How safe is northern Pakistan for a western tourist wanting to travel independently?

Question

I would like to see this part of the world on my own, but using local guides when I have to. I fell in love wit hthe mountains there after seeing a TV programme about the snow leopards- where exactly in Pakistan is this area?

Are the tribal parts of Pakistan and the area close to the Afghan border safe or accessible?

I am white British, male, 22. Interested in natural history- this would be my reason for going. I would also like to learn about the people there.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Safe enough to lose your head!  Have a nice trip!

Answer 2

I don't think any of those kind of places are safe for lone Westerners. Try to go in a group if you must go. Maybe you could join the TA and go with them.

Answer 3

Anybody wanting to go to northern Pakistan on their own as a tourist has to be completely out of their mind.  No doubt if you made it that far you would be shot on sight by both sides in their perpetual civil wars and conflicts.  Westerners would be fair game for anyone involved in figting over there.  You would just be asking to be shot or kidnapped and beheaded in front of video cameras.

Answer 4

I saw that snow leopards programme also, however if you go their without the government protection that film crew had you will die, Its notorious for Heroin smugglers, terrorists and Tribal thiefdoms.

Answer 5

Your reasons for going are very good, but I would NOT recommend going there.  

Border conflict with Afghanistan

Seismic activity

Lots of banditry and drug smuggling

Numerous areas might be inaccessible

Extreme weather conditions

The polticio-security situation in Pakistan is very shaky

Islamic fundamentalism

STAY AWAY

Answer 6

you make it sound like they're going to jump you when you land lol

Answer 7

Go to Poland or Slovakia, but do not drink too much. There is safe as in UK