LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Getting Started
Untitled Document
Apart from the usual challenges of subcontinental travel such as the often jam-packed public transport, irksome bureaucracy and crush of humanity in urban hubs, Pakistan is a relatively easy country in which to travel. Pakistani people are generally very hospitable towards travellers, although solo women may feel more at ease travelling with a companion in the more conservative regions. Unlike neighbouring India, the tourism industry here is comparatively small. While this means many places are considerably less geared to foreign travellers, it also means there’s much less tourist hype. Indeed, compared with India, Pakistan has far fewer touts and scams, less-rapacious taxi and autorickshaw drivers, and lacks the tourist-oriented ‘banana-pancake’ café scene found in India.
Give yourself a few weeks of planning time to sort out immunisations, visas and other documents – see the boxed text below for hints on what you’ll need to organise before you leave. You’ll get more out of your trip if you do some research about Pakistan (especially the religious and cultural framework) beforehand. Doing so will augment your appreciation of the country’s sights and traditions, lower your chances of making a cultural faux pas, and better equip you to hold more-informed conversations with locals.
IS IT SAVE?
At the time of writing Pakistan was, on the whole, a safe country in which to travel. However, for political and tribal reasons there is restricted access to a number of potentially volatile areas, which are either off-limits altogether for travellers or require a permit, and possibly an armed guard, to visit them. If you’re unsure whether an area you intend visiting is a no-go zone, before setting off always seek the most up-to-date advice from as many reliable sources as you can, such as the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and local authorities.
It’s important to understand that safety issues are not static. Things can quickly change and it would be irresponsible of us to give prescriptive safety advice, especially in an increasingly unpredictable world. The most judicious way of making your journey through Pakistan as incident-free as possible is for you to take the responsibility of keeping abreast of the latest safety status of the region(s) you intend visiting. Apart from contacting the PTDC and other relevant authorities, ways of doing this include reading local newspapers, heeding advice proffered by locals and fellow travellers, and reading your country’s government travel advisory (though these advisories can often be overly cautious). And of course, you should exercise the same caution and common sense that you would when travelling in other parts of the world – this includes not wandering alone (especially in isolated areas) after dark, avoiding night travel, and keeping your valuables well concealed (eg in a secure moneybelt worn under clothing). In Pakistan you’re also advised to steer clear of any public demonstrations and large gatherings (eg certain religious events). In terms of personal presentation, you’re going to be better received if you respect cultural sensibilities by dressing and behaving appropriately.
DON`T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT…
Checking the visa situation.
Getting advice about suggested vaccinations. Note that some immunisations must be administered over a period of weeks or months.
A travel insurance policy covering you for treks, cycling and other planned activities.
Nonrevealing clothes (women and men). Wearing respectful attire wins you a warmer reception in Islamic Pakistan – women need a scarf to cover their heads in mosques and elsewhere.
A valid International Driving Permit (IDP), a carnet de passage and other necessary paperwork for those travelling overland with their own vehicle.
Lip balm, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.
Good-quality earplugs – street din can drive you nuts, especially in the larger cities.
Thongs (flip-flops) for communal or unsavoury bathrooms, and a showercap and towel (for budget hotels).
A flashlight (torch) for when the electricity fails.
Tampons – sanitary napkins are widely available but tampons are not.
Repellent to ward off bothersome little bloodsuckers (but mosquitoes aren't a problem at the height of summer and winter).
Appropriate clothes, footwear and equipment for trekking.
Developing a taste for tea – an invitation to chat over a hot cuppa lies around almost every corner.
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
