When somebody says, “I'm going backpacking,” and you reply, “where are you going?” Pakistan is not what you expect to hear.
Let's face it, the country has had its fair share of bad press and negative stereotypes develop over the years.
Yet, 29-year-old adventurer Will Hatton, contributor at The Broke Backpacker, is on a mission to dispel the myths about Pakistan.
Will truly believes if you're even just a little bit intrigued by adventure, you need to go to Pakistan.
A 26-year-old Will first visited Pakistan in 2015, following an epic seven-year journey through some of our world's most wicked and wonderful places. All of this on an impossibly tiny budget, often no more than $10 a day.
Despite seeing the orange sunsets on Thai beaches, or the ancient Latin ruins built into Machu Picchu, Will considers Pakistan “simply the greatest country in the world” for adventurers. But why? We asked Will.
Surprises in Pakistan
1. The Diverse Cultures of Pakistan
Pakistan is home to dozens of languages, with its official language, Urdu, only the fourth most commonly spoken.
Hundreds of culturally unique communities across Pakistan follow various faiths, participate in different social practices, and speak many different languages.
Pakistan is perhaps one of the most multi-ethnic countries on the planet, with the average person able to speak three or more languages.
English-speaking visitors should not be afraid, as many in Pakistan speak excellent English – a mark left by the compulsory introduction of English in schools during the rule of the British Raj.
2. The Gargantuan Mountains and Enormous Glaciers
Pakistan is home to an astonishing variety of climates. Its diverse landscapes range from sweeping arid desert plains to vast, towering ranges of ice-covered peaks to temperate forest valleys brimming with wildflowers.
Few countries on Earth can match the varied beauty and mystique of Pakistan. In the furthest northern reaches of the country, the Karakoram Mountains dominate the skyline.
These daunting peaks are often mistakenly included among the neighboring Himalayas, a testament to their grand scale.
Four of the world's most massive glaciers can be found among these peaks, some dozens of miles long.
Having participated in and led expeditions across these glaciers, Will Hatton describes them as “like worlds unto themselves,” reflecting on the surreal experience of being surrounded by miles of ice at the top of the world.
Though Will has also spent many months exploring the Himalayas through several countries, he still regards the Karakoram mountains to be the most stunning he has ever seen – and a natural paradise for trekkers. All found in a place many would never expect it to be.
3. The Wealth of History in Pakistan
Some of the world's most ancient civilizations were birthed in the region now considered Pakistan.
Over 5,000 years ago, the Indus River, which flows centrally through Pakistan, gave sustenance to tens of thousands of people by allowing them to farm in an otherwise arid climate.
These peoples invented some of the earliest systems of writing and mathematics and built prosperous trading cities of stone and brick – some of the first in the world.
They held religions older than any found today, leaving behind only cryptic glimpses of their faith.
After several thousand years, a quickly changing climate caused generations of crops to fail, ensuring a famine that doomed these civilizations to ruin.
However, to this day, their ruins remain and can be seen in travels along the path of the Indus River (so Will tells us). Later, Pakistan was the heartland of the Mughal Empire, and many of their elaborate forts remain.
Pakistan is also home to some of the world's most significant Buddhist monuments and relics, primarily found in the northern provinces.
The northern regions were an essential segment of the historic Silk Road, a long-standing trading network that linked the Eastern and Western worlds in ancient times and through which vast wealth was passed for over a thousand years.
Pakistan's rich and ancient heritage is apparent to this day, for any adventurer curious enough to seek it. When it comes to discussing Pakistan's history, Will has some advice.
“Despite the Pakistanis' love of discussing their own local history, I would suggest keeping anything controversial to a minimum, just because it's a little bit disrespectful to go somewhere with any cultural baggage and not give them the time of day to give their own opinions.”
Related: India-Pakistan Border Ceremony
4. The Safety for Foreign Travelers
In the minds of many in the west, Pakistan is a country associated firmly with conflict and strife. In decades past, the country has seen perhaps more than its fair share of violence.
The Taliban's occupation of some northern regions ended only a decade ago, and more recently, contentions over the province of Kashmir have provoked a flaring of violence along the southern border.
Wait. Breathe. Despite all the taboos, it is crucial to recognize that any conflict within Pakistan is now highly concentrated in only a few particular regions, and the majority of the country is now recommended as safe for travel.
Among backpacking circles, the people of Pakistan have a reputation for being almost overwhelmingly hospitable, and Will tells us it has never in living memory been as easier to acquire a travel visa.
As holds true for any destination, though certainly some more than others, it is always important to do your research.
The broke backpacker has created a fantastic guide exploring some of the trickier planning considerations, at https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/pakistan-travel-ultimate-backpacker-guide
5. Attitudes Towards Women Traveling Alone
Like many foreign countries, Pakistan adheres to a different set of cultural norms and values than those we may be familiar with.
Foremost among these are attitudes towards women – particularly in more conservative areas.
Aware of the questions surrounding this topic, Hatton reached out to several women he's met during his travels who have first-hand experience.
They unanimously explained that traveling as a woman can perhaps be daunting, but with certain precautions, it is entirely plausible.
A recurring theme was the modesty of clothing: “Dressing appropriately is hugely important when traveling Pakistan,” said Emma.
“The more conservative you dress, the more comfortable you'll make yourself and others! It also shows respect, and so no misunderstanding occurs.”
Another frequent mention was the importance of a male companion when traveling in some areas.
Will explains that some regions will offer a police escort, not because of danger, but as a gesture of hospitality.
As in all things, it seems Pakistan is an incredibly varied country.
Another famed Pakistani adventure lover, Alex Reynolds, said, “Northern Pakistan is the most welcoming to female travelers in Pakistan—the people there are very level-headed and much more used to women walking around and doing things on their own.”
If you plan correctly, make reliable local contacts, and remain mindful, backpacking Pakistan as a woman seems manageable. Pakistan is a spectacular country and more open to all than expected!
Rebekah Brandstratter is a 26-year-old from Liverpool, England, who had a gap year when she was 19 but never left. When she’s not busy adventuring around unusual places, she’s on her laptop, writing about her experiences for a living. Her claim to fame is that while she was working in the Australian outback, she got to act as a midwife for her now favorite lamb called “Shaunetta.”
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
