Undiscovered Pakistan
Pakistan is a beautiful country with bustling cities, historical sites, stunning mountain ranges and of course incredible food! This trip was a little bit different as we spent a fair bit of time visiting my husband’s relatives spread across Punjab. I’ve left these out and just included highlights of the main places worth exploring.
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Always haggle to get the price you are prepared to pay, this might mean walking away. Be respectful to the seller as at the end of the day it is their livelihood.
Hire a local driver and tour guide to take you around the cities
Keep your belongings in zipped pockets and secure bags
Avoid drinking tap water and try to minimise single-use plastic bottles where possible
Be respectful of the local customs, for example covering your head and shoulders when visiting religious sites
Most places accept card but take Pakistani Rupees in cash to buy things in the markets
Don’t get money out in front of beggars or you will get swarmed. If you want to give some money, keep small notes in a separate pocket
Islamabad (1-2 days)
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The Capital City of Islamabad is one of the greenest cities in Pakistan, with a calmer vibe than other cities we visited.
Take a trip to the iconic Faisal Mosque, it is also beautiful when it is lit up at night, so you can admire it from afar.
Visit the Pakistan Monument - a petal shaped structure which symbolises the Pakistani people. It’s worth looking round the heritage museum whilst you’re here too.
Drive up to Margalla Hills Viewpoint for stunning views across the city at sunset.
Skardu (3-4 days)
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Skardu is famous for its rocky mountains, deep valleys, scenic lakes, cold desert, and historic sites. It is also a popular place for trekking to the Baltoro Glacier and K2 Base Camp.
We chose Skardu over Hunza as we were short on time and flights to and from Hunza are sometimes cancelled due to poor weather. Skardu was captivating, but I’ve also heard great things about Hunza - it is meant to be lush and green with stunning blue lakes.
Fly from Islamabad to Skardu. Be warned it is a bit hair-raising as you cruise over the Himalayas! Try to get the window seat for incredible views of the snowcapped Mountains including K2 and Nanga Parbat.
When you land, if you have time, grab a warming chai at the kiosk in the airport car park, we’re still talking about it!
Hiring a local driver and tour guide is a must to navigate the bumpy roads and they will take you to all the best sites at your leisure:
Visit the Upper Kachura Lake, which has azure blue water - you can hike down and take a boat ride across it, or relax in the Tea House at the top soaking in the view.
Visit the Chaqchan Jamia Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the region, then head to Shigar Fort for a tour of this quaint heritage site and gardens.
Visit the Katpanan Desert, (aka. the cold desert) for a dune bashing which was an adrenaline-fuelled experience, to say the least!
Visit the Skardu Town bazaar for all kinds of clothing, souvenirs and gems.
Visit the famous Shangrila Resort on the lake. Take in the lake views and look inside the preserved Orient Airways Plane.
Other activities
Visit the scenic Manthokha Waterfall in the Kharmang Valley
If you have more time visit Deosai National Park in the Himalayan and Karakorum-Pamir highlands. It is rich in biodiversity and internationally significant for protecting the critically endangered Himalayan Brown Bear.
Join a trek - I would love to go back and do some trekking to one of the breathtaking mountains nearby.
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It’s every tea drinker’s heaven, there is an abundance of warming, fragrant chai!
Try the local grilled trout, it’s surprisingly tasty!
Try local dishes where you can, including the delicious Mamtu dumplings and Tandoori chicken.
This region is famous for growing apricots, do try apricot cake!
Bear in mind Pakistan is a dry country (no alcohol) so make the most of iced coffees, mango lassis and other sweet soft drinks.
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We were lucky enough to stay in a couple of 5* Hotels booked through a friend which I would recommend for a slice of luxury if you can stretch the budget!
There are plenty of cheaper options dotted around, just check out online reviews beforehand.
A tranquil Hotel overlooking the Indus River with incredible views.
An eco-friendly boutique Hotel close to Lower Kachura Lake.
Lahore (3-4 days)
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We flew back to Islamabad and headed to Lahore which is around 4 hours drive.
Take a guided tour of the Old Town, which includes Lahore Fort, the beautiful Badshahi Mosque and the Minar-e-Pakistan (like a mini Eiffel Tower).
Visit the Wagah Border - the international border line where India and Pakistan meet. Every afternoon there is the “Beating the Retreat” ceremony where soldiers from both countries march in perfect drill, going through the steps of bringing down their respective national flags. It’s worth it for the atmosphere, pouting and high kicks!
Visit Shalimar Gardens for a tranquil walk to admire the artistic buildings and learn about the history of the Mughal Empire.
Visit the historic Tomb of Emperor Jahangir which has intricate architecture and lush gardens to explore.
For a spot of shopping, head to Main Boulevard, or Packages Mall for some more upmarket brands.
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Along with Pakistani food, you can find many cuisines in Lahore (sometimes with a Pakistani twist)!
Here are some of the best places we tried, however not always the cheapest:
Haveli Restaurant - amazing views of the Badshahi Mosque
Sumo - a more expensive sushi place, but the food was great
Bhayya Kabab Shop - great beef bhoti
Bamboo Union - a great option for Pakistani Chinese
I’d recommend doing a street food tour, click here for the best stops!
Whilst out and about, here are some must-try dishes/snacks!
Gol Gappay
Nihari
Chana Chole
Samosa Chaat
Halwa puri
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We stayed with a friend, but would recommend these 2 Hotels for a bit of R&R after a busy day of sightseeing.
Gulberg would be a good location to stay.