Final Up to date on September 4, 2024
For intrepid dad and mom, touring Pakistan with youngsters 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 youngsters. Nevertheless 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 discovered from our latest summer season 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 really 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 youngsters: 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 Prefer to Journey Pakistan with Children
Any journey to Pakistan is an journey – for each adults and children alike. Intrepid dad and mom and adventurous little ones will love the huge landscapes, outdoorsy enjoyable and welcoming locals (lots of whom will need to take photographs with you!).
Needless to say touring right here isn’t essentially simple, particularly for youths who aren’t used to squat bathrooms, 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 favor themed parks or malls to nature. However for daring and outdoorsy households, touring Pakistan with youngsters will likely 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. After I utilized for our e-visa, it value US$25 per particular person and took simply 3 days to be authorised. Since 18th September 2024, the vacationer visa is free for many nationalities and it takes solely 24 hours for e-visas to be authorised. Apply to your e-visa right here.
The net software is sort of an easy, although prolonged course of. You’ll have to enter all of your private data, in addition to your flight particulars and resort 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 obtained approval inside a day.
Is it Protected to Journey Pakistan with Children?
For years, Pakistan has been portrayed by the media as a harmful place resulting from 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. Today, Pakistan’s army has a decent maintain on the nation to keep up 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 protected for each locals and foreigners. We spent most of our time in Gilgit-Baltistan, thought-about the most secure and most stunning state in Pakistan. We additionally felt fully protected in Lahore and Islamabad.
A few of the areas it’s 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 E book 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 convey you to distant villages, join you with locals and introduce you to Pakistani meals. In addition to, 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 via his lens. His ardour for his homeland was really infectious and we discovered 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 youngsters. His worth was additionally very cheap. You’ll be able to attain out to him on Instagram.
Throughout the massive cities of Pakistan (Lahore and Islamabad), we explored on our personal and had no drawback in any respect. It’s relatively simple to get round by taxi or Careem and talk with locals. However to discover the gorgeous mountainous area, we positively suggest hiring information and 4WD transport.
Which Ages Would Most Take pleasure in 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 saved our first few days in Pakistan gradual and straightforward to provide her the time to regulate to it.
Needless to say 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 bathrooms. However even then, Pakistan was relatively difficult for her.
Pakistan is unquestionably not appropriate for youths of all ages. I’d wait a number of years if I had a toddler or child, as child provides could be exhausting to seek out within the rural areas. Children from 6 years previous onwards will likely be extra appropriate for touring Pakistan, as they’ll hike and stroll longer distances. These 9 to 13 years of age would be the good age as they’re extra unbiased 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 propose to see in Pakistan, however on the whole, most sights are accessible by street and children don’t have to hike for hours to go to locations. On our journey, we largely did brief 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 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 should not in the perfect situation and also you’ll be off-road driving a whole lot of the occasions, but it surely’s positively a street journey of desires 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 significant concern in Pakistan, except you go to locations larger than 4,000m (13,000 toes) in altitude. The best place we went to on our journey was the Khunjerab Cross on the China-Pakistan border. We drove there from Attabad Lake and the descent was relatively 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 case you’re involved, I counsel scheduling a lot of relaxation time upon arrival and convey Acetazolamide or Diamox to stop altitude illness.
How one can Get Journey Insurance coverage for Children
It’s necessary to have journey insurance coverage whether or not you’re touring Pakistan with youngsters 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 widespread. 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 preferred journey insurance coverage firm nowadays. They cowl youngsters totally free so long as you’ve obtained a plan with them. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as every other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than the protection begin date. Confer with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
When to Journey Pakistan with Children
It’s no secret that Pakistan he sees an enormous vary of weather conditions as a result of huge vary in terrain. The perfect 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 perfect time to go to Gilgit-Baltistan and drive the Karakoram Freeway is through the Pakistani summer season, from April to October. The summer season temperatures within the mountains are snug (although scorching at occasions) 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 larger altitudes. Observe that whereas the Karakoram Freeway via Pakistan is open year-round from Islamabad to the customs publish 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 Children?
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 street closures a standard incidence in northern Pakistan – which implies you want time. And, as you in all probability know, touring with youngsters requires much more time and adaptability.
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 no 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 begin your epic street journey on the Karakoram Freeway
- 1 Day in Hunza Valley — to discover historic forts and the previous Silk Highway
- 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 Children
As Pakistan is an enormous nation, you’ll almost definitely want to make use of a mix of transport modes to get round. There are long-distance buses, however these are advisable solely if in case you have countless time in your arms.
By Aircraft
Journey distances could be lengthy in Pakistan, and flying can reduce down journey time considerably. As an example, you’ll be able to fly from Lahore to Skardu in simply 1 hour; whereas driving takes near 23 hours. Nevertheless, Pakistan’s airways don’t have the perfect status; it’s mentioned 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 good 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 but it surely 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 a substitute of flying, which took over 14 hours.
By Automobile
The simplest option to get round Peru is by automobile, however you’ll want a 4WD to traverse the tough mountain roads. In response to my information Hanna, foreigners can really lease 4×4 automobiles and drive in Gilgit-Baltistan. We’ve rented vehicles 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 protected 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). One other factor to look out for in Pakistan are the drivers! They take wreckless driving to an entire 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 largest bus firm in Pakistan and you’ll e book tickets on-line. This web site is an effective useful resource for bus schedules and knowledge in Pakistan.
By Taxi
Throughout the cities, we used Careem or inDrive to seek out ridesharing vehicles. Each 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 experience solely value us US$15 return.
Greatest Issues to Do in Pakistan with Children
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 a substitute 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 obtained to Eagle’s Nest simply in time for sundown, and as we hiked as much as the point of view, all the valley beneath us turned a phenomenal shade of golden-orange shade, 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 maybe probably the most well-known of the various precarious rope bridges in northern Pakistan. Regardless of its harmful seems to be, nonetheless, the Hussaini is is a comparatively protected bridge and has turn into one of the crucial fashionable 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 wood 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, home made bread and conventional desserts. We additionally obtained to go to their orchard, strive the superb fruit they’d grown, and take a stroll round their village. Their little woman grew to become buddies 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 Beautiful, 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 response to our information, Hoper Glacier is among the few glaciers on this planet 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 superb native information at Altit Fort who gave us attention-grabbing 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 Children
Pakistan could also be an especially numerous nation; but it surely’s there one factor that unites the individuals, it’s their meals. Pakistani persons 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 teenagers 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, rooster 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 additionally they serve Chinese language dishes (that are my daughter’s favourite meals) however they are usually spicy as nicely.
Listed 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.
- Rooster 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 sometimes 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 day by day, normally with daal (lentil) or chickpea stew.
- Halwa poori – A breakfast of champions, this can be a mixture of a poori (deep-fried mild and fluffy bread), served with the rich-tasting halwa (made with wheat semolina, sugar and butter).
How one can Maintain Your Children Wholesome in Pakistan
Meals hygiene could be a problem within the rural components of Pakistan, however we didn’t get sick or something from the meals. We largely ate in eating places but in addition tried some avenue meals and ate at native eateries.
Water from the faucet shouldn’t be protected 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’re suggested to have your polio and tetanus vaccines so as. In case you prefer to be as protected as potential, having the Typhoid and Hepatitis A (and even Hepatitis B) vaccines are advisable.
How one can 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 but it surely solely labored in Lahore and Islamabad. Our information kindly shared his hotspot with us once we have been touring via Gilgit-Baltistan. To have information within the mountains, you should get a SIM card from Zong at Lahore or Islamabad airport.
All of the lodges 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). Ladies 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 shouldn’t be required, however pack a shawl for mosque visits. Males also needs to cowl their shoulders, although shorts are acceptable.
Vacationers don’t have to put on the normal 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 best ways to maintain cool within the excessive warmth. It’s advisable to put on the shalwar kameez within the streets of previous Lahore, but it surely’s fantastic 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 saved reusing it. You’ll discover cheaper choices within the bazaars.
My Packing Checklist for Pakistan with Children
If you’re touring Pakistan in summer season like we did (June to August), don’t be misguided by the data you discover on the web. In response to my information, summers are hotter than normal now, maybe resulting from world 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. Basically, simply pack a lot of quick-dry t-shirts, free tops, climbing pants, and a light-weight, windproof jacket.
Listed here are among the necessities to pack for a summer season journey to Pakistan:
Price of Journey in Pakistan with Children
Pakistan is admittedly reasonably priced, and you’ll simply journey the nation even if in case you have 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 personal 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 the direction of the beginning and finish of our journey.
Eating places in Pakistan are very reasonably priced. Count on 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 Children
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 coated all the things from baked items to recent pancakes, all types of curries, stews and Pakistani classics. In addition they present complimentary airport transfers. Examine charges right here.
Gilgit: Ramada by Wyndham Gilgit
Overlooking Gilgit Metropolis, this spanking new resort is the perfect 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. Examine 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 good for us. The workers right here is superb and their homecooked meals is topnotch. Examine 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 lavatory) however we liked waking as much as this gorgeous view within the morning. Examine charges right here.
Attabad Lake: Famree Resort
Presumably the perfect resort we stayed at in Pakistan, Famree Resort is a classy lodge perched atop the spearmint waters of the Attabad Lake. Our information kindly obtained 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. Examine charges right here.
Islamabad: The Avenue Resort
For our previous couple of days in Pakistan, we rested up on this small however fashionable boutique resort within the enterprise district referred to as Blue Space. Our triple room was good for us, breakfast was served in our room and we had an ideal restaurant simply by the foyer. Examine charges right here.
Sensible Ideas for Touring Pakistan with Children
- Make certain your youngsters are updated with routine vaccinations, and take into account potential journey vaccines nicely earlier than departure.
- Apply to your Pakistan e-visa forward of time to be sure you have them ready earlier than arrival.
- When planning your Pakistan itinerary, be certain to think about some downtime and relaxation days. Take it simple in your first few days in Pakistan, give your youngsters loads of time to regulate to the warmth and chaos.
- Keep in mind to pack rehydration drugs in case your baby 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 youngsters easy methods to be respectful of locals. Purchase a set of shalwar kemeez (tunic and pants set) to your youngsters to allow them to gown like locals and mix in.
- Get your youngsters to strive Pakistani meals, you’ll be able to 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.
Take pleasure in Your Journey to Pakistan with Children!
Thanks for studying this far! I hope this information to touring Pakistan with journeys will assist you to plan your individual 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 youngsters is to decelerate and spend your time outdoor. Be happy to depart me any questions or feedback you will have beneath.
Learn extra articles on Pakistan or different components of South Asia:
Disclaimer: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I get a small fee whenever you buy something via my hyperlinks. As at all times, I solely accomplice with firms I’ve personally used and may suggest.
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