Pakistan is a beautiful country with one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The finest architecture and the stunning mountains and valleys are truly awesome. A trip to Pakistan can give you the ultimate experience with lifetime memories. However, prior travelling to any place, it is required to know a bit and gather information regarding culture, visas, transportation and more.
Best time to visit
Pakistan has so many regions that visiting only during a particular season is not enough. The sea levels, deserts and mountain peaks all show their uniqueness in different seasons.
The best season to visit southern Pakistan is winter that starts from mid-November to February. The weather is cool and pleasant. It is perfectly fine to travel to flat regions like Balochistan, Punjab or Sindh. The mountainous regions may not be suitable to travel as the areas are covered with snow.
Summer is the best season for visiting the high mountain peaks in the northern areas and it ranges from June to September. The stunning peaks and beautiful valleys make this place a perfect spot for the summer holidays with little or no snow there.
How to get the Visas?
Applying for a visa for Pakistan was a bit difficult but with the introduction of the e-visa system, things have become much easier. Now, more than 176 nationalities can apply for a Pakistani visa online.
You can get the visa for up to 3 months. You can apply for a multi-entry visa which is valid for up to 1 year. The price for getting the visa depends on the nationality and the length of the trip. Once the application is submitted, it may take 5 to 7 days for the approval.
Why to have Travel insurance?
It is necessary to have travel insurance for Pakistan, especially when there is pandemic. Nobody wants to end up paying a huge amount of money to return back to their country from Pakistan. Having travel insurance protects you from falling unwell, cancellations, lost luggage and many more. Now there is coverage of pre-existing medical conditions too.
Travelling by air
There are several international airports in Pakistan but the major ones are in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) operates nearly 100 flights, of which 25 are serving international destinations. Several airlines fly into Pakistan and many more routes are added regularly that include London, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur and Dubai.
Security in Pakistan
Security is one of the major questions that people seek before planning a trip to Pakistan and it is absolutely fair. For many years, Pakistan was under the attack of terrorists and their violence. Even now, there are still some parts of Pakistan that are regarded as dangerous. But worry not, the security has immensely improved by the Pakistani military and has made the tourist places safe to visit.
The cities of Islamabad, Lahore and Gilgit Baltistan are very safe to travel. You will find a lot of armed personnel on the streets and regular checkpoints for the safety of travellers.
Culture and customs in Pakistan
Pakistan is a conservative and religious country and so you should respect their rules and culture. If you respect them, they will pay you back the same respect. You must be very careful while speaking about sensitive matters to them.
Pakistan has a vibrant and diverse culture that can be experienced in every corner of the country. The people are very hospitable and give you their best possible time. You will be invited for meals at their houses on various occasions. They will carry you bags and treat you with great love and care.
The Pakistanis wear salwar-kameez as their traditional dress. If you wear it, the locals will surely appreciate you.
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Pakistan has dozens of languages of which English is widely spoken as a co-official language. It is spoken freely alongside native Pakistani languages among the educated people.
So, get ready to explore Pakistan but make sure you have made all the preparations beforehand to enjoy a marvellous tour. Arrange your basic needs, learn some Urdu phrases and list down the topmost sites and foods that you do not want to miss out on. Have a great trip.
