Why Pakistan Is the Most Underrated Country for Female Adventure Travelers
Before I landed in Pakistan, I was warned, a lot. As a solo female traveler, I was told I’d be unsafe, stared at, or worse. But what I found couldn’t have been more different. Pakistan surprised me at every turn, not just with its beauty, but with its warmth, hospitality, and deep sense of respect. In fact, I felt safer here than in many places considered “safe” for women. If you’ve ever questioned whether Pakistan belongs on your travel list, let me show you why this underrated gem absolutely deserves a spot at the top. So much so that I rated it as my favorite country I traveled to in 2025!
The Global Misconceptions About Pakistan
For years, media coverage has painted a picture of a volatile, dangerous place, especially for women. The narrative often focuses on conflict, and instability. While it's true the country has faced challenges, that’s not the whole story, not even close.
Before I arrived, I heard all the warnings: that I’d be harassed constantly, that it was unsafe to walk alone, that locals would treat me poorly. But I’m so glad I didn’t listen to those warnings and booked my ticket.
The reality? Yes, Pakistan is conservative in many ways, and yes, it’s different from the West. But that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, especially not for respectful, culturally-aware travelers and has some of the best nature in the world. Yep! So here we go, this is why you should travel to one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to.
What It's Really Like as a Solo Female Traveler in Pakistan
From the moment I arrived, I was met with kindness. I stayed at Hotel Foresta in a great location in Islamabad. The staff were excellent; some even took me out to a local place to eat one night with their family!
In the mountain area, so many locals went out of their way to help, offer chai, or simply make sure I was okay. In Hunza, women (especially at Little Tibet restaurant) welcomed me like a sister and drivers made sure I felt safe.
I never felt worried. Only super happy I was in a dream country of mine.
I experienced a level of care and hospitality that’s hard to describe, people were so genuine. Strangers became friends. Taxi drivers became storytellers. Women and kids on buses became travel companions. Hotel owners at Biafo became my parents who took me under their wing.
Public Transport & Accommodation
I mostly used Yango (Pakistan’s Uber) in cities, hired private drivers or took shared jeeps and taxis in the mountains. You can contact @thebigskyadventures or @ayazi_travelguide to help you arrange your trip and transportation.
For accommodation, I stayed in a mix of guesthouses, homestays, and mid-range hotels.
In Islamabad, I stayed at Hotel Foresta, which was super comfortable, beautifully designed and conveniently located.
For Skardu, Biafo Resort offered a home base, a cozy family vibe and great access to local activities. The owner Faysal is truly a special human and will take care of you in every way possible, all while making you laugh.
In Hunza, I started my stay in the “south” at The2Magpies, a cozy boutique-style hotel/guesthouse (see pictures below), and then made my way “north” to Moksha Resorts, which had fun yurt style accommodation, incredible mountain views and the best cooking team for family dinners.
At Fairy Meadows, I stayed at Di Ambre, where the staff were the stars but also have to mention their new more modern room we stayed in. My friends and I cooked dinner with their staff and had such a blast. I was tossing roti’s on the stove and my friend was stirring up the countless dishes they made us.
Booking ahead is recommended in the north, especially during peak seasons. All of these were a 10/10 for me. When I say I hit the jackpot with these, I truly mean it.
If you are interested in my Pakistan itinerary (hikes, accommodation, things to see/do, etc) check out the carousel saved on my Instagram Pakistan highlights bubble or click here.
Quick links for everywhere I stayed at in Pakistan:
The2Magpies view from my room
The2Magpies
The2Magpies
Why Pakistan Is So Underrated
Pakistan remains one of the world’s best-kept secrets, offering an extraordinary mix of breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, and heartfelt hospitality that often goes unnoticed. From the mountain peaks, to the serene turquoise waters of lakes and the intricate architecture of ancient forts and mosques, the country is a treasure trove for all kinds of travelers.
However, it’s not just the landscapes that captivated me, it’s the people. Pakistanis are incredibly warm and generous, embracing the tradition that a guest is treated like family, often inviting travelers into their homes and hearts with genuine kindness. What truly sets Pakistan apart, however, is the off-the-beaten-path feeling it still holds; unlike many popular destinations, it hasn’t been overrun by tourism, allowing solo travelers to experience authentic moments, peaceful solitude, and meaningful connections without crowds or commercial distractions.
This perfect balance of adventure, culture, and community makes Pakistan a destination that’s truly deserving of far more attention than it currently receives.
Tips for Other Solo Female Travelers
If you’re thinking about traveling to Pakistan alone, preparation and respect are key. Places like Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, and Lahore offer a mix of safety, beauty, and culture that’s perfect for first-time visitors. Pack modest, comfortable clothing, think loose trousers, tops that cover your shoulders, and a lightweight scarf for when you need to cover your hair.
Learning a few basic phrases, like “Shukriya” (thank you), can help break the ice and show respect. Public transport is manageable if you feel confident in your route, and hiring local guides is a great way to navigate more remote areas safely while gaining deeper insight into the culture.
Most importantly, pay attention to how local women dress and act as a guide to appropriate behavior, and don’t hesitate to connect with other travelers along the way!
Fairy Meadows
Final Thoughts: Why I’d Go Back in a Heartbeat
Visiting Pakistan challenged many of my assumptions and gave me a new perspective on solo travel and safety. The country’s complexity, warmth, and variety made it a rewarding experience that felt both genuine and enriching. It’s not a perfect destination, there are challenges and cultural differences, but that’s part of what makes it interesting.
For solo female travelers willing to approach it with an open mind and some preparation, Pakistan offers something different from the usual routes, a chance to engage deeply with a culture that’s often misunderstood and to explore landscapes that feel truly untouched. This country is full of surprises, I’d definitely reccommend visiting to see all that it can offer for yourself.
Do you have any further questions? If so, please email hello@alexamcdonald.com! I’d be happy to offer you some personal tips!
Here are some of my favorite travel resources:
Book tours & experiences with Get your Guide
Travel the world while volunteering with Worldpackers
Get reliable travel insurance with Safety Wing
Stay connected abroad with an eSIM from Ubigi
Save money on accommodations by housesitting with Trusted Housesitters
Book your hotel stay with Booking.com
Book budget-friendly hostels with Hostelworld
Get cheap flight alerts & deals with Going
Fly for free with my favorite travel credit card
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through those links, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping to support me and this site!
