Pakistan

Strategically situated between India, China, Afghanistan and Iran, Pakistan follows the Indus River down from the spectacular mountain ranges in the north (which include the world's second highest peak, K2) to the Arabian Sea. The river passes through the fertile provinces of Punjab and Sindh in the east and south. The southwest of Pakistan consists of the arid plateau of Baluchistan. The major cities of Karachi, the capital Islamabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi are all situated in the lowlands of the Indus valley.

The nation of Pakistan itself may be relatively new, but the Indus region has hosted civilisation for thousands of years and the country has a rich culture and fascinating history from Alexander the Great to the heyday of the Silk Route, with the lucrative trade between China, India and the Roman empire; and rivalries between Hindu and Islamic dynasties and later the British Empire.

Life in the bustling southern cities is a mix of ancient tradition and modern technology, where shoppers haggle in colourful bazaars and craftsmen ply their trade, while others tuck into hot and spicy treats at street restaurants, or take their ease at teahouses. Lahore, in particular, boasts some wonderful historic architecture with its pink and white marble buildings, and the beautiful Moghul-style Badshahi Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world - almost as magnificent as the Taj Mahal in India.

Pakistan is largely overlooked as a travel destination due to valid safety concerns, but those brave enough to explore its cities and landscapes will be rewarded with unforgettable sights and experiences.

Climate

Pakistan's climate is varied because of the difference in elevation from one end of the country to another. During the summer months from April to September the mountainous north is pleasant and temperate, but the Indus Valley swelters in temperatures of 100ºF (40ºC) or more. In late summer the southern region experiences monsoons, particularly along the coast. In winter the low-lying areas cool down appreciably to average temperatures of between 50ºF and 70ºF (10ºC to 25ºC), while the northern mountains ice up with the air well below freezing.

Money

The Pakistani Rupee (PKR) is divided into 100 paise. Travellers cheques (best carried in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling) are accepted at most banks, four and five star hotels and major shops. Larger shops and hotels accept credit cards, mostly American Express. Bank hours are from 9am to 1.30pm Monday to Saturday, but close at 12.30 pm on Fridays. Bargaining is expected in street markets and small stores.

Passport Visa

All foreign passport holders require a visa issued in their country of origin (or the nearest consulate if there is no diplomatic representation) to enter Pakistan. A return ticket and all documents needed for next destination are required. All visitors are advised to carry a photocopy of their passport, including the Pakistani visa, at all times. If stay exceeds 30 days, passenger must register within 30 days at the Immigration Head Office. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a visa and a valid passport. Travellers coming for business may obtain a 30-day business visa on arrival at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar or Quetta airports as long as holding a letter of recommendation or invitation.
• UK nationals require a visa and a valid passport. Travellers coming for business may obtain a 30-day business visa on arrival at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar or Quetta airports as long as holding a letter of recommendation or invitation.
• Canadian nationals require a visa and a valid passport. Travellers coming for business may obtain a 30-day business visa on arrival at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar or Quetta airports as long as holding a letter of recommendation or invitation.
• Australian nationals require a visa and a valid passport. Travellers coming for business may obtain a 30-day business visa on arrival at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar or Quetta airports as long as holding a letter of recommendation or invitation.
• South African nationals require a visa and a valid passport. Travellers coming for business may obtain a 30-day business visa on arrival at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar or Quetta airports as long as holding a letter of recommendation or invitation.
• Irish nationals require a visa and a valid passport. Travellers coming for business may obtain a 30-day business visa on arrival at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar or Quetta airports as long as holding a letter of recommendation or invitation.
• New Zealand nationals require a visa and a valid passport. Travellers coming for business may obtain a 30-day business visa on arrival at Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar or Quetta airports as long as holding a letter of recommendation or invitation.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry to Pakistan by travellers coming from an infected area. Malaria exists in areas below 6,562 feet (2,000m) year round, and travellers should seek medical advice before travelling. Dengue fever is another reason to protect against mosquito bites. Vaccinations for typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (long-term travellers to rural areas) and polio are also recommended. Bird flu has been confirmed on poultry farms and found in wild birds, and thousands of birds have been culled; human deaths have also been reported. The risk to travellers is low, but as a precaution close contact with live birds should be avoided and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. There is a risk of diarrhoeal diseases; visitors should only drink bottled or otherwise sterilised water, and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat, salads and unpeeled fruit. There is a low risk of cholera and Hepatitis E. Outside the major cities there are few hospitals of a high standard. Medical insurance is strongly advised.

Embassy Consulates

• Pakistan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 243 6500.
• Pakistan High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7664 9200.
• Pakistan High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 7881.
• Pakistan High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6290 1676.
• Pakistan High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 362 4072.
• Pakistan Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 261 3032.
• Pakistan High Commission, Wellington: +64 (0)4 479 0026.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Karachi: +92 (0)21 520 4200.
• British High Commission, Islamabad: +92 (0)51 201 2000.
• Canadian High Commission, Islamabad: +92 (0)51 208 6000.
• Australian High Commission, Islamabad: +92 (0)51 835 5500.
• South African High Commission, Islamabad: +92 (0)51 226 2354.
• Honorary Consul of Ireland, Karachi: +92 (0)21 920 6654.
• New Zealand Consulate-General, Karachi: +92 (0)21 3564 4740.