Pakistan Tourist Traps

  The Two Canals K2 & K3.
by sdq
 
  • The Two Canals K2 & K3.
      The Two Canals K2 & K3.
    by sdq
  • I fell in this Canal.
      I fell in this Canal.
    by sdq
  • Another view of the Canal.
      Another view of the Canal.
    by sdq
  • The Raw Water of the Canal.
      The Raw Water of the Canal.
    by sdq
  • K2 & K3 bringing water from Karly Lake to Karachi.
      K2 & K3 bringing water from Karly Lake...
    by sdq
 

Most Viewed Tourist Traps in Pakistan

1.

Drug Addicts & Beggers   Lahore

Drug Addicts & Beggers, Lahore

 2 Reviews  I went to the Minar E Pakistan one day, and purchased an elevator ticket. Turns out the elevator was broken. Also turns out the guy who sold it to my cousin was high. So, make sure the elevator is... 

 See All 10 Tourist Traps in Lahore

2.

Be aware of Rent-a-jeep Brokers   Naran

Be aware of Rent-a-jeep Brokers, Naran

 1 Review  Rent-a-jeep is one of the most popular business in Naran as the city serves as base for all near by tourist spots. Many drivers with their jeeps wait in main bazar for tourists to come and get a deal.... 

 See All 2 Tourist Traps in Naran

3.

Avoid the Smugglers' Bazaar   Peshawar

Avoid the Smugglers' Bazaar, Peshawar

 1 Review  There are 2 parts of the Smuggler's Bazaar. The legit side, which is the most boring place I've ever been (blenders, and other kitchen appliances, etc), and the restricted side, where you can... 

 See All 7 Tourist Traps in Peshawar

4.

Bargaining for the Price   Nathia Gali

Bargaining for the Price, Nathia Gali

 1 Review  In Nathaiagli you would meet many locals with their horses offering you rides to near by areas and some time on long routes. You would meet many of them on your way to Greens Retreat Hotel. Horse ride... 

 See All 1 Tourist Traps in Nathia Gali

5.

Gilgit City   Hunza

Gilgit City, Hunza

 1 Review  The city of Gilgit is impressive, but then again not so impressive. It is a big city, with restaurants, houses, hotels, etc but has no major attraction. However, it has benefited from the beauty of... 

 See All 1 Tourist Traps in Hunza

6.

Avoid Religious /Political gatherings   Lahore

Avoid Religious /Political gatherings, Lahore

 2 Reviews  I must highly insist not to go to any Political gatherings becuse it wont take long before a fight burst out and then you can imagine what can happen when about 50-60 thousand people are running... 

 See All 10 Tourist Traps in Lahore

7.

Avoid Tribal Areas   Peshawar

Avoid Tribal Areas, Peshawar

 1 Review  Dont go beyond the Khyber Pass. The area is declared Tribal. Never pay the price the shokeeper asks. Always bargain for a better deal. If you still insist to go to see the famous Khyber Pass, Do ask... 

 See All 7 Tourist Traps in Peshawar

8.

Skip the Tour Guides at the Lahore Fort/Masjid   Lahore

Skip the Tour Guides at the Lahore Fort/Masjid, Lahore

 1 Review  I have to first say that I totally understand why these guys are trying to be tour guides, but in this case it was depressing! A guy who was actually pretty sweet approached my friend and I to see if... 

 See All 10 Tourist Traps in Lahore

9.

Few Tourists, No Traps   Lahore

Few Tourists, No Traps, Lahore

 1 Review  There is no as such Tourist Trap but just be careful and keep an eye on people around you. People are very friendly and hospitable. We do not get a chance to see huge number of tourist because Tourism... 

 See All 10 Tourist Traps in Lahore

Comments

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

There ARE no traps!

by illumina

Due to the western media, Pakistan has very few tourists visiting, and partly because of that fact, partly because of the ingrained culture of hospitality, there are very few instances of tourists being ripped off.Unlike in many other tourist destinations, you don't get hassled for your custom. Coming from India, it's a bit of a shock!

Peshawar: Smuggler Bazaar

by yuet29

I did not go to the bazaar myself. This is the experience from travelers who I met. They took the tour for 2000Rp for 2, the package included the Smuggler Bazaar, truck painting and Afghan refugee camp. There are 2 parts of the bazaar, one pretty normal and another one supposed to be a bazaar with weapons, drugs, fake dollars etc. They were brought through the normal bazaar and ended up in a room, which was told to be the 2nd part. They were show case the weapon (a few), some hashish and some dollar. They complained that the seller was a bit pushy for the dollar and it was a tense atmosphere. Then suddenly there are finghting just outside the room which they heard gun shots. They were terrified for the fighting, yet found that the showcase of the gun or hashish are not something they expect, they expect to see a bazaar, not a room.I met 2nd traveler who went to the bazaar with a local...

Go off the beaten path - Go for local traditions.

by Faiza-Ifrah

Well, there are some over-rated spots. For visitors from the mountaneous countries, please avoid traveling to hill stations near Rawalpindi-Islamabad, valleys of lower Himalayas like Kaghan and northern Swat only to see nature. You will have spots like these all over your own country. However, if you go there, plan a hiking / trekking trip through hiring local guides that take you through local hill villages and farms to observe cottage industry. If you have to travel to hills stations, do plan a hike through Ayubia National Park. If you are lucky, you may be able to see a Western Tragopan, Kaleej or Cheer Pheasant and even a Snow Leopard.You can also trek from Marree to Thandiani (35 Kms) through hilly slopes, forests and grasslands that could be one of the best experiences of life. We suggest that you plan the trip in such a way that you are able to see some local traditions like the...

A Kabaddi tournament in progress.
Arranging funerals abroad

by joiwatani

I can't answer you the first question. However, you can search online via travelocity, cheaptickets.com, expedia.com, etc. Or check out with your local travel agency.The cost of transporting a deceased person from USA to Pakistan is very expensive. First, you have to check with the airline first. Also, check with the local funeral home. They are the ones who arrange for the paperworks of the deceased. They usually have a coordinator who does the paperwork. If the body of the deceased died in the hospital, the hospital coordinates with the nearest relative of the person. And, that person arranges for the funeral. The funeral coordinator takes care of everything from filing for the death certificate,etc. The coordinator discusses with the relative the taxes that you have to pay for transporting the body of the deceased and for the fees for embalsaming the body-depending on how long the...

Beware of imranthetrekker

by liuyung

Hi imranthetrekker!Recently we traveled with V E and i replied to the question above.Fact is that, if one does not heed your recommendation and choose ones own, then it never justifies you to label it "touting".http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-407179-1-1-Travel-0-0-Pakistan-discussion.html A quick search shows how many touting posts have been posted by you only in the last couple of weeks. Don't know how many touting postings you had before! It shows who is a tout for whom and what are the ulterior motives of your self centered posts.All these posts show to whom you are...

watch your cash

by TONY786

Pakistanis see westerners and visitors as walking money trees to be plucked dry believe me they all assume that we are loaded and will try any means to get extra cash off you from relatives with sad stories and medical conditions to store keepers doubling the prices you will get ripped off no matter how warey you are

No tourists so No worries

by JohnniOmani

I found Pakistan to be one of the most hassle free destinations in the world. Along with my other experiences in Iran and Georgia etc there are not a lot of tourists roaming around meaning you can bargain in the bazaars without getting ripped off too much. The bazaaris are not used to seeing travellers too much so they are more willing to bargain at reasonable rates. Pakistan is almost the complete opposite of India making this country one of the great places in the world to find a good deal. If you do go to a bazaar then you can ask some of the workers at your hotel what you should pay. Walk around and make a list of items then in the evening ask them what a reasonable price should be. Chances are they will help you out making your next day of shopping more enjoyable.

Buying Carpet in Pakistan

by Argawana

Just like anything else, buying carpet in Pakistan can be either rewarding or otherwise choking. If you know the place to shop and have some good experience on different type of carpet quality and making, you probably can get good quality carpet and rock bottom price. Off course, your bargaining skill is a must. However some carpet shops in Karachi and Islamabad tend to be way overprice when they know that you are a visitor. You can ended up paying premium price for a silk Chinese carpet ! If you plan to buy carpet in Pakistan, it's better to bring friends (either local or expat) who has some experience on carpet or at least know which shop to visit Read and learn about carpet yourself ! It's fun and rewarding.

Karachi

by babar_1

Karachi is the biggest city of Pakistan, and hub of business activities. With population exceeding 12 millions,and millions of vehicles on the roads it has very little to offer for the tourists. The only attraction is the Arabian sea... but the beaches in the city are among most polluted in the world. It s better to goto the beaches like paradise point, sand spit and hawks bay..... some 25-35 km from the city. These beachers are rather clean and peaceful. You can hire a hut along the beach at cheap rates. Another interesting site in Makli- the ancient graveyard.

Beggars

by babar_1

Don't give any money to beggars on streets. Oostly they are professional beggars and once you give them some alms their whole platoon will gather around you and will demand money. If you want to help poor people then the best way is to give donation to the charity organizations like Edhi foundation.

Top 3 Hotels in Pakistan

Avari Lahore  Lahore

 3 Reviews and 77 Opinions  Rooms are comparable to Pearl Continental Hotel but rent is a bit cheap. I would recommend trying... 

 Hotels in Lahore

Show Prices

Avari Towers Karachi  Karachi

 5 Reviews and 85 Opinions  My family stayed here for 2 nights. Everything was perfect. I love Karachi and this hotel added to... 

 Hotels in Karachi

Show Prices

Islamabad Serena Hotel  Islamabad

 10 Reviews and 116 Opinions  The five-star Serena Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan was designed by renowned Pakistani architect... 

 Hotels in Islamabad

Show Prices

Pakistan Tourist Traps

Reviews and photos of Pakistan tourist traps posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Pakistan sightseeing.
Map of Pakistan