Travel Guide
Pakistan
Hospitable people, cheap food, Lahore metro and a dusty 22-hour train: a country that says “Love Türkiye”.
In short
On arrival in Pakistan you get a roadside shave (100 rupee), a hotel with AC and bathroom, 50-rupee samosas and mint sherbet. First impression: cleaner than India and Bangladesh; people are curious and hospitable — they ask for photos, say “Thank you bro”, shout “Love Türkiye”.
I stayed about 5 days in Lahore. The metro is modern and very cheap; armed police at the entrance. Chicken skewer prices are surprisingly low. A SIM is an adventure of its own: Thursday can be a holiday, not sold to tourists in the city; only at certain offices, ID may be required.
Intercity 22-hour trains are dusty and crowded — “I’ve never seen this much dust.” Still, Turkish speakers appear in the carriages and people who love Türkiye.
Route
From arrival to the train: summary of three videos.
First day: shave, hotel, samosa
Roadside outdoor shave 100 rupee. Hotel had bathroom, toilet, AC and fan. Samosa next door 50 rupee; mint sherbet is common.
5 days: metro, tombs, food
I looked for the “dirty Lahore” image often shown on YouTube and didn’t find it; to me the country is cleaner. Walking past cemeteries, karts and flowers are common.
4 days without a SIM
At the airport in the morning counters were closed. Thursday can be a holiday. SIMs not sold to tourists in the city; Pakistani ID or bonds may be required.
22 hours, dust and crowds
Dustier and more crowded than Indian trains. Breakfast is served on the train. Unexpected details can appear (e.g. historic cars).
Transport, accommodation and food
In Pakistani Rupees (PKR). Key amounts.
🚌 Transport & SIM
| Metro ticketLahore · very cheap | a few units |
| Long-distance traine.g. 22 hours | cheap / crowded |
| Taksi | bargain / app |
| SIM kartturist | zor · ofis + kimlik |
| Roadside shave | 100 PKR |
🛏️ Konaklama & yemek
| Otelklima, banyo | uygun |
| Samosa | 50 PKR |
| Chicken skewerportion | ~40 birim |
| Mint sherbet | cheap · very sweet |
Food is generally very cheap. Eating by hand is common; hospitality is strong.
To see / to experience
Highlights from the videos.
Roadside shave
100 PKR. Outdoors, friendly setting.
Samosa & sherbet
50 PKR samosa. Mint sherbet is cheap but very sweet.
Lahore metro
Modern, safe, very cheap. Armed police at the entrance.
Tombs & eagles
Eagle flocks near cemeteries; interesting sights.
Mosques & history
In Lahore Badshahi and other historic buildings are worth a detour.
22-hour train
Dusty, crowded, cheap. Plenty of chats with people.
“Love Türkiye”
Heard everywhere. People who speak Turkish show up.
App instead of taxi
Bargaining risk is high. Careem / Bykea gives a clearer price.
Photos
Videos
3 videos of the Pakistan trip. Click a card to play here.
Good to know
Pratik notlar.
Plan the SIM in advance
Thursday can be a holiday. City sales to tourists are limited; office and ID help.
Metro is the easiest option
Cheap, modern, safe. Ideal for getting around Lahore.
App instead of taxi
Bargaining and extra requests are common. Careem / Bykea sets a clear price.
Long trains are dusty
On 22-hour runs expect dust and crowds. Bring water and snacks .
Be ready for “Love Türkiye”
People are warm and curious. Plenty of photos and chats.
Women / men separation
Some areas are separate. Follow the signs.
Cleanliness impression
In the video it felt cleaner than India/Bangladesh. See with your own eyes.
Food is very cheap
Samosa, chicken skewer, tea — prices are surprisingly low.
Cheap, warm, a bit tough
Pakistan is cheap on food and transport; people are warm. SIM and the long train are the hardest parts. Lahore metro is surprisingly modern.
Walking around a country that says “Love Türkiye” is unforgettable.
Other countries are waiting for you on the map
Spin the globe, tap a yellow country, read its story.