Pakistan has been hailed as one of the most hospitable countries in the world. Often, tourists praise its people, the lovely interaction they enjoy with the locals, its historic significance, the many monuments to see throughout Pakistan, and the stunning beauty of Pakistan’s northern areas. 

Another added advantage for motorcyclists is the country’s strategic location. When you are in Pakistan, you are at the intersection of the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. The immediate neighbours are Afghanistan, Iran, China, and India. If your visa and passport allow, Pakistan is a great place to start your fulfilling journey. 

In this blog, we will discuss all aspects of touring Pakistan on a motorcycle as a foreigner. Here is a brief outline of what we’ll discuss in this blog. 

• How to plan and prepare for a motorcycle tour of Pakistan?

• The motorcycle you need, the gear you should have, and advice on navigation

• Popular motorcycle touring routes and interesting destinations. 

• Skillfully manoeuvring Pakistan, details about roads, food, accommodation, and bike maintenance. 

• Things you should know about Pakistani culture. 

• How to stay safe in Pakistan on a motorcycle?

• Budget and expenses, how to manage your money during a motorcycle tour of Pakistan?

• Details about visa and documentation requirements. 

How to Plan and Prepare for a Motorbike Tour of Pakistan?

Proper planning is important to have a pleasant adventure. Though spur-of-the-moment tours offer the most surprise, planning your tour will save you a lot of hassle and headache. 

Best Time to Visit Pakistan on a Motorcycle

Generally, the best time to tour Pakistan on your motorcycle is the spring and autumn months (March to May & September to November). 

During these months, the weather is pleasant throughout Pakistan. Start from the south at Karachi and ride up to the mountains when snow is melting in the summer. 

However, the best time for a motorcycle tour may be different for different regions of Pakistan. The country has a rich and diverse geography with a humid coastal line, a big desert, one of the largest and most fertile plains, vast plateau regions, and magnificent mountains and glaciers in the North.

Use this resource to understand more about the climate of Pakistan. 

Visa Requirements and Process

A tourist visa is generally the right choice for touring Pakistan on your motorcycle. 

Pakistan offers visa-on-arrival and e-visa for many countries. If your country is eligible for any of these two visa types, you can quickly get your visa approved and land in Pakistan. 

Here is what the typical visa application process will look like for a foreign motorcycle tourist in Pakistan. 

• Online Application

• Visit the Pakistan e-visa website, register your account, and start a new application. 

• Select "Tourist Visa"

• Complete the application form 

• Upload required documents as the form demands 

• Pay fees and submit your application

• Embassy/Consulate Application

• Visit the Pakistani embassy or consulate in your country to get the visa application form. 

• Fill out the application form 

• Provide the required documents as the visa application form asks.

• Get an appointment for a visa interview 

• Apply for processing

Generally, you need a valid passport, visa application form, photographs, proof of travel, hotel booking/accommodation proof, bank statement, and No Objection Certificate. 

If you are also importing your motorcycle, you will need a Motorcycle Carnet de Passage (CDP) or Temporary Import Permit. Sometimes, you have to pay a security deposit for the temporary import permit (TIP). Also consider buying comprehensive motorbike insurance for a safe, worry-free tour of Pakistan.

Pro Tip: Apply well ahead of your time so any delays don't destroy your plans. 

Essential Documents and Permits

This is the list of essential documents and permits. Keep these documents prepared for a worry-free motorcycle tour of Pakistan. 

• Valid Passport (6+ months validity)

• Pakistan Tourist Visa (e-visa or embassy-issued)

• International Driving Permit (IDP)

• Copies (and digital backups) of Passport and Visa

• Carnet de Passage (CDP) or Temporary Import Permit (TIP) arrangements

• Motorcycle Registration Document (Original)

• Motorcycle Insurance (Valid in Pakistan)

• No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for restricted areas (if applicable)

• Travel Insurance Policy Details

• First Aid Kit and Medical Information

You may need a No Objection Certificate for going to some areas in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir (Pakistani-administered Kashmir). 

Route Planning and Itinerary Suggestions

A lot goes into planning your trip right. Pakistan is a large, diverse country. There is so much to see everywhere. However, some areas are more tourist-friendly than others. 

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for touring Pakistan. Some areas like coastal areas can be visited year-round. Some areas like Northern areas, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and some areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are very suitable for visit during summer months. During May, June, July, and August, these areas have pleasant weather while the rest of the country goes through scorching heat. 

Popular motorcycle touring routes in Pakistan are these. 

Northern Pakistan Adventure (Gilgit-Baltistan & Kashmir - 2-3 weeks): 

The most scenic motorcycle route in Pakistan, visit Northern Pakistan to see the most beautiful parts of Pakistan. Northern Pakistan includes areas to the north of Islamabad, namely, Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. You may also visit Azad Kashmir (Pakistani-administered Kashmir).

One possible start/end point is Islamabad/Rawalpindi. You can visit the Faisal Mosque, the Pakistan Monument, and Raja Bazar in Rawalpindi. From there, ride to Naran and Kaghan Valley. You'll pass through;

• Abbottabad, 

• Lake Saif-ul-Malook, 

• Lulusar Lake, and 

• Babusar Pass. 

You'll take the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit, exploring Gilgit city, Kargah Buddha, and famous local markets in the area. 

From there, ride further north to Hunza Valley, exploring; 

• Karimabad, 

• Baltit Fort, 

• Altit Fort, 

• Eagle's Nest viewpoint, 

• Attabad Lake, 

• Passu Cones, and 

• Khunjerab Pass (Pakistan-China border, you may need a permit for the visit). 

The last area will be Skardu. Here, you can enjoy lovely Skardu City, Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake), Upper Kachura Lake, Katpana Desert (famous cold desert), and Deosai National Park (the national park is seasonal. Check the schedule and permit requirements). 

For a rewarding tour of Northern Pakistan, keep in mind the high altitude, challenging roads in places, permits required for certain areas, changing weather, and challenges of fuel availability in remote areas. Also, prepare for altitude sickness. 

Punjab, Central Pakistan, and Historical Ride

Central Pakistan is Punjab, upper Balochistan, and plains area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Most of central Pakistan consists of plains and has hot weather. However, the area has a lot of historical sites and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Since this is the heartland of the Indus Civilization and Gandhara civilization, the area has been inhabited for many millennia. Your bike riding experience will become rich if you invest some time in knowing the history of the area. 

Your starting point depends on your entry point into Punjab. Rawalpindi is almost on the north end of Punjab while Sadiqabad and Bahawalpur are on the south end. Indus River makes the western boundary of Punjab with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 

Assuming you are starting from Lahore, here is a simple itinerary plan for your bike tour. 

Start your tour by visiting historical sites in Lahore city. These sites include Shalamar Gardens, Shahi Qila, Badshahi Mosque, Walled City, and more. Attend the Wagah Border ceremony in the evening and enjoy your dinner at Lahore Food Street. 

Go from Lahore to Nankana Sahib and Sheikhupura to witness Sikh heritage and Mughal history. In Nankana Sahib, you can visit the birthplace of Guru Nanak Devji, the founder of the Sikh religion. A nearby Hiran Minar is a Mughal-era hunting complex with an artificial lake and a watch tower. 

From Sheikhupura, move on to Faisalabad. 

Monuments and important places to see in Faisalabad are Clock Tower, Eight Bazars, Lyallpur Museum, and the textile industry. 

From Faisalabad, ride to Jhang (2-3 hours of ride, ~120 km). You will pass through rural Punjab seeing ancient, intellectually rich land. You can stay overnight at Jhang or move to Multan, one of the oldest still-inhabited cities in the world and a centre of Sufi Islam in the Indian subcontinent. 

Notable Sufi shrines in Multan are the Shah Rukn-e-Alam shrine, Bahauddin Zakariya shrine, and Shams-ud-Din Sabzwari (Shah Shams Tabrez) shrine. Other worth-visiting places in Multan are Multan Fort and Hussain Agahi Bazaar. 

The most notable food of especially Multan, and also South Punjab, is Sohan Halwa. Make sure to enjoy your Sohan halwa in Multan. 

From Multan, move to the city of palaces, Bahawalpur. The city is a seat of the former princely Bahawalpur state. When in Bahawalpur, visit palaces like the Noor Mahal, Gulzar Mahal, Nishat Mahal, Sadiq Garh Palace, and Darbar Mahal. The nearby attractions include Lal Suhanra National Park, Uch Sharif, Derawar Fort, and the Cholistan Desert. If you are right on time, you may also experience the Cholistan Jeep Rally. 

Next, ride to the Salt Range exploring natural landscapes and Katas Raj temples. This will be approximately a 6-8 hour ride for about 450 kilometers. Khewra salt mines, Kallar Kahar, and Choa Saidan Shah are lovely nearby attractions. 

Ride from Salt Range to Islamabad/Rawalpindi and Taxila. There is a Taxila Archaeological Site (UNESCO Site) which consists of one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the region relating to Gandhara civilization and entry points of many invaders like Alexander the Great. 

Southern Pakistan and Coastal Areas 

Pakistan has a 700-km shore on the Arabian Sea. Sindh region is the lower end of the Indus Civilization. 

The noteworthy sites and tourist attractions include the ruins of Mohenjo Daro, Hyderabad Fort, Ranikot (birthplace of King Akbar), Makli necropolis, Karachi city attractions, Makran Coastal Highway, Ormara beach, and Malir Kund beach. 

Physical and Mental Preparation

Motorcycle touring in Pakistan can be exhausting. Since roads are not perfect and the local bikes are not that comfortable, you’ll need to be in good physical condition. 

If you are importing your motorcycle and are satisfied with its performance and comfort, your trip will be less tiring. Consider a part of Pakistani roads as off-road riding, except main highways. 

Also, Pakistan is a developing country. Road infrastructure is good but civil facilities are limited. You may have to tackle many surprises along the ride. So, pack your gear accordingly. Try to gain some experience with basic maintenance of your bike. Keep a first aid kit with you. 

Learning Basic Urdu Phrases

Though the language barrier is not significant in Pakistan, it is always a great idea to learn basic phrases of the native language Urdu. 

There are many regional languages in Pakistan but Urdu is spoken and understood throughout Pakistan. It is rightly the lingua franca of Pakistan and is really easy to learn. 

If you know Hindi, it would be helpful to learn that Hindi and Urdu sound the same. You can speak Hindi here and everyone will be able to understand you.

Here is a YouTube video that quickly introduces basic Urdu phrases. Their UrduPod101 channel is a good free resource for learning Urdu for tourists. Check their website here. 

These are some basic Urdu phrases that can help you navigate Pakistan. 

• Greetings: 

• Assalam O Alaikum(السلام علیکم) – common Pakistani greeting for meeting and departing, meaning "Peace be upon you."

• Shukariya (شکریہ) or “Meherbani” (مہربانی) for saying Thank you

• You don't have to translate 'Please' in Urdu now, everyone understands this word. 

• How are you? Aap Kaisy hain (آپ کیسے ہیں؟)

• Getting Around:

• Asking Direction: Where is (something)? Like where is that hotel (your hotel's name). (Hotel name) kahan hai/(hotel name) kidhr hai.

• I want to go to…: “Mujhe … jana hai” (مجھے … جانا ہے)

• How much is the fare?: “Kiraya kitna hai?” (کرایہ کتنا ہے؟)

Another important thing is to learn local terminology, like they call a fuel station a ‘petrol pump’ in Pakistan. So, when you need fuel in Pakistan, ask for the nearest petrol pump.

Motorcycle and Gear

The most important part of your motorcycle tour is your motorcycle and your riding gear. You can import your bike or rent one here. Please plan and manage your funds accordingly in advance.

Renting a bike can be costly in Pakistan. If your Pakistan friend has a bike, rent it from them. Exercise extra caution when renting a bike from a bike rental. Try to use a reference so that you are not ripped. 

Always wear protective motorcycle gear on motorcycles. You can find some of the protective motorcycle garments in Pakistan. However, finding top-quality, protective motorcycle jackets, trousers, and boots is hard. It is better to bring protective motorcycle clothing with you, or you’ll have to import it and wait for 10-15 days before your gear arrives. 

Pack your tools and some spare parts for your bike. Clutch wire and brake wire are must-have spare parts when riding in remote areas. 

For navigation and communication, a mobile phone and Google Maps would suffice. Also, Garmin Drive can be an excellent choice as a motorbike GPS. Having a physical map will also be helpful. 

Also, you’ll need a different sim when visiting Northern Pakistan. The network is called SCOM and you can get its sim in Skardu and near Upper Kachura Lake. 

Which is the Right Motorcycle for Pakistan Roads? Renting vs. Importing Your Motorcycle

You can import or rent a motorcycle in Pakistan. If you are importing your bike, you’ll need a permit and have to pay some fees too. 

If you are going to rent a bike in Pakistan, prefer powerful bikes. The starter and most popular touring bike in Pakistan is the Honda CG 125. You can get this bike repaired at every nook and corner of Pakistan and spare parts are easily available. However, the bike is not comfortable. 

Another great option that is easy to repair and spare parts are easily available is the Suzuki GS 150. This bike is more comfortable but slightly costly. This bike is powerful enough for touring all types of terrain, including mountains, deserts, plains, and off-roading.

Yamaha YBR bikes in Pakistan are also good for touring. They are solid, powerful, and comfortable bikes. And they look like they were made for touring. 

Some bike rental businesses may also have better bikes like Yamaha and Benelli touring bikes. 

On the Road - Riding in Pakistan

Here are some practical tips for riding on the road in Pakistan. 

Road Conditions and Traffic Rules

Main roads and connecting roads are mostly good in Pakistan. When you are on national or provincial highways, you’ll have a smooth ride. 

However, you should always be ready for a pothole on a Pakistani road. That’s why a good motorcycle is important. Potholes are abundant on rural roads and in small cities.

Pakistan doesn’t allow motorcycles on the motorways. 

Regarding traffic rules, Pakistan is a left-hand drive country. The main reason is the country being a former British colony. 

About motorcycle safety gear, you are only legally required to wear a motorcycle helmet. We recommend wearing a safe motorcycle jacket, trousers, and boots. Use safe motorcycle clothing with removable armour at important joints. 

Fuel Availability and Quality

Motorcycle fuel is readily available in all cities and towns in Pakistan. However, when you are out in the country or rural area, get your tank filled frequently. 

Tourist routes in the Northern areas and coastal areas have fewer fuel stations. Plan ahead to save yourself from any unpleasant situation. 

Petrol is typically available in various octane ratings (e.g., 87 RON, 92 RON, 95 RON). Higher octane ratings petrol is only available in major cities. Choose a bike that runs on 87 RON which is the most readily available motorbike fuel in Pakistan. 

Accommodation Options (Hotels, Guesthouses, Camping)

You can get cheap and affordable accommodation in Pakistan. You’ll need advance booking in Northern areas and big cities as good hotels are pre-booked. 

Camping is also a great idea to spend a night under the open sky. Keep camping gear with you if camping is how you are going to stay overnight. Be mindful of your safety from wild animals though. 

Food and Water Safety

Overall food safety is low in Pakistan. However, water is safe in most of Pakistan. Keeping a water bottle with you is important. You don’t have to always buy bottled water. Large cities have private water filtration plants on main roads and streets. You can spot them easily and refill your water bottle. 

Water from handpumps is also safe in most of rural Pakistan. 

Street food may not be safe. Trust your gut when eating street food. 

There are provincial food authorities in Pakistan that regulate eateries. Their standards are not very reliable. If you see that the eatery is clean and basic hygiene is being practised, chances are the food is safe. 

You can get all types of fruits and dry fruits in Pakistan. This is an agricultural country with a great range of agri-produces. Buy, thoroughly wash, and eat fruits with peace of mind. 

Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair on the Go

Knowing your bike is the first step for motorcycle maintenance in Pakistan. You should be able to do basic maintenance, like cleaning the spark plug, adjusting the clutch or brakes, checking motorcycle fuel and engine oil, and assessing if your bike will need maintenance soon. 

Keep your bike clean. Get it washed every 1000 kilometres or so, or if you feel that your bike is very dirty. It will ensure smooth performance. 

Motorbike mechanics are abundant in towns and cities across Pakistan. However, as soon as you reach the countryside, it will become hard to find a good motorcycle mechanic. 

These mechanics are quick to spot as you will see tires and broken motorcycles outside their shops. 

If you imported your motorbike, get it tuned and serviced in large cities where good mechanics are available. Low-skill mechanics can make things worse. 

Since these mechanics are less educated, you will not find many of them online or on Google Maps. The Internet is also spotty in rural Pakistan. Make note of important things before you set out for the day.

Culture and Etiquette

Pakistan is a Muslim country. The people are hospitable and generous but sensitive about religion. It is important not to discuss religion or ask questions about Islam from laymen. If you actually want to learn something about Islam in Pakistan, it is better to visit a seminary and ask a Mufti directly. 

Here are some more tips to fare through Pakistan and have your best time in doing so. 

Understanding Pakistani Culture and Customs

Pakistani culture is a mix of Islamic culture with local customs. The social fabric is made of Islamic principles and local customs, which emphasize empathy, being helpful, generous, and modest. 

Dress Code and Social Norms

Dress modestly in Pakistan. Keep your shoulders covered in public. For women, cover yourself in public and religious places. 

Interacting with Locals Respectfully

Be kind to locals. Almost all the time, they wish to help you. The most common greeting is “Assalam O Alaikum” (peace be upon you in Arabic). 

Address older men as "Uncle" (Chacha) and older women as "Aunty" (Phuppo or Khala) as a sign of respect, even if you don't know their relationship to you. For younger people, using their name is fine, or "Bhai" (brother) for men and "Behan" (sister) for women can be friendly.

Respect personal space. Keeping a distance of about 3 feet is nice when talking. As always, staring is not polite. 

Hospitality and Local Interactions

People will offer you free food and fix things for you for free. They do this to treat you right as their guest. Pakistanis are renowned for their hospitality. Many tourists have spent nothing for many days in Pakistan as people kept offering them free food and even free stay. 

Religious Considerations

Be especially mindful around religious places. Cover yourself, remove your shoes when entering the mosque, and don’t shout or misbehave in and around religious places. 

It is a great idea to not discuss your religion or religious views publically. 

Safety and Security

Pakistan has cleansed itself after a lengthy war on terror. Most of Pakistan is safe to travel as a foreigner. However, keep someone from your family or friends in the loop. Keep telling them your daily update and tracking information, like your location, how things are going, and your plans. 

Personal Safety and Security Tips

Following some basic personal safety and security tips will keep you safe in Pakistan. Generally, people are protective of guests in Pakistan but practicing caution is important. 

Keep your expensive belongings in bags, don’t display them openly. When resting, try to park your bike where it is safe or where you can see quickly. Use disc locks and chains to keep your motorcycle secure. 

Always keep someone from your family, friends, or trusted local contact informed about your current location and your future plans. This is important to find you if something goes wrong. 

Go to remote areas in groups if possible, like deep in Balochistan or interior Sindh. 

To be safe and comfortable in public in Pakistan, dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. 

To handle law enforcement and get help from the authorities, keep copies of your important documents (passport, visa, identity information) and original documents. Keep copies separately and show these copies to the authorities first. 

Be cautious when interacting with strangers and trust your guts if you feel unsafe. Also, avoid political or religious gatherings. In Pakistan, these gatherings can turn violent in no time. 

Dealing with Potential Road Hazards

Riding on Pakistani roads can be adventurous, especially in urban areas. Urban traffic can be erratic. Be watchful of crossing animals, pedestrians, and bikes. They can appear anywhere on local roads. 

Highways are maintained well. However, local roads can have potholes, unmarked speed bumps, or construction zones. 

Be careful when crossing railway tracks. Rural crossings usually don’t have barriers. Watch out for the train on both sides before crossing.

Emergency Contacts and Procedures

Save emergency services numbers in your phone. You can call the Police at 15, the ambulance at 1122, and fire brigade at 16. 

Keep contact information for your country's embassy or consulate in Pakistan. Also carry a physical copy of important contact information in case your phone is lost, out of battery, or unreachable at some point. 

Know your blood type and your medical conditions. This will help you get the right medical aid when you need it.

Travel Insurance Recommendations

You need to have third-party insurance protection for riding in Pakistan. You will be seldom asked for it however. We advise taking comprehensive coverage. 

Always keep a copy of your insurance policy details with you. 

Health and Medical Advice

Staying fit is important for a good ride. Health conditions will become a serious challenge in Pakistan where healthcare infrastructure is still under development. 

Consult a doctor and discuss necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Keep a stock of your personal medications as some foreign medicine brands may not be readily available in Pakistan. 

Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit with antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relievers, and medication advised by your doctor (like traveller’s diarrhea). 

Keep a mosquito and insect repellent with you, like Mospel, etc. Be aware of extreme weather in Pakistan. The country gets heat waves almost every year in most of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Protect yourself from heatstroke and dehydration. 

If you feel unwell, seek medical attention immediately, don’t delay.

Budget and Expenses

Manage your expenses with a budget. Keep some cushion for unexpected expenses. Pakistan is one of the most affordable countries with cheap basic necessities. You can potentially survive with little money. 

Estimated Daily Budget for Motorcycle Touring

Your daily expenses will include fuel, accommodation, food, motorcycle maintenance, entry tickets to places like museums, personal spending, etc. 

Total daily budget will vary as per your riding style. If you go camping and eat local food, you can survive on a small budget. If you stay in expensive hotels like Pearl Continental and eat from high-end eateries, your daily expenses can go up.

Costs of Motorcycle Rental/Shipping

You can import your motorcycle to Pakistan. Your international driving license will work in Pakistan. However, imported bikes can only be serviced in Pakistan. 

When renting a bike in Pakistan, consider 150cc bikes only. These are powerful bikes that you can take to the mountains. Pick from bike models that can be repaired easily across Pakistan. These bikes include;

• Suzuki GS150

• Honda CF150

• Yamaha YBR 150

Money Exchange and Payment Methods

Keep local currency with you. Try to pay with cash whenever you can as your credit card payment will be processed with a fee. 

All major banks have currency exchange facilities as they run their own exchange companies. Or, you can go to currency exchange dealers to get local currency.

FAQs

Which bike is best for travelling in Pakistan?

Suzuki GS 150 and Honda CF 150 are the two best bikes for travelling in Pakistan. These bikes are affordable for renting and can be repaired anywhere in Pakistan.

Which is the No 1 bike in Pakistan?

The no. 1 bike is a Honda CD 70 but that is an urban commuter bike. You can’t take that to Northern Pakistan. The bike is not powerful enough. Choose Suzuki GS 150, Yamaha YBR 150, and Honda CF 150

Can you tour on any motorcycle?

You need a powerful and comfortable motorcycle for touring. Long-term riding can be taxing and it will make you tired. Also, consider how the bike will be repaired if it breaks down. Choose a bike that can be repaired from anywhere. 

Which is the most comfortable bike in Pakistan?

Honda CF 150 can be considered the most comfortable bike for touring in Pakistan.