Pakistan Treks & Expeditions

Pakistan offers some of the world’s most spectacular mountain landscapes and ancient cultures, with the best regions to explore including the Karakoram, Hunza Valley, Skardu and Baltistan, the Hindu Kush and Lahore.

Karakoram Mountains: Pakistan’s Karakoram range contains some of the world’s highest peaks where trekking routes approach legendary mountains including K2.

Hunza Valley: Hunza’s terraced fields and dramatic mountain scenery create one of the most beautiful valleys in the Karakoram.

Skardu & Baltistan: Skardu provides the gateway to high-altitude trekking landscapes and glaciers in Baltistan.

Hindu Kush Mountains: The Hindu Kush range offers remote trekking through rugged mountain landscapes.

Lahore Cultural Heartland: Lahore preserves remarkable Mughal architecture and rich cultural heritage.

The best time to travel to Pakistan for hiking, trekking and adventure touring is generally May–Oct, when temperatures are comfortable and conditions are favourable for exploring landscapes, national parks and cultural highlights.

Pakistan has a mountain-influenced climate where temperatures vary with altitude, typically ranging between 5°C and 25°C (41°F–77°F). Valleys can feel mild while alpine areas remain cooler.

Travelling outside the main season can still be rewarding, with quieter trails, seasonal landscapes and unique experiences depending on rainfall, wildlife activity or snow conditions.

Pakistan is +5 hours ahead of UTC/GMT

The main language spoken in Pakistan is Urdu (similar to Hindi), which is taught in schools. English is also widely spoken by business people, officials, guides/staff and in hotels.

There are many different tribal languages spoken throughout the country, which are strongly influenced by their geographic location, as well as historic and religious background. Widely regarded as the fiercest warriors and the most handsome of men in early history, the Pathan tribe, located near the border of Pakistan & Afghanistan, with 17 million people is the largest tribal group in the world. They speak Pashto, and can be found in Peshawar, along the Khyber Pass and in much of the northern areas. Balti is most commonly spoken in the Baltistan of which the Baltoro Glacier is part of it.

Pakistani rupee

+92

Electricity in Pakistan is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

All travellers require a visa for Pakistan. The process for visas and trekking permits for Pakistan can be time consuming and we encourage you to return all the required documents as soon as possible. This is due to the fact it can take several weeks for visa invitation letters to be issued, followed by up to four 4 weeks for visas to be issued (subject to change) once the online visa application has been lodged. Your physical passport is no longer required to be sent anywhere and visas are now e-visas.

The below documents/information are required in order to obtain the invitation letter (also known as a sponsor letter) which is then required to apply for a Pakistan Visa. These should be sent to your reservations consultant at World Expeditions without delay.

A clear copy of the passport data page

The name of the Pakistan High Commission/ Consulate nearest to your home, so the invitation letter provided can be correctly addressed. Note the process is undertaken online, however the high commission/consulate nearest you is the issuing authority.

Confirmation of your home address, if it differs from the that provided on your booking form.

These details will then be sent to our office in Pakistan who will process your invitation letter and return it to World Expeditions.

Once the invitation letter/s are ready, they will be emailed to you so you can apply for your visa. The visa is applied for online at https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/mountaineering-trekking/

At time of writing, online visa applications are possible for AU, NZ, UK, US, Danish, Argentinean and Canadian Passport holders, among others. Visa type is a ‘Mountaineering & Trekking Visa’ There are two visa options – Trekking and Mountaineering and there are differing application forms. A mostly completed template will provided for your use by your World Expeditions reservations consultant. Note the form provided is normally downloaded from the website and the forms may change, please check and use the one online in the event of changes. In August 2024, visa fees were removed for citizens of 126 countries, this is subject to change depending on visa type, please refer to the website noted above.

The processing of the visa can take up to 4 weeks. Note your passport must be valid for six months beyond exit date and have two blank facing visa pages. The e-visa provided by the Pakistan Government will be the actual visa for Pakistan and with it you will be allowed to enter Pakistan upon arrival. There is not a physical visa or any need to have your passport sent away anywhere. The immigration staff will verify the e-visa on arrival.