Travel to Pakistan rewards with rich Mughal history in Lahore and dramatic mountain scenery in Hunza and Skardu, offering cultural immersion, culinary highlights and adventurous drives along the Karakoram Highway.
Lahore offers the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens and the Walled City where narrow bazaars showcase textiles and handicrafts. Street food hubs on Fort Road and Gawalmandi serve nihari, chargha, gol gappay and thick lassi, and many visitors take a guided food walk. Local transport includes rickshaws, app-based taxis and the Metrobus; central hotels suit most budgets while heritage guesthouses add character.
Access to Hunza and Skardu is commonly via Islamabad with two main choices: fly to Gilgit or Skardu, or drive the Karakoram Highway (KKH) for scenic but long road travel. Road travel from Islamabad to Gilgit can take 14 to 18 hours depending on conditions; Gilgit to Karimabad in Hunza is roughly two hours by car. Direct flights to Skardu from Islamabad cut travel time to about 75 minutes but suffer frequent weather cancellations; overland routes from Gilgit to Skardu require a full day by jeep and often pass through rough mountain roads.
High-altitude acclimatization reduces the risk of acute mountain sickness, so spend a day in Gilgit or Hunza before pushing to higher passes or long treks. Most of Gilgit-Baltistan is open to tourists, yet restricted border zones near China or military areas may require permits or police registration, so verify local rules before entering those valleys. Carry a basic first-aid kit, sun protection and extra layers since temperatures vary sharply between day and night.
Pack cash for smaller markets because ATMs and card payment options are limited outside major cities; buy a local SIM in Islamabad for better coverage in northern towns. Travel between May and September for long daylight and accessible roads, while spring blossoms in April-May and autumn offers clear mountain views. A sample 8-10 day itinerary: two days in Lahore, transfer to Islamabad and fly or drive to Gilgit, two to three days in Hunza, then two to three days in Skardu or on treks to nearby valleys.