Pakistan Travel Safety Tips: How to Travel Smart and Enjoy Your Trip
Pakistan Travel Safety Tips
Among the most gorgeous and culturally rich nations in South Asia is Pakistan. From the mountains of Hunza and Skardu to the bustling streets of Lahore and Karachi, the nation offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of visitor. Should you be taking a flight to Pakistan for your next trip, keep in mind that, as with any foreign destination, travelling wisely and staying alert is vital for a safe and happy vacation. You can confidently and peacefully discover Pakistan if you have the right preparation and sensible safety advice.
Pakistan is increasingly emerging as one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations, known for its majestic mountains, rich history, diverse cultures, and unmatched hospitality. Whether you are exploring the ancient forts of Punjab, the deserts of Sindh, or the scenic valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan, traveling smart is essential for a safe and memorable journey.
This guide offers practical Pakistan travel safety tips to help you navigate the country confidently, avoid common issues, and fully enjoy your trip.
1. Understand the Regions and Travel Routes
Pakistan is a large and diverse country with different terrains, cultures, and administrative rules.
Safer and Tourism-Friendly Regions:
Islamabad
Lahore
Karachi (tourist areas)
Skardu
Hunza & Gilgit
Swat & Malam Jabba
Naran & Kaghan
Neelum Valley (in designated open areas)
Areas Requiring Caution or Special Permission:
Some districts of Balochistan
Areas near Afghan border
Certain restricted zones in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan
Always check local travel advisories and consult your tour operator before planning.
2. Dress Modestly and Respect Local Culture
Pakistan is a culturally conservative country. Dressing modestly helps avoid unnecessary attention and shows respect for local customs.
Guidelines:
Shoulders and knees covered
Loose, breathable clothes
A light scarf for women when visiting religious sites
In big cities, travelers have more flexibility, but cultural respect is always appreciated.
3. Stay Connected at All Times
Reliable communication enhances safety.
Purchase a local SIM card (Zong, Jazz, or Telenor)
Enable mobile data for navigation
Keep a power bank
Share your route with friends or your tour operator
For mountainous areas, SCOM is the most reliable networks.
4. Use Trusted Transport Options
For safe travel across Pakistan:
Recommended transport modes:
Registered tour operators
Careem or Uber in major cities
Motorbike or car rentals from reputable companies
Domestic flights for long distances (PIA, AirSial, SereneAir, AirBlue)
Avoid unregistered taxis or riding with strangers.
5. Choose Safe Accommodation
Select hotels, guesthouses, or hostels that offer:
Verified reviews
24/7 security
Clean environment
Legal registration
In the northern areas, staying in recognized hotels helps ensure better access to emergency support and road condition updates.
6. Keep Your Documents Secure
Carry the following at all times:
Passport copy
Visa copy
Hotel confirmation
Emergency contact numbers
Store originals in the hotel’s safe or a secure pouch.
7. Food and Water Safety
Pakistan’s food scene is delicious but can be unfamiliar to new travelers.
Drink bottled or boiled water
Avoid street food unless freshly cooked
Choose busy restaurants with good hygiene
Carry basic medicine for stomach issues
In northern areas, always keep snacks for long journeys.
8. Weather and Road Safety
Pakistan’s geography is diverse, and weather varies significantly.
Important considerations:
Northern areas can experience landslides, snowfall, or road closures
Summers in Sindh and Punjab can be extremely hot
Mountain roads require careful, slow driving
Always check weather updates before traveling to high-altitude regions.
9. Respect Religious and Cultural Sites
Pakistan is home to mosques, shrines, temples, forts, and sacred heritage.
Follow instructions at holy sites
Avoid loud conversations or photography without permission
Remove shoes where required
Respect creates positive experiences and interactions.
10. Traveling as a Woman in Pakistan
Pakistanis are generally respectful and hospitable toward female travelers. Still, using basic precautions enhances comfort.
Avoid isolated areas at night
Choose women-only compartments in trains if preferred
Dress conservatively
Travel with a trusted guide in remote areas
Several women travel influencers have safely explored Pakistan’s northern regions alone.
11. Trust Local Hospitality but Stay Alert
Pakistanis are known for their generosity and friendliness. Accepting tea, food, or help is common, especially in rural areas. However, remain aware:
Meet people in public places
Politely decline invitations that make you uncomfortable
Keep valuables safe
Balanced friendliness and awareness go a long way.
12. Hire a Professional Tour Operator for Remote Areas
For destinations such as Fairy Meadows, Skardu, Hunza, Astore, Kumrat, or Deosai, hiring a registered tour company ensures:
Safe transportation
Local guides
Updated weather and road conditions
Proper permits
Emergency support
This is especially important for international tourists.
13. Emergency Contacts in Pakistan
Tourist Police: 1422
Rescue Services: 1122
Police Helpline: 15
Edhi Foundation: 115
Ambulance: 1122
Store these numbers before traveling.
Pakistan is one of the world’s most rewarding travel destinations, offering unmatched natural beauty, deep history, and warm hospitality. By following these Pakistan travel safety tips—staying aware, respecting local customs, planning smart routes, and choosing reliable services—you can explore the country with confidence and peace of mind.
Travel smart, stay safe, and enjoy every moment of your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Pakistan.
I rented a motorcycle for 3 weeks in Pakistan, and in this post, I’ll show you exactly how I did it, what bikes are available, the best city to rent from, and how much motorcycle rentals cost.
Where’s the best place to rent a motorcycle in Pakistan?
The good news is you don’t have to visit the local motorcycle markets to hire a motorcycle in Pakistan. You can simply rent online via a WhatsApp conversation before you arrive!
I started looking in Lahore and quickly realised the options weren’t great. Me also didn’t want to visit the intense motorcycle markets and have to haggle there (If you don’t speak Urdu, you really need a Pakistani friend with you to help there!).
I found Islamabad the best place to rent a motorcycle in Pakistan. It makes sense because it has a major international airport, and it’s the beginning of the many motorcycle trips to the Northern Regions.
So start your search on Google or Google Maps for “Islamabad motorcycle rentals.” I share my rental quotes later in this post.
What motorcycles are available for rent, and which should I choose?
Motorcycle rentals cost anywhere from $10 to $150 daily for high-end adventure bikes like a Triumph Tiger, Suzuki V-Strom, or BMW F 850 GS.
I won’t cover those high-end bikes here because I wanted the Pakistani experience on a cost-effective and economical 150cc bike. Plus, you ain’t gonna be riding fast here anyway. Although, I’m sure it would be a luxurious and comfortable experience on one of those bikes!
150cc motorcycles, although they seem small to us, they are enough to get the job done even in the mountains. These smaller bikes have limited luggage space, so pack light and bring 2 bungee cords to attach your bag.
Most popular 150cc: Suzuki GS 150SE
The most popular bikes you’ll see absolutely everywhere in Pakistan, and in HUGE numbers in car parks, are the Honda CD-70, Honda CG-125, and then their cheap Chinese clones, the Road Prince RP-70n and United US-70.
The Suzuki GS 150SE is similar to these but with a 150cc engine. It’s the most recommended motorcycle for long trips because of its low price and repairability. The only downside is the seat is not very comfortable!
Most comfortable 150cc: Honda CB 150F
If you want a cheap but comfortable option, I went with the Honda CB 150F. Because it’s more comfortable and harder to find, the rental companies charge a premium for it, unfortunately! But if you need a little comfort, like me, this is the best option for the price.
After a few thousand kilometres on this bike, I can say the seat is great, and my bottom never really got sore. Unlike on my Royal Enfield Himalayan – their seats suck for long journeys (I just road 7 hours on it from Amritsar to Delhi today).
The only downside is the CB 150F’s suspension is horrible; you will feel all the bumps and potholes.
There are 250cc and above bikes available, but I recommend these 150cc models because Pakistani mechanics know these bikes inside-out. During your trip, you won’t have any issues getting anything fixed on these. Whereas little-known Chinese 250cc or high-end foreign bikes can only be serviced in big cities.
What to know before renting!
Obviously, always check the condition of the bike before taking it.
But, most of us are not mechanics!
Plus, when you plan to leave on a certain date, you can’t really be choosy when you pick up the bike! So, try pickup a day or two in advance so you can do whatever work needs to be done on it.
You’ll probably discover issues with the bike on the first day of riding. I did!
All the problems I had with my rented motorcycle in Pakistan
During my ride, here’s all the work I had to do on the Honda CB150F:
When I picked up the bike it had a flat rear tyre. The rear tyre kept leaking throughout the first two days. Turns out it was given to me with a puncture! When I reached Naran, the bike was really struggling to fire. Turns out the last renter had left the choke open. I’d been riding with it open too. So the spark plug was dirty and needed to be cleaned. The bike continued to miss fire, so I replaced the spark plug. The rear wheel’s tread was way down, so I replaced the tyre. Oil changed at 1000km. Replaced a broken speedo cable. The chain guard got disfigured and was hitting the chain. A kind panel beater fixed it for me for free. As you can see, the bike was a real pain and dampened my trip with so many visits to various service centres.
Luckily, the parts and labour were very cheap! Some of the repairs were even free because the friendly locals wouldn’t take money from me!
Alls well that ends well because the rental company reimbursed me for the work.
I called around the main rental companies in Islamabad, looking for the best prices for a cheap motorcycle.
Don’t forget to bargain! They will come down to meet your budget if they have an excess supply.
For example, I wanted the Honda CB150F, so I told Pakistan Bikers that I wanted the bike for 3 weeks minimum, but my budget was $16 daily. They agreed.
Note: Pakistan Bikers and Pakistan-Bikers are two different companies! Someone copied someone.
Cost per day to rent a 150cc motorcycle in Pakistan
The rental usually includes a helmet, elbow and knee pads, gloves, and a cellphone holder.
If this post helped you, please comment and tell me about your travel plans and what motorcycle you’re looking at.
Disclaimer
The content on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content provided. Readers are encouraged to consult directly with professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Any views or opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our company. We reserve the right to modify or update content as necessary.
The entire route is on tarmac roads in good condition, to some extend curvy but mostly easy to handle. A minimum of 5.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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The majority of the route is on well-developed tarmac roads with some curvy parts. A minimum of 7.500 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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The route is very twisty, occasionally on narrow tarmac roads. A minimum of 10.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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The majority of the rout is on very demanding, very narrow curvy roads, and sometimes on single lanes. A minimum of 15.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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The entire route is permanently on very demanding, extremely curvy, very narrow, partly on single lanes. A minimum of 20.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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AVERAGE DRIVING TIME PER DAY
Some of our participants enjoy riding as many miles as possible, whereas others preferred to arrive early at the hotel to enjoy the amenities before dinner. The stated driving times include breaks and photo stops, but not the time spend for lunch (between noon and 2pm, usually 1 hour). A riding day usually starts around 9 am, if necessary a little earlier.
