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 repute as a ‘dangerous place’, Pakistan doesn’t often come to thoughts when planning a visit with children. But it far exceeded my expectations with its lofty mountains, spectacular valleys, crackling glaciers, jaw-dropping views and among the most hospitable individuals on Earth. As I realized from our latest summer time journey to Pakistan, it’s a extremely underrated journey vacation spot brimming with mindblowing landscapes and wealthy tradition.
The nation is energy–full of 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 rather a lot 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 Like to Travel Pakistan with Kids
Any journey to Pakistan is an journey – for each adults and children 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 images with you!).
Keep in thoughts that touring right here isn’t essentially straightforward, particularly for youths who aren’t used to squat bogs, dirty cities or primary lodging. You’ll want a ton of persistence too, with street closures, automobile 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 want themed parks or malls to nature. But for daring and outdoorsy households, touring Pakistan with children shall be a rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Tourist Visa for Pakistan
Pakistan has now made it very straightforward for vacationers to get an e-visa. When 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 in your e-visa right here.
The on-line software is kind of an easy, although prolonged course of. You’ll have to 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 acquired approval inside a day.
Is it Safe to Travel Pakistan with Kids?
For years, Pakistan has been portrayed by the media as a harmful place as a result of Taliban actions. The nation has stabilized immensely since peak Taliban exercise (2009-2012) and many of the violence had been concentrated across the Iran and Afghanistan borders. These days, 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 components of Pakistan are thought-about secure for each locals and foreigners. We spent most of our time in Gilgit-Baltistan, thought-about the most secure and most lovely state in Pakistan. We additionally felt fully secure in Lahore and Islamabad.
Some of the areas you need to keep away from touring embrace the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Balochistan. But 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 scenario in Pakistan.
Do You Need to Book a Tour to Travel 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 carry you to distant villages, join you with locals and introduce you to Pakistani meals. Besides, 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 actually 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 had been touring Pakistan with children. His value was additionally very affordable. You can attain out to him on Instagram.
Within the large cities of Pakistan (Lahore and Islamabad), we explored on our personal and had no drawback in any respect. It’s slightly straightforward to get round by taxi or Careem and talk with locals. But to discover the gorgeous mountainous area, we positively suggest hiring information and 4WD transport.
Which Ages Would Most Enjoy 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 intense warmth and chaotic site visitors, however we stored our first few days in Pakistan sluggish and straightforward to offer her the time to regulate to it.
Keep in thoughts that Kaleya has been to 57 international locations, lots of that are creating international locations; plus she’s adaptable and adventurous, loves climbing and doesn’t thoughts roughing it in dodgy inns and yucky bogs. But even then, Pakistan was slightly difficult for her.
Pakistan is certainly 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 seek out within the rural areas. Kids from 6 years previous onwards shall be extra appropriate for touring Pakistan, as they’ll hike and stroll longer distances. Those 9 to 13 years of age would be the good age as they’re extra unbiased and might higher admire the character and historical past right here.
How Active is a Trip to Pakistan?
Of course this is determined by you and what you intend to see in Pakistan, however usually, most sights are accessible by street and children don’t have to hike for hours to go to locations. On our journey, we principally did quick hikes to viewpoints and glaciers, in addition to enjoyable walks round previous 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 Highway (KKH). The 1,300km freeway was inaugurated solely in 1978 – after practically 20 years of building by greater than 24,000 Pakistani and Chinese employees. Some sections should not in one of the best situation and also you’ll be off-road driving a whole lot of the occasions, however it’s positively a street journey of goals and an journey that the entire household can get pleasure from (with out a lot bodily challenges).
Is Altitude Sickness a Concern in Pakistan?
Altitude illness isn’t a serious concern in Pakistan, except you go to locations larger than 4,000m (13,000 toes) in altitude. The highest place we went to on our journey was the Khunjerab Pass on the China-Pakistan border. We drove there from Attabad Lake and the descent was slightly 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 top. Skardu is at 2,500m (8,000 ft) and Gilgit City is at 1,500m (4,800 ft), and we didn’t really feel any impact from the ascent in any respect. If you’re involved, I counsel scheduling numerous relaxation time upon arrival and produce Acetazolamide or Diamox to stop altitude illness.
How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids
It’s necessary to have journey insurance coverage whether or not you’re touring Pakistan with children or solo. There’s danger concerned in flying inside Pakistan (learn the part on getting round Pakistan), in addition to driving within the mountainous north as landslides are widespread. Our flight to Lahore was delayed by a day, which now we have been now compensated for by our journey insurance coverage.
Safety Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm today. They cowl children totally free so long as you’ve acquired a plan with them. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as every other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than the protection begin date. Refer to my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
When to Travel Pakistan with Kids
It’s no secret that Pakistan he sees an enormous vary of weather conditions because of the huge vary in terrain. The finest 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 finest time to go to Gilgit-Baltistan and drive the Karakoram Highway is in the course of the Pakistani summer time, from April to October. The summer time temperatures within the mountains are snug (although scorching at occasions) and the excessive pastures are at their superb peak. But 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 had been simply in short-sleeved t-shirt and trekking pants; we solely wanted a light-weight jacket within the evenings and at larger altitudes. Note that whereas the Karakoram Highway by Pakistan is open year-round from Islamabad to the customs put up at Sost, the worldwide border crossing between Pakistan and China’s Xinjiang border closes in winter between November and March.
How Long to Travel Pakistan with Kids?
Pakistan is a large and very various 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 straightforward to get to or navigate, with landscapes and street closures a typical prevalence 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 not less than 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 Highway
- 1 Day in Hunza Valley — to discover historic forts and the previous Silk Road
- 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 best way 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 Around Pakistan with Kids
As Pakistan is an enormous nation, you’ll most probably want to make use of a mixture of transport modes to get round. There are long-distance buses, however these are beneficial solely when you’ve got countless time in your fingers.
By Plane
Travel distances will be lengthy in Pakistan, and flying can minimize down journey time considerably. For occasion, you’ll be able to fly from Lahore to Skardu in simply 1 hour; whereas driving takes near 23 hours. However, Pakistan’s airways don’t have one of the best repute; it’s mentioned that 1 in 3 pilots right here have pretend licenses (click on to learn CNN article). Also, flights to Gilgit have a excessive proportion of cancelation as climate situations must be good 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 however it was delayed for five hours. To keep away from working the chance of lacking our onward flight to Istanbul, we selected to drive to Islamadad as an alternative of flying, which took over 14 hours.
By Car
The best strategy to get round Peru is by automobile, however you’ll want a 4WD to traverse the tough mountain roads. According to my information Hanna, foreigners can really hire 4×4 automobiles and drive in Gilgit-Baltistan. We’ve rented automobiles and pushed in lots of components 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 widespread in northern Pakistan (when it rains or glaciers soften, the rivers overflow and both flood or destroy roads). Another 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 straightforward to e book. Faisal Movers is the most important bus firm in Pakistan and you’ll e book tickets on-line. This web site is an efficient useful resource for bus schedules and knowledge in Pakistan.
By Taxi
Within the cities, we used Careem or inDrive to seek out ridesharing automobiles. Both apps labored very well for us and accepted fee 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 value us US$15 return.
Best Things to Do in Pakistan with Kids
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. Instead 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 acquired to Eagle’s Nest simply in time for sundown, and as we hiked as much as the perspective, your complete valley beneath us turned an attractive shade of golden-orange colour, backdropped by mammoth snowcapped mountains. We had 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 iconic Husseini Suspension Bridge is maybe essentially the most well-known of the numerous precarious rope bridges in northern Pakistan. Despite its harmful appears, nonetheless, the Hussaini is is a comparatively secure bridge and has grow to be one of the crucial standard vacationer points of interest. After being washed away in a 2011 monsoon, the bridge has been fully reconstructed and it now depends on metal cables and strong wood boards. Kaleya went ziplining throughout the bridge and had a blast!
Lunch with a Local Family in Gojal Valley
One of our favourite experiences in Pakistan was getting invited to an area household’s house. 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 acquired to go to their orchard, strive the wonderful fruit they’d grown, and take a stroll round their village. Their little lady grew to become mates 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 Lovely, 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! According to our information, Hoper Glacier is likely one of the few glaciers on the planet that’s nonetheless increasing (most are retreating). Once you get to the perspective, 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.
Visit 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 dwell 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.
Explore the Heritage Museum in Islamabad
Tucked beneath the Monument to Pakistan, the Heritage Museum doesn’t look too interesting from the surface, however behind its ornately carved gate is a treasure trove of artifacts and well-signed cultural displays showcasing the traditions and tradition of Pakistan. Kaleya positively loved studying all about Pakistan right here.
What to Eat in Pakistan with Kids
Pakistan could also be a particularly various nation; however 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 robust flavors, tantalizing spices and flavorful melted ghee.
Pakistani meals share a whole lot of similarities with Indian meals, however their dishes are milder and never fairly as heavy and spicy. For children who don’t like spicy meals, there are often some non-spicy choices out there. My daughter, who’s often 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. But within the rural areas, you’ll often solely discover Pakistani meals. Sometimes in addition they serve Chinese dishes (that are my daughter’s favourite meals) however they are usually spicy as effectively.
Here are among the finest Pakistani dishes to strive:
- Pakora – These easy-to-make crispy, fried fritters are a basic finger meals served as a starter or a aspect dish.
- Chicken 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 usually 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 full of minced meat, baked within the fireplace of a woodfire oven.
- Paratha – We had this yummy flatbreads for breakfast daily, 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).
How to Keep Your Kids Healthy in Pakistan
Food hygiene will be a difficulty within the rural components 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 isn’t secure to drink, however you’ll be able to simply discover bottled water all over the place. I additionally advise vacationers to not eat raw greens or fruits that you simply haven’t washed your self.
There aren’t any required vaccines to enter the nation however you might be suggested to have your polio and tetanus vaccines so as. If you prefer to be as secure as potential, having the Typhoid and Hepatitis A (and even Hepatitis B) vaccines are beneficial.
How to Stay Connected While Traveling 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 however it solely labored in Lahore and Islamabad. Our information kindly shared his hotspot with us once we had been touring by Gilgit-Baltistan. To have knowledge within the mountains, it is advisable to get a SIM card from Zong at Lahore or Islamabad airport.
All the lodges and guesthouses we stayed at had fairly first rate WiFi. Make certain to make use of the WiFi to obtain exhibits/books for offline use on the iPad for our daughter on notably lengthy drives.
What to Wear 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). Women ought to cowl their knees and shoulders – so no sleeveless singlets, shorts or cropped tops – and usually put on unfastened clothes. Covering your hair isn’t required, however pack a shawl for mosque visits. Men must also cowl their shoulders, although shorts are acceptable.
Tourists don’t have to put on the standard Pakistani shalwar kameez (tunic with pants), however 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 previous Lahore, however it’s positive 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 children. We solely purchased one set every and simply stored reusing it. You’ll discover cheaper choices within the bazaars.
My Packing List for Pakistan with Kids
If you might be touring Pakistan in summer time like we did (June to August), don’t be misguided by the information you discover on the web. According to my information, summers are hotter than standard now, maybe as a result of world warming.
When we had been there, the coldest temperature we skilled was 18°C (65°F), and we solely wanted a small jacket for evenings and excessive altitudes. Essentially, simply pack numerous quick-dry t-shirts, unfastened tops, climbing pants, and a light-weight, windproof jacket.
Here are among the necessities to pack for a summer time journey to Pakistan:
Cost of Travel in Pakistan with Kids
Pakistan is absolutely inexpensive, and you’ll simply journey the nation even when you’ve got a good funds. 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.
Accommodation is comparatively low cost in Pakistan. You can discover non-public rooms in guesthouses for $25-35 per night time and nicer lodges with views round US$60-80 per night time. We spent round US$100-120 per night time at higher-end lodges in direction of the beginning and finish of our journey.
Restaurants in Pakistan are very inexpensive. Expect 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 often order one or two dishes to share amongst 3-4 individuals.
Where to Stay in Pakistan with Kids
On this Pakistan journey, we handled ourselves to good lodges since they’re fairly inexpensive. Although choices are restricted within the mountainous area of Gilgit-Baltistan, the locations we stayed at had been all trendy 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, trendy and extremely clear. The breakfast buffet unfold coated every thing from baked items to contemporary pancakes, every kind of curries, stews and Pakistani classics. They additionally present complimentary airport transfers. Check charges right here.
Gilgit: Ramada by Wyndham Gilgit
Overlooking Gilgit City, this spanking new lodge is one of the best on the town and has trendy, 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 contemporary chai, eggs and paratha each morning. Check charges right here.
Eagle’s Nest: Hunza Elysion
Located proper by the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint, Hunza Elysion is a newish guesthouse with spacious family-sized rooms good for us. The employees right here is wonderful and their homecooked meals is topnotch. Check charges right here.
Aliabad: Apple Garden Hunza
This trendy 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 toilet) however we liked waking as much as this gorgeous view within the morning. Check charges right here.
Attabad Lake: Famree Resort
Possibly one of the best lodge we stayed at in Pakistan, Famree Resort is a classy lodge perched atop the spearmint waters of the Attabad Lake. Our information kindly acquired us upgraded totally free to the Presidential Suite and we had the privilege of having fun with a relaxation day right here at this idyllic spot. Check charges right here.
Islamabad: The Avenue Hotel
For our previous few days in Pakistan, we rested up on this small however trendy boutique lodge within the enterprise district referred to as Blue Area. Our triple room was good for us, breakfast was served in our room and we had an incredible restaurant simply by the foyer. Check charges right here.
Practical Tips for Traveling Pakistan with Kids
- Make certain your kids are updated with routine vaccinations, and think about potential journey vaccines effectively earlier than departure.
- Apply in 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 consider some downtime and relaxation days. Take it straightforward in your first few days in Pakistan, give your children loads of time to regulate to the warmth and chaos.
- Remember to pack rehydration tablets in case your baby vomits or experiences diarrhea. In the lowlands, you’ll must be additional cautious with warmth exhaustion and dehydration.
- Take the chance to indicate your children the best way to be respectful of locals. Buy a set of shalwar kemeez (tunic and pants set) in your children to allow them to gown like locals and mix in.
- Get your children to strive Pakistani meals, you’ll be able to often ask for them with none spice. If they’re nonetheless spicy for them, there are often some choices like fries and biryani.
Enjoy Your Trip to Pakistan with Kids!
Thank you for studying this far! I hope this information to touring Pakistan with journeys will enable you plan your personal journey together with your baby. 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 outside. Feel free to go away me any questions or feedback you’ll have beneath.
Read extra articles on Pakistan or different components of South Asia:
Disclaimer: This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I get a small fee while you buy something by my hyperlinks. As at all times, I solely accomplice with corporations I’ve personally used and might suggest.
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