Solo travel in Pakistan: Why it's not for everyone

Most trips to Pakistan start in the lively chaos of Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad before heading north to an entirely different world. In Northern Pakistan, you’ll find the world’s three highest mountain ranges, lush green valleys framed by 6,000m+ peaks, winding glaciers, and even high-altitude deserts. It’s a country that truly feels otherworldly.

I’ve been to Pakistan three times now, and what people say is true: it’s a place that steals your heart and keeps pulling you back.

Most of my time there has been spent leading group trips, exploring alongside foreign travellers and my incredible local guides. But I’ve also spent time travelling solo, which gives me a unique perspective on the question: Should women travel solo in Pakistan?

In my experience, it’s less about gender and more about the country’s logistics and transport. Getting around can be challenging, and that’s what makes solo travel here tricky, no matter who you are.

Is Pakistan safe?

If you ask someone who’s never been, chances are they’ll say no. That’s usually because their opinion has been shaped by mainstream media, which hasn’t exactly painted Pakistan in the best light.

But as someone who has spent a lot of time in the country, I can honestly say I’ve felt safe 99% of the time.

In recent years, Pakistan has made considerable strides in improving safety and promoting tourism, especially in the regions most popular with travellers. Cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi are now far more accessible, while northern gems like Hunza Valley, Skardu, and the Karakoram Highway continue to attract more visitors every year.

Places to avoid in Pakistan

If you want your trip to Pakistan to be both safe and enjoyable, it’s essential to follow local government advice about which areas are open to tourists.

Some regions still face security challenges, including Balochistan, the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and areas near the Pakistan–India border in Azad Kashmir. For many of these places, you’ll need a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC).

Our Pakistan group trips only visit destinations we and the government deem to be safe. 

Is Pakistan safe for solo female travellers?

As a solo female traveller, you’ll attract a different kind of attention than men travelling alone.

Many locals are simply curious, as it’s not common in their culture to see women exploring by themselves. So don’t be surprised if you’re asked questions like “Where is your husband?” or “Why are you alone?” It usually comes from genuine interest rather than judgment.

Perceived danger vs actual danger

Something I’ve come to realise – but still sometimes struggle to separate – is the difference between perceived danger and actual danger.

In some parts of Pakistan, you might be the only woman on the street. Combine that with curious stares, and it can feel uncomfortable at times. While it might seem intimidating, it’s rarely a sign of real danger; it just takes some getting used to.

From my own experience, I’ve never felt genuinely unsafe. In fact, Pakistan’s crime index is lower than both the UK and the USA. Unlike in places such as Colombia or Mexico, I’ve never worried about my phone being snatched or being robbed.

Pakistanis are some of the most helpful and hospitable people I’ve met. Most are aware of how their country is often portrayed abroad, and they go out of their way to change that perception by showing visitors warmth, kindness, and generosity.

Should you travel to Pakistan solo?

I’m going to approach this question a little differently than most. Many people focus on safety, and as you’ve just read, Pakistan is relatively safe if you stick to the right areas.

But in my opinion, Pakistan isn’t the easiest destination for solo travel. I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who’s never travelled alone before, and even after nearly five years of solo adventures, I still find it challenging.

The main reasons aren’t safety – they’re the public transport, complex logistics, and the long distances between destinations, which can make travelling solo tricky and exhausting.

Public transport in Northern Pakistan sucks

Getting between Pakistan’s major cities is actually surprisingly easy. Some of the buses are among the nicest I’ve ever taken, with reclining armchair-style seats, TVs, and stewards serving food and drinks. You can book everything online through Bookme, which makes life simple.

Outside of the main cities, though, public transport is another story. Many popular destinations aren’t well-connected, and the thought of spending 20 hours on a public bus? Absolute nightmare.

Most travellers end up flying to Skardu or Gilgit (though flights are often cancelled) and then hiring a private driver, since public buses are limited.

For instance, I flew from Islamabad to Skardu for $80, then paid another $80 for a private driver to take me the six-hour journey to Karimabad. Travelling solo, these costs quickly add up.

Even shorter trips can be pricey. A jeep ride to Fairy Meadows costs around 16,000 PKR ($60) each way, and if you don’t have anyone to split it with, it can make a serious dent in your budget.

It’s expensive to solo travel in Pakistan 

Unless you’re up for hitchhiking in Pakistan, getting around can get expensive pretty quickly.

Then there’s the question of guides for some hikes. For treks like Nanga Parbat Base Camp and the Patundas trek, I strongly recommend having a guide, since both involve glacier crossings. Guides typically cost between $15–50 per day.

So when I say Pakistan isn’t the easiest solo travel destination, it’s not about safety; it’s about the costs piling up when you don’t have anyone to share them with.

Travelling in Pakistan on a group trip

Pakistan is the perfect destination for a group trip. 

Travelling here isn’t always straightforward – road closures, landslides, and rockfalls can easily change your plans. That’s why it’s so important to be in safe hands, with a team that has a Plan A, B, and C ready for anything. Plus, there’s something amazing about not having to think about a single logistical detail.

Joining one of our Pakistan group trips means you automatically have a group of incredible women to explore with, no awkward waiting around in one of the country’s few hostels hoping to make friends.

You’ll also be accompanied the whole time by some of the best local guides in Pakistan, who bring the country to life with their stories, insights, and expertise.

If you’re a thrill-seeker willing to hitchhike and embrace the adventure, solo travel is possible. 

But if you want to skip the stress and fully enjoy the journey, a group trip to Pakistan is the way to go.