Do learn basic phrases in Urdu While only about 10% of the population speaks Urdu as a native language and Urdu is the national language of Pakistan, many more use it as a trade language.

Do Go by night If the trip you’d like to take is longer than you can go without water or a toilet, travel from sunset to sunrise. Passengers are in a festive mood after nightfall, and there’s a collective feeling of relief that everyone can eat and drink at will. Bring some snacks to pass around.

Do budget your stomach space Save room for the main course and dessert. This is particularly important during Ramadan when locals host iftar parties to break the fast. Iftar is a special meal eaten when the sun goes down, but almost immediately after it, dinner is served, which in turn is followed by a sweet dish. Do make it clear when you really mean “no” When you genuinely don’t want something, like the seventh serving of biryani, it can be hard to communicate it. Put your hands over your heart in a gesture of sincere thanks while saying, “Bas, shukriya,” — No more, thank you.

Do go on a weekday morning Between 10 and 11 AM is the best time to arrive, as there won’t be as many beggars and hawkers as there are in the afternoon. If you go earlier than 10, the gates might not be open yet.

Do try on local Pakistani dress Pakistani shalwar kameez are quite comfortable, especially during Punjabi summers. You can buy these suits ready-made in malls or outdoor markets, or you can pick out cloth and get one made by a local tailor. Men’s and women’s outfits have loose, baggy pants and long, tunic-style shirts. Women also wear a matching dupatta to cover the head and chest. Think of a dupatta as a protective shield from wandering eyes.

Do bring a flashlight Keep a small one on you and have some matches and candles in your bag. When booking a hotel, ask if the property has a generator or UPS backup. Do take the Karakoram Highway The Karakoram Highway runs through the Indus River Valley and continues to the Chinese border at the Khunjerab Pass. Air travelers miss out on the Karakoram’s cliffs, rocky beaches, and tiny chai shops set up near glacial waterfalls.