Pakistan Country Dossier

"As a six foot blonde there was little chance that I was going to be taken for a local in Pakistan but once I'd donned my shalwar kameez I soon found myself being welcomed into family homes like a long lost daughter."

I really didn't know what to expect from Pakistan - I had heard that the mountain scenery rivalled its more well trekked neighbour, Nepal, and I had heard that the culture was as rich and diverse as can be found in its larger southern neighbour, India. But what about the people? On the one hand I had been confronted with the relentlessly negative press about Pakistan but on the other, I had spoken to a small handful of people who had actually been there, who said that Pakistani hospitality surpassed any possible expectations and that the welcome was as warm and sincere as anywhere in Asia. There was nothing for it but to go and see for myself, and within an instant I was bowled over. Everywhere I went I was invited into people's homes for tea and biscuits; shopkeepers ushered me into their establishment offering me tea before sending me off again without even having tried to make a sale; the seat next to me in the bus was always in high demand with shy women talking to me about life in England and more gregarious men wanting to chat about the state of the English cricket team. There was nothing about Pakistan that I didn't fall in love with instantly - the scenery, the colours, the people, the mountains, the desert, the markets, the food, the drying apricots on remote village roofs..... there are few destinations that I can recommend quite as highly!

Liddy Pleasants, Head of Operations – The Imaginative Traveller

Factfile

Capital: Islamabad
Official Language: English. Others: Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pashtun, Balochi.
Religions: Muslim 97% (77% Sunni & 20% Shi’a), Hindu 2%, Christian 1%
Voltage: 220 Volts. Sockets are mostly of the European two pronged variety. Power cuts are common in more remote regions and occur occasionally in major cities too...

Preparing to go

Visas

All nationalities require a visa to enter Pakistan and a passport that will be valid for 6 months after the date of entry. Single and multi-entry visas are available and are usually valid for 90 days from the date of entry into Pakistan. If purchasing a visa in advance, please note that these must be used within 6 months of the date of issue.

Money

Local Currency

The monetary unit in Pakistan is the Pakistani Rupee (Rs). Approximate exchange rates (as at March 2008) are as follows:

  • 1 Pound Sterling = 131 Rs
  • 1 US Dollar = 67 Rs
  • 1 Euro = 104 Rs

During your stay in Pakistan, you will notice a general lack of small change. We recommend maintaining a supply of small denomination notes.

Officially a limit of 100 Rs can be taken in to or out of Pakistan. Do not be concerned about this as money exchange is straightforward at entry points, even the northern land border with Pakistan. It is difficult and uneconomical to exchange Rs into foreign currency.

XE.com is a useful site for currency conversion.

Changing Money, Credit Cards & ATMs

Currency Exchange - banking hours:

Mon - Sat: 09.00 - 13.00 hrs; Fridays: 09.00 - 12.00. Closed on Sundays.

Foreign currency and travellers' cheques can be exchanged at banks such as The National Bank of Pakistan, United Bank Limited, and Habib Bank. Foreign banks such as Citibank, ANZ Grindlays, and American Express can also be found in main cities.

Changing money at banks in Pakistan is not too difficult, although outside main towns it can be a very time consuming business. All major cities and airports have banks and government licensed moneychangers.

Generally moneychangers offer better rates on the open market than banks. Larger hotels often offer a much faster service but usually at slightly lower rates. Travellers’ cheques often demand a more reasonable rate than cash.

You will not find ATMs in the north so make sure that you have enough cash or travellers’ cheques.

Do not even consider exchanging money with unlicensed individuals or shopkeepers and be aware that counterfeit money is prevalent in places like airports. Your leader will be able to advise you of the most effective places to change money.

Working out your Budget

The Pre-Departure Information contains general information about the things you will need to consider when budgeting for your holiday. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Pakistan

Entrance Fees

Although our Traveller trips include entrance fees for all sites specified in your itinerary there are some additional sites that you may like to visit. Pakistan has a number of interesting sites and museums and you may wish to visit additional sites in your free time. Foreign tourists usually have to pay Rs.200 per person as entry fee for all archaeological museums and another Rs.200 per person for attached archaeological sites.

Note: International student cards are no longer generally accepted for discounts on entrance fees in Pakistan.

Optional Excursions

All of our itineraries include some free time, the amount of which usually depends on the style of tour you are travelling on (Adventurer trips generally have more than Traveller). If you wish to take optional excursions your Tour Leader will be able to advise you of the possibilities in each area.

Meals

You will find the meal plan for your tour clearly indicated in the brochure and on your Trip Dossier. Breakfast is provided each day on most Traveller tours, and many tours also include some lunches and dinners. Adventurer tours do not generally include any meals.

Approximate costs for meals and snacks not included are shown below:

  • Simple snack - US$1
  • Light meal - US$2-5
  • Full dinner - US$6-7

For a guide to the type of food you will find in Pakistan see the Local Food & Drink section of this dossier.

Drinks
The usual collection of bottled water and soft drinks - coke, lemonade, and orangeade - can be found almost anywhere, as can tea (see Local Food & Drink later). Approximate costs for drinks bought in the street are shown below.

Note: Prices in restaurants and hotels can be considerably higher.

  • 1l of water - US$0.50
  • Can of soft drink - US$0.50

It is not recommended that you drink the local tap water in Pakistan.

Local Transport

Taxis are the most effective method of local transport, and recommended for most journeys within a city. It is a good idea to find out, from your Tour Leader or the hotel receptionist, approximately how much the fare should be for longer journeys. Taxi drivers do not usually speak English. However, your Tour Leader or reception staff will be able to help provide written instructions.

To travel between cites by road we use private chartered air-conditioned mini van or jeeps, except for the Lahore extension which uses a public bus service. We have introduced a NO SMOKING policy on all our tours buses. This usually proves no hardship to smokers as there are tea and toilet breaks every couple of hours or so. It is important to note that the Karakorum Highway runs through the most geologically unstable (and spectacular!) landscape in the world and delays due to land slide are common, particularly in the rainy (summer) months. Your tour leader will make alternative arrangements whenever possible, but please do be in flexible in your approach to road travel. As a Guide line we have noted approximate time actually driving between cities.

What to Take

The Pre-Departure Information that you will receive once you have booked your tour contains a comprehensive list of items that you should consider bringing with you. Please note that you DO NOT need to bring a mosquito net on any of our tours in Pakistan. Check your Trip Dossier for any special requirements.

The Imaginative Traveller Recommends: Bring a backpack or flexible sided case. Luggage must be stored in the vehicle when driving and this makes it less cumbersome to pack.

Clothing

Please note that Pakistan is a conservative country and at times it is essential that you dress modestly. It is not necessary for ladies to cover their hair except when visiting a mosque, though clothing should be loose fitting to avoid drawing attention to their figure. Both men and women should have some clothing that covers their legs and arms (at least to the elbow). The tour leader will advise when these rules can be relaxed – generally throughout our time in the Hunza Valley.

Some clients purchase shalwar kameez, the local outfit of baggy trousers and a loose tunic. This is both extremely comfortable and cool in the hot weather and is also greatly appreciated bye the Pakistanis themselves. Your tour leader will be able to advise you where to buy shalwar kameez at the start of the trip.

Prepare Yourself
Whilst few of our tours can be described as physically demanding you will find all activities more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit and active. Our tour in Pakistan, in particular, involves extensive hikes.

Cultural & Environmental Guidelines

Litter

Whilst few of our tours can be described as physically demanding you will find all activities more enjoyable if you are reasonably fit and active. Our tour in Pakistan, in particular, involves extensive hikes.

Toilets

Only some of our hotels have western toilets. Most toilets in Pakistan are squat toilets. There are no toilet facilities whilst on hikes. The tour leader will advise on how best to deal with toilet waste.

Begging

Begging is common in the main cities. Ultimately donations are a traveller’s personal choice, however our recommendation is NOT to give money, pens or sweets as this encourages a begging mentality and is largely ineffectual. If you do want to help it is probably better to give to a reputable charity with long term goals. If you do not want to give simply say no with a smile and keep on walking.

Arrival

Arrival Transfers

If you have booked an arrival transfer, or are on one of our designated group flights, please refer to the procedures outlined below.

Once in the Arrivals Hall (i.e. after exiting the Immigration and Customs area) look for a sign with your name and/or the hotel meeting point name. A transfer representative will show you to your vehicle for the transfer to the hotel.

Making Your Own Way

The Meeting Point for your tour should be clearly marked on your travel vouchers.. If you have not arranged for us to meet and transfer you on arrival, it is a relatively simple matter to make your own way to the meeting point.

On Tour

Safety

Most people find that Pakistan is a very friendly and hospitable country and feel quite comfortable wandering around alone during the day. However, as with any country you are not familiar with, it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night.

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warn of a high threat from terrorism throughout Pakistan, and of the risk of criminal violence particularly in some areas. You should read their latest Travel Advice for Pakistan in full before travelling especially if considering some independent travel before or after the tour. This can be found at: www.fco.gov.uk]

Tour Leaders & Guides

Your Tour Leader's role is to ensure all aspects of the trip run smoothly. He/she will share their local knowledge, advise on how to fill your free time and co-ordinate the day to day running of the tour – although occasionally he/she may need your understanding if things do not go according to plan. If you have any problems on the tour, please let your Tour Leader know so that steps can be taken to put it right. Tour Leaders are supported by our regionally based office staff and, in most cases, a locally based manager. In Pakistan we use specialist guides for some glacier treks.

Please note that some styles of trip, such as Imaginative Escapes or Imaginative Honeymoons, do not have a Tour Leader. However, there will be representatives on hand who will be able to assist you in arranging any excursions that you wish you take.

Accommodation

Our main criterion for choosing hotels is cleanliness. On Adventurer tours hotels are simple, but comfortable. Bathroom facilities may sometimes be shared and rooms may sometimes be multi share rather than twin. Hotels on Traveller tours almost always have private bathrooms, air conditioning and bar / restaurant facilities. Please bear in mind that hotels can sometimes suffer from minor problems and technical difficulties.

At each hotel your Tour Leader will try to organise the rooming arrangements to suit everyone's requirements. If you are travelling alone you will be allocated a room with another group member of the same sex (unless you have paid a single supplement). If you are travelling as a couple please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of double beds.

Note: Single supplements are only applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room. Single supplements are also only available on Traveller tours and are not applicable on overnight boats, trains and while camping.

Laundry

There are laundry services in most hotels.

Local Food & Drink

Food
Many people find the delicious food to be one of the highlights of a visit to Pakistan. You will recognise a number of traditional Pakistani dishes as they are often found on the menus of Indian restaurants or ‘curry houses’ around the world (e.g. those described as tikka, korma, kherai and kebabs and of course dahl (lentils). However, ‘at home’ these dishes have often been modified to cater to foreign palates, so the genuine article may taste quite different, but invariably better! A common myth is that Pakistani food is always hot. In fact, while very rich in flavour, Pakistani cuisine rarely contains tongue burning spices. Pakistani food is often based around meat and seafood, although there are always vegetarian options available. We do not recommend seafood away from the coastline in the hot summer months.

Finally – there is no such thing as curry! This term is rarely if ever used in Pakistan as each dish is made with a delicate balance of different individual spices.

In major cities there will usually be a number of excellent restaurants available serving a wide variety of dishes to order. In more remote places hotels often prepare an evening buffet, again with a wide range of food. Many restaurants in hotels and larger cities will also attempt to concoct some approximations of Western or Chinese food but these are rarely up to the standard of the Pakistani food.

Drinks
Tea – known as 'chay' – is available everywhere. It consists of equal measures of sugar and tea, plus equal parts milk and water, which is combined and brought to the boil before serving. Western style tea with the milk and sugar served separately – known as 'separate-tea' or 'English-tea'– is usually available in hotels, as is Chinese-style green tea.

Coffee is more difficult to come by. It is usually instant and is generally only served in hotels.

Pakistanis particularly enjoy the yoghurt drink called lassi.

Special Dietary Requirements

Vegetarians
Vegetarians need not be apprehensive about travelling in Pakistan. There are plenty of vegetable foods available in each place we visit on our trip.

Food Allergies
If you have food allergies or preferences, please make them known to your Tour Leader who will do their best to ensure that your requirements are met.

Please note: Unfortunately we can give no guarantee that special requirements can always be met.

Communications

Email
Internet cafes are becoming more widespread in the main cites. Karimabad and Gilgit also have several connections. Usage is US$0.10 per hour.

Phone
The Pakistan public telephone system is reliable. Signs saying PCO indicate a public call office where you can make domestic and international calls after payment at the counter. Phone cards for use with public phones are readily available in shops. An international call will cost about US$ 1.50-3.00 per minute from a public phone but can be considerably more expensive from a hotel. It can be very difficult to make a phone call from the northern areas.

Post
The postal service is getting better. Stamps are available at some hotels. Otherwise, post offices are usually very convenient.

General Information

Weather

Due to its size and varied topography, Pakistan experiences great extremes of climate. Generally speaking, the country is dry, with a relatively low annual rainfall. However, the belt of land stretching from Peshawar to Karachi sees subtropical weather, characterised by high temperatures, humidity and rainfall. The northern reaches of the country experience more moderate temperatures in summer due to high altitude (although narrow valleys can also be hot in peak summer) but it is bitterly cold in winter, with many areas completely snowbound. Pakistan receives monsoon weather from mid-July until the end of August/early September. The monsoon only reaches the Himalaya and Hindu Kush Ranges, therefore the northern areas (mountainous regions) do not receive the same monsoonal rains and heat.

The following shows average temperatures (in Degrees Celsius):

Islamabad

  • Jan - 10
  • Feb - 12
  • Mar - 17
  • Apr - 23
  • May - 28
  • June - 31
  • July - 30
  • Aug - 28
  • Sept - 27
  • Oct - 22
  • Nov - 17
  • Dec - 12

Lahore

  • Jan - 13
  • Feb - 16
  • Mar - 21
  • Apr - 27
  • May - 31
  • June - 34
  • July - 32
  • Aug - 31
  • Sept - 30
  • Oct - 26
  • Nov - 19
  • Dec - 14

Pakistan Meteorological Authority

Holidays

National Holidays

  • Pakistan Day - 23 Mar
  • Bank Holiday - 1 Jul
  • Independence Day - 14 Aug
  • Defence of Pakistan Day - 6 Sep
  • Mohammed Iqbal Day - 9 Nov
  • Birth of Qaid-e-Azam / Christmas Day - 25 Dec
  • Bank Holiday - 31 Dec

Public Holidays

Suggested Reading

Guidebooks

  • The Rough Guide Pakistan
  • Pakistan – by Isabelle Shaw
  • Pakistan Handbook (Trade & Travel Handbooks/ Footprints)
  • Lonely Planet Pakistan & the Karakoram Highway *Trekking in the Karakoram and Hindu Kush by John Mock

Background Reading

  • Freedom at Midnight (by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre)
  • Danziger's Travel: Beyond Forbidden Frontiers (Collins, London, 1987)
  • Breaking the Curfew: A Political Journey through Pakistan (by E Duncan, 1989)
  • What is Islam? A Comprehensive Introduction (Virgin Publishing)
  • Mystical Islam; An introduction to Sufism (by J Baldick, 1989)

Useful Words& Phrases in Pakistan

  • Hello / Good Day - Alsalam aleikum
  • How are you? - K’ya hal-ha?
  • I am well thanks, and you? - Main thik hunaur ap?
  • Goodbye - Khuda hafiz
  • Excuse Me - Mihrbani
  • Thank You - Shukriya
  • Yes - Ji han
  • No - Ji Nahin
  • How Much? (price) - Kitna paisa?
  • Tea - Chay
  • Milk - Dudh
  • Sugar - Chini
  • The bill - Mihrbani/ Bill

Numbers

  • 1 - ek
  • 2 - dow
  • 3 - teen
  • 4 - char
  • 5 - paunch
  • 6 - chay
  • 7 - saat
  • 8 - aat
  • 9 - nau
  • 10 - das
  • 100 - sau
  • 200 - do sau
  • 1000 - hazar

Contact Details

Local Office
Agent in Pakistan
South Asia Travels
Person to contact, T.N Ahmed, Karim Baig
Telephone: +92-51-5568661

Mobile: T. N. Ahmed: 0300 - 5048895
Karim Baig: 0320 – 5110101

Address: 287, street no 3, Babu Bazaar
Rawalpindi Sadder Pakistan.

Regional Office (China)
TEL: +86 (0)773 8813361
FAX: +86 (0)773 8813362

UK Office
The Imaginative Traveller
1 Betts Avenue
Martlesham Heath
Ipswich
Suffolk
IP5 3RH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1473 667337
Fax: +44 (0)1473 614566

24hr Emergency Contact
(MOB): +86 139 7733 1844 (China)