FAQ's
There are number of questions we are frequently asked about travelling to Pakistan. Below is 100 adventures’ answers to some of your common questions. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to contact us!
Q. But is it safe?
A. Whilst it has become incredibly difficult to predict where in the world is safe and where in the world is not these days, from our experience of travelling year after year in northern Pakistan, I would say that the regions we go to, in the manner with which we travel, are safe for western visitors. We believe the situation has improved radically since the appalling events of December 2014 when a school was attacked in Peshawar and several children were killed. Since then, the authorities – the army, the politicians and the people in general – seem to have really galvanised their opinion against the militants and marginalised them. So to answer the question, in our opinion, yes, this region is safe for the international traveller.
Q. Why Pakistan?
A. Back in the day, northern Pakistan was one of the most exciting adventure travel destinations in the world. There were rafters, trekkers, paragliders, horse riders, mountain bikers, all travelling the region for its immense natural beauty and fascinating and hospitable population. The people you’ll meet in Pakistan, in the true traditions of Islamic hospitality, are among the most hospitable and friendly you’re ever likely to meet.
Q. What’s the accommodation like?
A. Accommodation in northern Pakistan is very varied – from fabulous converted palace hotels in the Skardu region, spectacular and equally comfortable hotels in Gilgit and Chitral to basic guesthouse accommodation in the Kalash and whilst travelling over the Shandur Pass. But on the whole, accommodation is often better than what people think it is going to be.
Q. Who will I fly with? Are flights direct?
A. You can fly direct with PIA (Pakistan International Agency) which is not too bad and reasonably inexpensive. If you’re looking for more comfort, fly via the Gulf with Emirates or Qatar there are more options such as British and Turkish Airlines which are operating flights to Islamabad.
Q. Will people speak English?
A. Yes. It’s surprising how many do! You have to remember that English is the language of law, of university teaching, of the middle classes in general. Urdu, the national language, is only spoken by 7% of the population as a first language, English is therefore another unifying language.
Q. What’s the food like?
A. Delicious! Many of the staples you find in "Indian" restaurants in the UK are in fact Pakistani in origin, such as rogan josh, tandoori, jalfrezi and naan bread.
Q. Can I drink alcohol?
A. Yes, you can… but generally speaking you need to take your own. The only alcohol readily available is either Kalash wine (very much an acquired taste – comes with a nice bouquet of goat!) or in Hunza, you will find an equally acquired taste, made from distilled mulberries.
Q. When’s the best time to visit? Can I go during Ramadan?
A. The best months are May through to the end of October and yes, it’s fine to go during Ramadan, the only difference you’ll find is there’ll be no polo in Chitral or Gilgit and the chaikhanas (teahouses) won’t be serving food or drink. Everything else is pretty much normal.
Q. Do I have to cover up?
A. Whilst it’s always advisable to be respectful towards the customs where you’re travelling, northern Pakistan is not unused to western tourists and would not expect women to wear a veil. That said, everyone should dress conservatively, i.e. no shorts or skimpy tops.