Travel Answers

Any idea about the opening hours of Wazir Mansion? or where can I find this information??

I've never been to Karachi, but for a radio play I'm writing, I'm desperate to learn any details about the Karachi bird market: what type of birds are sold there, are they for both pets and for food? Etc. I also understand there is a tradition in Karachi (or perhaps other cities in Pakistan) of birds being released after they are purchased (in the market, or from young boys in the street), as a way of releasing a personal burden. I know this is also a Buddhist practice (done in Thailand among other places) but I doubt it stems from the Buddhist tradition in Pakistan. Does anyone know more about this practice in Karachi, or the bird market in general? Please share! Many thanks

Hello, I very much want to visit Karachi. I have checked into visa, but my concern is: Do I have to purchase the round trip air fare before I send paperwork in or will I be able to just put down something like a.s.a.p? I am worried about buying an air fare ticket and not getting visa in time. Lost on this one..take a chance and buy the ticket before visa or wait for visa to buy ticket? HELP

Hi There, My uncle lives in North Nazimad and it is his birthday coming up. I live in Canada and for his birthday I would like to order a coffee cake and have it delivered to his home on the day of his birthday. Does anyone have any suggestions on bakeries in Karachi that would be able to do this for me? If so please provide me with their names/telephone numbers and/or their website information. Thank you in advance for your assistance1

Where is the best place to find 'starving artist' paintings in Karachi? I am also looking in particular, for oil painting reproductions of vintage movie posters, product/shop advertisements, painting designs traditionally found on lorries (but in this case on paper/cloth).

Salams and Ramzan Mubarak to everyone! I'm a foreign born desi flying in to Karachi for 2-3 days next month after Ramzan and need help/guidance as my extended family no longer live in Karachi (they have all moved to Hyderabad or Lahore). I'm really excited to be visiting Karachi after almost 10 yrs as I have fond memories there (I loved the food, the sights, shopping, etc) but am also concerned because of the recent violence I hear about, deception/crime others tell me about, and lastly because I won't have a local relative with me this time. The below is what I'm requesting info and guidance on in addition to whatever else you think is important. If you're able to provide any specifics (phone #s, addresses, websites, etc), that would be great! 1) Place to stay: Should be safe but inexpensive (hotel/guest house?) with air conditioning and internet access. I'm told that the electricity goes on/off in Karachi so hopefully a place with a generator. I'm not sure of the price ranges but I'm told I can get a safe and inexpensive place for 1500-2000 rupees a day, true? Any particular names, phone numbers, addresses? 2) Activities: I'd like to try to enjoy myself for the 2-3 days I'll be in Karachi, so I'm interested in eating out at all the places that shouldn't be missed (I hear alot about Burns Rd, Javed Nihari, BBQ Tonight, Lal Qila, Student Biryani, the fish/seafood places in Minora, Kulfi, etc). I'd also like to check out the natural sights like Clifton, Minora, and other places. Lastly, I need to go to Bari's Tailors in Cooperative Market to buy cloth and to give an order for some shalwar khamees. Maybe the place to stay should be close to these activities? 3) Getting Around: I don't know my way around Karachi and don't think I can handle the buses. I've heard some people mention that they hire a car with driver for the day for about 1000-2000 rupees, true? If so, how safe and reliable are these drivers and does it include fuel costs? Any particular suggestions? Please let me know your thoughts and suggestions. If you'd like to contact me via email, my email address is Ismomir@yahoo.com. Jazakullah khair for everyone's help!

Good day, I need some info about Karachi to Thatta: Where in Karachi one can catch a public bus for Thatta? How early do they leave for Thatta in the morning? Any train from Karachi to Thatta? Is there any campsite around? Or how much one should budget for a normal range accommodation place in Thatta or one of the lakes? Anyone would have phone numbers of any of the hotels there? Any concern of safety/security? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks, Ahmed

I am planning to visit Karachi for 1 day and 2 and my main purpose of visit is to buy clothes from Gul Ahmed, Sana Safina and Lakhani. I would really appreciate if any one can tell me the location of shops. I have heard that prices varies with location is this true with Gul Ahmed, sana Safina and lakhani. If yes than where do I shop for these ??

Is there ferry service from Karachi to any part of the world like Srilanka, Duabt etc.? If yes, can anybody proide me the details of the ferry service provider?

salam, please confirm me the SOHRAB GOTH bus stand phone number , i wana go to peshawar i dont have any number please send me the no of COACHES SERVICES.

I am a first time visitor in Karachi, I would like to buy some medical books but I actually don't know where are the biggest medical book sellers in Karachi city. I appreciate your help in advance to guide me. Thanks,

This may sound funny but I am really scared of the part when we have to get out of te boat. I find the wooden slab pretty dangerous. I went for boat approx. 7 yrs ago and now when I have to go tomorrow I am not really sure if I should go or not. Any tips you can give? Help me asap.

Hi all, Can anybody tell me where I can purchase good quality camps in Karachi. I have searched some shops near burns road but didn't find any quality camps. I want the ones that can be rolled into a cylinder form. They have fiber sticks in them which are for the structure of the camp. I have a pop-up tent but it is very difficult to carry it around while trekking. Could any one point me out any place where I could easily find good quality tents?

Would like to know more Cape Monze Beach?

I want to buy a high quality carpet as a gift to my parents and wonder if I should do it during a stop over in Karachi. I'm looking for a dark red Afghan style carpet in the size of 6-10 m2. Is it reasonable to expect to by one for about usd 60 per m2. My wife is Turkish and very gifted in bargaining but it might be unlikely anyway. Any input would be much appreciated! /Johannes

I am American, and I am planning on traveling to Pakistan to get married to my fiance who lives in Karachi. I want to know if it is safe for me to travel to Karachi. Of course I am not traveling alone , and I plan on taking precautions as far as food and water go. Anybody who can offer any advice or an answer to my question will be much appreciated! Thank you!

I am planning to go to Karachi in December.We want to spend a day in a farm. Can anybody give me address of some farms and their contact numbers. Thanks

Hi all, I'm visiting my birth place Karachi after living in Canada for 8 years. It's a long time and I'm expecting lots of changes out there. What I'm looking for is a little help in locating and arranging private affordable accommodation for myself like paying guest in a house or apartment for 2-3 weeks in December. If you guys can guide me or refer me, I'll really appreciate it. Thanks Khalid

Hello... I was wondering if anyone could provide some insight on Americans traveling to Karachi. Yes, I am America and my husband is Pakistani. We live in the US and want to travel to Karachi to visit and stay with his/my new family. My question(s): Is it safe for an American to visit? I really don't look traditionally American (I have dark hair and eyes) and I'll be wearing a long shalwar kameez. What things should we look out for? We're not planing to do any sight-seeing, mostly just visit with family. All I see is what the media covers and we all know how restrictive and inaccurate they can be. I understand the political situation, but frankly Pakistan has always had political issues.... Any comments/suggestions would be most apreciated as my husband has not been back in six years and is completely clueless. Thanks!

I am planning a trip from karachi To Lahore in a few days. I have to travel by train. Is there any first class sleeper express train which goes from karachi to lahore nonstop or with one or two stops? I also want to known about good and inexpensive hotels in lahore which are comfortable?

I am travelling through Jinnah Terminal on my way to London in august. I don't want to pay the visa price to stay in a hotel in Karachi so am staying from about 4pm until 12pm the next day before my connecting flight. Does the Airport have showers? Are there any comfortable seats to sleep on? Do all the shops there only accept pakistani money? How much money should I take? Thank you for your time.

Hello, I have about 6 hours at Karachi airport, to change from domestic flight to international. It is a bit long time to sit and wait, but short to spend the money for one night in the hotel. I think airlines don't do check in 6 hours before departure time, it means I can't go into airport through immigration. Are there cafe or net-cafe or restaurant outside the entrance of airport to sit and wait ? Or any hotel to offer short stay per hour ? I would appreciate your help !

how should i switch my mobilink jazz mobilt to local network of saudi arabia..wat will b the charges for me for receivling the calls from my home country pakistan n charges for calls made from saudi arabia to em on that mobile...wat will b the roaming charges..i dont have enuf time to search on their website cuz i leave in hours now please help me

hi i want to know about the parlors of park towers,their rates of bridal makeups and their phone numbers. kindly send me the whole information. thank u :)

Hello all, i want to ask about complete detail of taxi services in Karachi i just know about one service , it is ok for long distance but it charge same amount for 1 to 17 KM, i heard about radio taxi service which charges per kilometer, please tell me about all radio cabs in Karachi

Hi All, I tried everything to find about this..but in vain. I hope I will get some help from here. I am an Indian National working in Pune,India and I want to travel to Peshawar through Karachi(since Peshawar cant be an entry point according to Pak High Commission) to meet some friends. I tried to search for flights and I think, Mum to Karachi flights are available. Now, the main problem is getting a Visa. Can anyone tell me, how to get the Visa easily. Can any travel agents do it for me? I read on an official site that approved tour operators/travel agents can get you the visa. Does anyone know of any? I know I have to be present at the high commission office of Pakistan,New Delhi, But before that I want to make sure that I have all the documents and all ready? That is the reason I need a travel agent. Another question is: 1. Do I need to have the tickets booked before applying for the visa? and How logn will take to get it. 2. I am going there to meet some friends..not relatives. Does it create any problems in visa processing? I am new to this site..so I have no idea what kinda question to ask. My apologies if my questions look dumb. Thank you so much. -Ahmed.

AoA can anyone tell me where does the newly opened resturent "GAZEBO" situated? i have idea its within defence area.

Hello, I heard recently there is terrible electricity problem in Karachi. I will soon arrive to Karachi and wondering which hotel I should stay. Usually hotels have their own generator ? (guest house ? middle class hotel ? of course good hotels have it ?) or some specific areas there is no problem of loadshedding ? Or I should stay close to the airport is it better ? please suggest me some good place to stay. Thank you.

I would like to rent a beach hut for rent in Hawksbay or sandspit area , looking for contact info. for renting hut. on the weekends

Expat moving on april 15th. Any female perspectives on living and working would be most appreciated. I am non-muslum and need insite as to respectful yet western attire, safety of walking streets by myself (clearly not on empty, dark streets) And anything else you think I should know. Thank you in advance.