Very sadly, visitor numbers to Pakistan have dwindled a lot of late due to pockets of uprising and political unrest. However, it still remains one of Asia's most fascinating countries and is well worth exploring. The crowded urbanisations of the south lay alongside the ancient cities of northern India, while the wild rocky north is a wild frontier that has changed very little since Mughal times. Sparse ruins and dry deserts are the order of the day, whilst to the north of Pakistan lays the western spur of the Himalayan mountain range, including K2, the world's second highest peak.
Running north from the Northwest Frontier to Kashgar in China, the Karakoram is Pakistan’s big main attraction. As one of the world's awe-inspiring highways, it’s a feat of engineering built into the very foundations of the Karakoram mountains. Above Gilgit, there is a risk of veering off the road while being captivated by the natural beauty of the Hunza Valley or the snow-topped mountain of Nanga Parbat so you must be extremely careful.
Most foreign governments now advise against all but essential travel to large parts of Pakistan, and often visitors will need to travel with an armed guard. Nevertheless, anyone who does visit will uncover a country full of contrasts, where political tensions coexist with amazing warmth and friendliness. With countless desert forts, sultans and tales of Arabia, it’s certainly an adventure you’ll never forget.
5 Things You Need to Know About Pakistan
Here are five things you may not have known about Pakistan, which you’ll want to make note of before packing your bags:
Time Difference: UTC +5 hours
Currency: Pakistani rupee
Native Language: Urdu
Weather: Pakistan has four seasons: a cool, dry winter from December through February; a hot, dry spring from March through May; the summer rainy season, or southwest monsoon period, from June through September; and the retreating monsoon period of October and November.
Sales Tax: 17%
Flying to Pakistan from Australia
Here’s everything you’ll need to know about flying to Pakistan from Australia, including flight times and entry requirements.
Flight Times
Flights from Australia to Pakistan generally take around eleven hours. You can fly direct from Alice Springs, although there are many one-stop options from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.
Entry Requirements
If you are arriving from or have transited a country where yellow fever is endemic, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever certificate to be granted entry into Pakistan. Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. No visa is needed.
Airlines That Fly to Pakistan
The following airlines offer direct flights from Australia to Pakistan:
- Etihad
- Qantas
10 Pakistan Must-Dos
If you’ve never visited Pakistan before and are wondering what the ‘must-see’ sights and attractions are, here are our top ten:
- Hunza Valley
- Badshahi Mosque
- Margalla Hills
- Faisal Mosque
- Saif-ul-Muluk Lake
- Pakistan Monument Museum
- Dolmen Mall Clifton
- Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila)
- Deosai National Park
- Walled City of Lahore Authority
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Tempted by this edgy but fascinating country? If you’re searching for your next exciting trip to Pakistan, then look no further than Globehunters. You’ll find the best deals on flights, hotels and car hire with us, and every booking is protected by ATOL and IATA for extra peace of mind.