How to Plan a Trip to Pakistan

Pakistan is a heavily populated country in the Middle East that borders India and Afghanistan. Its southern coast touches the Arabian Sea. More than 90 percent of the population is Muslim. The climate is hot and dry, with a rainy season that can cause severe flooding along the Indus River in July and August. Pakistan's mountainous regions and mix of Middle Eastern cultures make it a unique place to visit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Long clothing for women
• Computer with Internet access for making reservations
• Passport and visa

Secure Cheap Accommodations in Pakistan

1. Understand that there are many international chains and five-star hotels in Pakistan. Rates run from $200 to $800 a night or more.

2. Look for hotels near busy train stations or bus stations. These hotels will offer convenient ways to travel around the country without venturing too far into rural areas.

3. Always investigate. Hotels here can be deceiving, with large welcoming lobbies and shabby rooms.

4. To book accommodations, contact Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). (If calling outside the United States or Canada, call 00 ([phone]).

Know What to Expect

5. Drink only bottled water here to avoid unsanitary tap water.

6. English is the primary language spoken in Pakistan; Urdu and other native tongues are used as well.

7. Understand that women must cover their arms and legs at all times while in public and should never travel alone.

Travel Around Pakistan

8. Arrive by plane in Karachi or Islamabad. There are also smaller airports in Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Gwadar.

9. Take the train from Lahore to other Pakistani cities and on to India.

10. Realize that travel in Pakistan is basic but cheap. You can expect ample flights and bus routes to and from most major areas.

11. Use rickshaws and tongas to navigate inner-city travel. You can get to most destinations for less than $10 dollars.

Tips & Warnings

• Negotiate your fare ahead of time for public transportation, as there are no set meters or rates.
• U.S. citizens are required to have a U.S. passport and a Pakistani-issued visa for travel in and out of the country.
• In an effort to encourage tourism, the Pakistani government is relaxing visa issuance and entry restrictions for limited time periods.
• Telephone country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Avoid public worship locales, as these can be hotbeds of sectarian or anti-American violence.
• Know that a disastrous earthquake in 2005 destroyed much of the Kashmir and Northwest Frontier Province areas in Pakistan.
• Israeli citizens are not allowed entry into Pakistan.