Top Things to Do in Pakistan (2026) | Best Tourist Places

Pakistan stuns visitors with wild scenery, from towering mountains to ancient Indus Valley sites. We’ll show you top spots across the country, cool activities, must-see sights, and hidden gems where excitement meets heritage. Hunt for breathtaking views in northern areas or explore historic locations down south, you won’t run out of ideas here.

Whether you're hiking near K2 or walking quietly through Islamabad, this guide gives real tips, plans, and handy info. It dives into what makes Pakistan unique, its deep history, changing travel setup, and cultural touches that define how travelers feel in Pakistan. We’ll show you the top things to do in Pakistan across the country, cool activities, must-see sights, and hidden gems where excitement meets heritage.

Why Visit Pakistan in 2025

Pakistan’s travel scene is picking up speed; better security, fresh roads, and small green spaces make it a go-to spot for bold travelers across Asia. The northern areas, like Gilgit-Baltistan, hold more than 100 mountains taller than 7,000 meters, yet Punjab shows off Mughal gems just as stunning as India’s famous Taj Mahal. Events full of life, including a polo match at Shandur Pass near 3,700 meters, bring one-of-a-kind traditions to the spotlight.

The ideal period to explore the region depends on where you go: from March through May or September to October, temperatures stay comfortable across most areas, while summer in the north works well for trekking and climbing adventures, though it’s wise to skip southern regions during July rains. Mountain zones turn icy between December and January, making travel tricky then. When spring arrives, Hunza’s fruit trees burst into blossom just as local harvest celebrations begin, adding energy to popular sights.

Shahzeb Shaikh, Founder of SimCorner, shares, "Pakistan's raw beauty demands seamless connectivity; our Pakistan eSIM ensures you stay linked across rugged trails and historic bazaars, turning every moment into shareable magic."

Visitors love how kind people are in the country; locals might pull you into their homes just for a cup of tea. Money goes pretty far here; around $40 to $80 a day pays for decent hotels, tasty dishes such as biryani, plus attraction tickets. Instead of spending days on bumpy roads, hopping on a plane from Lahore to Skardu saves loads of time for the best things to do in Pakistan.

Northern Pakistan: Premier Adventure Activities

The northern area, nicknamed Shangri-La, holds five of Earth’s fourteen peaks above 8,000 meters, drawing climbers and trekkers from everywhere for things to do in Pakistan’s wild side. Sparkling alpine lakes sit beside swaying rope bridges, while stepped farms climb hills under shady walnut trees. These sights offer perfect photo spots without trying hard. Just this zone could fill half your trip when discovering what’s worth doing across the country.

Eco trips help save the delicate nature, while locally-led hikes give villagers work. You might ride yaks, climb cliffs, or fly a glider, spotting creatures such as snow leopards where allowed. These sights offer perfect photo spots without trying hard at tourist places in Pakistan.

Hunza Valley: Iconic Tourist Spots

Hunza Valley stands out as one of the top spots for things to do in Pakistan, with apricot trees dotting hillsides below Rakaposhi’s towering 7,778-meter peak. Begin your trip in Karimabad, where Baltit Fort watches over the land; this ancient guard post is nearly seven centuries old, featuring wooden beams etched with images of polo matches. Trek toward Altit Fort instead, sitting high on a bluff above the Hunza River, offering wide-open views from up there. This ancient guard post is nearly seven centuries old, featuring wooden beams etched with images, the top tourist attractions in Pakistan.

Attabad Lake, nicknamed the Queen of Lakes, shines bright after the 2010 slide—a gem among tourist places in Pakistan. When the sun dips low, Eagle’s Nest lights up, turning everything below warm and gold.

Local food’s a must, go for chapshuro, filled with mutton, or nutty walnut cakes instead. Check out the Harvest Fest in May; that’s when folk dances light up the area. If you're into longer trips, take on the 5-day route from Hunza to Gojal, among the top things to do in Pakistan.

Skardu: Deosai Plains and Beyond

Skardu sits right in the middle of Baltistan, opening paths to Deosai National Park, a massive high-altitude stretch where edelweiss flowers pop up every summer. Brown bears show up by Sheosar Lake during fishing season, surrounded by more than three hundred smaller lakes scattered across the area. Up at Upper Kachura, you can float around in a shikara boat while quiet trails lead off into Basho Valley, hiding natural hot springs just out of sight.

The Cold Desert’s dunes are good for camel rides at one of Baltistan's key tourist places in Pakistan. Head up to Sarfarosh or Bilal Glaciers if you want icy caves. Quick history bit: Skardu faced attacks from the Mughals, way back to the Dogra forces later on.

Alongside Khaplu Palace, a revamped 19th-century residence turned cozy retreat, is great for travelers wanting royal vibes. The palace is great for travelers wanting royal vibes and things to do in Pakistan for tourists.

Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp

Fairy Meadows offers dreamy sights of Nanga Parbat (8,126m), accessible after a 6km ride by jeep from Tato, followed by a 3-hour walk. Wildflowers cover the fields while colorful monal birds dart through trees. Instead, try pushing forward on the weeklong trek to base camp, the best things to do in Pakistan with moderate effort, big rewards.

Go between June and September; grab your permit at local tourist spots. The Bundar Plateau nearby has trails where you’ll see ibex roaming.

Islamabad: Top Things to Do in Islamabad

Islamabad was designed by a Greek planner named Constantinos Doxiadis; its clean layout sits right next to the rugged Margalla Hills, making it perfect for easing into things to do in Pakistan up north. Along shaded streets, you’ll find embassies tucked beside small craft communities. Here, quiet moments blend easily with cultural experiences.

Faisal Mosque’s shape looks out of this world. It was designed by the Turkish designer Vedat Dalokay, and now it towers over the cityscape. The Pakistan Monument? It mimics a blooming lotus; inside, old treasures tell stories of freedom struggles. Over at Lok Virsa Museum, everyday creations shine, from painted trucks to bold Pashtun necklaces.

Trail 3 up in Margalla Hills heads to Strawberry Hill, good for lunch outdoors; you might see golden langurs there. Along shaded streets, you’ll find embassies tucked beside small craft communities, prime tourist attractions in Pakistan. Instead of hiking, hop on the cable car at Pir Sohawa, which climbs high where restaurants sit above the mist. When evening comes, check out Jinnah Super’s night bazaars, evoking the energy of festivals in Pakistan with grilled meat snacks.

Daman-e-Koh gives a view over the city below. While Centaurus Mall has movies plus food mixes from different styles.

Lahore: Premier Historical Places in Pakistan

Lahore, once called the Paris of Asia, holds old gates from the 1200s and palaces from the 1600s across its historic spots. The city’s fort and garden complex, listed by UNESCO, shows off the Mughal high point among the top things to do in Pakistan.

Bazaars are packed with colorful phulkari work alongside camel leather lanterns, classic tourist attractions in Pakistan. This city? It's all about food, think steaming nihari by early light, or street-side gola gappe whenever you're hungry.

Lahore Fort and Mughal Masterpieces

Shahi Qila spreads across 60 acres, home to the Naulakha Pavilion near Jahangir’s tomb, one of the top things to do in Pakistan, with its walls decorated with detailed stone patterns. Inside Sheesh Mahal, mirrors covered every surface, shining thanks to around twenty-four thousand small tiles. The Alamgiri Gate stood strong, a backdrop for cultural festivals in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, evening light displays bring frescoes to life, pairing well with nearby food to try in Pakistan.

Badshahi Mosque and Walled City Vibes

At sunrise, Badshahi’s stone turns soft pink, stepping inside, where the open yard feels vast like desert skies. Up on the towers, you’ll spot rooftops stretching beyond the old fortress walls. Anarkali Market, a buzzing loud by midday vibrant tourist attraction in Pakistan, with rose oils and yellow fruit. There, sniff rose oils spilled from tiny bottles while vendors shouted over ripe yellow fruit.

People who love tasty bites head straight to Liberty Market for those spicy bun foods to try in Pakistan kebabs. Over at Wagah, the evening parade kicks off around 4 each day, with high-energy things to do in Pakistan with sharp steps and big energy.

As historian John Keay notes in India: A History (2000), Lahore Fort represents a high point of Mughal architecture, where Persian design traditions merge seamlessly with indigenous Indian elements.

Swat Valley: Switzerland of the East

Swat’s green fields, along with its wide valleys, feel like the Alps, prime things to do in Pakistan now bustling again after tough times. Near Saidu Sharif, ancient Buddhist stupas stand from around 200 BC, remarkable historical places in Pakistan. At Mahodand Lake, clear creeks are full of lively trout.

Malam Jabba’s ski season runs from December to March, while the chairlift keeps going all year. In Kalam Valley, thick pine woods make good spots for pitching tents. Over in Madyan Bazaar, bartering gets you better deals on woolen shawls.

During the May festival called Chilam Joshi at these tourist places in Pakistan, people wear unique headgear while dancing. Instead of modern customs, they follow ancient ways handed down through generations.

Southern Pakistan: Coastal and Ancient Wonders

Sindh’s dry lands reach the Arabian Sea, on Karachi’s shores, camels stroll along Sandspit Beach. Back from 2600 BC, Mohenjo-Daro’s big water tank reveals a city design fascinating things to do in Pakistan for tourists without royal homes or worship spots.

Multan’s holy sites, such as Bibi Pak Daman, attract visitors seeking peace during lively festivals in Pakistan. Rohtas Fort stretches 4 kilometers explore its adventure activities in Pakistan with around 70 defensive walls.

On the other side, Hingol’s Kund Malir Beach stands strong compared to spots along the Makran shore.

Makli has around a million graves spread over 10 kilometers. Meanwhile, Hyderabad’s Pacco Qillo fortress stands above bustling tomato markets.

Karachi: Megacity Escapes

Pakistan’s main city bustles with energy but keeps its soul. The tomb of Quaid shines bright in sunlight, while galleries pop up at Frere Hall now and then. Seafront tables line Do Darya, where people eat facing the waves.

The Mohatta Palace shows art behind its pink stone walls. While on Burns Road, small tea spots dish out sweet vermicelli drinks. Meanwhile, down at Hawke’s Bay, sea turtles come ashore when nesting time hits unique adventure activities in Pakistan.

Practical Pakistan Travel Guide Tips

Visas: get your e-Visa online; it usually comes through in two days. Money? You’ll use rupees; ATMs are everywhere once you land. Stay safe health-wise, grab a typhoid vaccine, plus stick to sealed water bottles. For moving around, try Daewoo coaches or book rides on Careem. If you need internet out in the wild, check our Pakistan eSIM travel package.

Hunza up north works best June through September, ideal for walking trips, but expect to pay roughly $70–$120 each day. Islamabad? You can go anytime; people love hiking there, spending typically $40 to $80 daily. Lahore feels nicest between October and April, packed with sights worth checking out, running about $50–$90 a day. Swat shines from April till June, especially if you’re into boat rides, setting you back $60 to $100 per day. Down south, Karachi’s peak stretch runs from November to March, famous for sandy shores and cheap stays around $40 to $70 every day.

Capture Pakistan Adventure with SimCorner

Explore the country’s great tales camp near Fairy Meadows or listen to qawwali beats in Lahore, with solid internet signals. Grab the SimCorner’s Pakistan’s Unlimited Data for nonstop internet for 90 days straight, whether you’re up high or down low, ditching pricey roaming charges. You’ll find physical SIMs at SimCorner handy for phoning family. Snap those Hunza views or Deosai wildlife shots and blast them out using SimCornerPakistan, keep online, and share quickly.