All the trekking trails in Pakistan are in the northern mountain areas of Pakistan. The mountain communities of Karakoram are much more liberal than others. The cities of Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore for example are also modern/urban cities where you can often find girls wearing jeans and tight shirts. You can wear your t-shirt and jeans/trousers during your holidays in Pakistan.
As a woman, will I be allowed to wear shorts during trekking?
Yes, you can wear your shorts during the trek without any concerns. A picture of commonly used shorts is given below.
Will I need to cover my head in Pakistan?
Not at all! You do not need to cover your head anywhere except if you are visiting a religious place for sightseeing. Normally your hosts (tour operator, family, etc.) will inform you if or when it is required.
However, given below are a few tips for women.
Clothing Tips for Women Trekking in Pakistan
- Showing cleavage is not very common in Pakistan.
- In cities and towns, wearing shorts is not recommended. It is better if clothes could cover both shoulders and knees to avoid curious stares.
- A cotton shirt or t-shirt, with cotton pants or an even ankle-length skirt is recommended in cities and towns.
- While visiting places of worship (mosques, temples, gurudwara, or mausoleum), women must wear long skirts or long pants and have covered shoulders. Also, don’t forget to remove your footwear before entering any religious place.
- It is advisable to carry a light or scarf with you to cover your head in case it gets too hot. Some religious places also require you to cover your head, so it may come handy then too.
- Please look at the pictures taken below. Two of them should give you an idea about what is acceptable at a religious place. They are all taken in Pakistan.
A Traveler at Shah Faisal Mosque in Islamabad – Pakistan
A group of female travelers trekking to the base of Nanga Parbat.
A traveler visiting a religious place in Skardu – Pakistan
Two local travelers on the streets in Karachi – Pakistan
BONUS: Clothing tips for men
- Men must wear long pants while visiting places of worship.
- Anything less than t-shirts (e.g. sleeveless shirts) at places of worship is also not recommended.
For trekking clothes, both women and men must lookup for the list of “30 Must-Have Gears for Trekking in Pakistan”.
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