Book cheap flights to Lahore

The most popular time to visit Lahore is during the winter season (December – February), since the summers of May to July bring temperatures as high as 48°C. The winter season, however, sees a rise in the amount of tourists visiting Lahore, due to the various festivals that take place in Pakistan, such as Ramadan, the Urs religious festival, and the Festival of Lamps. This means lower availability and high accommodation rates. If you want cheaper hotel costs, visit during the summer period, but make sure then to pack light clothing, hats, plenty of sunscreen, and book accommodation with an establishment that includes a pool.

South Africans require a visa to enter Pakistan. Make sure that your SA passport is valid for at least six months after your departure date. Two empty pages of your passport must also be available for entry stamps.

South African High Commission in Pakistan:

Address: 48 Khayaban-e-Iqbal (also known as Margalla Road), Sector F-8/2, Islamabad, 5120

Phone: 92 51 226 2354

Fax: 92 51 225 0114

Get up to date on all the routine vaccinations you will need to receive before visiting Pakistan. Other diseases to watch out for include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and Zika. Make sure to only consume food that is hot and has just been cooked, and to only drink bottled water.

Steer clear of any demonstrations – should they break out, stay in your hotel room until the commotion has passed. Women should be sparing with their smiles, especially in bazaars, since it might lead to misunderstandings. Women entering mosques need to wear a dupatta (a scarf which covers the head), while both men and women need to remove their shoes at the entrance.

Avoid appearing drunk in public, and guard against pickpockets in public places.

A large concentration of credible hotels are available throughout Lahore, many with pools, restaurants, complimentary breakfasts, fitness centres, free Wi-Fi, cinemas and more. The cost of staying at one of these establishments usually ranges from ₨ 790 to over ₨ 23 000.

In Lahore, you can either go on foot or catch a tuk-tuk/auto-rickshaw. If you’re walking, make sure to get directions from at least three people to confirm an address. The heat and crowds, however, might make you decide to stick to using other modes of transport.

Metro buses are available as well, with lines running from the northern part of the city to the southern part. These buses are plentiful and are air-conditioned, safe and comfortable.

Taxis are available as well, but you will need to book one over the phone.

Travellers, especially women, should avoid the minivans, which are often crowded, and driven by reckless individuals.