I was fairly deep into trip planning when it dawned on me it could be an issue that I was a female planning to travel through Pakistan alone. Embarrassed this had not crossed my mind earlier, I hesitantly did a little research knowing in the back of my mind I really didnt care what the bloggers or travel forecasters had to say because I was going on this trip. Tickets were purchased. My itinerary was etched out. And my dreams of finally seeing Pakistan were soaring. What could I really read that would change my mind?
There were articles about women traveling alone in Pakistan, there were blogs by women who traveled alone and there were interviews with women who repeatedly travel to Pakistan alone.
The labels that kept popping up about women traveling alone in Pakistan included the likes of bad ass chicks, bold, kick ass and even brave. Oh dear, these are not labels I attach to myself. I definitely dont have the travel experience that some of these bloggers have who seem to do nothing else but spend their entire life living out of a backpack. And while I aspire to be
a bad ass from a long line of bad asses, I am pretty sure no one will etch on my tombstone, here lies a real bad ass.
Solo female travelers such as traveling in Pakistan can be quite challenging, Pakistan is not easy, but definitely not unsafe, it is not for the softhearted and I would heartily it only to very experienced female travelers.
Ironically or foolishly I found myself undeterred and just decided I wouldnt share any of this information with those people who might try to talk me out of traveling.
I mentioned my trip to a friend who has been to more countries labeled dangerous than I can name, has spent his time detained in countries youd never want to find yourself detained and has experienced the sort of travel that leaves you thinking he really shouldnt still be alive. I fully expected his adventure seeking and risk taking self to tell me how awesome my trip would be and to have fun. Instead, he simply said Yeah, it will be interesting. Pakistans a country that would make me feel Well,
Its probably no surprise what happened next. I said to myself, how bad can it be? I can solve problems should any arrive. I have some resources and know some locals. Whats the worst that can happen? I am going.
And you know what happened next? Nothing really. I traveled Pakistan for three weeks feeling safe, happy I chose the adventure and making plans to return as soon as possible.
Dont get me wrong, traveling alone as a female in Pakistan is not like traveling in many other countries alone as a female. I would probably agree with those badass bloggers who went before me, it is not for everyone. But I would also contend that there are lots of people who would not enjoy solo travel anywhere.
Pakistan is gritty, it can be a somewhat trying, its a little unchartered in a sense and as a white solo woman it is impossible to blend into the crowd. However, Pakistanis know this about their country and their culture and they will bend over backwards to make you feel safe and comfortable.
When I arrived at the Wagah Border Crossing ceremony, easily the most touristy thing I did while in Pakistan, I strolled in like I knew what to do and one of the rangers stopped me, looked around, saw no other persons and asked who I was traveling with. When I said I was alone, his only response were his saucer eyes while he remained frozen in shock for a minute. I had no idea I could have such an effect on a 6 foot 7 inch specimen of a man strapped with a machine gun. Several other rangers scurried over in response to his dismay and shuttled me off to some VIP room in the back to wait until the ceremony started. There was really no explanation for it, but I obliged and enjoyed not sitting in the hot sun for a bit.
