Both India and Pakistan are incredible countries to explore. It’s hard to choose one or the other; so we have created the ultimate combined trip with a 10 day India Pakistan itinerary to experience the best of both!
Highlights of this India Pakistan itinerary include some of the most famous sights of both cultures, a walk across the Wagah Border, an iconic train ride in India and a visit to the most holy site for Sikhism. It’s a lot to pack in!
Read on for the ultimate 10 Day India Pakistan itinerary.
10 Day India Pakistan Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival in Delhi
- Day 2 – Tour of Old Delhi
- Day 3 – Akshardham Temple and train to Amritsar
- Day 4 – Amritsar and the Golden Temple
- Day 5 – Cross the Wagah Border to Pakistan
- Day 6 – Tour of Old Lahore, Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque
- Day 7 – Lahore Wagah Border Ceremony
- Day 8 – Travel to Islamabad
- Day 9 – Day Tour of Islamabad, Faisal Mosque and Monal
- Day 10 – Departure
Highlights – 10 Day India Pakistan itinerary
There is so much of India and Pakistan to share! . Learn about the history and the connection of these two incredible countries. Enjoy the buzz of Delhi. Visit the Golden Temple of Amritsar with the famous Langar (Community Kitchen) and share in the beautiful love story of Sheesh Mahal and the historic Lahore Fort.
- Take a rickshaw in New Delhi
- Visit the most holy site of Sikhism at the Golden Temple, Amritsar
- Volunteer in the largest Community Kitchen in the world
- Ride the famous Indian trains
- Get caught in the colours and chaos of Delhi
- Cross the famous Wagah Border from India to Pakistan
- Walk the historic streets of Old Lahore bazaar
- Hear the Azan at sunset in Badshahi Mosque
- Experience the energy of the Wahah Border Ceremony
- See sunset at Faisal Mosque
- Dine at The Monal in the beautiful Margalla Hills.
The complete adventure – 10 Day India Pakistan Itinerary
Read on for the full details.
India Pakistan Itinerary – Day 1 Arrival in Delhi
Welcome to India! Arriving in New Delhi is an adventure on its own. Take a taxi to your hotel and get settled in.
Depending on what time of day you arrive in India and where you are in Delhi you can head out for a first taste of Indian cuisine (IN India) or take it easy and start today with dinner in your hotel and get ready for a full day of exploring tomorrow.
- Read our guide to arriving at New Delhi International Airport.
- Overnight in hotel, Delhi.
Day 2 – Tour of Old Delhi
Take a day tour of the most historical sights of Delhi.
Visit the fabulous Jama Masjid, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb and experience the bustle of one of the busiest cities in the world. Today is a good day on your India Pakistan itinerary to buy a salwar kameez/kurta and get kitted out with traditional dress for the trip!
- Overnight in hotel, Delhi.
Day 3 – Train to Amritsar
Start the day with a rickshaw tour to the beautiful Hindu Akshardham Temple.
Enjoy lunch in Connaught Place at the most famous South Indian restaurant in India (and worldwide) at Sarabana Bhavan.
Then have your bags ready to grab from the hotel to head for the 4:00pm Vande Bharat express train from Delhi to Amritsar. India’s train trips are known as a journey to the soul of this sub-continent! Dinner is served on board the train.
- Overnight in Amritsar.
Day 4 – Amritsar and the Sikh Golden Temple
Get ready for a seriously special day! Today you will visit the Golden Temple; the holiest gurdwara (religious complex) of the Sikh Religion and experience the selfless generosity of hundreds of volunteers that staff the world’s largest Community Kitchen – the Langar of the Golden Temple – serving 100,000 people every day!
But this part of your India Pakistan itinerary is more than just observing.
A visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar also offers the chance to be a part of this incredible experience and join in and volunteer in this famous community service.
- Overnight at hotel, Amritsar
Day 5 – Cross the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan
Today is a travel day!
Depart from your hotel at 11:00am by taxi to the Wagah Border Crossing. It takes a couple of hours to cross this fascinating border on foot.
- Read our complete guide to the Wagah Border crossing from India to Pakistan here.
Welcome to Pakistan!
It is easiest to get a taxi from the Wagah border crossing to Lahore and check into your hotel.
Start the Pakistan part of your India Pakistan itinerary tonight with a traditional dinner at Spice Bazaar in Gulberg II; one of Lahore’s most famous luxury restaurants.
- Overnight in Lahore, Pakistan.
Day 6 – Explore old Lahore and Badshahi Mosque at sunset
Begin the day with breakfast in your hotel and get ready for a day of exploring the incredible historic city of Lahore.
Get a taxi to the old city of Lahore and enter through the famous Delhi Gate. Wander the vibrant small streets of Lahore’s historic bazar and see the famous Mughal wonders including Shahi Hammam and Wazir Khan Mosque.
Take a rickshaw to Lahore Fort. Purchase tickets on entry to the fort and explore the beautiful grounds and Sheesh Mahal (the Mirror Palace) overlooking Badshahi Mosque.
Walk down through the fort gates for a pre-sunset visit to Badshahi Mosque and end the day with dinner at Haveli Restaurant with the sunset call to prayer overlooking the mosque.
- Overnight in Lahore, Pakistan.
Day 7 – The Wagah Border Ceremony
Start today with a local breakfast and a leisurely morning at your hotel. Today will be a well-deserved slow day (morning) with free time until mid-afternoon.
Take a taxi and head once again towards the Wagah Border for the famous Wagah Border Ceremony.
This incredible ceremony is performed every evening at sundown and symbolises the closing of the international border for the day and the relationship between Pakistan and India. It is an uplifting and energising ceremony that really needs to be experienced in person – and of course, today you will be cheering loudly for Pakistan!
- Read our guide to experiencing the Wagah border ceremony from Lahore.
Have dinner tonight on the way home from Wagah back in Lahore at Savour Foods after the ceremony. (This is one of Lahore’s most popular family restaurants!).
- Overnight in Lahore, Pakistan.
Day 8 – Bus to Islamabad
Today we say goodbye to Lahore and enjoy a comfortable bus ride to Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad.
The buses in Pakistan are rather amazing and it is a relaxing journey to see the countryside from your seat. We recommend a bus trip with Faisal Movers or Road Master bus services.
The journey from Lahore to Islamabad by bus takes around five hours.
- Read our guide to bus travel in Pakistan here.
Islamabad is a modern city and will feel very different to what you have seen of Pakistan so far! Arrive in Islamabad and check into your hotel.
Have dinner tonight in bustling F-7 Sector of Islamabad at Kabul Restaurant. (This is our favourite Islamabad restaurant and a very popular restaurant with locals!).
- Overnight in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Day 9 – Tour of Islamabad, Faisal Mosque and dinner at The Monal
After a local breakfast at your hotel head out to explore Pakistan’s capital city.
Today is the day to visit the Heritage Pakistan Monument, the historic Lok Virsa Museum and take a walk around Lake View Park.
Have lunch in Islamabad at Khiva Restaurant or the famous Quetta Chai (make sure to try the cheese paratha).
After lunch return to the hotel to freshen up and get ready for a pre-sunset visit to the impressive Faisal Mosque – the largest mosque in Pakistan.
Tonight is the last evening of your 10 day India Pakistan itinerary. We suggest finishing the trip with a special dinner at Pakistan’s most famous Monal Restaurant high up in the Margalla Hills with spectacular traditional food and breathtaking views over Islamabad.
- Overnight in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Day 10 – Farewell from Pakistan
Enjoy one last local breakfast at your hotel before you transfer to the airport. If you have a later flight you can relax at the hotel until check-out or store your bags and head out for one last explore of Islamabad until you leave.
We hope you have enjoyed a great 10 day India Pakistan itinerary!
Have longer than 10 days in India and Pakistan?
Read more about the best things to do in Delhi, Amritsar, Lahore and Islamabad.
Delhi
Between old and new Delhi the sights (and smells) on a first visit are as assaulting as the crowds. It’s a seriously huge and sprawling city.
You have to embrace the chaos and jump right in. Although our India Pakistan itinerary only showcases one day in Delhi there is plenty to see, do and eat in India’s capital city.
Things to do in Delhi
- Jama Masjid: Largest mosque in India built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
- Chandni Chowk: One of Delhi’s oldest market places and a haven for street food, jalebi and kulfi (plus many, many rickshaw-hawkers).
- India Gate: War memorial dedicated to the 82,000 soldiers, both Indian and British, who died during war.
- Humayan’s Tomb: Final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lotus Temple: One of seven Baha’I House of Worship present around the world.
- Red Fort: Constructed in 1639 as a result of a capital shift from Agra to Delhi.
- Main Bazar: One of the busiest markets in Delhi.
Amritsar
The city of Amritsar is located in the state of Punjab and is considered the spiritual and cultural centre for Sikhism religion.
Things to do in Amritsar
- Golden Temple: Visit the incredible Golden Temple known to Sikhs as Harmandir Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib (holy book of Sikhs) is taken to the temple every morning and returned to the Akal Takht, also in the complex, every night.
- Wagah Border Ceremony: An amazing display of energy and patriotism all in one go! The flags of each country are lowered every evening with a parade of soldiers (and huge crowd). It’s worth a visit!
- Hall Bazaar: The busiest shopping centre in Amritsar.
Lahore
This was our first stop traveling in Pakistan (we crossed over the Wagah Land Border from Amritsar in India) and still after three subsequent visits to Pakistan, Lahore is my favourite city.
Lahore is the capital of the Pakistani province of Punjab and is also Pakistan’s second largest city (after Karachi).
Things to do in Lahore
- Lahore Fort: The Shahi Qila is a Mughal structure built by the legendary Mahmood of Ghazni in the 11thcentury.
- Badshahi Mosque: One of the most famous in the world and a real treat to visit. Built in 1674 and can hold 40,000 worshippers.
- Anarkali Bazaar: From jewellery to embroidered items, silk and footwear the bazaars of Lahore have it all.
- Shalamar Gardens: UNESCO world heritage site (and the perfect getaway from the bustle of the busy city).
- Wagah Border: Marking the border between Pakistan and India, the evening Wagah border ceremony is a must-see in Lahore.
Islamabad
Islamabad is known as a clean, calm and green city by Pakistan standards and I would have to say that description is pretty apt. It is a relaxing and easy city to explore.
There are modern malls and services if that’s what you’re looking for. And there are beautiful open green spaces and parks (even hiking trails) if that is what you’re after.
Plus it’s easy to get around in Islamabad by taxi or Uber (rickshaws are banned in the city).
Things to do in Islamabad
- Faisal Mosque: Pakistan’s national mosque and the sixth-largest mosque in the world (beautifully located at the foot of the surrounding Margalla Hills).
- Pakistan Monument: A now-iconic monument constructed to symbolise the unity of the Pakistani people.
- Itwar Bazaar: Local market more commonly known as the Sunday Market with farmers bringing their fruits and vegetables to the city for sale.
- Daman-E-Koh Viewpoint: Beautiful views over the city (it’s easy to see from here why they call Islamabad the greenest city in the country!).
- Centaurus Shopping Mall: If modern is your thing; see this enormous mall and the very modern side to Pakistan.
- Kabul Restaurant: A must-do restaurant in Islamabad.
Best time to visit India and Pakistan
Because both India and Pakistan are such diverse countries with regions that range from sea-level right up to mountains with 8000-metre peaks, each season presents opportunities for the best time to travel to different regions.
- Summer (June to September): The best season for visiting the northern areas of India and/or Pakistan due to the higher altitude.
- Winter (November to February): Best time to visit the south and the cities of Pakistan.
- Spring and Autumn: The shoulder seasons are also recommended as a great time to visit the north and cities as the weather is stable and there is less domestic tourism.
We have visited Pakistan in July, August, November and December. And while it was hot (really, really hot in Lahore) in July and August I wouldn’t change it. Hot; but beautiful and full of colour.
We spent a month in November and December which was completely different. But great!
And we have travelled in India during April, March, May and from September to December. Each season brings pros and cons.
Locals will be quick to tell you not to visit in summer; or only to visit the mountains. But whenever you travel in India or Pakistan it will be an adventure. Just do it.
Tips to have the best experience
- Dress appropriately. India is a modest country as far as dress code. And Pakistan is a Muslim country. Women should keep their shoulders and knees covered and dress modestly. And it is always a good idea to carry a scarf with you for visiting religious sights.
- Take care with foods. Eat at places with high turnover (eat where the locals do). Make sure to practice good hygiene and carry sanitiser with you.
- Carry cash. Both India and Pakistan operate as largely cash-based societies. It is worth carrying small change and notes for tips, toilets and small purchases.
- Lower expectations of personal space. (This needs to be on the list for both sides of your India Pakistan itinerary!). Neither culture prioritises personal space so don’t be too precious and join the crowds.
Accommodation in Delhi and Amritsar
These are the hotels where we stayed in Delhi and Amritsar and can recommend for your 10 day India Pakistan itinerary.
- Delhi: Taurus Sarovar Portico Hotel (mid-range); Smyle Inn (budget); Hotel Hari Piorko (budget).
- Amritsar: Hotel Regency Amritsar (mid-range); Hotel Sapphire (budget).
Where to stay in Lahore and Islamabad
These are the hotels where we stayed in Lahore and Islamabad and can recommend for your 10 day India Pakistan itinerary.
- Lahore: Rose Palace Hotel (budget); Grand Millennium Hotel (mid-range)
- Islamabad: Regalia Hotel Islamabad (mid-range); Grand Peace House II (basic); Shelton Mellton (basic).
More about travel planning for India and Pakistan
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home).
More information for your India Pakistan itinerary planning
- Taking an overnight train in Pakistan from Islamabad to Karachi.
- How to apply for a Pakistan e-Visa: And can you use it at the Wagah Border?
- Crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan.
- Pakistan with kids: A complete guide to travel in Pakistan.
- Money in India: Using ATM’s, withdrawing and carrying your money safely.
- How to use a squat toilet: Everything you didn’t want to ask…
- Our complete packing list for travel in India.
