Welcome to Pakistan

From the mighty Karakoram Mountains to the river delta of the Indus, Pakistan promises high adventure. Adrenaline-seekers can trek, whitewater raft, 4WD, fish, birdwatch and more.

Never been on a camel or yak safari? This is the place. Wildlife lovers are smitten as well, given that Pakistan is represented by both the world’s smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean Pygmy Shrew, and the largest mammal ever known, the blue whale. Among the most beautiful landscapes is Kalam, Swat, with its lush hills, lakes and waterfalls. For a culture fix, head to Smugglers’ Bazaar, Lahore Fort and the Mausoleum of Sheikh Rukn-I-Alam.

Unique Facts

• The world’s highest paved international road is in Pakistan: The Karakoram Highway. It is 800 miles long and connects Pakistan to western china.
• The second-highest mountain in the world and highest in Pakistan is K-2.
• One of the world’s earliest civilizations was born here – the Indus civilization, together with the ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations flourished in the Indus Valley.
• The world’s youngest Nobel Prize winner is Malala Yousufzai, who is currently studying to continue her work for the rights of children to have access to education.
• The world’s second-largest salt mines are in Pakistan: the Khewra Mines, which produce 325,000 tons of salt per year.

Language

Pakistan’s official languages are Urdu and English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Pakistan is May to October.

Airports

Jinnah International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

Yes

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for all travelers when visiting Pakistan: Measles, Polio and routine vaccinations. Most travelers should receive Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Some travelers should receive the Hepatitis B, Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and D. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Pakistan Rupee

Getting Around

Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. Roadways are shared between vehicles, animals, horse carts, bicyclists and pedestrians. It is not recommended to drive without experienced local drivers or guides.

Avoid all public transportation.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Islamabad
Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5
Islamabad, Pakistan
Telephone: +(92)(51) 201-4000 or +(92)(51) 201-5000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(92)(51) 201-4000
Fax: +(92)(51) 282-2632
ACSIslamabad@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

https://www.tourism.gov.pk/

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 15

Safety and Security

The crime rate is high in Pakistan. All visitors are advised to dress conservatively and to avoid walking alone. Avoid being out after dark. Violent and opportunistic crime can take the form of fraud, theft, robbery, carjacking, sexual and physical assault and burglary. Pickpocketing and other theft is common on buses and trains.