Pakistan is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world — from the Karakoram peaks to the Indus Valley civilization ruins, and from vibrant bazaars to serene beaches. If you’re planning your visit, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to come to Pakistan by air and land, including flights, border details, and travel tips.
🛫 By Air
Pakistan is connected to the world through several international airlines.
- National Airline (PIA): Direct connections to major destinations in the USA, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.
- Other Pakistani Airlines: Airblue, Aero Asia, and Shaheen Air operate on both domestic and international routes.
- International Airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Saudia, and others fly to Pakistan.
- Major International Airports in Pakistan:
- Islamabad (ISB) – capital and northern gateway
- Karachi (KHI) – largest city and port
- Lahore (LHE) – cultural and historical hub
- Peshawar (PEW) – entry point for Khyber Pass and northern Pakistan
- Other airports: Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Quetta
🚍 By Land
🇨🇳 From China (Khunjerab Pass)
- Open: 1st May – 31st October (groups) / till 15th November (individual tourists).
- Customs & Immigration: 0830–1100 hrs outgoing / till 1600 hrs incoming (PST).
- Distance: Sost (Pakistan) – Taxkurgan (China): 220 km, approx. 5 hours.
- Transport: PTDC, NATCO, Xinjiang Transport Company run buses, vans & jeeps.
- Fare: Around US$ 33 per person.
🇮🇷 From Iran (Taftan–Zahedan)
- Border crossing open daily 0900–1700 hrs (break 1300–1400).
- Distance: Taftan–Quetta: 634 km (12 hours).
- Fare: Around Rs. 1500 (coach) / Rs. 1800 (bus).
🇦🇫 From Afghanistan
- Border crossings possible via:
- Chaman (Balochistan) → Quetta route.
- Torkham (Khyber Pass) → Peshawar route.
🇮🇳 From India (Wagah Border)
- Only open border between Pakistan & India (Lahore–Amritsar route).
- Timings:
- Summer (Apr 18 – Oct 15): 08:30 – 14:30 hrs
- Winter (Oct 16 – Apr 15): 09:00 – 15:00 hrs
- Transport:
- Bus No. 4 from Lahore Railway Station to Wagah every 15 min (~US$ 0.20).
- Taxi: Approx. US$ 8 for a 30-min journey.
- Lahore–Delhi Bus Service (LDBS): Operated by PTDC, connecting the two cities.
đź’° Currency & Money
- Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR).
- ATMs available in cities, carry cash in remote regions.
- Foreign exchange available at airports, banks, and exchange companies.
đź’‰ Health & Safety
- Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio.
- Yellow Fever certificate required from endemic zones.
- Carry bottled water, avoid tap water.
- Malaria precautions advised in rural areas.
🧳 Customs Allowances
Tourists may bring in personal clothing, cameras, laptops, and reasonable personal-use items.
- Allowed: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 1 still camera, 1 laptop, personal toiletries.
- Not allowed: Drugs, antiques (like Gandhara sculptures), weapons, and alcohol (restricted, but available for non-Muslims in licensed hotels).
🗺️ Must-See Destinations in Pakistan
- North: Hunza Valley, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Deosai National Park.
- Central: Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, Multan shrines, Islamabad’s Faisal Mosque.
- South: Karachi beaches, Mohenjo-daro ruins, Makran Coastal Highway.
- Mountains: K2, Nanga Parbat, Rakaposhi — paradise for trekkers & climbers.
âś… Quick Travel Tips
- Best visiting seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
- Dress modestly, especially in rural areas.
- Always carry passport & visa copies.
- SIM cards available at airports for easy communication.
- Use licensed tour operators for remote northern areas.
- English widely spoken in major cities.
🌟 Final Word
Whether you fly in directly, cross through the Wagah border from India, or take the adventurous Silk Route from China, Pakistan offers multiple entry points for every kind of traveler. With breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and a mix of cultures, your journey to Pakistan will be unforgettable.
👉 Contact our travel agency for visa guidance, airport pickup, hotel reservations, and guided tours — we make your Pakistan experience seamless from arrival to departure.
