Pakistan 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Beauty of Pakistan

This itinerary focuses on experiencing the diverse cultural and natural attractions Pakistan offers. It’s a suggestion, feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Destination: Lahore & Skardu (Northern Pakistan)

Day 1: Arrival in Lahore & Historical Immersion

  • Morning: Arrive at Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore.
  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax after the journey.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Pakistani dinner in the Food Street, a vibrant hub of street food stalls and restaurants offering delicious local delicacies.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Lahore Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning Mughal architecture.
  • Visit Badshahi Mosque: One of the largest mosques in the world, known for its majestic beauty and historical significance.
  • Wander through the Shalimar Gardens: These breathtaking gardens are a perfect example of the exquisite Mughal gardens and offer a serene escape from the city bustle.

Day 2: Exploring the Cultural Heart of Pakistan

  • Morning: Visit the Badshahi Mosque (continued from Day 1).
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Lahore Bazaar, experiencing its vibrant markets, traditional crafts, and delicious street food.
  • Evening: Enjoy a performance of traditional Pakistani music and dance at the Alhamra Arts Council.

Day 3: The Mughal Majesty

  • Things to do: Visit the Lahore Fort (continued from Day 2)
  • Explore: See the intricate architecture of the Wazir Khan Mosque, the vibrant beauty of the Tomb of Jahangir, and the historical significance of the Minar-e-Pakistan.

Day 4: Journey to the North

  • Travel from Lahore to Islamabad by plane (recommended for time efficiency).
  • Transfer: From Islamabad, take a connecting flight to Skardu, a picturesque town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

Day 5: The Breathtaking Beauty of Baltistan

  • Morning: Arrive in Skardu and transfer to your chosen accommodation.

  • Things to see:

    • Shangrila Resort: Enjoy the scenic beauty of this resort, nestled amidst lush greenery and offering stunning views of the Karakoram mountains.

  • Afternoon: Explore the breathtakingly beautiful Upper Kachura Lake and take a boat ride to experience its serene waters.

Day 6: Exploring the Peaks & Valleys

  • Morning: Visit the Cold Desert (Shangrila Resort)
  • Things to do:
    • Hike through the dunes and enjoy the unique landscape of the cold desert, a rare sight in Pakistan.
    • Experience the local culture at the Shangrila Resort by enjoying traditional food and music while taking in the breathtaking views of the Karakoram mountains.

Things to know:

  • Visa Requirements: Ensure you have a valid visa for travel to Pakistan. Most nationalities require a visa on arrival or an e-visa for tourism purposes. Check the specific visa requirements for your nationality with the Pakistani embassy or consulate.
  • Currency: The Pakistani rupee (PKR) is the official currency. ATMs are readily available in major cities.

Cultural Notes:

  • Dress: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. This means covering your shoulders and knees, and avoiding revealing clothing.
  • Customs: Be respectful of local customs, such as removing shoes before entering a mosque or home.

Food & Drink:

  • Enjoy: Try the local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by South Asian flavors.

  • Halal Practices: Remember that Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country and remember to follow Halal practices, meaning no pork products are consumed or used in any way.

  • Shoes: It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home.

Food & Drink (cont.):

  • Traditional Dishes: Savor the taste of local delicacies like biryani, nihari, and halwa puri.

Things to see:

  • Enjoy: Experience the beauty of the mountains, explore the breathtaking valleys, and visit the historical landmarks of the region.
  • Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture by interacting with the friendly people, learning about their traditions, and enjoying the stunning scenery.

Day 6 (continued):

  • Consider: Visiting the Deosai Plains for a truly unforgettable experience.

Accommodation:

  • Look into: Traditional guesthouses, luxury hotels, or glamping experiences depending on your budget and preference.

Transportation:

  • Explore: Flights are available from Islamabad to Skardu, connecting you to the stunning beauty of the region.
  • Local Transport: Utilize local transportation like jeeps or buses for exploring the area, but be prepared for bumpy rides.

Important Considerations:

  • Respectful Conduct: Remember to remove your shoes before entering a home or mosque and dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) when visiting religious sites.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions to avoid any unintentional offense.

Things to do:

  • Consider:

    • Explore: The scenic beauty of Skordau Plains, a breathtakingly beautiful plateau located in the Karakoram mountains.
    • Glamping: Experience the unique landscape and culture of the region by staying in a luxurious glamping tent.
    • Visit: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area by taking a hike to a nearby glacier or lake.

Important Considerations (cont.):

  • Local Culture: Respect local customs, such as avoiding public displays of affection and dressing conservatively.

  • Cultural Immersion:

  • Consider: visiting a traditional village to experience the local culture and way of life.

Things to see:

  • The breathtaking scenery of the region:

    • Visit: Shangrila Resort (renowned for its picturesque setting)
    • Explore: The Karakoram Mountains (enjoy stunning mountain views, meet locals, and learn about their culture).

  • Local Transportation:

    Consider: taking a local jeep tour to experience the culture of the region.

Glamping on the Plains:

  • Things to do:

    • Enjoy the comfort and luxury of a unique accommodation experience.
    • Relax and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and valleys.
    • Experience the beauty of the night sky with clear views of the stars.

  • Enjoy:

  • Consider: staying in a luxurious yurt instead for a more authentic experience.

  • Meet: The local guides who can share their knowledge of the area and its culture.

  • Try: Local delicacies like yak cheese, yak meat dishes, and traditional tea ceremonies.

  • Local Culture (cont.):

    • Consider: Learning some basic Urdu phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.

  • Glamping: (trying to be more clever)

    • Try:

      • “Traditional” food stalls for a taste of local delicacies and the unique culture of the region.
      • Taste:

For future trips, this information can help you:

  • Plan: Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your time and explore the hidden gems of the region.

  • Travel: Explore different transportation options depending on your budget and travel style.

  • Consider: Hiring a local guide for detailed information about the history and culture of the area, and to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion and can be tailored to your individual interests and travel style.