Things to do in Pakistan

What to see and do in Pakistan: a shorter list of 25 experiences, not yet checked against sources.

25 things to do in Pakistan

Nature

Hike to Fairy Meadows for views of Nanga Parbat

Fairy Meadows, Gilgit-Baltistan

Trek through pine forests to a lush alpine meadow, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the 'Killer Mountain' Nanga Parbat's sheer Raikot Face.

History

Explore the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-daro

Mohenjo-daro, Sindh

Walk the streets of this 4,500-year-old Indus Valley Civilization metropolis, examining its advanced drainage system, Great Bath, and enigmatic seals.

Culture

Witness the Sufi devotional music at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar

Sehwan Sharif, Sindh

Feel the spiritual energy of the dhamaal dance and qawwali at the magnificent shrine of the revered Sufi saint, a whirlwind of sound and color.

Adventure

Trek to K2 Base Camp

Concordia region, Gilgit-Baltistan

Embark on a multi-day expedition through the Karakoram to stand at the foot of the world's second-highest peak, surrounded by granite giants and glaciers.

Food

Savor street food at Burns Road in Karachi

Karachi, Sindh

Dive into Karachi's culinary heart, tasting spicy nihari, sizzling kebabs, and refreshing kulfi among a bustling, aromatic evening crowd.

City

Visit the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque

Lahore, Punjab

Marvel at the Mughal grandeur of the imposing fort and the colossal sandstone mosque, especially breathtaking when illuminated at dusk.

Hidden gem

Discover the Kalash valleys and their unique culture

Bumburet Valley, Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Visit the remote Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir valleys to meet the Kalash people, known for their distinct pagan traditions, vibrant festivals, and colorful dress.

Nature

Witness the confluence of the Indus and Gilgit rivers

Jaglot, Gilgit-Baltistan

Stand at a dramatic viewpoint where the muddy brown Indus meets the crystal-clear blue Gilgit River, a striking natural boundary marked by contrasting hues.

Food

Enjoy a traditional Lahori breakfast of halwa puri

Gawalmandi, Lahore, Punjab

Start the day with a classic feast of fluffy puri bread, sweet semolina halwa, and spicy chana at the historic Gawalmandi Food Street.

History

Visit the Taxila archaeological site

Taxila, Punjab

Roam the sprawling UNESCO-listed ruins of an ancient Gandharan city, exploring Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and a well-preserved museum of millennia-old art.

Adventure

Drive the Karakoram Highway to the China border at Khunjerab Pass

Khunjerab Pass, Gilgit-Baltistan

Travel one of the world's highest paved roads, winding through dramatic gorges and snow-capped peaks to reach the 4,693-meter Khunjerab Pass on the Chinese frontier.

Culture

Attend the annual Shandur Polo Festival

Shandur Pass, Gilgit-Baltistan / Chitral

Experience the world's highest polo ground at 3,700 meters, where teams from Chitral and Gilgit clash in a traditional free-style match amid a festival atmosphere.

Hidden gem

Explore Hingol National Park and its rock formations

Hingol National Park, Balochistan

Venture into Balochistan's otherworldly landscape to see the natural 'Princess of Hope' rock sculpture and active mud volcanoes in a lunar-like desert.

City

Stroll along the Port Grand in Karachi

Karachi, Sindh

Walk the vibrant promenade stretching over the harbor, lined with diverse eateries, shops, and live entertainment, with views of the city skyline and anchored dhows.

Nature

Camp beside the turquoise Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake, Gojal Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan

Pitch a tent on the shores of this stunning, glacier-fed lake formed by a 2010 landslide, now a sapphire gem surrounded by jagged cliffs perfect for boating.

Food

Taste Peshawari naan and chapli kebab in Qissa Khwani Bazaar

Qissa Khwani Bazaar, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Indulge in the legendary dry-fruit-studded naan and minced meat patties at the historic 'Storytellers' Bazaar,' absorbing the frontier spirit of old Peshawar.

History

Walk through the historic Rohtas Fort

Rohtas Fort, Jhelum, Punjab

Explore an imposing 16th-century garrison fort with massive stone walls, monumental gates, and bastions that once guarded a strategic route for Sher Shah Suri.

Adventure

Rock climb the Trango Towers

Trango Towers, Gilgit-Baltistan

Challenge yourself on some of the world's most spectacular granite spires, with the sheer 1,300-meter Great Trango Tower offering legendary big-wall climbs.

Hidden gem

Visit the remote village of Passu and the Passu Cones

Passu, Gilgit-Baltistan

Photograph the iconic jagged spires known as Passu Cones from the quiet village, a stunning backdrop to the Hunza Valley's apricot orchards and glaciers.

Culture

Wander through the Walled City of Lahore and its havelis

Walled City, Lahore, Punjab

Get lost in the labyrinthine streets lined with ornate balconies, restored mansions, and vibrant bazaars, where every turn reveals a piece of Mughal and Sikh history.

Nature

Spot the Indus River dolphin near Sukkur

Sukkur, Sindh

Take a boat ride on the mighty Indus from Sukkur Barrage to catch a rare glimpse of the endemic, blind freshwater dolphin surfacing in the murky waters.

Food

Eat fresh fruit and dry fruits at the Gilgit bazaar

Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan

Browse colorful stalls piled high with Hunza apricots, almonds, walnuts, and seasonal mulberries, tasting the region's famous produce in a lively mountain market.

History

Discover the Buddhist stupas and monasteries in Swat Valley

Butkara Stupa, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Visit the Butkara Stupa and surrounding Gandharan-era ruins in the verdant valley, walking among carved reliefs and ancient prayer platforms that reveal a Buddhist past.

Adventure

Ski at Malam Jabba resort

Malam Jabba, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Carve down snow-covered slopes in the Hindu Kush, Pakistan's premier ski destination, with a chairlift offering panoramic views of the Swat Valley below.

Nightlife

Watch the sunset and enjoy tea at Monal Restaurant in the Margalla Hills

Pir Sohawa, Islamabad

Sip steaming chai and savor local cuisine from a hilltop perch at Pir Sohawa, as the sun dips behind Islamabad and the Margalla range, lighting up the city below.

Nearby destinations

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