HEY! Finally after more than a decade I am going to Pakistan from the Us. I am a Paki at heart but born and raised in America. I have so many questions as someone who hasn?t been to Pakistan since I was 15! I will be staying in Karachi first then Islamabad. I have relatives in both areas. Obviously as a female I love shopping. But before I even get to Pakistani clothes or nun owb shopping there I want to know what gifts to take? I already got a nice ruby necklace and earring set for a young cousin of mine but what do you not get in Pakistan that would be a good gift? From what I hear, you can get imported things everywhere. I don?t want to get perfumes as I believe those are personal and not everyone?s preference is the same. What else? I don?t consider American chocolates the best but I guess I could take those. Next off, my husband is Indian and super scared for my trip. He told me not to get into taxis so I will be downloading Careem. Is that a safe option like Uber and is it fairly priced? What are the best places to get steak and other amazing food? I eat strictly halal so this will be a treat! Where shall I visit while there? I know about dolmen mall. I want more authentic places to go to. I will see mohatta Palace. Any other suggestions? Oh and which are the best shops to get well prices jewelry and khussays? I?ve always wanted khussays. Any other suggestions as where to eat or go in Karachi and Islamabad(Rawalpindi/nearby) would be appreciated. I will ask more questions later.
Writing this all on a phone is pretty hard. Just noticed my silly spelling mistakes!
How long is your trip?
First of all, its a good decision to visit Pakistan. Tell your husband you'll be ok. You'll need to take the same safety steps as you would take if you visit india. May be less.
These basic steps include staying modest, dont try to look foreigner, stick with local people all the time specially going outside. You mentioned cousins so they should stick with you. Trust me people are so loving and caring, you wont even have a need to ask anybody.
Careem is a good option but again stay with others.
I'll get to the must-see places later. Um as far as gifts are concerned, yes everything is available there. But let me tell you what I do. I get gifts for the immediate loved ones from here but for distant cousins, I buy branded export-quality shirts from there. They love it. Its hard to suggest what to get from here as it depends upon your budget and their need/choice. (I prefer taking things which they can use like gadgets etc)
I can tell little about Islamabad
Places - Although Islamabad is not a very big city there are some places you must visit
- Daman-e-Koh: Evening/night view
- Peer Sohawa: Evening/night view + The Monal restaurant
- Shakarparian / Pakistan Monument
- Rawal Lake / Lake View Park
- Trail 5 / Trail 3 if you like hiking
Shopping mall
- The Centaurus blue are
- Safa Gold F7 markaz
- Giga Mall rawalpindi
- Supper market F6
- Jinnah Supper market F7
Food&Pizza
- New Yorker pizza
- 14th Street Pizza
- Tehzeeb Bakery Pizza
- Pizzahut
- Dominos
- Rawalpindi Food Street
- Texas Steak House
- American Steak House
- Gol Market, Sector F-7/3
- Iqbal Tikka House PWD
You can use both Uber and Careem (When heavy traffic on roads then their fair is higher than normal fair sometime 10 time more than normal fair)
Interesting post. I am doing exactly the same and our history is almost the same. Like you, I will be in Karachi and then Islamabad before returning to the US. Even though my trip is occurring after 12 years, I will really be exploring these cities after an absence of over 3 decades. I have rented a car with a driver since I heard there were some problems with Careem. My wife and kids may join me later. Some words of caution that people have told me:
1) Do not drink the water or partake anything that may have been exposed to the local water - Ice, salads (for washing), lassi, drinks with ice, chutneys, condiments (ginger, cilantro etc). Microwave the julienned ginger and chilies before sprinkling them on Nihari etc.
2) Take medicine for stomach upsets, colds and fever with you.
3) Be up to date with your vaccinations (Hepatitis).
4) I have been advised to begin a course of antibiotics before I even leave the States.
5) Do not carry your original documents with you - passports, driver license etc. Keep the originals in a safe while you are there. Carry copies of these documents with you.
6) Do not carry your valuables in a easily accessible place (back pockets) or where they can be easily snatched.
7) Food in major hotels is ok to eat.
8) There is steak place in Dolmen mall that is supposed to be pretty good. The servers dress like cowboys. Arizona grill was recently closed for serving long expired meat (~ two years old). Two kids died because of food poisoning.
9) For desi BBQ, BBQ Tonight is highly rated.
10) Apparently, even some of the available bottled water is adulterated. Avian water has been recommended to me.
11) If you intend to eat street foods, be advised to make advance reservations at Aga Khan Hospital.
No matter how much you try to blend in, they can recognize you as an outsider from a mile off.
Its possible that your husband, you, and I may cross paths during our travels. Just in case we do, I am incredibly good looking with youthful looks. I often get mistaken as Brad Pitts twin. LOL.
See food street on Sea View Clifton
Luckyone Mall Karachi
The Forum Mall Karachi Clifton
Park Towers Mall Karachi Clifton
Airforce Musueam Karachi
French Beach / SandsPit/ Hawksbay each Karachi
Eat at the resturants at Pearl Continental Karachi or and Movenpick Hotel Karachi
Visit Boat Basin Karachi
You can get a car with a driver for around $50 per day.
Wow, after 17 years ! That?s a loooooong time. There are plenty of fancy places in Karachi but if you also want to get a feel of the city, I?d recommend
Markets:
Zainab market
Bohri bazaar
Jama cloth market - You?ll feel the whole city is getting married
Meena bazaar Karimabad - Entry only for women, you?ll feel special.
Beaches:
Hawksbay - Go in a large group of 8 to 10 people and return 2 hrs before sunset.
Seaview - This beach is safe anytime of the day as long as you stay in populated parts.
Restaurants:
AlHabib - This is on super highway and among the first of its kind and keeps on improving.
Port Grand - Relatively new place full of retro themed restaurants and activities.
Museums:
Qaid-e-Azam Mazaar museum .
Navy museum at Karsaz
PAF museum on Shahrah-e-Faisal:
Wholesale markets:
Sabzi mandi - It?s the size of a small city. Very dirty place but also really interesting.
Also note that only USD currency notes with new design are accepted by money changers world over. They refuse old design USD notes.
Your husband's comments about Pakistan are quite disrespectful and uncalled for, considering he married someone who has ties to the place but alas as long as you don't mind them that is all that matters. Have a safe and fun trip!
If have old currency used it or it might not be accepted
And also changed back the currency too once back as old notes soon stop being accepted if you do go back again after a long time
Still be on guard , and dont trust easily as no matter how you try, they still can figure out you are from outside
Expect some cultural shock too