Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

30 September 2026

4-minute read

Pakistan welcomes tourists with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Travellers from South Africa will need a visa, which can often be applied for online, and direct flight options are available from major cities. Popular destinations include bustling Karachi, historic Lahore, and the scenic capital Islamabad, as well as breathtaking spots like the Hunza Valley and Mohenjo-daro. Sightseeing options span ancient forts, lively markets, and serene mountains, and Pakistani cuisine is renowned for its spices and flavours.

Mohammed Salim, a tour guide and tour operator with Northern Express Travels based in Northern Pakistan, has 10 years of experience doing guided trekking tours, hiking and camping tours, base-camp trekking, river rafting and kayaking, as well as road tours.

Mohammed Salim says that in recent years, Pakistan has become a sought-after travel destination. While Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad are urban areas, Lahore is well-known for its historical sites. In the Northern mountainous region, taking the route from Narang through to Gilgit, tourists can immerse themselves in the local culture and lifestyles of the people, as well as the beautiful scenery like lakes, waterfalls, deserts, meadows, and even glaciers. It is here also that the Himalayas, Karakoram where the Passu Glacier is situated, and the Hindu Kush meet at one point. Travellers can then make their way to the Hunza Valley which is referred to as the jewel of the crown of this region. From Skardu, the world’s highest peak, the K2 can be reached, and the Rakaposhi Base Camp is the perfect place to start one’s trek. The Fairy Meadows is known for its stunning views of the pristine landscapes, the perfect place for hiking, and Naran and Kaghan Valley are famous for their lush greenery and crystal-clear rivers and lakes. The Hopar Glacier in the Hopar Valley allows easy access to explore the area.

There are many options of transportation available for getting around Pakistan, and the public transport system offers rickshas, minibuses, and coaches in the cities, and is both affordable and reliable. A private car or bus can be hired with a driver to traverse the remote areas.

Mohammed Salim says that the best time of the year to visit Pakistan is in Spring from March to April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Autumn from September to October is also a good time to tour the country when the weather is pleasant for travelling.

Urdu is the official language, while English is a second language and most local people do speak it, so it is easy for tourists to make their way around the cities. Pakistani cuisine is world-famous and includes a number of dishes like biryani, Karachi nihari, Lahore paya and local pizzas, with halal food available throughout the country

Islam has a huge influence daily life as Pakistan is a majority Muslim country, and Islamic law governs most regions of this beautiful country that should be on every traveller’s bucket list.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Muhammad Kara, Ml Ibrahim Daya and Mohammed Salim here.