Karachi
Population:14.9 million
Pakistan's largest city and major port, known for its diverse culture, beaches, and bustling business districts.
Top attractions
- Clifton Beach
- Mazar-e-Quaid
- Pakistan Maritime Museum
- Empress Market
Country guide
Pakistan
A land of stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to ancient civilizations and vibrant traditions.
- Capital
- Islamabad
- Language
- Urdu, English
- Currency
- Pakistani Rupee (₨)
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Visa information
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Pakistan. E-visas are available for many countries, or visas can be obtained from Pakistani embassies.
View full visa requirementsTravel guide
Visa details
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Pakistan. E-visas are available for many countries, or visas can be obtained from Pakistani embassies.
Cost of travel
- Currency
- Pakistani Rupee (₨)
- Accommodation
- ₨3,000-8,000 per night for mid-range hotels, ₨800-2,500 for budget accommodations
- Food
- ₨500-1,500 per meal at restaurants, ₨100-400 for street food
- Transportation
- ₨20-50 for local buses, ₨800-3,000 for intercity bus/train tickets
- Activities
- ₨200-800 for monument entries, ₨2,000-5,000 for guided tours
- Overall daily budget
- ₨4,000-12,000 per day depending on travel style
Best time to visit
October to April offers the most pleasant weather. Northern areas are best visited from April to October, while southern regions are cooler from November to February.
Weather
Varies from tropical in the south to temperate in the north. The country experiences four seasons with hot summers, mild winters, and monsoon rains from July to September.
Top cities to visit
Lahore
Population:11.1 million
The cultural capital of Pakistan, famous for its Mughal architecture, vibrant bazaars, and delicious food.
Top attractions
- Badshahi Mosque
- Lahore Fort
- Shalimar Gardens
- Walled City
Capital city
Islamabad
Population:1.0 million
Pakistan's modern capital city, known for its green spaces, planned layout, and scenic Margalla Hills backdrop.
Top attractions
- Faisal Mosque
- Pakistan Monument
- Margalla Hills
- Lok Virsa Museum
Rawalpindi
Population:2.1 million
A historic garrison city adjacent to Islamabad, known for its bustling bazaars and military heritage.
Top attractions
- Raja Bazaar
- Pakistan Army Museum
- Ayub National Park
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Faisalabad
Population:3.2 million
Pakistan's textile capital, known for its industrial heritage and agricultural significance.
Top attractions
- Clock Tower
- Jinnah Garden
- Gatwala Wildlife Park
- Serena Chowk
Multan
Population:1.9 million
The 'City of Saints' known for its Sufi shrines, handicrafts, and ancient history dating back 5,000 years.
Top attractions
- Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya
- Multan Fort
- Shah Rukn-e-Alam
- Ghanta Ghar
Peshawar
Population:1.9 million
One of the oldest cities in South Asia, serving as a gateway between Central and South Asia with rich cultural heritage.
Top attractions
- Mahabat Khan Mosque
- Bala Hissar Fort
- Peshawar Museum
- Qissa Khwani Bazaar
Quetta
Population:1.0 million
The capital of Balochistan province, known for its strategic location and beautiful mountainous surroundings.
Top attractions
- Hanna Lake
- Quetta Geological Museum
- Ziarat
- Hazarganji Chiltan National Park
Gujranwala
Population:2.0 million
An industrial city in Punjab known for its manufacturing and as the birthplace of Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Top attractions
- Ranjit Singh Samadhi
- Tilla Jogian
- Wazirabad Pottery
- Clock Tower Chowk
Sialkot
Population:655,000
Famous for its sports goods manufacturing and surgical instruments, known as the sports capital of Pakistan.
Top attractions
- Sialkot Fort
- Iqbal Manzil
- Jamia Mosque Sialkot
- Head Marala
Top attractions
K2 Base Camp
The base camp for the world's second-highest mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Karakoram range.
Location: Gilgit-Baltistan
Badshahi Mosque
A Mughal-era mosque in Lahore, one of the largest mosques in the world with stunning red sandstone architecture.
Location: Lahore
Mohenjo-daro
UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the ruins of an ancient Indus Valley civilization dating back to 2500 BCE.
Location: Sindh
Hunza Valley
A mountainous valley known for its stunning scenery, terraced fields, and views of Rakaposhi mountain.
Location: Gilgit-Baltistan
Shalimar Gardens
Beautiful Mughal gardens in Lahore with terraced levels, fountains, and historic pavilions.
Location: Lahore
Other destinations in Asia
View all countries in this regionTravel tips
- Always check for updated visa requirements before your trip.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Research local customs and etiquette before your visit.
- Keep digital and physical copies of important documents.
Pakistan travel cost calculator
Cost breakdown
- Accommodation (3 nights, 1 room)
- ₨9,000–24,000
- Food (2 × 3 days, 2 meals a day)
- ₨6,000–18,000
- Transport (2 × 3 days, 2 rides a day)
- ₨240–600
- Activities (2 × 3 days, 1 a day)
- ₨1,200–4,800
- Total estimated cost
- ₨16,440–47,400
- Per person
- ₨8,220–23,700
Note: These estimates use this guide’s own prices and may vary with season, location and personal preferences. Consider adding a 10-20% buffer for unexpected expenses.