Karachi

Travel Guide to Karachi

Major Airport

Karachi airport serves as a base for Pakistanâ€™s National airlines PIA and two privately owned low cost competitors, Air Blue and Shaheen. Whereas Shaheen Airlines has experienced diminishing fortunes, Air Blue has been the pick of all local carriers when it comes to serving probably the most important Karachi to Dubai leg.

Apart from a monopoly of PIA in serving the remote regions and the northern areas, the competition between the three local airlines has drastically reduced airfares between all the major cities in Pakistan including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Quetta and Faisalabad. The international traffic mostly comprises of carriers of Middle East origin such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air and Eithad.

Besides more than fifteen airlines, the only other significant airlines are Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Air China and Thai Airways. The three operating terminals include a busy cargo terminal that is regularly served by TCS, DHL and most major air cargo operators and there are two concrete runways with the ability to handle wide body aircrafts. The favorable location of Karachi at the mouth of the Arabian Sea is a prime attraction for several charter airlines that provide access to the far corners of Africa and Central Asian countries.

In light of heavy operations of both Emirates and Qatar Airways, there are plans to build another runway or upgrade the existing one to accommodate the legendary Airbus A-380 that will form the backbone of these airlines in the near future. There was a time when Karachi was served by all the major international carriers but the ongoing adverse developments in the region accompanied by intense competition from Dubai, Doha, Delhi and Mumbai has proved a major hurdle to market Karachi as the resounding success that it was in the pre 80â€™s era.

Major Airlines

There are international flights to Kaohsiung that are available thru international airline carriers such as Air Macau, China Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Uni Air, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, TransAsia Airways and Vietnam Airlines.

Facilities

Completed at the cost of nearly 100 million dollars, the international standard Jinnah Terminal offers all the basic amenities to International travelers including foreign exchange facilities, traveler cheque and a dedicated lounge for Barclayâ€™s premier customers. The Ispahani hanger is a testament to the highly skilled technicians and aircraft maintenance facilities at Karachi.

Numerous airlines including Philippine Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Air Universal utilize this facility. Numerous travel agents have set up their offices in the premises of the Jinnah terminal who offer local and foreign visitors some of the best airfare on the routes to Pakistanâ€™s famed Northern Areas, Middle East and South East Asia.

Top Hotels in Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan - Avari Towers Hotel Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan 8 Sep, 2020

The 20-storey Avari Towers Hotel, Karachi, Pakistan enjoys a central location in downtown Karachi. It boasts of 236 spacious guest rooms with free wireless Internet connection, supplied with complimentary daily newspapers and provided with security service of international standards. Guests can enjoy breakfast and all-day casual dining at its Asia Live Restaurant, authentic Chinese cuisine at the Dynasty Restaurant, live-cooking teppanyaki, sushi, and sashimi at Fujiyama Restaurant, and local curries, BBQ, and pizzas at the Sky Grill open air restaurant. It's hard to imagine that Karachi, now the largest city of Pakistan with a population exceeding 13 million, started as a small fishing village. Until 1947 when Pakistan was established, its population was only 200,000. Being a port city, Karachi received an influx of refugees from neighboring India in the past giving the city its multi-cultural dimension. Today, its strong economic growth has attracted even more immigrants in the country, creating the now cosmopolitan Karachi. Near major cultural attractions and within walking distance to shopping and commercial centers, the Avari Towers is only a 30-minute drive from the international airport. Nearby attractions are the Port Fountain, Pakistan Air Museum, Pakistan Maritime Museum, Karachi Expo Center, Clifton Beach, Beach View Park, Bhit Shah Island, and the Karachi Zoo. Some of the city's interesting landmarks in close proximity to the hotel are the Merewether Tower, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Empress Market. The Avari Towers Hotel is one of the conveniently located hotels in Karachi. It offers a multitude of facilities and amenities to ensure convenience, comfort and security of its guests. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by Avari Towers Hotel Karachi. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Karachi, Pakistan - Karachi Marriott Hotel

Karachi, Pakistan 8 Sep, 2020

The Karachi Marriott Hotel enjoys a privileged central position in the city, equipped with 197 guest rooms and 14 suites. Guests can use high-speed Internet access and spacious work desks. Patrons can choose from a variety of culinary delights from 3 of the hotel's on-site restaurants and 24-hour room service. The hotel also features meeting and functions rooms using state-of-the-art technology, a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool for ladies and a unisex outdoor swimming pool. Karachi's varied scenery, mystical culture, stunning beaches and diverse recreational activities provide its visitors with a rewarding experience. Shopping, dining, nightlife, yachting, golf, horse racing and even camel rides along the beach are just a few of the things you can enjoy in this vibrant city. Its markets and bazaars showcase the age-old skills of its talented artisans with exquisite handicrafts and enchanting carpets. Its monuments and historical buildings relate mark its unique past. The Karachi Marriott is close to many business establishments and shopping centers. Just 5 miles away to Clifton Beach, the hotel also benefits from being just opposite the magnificent Frere Hall, one of the few well-preserved buildings from the age of the British Raj that still exist in Karachi. Other attractions nearby are the Arts Gallery and the Karachi Museum. It also enjoys close proximity to the Karachi Ship Harbor and 3 of the city's parks. Whether you are in Karachi for business or leisure, Karachi Marriot's central position and accessibility to all points around the city combined with the hotel's commitment to warm and professional service make it a good accommodation choice on your upcoming trip to Karachi. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by Karachi Marriott Hotel. This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Karachi, Pakistan - Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan 8 Sep, 2020

Right at the heart of Karachi's business center and 15 km away from the airport is the Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi, Pakistan. With business travelers in mind, it offers guest rooms and suites, a choice of 6 in-house restaurants, coffee shops and modern facilities that capture the essence of Pakistan. It features a spa and health club with expert masseurs in the art of deep sport massage and Thai Massage. Karachi is the financial and business center of Pakistan. It is home to the country's largest automotive, textile, shipping, software and entertainment corporations. Karachi is known locally as the "City of Lights" owing to its vibrant city life. It is also called the "City of the Quaid" for being the birth and burial place of Quaid-e-Azam, the founder of Pakistan. Karachi offers a wealth of attractions ranging from historical monuments, to exotic bazaars, developed beachside and amusement park. The Pearl Continental Karachi is within walking distance to the main shopping areas and tourist attractions of the city. Other major key points of interest that are within 30 km from the hotel are the Tombs of Chaukundi dating back to the 16th- 18th centuries, the impressive structure of the Masjid-i-Tuba, Quaid-E-Azam's Mausoleum, National Museum of Pakistan/Burns Garden, bazaars and markets ,Clifton Beach and Funland and the Liaqat Town Hall. Taking extra effort in catering to the needs of the business traveler with its location, facilities and services, The Pearl Continental Karachi aims to match the expectations of even the most discerning guest. Mix business with pleasure while experiencing the city's rich culture is what the hotel is all about. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Karachi, Pakistan - Ramada Plaza Karachi Hotel

Karachi, Pakistan 8 Sep, 2020

The Ramada Plaza Karachi Hotel, Pakistan is located near Jinnah International Airport. It sits on a landscaped property with lush greeneries in a secure and pollution-free area. The hotel has an airport shuttle service making transfers to and from the airport a lot more convenient. All its guestrooms are equipped with air conditioning, coffee/tea making facilities, mini bars, cable/satellite TV and high speed internet access. Hotel amenities include a spa tub, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room. Karachi was once the capital of Pakistan before Islamabad. It is the country's largest city and is populated with Muslim immigrants from neighboring areas like India, Afghanistan and other regions of Pakistan. It still remains as the country's center for transportation and commercial industries and continues to attract migrants for its consistent economic growth. Its bayside position has made it the country's main seaport and financial capital. Ramada Plaza Karachi is within close proximity to Landhi, Korangi Industrial Zones and is easily accessible to Port Qasim. Local attractions, like the Hill Park, NAVI Museum, PAF Museum, Bagha-e-Jinnah historical park, Quaid-e-Azam Mausoleum, National Museum of Pakistan are within 10 to 20 miles away. Beach lovers will be glad to know that the hotel is not so far from the beach with Clifton Beach just 25 miles away. Ramada Plaza Karachi is an airport hotel and is a good accommodation option for transient guests in Karachi. It is also a convenient base for business travelers who need to make trips to the city's industrial zones. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by Ramada Plaza Karachi This article is provided for informational purposes only.

Karachi, Pakistan - Karachi Sheraton Hotel and Towers

Karachi, Pakistan 8 Sep, 2020

The Karachi Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Pakistan by the mega hotel corporation Starwood Hotels and Resorts is the only five-star hotel in the country managed internationally. Just 17 km from the international airport, it is located at the center of Karachi's business district. Its 407 guest rooms are thoughtfully furnished and equipped to meet the needs of business travelers. Its new club rooms even have their own in-room fax and copier! Karachi is the capital of the province Sindh on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is the former capital of Pakistan. Although it is no longer the country's capital, it still is the largest city, main seaport, and financial capital of Pakistan. Excellent beaches line its southern, western, and northern coastlines while mangroves and creeks dot its south eastern side. Aside from its natural charms, Karachi has a rich collection of edifices and structures of varying architectural styles. Not only is the Karachi Sheraton near major business establishments. It also enjoys instant access to local shopping malls and sightseeing attractions. Water lovers will take pleasure to know that the Kamari Harbor and beaches are just nearby. Other points of interest within easy reach from the hotel are the National Museum of Pakistan and Mohatta Palace Museum. Foreign travelers in Karachi might feel more secured booking with a familiar and international name like Sheraton. At Karachi Sheraton, you can sleep soundly on your extra-large bed knowing that the building is earthquake-proof and has an extensive fire safety system. Search for discounted hotel rooms around Asia on Asia.com's hotel search engine and save up to 70% on your hotel. Asia.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by Karachi Sheraton Hotel and Towers. This article is provided for informational purposes only.