Updated 2016
Pakistan has earned an odd reputation in the past decade or so, but it would be a big mistake to paint the entire country with any preconceptions from news stories. This is a large country of contrasts and friendly people, for the most part, though caution should be taken, of course. With high mountain peaks and beautifully rugged terrain, Pakistan can compete with anywhere as a trekking and mountaineering destination.
What to do
Pakistan is near the heart of one of the world’s oldest civilizations and home to ancient ruins and Islamic mosques of a size and scale nearly as impressive as the mountains. In Karachi, the Bhambore ruins and museum are a remnant of said ancient civilization and attract travelers with the tourable ruins and museum
The Falsal Mosque, in Islamabad, is one of the largest mosques on the planet and the spiritual center of one of the most devoutly religious nations in the world. Try to avoid touring during Ramadan however, unless you want to join the nation in fasting from sunrise to sundown.
Read: Teaching English & Living as an Expat in Pakistan.
Getting there
There are a ton of flights to Pakistan from all over North America and Europe. The best airport to fly into depends on your travel plans and itinerary, so if you’ve got a question about Pakistan, post a question on the travel boards or read one of the many travel articles about Pakistan and other destinations in Asia.
Read: Pakistan’s Final Frontier: The Smuggler’s Bazaar.
Where to stay
The Pakistani people are generous hosts, even if their attention to western tourists can be a little unnerving. Hotels in Pakistan can be hard to come by outside of the main cities and hostels are even less common. If traveling outside of Lahore, Karachi or Islamabad, it might not be a bad idea to keep a tent with you, as a last resort.