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Visiting Pakistan

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How to come to Pakistan

By Air

More than 25 airlines fly to Pakistan from over 40 countries. Most of the flights arrive at Karachi, but Islamabad, Lahore, & Peshawar also have direct flights from the main Mediterranean, Middle East and European cities, as well as New York, Toronto and Nairobi.

From Iran :
More than 25 airlines fly to Pakistan from over 40 countries. Most of the flights arrive at Karachi, but PIA, British Airways, Saudia and China Xinjiang Airlines fly direct to the twin cities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad, and PIA, Indian Airlines, Saudia and Thai Airways fly direct to Lahore.
Pakistan International (PIA) has direct flights from the main Mediterranean and European cities, as well as New York, Toronto and Nairobi. It also runs a Far East Network from Tokyo, Beijing, Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. PIA have also flights to Tashkent and Almaty from Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar and Karachi while another Pakistani airlines, Aero Asia, Shaheen Air has a weekly flight between Karachi and Bishkek.
US$ 23 per person or equvivalent in Pak. rupee

By Land

From Iran:
Pak-Iran border crossing is only possible through Taftan-Zahidan, from 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs with break from 13:00 hrs to
·14:00 hrs. (Road | Railway Line).

From China:
PTDC (Pakistan Tourism Dev. Corp.) and NATCO (Northern Areas Transport Corp.) run buses,vans, and jeeps from Sost to Taxkurgan and one-way fare is fixed a The Khunjerab Pass is open from 1st May to 31st October for groups and to 15 November for individual tourists. Customs, Immigration post shall remain open daily from 08:30 to 11:00 for outgoing travellers and upto 16:00 (Pakistan Standard Time)for incoming tourists. Travel time from Sost to Taxkurgan (China) is 05 hours (220 kms). The Chinese border post, Taxkurgan is open 12:00 noon to 14:00 (Beijing Time) for outgoing tourists and upto 19:00 for incoming travellers daily.

From India :
Wagha is the only land border open between Pakistan and India (Lahore-Amritsar route). The Wagha border post is open daily for foreigners;
Summer (16 April to 15 October) 08:30 to 14:30 hrs and Winter (16 October to 15 April). Minibus No.12 leaves from outside Lahore Railway Station for Wagha every 15 minutes, costs approx US$ 0.20 per person. Taxi shall charge around US$ 8 for this half an hour journey.

By Bus

From India :
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has started a luxury, direct bus service between Lahore and Delhi w.e.f. 16 March, 1999. The 43-seater, air-conditioned bus leave simultaneousely from Faletti's Hotel, Egerton Road, Lahore and Dr. Ambedkar Terminal, Delhi Gate, New Delhi on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 06:00hours. One-way fare is equivalent to US$ 19 per person. The fare also includes cost of breakfast, lunch and evening tea. Total travel time is 11 hours. For bookings and information, please contact
PTDC office in Lahore
Tel:+92-42-6311961, 6363946-50
Fax:6364819
E-mail: ldb@ptdc.edunet.sdnpk.undp.org
and
DTC office in Delhi
Tel:+91-11-3317445
Fax:3715877
E-mail:dtc@nde.vsnl.net.in.

From Iran :
Several buses and coaches daily leave from Taftan to Quetta (634 km - 16 - 18 hours). Approximat fare is around US$ 08 per person on coach and US$ 07 per person on bus.

By Train

The Lahore-Delhi (Samjhota Express) train leaves Lahore at 11:00 hrs on Mondays and Thursdays.
Check-in time at Lahore Railway Station is 08:00 hrs. First Class fare to Delhi is approx.US$ 10,
Economy Class is US$ 3 whereas Lahore Amritsar First Class is US$ 2 and Economy Class is US$ 1 per son.

From Iran :
Pak-Iran border crossing is only possible through Taftan-Zahidan, from 09:00 hrs to 17:00 hrs with break from 13:00 hrs to 14:00 hrs.
There is a weekly express train from Zahidan to Quetta (via Taftan - 27 hours).
Economy Class fare with berth is approximately around US$ 10 and First Class Sleeper is US$ 13 per person. Another Passenger (slower) train leaves Taftan every Thursday for Quetta.

By Sea

No passenger boats or ships for the general public sail to or from Pakistan at present. A few pilgrim ships/boats, do ply between Pakistan and the Gulf States. There are some plans of starting a Ferry Service between Karachi and Dubai in near future. Please contact Pakistan National Ferry Services (Pvt.) Ltd., F-24/6 Block-9, Beverly Estate, Clifton, Karachi. Tel:021-5872518, 5872505
Fax: 5872596)
or Dubai office
Tel: 521515 for further information.

Travel Within Pakistan

Pakistan's national carrier, PIA serves 38 domestic airports with scheduled connections, including multiple daily flights between major cities of Karachi, Quetta, Multan, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar. Two private airlines, Aero Asia and Shaheen Air, also serve Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Islamabad. PIA has daily flights linking the northern tourist regions of Gilgit, Skardu and Saidu Sharif with Islamabad and Chitral with Peshawar. There is a weekly Air Safari over the northern mountains, leaving every Saturday from Islamabad. All flights to the northern regions are subject to good weather.

Airport Facilities

Airport Departure Tax :
International: Economy/Club/Business First Rs. 400 Rs. 600 Rs. 800
Domestic: Rs. 100

Foreign Travel Tax :
On tickets purchased inside Pakistan: Rs.1500
Note: Diplomats, transit passengers and children under 2 years are exempt.

Karachi International Airport:
14 km north-east of Karachi, Taxi takes 20 minutes (approx US$ 7 to city centre). Public bus charge approx US$ 0.25 per pax and takes around 01 hour.

Islamabad International Airport:
20 km east of Islamabad, Taxi takes 25 minutes (approx.US$ 7 to the city centre). Airport Van No.111 brings to Islamabad central and charges approx.US$0.25 per pax for a 01
hour ride.

Where To Stay :

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) operates 02 hotels and 29 well furnished, moderately priced Motels located through out Pakistan. For bookings in PTDC Motels, please contact PTDC Motels Head Office, Block B-4, Markaz F-7, Bhitai Road, Islamabad 44000.
UAN:+92-51-111555999/9203223
Fax:+92-51-9218233

Hotels:
Pakistan offers a wide range of accommodation. Modern, well equipped chain hotels like Sheraton and Avari (at Karachi & Lahore), Pearl Continental Hotels (at Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Bhurban and Abbottabad), Marriott (Karachi & Islamabad), Holiday Inn (Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Islamabad), Serena Hotels (Faisalabad, Quetta, Gilgit, Hunza and Saidu Sharif), Pine Park Hotels (Naran, Khannian & Shogran), Green Hotels (Nathiagali, Abbottabad, Peshawar), Shangrila Resorts & Hotels (Naran, Chilas, Skardu) offer good services and facilities. A government tax/duty up to o 17.5% is added to the rent at most places. There are official Dak Bungalows and Rest Houses at most of the hill stations and valleys, maintained by either Provincial Forest Department, Public Works Department (PWD) or by the local administration. Advance booking is recommended.

Youth Hostels:
Pakistan Youth Hostels Association (PYHA) was founded in 1951, which now runs a chain of 6 Youth Hostels all over Pakistan. Accommodation in these Youth Hostels is available to the members of International Youth Hostels Federation (IYHF) and its affiliated organizations. For more details and reservation, please contact PYHA Head Office located at Garden Road, G-6/4, near Aabpara, Islamabad.
Tel: +92-51-826899

What To See

Pakistan is a special interest destination. Its main attractions include adventure tourism in the Northern Areas, cultural and archaeological tourism as found at Taxila, Moenjodaro, Harappa and Swat and early Muslim and Mughal heritage of Multan, Lahore, Thatta and Peshawar. From themighty Karakorams in the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus river in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep, Camel and Yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching, are a few activities which entice the adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan.

What To Buy

Pakistan is a treasure house of exquisite handicrafts, made by a people who grew up to weave, to pot, to work metals, wood and stone, to decorate, to build things small and great. Pottery here is a living history, a traditional craft that became an art, with its origins going back to 3,000 years B.C. Today, each region of Pakistan claims its own special jars and jugs, from sturdy terracotta to paper-thin ceramics.

In vivid colours of mustard yellow, deep green, brick red and sky blue. For those keen on shopping, the prices are still quite reasonable. You will find yourself returning home with hand-woven carpets, marble pieces, copper and brass items, woodwork, embroidered "Kurtas" and "Khussas" and countless objects d'art.

What To Eat

Having inherited the culinary traditions of the Moghuls, the Turks, the Central Asians and the Iranians, eating out in Pakistan is a rich and unique experience. Most local restaurants serve authentic Pakistani dishes straight from the oven, with the sights and sounds of a bazaar in the background. Meat, fish and vegetable dishes are seasoned with spices. Particularly palatable are the grills and barbecues; Seekh-Kabab (minced meat grilled on skewer), Shami-Kabab (minced meat), Tikka (barbecued mutton, beef or chicken) and Sajji (barbecued leg of lamb). Pakistani mutton and chicken curries and the oriental rice dish called, Pullao, are also popular with natives and foreigners alike.
What to wear
Lightweight, cotton clothes suffice except in north in winter. Men wear suits for business meetings, social events. Casual shalwar suits are worn by all women and most men in public. Women should dress modestly.

Popular Tour Itineraries

Trekking In Pakistan

Pakistan is a paradise for trekkers. Most of the trekking routes lies in the northern mountains of the Hindukush, the Karakorams and the Himalayas. For most of the treks, trekking season is between May to October. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, has defined trekking as walking below 6000 m. It has designatedthree zones for trekking; open, restricted and closed. Foreigners may trek anywhere in open zone without a permit or services of a licensed mountain guide. For trekking in restricted zone, foreigners must pay a fee of US$ 20 per person per trek to obtain a trekking permit from the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of Pakistan Islamabad. It also requires to hire a licensed mountain guide; buy a personal accident insurance policy for the guide and the porters and to attend mandatory briefing and de-briefing at the Ministry of Tourism, on the beginning and end of the trekking trip. No trekking is allowed in closed zones which are the areas near Pak-Afghan border and near the Line of Control with Indian-held Kashmir.

Following regions/treks are located in open zone;

District Chitral:
treks in Kalash valleys, Chitral Gol National Park, Shishi Gol & Golen Gol, Lutkhu valley, Laspur valley and Bashqar Gol. However, a permission from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Chitral is required.

District Ghizer:
treks in upper Ghizer River Valley, Yasin Valley to Yarkhun Valley and Yasin Valley to Ishkoman Valley.

District Gilgit:
Bagrot & Haramosh Valleys, Naltar & Pakora Valleys.

Diamer District:
Nanga Parbat region.

Hunza Valley:
Nagar, Hunza proper, Gojal.

Baltistan:
Basha, Tormik & Stak Valleys, Deosai Mountains and Plains, Biafo Hispar traverse, Thalle La & Tusserpo La and Aling Glacier & K-6 Base Camp.
Restricted Zones

Following regions/treks are located in restricted zone;

Chitral District:
Turikho Valley and upper Yarkhun Valley.

Hunza:
Chapursan Valley

Baltistan:
Ashkoli to Concordia, Masherbrum Base Camp, Gondogoro Valley and K-7 Base Camp.

For a list of treks in open and restricted zones, and to have a copy of latest trekking rules & regulations, please write to the Public Relation Officer, Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan (Operation Section) Pakistan Sports Complex, Shahrah-e-Kashmir, near Aabpara, Islamabad. Tel:+92-51-9203509 Fax:+92-51-9202347).

Mountaineering In Pakistan

Northern Pakistan has the greatest concentration of the highest peaks of the world. It has 05 peaks over 8,000 metres including the world's second highest, K-2 (Chogori, 8611 m), 29 peaks of over 7,500 metres and 121 of over 7,000 metres. Hundreds of peaks are still lying un-climbed. This, is a great challenge for the mountaineers and mountain climbers the world over.

All peaks/routes for mountaineering have been designated as open zone or restricted zone. Permits for climbing peaks in open zone, are issued by the Ministry of Tourism, within 24 hours of the receipt of application. However, for peaks/routes in restricted zone, permit is issued within 14 days form the date of receipt of the application in Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan (Operation Section) Pakistan Sports Complex, Shahrah-e-Kashmir, near Aabpara, Islamabad.
Tel:+92-51-9203509 Fax:+92-51-9202347.
Pakistani Liaison Officer would accompany all mountaineering expeditions. The Government of Pakistan has fixed following rate or royalty for climbing peaks in Pakistan;

Sr. Heights Royalty in US$ up to 05 Climbers Additional fee for each Climbers
1 K-2 (8,611 m) 12,000 3,000
2 8,001 - 8,500 m 9,500 3,000
3 7,501 - 8,000 m 4,000 1,000
4 7,001 - 7,500 2m 2,500 500
5 6,000 - 7,000m 1,500 300
S# Peak Height (m) Int. Ranking Range
1 K-2 8611 2 Karakoram
2 Nanga Parbat 8125 9 Karakoram
3 Gasherbrum 1 8068 11 Karakoram
4 Broad Peak 8047 12 Karakoram
5 Gasherbrum II 8035 14 Karakoram
6 Gasherbrum III 7952 15 Karakoram
7 Gasherbrum IV 7925 17 Karakoram
8 Distaghil Sar 7885 20 Karakoram
9 Kunyang Chhish 7852 22 Karakoram
10 Masherbrum NE 7821 24 Karakoram
11 Rakaposhi 7788 27 Karakoram
12 Batura 7785 28 Karakoram
13 Kanjut Sar 7760 29 Karakoram
14 Saltro Kagri 7742 33 Karakoram
15 Trivor 7720 36 Karakoram
16 Tirichmir 7708 41 Karakoram
17 Chogolisa 7654 46 Karakoram
18 Shispare 7619 49 Karakoram
19 Skyang Kangri 7544 58 Karakoram
20 Pamuri Chhish 7492 67 Karakoram
21 Noshaq 7492 68 Karakoram
22 Tirichmir NW 7487 69 Karakoram
23 K-12 7468 73 Karakoram
24 Teram Kangri 7463 74 Karakoram
25 Malubiting W 7452 76 Karakoram
26 Sia Kingri 7422 79 Karakoram
27 Skilbrum 7420 80 Karakoram
28 Teram Kangri II 7406 82 Karakoram
29 Haramosh 7406 84 Karakoram
30 Istro-o-nal 7403 85 Karakoram
31 Mt Ghent 7400 86 Karakoram
32 Yukshin Gardan 7400 87 Karakoram
33 Ultar Sar I & II 7388 88 Karakoram

White Water Sports

The rivers of Pakistan, spread like a net through its length and breadth. Right from the heights of the Karakorams, the Himalayas and the Hindukush, Pakistan's rivers change its courses and flows until they all meet the mighty Indus, at different points, which ultimately falls into the Arabian Sea. These rivers are ideal for all types of water sports like, rafting, canoeing, boating and sailing. Following rivers in the Northern Pakistan, are open for water sports, besides the Indus, the Ravi and the Chenab in NWFP, Punjab and Sindh provinces;1. Indus (from Jaglot to Thakot)2. Kunhar (from Naran to Kaghan)3. Swat (from Bahrain to Saidu Sharif)4. Panjkora (from Dir to Batkhela)5. Hunza (from Aliabad to Gilgit).

Ministry of Interior

Islamabad, the 30th October, 2000

Sub: STREAMLINING OF TOURIST VISA POLICY

The undersigned is directed to refer to the Minorities, Culture, Sports, Tourism & Youth Affairs Division's O.M.. No.10(1)/2000-Reg/Misc dated 17-10-2000, on the above subject and to inform that on 13th October 2000, new visa policy has been announced by the Minister for Interior. With regard to tourist visa, the new policy provides that:-

  1.  
    1. Immigration Check posts have been authorized to issue 30 days landing permit to the tourists entering Pakistan without visa except nationals of the countries borne on negative list (Annexure - I).
    2. Under the present instructions, the Regional Passport Offices are authorized to allow initial three months entry visa to the tourists and to allow one extension unto three months. It has further been decided to authorize Regional Passport Offices to grant entry visa to the tourists (except the nationals of the countries borne on negative list) entering Pakistan on landing permit for a period of three months from the date of entry into Pakistan, charging visa fee fixed on reciprocal basis.
    3. The Regional Passport Offices have further been authorized to allow, on application, not more than two re-entries to the tourists, charging prescribed visa fee subject to a minimum of US$ 10 only.
    4. The Pakistan Missions abroad have been authorized to issue tourist visa for a maximum period of three months liberally to all foreign nationals except to the Indian nationals and the foreigners of Indian origin.
    5. All foreign nationals, including tourists, have been exempted from police registration, except the nationals from negative list countries.
  2. Necessary instructions have been issued to all Visa Issuing Authorities at home and abroad accordingly.
  3. In order to provide facility to the foreigners visiting Northern Areas, it has been decided to authorize Deputy Commissioner, Gilgit and Skardu, to allow extension to the tourists for a period of three months and one re-entry charging visa fee as per policy. They shall, however, exercise these powers themselves and will not delegate these powers to their subordinate officials.
  4. In order to provide maximum facilities to the foreigners, the RPOs have been directed to implement following instructions in letter and spirit:-
    1. Visa applications shall be accepted and visa signed by the Officer Incharge / Superintendent.
    2. The best available room in the office having adequate/proper seating arrangements and other amenities be allocated for foreigners.
    3. Special care should be exercised for proper cleanliness and maintenance of Visa Section.
    4. The dealing Assistant deployed at Visa Counter must be well mannered, polite, courteous and conversant with the Visa Rules and Regulations.
    5. It is to be ensured that the foreigners visiting offices are not put to un-necessary inconvenience. Prompt disposal of Visa cases is to be ensured.
    6. Before signing of Visa, it is to ensured that visa has been allowed for the entitled duration and prescribed fee has been realized.
    7. To ensure proper realization of prescribed visa fee and signing of visa, the signing authority will sign each each entry in the Visa Register and will affix his stamp (by name).
    8. The Officer Incharge of RPO will undertake immediate orientation of staff deployed at Visa Counters. The implementation of new visa scheme will be closely monitored by the Directors / Dy. Directors through personal visits/surprise checks.
  5. Minorities, Culture, Sports & Tourism and Youth Affairs Division are requested to take further necessary action to circulate the new visa policy to all concerned organizations/tourist agencies etc., a the earliest, under intimation to this Ministry.

Validity of Visa and Other Information

  1. Visa once issued, can be utilized within 6 months from the date of issue or as provided for.
  2. A single journey entry visa is valid for a stay up to 3 months unless other wise provided.
  3. Multiple journey visa is valid for a stay of 5 months at one time. Any number of journeys (normally six) during a specified period not exceeding one year, are allowed on such visas.
  4. Double entry visa can be issued to genuine tourists by Pakistani embassies abroad, if they possess return/onward air tickets and sufficient amount of foreign currency.
  5. Visa extension (maximum up to 3 months) is granted by Regional Passport & Immigration Offices in major cities of Pakistan (Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta etc.).
  6. Fresh visa is not required to travel from one province to another province of Pakistan, however, permission is needed for visit to some restricted areas. Please contact any PTDC Tourist Information Centre for details in this regard.
  7. Visitors staying over 30 days need to register themselves with the District Foreigners Registration Office within 30 days of their arrival in Pakistan. They should get a resident permit from the Registration Office in exchange to the temporary registration (form 'C') issued to them by Immigration authorities at the time of entry. Indian and Afghan visitors are required to obtain Police Registration within 24 hours of their arrival in Pakistan.

     

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