🇵🇰Pakistan
Home to five of the world's fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, and increasingly open to independent trekkers.
Sign in to mark this country.
Capital
Islamabad
Best time
April–June, September–November (mountains); October–March (south)
Language
Urdu, English
Currency
Pakistani rupee
Pakistan's northern areas hold an extraordinary concentration of the world's highest mountains, including K2, the second-tallest peak on Earth, within the dramatic Karakoram Highway corridor — alongside Lahore's Mughal architecture and a growing, increasingly accessible trekking tourism scene.
🏔️ K2 base camp trek
🛣️ Karakoram Highway
🕌 Lahore's Mughal architecture
🏔️ Hunza Valley
Trip essentials
Budget: Budget: €20–35/day · Mid-range: €45–85/day · Luxury: €150+/day
Visa: Most nationalities need a visa, with an e-visa system available for many — confirm current requirements before booking.
Suggested days: 10 — 10 days covers Lahore, Islamabad, and a worthwhile stay in Hunza Valley. A full K2 Base Camp trek requires significantly longer and serious mountaineering-level preparation.
Getting there: Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) serves Lahore; Islamabad International (ISB) serves the capital and is closer to the northern areas
Getting around: Domestic flights to Gilgit save significant time over the long but scenic drive; roads in the north can be affected by weather and landslides
Safety: The northern tourist areas (Hunza, the Karakoram) are generally considered safer and more visited than some other regions — check current, region-specific official guidance before planning your specific route
Tipping: 10% at restaurants is appreciated, not mandatory
Power plug: Type C/D/G, 230V
Tastes of Pakistan
Biryani
Fragrant spiced rice with meat, with Pakistan's own distinct regional styles.
Nihari
A slow-cooked, richly spiced meat stew, traditionally eaten for breakfast.
Karahi
Meat cooked in a wok-like pan with tomatoes and spices, a popular restaurant dish.
Lassi
A yogurt-based drink, served sweet or salty, especially popular in Punjab.
Top attractions
Suggested itinerary
Days 1–2
Lahore
Mughal architecture and the old city's food streets.
Days 3–4
Islamabad
The capital and Faisal Mosque, often a stopover en route north.
Days 5–10
Hunza Valley & the Karakoram Highway
Mountain scenery, Baltit Fort, and shorter hikes among the Karakoram peaks.
🚗 Domestic flight to Gilgit or a scenic (long) drive along the Karakoram Highway
FAQ
Do I need a visa for Pakistan?
Most nationalities do, with an e-visa system available for many — confirm current requirements before booking.
Is northern Pakistan safe for trekkers?
The Hunza Valley and Karakoram Highway corridor are generally considered among the safer, more established tourist routes in Pakistan, though checking current region-specific guidance for your exact route is still worthwhile.
Do I need mountaineering experience for Hunza Valley?
No — Hunza itself is accessible by road and offers day hikes suitable for most fitness levels; it's the much more demanding K2 Base Camp trek that requires serious preparation.
How does Pakistan's trekking compare to Nepal's?
Less developed in terms of teahouse infrastructure, but increasingly popular for its equally dramatic, arguably less crowded Karakoram scenery.