (and I’ve been to Antarctica, Nepal and Bhutan – which says rather a lot about Pakistan). There’s loads of journey available with children: from ziplining throughout the Hunza Valley to mountain climbing up Eagle’s Nest, visiting native households in Gojal Valley and assembly a rescued snow leopard in Naltar Valley.
What It’s Prefer 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 need to take photographs with you!).
Remember the fact that touring right here isn’t essentially simple, particularly for teenagers who aren’t used to squat bogs, dirty cities or fundamental lodging. You’ll want a ton of persistence too, with highway 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 will probably 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 value US$25 per particular person and took simply 3 days to be permitted. Since 18th September 2024, the vacationer visa is free for many nationalities and it takes solely 24 hours for e-visas to be permitted. Apply to your e-visa right here.
The web software is sort of a simple, 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 received 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 as a consequence of Taliban actions. The nation has stabilized immensely since peak Taliban exercise (2009-2012) and a lot of the violence have been concentrated across the Iran and Afghanistan borders. Lately, Pakistan’s army has a good 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 stunning state in Pakistan. We additionally felt utterly secure in Lahore and Islamabad.
Among 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 superb evaluation of the security scenario in Pakistan.
Do You Have to Guide a Tour to Journey Pakistan?
It’s not necessary to guide 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 imagine 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 really infectious and we realized rather a lot about Pakistan from him. He made certain to pack sufficient into the itinerary, however not an excessive amount of, particularly since we have been touring Pakistan with children. His value was additionally very cheap. You possibly can attain out to him on Instagram.
Inside the massive cities of Pakistan (Lahore and Islamabad), we explored on our personal and had no drawback in any respect. It’s reasonably 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 he or she positively loved it. She did get overwhelmed in Lahore with the intense warmth and chaotic site visitors, however we stored our first few days in Pakistan sluggish and simple to provide her the time to regulate to it.
Remember the fact that Kaleya has been to 57 international locations, lots of that are creating international locations; plus she’s adaptable and adventurous, loves mountain climbing and doesn’t thoughts roughing it in dodgy inns and yucky bogs. However even then, Pakistan was reasonably difficult for her.
Pakistan is certainly not appropriate for teenagers of all ages. I might wait a number of years if I had a toddler or child, as child provides will be arduous to search out within the rural areas. Youngsters from 6 years outdated onwards will probably be extra appropriate for touring Pakistan, as they will hike and stroll longer distances. These 9 to 13 years of age would be the excellent age as they’re extra unbiased and may higher respect the character and historical past right here.
How Lively is a Journey to Pakistan?
After all this relies on you and what you propose to see in Pakistan, however usually, most sights are accessible by highway and youngsters don’t must hike for hours to go to locations. On our journey, we principally did brief 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 mountain 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 staff. Some sections should not in one of the best situation and also you’ll be off-road driving a variety of the instances, nevertheless it’s positively a highway journey of desires and an journey that the entire household can get pleasure from (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 greater than 4,000m (13,000 ft) in altitude. The 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 reasonably gradual, so we didn’t undergo 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 top. 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 counsel scheduling a lot of relaxation time upon arrival and produce Acetazolamide or Diamox to forestall altitude illness.
The way 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 Lahore was delayed by a day, which we have now been now compensated for by our journey insurance coverage.
Security Wing is the most well-liked journey insurance coverage firm nowadays. They cowl children at no cost so long as you’ve received a plan with them. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as some other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than the protection begin date. Seek advice from 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 as a result of huge vary in terrain. The very best 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 very best time to go to Gilgit-Baltistan and drive the Karakoram Freeway is in the course of the Pakistani summer time, from April to October. The summer time 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 lightweight jacket within the evenings and at greater 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 degree 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 highway closures a typical incidence in northern Pakistan – which implies 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 tempo and it was an ideal period of time. If you wish to discover extra of Skardu and trek to Fairy Meadows, then you definitely’ll want not less than 3 weeks in Pakistan. I’m sharing our Pakistan itinerary under.
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 highway 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 almost certainly want to make use of a mixture of transport modes to get round. There are long-distance buses, however these are beneficial solely in case you have infinite time in your palms.
By Airplane
Journey distances will be lengthy in Pakistan, and flying can reduce down journey time considerably. For example, you possibly can fly from Lahore to Skardu in simply 1 hour; whereas driving takes near 23 hours. Nonetheless, Pakistan’s airways don’t have one of the best status; it’s stated that 1 in 3 pilots right here have pretend licenses (click on to learn CNN article). Additionally, flights to Gilgit have a excessive proportion of cancelation as climate situations should be excellent to fly.
On our journey to Pakistan, we flew from Lahore to Skardu as a substitute of Gilgit – as that flight route has a decrease proportion of cancelation. Our flight wasn’t canceled nevertheless it 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 a substitute of flying, which took over 14 hours.
By Automobile
The best method to get round Peru is by automotive, however you’ll want a 4WD to traverse the tough mountain roads. In line with my information Hanna, foreigners can really lease 4×4 autos 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 guide a tour to be on the secure aspect.
Driving in Pakistan requires some grit and it’s not for the faint-hearted. Landslides and highway 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 a complete new degree.
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 guide. Faisal Movers is the most important bus firm in Pakistan and you may guide tickets on-line. This web site is an effective useful resource for bus schedules and data in Pakistan.
By Taxi
Inside the cities, we used Careem or inDrive to search out ridesharing vehicles. Each apps labored rather 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 journey solely value us US$15 return.
Finest 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 checklist all of them right here. As a substitute I’ve picked the actions that Kaleya loved essentially 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 received 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 coloration, 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 enduring Husseini Suspension Bridge is maybe essentially the most well-known of the numerous precarious rope bridges in northern Pakistan. Regardless of its harmful appears, nonetheless, the Hussaini is is a comparatively secure bridge and has grow to be one of the standard vacationer sights. After being washed away in a 2011 monsoon, the bridge has been utterly 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
Considered one 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 received to go to their orchard, attempt the superb 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 stunning 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 certain was spectacular! In line with our information, Hoper Glacier is without doubt 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 greater 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 superb 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 under 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 an especially numerous nation; nevertheless it’s there one factor that unites the individuals, it’s their meals. Pakistani individuals are happy with their meals and their dishes primarily characteristic sturdy flavors, tantalizing spices and flavorful melted ghee.
Pakistani meals share a variety of similarities with Indian meals, however their dishes are milder and never fairly as heavy and spicy. For youths who don’t like spicy meals, there are normally some non-spicy choices out there. My daughter, who’s normally not an adventurous eater, really tried and loved chapshoro, hen karahi and biryani.
In massive cities, you’ll discover some worldwide meals choices; there are Domino’s, KFC and McDonalds retailers throughout Lahore and Islamabad. However within the rural areas, you’ll normally solely discover Pakistani meals. Typically in addition they serve Chinese language dishes (that are my daughter’s favourite meals) however they are usually spicy as nicely.
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.
- Rooster karahi – An iconic dish in Pakistan, karahi is pricey to the hearts of all Pakistanis. The dish takes its title 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 hearth of a woodfire oven.
- Paratha – We had this yummy flatbreads for breakfast day-after-day, normally with daal (lentil) or chickpea stew.
- Halwa poori – A breakfast of champions, it is a mixture of a poori (deep-fried gentle and fluffy bread), served with the rich-tasting halwa (made with wheat semolina, sugar and butter).
The way to Maintain Your Youngsters Wholesome in Pakistan
Meals hygiene will be a difficulty within the rural elements of Pakistan, however we didn’t get sick or something from the meals. We principally ate in eating places but additionally tried some road meals and ate at native eateries.
Water from the faucet is just not secure to drink, however you possibly can simply discover bottled water all over the place. I additionally advise vacationers to not eat raw greens or fruits that you just haven’t washed your self.
There aren’t any required vaccines to enter the nation however you’re suggested to have your polio and tetanus vaccines so as. In the event you wish to be as secure as potential, having the Typhoid and Hepatitis A (and even Hepatitis B) vaccines are beneficial.
The way to Keep Related 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 nevertheless it solely labored in Lahore and Islamabad. Our information kindly shared his hotspot with us after we have been touring by Gilgit-Baltistan. To have information within the mountains, it’s essential get a SIM card from Zong at Lahore or Islamabad airport.
All of the lodges and guesthouses we stayed at had fairly respectable WiFi. Ensure that 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 usually put on unfastened clothes. Masking your hair is just not 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), nevertheless it’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, nevertheless it’s high quality to put on t-shirts and mountain 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 stored reusing it. You’ll discover cheaper choices within the bazaars.
My Packing Checklist for Pakistan with Youngsters
In case you are touring Pakistan in summer time like we did (June to August), don’t be misguided by the information you discover on the web. In line with my information, summers are hotter than traditional now, maybe as a consequence of international warming.
After 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 lot of quick-dry t-shirts, unfastened tops, mountain climbing pants, and a light-weight, windproof jacket.
Listed below are a few of the necessities to pack for a summer time journey to Pakistan:
Price of Journey in Pakistan with Youngsters
Pakistan is actually reasonably priced, and you may simply journey the nation even in case you have a good 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. You will discover non-public rooms in guesthouses for $25-35 per evening and nicer lodges with views round US$60-80 per evening. We spent round US$100-120 per evening at higher-end lodges 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 a good meal in a restaurant. The parts are massive and meals are communal, so most individuals normally order one or two dishes to share amongst 3-4 individuals.
The place to Keep in Pakistan with Youngsters
On this Pakistan journey, we handled ourselves to good lodges 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 needed 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 all the things from baked items to recent pancakes, every kind of curries, stews and Pakistani classics. In addition they present complimentary airport transfers. Verify charges right here.
Gilgit: Ramada by Wyndham Gilgit
Overlooking Gilgit Metropolis, this spanking new lodge is one of the best 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. Verify charges right here.
Eagle’s Nest: Hunza Elysion
Situated 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 superb and their homecooked meals is topnotch. Verify 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 beloved waking as much as this gorgeous view within the morning. Verify charges right here.
Attabad Lake: Famree Resort
Probably one of the best lodge we stayed at in Pakistan, Famree Resort is a trendy lodge perched atop the spearmint waters of the Attabad Lake. Our information kindly received 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. Verify charges right here.
Islamabad: The Avenue Resort
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 fantastic restaurant simply by the foyer. Verify charges right here.
Sensible Ideas for Touring Pakistan with Youngsters
- Ensure that your kids are updated with routine vaccinations, and think about potential journey vaccines nicely earlier than departure.
- Apply to your Pakistan e-visa forward of time to be sure to 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.
- Bear in mind to pack rehydration capsules in case your youngster vomits or experiences diarrhea. Within the lowlands, you’ll should be additional cautious with warmth exhaustion and dehydration.
- Take the chance to point out your children methods to be respectful of locals. Purchase a set of shalwar kemeez (tunic and pants set) to your children to allow them to gown like locals and mix in.
- Get your children to attempt Pakistani meals, you possibly can normally ask for them with none spice. In the event that they’re nonetheless spicy for them, there are normally 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 provide help to plan your personal journey along with your baby. I simply need 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 open air. Be happy to depart me any questions or feedback you will have under.
Learn extra articles on Pakistan or different elements of South Asia:
Disclaimer: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I get a small fee whenever you buy something by my hyperlinks. As all the time, I solely associate with corporations I’ve personally used and may advocate.
Impressed? Pin it!
