Climate and clothing: Lightweight clothing for the hot, dry period which immediately precedes the hot, humid weather of the monsoon rains in July and August; medium-weight clothing for winter, with woolens needed in the north.

Visas: Visas are required; obtain before traveling to Pakistan. The land border with India is open to foreigners at Wagah (between Lahore and Amritsar) only on certain days of the week. Due to political problems in India's (east) Punjab State, foreign visitors may not stay in Amritsar but must be escorted in convoy to Ambala (on the Grand Trunk road toward New Delhi). For non-diplomats, this can be done on the 2d, 12th, and 22d of the month. Diplomats should check the procedure to follow with the Indian Embassy or Foreign Office in New Delhi. India and Pakistan require that all cars entering at the border be covered by an international Carnet de Passage. On May 1, 1986, China and Pakistan opened the Khunjerab Pass. Travelers must obtain visas and make arrangements through local authorities. The Karakoram Highway, built with Chinese aid and connecting Pakistan and China through the Khunjerab Pass, was opened in the late 1970s.

Telecommunications: Adequate internal and external telephone, telegraph, and mail service exists; there is no direct dial for international calls.

Transportation: Railroad transportation is adequate. The public bus system is poor. Air service is excellent. Highways are generally crowded, and driving can be dangerous, particularly at night; north-south roads are primitive.

Tourist attractions: Greco-Buddhist ruins at Taxila; pre-Indus civilization ruins at Mohenjodaro; K-2 and Nanga Parbat, the world's second and third highest mountains; Jahangir's tomb, the Shalimar Gardens, the Fort, and the Badshahi Mosque at Lahore; and the old cities of Multan and Peshawar.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs, March 1987.