My experiences as a female backpacker to Pakistan

January 28, 2019

Well, those who say adventure is dangerous are unaware of the benefits it offers. The benefits traveling offers are more than you can shake a stick at. I have been a peripatetic since my early childhood. Pakistan was on my bucket list from a while and one day I finally decided to be the guest of this sensation country. Be that as it may, I got a demoralizing response from the people around me when I broke the news that I am going to backpack around Pakistan. I remember, one of my family members said: “Pakistan, have you gone bananas”. And Charlie (my man) said “Baby, are you serious about this? Alright, just go but take care of yourself throughout your stay in Pakistan” and that’s what I was pinning my hopes on. That line allowed me to be the guest of this beautiful country. Don’t take my word for it and go see Pakistan yourself and enjoy the tour.

Tips for first-time travelers to Pakistan

Entry requirement and documents

To set foot in Pakistan, you have to have these things; a valid passport, a visa, and a ticket and you are all set. However, do check out for any extra requirements for your country from the Pakistan embassy near you. Once you have given a once-over to all the aforementioned things, you can easily get into Pakistan. Up for a pro tip? Do call your doctor and tell them about the period of your stay and ask for any medicines (or vaccinations against malaria, diarrhea or typhoid), if necessary. I had to get myself vaccinated against the same diseases before I flew to Pakistan.

Packing your rucksack

Alright, packing is something really crucial (you’d understand better if you are a peripatetic). So, pack adequately. I mean don’t over pack in any case. Just keep enough clothes and shoes on you. The thing that’s needing huge attention. I just kept a pair of jeans and shoes and that’s that. You can find everything in Pakistan (almost in all the cities) so why charge yourself with plenty of luggage. Be that as it may, if excess luggage is doing your head in, get the services of a reputed Cargo from Uthe K to Pakistan company.

Moving around Pakistan

To be brutally honest, getting around Pakistan is super easy. Yes, you have trains, buses, flights, autos, taxis. Everything is just right there to cater to all of your needs. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, trains are your best companion for longer distances (though travelling through trains is a bit slower in Pakistan, it took around 20 hours to get to Karachi from Lahore by Train). However, that was one of the most exciting journey I ever had. In my opinion, use taxis or autos for shorter distances (that’s what I did) in order to save a few bucks. And if you take the services of Google maps, nothing is more fruitful than this in saving a few more bucks. The fares for autos are generally less (around 250 PKR for 10 KMs) so it would be a great idea to get the services of autos for shorter distances.

Food in Pakistan

Alright, let me breath. Pakistani food is listed amongst the most tantalizing foods around the globe. It’s pretty similar to Indian food. That said, spice-packed, delicious, and rich; everything is just right in the block hole, spot on. Don’t forget to check out the street food in Lahore. It’s amazing and inexpensive. But, don’t eat from the stalls which are open to dust and flies. I got a friend who introduced me with Nihari and Jalebi. And you won’t believe. It was just fantastic. Do try out street foods which looks hygienic. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Hospitality

Don’t forget Pakistani people are listed high amongst the happiest nations of the world. So you can expect a cup of Chai (milk tea) from everyone you pay a visit to. That’s the case with even strangers or the people you are meeting for the first time down the street.

I remember, on the second day of my visit, I was just wrangling around a street in Lahore and a group of university girls got me. They continued asking questions about me and one of them eventually offered a cup of tea from her home. I told her that I had to leave the offer due to the shortage of time. Still, they insisted for a cup of tea from a coffee shop nearby and I couldn’t say no because of their love and respect. Yes, people out there are really hospitable.

And this is only one example, I remember a plenty of cases like this. One of the most interesting questions I get asked about is “Is it comfortable to visit Pakistan and meeting locals?” Alright, I can now make my even-handed approach that yes, it’s super comfortable to visit Pakistan (though people ask many questions about you while you are moving around, but that’s not gross, that’s their way of showing affection.

Bargaining

It might seem a bit weird to you but bargaining is a common act in Pakistan while purchasing anything. While shopping around for a hitch-hiking bag from the local market in Lahore, I had been asked to pay the price twice the the right price. However, with the help of a little bargain, I managed to make a fair deal. Bargaining do works in almost every corner of Pakistan (and almost for everything). I remember a plenty of instants when I was asked to pay more than the fair price. An auto driver asked for 500Rs (for nearly 10Kms) in Lahore. But, when I decided to move on to the next, he offered 300 straight away. That’s hilarious, isn’t it?

Do pay a call to Northern Areas

You would be knowing why I am beating drums for Northern Areas if your eyes would have spotted the landscapes there. Every area of Northern Pakistan has its own unique culture and foods so you would be leaving a piece of your heart at every single stop. I especially enjoyed my visit to Skardu, Naran Valley, and Lake Saif-ul-Malook. The restaurant build on the fuselage of an aircraft crashed nearby in Skardu is simply an amazing place to have a cup of coffee. There was a big crowd on the day I visited Skardu and it was surely a memorable day, it really was. Heed to Northern Areas of Pakistan for more fun and you’ll not regret it. That’s a given.

Again, I would say don’t take my word for it and go see Pakistan yourself. And believe me, you would sing praises for this beautiful country for the rest of your life. Whoa!

About the author

This article is written by Isla Oliver. She herself is fond of Travel and loves to share her experiences. Currently, she works for a company that specializes in sending cargo to Pakistan from the UK. In her line of service, she has visited Pakistan several times, hence she wrote this article on the basis of her experience.

By Shayan| January 28th, 2019|Pakistan, POW|0 Comments

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Tips for first-time travelers to Pakistan

Entry requirement and documents

Packing your rucksack

Moving around Pakistan

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