Solo travel finding its footing in Pakistan

The image of travel in Pakistan is changing. At bus terminals in Rawalpindi, at Islamabad International Airport, and on trails in Hunza, a growing number of travellers are moving with just one thing in common — they are alone.

Solo travel, once seen as unusual, is now a quiet but visible trend among Pakistanis. Industry data and tour operators say bookings by single travellers have risen steadily over the last two years, driven by social media, remote work, and a desire for independence.

For decades, Pakistani travel meant family trips to Murree, Nathiagali, or Swat, or group tours arranged through agencies. That model is shifting.

Nevertheless, reasons are practical and personal. Let’s say, no need to coordinate leave or budgets with others, or time to navigate new places on one’s own terms.

These days , hostels, cafés, and trekking groups in places like Karimabad and Skardu have become meeting points for solo travellers.

However, safety remains the top concern, especially for women. That is pushing both travellers and the industry to adapt.

Hotels in major tourist towns now offer female-only dorms. Ride-hailing apps provide trip sharing. Also, the Ministry of Tourism has started listing registered guesthouses and guides on its website.

Taking about the top destinations, Domestically, the most popular solo destinations of 2026 are, Hunza, Skardu, and Fairy Meadows for trekking and landscapes, Swat and Kalam for short trips, easier access. And Islamabad and Lahore, for weekend culture trips, history, and food walks.

Internationally, Pakistanis traveling alone are choosing Turkey, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia for Umrah-plus-tourism packages. Portugal and Japan are also rising for first-time solo travellers abroad due to safety and transit systems. But I would say Sri Lanka is the must go.

For traveling solo, One of the biggest challenge is price. Single rooms and ‘single supplements’ on tours can add 20-30% to costs. However, to counter this, some operators are launching “solo-friendly” departures — group tours where you get your own room but share activities.

To combat this, solo travellers usually travel in shoulder months and spend more on local experiences — guides, food, and home-stays.

I am a travelwriter, who travels solo weather traveled domestically or internationally, my advise is basic precautions, let say, safe hotels, air travel, authentic agents and no home stays, since for my travel I only prefer top notch hotels, always get the travel plan from reputable travel agencies, and travel with the guide from company. Also, I avoid night life.