Frequently asked Questions
Refund policy
If the trip is canceled, refund will be adjusted for Route16 service charges and vendor cancellation charges. Please note that different vendors have different cancellation policies; many are time sensitive. For more specific information regarding your trip, talk to our travel experts.
Health & Medications
We can make arrangements for on-call doctors to be available upon request during your stay in Pakistan. Medications are typically available across Pakistan. However, to avoid any hassle, it is advisable to carry any specialized requirements with you. Carry bandages for cuts and bruises (if outbound), medicines for motion sickness (if susceptible), altitude sickness (if going over 8,000 feet/ 2,500 meters) and for upset stomach and nausea.
Insurance
Travel insurance can be arranged from third party service providers, upon request.
Weather
Be sure to check the weather forecast before you travel and pack accordingly. It is important to note that weather conditions across Pakistan may not be the same at a given time. For example, August is pleasant in the high mountain areas such as Hunza and Skardu, whereas it is exceptionally hot in cities such as Karachi and Lahore.
It is important to note that the weather conditions rapidly alter in high mountains and many website predictions are often not accurate.
It is important to note that the weather conditions rapidly alter in high mountains and website predictions are often not accurate.
It is important to note that the weather conditions rapidly alter in high mountains and website predictions are often not accurate.
Travel Adaptors
Pakistan operates on a 230v supply voltage. Therefore, please check if your electric appliances will require a voltage converter or transformer whilst in Pakistan.
Generally, it is best to purchase a universal converter for yourself so that you can plug in your devices into any socket.
Generally, it is best to purchase a universal converter for yourself so that you can plug in your devices into any socket.
Generally, it is best to purchase a universal converter for yourself so that you can plug in your devices into any socket.
Mobile & Internet Coverage
Mobile & internet coverage in tier-1 and tier-2 cities is generally good, however, the same cannot be said for the high mountains.
While on the road in the mountains, phone signals are sporadic - one minute you may have signals, and the next you don’t. Particularly, as soon as you step outside town limits, connectivity gets disrupted. Good wifi connection is available in limited hotels.
If you already do not own one, local sims are easy to buy and the call rates are economical, both within Pakistan and abroad.
Credit & Debit Cards
In major cities, most large retailers, upmarket restaurants and hotel chains accept credit and debit cards. In smaller towns and mountains, very few hotels and restaurants will accept credit or debit cards.
Many small stores and stalls, even in major cities, only take payment by cash.
Best times to visit Pakistan
Pakistan is a large country - top to bottom is slightly under 3,000 km. Cities are best visited between mid-October to end-April when weather is cool to mild warm. For high mountains, mid-March to end-October are ideal months covering spring, summer and autumn.
What to wear in Pakistan
In general, women should remain modestly dressed with shoulders and knees covered. It is alright to wear jeans, tights and long skirts, falling below the knee. It is not mandatory to wear head scarves; though it may be preferred in some of the more conservative parts of the country or while visiting places of worship. For more information, ask our travel experts for guidance, based on your itinerary.
For men, there is no dress code as such. The local dress, particularly loose tunics with jeans look particularly trendy and are also comfortable. Shorts may be good when you are out and about but may not be ideal when visiting homes and places of worship.
For men, there is no dress code as such. The local dress, particularly loose tunics with jeans look particularly trendy and are also comfortable. Shorts may be good when you are out and about but may not be ideal when visiting homes and places of worship.
For men, there is no dress code as such. The local dress, particularly loose tunics with jeans look particularly trendy and are also comfortable. Shorts may be good when you are out and about but may not be ideal when visiting homes and places of worship.
Traveling in mountains
High mountain travel may not be for everyone but it is perfect for those with a sense of adventure - this is the real outbound where nature rules.
A few cardinal rules for traveling in mountains:
Keep extra ⅔ days cushion in your travel plan.
If you are on a road trip, along the way, toilets are quite limited, and most of them are unkempt. So whenever you see a toilet facility, use it!
If you see a restaurant on the route, stop and have a meal there unless you know how far the next one is.
Always ask for travel time and not distance.
Generally, the roads are safe from any crime. Local drivers are the best choice for mountain roads.
Places like Chitral, Gilgit, Skardu are quite safe and comfortable for solo female travelers.
High up in the mountains, in many restaurants, the wait time for food can be as long as an hour, or even more, as they first have to cull the chicken, then cook it.
Security & safety
Security situation of Pakistan is quite dramatized. Some areas, especially in the mountains, are actually crime free. However, it is advised to not leave anything unattended, and remain wary of pickpocketing.
All our trips and activities are arranged with the highest security in mind and we try our best to ensure our clients are safe from any unprecedented risk both, from time and location perspective.
Currency
Local shops and restaurants do not accept foreign currency. Some big hotels might accept it, but offer poor conversion rates.
Therefore, we advise you to convert any foreign currency to PKR beforehand. Currency can be converted through banks and authorized money changers. Other than very remote locations, banks are everywhere and open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Even though money changers offer better rates, they are only available in commercial areas.