Ultimate 2-Week Pakistan Itinerary (North to South) | Homejourney Guide

Executive Summary: Your Safe, Smart 2‑Week Pakistan Itinerary (North to South)

This guide gives you a complete, verified Pakistan itinerary for 2 weeks Pakistan, travelling from cultural Lahore in the north through Hunza’s mountains, then down to Karachi in the south. It is written from the perspective of a Singapore-based traveller who has done multiple Pakistan trips and understands what Singaporeans, expats, and international investors need: safety, clarity, and trusted information.

You will find a day‑by‑day plan from Lahore to Hunza and onwards to Islamabad and Karachi, estimated costs in PKR and SGD, local transport details, safety notes, and practical travel planning advice. Along the way we also highlight when Pakistan travellers start thinking about Singapore – for work, lifestyle or property – and how Homejourney helps you compare and plan safely.

Why Visit Pakistan on a 2‑Week North–South Route
Best Time to Visit Pakistan (By Region)
Getting There from Singapore & Key Entry Points
Currency, Budget & Exchange Tips
Full 2‑Week Pakistan Itinerary: North to South
Top Attractions & Experiences (Lahore, Hunza, Islamabad, Karachi)
Practical Travel Tips: Visa, Transport, Safety, Savings
Where to Stay: Areas & Hotel Suggestions
Food & Dining: What and Where to Eat
Shorter 3‑Day and 5‑Day Pakistan Itinerary Options
Connecting Pakistan Travel to Singapore Property & Lifestyle
FAQ: Pakistan 2‑Week Itinerary & Singapore Links

Why Visit Pakistan on a 2‑Week North–South Itinerary

Pakistan rewards travellers who are willing to go beyond headlines: dramatic Karakoram peaks, Mughal architecture that rivals Agra, and a street‑food scene that feels instantly familiar to anyone from Singapore’s Little India or Geylang Serai.

A Pakistan trip

Lahore – Pakistan’s cultural heart: forts, mosques, street food, and art scenes comparable to Singapore’s Kampong Glam and Chinatown rolled into one.
Hunza & the Karakoram Highway – High‑altitude valleys and one of the world’s most scenic roads, frequently recommended in 2‑week itineraries by experienced travellers.[1][2][5]
Islamabad & Karachi – A planned capital city and a coastal megacity, useful for understanding Pakistan’s economy if you are thinking about regional investment.

For Singapore‑based travellers and investors, Pakistan is often combined with a Singapore stop: some Pakistanis route through Changi for onward flights, while others spend part of the year in Singapore for work, education or property management. Homejourney sits naturally in this decision space: trip first, then lifestyle and property planning.

Best Time to Visit Pakistan (North vs South)

Because Pakistan stretches from coastal Karachi to 7,000m peaks, timing is crucial. Here is a simplified view for a north–south route.

Region	Best Months	Why It Works
Hunza & Northern Areas	May – October	Clear roads, comfortable trekking weather; cherry/apricot blossom (Apr–May), vibrant autumn colours (Oct).[1][2][8]
Lahore & Islamabad	October – March	Cooler, drier; daytime 15–25°C, similar to air‑conditioned Singapore malls.
Karachi & Sindh	November – February	Less humidity and heat; better for walking and sightseeing.

If you want a single 2 weeks Pakistan window that balances north and south, aim for late September to mid‑November: Hunza’s autumn foliage, comfortable city temperatures, and more reliable mountain roads.

Getting There from Singapore & Key Entry Points

From Changi Airport, most travellers enter Pakistan via one of three gateways:

Lahore (LHE) – Ideal for starting this north–south route. Typically 1 stop via Dubai, Doha or Kuala Lumpur.
Islamabad (ISB) – Convenient if you want to reverse the route or fly straight into the mountains (Skardu/Gilgit) later.[2][10]
Karachi (KHI) – Good for south‑to‑north or those combining with business in Karachi.[7]

Flight times from Singapore are usually 9–13 hours including transit. Many Singapore‑Pakistan families choose routes via Gulf carriers due to frequency and baggage allowances – helpful if you are bringing winter clothes and gear.

Currency, Budget & Exchange Tips (PKR & SGD)

Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Many visitors from Singapore bring SGD or USD and change in Lahore or Islamabad, where rates are usually better than at small northern towns.

On recent trips, a realistic mid‑range budget for this Pakistan itinerary is roughly:

SGD 80–150 per day (approx. PKR equivalent), excluding international flights – enough for private rooms, domestic flights, good meals and private drivers on some days.
Backpackers using buses and guesthouses can go lower; luxury travellers with domestic flights and boutique hotels will sit higher.[5][8][9]

Homejourney supports PKR in its currency comparison tools, so when you later look at Singapore property, you can view listings, mortgages and projected costs side‑by‑side in PKR and SGD for clear decision‑making.Bank Rates Property Search

Full 2‑Week Pakistan Itinerary: Lahore – Hunza – Islamabad – Karachi

This is the core 2 weeks Pakistan plan that many experienced travellers follow, adapted from multiple trusted itineraries and tuned for safety and realistic travel times.[1][2][5][8][10] It starts with Lahore to Hunza, then works south.

Overview: 14‑Day Pakistan Trip Route

Days 1–3: Lahore – culture, Mughal history, food streets[1][5]
Day 4: Travel Lahore → Islamabad[5]
Day 5: Islamabad sightseeing[5][10]
Days 6–9: Hunza Valley via Gilgit or direct road[1][2][5][8][9]
Day 10: Return to Islamabad[1][3][10]
Day 11–12: Fly to Karachi, explore old town & coastline[7]
Day 13–14: Day trips from Karachi & buffer day for flights

Days 1–3: Lahore – Cultural Capital & Food Heaven

Most 2‑week guides start with Lahore for good reason – it’s the best place to tune your ear to Urdu and Punjabi, understand Mughal history, and ease into Pakistani street life.[1][5] As a Singaporean, Lahore feels closest to a blend of Little India, Kampong Glam and Arab Street, but more intense and chaotic.

Key must‑sees over 2–3 days:

Badshahi Mosque & Lahore Fort – Iconic Mughal monuments; go with a licensed guide to understand the architecture and history.[1][5]
Walled City & Food Streets – Gawalmandi and Fort Road Food Street for lassi, nihari, paya and grilled meats.
Shalimar Gardens – Restful green space, especially in cooler months.
Wagah Border Ceremony – Afternoon half‑day trip to the India–Pakistan border; tickets and security checks similar in seriousness to a major event in Singapore.

Insider tip (safety): Like crowded MRT stations in Singapore during rush hour, pickpocket risk goes up in Anarkali Bazaar and around the Fort at night. Keep valuables in a money belt under your clothes and use ride‑hailing apps (Careem/InDrive) instead of hailing random taxis.

Day 4: Lahore to Islamabad

Lahore to Islamabad is roughly a 4.5–6‑hour journey by intercity bus on the motorway.[5] Local travellers often use Daewoo, Faisal Movers or similar companies for air‑conditioned, reserved‑seat coaches.

Safety choice: For first‑timers, book business‑class buses with daytime departures. Think of it like picking a major coach brand in Malaysia instead of a random small operator.
Plan to arrive in Islamabad by late afternoon, check into your guesthouse and visit a café in F‑6 or F‑7 sectors.

Day 5: Islamabad – Green, Planned Capital

Islamabad is Pakistan’s planned capital, with wide roads and neighbourhood sectors, not unlike Singapore’s HDB town planning – just more spread out.[5][10]

Faisal Mosque – Iconic modern mosque with Margalla Hills behind; sunset is particularly photogenic.[5][10]
Daman‑e‑Koh Viewpoint – Overlooks Islamabad; go with a driver or taxi.
Centaurus Mall & Blue Area – If you need SIM cards, ATMs or branded retail, this is the place.

Insider tip: Islamabad is where many travellers buy warmer layers for Hunza; local outdoor shops stock fleece and basic trekking gear at prices lower than in Singapore.

Days 6–9: Hunza Valley via Gilgit – Northern Highlight

Almost every serious Pakistan itinerary for 2 weeks allocates several days to Hunza, often describing it as the most beautiful region in Pakistan.[1][2][5][8][9] Reaching Hunza takes effort, but it is the emotional climax of the trip.

Getting to Hunza

Option A: Fly Islamabad → Gilgit (weather‑dependent, incredibly scenic flight)[1][3][10]
Option B: Drive the Karakoram Highway via overnight bus or private car; 14–18 hours with stunning mountain scenery but tiring.[5][8]

From Gilgit, hire a car or shared transport to Karimabad, the main town in Hunza.[1][3][9]

What to Do in Hunza (3–4 Days)

Baltit & Altit Forts – Restored forts with sweeping valley views and cafés; common stops in traveller itineraries.[1][2]
Attabad Lake – Intense turquoise lake created by a landslide; boat rides, lakeside cafés and viewpoints.[1][2][4]
Passu Cones & Hussaini Suspension Bridge – Iconic peaks and a photogenic (slightly nerve‑wracking) bridge.[1][2][4][9]
Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint – Sunrise/sunset viewpoint above Karimabad, recommended by many local guides.[2]

Insider tip (altitude & health): Hunza sits around 2,400–2,800m. As in Genting or Cameron Highlands, some travellers feel shortness of breath, but acute mountain sickness is less common at these heights. Hydrate, avoid heavy exertion on your first day and pack basic medication – in rural areas, clinics are limited compared with Singapore’s polyclinics.

Day 10: Return to Islamabad

Return by flight (if available) or by road. Weather can delay Gilgit flights, so treat this day as a buffer; several trekking operators emphasise flexible timing on this stretch because of road and weather unpredictability.[3][4]

If you reach Islamabad early, use the afternoon for rest, laundry, or a gentle walk in F‑7 Markaz for cafés and bookshops.

Days 11–12: Karachi – Coastal Finale

Fly Islamabad → Karachi (about 2 hours). Karachi contrasts sharply with Hunza: busy, coastal, humid – more like a blend of Johor Bahru and Jakarta.

Clifton & Defence (DHA) – Safer, more affluent residential and café districts, similar in feel to some Singapore expat enclaves.
Old City & Empress Market – Colonial‑era buildings and markets; go with a local guide if possible.[7]
Beachfront – Spots like Seaview and nearby beach clubs give you a softer landing after the mountains.

Safety note: