Pakistan Travel Information
From the mighty stretches of the Karakorams in the North
to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the
South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and
nature. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting,
wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris,
camel and yak safaris, trout fishing and bird watching
are a few activities, which entice the adventure and
nature lovers to Pakistan.
Situated in the heart of the South Asian sub-continent,
it is a country with its own fascinating history and
cultural heritage. Pakistan was the site for one of the
world's earliest human settlements, the great
prehistoric Indus Valley Civilization, the crucible of
ancient empires, religions and cultures. Pakistan traces
its history back to 2,500 years B.C. when a highly
developed civilization flourished in the Indus Valley.
Excavations at Harappa, Moenjodaro, Kot Diji and Mehr
Garh have brought to light, the evidence of an advanced
civilization existing even in more ancient times.
Population (1998 Census)
Total Population: 130.58 million Growth Rate: 2.61% per
annum.
Density: 164 persons per sq.km.
Languages
National Language: Urdu Official Language: English
Main Regional Languages: Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi and
Pashto.
Other Regional Languages: Balti, Shina, Brushuski,
Chitrali, Kalashi, Kohistani, Hindko, Pothohari,
Kashmiri, Gojri, Brahuvi, Saraiki etc.
Currency
Basic unit of currency is Rupee which divides into 100
paisa. Currency notes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000
Rupee are in use. Coins of five, two and one Rupee are
in circulation.
Exchange Rate, Credit Cards & Travellers Cheques
Pakistan observes floating exchange rate system. US$ 1 =
Rs.60.15 (August 2006). Master, Visa and AMEX credit
cards are widely accepted in major cities and towns.
Travellers Cheques are accepted at banks, 4 and 5-star
hotels and major shops.
Time Zone
Pakistan Standard Time is GMT plus 5 hours. It gets dark
at about 5 p.m. in winter and at 7.30 p.m. in summer.
Driving
All traffic in Pakistan runs on the left side.
International driving licence is also valid. All
vehicles must be insured and registered. Minimum age for
driving is 18 years. Speed limit is 100 km/h on Highways
and 120 km/h on Motorways.
Postage
Postcards: Approx. US$ 0.37. Airmail letters from US$
0.41, depending on weight. Mail boxes are red. Several
fast postal services are provided by Pakistan Post
Office. A number of private Courier Services are also
working in Pakistan for speedy delivery of letters and
documents.
Airport Facilities
Bank, car rental, tourist information, duty free shop,
restaurant, hotel reservation booths, post office and
public call office facilities are available at Karachi,
Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar International Airports.
Transport to city centre
i) Quaid -e- Azam International Airport: 14 km northeast
of Karachi, Taxi takes 20 minutes (approx. US$ 7 to city
centre). Public bus charge approx. US$ 0.25 per person
for 01 hour ride.
ii) Islamabad International Airport: 20 km east of
Islamabad, Taxi takes 25 minutes (approx US$ 7 to the
city centre). Airport Van No.111 brings to Islamabad
central and charges approx. US$ 0.25 per person for 01
hour ride.
Planning your trip
About Pakistan
If you want to know more about the country, facts and
features, people etc then see inside
The Karakorum
For centuries explorers have been allured by the
splendor and massiveness of the Karakoram and Himalayas.
One of the first to climb along the eaves, cornices, and
slopes of the Karakoram was the great Chinese travelers
and Buddhist pilgrim, Huan Tsang, remark that the most
splendid place on earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful information like how many days it takes, what
to bring, what to expect, visa, inoculations, how it may
be like and
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