Last Updated on September 4, 2024
For intrepid parents, traveling Pakistan with kids is an adventure of a lifetime. We’ve just returned from an epic Pakistan family trip and we’re sharing our experience.
With its reputation as a ‘dangerous place’, Pakistan doesn’t usually come to mind when planning a trip with kids. But it far exceeded my expectations with its lofty mountains, spectacular valleys, crackling glaciers, jaw-dropping views and some of the most hospitable people on Earth. As I learned from our recent summer trip to Pakistan, it’s a highly underrated travel destination brimming with mindblowing landscapes and rich culture.
The country is power–packed with landscapes of truly epic proportions: mountains more impressive than anything I’ve seen elsewhere (and I’ve been to Antarctica, Nepal and Bhutan – which says a lot about Pakistan). There’s plenty of adventure to be had with kids: from ziplining across the Hunza Valley to hiking up Eagle’s Nest, visiting local families in Gojal Valley and meeting a rescued snow leopard in Naltar Valley.
What It’s Like to Travel Pakistan with Kids
Any trip to Pakistan is an adventure – for both adults and kids alike. Intrepid parents and adventurous little ones will love the vast landscapes, outdoorsy fun and welcoming locals (many of whom will want to take photos with you!).
Keep in mind that traveling here isn’t necessarily easy, especially for kids who aren’t used to squat toilets, grimy cities or basic accommodation. You’ll need a ton of patience too, with road closures, car breakdowns and peaceful protests part and parcel of life in Pakistan.
Pakistan clearly isn’t suitable for families who are used to having WiFi all the time or those who prefer themed parks or malls to nature. But for bold and outdoorsy families, traveling Pakistan with kids will be a rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Tourist Visa for Pakistan
Pakistan has now made it very easy for tourists to get an e-visa. When I applied for our e-visa, it cost US$25 per person and took just 3 days to be approved. Since 18th September 2024, the tourist visa is free for most nationalities and it takes only 24 hours for e-visas to be approved. Apply for your e-visa here.
The online application is quite a straightforward, though lengthy process. You’ll need to enter all your personal info, as well as your flight details and hotel bookings. After I submitted my application, they emailed me saying I needed to submit the license number of my tour operator. I uploaded that as well as a letter of invitation from our guide Hanna for good measure, and got approval within a day.
Is it Safe to Travel Pakistan with Kids?
For years, Pakistan has been portrayed by the media as a dangerous place due to Taliban activities. The country has stabilized immensely since peak Taliban activity (2009-2012) and most of the violence were concentrated around the Iran and Afghanistan borders. These days, Pakistan’s military has a tight hold on the country to maintain peace.
There are still security issues in more remote areas of the country, but after years of struggle with violence and terrorism, many parts of Pakistan are considered safe for both locals and foreigners. We spent most of our time in Gilgit-Baltistan, considered the safest and most beautiful state in Pakistan. We also felt completely safe in Lahore and Islamabad.
Some of the areas you should avoid traveling include the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Balochistan. But these areas require permits to enter anyway, which are very difficult for foreigners to obtain. Alex Reynolds, who runs Pakistan women tours and owns a traveler’s hostel in Islamabad, wrote an excellent analysis of the safety situation in Pakistan.
Do You Need to Book a Tour to Travel Pakistan?
It’s not mandatory to book a tour to travel Pakistan – but you’ll experience a lot more with a local guide who can bring you to remote villages, connect you with locals and introduce you to Pakistani food. Besides, the mountainous northern region of Pakistan (which I believe is a must-see!) is rural and remote, and having a guide and 4WD will make a world of difference.
We traveled Gilgit-Baltistan with a local guide, Hannan Balti, and really enjoyed seeing the region through his lens. His passion for his homeland was truly infectious and we learned a lot about Pakistan from him. He made sure to pack enough into the itinerary, but not too much, especially since we were traveling Pakistan with kids. His price was also very reasonable. You can reach out to him on Instagram.
Within the big cities of Pakistan (Lahore and Islamabad), we explored on our own and had no problem at all. It’s rather easy to get around by taxi or Careem and communicate with locals. But to explore the stunning mountainous region, we definitely recommend hiring guide and 4WD transport.
Which Ages Would Most Enjoy Pakistan?
We traveled Pakistan with our 9-year-old daughter, and she definitely enjoyed it. She did get overwhelmed in Lahore with the extreme heat and chaotic traffic, but we kept our first few days in Pakistan slow and easy to give her the time to adjust to it.
Keep in mind that Kaleya has been to 57 countries, many of which are developing countries; plus she’s adaptable and adventurous, loves hiking and doesn’t mind roughing it in dodgy inns and yucky toilets. But even then, Pakistan was rather challenging for her.
Pakistan is definitely not suitable for kids of all ages. I would wait a few years if I had a toddler or baby, as baby supplies can be hard to find in the rural areas. Kids from 6 years old onwards will be more suitable for traveling Pakistan, as they can hike and walk longer distances. Those 9 to 13 years of age will be the perfect age as they are more independent and can better appreciate the nature and history here.
How Active is a Trip to Pakistan?
Of course this depends on you and what you plan to see in Pakistan, but in general, most sights are accessible by road and kids don’t need to hike for hours to visit places. On our trip, we mostly did short hikes to viewpoints and glaciers, as well as fun walks around old villages and ancient forts. We did miss out on certain spots like Fairy Meadows, as it involved long hours of driving and hiking to get to.
We spent most of our time in Gilgit-Baltistan driving the Karakoram Highway (KKH). The 1,300km highway was inaugurated only in 1978 – after nearly 20 years of construction by more than 24,000 Pakistani and Chinese workers. Some sections are not in the best condition and you’ll be off-road driving a lot of the times, but it’s definitely a road trip of dreams and an adventure that the whole family can enjoy (without much physical challenges).
Is Altitude Sickness a Concern in Pakistan?
Altitude sickness isn’t a major concern in Pakistan, unless you go to places higher than 4,000m (13,000 feet) in altitude. The highest place we went to on our trip was the Khunjerab Pass at the China-Pakistan border. We drove there from Attabad Lake and the descent was rather gradual, so we didn’t suffer from altitude sickness.
Most people fly to Skardu or Gilgit to get to northern Pakistan (like we did), but both cities aren’t quite that high. Skardu is at 2,500m (8,000 ft) and Gilgit City is at 1,500m (4,800 ft), and we didn’t feel any effect from the ascent at all. If you’re concerned, I suggest scheduling lots of rest time upon arrival and bring Acetazolamide or Diamox to prevent altitude sickness.
How to Get Travel Insurance for Kids
It’s important to have travel insurance whether you’re traveling Pakistan with kids or solo. There’s risk involved in flying within Pakistan (read the section on getting around Pakistan), as well as driving in the mountainous north as landslides are common. Our flight to Skardu was delayed for five hours, which we have been now compensated for by our travel insurance.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company these days. They cover kids for free as long as you’ve got a plan with them. I use their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before the coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
When to Travel Pakistan with Kids
It’s no secret that Pakistan he sees a huge range of climatic conditions due to the vast range in terrain. The best time to visit will depend largely on whether you’re heading to the dramatic mountains in the far north or by the mosques and bazaars in the south.
The best time to visit Gilgit-Baltistan and drive the Karakoram Highway is during the Pakistani summer, from April to October. The summer temperatures in the mountains are comfortable (though hot at times) and the high pastures are at their glorious peak. But be prepared for the high heat and humidity in Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi.
We traveled Pakistan in August, and found the weather in northern Pakistan to be extremely pleasant. On most days, we were just in short-sleeved t-shirt and trekking pants; we only needed a light jacket in the evenings and at higher altitudes. Note that while the Karakoram Highway through Pakistan is open year-round from Islamabad to the customs post at Sost, the international border crossing between Pakistan and China’s Xinjiang border closes in winter between November and March.
How Long to Travel Pakistan with Kids?
Pakistan is a massive and extremely diverse country with terrain ranging from sea level deserts to the second highest point on earth at the summit of 8611m (28,251ft) K2. Its lofty mountains aren’t easy to get to or navigate, with landscapes and road closures a common occurrence in northern Pakistan – which means you need time. And, as you probably know, traveling with kids requires even more time and flexibility.
We spent two weeks in Pakistan and felt that we had a good pace and it was a perfect amount of time. If you want to explore more of Skardu and trek to Fairy Meadows, then you’ll need at least 3 weeks in Pakistan. I’m sharing our Pakistan itinerary below.
Our 2-Week Pakistan itinerary
- 3 Days in Lahore — to get to know the country’s culture hub
- 1 Day in Gilgit — to start your epic road trip on the Karakoram Highway
- 1 Day in Hunza Valley — to explore ancient forts and the old Silk Road
- 1 Day in Nagar Valley – to see massive glaciers and viewpoints
- 1 Day in Khunjerab — to feast on dramatic views of Passu and visit the China border
- 2 Days in Attabad Lake — to rest and enjoy the glorious turquoise lake
- 1 Day in Naltar Valley – to visit a rescued snow leopard on the way back to Gilgit
- 1 Day in Naran Valley – to explore the green meadows
- 3 Days in Islamabad – to get to know the country’s capital
Getting Around Pakistan with Kids
As Pakistan is a big country, you’ll most likely need to use a combination of transport modes to get around. There are long-distance buses, but those are recommended only if you have endless time on your hands.
By Plane
Travel distances can be long in Pakistan, and flying can cut down travel time substantially. For instance, you can fly from Lahore to Skardu in just 1 hour; while driving takes close to 23 hours. However, Pakistan’s airlines don’t have the best reputation; it’s said that 1 in 3 pilots here have fake licenses (click to read CNN article). Also, flights to Gilgit have a high percentage of cancelation as weather conditions need to be perfect to fly.
On our trip to Pakistan, we flew from Lahore to Skardu instead of Gilgit – as that flight route has a lower percentage of cancelation. Our flight wasn’t canceled but it was delayed for 5 hours. To avoid running the risk of missing our onward flight to Istanbul, we chose to drive to Islamadad instead of flying, which took over 14 hours.
By Car
The easiest way to get around Peru is by car, but you’ll need a 4WD to traverse the rough mountain roads. According to my guide Hanna, foreigners can actually rent 4×4 vehicles and drive in Gilgit-Baltistan. We’ve rented cars and driven in many parts of the world (including Peru, Iceland, Japan and South Africa), but we decided to book a tour to be on the safe side.
Driving in Pakistan requires some grit and it’s not for the faint-hearted. Landslides and road closures are common in northern Pakistan (when it rains or glaciers melt, the rivers overflow and either flood or destroy roads). Another thing to look out for in Pakistan are the drivers! They take wreckless driving to a whole new level.
By Bus
We didn’t take any bus in Pakistan, but I’ve read on a few blogs that inter-city buses in Pakistan are quite trustworthy and easy to book. Faisal Movers is the biggest bus company in Pakistan and you can book tickets online. This website is a good resource for bus schedules and information in Pakistan.
By Taxi
Within the cities, we used Careem or inDrive to find ridesharing cars. Both apps worked really well for us and accepted payment by Paypal. We even used Careem to find a driver that brought us from Lahore to the Wagah India border (1 hour away), waited for us for 2 hours and then drove us back. The ride only cost us US$15 return.
Best Things to Do in Pakistan with Kids
There are boundless activities and hikes I recommend doing in Pakistan, but I’m not going to list them all here. Instead I’ve picked the activities that Kaleya enjoyed the most and share them with you:
Hike to Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint
This was easily Kaleya’s favorite thing we did in Pakistan. We got to Eagle’s Nest just in time for sunset, and as we hiked up to the viewpoint, the entire valley beneath us turned a beautiful shade of golden-orange color, backdropped by mammoth snowcapped mountains. We were blown away by the panoramic view, while Kaleya had a great time scrambling around the boulders and leaping from one rock to another!
Cross the Husseini Suspension Bridge
The iconic Husseini Suspension Bridge is perhaps the most famous of the many precarious rope bridges in northern Pakistan. Despite its dangerous looks, however, the Hussaini is is a relatively safe bridge and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions. After being washed away in a 2011 monsoon, the bridge has been completely reconstructed and it now relies on steel cables and solid wooden boards. Kaleya went ziplining across the bridge and had a blast!
Lunch with a Local Family in Gojal Valley
One of our favorite experiences in Pakistan was getting invited to a local family’s home. The family was incredibly welcoming and even prepared a feast for us, that included a yummy yak soup, homemade bread and traditional desserts. We also got to visit their orchard, try the amazing fruit they’d grown, and take a walk around their village. Their little girl became friends with my daughter, and it was so beautiful to see them having fun!
Meet a Rescued Snow Leopard
In Naltar Valley, our guide brought us to see Lovely, a snow leopard that had been rescued (as a baby) in Khunjerab and placed here by the local government. It’s protected and taken care of by the municipality, and housed in a big enclosure with quite a lot of room to roam. It was pretty damn impressive to see an endangered species up close.
Hike around Hoper Glacier
It was a short but steep hike to get to Hoper Glacier, and it sure was spectacular! According to our guide, Hoper Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world that is still expanding (most are retreating). Once you get to the viewpoint, there are steep steps to get even higher to another panorama point. Our kid really enjoyed traipsing up these slopes and watching the glacier from above.
Visit the Altit Fort
We had an excellent local guide at Altit Fort who gave us interesting insights into how the princess and prince used to live in this mountaintop fort. He shared with us funny anecdotes and nuggets of info that Kaleya enjoyed too. He also showed us some spectacular viewpoints.
Explore the Heritage Museum in Islamabad
Tucked below the Monument to Pakistan, the Heritage Museum doesn’t look too appealing from the outside, but behind its ornately carved gate is a treasure trove of artifacts and well-signed cultural exhibits showcasing the traditions and culture of Pakistan. Kaleya definitely enjoyed learning all about Pakistan here.
What to Eat in Pakistan with Kids
Pakistan may be an extremely diverse country; but it’s there one thing that unites the people, it’s their food. Pakistani people are proud of their food and their dishes mainly feature strong flavors, tantalizing spices and flavorful melted ghee.
Pakistani food share a lot of similarities with Indian food, but their dishes are milder and not quite as heavy and spicy. For kids who don’t like spicy food, there are usually some non-spicy options available. My daughter, who’s usually not an adventurous eater, actually tried and enjoyed chapshoro, chicken karahi and biryani.
In big cities, you’ll find some international food options; there are Domino’s, KFC and McDonalds outlets all over Lahore and Islamabad. But in the rural areas, you’ll usually only find Pakistani food. Sometimes they also serve Chinese dishes (which are my daughter’s favorite food) but they tend to be spicy as well.
Here are some of the best Pakistani dishes to try:
- Pakora – These easy-to-make crispy, fried fritters are a classic finger food served as a starter or a side dish.
- Chicken karahi – An iconic dish in Pakistan, karahi is dear to the hearts of all Pakistanis. The dish takes its name from the black, iron, scoop-shape pan.
- Biryani – A rice dish made with tender stewed lamb or beef, and often served on special occasions.
- Nihari – This Pakistani favorite is made oof slow-cooked lamb shank including the bone marrow.
- Kebabs – Grilled meat skewers often served with biryani or pilao rice for dinner.
- Chapshoro – Our favorite dish in Pakistan is a street-side snack nickamed ‘Pakistani pizza’. It’s made up of dough stuffed with minced meat, baked in the fire of a woodfire oven.
- Paratha – We had this yummy flatbreads for breakfast every day, usually with daal (lentil) or chickpea stew.
- Halwa poori – A breakfast of champions, this is a combination of a poori (deep-fried light and fluffy bread), served with the rich-tasting halwa (made with wheat semolina, sugar and butter).
How to Keep Your Kids Healthy in Pakistan
Food hygiene can be an issue in the rural parts of Pakistan, but we didn’t get sick or anything from the food. We mostly ate in restaurants but also tried some street food and ate at local eateries.
Water from the tap is not safe to drink, but you can easily find bottled water everywhere. I also advise travelers to not eat uncooked vegetables or fruits that you haven’t washed yourself.
There are no required vaccines to enter the country but you are advised to have your polio and tetanus vaccines in order. If you like to be as safe as possible, having the Typhoid and Hepatitis A (and even Hepatitis B) vaccines are recommended.
How to Stay Connected While Traveling Pakistan
I recommend getting a local SIM card at the airport upon arrival or an eSIM before arrival. We bought our eSIM on Airalo but it only worked in Lahore and Islamabad. Our guide kindly shared his hotspot with us when we were traveling through Gilgit-Baltistan. To have data in the mountains, you need to get a SIM card from Zong at Lahore or Islamabad airport.
All the hotels and guesthouses we stayed at had pretty decent WiFi. Make sure to use the WiFi to download shows/books for offline use on the iPad for our daughter on particularly long drives.
What to Wear in Pakistan
Islam is the state religion of Pakistan, and Pakistan is considered a conservative country (though not quite as conservation as Iran or Afghanistan). Women should cover their knees and shoulders – so no sleeveless singlets, shorts or cropped tops – and in general wear loose clothing. Covering your hair is not required, but pack a scarf for mosque visits. Men should also cover their shoulders, though shorts are acceptable.
Tourists do not need to wear the traditional Pakistani shalwar kameez (tunic with pants), but it’s respectful to dress in local clothing. It helps you blend in and it’s also the best way to keep cool in the extreme heat. It’s advisable to wear the shalwar kameez in the streets of old Lahore, but it’s fine to wear t-shirts and hiking pants in the mountains of northern Pakistan.
We bought our shalwar kameez in Sapphire Gulberg Lahore (there’s also one in Islamabad’s Centaurus Mall) for around US$30/set; there are plenty of options for both adults and kids. We only bought one set each and just kept reusing it. You’ll find cheaper options in the bazaars.
My Packing List for Pakistan with Kids
If you are traveling Pakistan in summer like we did (June to August), don’t be misguided by the info you find on the internet. According to my guide, summers are hotter than usual now, perhaps due to global warming.
When we were there, the coldest temperature we experienced was 18°C (65°F), and we only needed a small jacket for evenings and high altitudes. Essentially, just pack lots of quick-dry t-shirts, loose tops, hiking pants, and a lightweight, windproof jacket.
Here are some of the essentials to pack for a summer trip to Pakistan:
Cost of Travel in Pakistan with Kids
Pakistan is really affordable, and you can easily travel the country even if you have a tight budget. We paid around US$60 per person per day for our tour and it included all our accommodation, breakfasts, dinners, entry fees, transport and guide.
Accommodation is relatively cheap in Pakistan. You can find private rooms in guesthouses for $25-35 per night and nicer hotels with views around US$60-80 per night. We spent around US$100-120 per night at higher-end hotels towards the start and end of our trip.
Restaurants in Pakistan are very affordable. Expect to pay around 900 to 1500 rupees (US$3 to 5) per person for a decent meal in a restaurant. The portions are big and meals are communal, so most people usually order one or two dishes to share amongst 3-4 people.
Where to Stay in Pakistan with Kids
On this Pakistan trip, we treated ourselves to nice hotels since they are pretty affordable. Although options are limited in the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan, the places we stayed at were all modern and brand new.
Lahore: Ramada by Wyndham Lahore Gulberg II
For our first few days in Pakistan, we wanted to ease Kaleya in so we booked three nights at the Ramada Inn. It was brand new, modern and ultra clean. The breakfast buffet spread covered everything from baked goods to fresh pancakes, all kinds of curries, stews and Pakistani classics. They also provide complimentary airport transfers. Check rates here.
Gilgit: Ramada by Wyndham Gilgit
Overlooking Gilgit City, this spanking new hotel is the best in town and has modern, luxurious rooms. Our room had ceiling-to-floor window that opened up to the swimming pool. Breakfast was made to order and we had fresh chai, eggs and paratha every morning. Check rates here.
Eagle’s Nest: Hunza Elysion
Located right by the Eagle’s Nest viewpoint, Hunza Elysion is a newish guesthouse with spacious family-sized rooms perfect for us. The staff here is amazing and their homecooked food is topnotch. Check rates here.
Aliabad: Apple Garden Hunza
This modern guesthouse in perched on the hills overlooking Aliabad – the views of Mount Rakaposhi from the rooms are spectacular! Our room was simple (with a wet bathroom) but we loved waking up to this stunning view in the morning. Check rates here.
Attabad Lake: Famree Resort
Possibly the best hotel we stayed at in Pakistan, Famree Resort is a stylish lodge perched atop the spearmint waters of the Attabad Lake. Our guide kindly got us upgraded for free to the Presidential Suite and we had the privilege of enjoying a rest day here at this idyllic spot. Check rates here.
Islamabad: The Avenue Hotel
For our last few days in Pakistan, we rested up in this small but modern boutique hotel in the business district called Blue Area. Our triple room was perfect for us, breakfast was served in our room and we had a great restaurant just by the lobby. Check rates here.
Practical Tips for Traveling Pakistan with Kids
- Make sure your children are up to date with routine vaccinations, and consider possible travel vaccines well before departure.
- Apply for your Pakistan e-visa ahead of time to make sure you have them prepared before arrival.
- When planning your Pakistan itinerary, make sure to factor in some downtime and rest days. Take it easy on your first few days in Pakistan, give your kids plenty of time to adjust to the heat and chaos.
- Remember to pack rehydration pills in case your child vomits or experiences diarrhea. In the lowlands, you’ll need to be extra careful with heat exhaustion and dehydration.
- Take the opportunity to show your kids how to be respectful of locals. Buy a set of shalwar kemeez (tunic and pants set) for your kids so they can dress like locals and blend in.
- Get your kids to try Pakistani food, you can usually ask for them without any spice. If they’re still spicy for them, there are usually some options like fries and biryani.
Enjoy Your Trip to Pakistan with Kids!
Thank you for reading this far! I hope this guide to traveling Pakistan with trips will help you plan your own adventure with your little one. I just want to remind you not to pack in too much; the key to enjoying Pakistan with kids is to slow down and spend your time outdoors. Feel free to leave me any questions or comments you may have below.
Read more articles on Pakistan or other parts of South Asia:
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. I get a small commission when you purchase anything through my links. As always, I only partner with companies I have personally used and can recommend.
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