Mountaineering/ trekking is all about being patient and being fit, preparing for each challenge, and then enjoying nature and wilderness and the very enlightening experience of climbing a mountain. Go slowly, mind your reactions to different elements, and enjoy the journey. Those snow-capped peaks will inspire their fair share of awe overwhelming telling of wonder that can be brought about by nature. Loving the mountains goes beyond wanting to vacation in them. This is the kind of love that makes people move thousands of miles and search for a deeper meaning in their lives.
There are a lot of scenic places to visit in the Northern Areas of Pakistan. The most visited picnic points and tourist destinations are as follow:
The sweet Melodious echoes of Rakaposhi resonate amidst those icy walls, and you will feel as if it is greeting you. The sparkle in my eyes was a beautiful reflection of a glittery blanket of snow all around me. When the first rays of the sun spilled across the cloud-wrapped peaks of the mountain range, the sky, garbed in warm hues of orange and yellow, contrasts against the cool softness of the undulating clouds.
Gilgit-Baltistan’s Hunza Valley is acclaimed as a destination of utmost cultural and natural significance. Not only is the valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks geographically impressive, but its history and traditions are rich. In addition to the beautiful Attabad Lake and the ancient Baltit Fort, the valley is full of culture and breathtaking views.
Naltar Valley is a must-visit place for hikers, snowboarders, and nature lovers in the extreme north of Pakistan. It is known as a skiing heaven. Karakorum is located near Hunza Valley and 34 miles from Gilgit in the heart of Karakorum. Awe-inspiring sights such as blue glacial lakes, thick pine forests, towering peaks, and babbling rivers make you feel like you’re on another planet.
The snow-covered slopes of Naltar Ski Resort also offer fun hikes and exciting skiing. In addition to a picturesque valley, you can also see Snow Leopard habitats via jeep or hiking in this valley.
Furthermore, you can camp out at one of the lakes in the Naltar Valley. While Naltar Valley has scenic beauty, it is famous for its blue, green, and multicolored lakes, Lovey Park (home to the famous markhor and snow leopards), and the longest chairlift in the world.
The Naltar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan is known for its picturesque landscapes and pristine lakes, making it a playground for nature lovers. Several colorful lakes, such as Bashkiri Lake and Satrangi Lake, enhance the valley’s beauty and provide a visual feast for visitors. One of the best places to visit in Pakistan Northern Areas.
Additionally, the valley is famous for its vibrant culture that blends ancient traditions with modern influences. Festivals and traditional markets are great opportunities to experience local culture and gain insight into their daily lives. In the Hunza and Nagar valleys, you can also enjoy dried apricots and apricot jam, a specialty of the valleys.
Stunning mountain ranges, glistening lakes, and verdant meadows make Nagar Valley a nature lover’s paradise. Visiting the breathtaking Hopper Glacier is a wonderful hike. Forests surround the glacier, providing a serene sanctuary from the city hustle and bustle.
The beautiful Rush Lake is another highlight of Hunza Nagar Valley. The surrounding mountains offer a serene atmosphere. You can also rent a boat to explore the lake up close.
Discover Nagar Valley, a hidden gem that awaits your exploration. This stunning destination is a must-see due to its rich history, vibrant culture, and ravishing natural beauty. Embark on an adventure to Nagar Valley, discover a world of hidden treasures, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tourists are attracted to Nagar Valley for its natural beauty. To truly experience Gilgit Baltistan, you must become a tourist. A trip to the region is not enough; you have to become a tourist first.
Nagar Valley hosts a number of noteworthy tourist destinations and attractions, each with a distinct and distinctive experience to offer. In addition to breathtaking natural landscapes, visitors can immerse themselves in diverse cultures and traditions by engaging with locals, tasting various cuisines, trekking through scenic terrain, and exploring picturesque mountain towns. abundance
Mountaineers and nature enthusiasts find Skardu to be a particularly important place because it is a gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks. In the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu offers a picturesque location bordered by dramatic mountain ranges and the tranquil Lower Kachura Lake.
A long pine tree forest, freshwater springs, and patchy mountains make Skardu Valley one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. Trekkers flock to this region because of its proximity to majestic mountain ranges like the Karakorams and the Himalayas.
As a region connecting Pakistan to China, India, and Afghanistan, the Skardu Valley has remarkable geographical characteristics. They are truly hospitable and caring people. This is a great place to eat mouth-watering local food. Some of the best resorts and hotels offer breathtaking views at exciting locations.
The Azad Jammu and Kashmir region is known for its stunning river valleys, high-altitude lakes, and charming villages. It is flanked by giant mountains, dominated by thick forests, and borders the Skardu and Astore Districts of Gilgit Baltistan on its northeast side.
The true beauty of this region can be found in the Sharda Valley, Arrang Kel, and Kutton Valley. These stunning mountains resemble the Swiss Alps, making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Azad Kashmir. This alpine valley undoubtedly stands out as a remarkable destination.
Spring and summer are the best times to visit. The valley is only accessible to foreign tourists with special permits because it is near the Indian-administered Kashmir region. A trip to this beautiful valley would be most enjoyable between March and October when the weather is pleasant.
Its splendor lies in its lush meadows, mountains, and gushing rivers, making Swat Valley the Switzerland of Pakistan. In addition to its natural beauty, Swat Valley is rich with historical and cultural treasures, including Malam Jabba’s ski resort and Mingora.
Kaghan Valley is a scenic destination in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that offers lush greenery, snow-capped mountains, and gushing rivers. Saif-ul-Mulook Lake and Shogran are two of the best attractions in the valley, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Loving the mountains goes beyond wanting to vacation in them. This is the kind of love that makes people move thousands of miles and search for a deeper meaning in their lives.
In the foothills of Nanga Parbat lies Fairy Meadows, which is a paradisiacal getaway for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Its significance lies in its unmatched views of the ninth-highest mountain in the world, which provide an inspiring backdrop for trekkers and photographers. During the summer months, the meadows are adorned with a variety of vibrant wildflowers.
Among the azure rivers, lush greenery, and charming villages of Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir, you can experience the artistry of nature. This sanctuary provides a tranquil retreat, offering a tranquil escape into nature. Many gems in this valley, including Shountar Lake, Kutton Waterfall, Taobat, Sharda, Ratti Gali Lake, and Arang Kel, contribute to the overall appeal of this scenic getaway.
Mountain ranges covered in snow surround the area in the upper east of Kaghan. Additionally, the valley is home to 370 cities, streams, forests, and mountains covered with pine trees.
Among the popular vacation spots in the valley are:
Furthermore, variety of attractions that draw sightseers from all over the country. In addition, the valley is well known for its production of apricots, which are eaten locally and exported internationally.
Nanga Parbat (8126m) is a colossal mountain; This 20 km long series of peaks and ridges forms a huge massif. Its solitary white appearance, visible from the south for at least 100 km, prompted the name Nanga Parbat, which means “The Naked Mountain.” It is also known as the “Killer Mountain”, because of the difficulties of reaching the summit. It is locally known as ‘Deo Mir’ (‘Deo’ meaning ‘huge’) (‘mir’ meaning ‘mountain’).
It has three main faces known as Rupal, Diamer and Raikot, which are totally different in appearance and shape and their routes start from different valleys. Those snow-capped peaks will inspire their fair share of awe overwhelming telling of wonder that can be brought about by nature. Make sure you check the weather before visiting this stunning tourist destination.
Astore Valley, extending along the eastern face of Nanga Parbat and southeast of Gilgit, is an epitome of natural beauty. It is known for its variety in geography, countless hiking trails, and ever-changing landscape. Additionally, Skardu Valley is the hub of many significant tourist attractions in Gilgit-Baltistan, with a rich cultural and historical background.
Astore Valley is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Pakistan. In the scenic Pakistani countryside, the valley between 2600m and 2700m above sea level is a fascinating place to visit. In one visit, visitors cannot explore the entire valley due to the size of the valley, which has a total area of 5,000 km2.
Beautiful natural landscapes such as the scenic Astore Valley and Rama Meadows make Astore a popular tourist destination. This town serves as a gateway to Deosai National Park, which is famous for its unique wildlife and landscape. A range of trekking and mountaineering activities are available in the region, especially at Nanga Parbat. The ethnocultural diversity and rich culture of Astore also make it a unique place to visit.
The Astore Road is a metalled road that leads to the mountain town of Astore over a distance of 115 kilometers. Astore is the capital of the Astore district in Gilgit Baltistan. Upon reaching Burzil Pass, the road ends.
You’ll love the Deosai Plains, a hidden treasure in the heart of Pakistan. This pristine wilderness is at an impressive altitude of over 4,000 meters. Its vast expanses of rolling meadows and crystal-clear lakes along with the distant snow-capped peaks offer a breathtaking landscape.
In the Deosai Plains of Skardu Valley, the large wilderness, abundant wildlife, high altitude, variety of flora and fauna, and intermittent weather contribute to its uniqueness.
Known locally as “Ghbiarsa” by Balti folks or “Summer’s Place,” Deosai is a good summer destination. Compared with the Changtang Tibetan Plateau, it is the second-highest plateau in the world.
At 4114 meters above sea level, this scenic natural attraction is located between Kharmang, Astore, and Skardu in the Gilgit Baltistan region. In 1993, a national park was created for this high-alpine plain.
Almost 3,000 km2 of uninhabited grassland are enclosed by snow-capped peaks in Deosai National Park. Its rich flora and fauna make it a popular tourist attraction in Pakistan.
Sometimes, the weather turned out a little harsh with a couple of showers and gushing winds. The spot is one of those in the north of Pakistan that is ideal for families. Shogran Valley is one of the most popular hill stations in summer because there are so many food and music festivals taking place there, Shogran Valley attracts a huge number of tourists every year. With its food and family-friendly atmosphere, it provides tourists with a homely atmosphere.
The Faisal Mosque of Islamabad, the largest mosque in Pakistan and South Asia, is in this Muslim-dominated city. Margalla Hills National Park lies in the foothills of the Himalayas, marking the city’s entrance. It is one of the world’s most important biological hotspots and adds to the beauty of the capital city.
Shakarparian National Park, the most prominent green space within the city, offers the best city views. It is worth visiting the country to admire its natural beauty, or to visit the pristine Rawal Lake.
Its architecture is a wonderful blend of traditional Islamic architecture and contemporary style in some truly notable buildings, including the Saudi-Pak Tower and the Pakistan Monument.
Blue Area is the area with most of the cosmopolitan vibe of the city, designated as the city’s commercial center and central business district.
In the vicinity of the city, you’ll find former Mughal structures like the Pharwala Fort and Rawat Fort, both impressive fortifications that showcase the majesty of the former empire.
Forecasting mountain weather is just as much an art as it is science in the Baltoro Muztagh subrange of Karakorums. Complex terrain, massive elevation changes, and a wide variation between day and night temperatures complicate accurate prediction.
Askole village is the starting point of the trek to Baltoro Glacier, Biafo Glacier, Chogtai Glacier, Panmah, and Nobanday Sobanday Glacier. The Climbing and trekking expedition stay here for a night and arrange porters. Askole village is the gateway to Muztagh Towers, Uli Biaho Tower, Paiyu Peak, Baintha Brakk and Latok Peaks, and many more. It leads to an alpine paradise where four of the five 8000m peaks including K2, Gasherbrum I and Il, and Broad Peak stand proudly, alongside hundreds of unclimbed 6000m and 7000m peaks.
Reaching Askole from Skardu is a long journey that begins as a fast-paced jeep ride on a flat road. However, once the town of Shigar is crossed, the mobile signals disappear and so does the road. What follows next is a seemingly endless journey through rugged terrain on a precariously steep road (dirt track), where one wrong move by the driver could mean death for all the occupants.
Chitral is a little town settling underneath the gigantic Hindu Kush mountains. Having a warm, friendly local area, it’s an intense, energetic place. In the hot summer months, tourists are frequent visitors to the valley to enjoy the cold weather. Ladies wear traditional clothing with headscarves and hats, particularly made by the skilled Kalash ladies, in dark colors with bright weaving. The site provides a glimpse into the life of an old culture and is one of Pakistan’s best attractions.
Kalash Valley, the homeland of the Kalash people, is one of the most important cultural zones in the Hindu Kush mountain range. In addition to the vibrant culture and festivals, this area is renowned for its scenic landscapes and unique community traditions.
If you’re on the hunt for a travel experience that feels like a slice of paradise, look no further than Kumrat Valley in northern Pakistan. This stunning destination promises breathtaking landscapes and an unforgettable adventure that will leave you in awe!
The Upper Dir Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is known for its lush green pine forests, picturesque waterfalls, alpine lakes, and rivers with shades of greenish blue.
This valley provides a deep connection to nature, allowing you to get lost in its serenity. The Kumrat Valley is located around 370 km from Islamabad, and offers camp-style hotels for tourists, so it may not be suitable as a vacation spot for families.
This off-beat destination is the best time to visit between mid-June and mid-October in northern areas of Pakistan. For more information, check out our Kumrat Valley guide.
Mountaineering/ trekking is all about being patient and being fit, preparing for each challenge, and then enjoying nature and wilderness and the very enlightening experience of climbing a mountain. Go slowly, mind your reactions to different elements, and enjoy the journey.
You can wash your clothes in the natural hot springs and venture as close to the Afghan border as you can. Camping there was incredible, with stunning landscapes all around. The biggest challenge was crossing the rivers — deep, fast, and intense — but our determination and excitement kept us going. It’s a memory that fills us with pure nostalgia!
An oasis of tranquility nestled in the scenic landscapes of Skardu, Shangrila Resort offers a unique blend of comfort and luxury. Lower Kachura Lake makes this resort a special place because of its serene lakeside location. A peaceful retreat with captivating mountain views, Shangrila Resort appeals to travelers seeking solace amidst nature’s beauty.
10 Best Places to Visit in Azad Kashmir Neelum Valley
Must Visit Places to Visit in Hunza Valley
10 Perfect Places to Visit in Skardu with Family
Adventurous Places to Visit in Kumrat Valley
Famous 10 Places to Visit in Naran Kaghan Valley
Must Visit Tourist Destinations in Swat Kalam Valley