Is Pakistan Safe for Travelers in 2026?

Our Honest Experience

Pakistan rarely appears on most travelers' radar. When it does, it's almost always through negative headlines that overshadow the country's incredible beauty and extraordinary hospitality. After traveling through Pakistan with my partner in 2025, I need to share the truth: this country is one of the most spectacular, welcoming, and underrated destinations I've ever experienced.

A few years ago, I would never have considered traveling to Pakistan. Like many people, I only heard negative news the kind of headlines that create fear rather than curiosity. My experience in Pakistan has completely transformed my perspective, and I'm already planning my return in 2026.

Let me share what Pakistan was really like for me.

What We Expected vs. What We Found

Before arriving in Pakistan, we braced ourselves for what we thought would be a smaller, chaotic India, constantly loud, perpetually crowded, with rough, challenging roads like we'd experienced in Nepal.

We couldn't have been more wrong.

Outside of Lahore's atmospheric Old City, Pakistan was never overwhelmingly loud or suffocatingly crowded. The infrastructure shocked us. The highway from Lahore to Islamabad? An impressive eight-lane motorway that would rival highways in Europe. Heading into the mountains, we found excellently paved roads with modern tunnels cutting through the terrain, engineering marvels that made our journey smooth and comfortable.

Yes, venture far off the main paths and you'll encounter rougher conditions with some long, bumpy stretches. But these were the exception, not the rule. The vast majority of Pakistan's tourist routes feature roads that exceeded our expectations completely.

Traveling as a Couple: Our Experience

My partner and I traveled through Pakistan together, experiencing the incredible warmth and hospitality of this beautiful country. People were curious, friendly, and respectful throughout our journey, creating memorable interactions wherever we went.

The Female Perspective: Attention That Feels Like Celebration

Let me be direct about what it's like traveling as a woman in Pakistan, because this is often the biggest concern I hear. Yes, you will attract attention in Pakistani cities. With bustling streets full of people and Western tourists still being relatively rare, you'll definitely be noticed when visiting temples, markets, and historical sites.

But here's what that attention actually feels like: celebration. Every interaction we had was marked by warmth, politeness, and genuine respect.

I never felt threatened, pressured, or uncomfortable, not once. The curiosity people showed felt like enthusiasm that we'd chosen to visit their country, not like unwanted intrusion. The attention manifests most visibly through photo requests, and this deserves its own story.

The Photo Phenomenon: From Uncertain to Unforgettable, picture this: you're exploring a historic site when suddenly, people start asking for photos with you. Then more join. Before you know it, there's an actual queue, families, excited children, groups of friends - all wanting to capture a moment with the Western visitors.

The first time this happened, I wasn't sure how to feel. Would it become overwhelming?

It didn't. Every single person was incredibly kind and respectful. What could have felt intrusive became one of the most heartwarming parts of our journey. These weren't just quick selfies, people thanked us for visiting, asked where we were from, shared their favorite Pakistani destinations, and expressed genuine joy that we chose their country.

The photo requests reflect something beautiful: immense pride Pakistanis have in their country and authentic excitement about welcoming the world to discover it. Our guides helped manage these moments smoothly, letting us enjoy the connections while keeping our day flowing.

Why Local Guides Made All the Difference

During our time in cities, we always traveled with a local guide, and I cannot recommend this enough. Here's why it transformed our experience:

Language Opens Doors

While many Pakistanis speak English, having someone fluent in Urdu and local languages made everything richer. Our guide didn't just translate words—he translated culture, explained context, shared stories we would have completely missed, and helped us understand the deeper meaning behind what we were experiencing.

Insider Knowledge is Invaluable

Our guide knew exactly where to go, which hidden gems to visit, how to navigate efficiently, and which experiences would resonate most. This insider perspective saved us time while revealing the authentic Pakistan that guidebooks can't capture.

Navigating the Cash Economy

Pakistan largely operates on cash. Credit cards work in bigger hotels and restaurants, but most payments require Pakistani rupees. Some ATMs can be unreliable with foreign cards, but our guide knew exactly which ones worked, making everything smooth and hassle free.

Our Travel Partnership: Working with the Best

For the main portion of our trip, we connected with a local partner who we now work with closely and recommend without hesitation. We traveled with their guide and private driver an experience so outstanding that we now integrate them into our own travel offerings.

This setup exceeded every expectation. Everything was meticulously organized, from carefully selected accommodations to perfectly timed activities. Having dedicated transportation meant we could relax and absorb the incredible landscapes as our skilled driver navigated the mountain roads with expertise and confidence.

Our guide provided invaluable cultural insights, handled all interactions with warmth and professionalism, and ensured every day flowed seamlessly. The combination of deep local knowledge, genuine hospitality, and impeccable organization made our journey effortless.

The professionalism and care we experienced were so impressive that this partnership became foundational to how we now help others discover Pakistan. When you work with the right people on the ground, people who genuinely love their country and want to share it authentically, Pakistan reveals itself in the most enriching, memorable ways possible.

Short on time? Explore our 14-day itinerary across Pakistan

The Cities: Modern, Surprising, and Full of Character

First Impressions: Expectations vs. Reality

Before arriving in Pakistan, we expected something like a smaller India, constantly loud, perpetually crowded, with rough roads like we'd experienced in Nepal. What we found was almost the complete opposite.Outside of Lahore's Old City, it was never overwhelmingly loud or packed. The roads are surprisingly modern and well-maintained.

The highway from Lahore to Islamabad is an impressive eight-lane motorway in sections. Even heading into the mountains, the main routes are excellently paved with many tunnels cutting through the terrain. Only when you venture off the main paths do conditions become more challenging, with some stretches being long and bumpy—but the vast majority of roads exceeded our expectations completely.

Islamabad: A Modern Marvel

Islamabad completely shattered every preconception I had about Pakistan. This city is stunningly modern, impeccably clean, and beautifully designed with tree-lined avenues and contemporary architecture that rivals any European capital.

The café culture alone deserves a trip. We discovered wonderfully designed spaces serving exceptional coffee and innovative cuisine, where young Pakistanis gathered in relaxed, cosmopolitan settings. These weren't trying to imitate Western cafés—they had their own distinct Pakistani character while offering world-class quality.

Restaurants in Islamabad impressed us at every turn, from traditional Pakistani cuisine to international fusion. The attention to detail, presentation, and flavor profiles showed a city confident in its culinary scene and eager to showcase it.

Walking through Islamabad's modern shopping districts, parks, and cultural spaces felt worlds away from the outdated image many people still hold of Pakistan. This is a capital looking firmly toward the future while honoring its heritage.

Lahore: Where History Breathes

Lahore is pure magic. The Old City possesses an atmosphere impossible to describe adequately, you simply have to experience it. The energy, the centuries-old architecture, the vibrant street life, the layers of history visible in every corner create an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.

The Mughal heritage is breathtaking. Walking through the Badshahi Mosque, exploring Lahore Fort, wandering the narrow lanes where artisans practice crafts passed down through generations, these experiences gave us a profound connection to the region's rich past.

A Practical Recommendation:

While the Old City is absolutely essential to visit during the day, I'd personally recommend staying in Lahore's newer districts. The modern areas offer spacious accommodations, peaceful evenings, and easier access to contemporary amenities. This balance let us fully immerse ourselves in Lahore's historical treasures during the day, then retreat to calm, comfortable spaces to rest and reflect in the evenings. After hours of sensory-rich exploration, having that quieter home base made all the difference.

The Mountains: Beyond Words

How do I describe Pakistan's mountains? Honestly, I don't think I can do them justice with words alone. I've traveled extensively, but I have never and I mean never, seen anything as spectacular as what Pakistan's northern regions offer.

A Land of Giants Pakistan is home to over 5,000 peaks exceeding 6,000 meters in elevation. The country contains five of the world's fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, including K2, the world's second-highest mountain. Standing before these giants, you feel simultaneously insignificant and profoundly connected to something ancient and powerful

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Autumn Perfection

We visited in autumn, and the timing was flawless. Crystal-clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and exceptional visibility created ideal conditions for experiencing the mountains in all their glory. We hiked through valleys that seemed painted rather than real, witnessed landscapes so stunning they didn't look like they could exist on Earth, and saw mountain vistas that no photograph could possibly capture.

Accommodations That Match the Views

One of the biggest surprises? The quality of accommodations in the mountains. I was absolutely stunned by the dreamlike properties we stayed in hotels and guesthouses nestled in valleys or perched on hillsides with panoramic views that made every morning feel like waking up in a painting. We also experienced simpler, more authentic mountain accommodations, and honestly, these added to the adventure. When you're deep in remote mountain regions, basic facilities are part of the authentic experience. When you're surrounded by 7,000-meter peaks and ancient glaciers, the simplicity of your lodging becomes irrelevant, nature provides all the luxury you need.

My Personal Highlight: Seeing Glaciers for the First Time

Glaciers had always been an abstract concept to me, something in documentaries, not something I'd ever witnessed. Standing before my first glacier, seeing this massive river of ancient ice, understanding its power and timeless presence, created one of the most moving experiences of my life. The fact that these natural wonders are accessible, with proper guidance making the experience both safe and deeply meaningful, shows how well-developed Pakistan's mountain tourism infrastructure has become.

Pakistans Glaciers are simply stunning and absolutely blow my mind.

The Food: South Asia's Best-Kept Culinary Secret

Let me be absolutely clear: after spending almost five months traveling through Central and South Asia, I ate the best food of my entire journey during my four weeks in Pakistan. Not just good food, but exceptional, memorable, world-class cuisine that deserves international recognition.

Pakistani food was consistently delicious, beautifully presented, and incredibly diverse. From street vendors grilling fresh kebabs to elegant restaurants serving refined regional specialties, everything exceeded expectations. The flavors are complex and layered with aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and cooking techniques perfected over generations.

Food Safety

We had zero issues with food safety throughout our trip. The quality and hygiene standards, especially in established restaurants and hotels, were excellent. We ate with confidence everywhere we went.

Water Precautions

For drinking water, we always purchased bottled water. This is an important precaution that's easy to follow since bottled water is readily and inexpensively available everywhere. This is standard practice and should absolutely be followed.

Pakistani cuisine deserves far more international recognition than it receives. If you're a food lover, Pakistan alone makes the journey worthwhile.

Safety: My Honest Assessment

Let me address safety directly, because I know this is the primary concern for most potential visitors.

Where We Traveled (All Safe)

• Islamabad: Modern, secure, felt completely safe at all times

• Lahore: Both the historic Old City and modern districts, safe and welcoming

• Hunza Valley: Stunning, peaceful, popular with international visitors

• Skardu and mountain regions: Remote but well-established for tourism, felt secure throughout

• Gilgit-Baltistan: Beautiful and safe for travelers
  

My Personal Experience

During our entire journey through Pakistan, I never once felt unsafe, threatened, or uncomfortable. Not in cities, not in remote mountain villages, not anywhere. The level of genuine hospitality and care we received from every Pakistani we encountered created a sense of security that went beyond just physical safety, it was emotional security, knowing that everyone we met wanted our experience to be positive.

Current Context (Early 2026)

Pakistan experienced some tensions in May 2025, but tourism in the main areas has continued normally. The tourist circuits we traveled are stable, well-organized, and increasingly popular with international travelers who are discovering what we discovered: Pakistan is a safe, spectacular destination.

Practical ApproachSome regions require special permits and aren't part of standard tourist routes, but you wouldn't accidentally end up there. The established tourist circuits (which cover all the incredible destinations) are well-developed and safe. Travel with reputable guides who know the regions intimately, follow their advice, and you'll have a secure, enriching experience.

Practical Tips for Your Pakistan Journey

Based on our experience, here are my recommendations:

1. Connect with trusted local partners who provide experienced guides and drivers

2. Explore the main tourist circuits which offer incredible diversity and beauty

3. Dress modestly, embracing the local culture respectfully

4. Carry cash and ask your guide about the best ATMs for foreign cards

5. Embrace photo requests and enjoy these wonderful friendly interactions

6. Respect local customs and you'll be rewarded with even warmer hospitality

7. Consider working with people who know Pakistan intimately

The People: Pakistan's Greatest Treasure

I cannot overstate how genuinely kind, helpful, and welcoming Pakistani people are. This is not politeness driven by tourism, but authentic hospitality that comes straight from the heart and defines the culture. From our guides to strangers we met on the street, from restaurant staff to fellow hikers in remote mountain regions, every interaction confirmed that Pakistani hospitality is not just a reputation but a lived reality. People went out of their way to help us, shared their food without hesitation, invited us for tea and conversation, and showed sincere interest in making sure we had a positive experience in their country.

The warmth we experienced turned our trip from simple sightseeing into a deep human connection that I will treasure forever. More than the mountains, the food, or the architecture, this is what truly makes Pakistan special: the people who call it home.

Why Pakistan Deserves Your Attention Right Now

A few years ago, I would never have considered traveling to Pakistan. The country simply was not on my radar. Like most people, my impressions came only from negative news cycles that create fear instead of curiosity and focus on conflict rather than beauty.

My experience completely changed that perspective.

Pakistan is breathtaking. Whether you are drawn to its magnificent mountains or its rich cultural heritage, whether you love food or history, it is a destination that belongs on every adventurous traveler’s list. Yet it remains remarkably undiscovered by international tourism.

I am already planning my return in 2026 to explore even more. I want to hike further off the beaten path, discover hidden valleys, spend more time in Islamabad’s vibrant café scene, and connect more deeply with the people and places that left such a strong impression on me.

What makes Pakistan special is not one single element. It is the combination of extraordinary natural beauty, deep cultural heritage, genuinely kind people, outstanding food, and steadily improving infrastructure that creates one of the most rewarding travel experiences I have ever had.

Does traveling there require thoughtful planning? Yes. Should you travel with knowledgeable guides? Absolutely. But the same is true for many popular destinations around the world.

What Pakistan offers in return is something increasingly rare: an authentic and transformative travel experience in a country that still feels genuine and largely undiscovered. You will see landscapes that take your breath away, experience hospitality that restores your faith in humanity, and return home with stories and perspectives few travelers can share.

Pakistan is not just safe. It is spectacular. And it is time more people discovered it.

Final Thoughts: Your Pakistan Journey Awaits

If you're adventurous, open-minded, and excited to engage with a fascinating culture that most of the world has overlooked, Pakistan is calling.

Don't let outdated perceptions or sensationalized headlines prevent you from experiencing one of the most incredible countries on Earth. The Pakistan I experienced was safe, welcoming, and utterly unforgettable. It fundamentally changed how I think about travel and reminded me that the most rewarding experiences often come from the places we least expect, the destinations that haven't been discovered by mass tourism yet.

Working with knowledgeable local partners like the exceptional guide and driver who became our trusted collaborators ensures you experience Pakistan at its absolute best. Their expertise, connections, and genuine passion for sharing their country create journeys that transcend typical tourism. You're not just visiting Pakistan; you're being welcomed into it.

Pack your modest clothing, bring your sense of adventure and openness, and prepare for a journey that will exceed every expectation you have. Pakistan is waiting to surprise you, inspire you, and show you beauty you didn't know existed.

The question isn't whether Pakistan is safe in 2026. The question is: are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Experience Pakistan With Us

We're thrilled to introduce our two carefully curated tours:

Discover Pakistan - 2 Weeks Through This Beautiful Country: A comprehensive journey that takes you through Pakistan's most captivating destinations, from the modern cities to the breathtaking mountain landscapes.

The Essence of Pakistan: The absolute experience to explore the best spots in this remarkable country. This tour captures everything that makes Pakistan truly special the culture, the people, the landscapes, and the moments that take your breath away.

We're also currently preparing and working on a fully dedicated hiking tour that will take adventure seekers deep into Pakistan's stunning mountain regions, offering an immersive experience in some of the most spectacular trekking terrain on Earth.

Join us in discovering the Pakistan that changed our lives we can't wait to share it with you.