From its marble mosques to kite-flying festivals and leopard-haunted hills, Pakistan is a land of colour and culture. Visit Islamabad’s prosperous streets and shopping malls, and the UNESCO World Heritage gardens and mosques of Lahore. Outside the cities, take-your-breath-away scenery abounds, with valleys, meadows and ravines set against snow-capped peaks.
Capital city
Islamabad
Currency
The Pakistani rupee
Cuisine
Tricky to pin down, but sure to delight: Pakistani cuisine is a tapestry of flavours and influences. Bold spices and fresh herbs season hearty dishes like curries and biryanis, as well as snacks such as samosas and pakoras. Try a refreshing lassi drink, and end meals with a sweet, like semolina-based halwas.
Tipping etiquette
Leaving a small tip in restaurants and for hotel staff is appreciated. Rounding up the fare for a traditional taxi is considered courteous.
Saying hello
“Asalaam-u-alaikum” (peace be upon you) is the most common way to say hello in Pakistan, used by Muslim residents.
There’s something to see in every season in Pakistan. Visit the northern regions in summer (May to September) to avoid the south’s monsoons and extreme heat - but it’s still worth bringing a warm jumper. Spring is a good time to sightsee in Islamabad, with pleasant temperatures and blooming green spaces, but even in winter it never gets too chilly. Avoid December and January in Lahore, when smoke from crop burning fills the air.
Look up to see kite-filled skies in the Punjab region during the spring festival of Basant. As well as kite flying, traditional music, dance and food all usher in the warmer season.