Are you planning to travel to Pakistan? Are you not sure if it will be safe? Well, read this Travel Guide of Pakistan.
Pakistan has some of the most beautiful spots in the world to visit, particularly in the northern parts of the country and in the Kashmir region. It remains a land of high adventure for those who dare.
Why Travel to Pakistan – Travel Guide of Pakistan
From the massive lengths of the Karakorum in the north to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the south. Pakistan has it all!
You can find Sky-high mountains, lush green valleys, mighty rivers, beautiful lakes, and spectacular animals, making Pakistan famous the world over.
The country’s important tourist destinations include the ‘Neelum Valley,’ Swat Valley,’ and Hunza Valley.
All of these locations are true natural wonders of the globe. Travelling, mountain climbing, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, yak safaris, trout fishing, and bird watching are just activities that draw adventure and environment travellers to this incredible country.
The country also has a diverse and abundant wealth of flora and fauna. Coniferous forests provide a unique habitat in the high Himalayas with alpine meadows and permanent snow lines.
The Himalayas descend into sub-mountain scrub to the vast Indus plain that merges into a great desert. The coastline and wetlands all provide a wide variety of vegetation that provides a home for all manner of wildlife.
The country is home to ten of the world’s 18 mammalian orders, with species ranging from the world’s tiniest living mammal, the Mediterranean Pigmy Shrew, to the world’s largest mammal, the blue whale.
For 33 more reasons to travel to Pakistan simply click the link provided. It is packed full of quality suggestions to help you know where to focus your time.
Travel to Pakistan
Passengers must meet the following conditions for a trip to Pakistan before travelling.
Passengers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer be necessary to have a negative PCR test result before travelling to Pakistan as of February 24, 2022. Only VACCINATED travellers seeking to go to Pakistan will need to have a negative PCR test result obtained within 72 hours before their departure.
Passengers between the ages of 12 and 18 are exempt from having proof or test of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for inbound travel to Pakistan until March 31, 2022. Passengers under the age of 12 are exempt from having proof of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for inbound travel to Pakistan until March 31, 2022.
All travellers heading to Pakistan must download and install the PASS TRACK app from the Google Play Store / Apple Store and submit their personal information as requested.
Before issuing boarding permits at the place of initial embarkation, passengers should ensure that they have uploaded their information on the app or have a printed copy of uploaded information generated by the app.
The following passengers will be excluded from both RT-PCR testing and the necessity to upload the PASS TRACK app:
· Children under the age of six.
· International delegations at the highest levels
· Pakistani deportees and crew will be exempt from the Pak Pass Track App, but they will be checked on arrival using Rapid Antigen Testing, and those who test positive will be confined at home for ten days.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
COVID-19 travel immunization is advised for all international and internal travel. If vaccination is available in your area, check with your local Passport Health facility.
All travellers over the age of 18 will be required to receive COVID-19 immunization and provide proof of vaccination. From January 5, 2022, 0001 hours, NCOC has removed the category B and C country lists.
All travellers over the age of 15 will be required to receive COVID-19 immunization and provide proof of vaccination. Upon arrival in Pakistan, all arriving travellers aged 6 and up will be subjected to Rapid Antigen Testing.
Testing results that are positive Passengers aged 6 to 12 shall be quarantined at home under the supervision of the concerned civil administration. In contrast, those aged 12 and up will be quarantined at a designated facility as per the procedure.
From January 5, 2022, 0001 hours, NCOC has removed the category B and C country lists.
How to Get Vaccinated in Pakistan
In Pakistan, travel vaccinations are advised or required. Hepatitis A, B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, Hepatitis B and influenza are among the travel vaccinations recommended by the CDC and WHO for Pakistan.
Some are more important than others as the risk of contracting Japanese encephalitis is relatively low, whereas a double Covid 19 vaccine certificate is one of the entry requirements.
You may want to obtain a polio vaccination certificate as officials may ask to see one. There have been several cases in recent years and while having a polio vaccination certificate may not be a requirement, it pays to have one.
Obviously, if you plan to have sexual contact while visiting the country, you will want the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Rabies is a universal killer; one bite from an infected animal will course your demise once you display symptoms. Vaccinations against rabies do not offer you complete protection and you should move as fast as you can to the nearest clinic for further vaccinations and proper advice. Wash any bite from a mammal well with antibacterial soap. Do not take chances!
Is a Passport or Visa Required for travel?
To travel here, you’ll need a passport and a visa. It is advised that one must obtain a permit before your visit. It’s worth noting that some areas, such as travel destination Kashmir, require additional permissions or expenses. Upon departure, proof of polio immunization may be requested. Make sure you get one before you go.
Note: While in the country, please have a copy of your travel documentation with you. These travel documents can be requested at any time by government officials.
Climate of Pakistan
The country is located in a temperate climate zone. The climate is mainly arid, with scorching summers and chilly or cold winters and considerable temperature changes between extremes at different locations.
There isn’t much rain. However, these generalizations should not mask the significant differences across specific regions.
The shoreline along the Arabian Sea, for example, is usually is warm. In contrast, the frozen, snow-covered ridges of the Karakoram Range and other far-northern mountains are so frigid that world-class climbers can only access them in May and June each year for a few weeks.
Pakistan has four distinct seasons:
- A chilly, dry winter from December to February.
- A hot, dry spring from March to May
- The summer rainy season is from June to September;
- Finally, the retreating monsoon period from October to November.
The start and duration of these seasons vary depending on where you live.
5 Essentials To Carry When You Travel to Pakistan
It is usually best for travel plans to pack your bag with basics rather than worrying about everything and ruining your delightful trip.
Whether you are going on a long Tour of the whole country or simply touring certain sections, these are valuable tips.
Imagine being in the magnificent Margalla hills, but you’re at high risk and will catch a cold to enjoy yourself because you neglected to put your jacket in your backpack!
Of course, bazaars can be found throughout the county, but why buy more when you already have enough?
So, to save you the hassle of travelling, I’ve compiled a list of items you should definitely bring with you as travel advice.
1. Be Smart When a Choosing Bag
Whether you’re packing for an all-country tour or a vacation to a specific city, most of us add unnecessary items to our suitcases, which adds to the weight of our luggage.
It is advised to get a bag with enough room and pockets to hold all of your essentials or at least the majority of them. You can choose from four-wheeled baggage, travel backpacks, rolling luggage, carry-ons, or duffel bags. Each of these bags is lightweight and easy to carry, allowing you to fit all of your essentials.
2. What Will You Do On Trip?
This process differs depending on your activity. When you go on your tour, it’s entirely up to you what things you choose to do.
Whatever you’re carrying, make sure it’s organized, so you don’t have to deal with any problems. Long-sleeved shirts, jackets, sweaters, pants/jeans, shorts, socks, shoes, sleepwear, dresses, make-up, jewellery, hats, sunglasses, cell phone chargers, adapters, and bandanas or scarves are some of the essentials.
Keep your travel suitcase light by selecting only those items you will utilize during your trip.
3. Toiletry Bag
Have you accomplished the first two? It’s time to start packing your toiletries bag for safety and avoid the risk of infection.
You may not believe it is a lot of labour, but it is because if you are not diligent, you will constantly forget something. Deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, hairbrush, bobby pins/barrettes, hair ties, face wash, face lotion, shampoo and conditioner, personal hygiene supplies, moisturizer, and glasses are the essentials for any toiletries bag. And, of course, a mirror!
4. Travel Health Risks
As soon as you’ve decided which locations in Pakistan you’ll visit, look up the hygiene and safety conditions in that city on the internet regarding travel health.
A first-aid kit, cold medications, a thermometer, pain and fever relievers, multivitamins, drinks, diarrhoea medications, eye drops, and bug repellent should all be kept on hand for travel health.
5. Don’t Forget To Put Your Items
These are the personal stuff you should carry with you. At the same time, travelling helps in safety, whether you’re going to a nearby city or a faraway one: mobile device and charger, camera, memory card, laptop/iPad, electrical adapters, and converters.
6. Learn some Urdu words and phrases
In urban areas, the majority of Pakistanis speak and understand English. However, it is suggested that travellers learn some common words and phrases of Urdu as English is seldom spoken in rural areas.
Travel to Pakistan – FAQ
Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding travel to Pakistan. It should answer at least some of your thoughts.
Is Malaria common in Pakistan?
The is a significant malaria risk in parts of the country. On the other hand, catching Malaria varies significantly between provinces and even between towns. In Pakistan, the malaria parasites Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum can be frequent depending on the altitude.
Is Pakistan malaria-free?
No, Malaria is often unstable in Pakistan, with the main transmission period being the annual monsoon, which runs from August to November. If visiting any at-risk areas in Pakistan, antimalarials are recommended.
Even though much is a moderately malaria-endemic country, 177 million people are at risk of contracting the disease. Roughly 60% of Pakistan’s population lives in malaria-endemic regions where frequent mosquito bites.
Which disease is most common in Pakistan?
Dengue fever is the most prevalent disease. According to the WHO, Pakistan’s government increased monitoring and general preventive measures, improved patient clinical management, and undertook focused vector control initiatives. Be very vigilant to avoid mosquito bites.
Is it mandatory to get a COVID-19 vaccination?
Yes, it is essential to get a COVID-19 vaccination before travelling.
Is healthcare good in Pakistan?
The healthcare and medical services standards will differ from those in your home country.
Contact your travel health insurance company immediately for guidance if you have a medical emergency. Hospitals often ask for upfront payment in cash or credit card whether you have travel health insurance. If you’re travelling with medication prescribed by a doctor, consult https://nhsrc.gov.pk/ or https://www.embassyofpakistan.com/ website for information on medication allowances and restrictions.
Things To Avoid Doing In Pakistan
Finally, let me give you a few tips on Pakistani culture’s dos and don’ts.
During Ramadan, avoid travelling during the day. Long journeys during the Muslim month of Ramadan are challenging.
Most individuals are fasting or pretending to fast, and eating, drinking, or smoking in public is considered impolite.
I was on a bus that didn’t stop for a restroom break until we’d been driving for eight hours and arrived at the destination. Attempt to do it on your own. It would help if you travelled with responsible tourist professionals who know their way around the roads and byways like the back of their hands.
Assume that everything is essential. You’d be mistaken. Pre-9/11, Pakistani tourism thrived, and many travel companies were committed to sustainability and excellence.
There’s something for everyone, from elegant hotels overlooking small peaks in the Hunza Valley to stunning highways along the famed Karakoram Highway, fantastic museums in cities like Lahore, and excellent local guides.
Don’t expect every Pakistani to understand English. Although some Pakistanis are fluent in English, most of them speak with a distinct regional accent. Locals who have only acquired English from grammar books and poor pronunciation drills may be perplexed as to what strange language you’re speaking.
Before you go, familiarize yourself with the local customs and behaviour standards. At the same time, hospitality is ingrained in the culture, so expect to be greeted with cakes, candies, and tea almost everywhere you go. It’s also a good idea to bring some of your gifts.
Don’t ignore the cultural sensitivities of the country. Pakistan has a diverse population. Cultures and groups vary from place to place. The major groups are Punjabi, Pashtun, Hazara, Sindhi, Baloch, and Urdu. Language, food, value system, and social practices are unique to each community. However, most Pakistanis have evergreen concerns regarding male-female interaction and modest clothing.
