Holiday in Gujranwala
City in Pakistan — tips, highlights & best time to visit
Country
Pakistan
Type
City
Best time to travel
October to March (15-28 °C, cool winter months). Summer extremely hot (40-48 °C). Monsoon July-September.
Budget/day
30-60 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Lahore (LHE, approx. 8-12 h with a stopover in Dubai, Istanbul, or Doha), then 1-1.5 h by taxi or bus to Gujranwala. Visa required.
Deals for Gujranwala:
What makes Gujranwala special as a destination?
Gujranwala is the fifth largest city in Pakistan and is located in the fertile Punjab, about 70 km north of Lahore. The city is known as the food capital of Pakistan — nowhere else in the country is there such a density and variety of street food, restaurants, and culinary traditions. The city has a proud wrestling tradition (Kushti/Pehlwani): Gujranwala is called the village of wrestlers (Pehlwanon ka Sheher) and has produced some of the most famous wrestlers in Pakistan and South Asia. The traditional Akhara (wrestling arenas) are still active training centers, and wrestling matches are regularly held in public. Gujranwala is the birthplace of the Sikh emperor Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780-1839), who founded the powerful Sikh Empire that stretched from Afghanistan to Tibet. His birthplace (Haveli) and a small monument commemorate this significant ruler, whose court was known for religious tolerance. The bazaars of Gujranwala are an experience: the Sheranwala Bagh (Lion's Garden) in the center and the surrounding markets offer textiles, jewelry, and especially food stalls that are open around the clock. The city is also a center of Pakistani industry, particularly for fans, ceramics, and metal goods. The banks of the Chenab River north of the city offer rural idyll and are popular picnic and relaxation spots for locals away from the bustling city.
What are the top highlights in Gujranwala?
The top highlights in Gujranwala include Street Food Culture, Kushti Wrestling (Akhara), Birthplace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Sheranwala Bagh, Chenab Riverbanks.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Street Food Culture
Pakistan's undisputed food capital: thousands of street kitchens and restaurants with a density and variety that is unique in Pakistan.
Kushti Wrestling (Akhara)
Traditional wrestling arenas with centuries-old tradition: public matches and training centers of the most famous wrestlers in Pakistan.
Birthplace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Haveli of the founder of the Sikh Empire (1780): historical monument for one of the most significant rulers in South Asia.
Sheranwala Bagh
Lion's Garden in the city center: park and meeting point surrounded by lively bazaars and food stalls.
Chenab Riverbanks
Rural idyll along the great Punjab river: picnic spots and green banks north of the city for relaxation.
Hotels in Gujranwala
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Reise-SIM für Gujranwala
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Gujranwala?
The best time to visit Gujranwala is October to March (15-28 °C, cool winter months). Summer extremely hot (40-48 °C). Monsoon July-September.. 35-48 °C, extremely hot and humid, monsoon rains July-September In winter: 5-22 °C, pleasantly cool, foggy in December-January
Recommended travel time
October to March (15-28 °C, cool winter months). Summer extremely hot (40-48 °C). Monsoon July-September.
Summer
35-48 °C, extremely hot and humid, monsoon rains July-September
Winter
5-22 °C, pleasantly cool, foggy in December-January
How much does a holiday in Gujranwala cost?
Budget travellers: 10-25 €/day, mid-range: 30-60 €/day, luxury: 70-150 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
10-25 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
30-60 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
70-150 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Gujranwala?
Flight to Lahore (LHE, approx. 8-12 h with a stopover in Dubai, Istanbul, or Doha), then 1-1.5 h by taxi or bus to Gujranwala. Visa required.
Book a package holiday to Gujranwala
Compare thousands of package holidays to Gujranwala and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Gujranwala?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Visa required — apply for an e-visa for Pakistan online. Processing time approx. 5-10 working days. Tourist visa up to 90 days.
Pakistani Rupee (PKR) — 1 € ≈ 300 PKR. ATMs available in the city, cash preferred in markets and with street vendors.
Be brave to try street food — Gujranwala is safe for eating, but pay attention to freshly prepared dishes. Ask locals where to eat.
Wear conservative clothing — Punjab is conservative. Long clothing for both genders, women should cover shoulders and knees.
Use Lahore as a base — the cultural capital is only 1 hour away. Gujranwala is ideal for a day trip for foodies.
What should you eat in Gujranwala?
Typical specialities in Gujranwala: Gujranwala Tikka — marinated and grilled meat on charcoal: Gujranwala's signature dish, spicy and smoky., Nihari — slow-cooked beef stew with bone marrow: served for breakfast, rich and incredibly flavorful., Seekh Kebab — spiced minced meat grilled on a skewer: Gujranwala's street food classic, juicy with fresh naan., Gol Gappay — crispy dough balls filled with spicy potato water: Pakistan's most popular snack, refreshing and tangy., Falooda — cold milk dessert with rose syrup, basil seeds, and ice cream: sweet ending after a street food marathon..
These specialties you must try!
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