Travel

·         Passport :-

A passport valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay is required by all nationals  referred to in the chart above.

·         Visa :-

Visas to Pakistan are required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the high commission/embassy to check visa requirements.

Visa Note :-

Single-entry visa: £134; double-entry visa: £152; one-year multiple-entry visa: £362; two-year multiple-entry visa: £362; three-year multiple-entry visa: £512. Reductions are available for Pakistani/British dual nationals. These fees include the £30 service fee charged by Gerry's Visa Services.

Validity :-

Single-entry/double-entry visas: six months from the date of issue for stays of up to three months; multiple-entry visas: one, two or three years.

·         Getting Around in Pakistan :-

By Road :-

The roads in Pakistan can be chaotic and dangerous, particularly outside the major cities where drivers face hazards such as animals, mountain passes and extreme weather. While travellers might note the presence of car hire facilities in Pakistan’s major cities, it's not advisable for foreigners to rent a car in Pakistan. Hiring a car with a driver is a much more sensible option.

The highway network between cities is poorly maintained and caution should be taken when driving at night as roads are badly lit. It's advised that tourists to Pakistan travel with local drivers or guides. When driving it's advised to keep doors and windows locked at all times.

Taxi - 24-hour radio taxi firms exist in most of the country’s large cities. By international standards the fares are cheap. Taxis are black and yellow or just yellow; make sure you are on a meter or at least agree a price beforehand.

Daewoo Express (www.daewoo.com.pk) is the most popular inter-city bus company in Pakistan. It operates an advanced transport network, calling at most major towns and cities in the country.

By Railway :-

Pakistan Railways (tel: +92 117) operates the extensive rail network, much of which is a legacy of British rule. The main line, from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi and Peshawar, has several daytime and overnight trains. Most other routes have several daily trains. Even first-class compartments can be hot and crowded. Travel in air-conditioned coaches is advised, as are reservations on long-distance journeys and overnight service.

Trains are of these classes: air-con sleeper, first-class sleeper, air-con lower class (both seat and sleeper versions), parlour car, economy-seat class, second-class seat and second-class sleeper.

Children under three years of age travel free. Children aged three to 11 years pay half fare. Concessions are available for tourists (on presentation of a certificate issued by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation), excluding Indian nationals travelling by rail. A discount of 25% is offered to individuals and groups, and 50% for students.

Always secure luggage to racks with locks and chains, if travelling overnight by train; it's wise to wear an underclothes money belt to keep valuables safe. There can sometimes be incidents on the rail network in Baluchistan and Sind. There have also been a number of derailments.

·         Stay in Pakistan :-

Hotels :- Pakistan offers a wide range of accommodation. Modern well-equipped hotels can be found in most major towns and offer excellent facilities such as swimming pools and sports facilities. There are also cottages, Dak bungalows and rest houses in all principal hill stations and health resorts. A government room tax of up to 17.5% is added to the cost of accommodation. In all cases it is advisable to book well in advance and check reservations.

The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) manages two hotels, as well as 38 well-furnished and moderately priced motels throughout the country.

Mountain Huts :- Chitral has a range of mountain huts. These are known locally as ‘rest houses’ and while basic, usually will come with two to four double rooms, both bedding and someone who looks after the building and guests. The caretaker will normally do the cooking with what is locally available, so it can be an idea to bring your own food too. These exist mainly in Chitral town, Birir Valley, Buni and Mastuj.

·         Places to Visit in Pakistan :-

a)  Balochistan :-

Balochistan is the largest province by geographical area of Pakistan, constituting approximately 43% of the total area of Pakistan. Balochistan is home to one of the oldest Neolithic (7000 BC to c. 2500 BC) sites in archaeology. Mehrgarh and Nausharo, was an ancient city linked to the Indus Valley Civilization. Another ancient sites dating back 800 years are the Nausherwani tombs at Qila Ladgasht. There was also an ancient port at the site of Oraea which proved to be a useful port during the Hellenistic civilisation.

Quetta is the provincial capital of Balochistan. There are a number of sites of interest including the protected Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park, Hanna Lake, Quetta Geological Museum, Balochistan Arts Council Library, Quetta Archaeological Museum as well as Command and Staff College Museum. The Quaid-e-Azam Residency is another major site in Balochistan in the city of Ziarat. Ziarat is also famous for the juniper forests which are the oldest and largest in the world. Sibi, is an important historical city in Balochistan. The Jigra Hall has a collection of pieces found at the archaeological sites of Mehrgarh, Nasshero and Pirak. The annual Sibi Festival marks the famous Horse and Cattle Show.

There are a number of mountain passes within Balochistan. The Bolan Pass has been the main entrance to the provincial city of Quetta. There are several others including Lak Pass, Khojak Pass and Harnai Pass. The Balochistan coastline extends from the Sindh province to the Iranian border measuring a total distance of over 750 km. The city of Gwadar holds the largest port in the province which is based near the ancient area of Makran. Pasni is another beautiful medium-sized town famous for fishing. Along the Makran Coastal Highway there are several rock formations as well as Kund Malir and the Hingol National Park.

b)  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa :-

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is located in the north-west region of Pakistan. It is known as the tourist hotspot for adventurers and explorers. The province has a varied landscape ranging from rugged mountains, valleys, hills and dense agricultural farms. The region is well known for its ancestral roots. There are a number of Buddhist archaeological sites from the Gandhara civilisation such as Takht Bhai and Pushkalavati. There are a number of other Buddhist and Hindu archaeological sites including Bala Hisar Fort, Butkara Stupa, Kanishka stupa, Chakdara, Panjkora Valley and Sehri Bahlol.

Peshawar is the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The city is home to a number of sites including Bala Hisar Fort, Peshawar Museum, archaeological site of Gor Khuttree, Mohabbat Khan Mosque, old city of Sethi Mohallah, Jamrud Fort, the Sphola Stupa and the most famous market of Qissa Khawani. The city of Dera Ismail Khan is known to be the entrance into the province from Punjab and Balochistan. The city is famour for its Hindu ruins at Kafir Kot. The Buddhist ruins at Shahbaz Garhi are also famous in the city of Mardan. Heading North, the divisions Swat valley One of the most important cities in the province is Mansehra. The city is a major stop for tourists setting out to the Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir. The city is connected by the famous Karakoram Highway which ends up in China. Along the route there are several stops including the Kaghan Valley, Balakot, Naran, Shogran, Lake Saiful Mulook and Babusar Top. There are also several other sites within the province which attract a large number of tourist every year including Ayubia, Batkhela, Chakdara, Saidu Sharif, Kalam Valley and Hindu Kush mountain range in Chitral.^[27]

There are also several mountain passes that run through the province. One of the most famous is the Khyber Pass which links Afghanistan with Pakistan. The trade route sees a large number of trucks and lorries importing and exporting goods in and out of the region. The Babusar Pass is another mountain pass connecting the Thak Nala with Chilas on the Karakorum Highway. The Lowari Pass is another pass which connects Chitral with Dir via the Lowari Tunnel. The highest mountain pass in Pakistan is Shandur Pass which connects Chitral to Gilgit and is known as the Roof of the World. The pass is the centre of three mountain ranges – Hindukush, Pamir and Karakoram.

c)    Punjab :-

Punjab is the second largest province in Pakistan. It is known for its ancient cultural heritage as well as its religious diversity. The lands of Punjab have been home to a number of religions and civilisations. The Indus Valley Civilization once ruled the region and a significant archaeological find was discovered at the ancient city of Harrapa. The Gandhara civilisation was also quite dominant in the northern region of Punjab at the site of Taxila. Several other civilisations such as Greeks, Central Asians, and Persians ruled Punjab leaving a number of sites which still exist today. The arrival of Islam came about during the rule of the Umayyad Caliphate followed by the Ghaznavids. The Mughals took control of the region and ruled its land for several centuries. The mughal heritage remained quite strong in Punjab with a large number of forts, tombs and monuments still intact today. The Durrani Empire ruled the Punjab at the fall of the Mughal Empire for a short period following the rise of the Sikh Empire. The strong control of the Sikhs also lead to a number of sites still remaining intact throughout Punjab. The British Raj took control of the region until the independence.

Tourism in Punjab is regulated by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab. There are a number of large cosmopolitan cities in Punjab. The provincial capital, Lahore is the second largest city of Pakistan as is known to the Cultural Heart of Pakistan. The Mughal Empire left behind the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens which are now recognised World Heritage Sites. The Walled City of Lahore, Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Tomb of Jahangir and Nur Jahan, Tomb of Asaf Khan and Chauburji are other major sites visited by tourists each year. The tomb of Qutb-ud-din Aibak from the Delhi Sultanate is located in the historical market of Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore. The Samadhi of Ranjit Singh and Hazuri Bagh Baradari are prime example of Sikh architecture during the rule of the Sikh Empire. There a number of other sites within Lahore such as Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore Museum, Data Durbar Complex, Tomb of Muhammad Iqbal, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore Zoo, Tomb of Shah Jamal, Sukh Chayn Gardens, Gaddafi Stadium which all create a large number of visitors annually.

Rawalpindi is known to be a famous hill station stop for tourists before setting out to Murree, Bhurban, Patriata, Northern Areas, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. The Pharwala Fort is a major fort on the outskirts of the city built by an ancient Hindu civilisation. There are a number of sites from the Mughal Empire in the city of Sheikhupura called Hiran Minar and the Sheikhupura Fort. The Rohtas Fort near Jhelum is a major fort built by Sher Shah Suri is a World Heritage Site. The Katasraj temple in the city of Chakwal is a major destination for Hindu devotees. The Khewra Salt Mines is another major tourist attraction as its one of the oldest mines in South Asia. The city of Nankana Sahib is birthplace of the founder of Sikhism. The Gurdwara is visited by a number of pilgrims ever year to mark Guru Nanak Dev birthday. Another famous gurdwara in Punjab is Panja Sahib located in the city of Hasan Abdal. The clock tower and eight bazaars of Faisalabad are famous for its bazaars since they were designed to represent the Union Jack flag

Travelling southwards, the region starts to become more desertic. Multan is another major tourist destination in Punjab. It is known for its mausoleums of saints and Sufi pirs. The most famous being the Rukn-e-Alam and Baha-ud-din Zakariya. The Multan Museum and Nuagaza tombs are so significant attractions in the city. The city of Bahwalpur is a major destination as it is located near the Cholistan Desert and Thar Desert. The Derawar Fort is a large fort built in the Cholistan Desert which is also the site for the annual Cholistan Jeep Rally. The city is also near the ancient site of Uch Sharif which was once a Delhi Sultanate stronghold. The Noor Mahal, Sadiq Ghar Palace, Darbar Mall are large palaces built during the reign of the Nawabs. The Lal Suhanra National Park is a major zoological garden on the outskirts of the city.

d)  Sindh :-

Sindh is located in the south-eastern region of Pakistan. The province is known for its religious heritage and rapid-urbanisation. The province is home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation. Mohenjo-daro near the city of Larkana was one of the largest city-settlements in South Asia and is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chaukhandi tombs are another example of ancient Sindhi and Balochi heritage located near the town of Landi. Another ancient city, Aror, located near the city of Sukkur is also a famous tourist spot for its ruins. Kahu-Jo-Darro is a famous ancient Buddhist archaeological site near Mirpurkhas were a Buddhist stupa was excuvated.

The first arrival of Islam in the South Asia took place in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. There has been a number of sites within the province that have led archaeologists to suggest this. Makli Hill is one of the largest necropolises in the world. The site is home to a number of ancient tombs and graves of Islamic dynasties. The Talpur Mirs of Hyderabad also left a number of sites including, Tombs of Talpur Mirs, Faiz Mahal in Khairpur, Qasim fort, Pacco Qillo and the Kot Diji Fort in Kot Diji. Another famous fort built during the Islam invasion was the Ranikot Fort. Like other provinces, Sindh has a number of cultural shrines and mausoleums including Thatta, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Lal Shahbaz Qalander, Shahjahan Mosque, Mazar-e-Quaid, Minar-e-Mir Masum Shah, Bhambore and Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.

Karachi is the provincial capital of the province and largest city of Pakistan. It is home to the founder of the nation, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. His tomb, Mazar-e-Quaid, is the most iconic mausoleum in Pakistan. The city has the largest port in the country, Port of Karachi, followed by the second largest, Port Qasim. Karachi has also been ruled under a number of tribes which meant the city is home to a number of cultural sites including, Mohatta Palace, National Museum of Pakistan, Empress Market, Frere Hall, Jehangir Kothari Parade, Karachi Municipal Corporation Building and the Hindu Gymkhana. There are also several beaches within the city, some of the most famous are Clifton Beach, French Beach, Sandspit Beach and Manora Island.

The province also forms the basin for the Indus river. This has led to a number of lakes being formed in the province. Some of the most notable ones include: Keenjhar Lake, Manchar Lake and the Bakri Waro Lake in Khairpur. The Kirthar National Park is also a protected reserve for several wildlife within the region. The Thar Desert is also located in the province which adjorns it to Punjab and India. The Great Rann of Kutch is a protected wetland site in the province. There are two wildlife sanctuaries in the province: Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary and the Nara Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sukkur Barrage is another famous icon in the province it was built to alleviate famines caused by lack of rain.

Port Grand Food and Entertainment Complex is a recreational area built in the centre of Karachi, Pakistan along the waterfront of the 19th century Native Jetty Bridge that connects the Karachi Port Trust to Keamari. The complex is expected to attract up to 5,000 visitors a day and is a major hub of shopping, dining, cultural and coastal recreational activities in the city. Port Grand is located on Napier Mole Bridge a site that is very significant to the history of Karachi and has played a crucial role in making it the city it is today. The project stretches along 1,000 ft of Karachi's ancient 19th century Native Jetty Bridge and spreads over an area of 200,000 sq. ft. The one kilometre bridge has been transformed into an entertainment and food enclave housing numerous eateries totalling 40,000 sq. ft of climate-controlled area and space for kiosks of exotic Pakistani and foreign food and a variety of beverages. To get to the Port Grand from anywhere in the city, Port Grand is a straight shot west out of Mai Kolachi, adjacent to the PNSC Building as the road curves into the facility on the right.

e)  Azad Kashmir & Gilgit – Baltistan :-

Azad Kashmir is the region of Pakistan situated in Northern part of the country.

The northern part of Azad Jammu and Kashmir encompasses the lower part of the Himalayas, including Jamgarh Peak (15,531 feet [4,734 meters]). However, Sarwali peak in the Neelum Valley is the highest peak in the state.^[32] Fertile, green, mountainous valleys are characteristic of Azad Kashmir's geography, making it one of the most beautiful regions on the subcontinent.^[33]

The southern parts of Azad Kashmir including Bhimber, Mirpur and Kotli districts has extremely hot weather in summers and moderate cold weather in winters. It receives rains mostly in monsoon weather.In the central and northern parts of state weather remains moderate hot in summers and very cold and chilly in winter. Snow fall also occurs there in December and January. This region receives rainfall in both winters and summers. Muzaffarabad and Pattan are among the wettest areas of the state. Throughout most of the region, the average rainfall exceeds 1400 mm, with the highest average rainfall occurring near Muzaffarabad (around 1800 mm). During summer, monsoon floods of the Jhelum and Leepa river are common, due to high rainfall and melting snow.

Lakes to Vist in Pakistan :-

1)   Chitta Katha Lake :- Chitta Katha Lake is located in Shounter valley, Azad Kashmir at the elevation of 13,500 feet (4,100 m). Chitta Katha means White Stream; it is the local name of the stream coming down from the Hari Parbat originating from the lake called Chitta Katha Sar or lake of the Mount Hari parbat. This Mountain is sacred for some people who relate it to Lord Shiva and consider it abode of the Lord and identify it as Kailash.

It is located in Shontar valley of the Tehsil sharda of Neelum district of Pakistan administered Kashmir. Chita katha can be approached from kel to domel bala about 20 km through jeeps and then 5 km trekking by foot. The Chitta Katha Lake is a lake in Shonter valley in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located at an elevation of 4,100 meters (13,500 ft).

The lake is accessible from Kel by a 20 kilometers (12 mi) jeep track and then 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) hiking trek. Kel is the base camp to this lake. chitta katha lake in Baltistan

2)   Baghsar Lake :- Baghsar is a lake situated at 975 m above sea-level in the Samahni Valley, Bhimber District. The lake is roughly half a kilometre long and overlooks the Bandala Valley. The lake is a popular tourist destination.

Many local and migratory birds, especially ducks and geese, inhabit the lake. The lake is habitat to water lilies, and the surrounding hills are covered by cheerh, or pine trees and lily flowers.

Moghul Fort overlooks the lake from the top of a hill. This four story structure of granite has played important roles in history during the times of Ahmed Shah Abdali, Ranjit Singh and Gulab Singh. It is said that the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, on his way back from the Kashmir Valley, fell ill and ultimately died in this fort.

3)   Banjosa Lake :- Banjosa Lake  is an artificial lake and a tourist resort 20 kilometers (12 mi) from the city of Rawalakot in District Poonch of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is located at an altitude of 1,981 meters (6,499 ft).

The lake is surrounded by dense pine forest and mountains, which make it charming and romantic.

Climate - The weather in the area remains cool in summers, and cold in winter. In December and January snowfall also occurs here, and the temperature falls to -5 °C

Accomodation - Some rest houses and huts of AJK Tourism and Archeology Department, Pakistan Public Works Department and Pearl Development Authority are located here. A few hotels, guest houses and tuck shops also exist near the lake.

A market is located 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) away in Chotta Gala town where all the basic necessities of life are available. A few hotels and rest houses are also located in this town.

4)   Ganga Lake :- Ganga Lake  or Ganga Sar is a high-altitude lake (2,942 metres (9,652 ft) located in the Bagh Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is near Ganga Choti Peak in the Himalayan (Pir Panjal) range. The lake is accessible from Bagh by a Jeep track.

5)   Ratti Gali Lake :- The Ratti Gali Lake is an alpine glacial lake which is located in Neelum Valley, Pakistan Administered Kashmir at an altitude of 12,130 feet (3,700 m). The lake is fed by the surrounding glacier waters of the mountains.

The lake is accessible from Dowarian by an unmetalled 19 kilometers (12 mi) road cum hiking trek through breath-taking sites. Dowarian is the base camp to this lake.Jeeps are easily available from Dowarian & during peak season they will cost you around PKR 8,000. From Dawarian it takes almost Two and half hour to reach base camp at Domail. From that point it's preferable to get horses , as the tracking is too much steep. Young people can do tracking, it will take almost one hour to reach lake. All the tour is safe for families also. Take your rain coats and jackets along with you. Mr. Mustansar Hussain Tarar was the first person who explored this paradise cradled in the lap of majestic mountains & then wrote his all time favorite Travelogue "Ratti Gali"

6)   Saral Lake :- Saral Lake is located in Neelam Valley, Pakistan Administered Kashmir at an altitude of 13,600 feet (4,100 m). The lake is accessible from Sharda by a jeepable track which leads to Gumut National Park and then through hiking trek can be reached to the lake.

7)   Shounter Lake :- Shounter Lake is a scenic lake located in Shounter Valley, a sub valley of Neelam Valley, Pakistan Administered Kashmir at the elevation of 10,200 feet (3,100 m). The lake is fed by the surrounding mountains glacial waters.

The lake is encircled by snow coated mountains, green grass vegetation and specimens of Iris hookeriana are dispersed around the lake.

The lake is accessible from Kel town of Neelum valley, by a jeepable track.