Pakistan Travel Guide
Did you know?
The population of Pakistan is around 220.89 mil., which puts the country in 5. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Islamabad (PK) and Washington D.C. (US) is 7066 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Islamabad click here
Country Comparison
Compare Pakistan to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Pakistan
Miles | Karachi | Lahore | Islamabad | Peshawar | Rawalpindi | Multan | Faisalabad | Taxila |
Karachi | - | 641 | 712 | 688 | 705 | 458 | 584 | 706 |
Lahore | 641 | - | 166 | 233 | 158 | 194 | 73 | 174 |
Islamabad | 712 | 166 | - | 89 | 8 | 261 | 160 | 14 |
Peshawar | 688 | 233 | 89 | - | 91 | 263 | 200 | 75 |
Rawalpindi | 705 | 158 | 8 | 91 | - | 253 | 151 | 17 |
Multan | 458 | 194 | 261 | 263 | 253 | - | 128 | 258 |
Faisalabad | 584 | 73 | 160 | 200 | 151 | 128 | - | 162 |
Taxila | 706 | 174 | 14 | 75 | 17 | 258 | 162 | - |
A Brief History of Pakistan
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
3000 B.C. - 1500 B.C.
Indus Valley civilizationThe Indus Valley civilization establishes industries and carries on trade.
1700 B.C.
Hindu religionAryan tribes from Asia invade the Indus Valley. Their strict class system and belief in many gods leads to the Hindu religion.
711 A.D.
IslamizationIslam comes to the region when Arab general Muhammad Bin Qasim conquers Sindh, a kingdom in the Indian subcontinent.
1526
Mogul EmpireThe rule of the Mogul Empire begins, unifying much of the subcontinent.
1858
British controlThe British overthrow the Moguls and take control of India.
1947
East Pakistan & West PakistanIndia gains independence. It is divided along religious lines into two countries, Muslim Pakistan and Hindu India. The new nation is separated into East Pakistan and West Pakistan, with India in the middle. Muhammad Ali Jinnah becomes Pakistan's leader.
1965
Kashmir WarPakistan and India go to war over Kashmir, a region they both claim. The dispute, which had also led to war in 1949, will flare up again in 1971 and 1999.
1971 - 1972
Bangladesh Liberation WarEast Pakistan proclaims its independence. After a civil war, it becomes the independent nation of Bangladesh.
1998
Nuclear weaponIn response to India's testing of nuclear weapons, Pakistan conducts its own test.
2001
War on terrorAfter the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S., Pakistan becomes a U.S. ally in the war to remove the Taliban and al-Qaida from Afghanistan.
2007
Benazir Bhutto assassinationFormer Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is assassinated during a campaign rally.
Best Ways to Experience Pakistan
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Currency
MorePakistan Rupee (PKR)
- EUR
- GBP
- PKR
- USD
- EUR
- GBP
- PKR
- USD
= |
Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Pakistan.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a digestive disease caused by the hepatitis A virus and is closely related to a lack of good hygiene.It can be asymptomatic, moderate, or very severe.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Japanese Encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis is an infectious disease caused by arboviruses from the same family of microbes (Flaviviridae) that cause yellow fever or tick-borne encephalitis.The vector of infection is mosquitoes of the genus Culex and Aedes.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Prevent bug bites
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Pakistan
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting Pakistan for tourism
Updated on 2 March 2023. Based on Visa requirements for United States citizensA visa is required but can be obtained online (e-Visa).
- Allowed stay: 30 days
- Electronic Travel Authorization to obtain a visa on arrival for tourism purposes.
- Electronic Travel Authorization to obtain a visa on arrival for business purposes.
- Online Visa eligible.
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Pakistan the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type C, D sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more informationFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 5 / 231 Ranking | 220 892 340 Punjabi 44.68%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.42%, Sindhi 14.1%, Sariaki 8.38%, Muhajirs 7.57%, Balochi 3.57% |
Area | 35 / 230 Ranking | 340.5 thous. mi² It is approximately 9% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 149 / 196 Ranking | 69.4 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 67.3women 71.5 |
Median age | 33 / 157 Ranking | 22 Average age of population expressed in years.men 21.9women 22.1 |
Population growth | 40 / 172 Ranking | 1.99% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 115 / 131 Ranking | 58% Ability to read, write and count.men 69.3%women 46.5% |
GDP | 147 / 194 Ranking | 4 811 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |