Cheap flights to Pakistan

Pakistan is the unfortunate heir of misconception. Often in the news for war and violence, very few people know of Pakistan’s internal beauty, flanked by some of Asia’s most astonishing landscapes, and an unwavering generosity. Travelers booking flights to Pakistan are heading to a country rich in culture, history and hospitality.

With Hinduism and Buddhism firmly planted in Pakistan, the pleasures of Pakistan are evident and ancient. Immediately upon leaving the Pakistan flight, tourists come across Buddhist shrines, Hindu temples, Islamic palaces and Muslim mansions. While Pakistan is a hospitable destination, it’s wise for tourists to know the basic Pakistani laws. For example, dress codes are strictly enforced in the country. Long and loose clothing is common and any tourist visiting mosques or temples must be completely covered before entering.

While it’s possible to find cheap flights to Pakistan and plan budget-conscious tours though the country, tourists are advised to pay special attention to travel warnings. Pakistani people are involved in various political demonstrations currently sweeping through the Middle East. Recent violence in Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar has resulted in chaos, and travellers are advised to stay with group tours and not travel off by themselves.

How long is the flight to Pakistan from Canada?

The flight from Canada to Pakistan with direct service is 12h 39m in duration. Indirect flights may have a longer travel time depending on stopover wait times. Travel time will also be impacted by the departure and arrival cities chosen. Some Pakistan flight deals may take as much as 20h or more and require multiple stops, so be sure to explore all flight options before booking.

What cities offer direct flights to Pakistan from Canada?

Direct flights to Pakistan from Canada are only available for passengers travelling through Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), available on Saturdays. One-stop and other indirect flights can be found out of Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and other cities with arrivals in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore among the most popular routes. Flights are available from Etihad Airways, Air Canada, Qatar Airways, Emirates Air, and others.

What is the best way to travel around Pakistan?

Travel in Pakistan for Canadian nationals and other international visitors can sometimes be dangerous. The highways and roads are poorly maintained and anyone wishing to travel by car should choose a local driver or guide to take them. Doors and windows should remain locked on private vehicles at all times, for safety. Companies like Rent a Car Pakistan offer car and driver hire. 24-hour taxi service is available in most major cities, with reasonable fares, but travellers will need to ask whether they are metered or agree on a fare. On the Karakoram Highway, in Potwar Plateau, and areas between Peshawar and Islamabad, cycling is a safe option. Daewoo Express offers intercity bus service around the country and minibuses are available in all major towns and cities. Trains are available for longer distances, but the rail system is busy and often includes delays.

What are some things to do in Pakistan?

Pakistan offers a variety of attractions and destinations, from religious and historical landmarks to city destinations. First-timers should visit Islamabad to see Pakistani city life and check out the Karakoram Highway for a great drive through the country on the world‘s highest paved road. Azad Kashmir, Lahore, and Karachi are other popular destinations in the country. Badshahi Mosque and Faisal Mosque are worth a visit, as well. Those interested in culture can check out the Pakistan Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Pakistan, and the Lok Virsa Museum. Khyber Pass is an adventure filled with thousands of bright trucks battling for road space, but only when travel is safe as this area often sees security issues with the Afghanistan border.

Do I need a passport to fly to Pakistan from Canada?

Canadian citizens flying to Pakistan will need a valid passport to gain entry. Passports must not expire for at least six months after your intended date of departure from Pakistan. Travel requirements may be different for official travel. All Canadian nationals must also have a visa for tourism, work, business, or student travel to Pakistan. The status and nature of visas are determined at the time of issuance and visitors should not overstay their visa duration. There is also a departure fee that needs to be paid in cash by all travellers when they leave the country.

Pakistan climate

Pakistan’s climate changes with its elevation. If you visit in the summer, you can enjoy pleasant weather in the mountains or bake at 38 C in the Indus Valley. Monsoons arrive in the south near the end of summer. The mountains become icy-cold and freezing in the winter, while the low-lying areas stay around 10 C. 

When is the best time to fly to Pakistan?

If wind sailing and surfing are on your list of things to do, then book flights to Pakistan between May and October, when hot conditions make the Arabian Sea the perfect place to play.

Peak Season: If you plan to stay near Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and the southern North-West Frontier Province book flights to Pakistan during the cooler months between November and February, because afterwards, the heat can be unbearable. If you have trekking in mind though, you’ll want to book your Pakistan flights between April and October, because although there could still be storms, this is when the mountains are at their best.

Off-peak Season: Less people book flights to Pakistan during Ramadan, because activity decreases, and open cafes and restaurants are difficult to find. Although it’s a less desirable time for most, it’s also a great time to save on cheap flights to Pakistan.

Getting around Pakistan

Pakistan International Airlines provides extensive opportunities for domestic Pakistan flights, once you arrive. If you’re interested in seeing cities like Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta and Sukkur, board a domestic Pakistan flight and set off on an intra-continental tour.

The railway system is widespread and very affordable, and perfect for remote areas that are too far for taxis. Buses called Qing-Qi, yellow taxis, and motorcycle-auto rickshaws are also available options.

What is good to know if travelling to Pakistan?

• Khunjerab Pass: The Khunjerab Pass is a quirky road that links China to Pakistan. It runs through vast stretches of land where Marco Polo sheep, Himalayan ibex, golden marmots, wolves, and snow leopards happen to roam. Pass old Chinese hostels built in the 1960s, and a river where travellers stop to spend the night camping. As you wind through the valley stretch, the deep, crumbling rock walls may scare you, but you haven’t seen anything until you’ve reached the absolute pinnacle of confusion. Where Pakistan officially meets China, the traffic on the left side of the road switches to the right, creating nothing short of a lively memory of your Pakistan travel.

• Pakistan Museum of Natural History: Located on the National Park, The Pakistan Museum of Natural History shows Pakistan’s development over a number of centuries. Filled with wonderful depictions of wildlife and early humans, the museum is the quintessential place for those booking flights to Pakistan to learn about the country in its more primal stages. Admission is free, and it’s closed on Fridays, so plan your Pakistan travel accordingly.

• Islamabad Margala Hills: The Margala Hills surrounds Islamabad from two sides. Branching from the Himalayan mountains and encapsulating the historical city of Taxila, it connects to the Muree Hills, which further link to the Kashmir Mountains. For those booking flights to Pakistan for an outdoor respite, take advantage of the developed facilities that guide travellers through villages. Bus rides are available for those who want the views without enduring the physical labour.

• Takht-i-Bahi: For religious enthusiasts booking flights to Pakistan, seeing the Takht-i-Bahi should be a high priority. The ancient Buddhist monastic complex was built in the first century, and its impressive preservation and antiquity leads you straight to the nearby ruins of the Sahr I Bahlol. Set on a tall hill, it’s the perfect spot for meditation and contemplation during your travel to Pakistan.

How popular are flights to Pakistan this year?

Pakistan flights are currently seeing a 29% increase in searches when contrasted with this time last year.