🇵🇰 eSIM plans for Pakistan

Pakistan offers a mix of dramatic landscapes and deep history. From the Karakoram Mountains to Lahore and the Indus Valley, the country rewards travellers who plan ahead. Start in the north for mountain scenery: Hunza Valley and Fairy Meadows are accessible via the Karakoram Highway. In the south, explore the ancient Indus Valley Civilization at Mohenjo-daro. For Mughal-era grandeur, spend time in Lahore visiting the Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque. With a bit of flexibility, you can combine trekking, heritage sites, and city life in one trip.

• Hunza Valley - A high-altitude valley in Gilgit-Baltistan known for terraced fields and views of Rakaposhi. Stay in Karimabad and visit Altit Fort.
• Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque - One of Pakistan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The fort’s Sheesh Mahal and the mosque’s courtyard are highlights.
• Mohenjo-daro - A UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Indus Valley Civilization. It is one of the oldest planned cities in the world. Visit the museum and the Great Bath.
• Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat - A meadow at the base of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak. Access requires a jeep ride from Tato village.
• Karakoram Highway - The road connecting Pakistan to China. It passes through Attabad Lake, the Hunza River, and the Rakaposhi viewpoint.

• Biryani - A layered rice dish with spiced meat, often chicken or mutton. Karachi and Lahore have famous versions.
• Nihari - A slow-cooked stew of beef or mutton, eaten with naan. It is a breakfast dish in many cities.
• Karahi - A wok-cooked curry of meat and tomatoes. The chicken or mutton karahi from Lahore is popular.
• Seekh Kebab - Minced meat skewers grilled over charcoal. Street stalls in Karachi and Islamabad serve them fresh.
• Samosas - Crispy fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes or minced meat. They are a common street snack.

Pakistan’s climate varies greatly by region. The best time for the northern valleys and the Karakoram Highway is from March to May and September to November. Spring brings blooming apricot trees and mild weather. Autumn offers clear skies and pleasant trekking conditions. Summer from June to August is the monsoon season in the mountains, with rain and landslides possible. For Lahore and Islamabad, winter from December to February is cool and dry, ideal for sightseeing. Summer in the plains can be very hot, with temperatures above 40°C. The coastal area around Karachi is best visited from November to March, when humidity is lower.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing - Essential for the hot plains and coastal areas. Cotton or linen fabrics work well.
• Warm layers and jacket - Necessary for northern valleys, especially in spring and autumn. A fleece or down jacket is useful.
• Sturdy hiking boots - Important for treks in the Karakoram and Hindu Kush. Make sure they are broken in before you go.
• High SPF sunscreen and sunglasses - The sun is intense at altitude and in the plains. Reapply often.
• Water bottle and water purification tablets - Tap water is not safe to drink. Purification tablets are a lightweight backup.