Publish Date: February 9, 2024
Updated Date: October 19, 2024
From snow-capped Himalayas to picturesque lands, Pakistan is one of those places that end up on every traveler’s bucket list at some point, especially for mountaineers and trekkers. They might dream of climbing the Savage Mountain K2 or exploring the ancient monuments scattered throughout the country.
Others find themselves attracted to the historical sites or the breathtaking lush green valleys. Since there is so much to see, it is hard to figure out what to see when you visit Pakistan.
Whether going on a family vacation or a backpacking trip, plan your trip with this list of the 19 most beautiful places in Pakistan. Let’s discover the natural wonders, cultural riches, and historical marvels that make Pakistan a truly unique and remarkable destination.
Adventurous Destinations
1-Concordia- K2 base camp
Concordia is one of the most adventurous places in Pakistan that takes you to the heart of the mighty Karakoram. Located in Gilgit Baltistan around the Pakistan-china border, it is the glacial convergence of two gigantic glaciers, i.e., Baltoro and Godwin Austen. Baltoro is one of the longest non-polar glaciers, home to the world’s 4 highest mountain peaks.
Trekking to K2 base camp is the most rewarding journey that gives you a chance to view these four highest mountain peaks from Concordia. However, it is not ideal for novice trekkers, but it is still very doable.
Anyone with a good fitness level, the right gear, proper preparation, and a positive attitude can embark on this adventurous trek that takes you to the foot of K2. The K2 Concordia trek starts from the village of Ashkole and takes two weeks (up and down).
Best Time to Visit:
Best Time to Visit:Due to extreme weather, it is only possible to do the trek between July and August.
2-Nanga Parbat base camp
Another Pakistan adventurous tourist attraction on our list is Nanga Parbat base camp, the most sought-after destination for trekkers and mountaineering enthusiasts. Located in Gilgat’s Baltistan district, Diamir, this is one the world’s most accessible hikes that will allow you to witness the world’s 9th height mountain that towers at the height of 8126m.
Considered one of the most beautiful places to hike in Pakistan, it offers stunning views without a multi-day trek. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach Nanga Parbat base camp if you start your hike from Fairy Meadows. While a round trip takes around 8 hours with a break. The halfway point after 2 hours of hike is Bayal camp, with stunning views of snowcapped mountains and lush high plateau.
If you continue to hike for a half-an-hour further, you will be able to arrive at a viewpoint where you can see Nanga Parbat and Raikot Glacier up close. After Bayal campsite, the trail becomes rockier and steeper, although more scenic.
The trek becomes arid from the fairy-tale alpine forest, but ice blocks and snow surround it. After some hours of intense hiking, you will reach the Nanga Parbat base camp. The panoramic and breathtaking beauty of Nanga Parbat is a sight to behold.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to hike to the foot of Killer Mountain is Between April and May or between September and October.
3-Churna islands
Churna Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan. That presents a breathtaking spectacle of turquoise blue beach, peaceful ambiance, and coral reefs. This rocky island is located in the middle of the Arabian Sea, close to Mubarak Goth. It is a one-hour boat ride from this town.
A paradise for the adventure sports lover, it is popular for snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, cliff diving, and knee boarding. The best thing about this island is that it is not inhibited, which makes it tranquil. Nothing beats the experience of snorkeling in winter when the water feels much warmer compared to summer.
Churna Island is an awesome place for those who want to explore and enjoy the beautiful undersea life. You can witness fascinating marine life such as Jellyfish, rare green turtles, lobsters, sea urchins, ray fish, oysters, yellow-bellied sea snakes, angel fish, and more.
Best Time to Visit:
This island is untouched by the tourist rush. The best time to visit this adventurous tourist attraction in Pakistan is between November and April.
4-Malam Jabba
Malam Jabba is best known for its dreamy natural setting and ideal place for skiing. Located in Swat Valley, this must-visit hill station is at a distance of 45 kilometers from the city of Mingora in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This beautiful place gives visitors a chance to see the best of nature. The views of the jaw-dropping Hindu Kush mountain range are a delight for nature lovers and photographers.
The picturesque valleys, pine forests, snow-capped mountains, and stunning meadows greet tourists who make the journey to Malam Jabba. The main attraction of this place is Malam Jabba ski resort, where you can enjoy snowboarding, skiing, ice hockey, ice skating, and speed skating.
If you are looking for one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan to witness heart-stopping scenic views and enjoy snow sports, then you must visit Malam Jabba. The snowfall season starts in this holiday hill station at the end of November every year and continues until the beginning of March.
Best Time to Visit:
To enjoy snowfall and adventurous activities, visit this place in January and February. If you can’t endure the colder temperature, plan your trip between April and October.
Natural wonders:
5-Swat valley
Swat Valley is one of the best places to visit in northern Pakistan for a good reason. It is renowned for its scenic vistas, forests, high-peak Mountains, alpine meadows, beautiful lakes, picturesque villages, pristine rivers, and natural wildlife.
The late British Queen Elizabeth II visited Swat Valley in 1961 and labeled it as ‘the Switzerland of the East.’ Located in the Malakand division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this stunning valley is great for nature lovers, trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, backpackers, and hikers.
Unlike the high-altitude Mountains of the Gilgit Baltistan region, it has relatively low-altitude Mountains and bright colors forests. Kalam, Bahrain, Malam Jabba, and Mingora are the main tourist spots in the Swat Valley which are blessed with natural scenic beauty and hold a swath of diverse cultural offerings.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit this scenic valley is April to August.
If you’re planning a trip to Swat valley, don’t forget to check out our guides on the 10 best places to visit in Kalam Valley and 5 Best hotels In Swat Valley for unforgettable vacation
6-Hunza valley
Hunza is Pakistan’s one of the most picturesque and famed tourist destinations. Hunza is a district of Gilgit Baltistan that looks like a paradise, with multiple 7000-meter mountain peaks, the babbling Hunza River, quaint villages, the iconic Karakoram highway, lush farmlands, and beautiful lakes.
With a diverse landscape and culture, it is also home to overwhelmingly kind people. The main attractions of Hunza Valley are Attabad Lake, Hussaini Bridge, Passu cones, Altit and Baltit Fort, Eagles’ Nest Hunza, Duikar and Gulmit village, The Shepherd’s Den, Khanjrab Pass, and more.
Hunza offers visitors a long list of things to do, such as fishing, swimming, hiking, shopping, eco-trips, bilking tours, and polo games. Moreover, savoring a variety of local dishes is one of the best parts of visiting this scenic place. The best time to visit Hunza is between April and September, but the crush of tourists can be overwhelming in the summer.
Best Time to Visit:
Plan your trip to Hunza in late August or early September to avoid the crowds. If you experience the richness of autumnal hues, late October and mid-November is the best time to visit this valley.
Make your stay perfect by checking out our blog on the Top 5 Best Hotels in Hunza for Every Budget.
7-Neelum valley
Want a heavenly travel experience in Pakistan? Neelum Valley presents the breathtaking spectacles of lush green mountains, pristine rivers, verdant forests, mirror-like lakes, and flowing streams. Known as Pakistan’s blue gem, it is located close to the Capital city of Azad Jammu Kashmir, Muzaffarabad.
The lush green mountains on both sides of the Neelum River provide the tourists with a striking experience that is literally not possible to replicate anywhere else.
Kutton waterfalls and Rati Gali Lake are the star highlights of this valley. Other main attractions of this valley include Arang Kel, Baoon Valley, Sharda Valley, Keran Valley, Kel, Chitta Kata Lake, and Toabutt. Tourists can enjoy hiking, rafting, mountaineering, trekking, climbing, kayaking, paragliding, and rafting. Here time stands still in the scenic beauty of nature, and you can enjoy every breath with nature.
Best Time to Visit:
March to October is a great time to visit Neelum Valley.
Explore where to stay in Neelum Valley with our 5 Best Hotels in Neelum Valley Azad Jammu Kashmir With Prices guide
8- Skardu
Renowned for its spectacular rugged beauty, Skardu is located in Gilgit Baltistan. Cold desert, towering snow-clad mountains, glistening blue lakes, waterfalls, emerald-green meadows, and alpine plateau make it one of the most beautiful places to visit In Pakistan.
Situated in the heart of the Karakoram and the Great Himalayas, this valley has something to offer for everyone. Skardu district is the home to some of the world’s highest mountains, including Gasherbrums, Broad Peaks, Masherbrum, and K2 (the world’s 2nd highest mountains).
The paths to these mighty peaks are connected through it. The main attractions of Skardu Valley are Deosai National Park (the world’s second-highest plateau), Katpana Desert, Kharpocho Fort, Lower and Upper Kachura Lake, Satpara Lake, Sarfaranga Desert, and Sheosar Lake.
In the Skardu district, the Indus River enters the Gilgit Baltistan region from Indian-held Kashmir. Noticeable changes in the color of Indus River water can be seen during summer and winter.
In winter, tourists can see the turquoise, while it appears to be shades of grey in summer. Enjoying Skardu food, handicraft shopping, climbing, trekking, fishing, mountaineering, sandboarding, boating, and hiking are the famous things to do in Skardu.
Best Time to Visit:
Late August or early September is the best time to visit Skardu Valley.
Discover the Top 5 Best Hotels in Skardu for Unforgettable Vacations
9-Galiyat region
When the temperatures skyrocket in Lahore and other cities in the south of the country, tourists and locals alike head to hill stations for a satisfying escape from the summer heat. The most famous and beautiful holiday destination to enjoy nature’s bliss in a tranquil setting is the Galiyat region.
The forested hillsides, lush alpine vistas, mesmerizing valleys, and cooler climates make it a most frequented and perfect spot for summer holidays. It is a narrow area that is located between Abbottabad and Murree.
The area comprises several Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hill stations, including Aybia, Nathiagali, and Changlagali. Koozagali, Dungagali, Khairagali, Khanspur, Thandiani, Baragali, and others. Some of Punjab’s mountain resort towns, like Murree, Ghora Gali, and Jika Gali, are also part of the Galiyat region.
Murree and Nathia Gali are the most visited one-day tour places in Pakistan. From here, you can go trekking to Muskpuri in Nathia Gali, enjoy an exciting ride on the chairlift in Ayubia, and engage in a breathtaking experience of horse riding in Thandiani. As it is located at a distance of 50 to 80km from Islamabad, it is a placid tourist spot for a day trip or to spend a weekend especially in snowfall season.
Best Time to Visit
Galiyat region can be visited the whole year round. However, December and January are extremely harsh and not the best time to visit if you are planning to go hiking.
Find your ideal stay with the 5 Best Hotels in Murree for a memorable trip.
10- Naran & Kaghan valley
Naran and Kaghan Valley is one of the beautiful places to visit and happen to be one of the most popular tourist attractions among local and foreign tourists. Renowned for its lush natural beauty, picturesque lakes, beautiful rivers, flower-laden lush green meadow, and towering green peaks, this alpine valley is located in the Hazara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
A paradise for trekkers, nature lovers, and adventurous sports, these two destinations are best for trekking, hill walking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and river rafting. The famous spots of Naran & Kaghan Valley include Saif Al Malouk Lake, Teardrop Lake, Babusar Pass, Shogran, Payee meadows, and Dudipatsar Lake.
You can trek to the highest peaks, enjoy thrilling jeep rides and river rafting, walk up rugged cliffs, catch & cook trout fish, or spend moments gazing at the blue water lakes. This stunning mountainous landscape sees huge crowds of tourists each year. So it is recommended to stay in Kaghan, where you can find a cheaper hotel for your stay and enjoy some quiet time without the crowds.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit this valley is between May and September.
Want to learn where to stay in Naran? Check out our guide on the best hotels in Naran
11-Kalash valley
Kalash is a part of the KPK’s largest district Chitral which is famous for its ancient culture, history, and a distinct indigenous tribe of people. The kalashas are a minority ethnic group that has their own language and practice a polytheistic religion similar to ancient forms of Hinduism. They are believed to be the descendants of Alexander the Great.
It is a UNESCO heritage site near the Afghanistan border and surrounded by the Hindu Kush mountain range. The animist Kalash people live in the Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir valleys, famous for their diverse range of flora and fauna and mountainous landscape.
Despite countless attempts by Islamic fundamentalists to impose religion on Kalash Valley, its inhabitants have managed to preserve their uniqueness and traditions. The culture of this special place is very different from the rest of Pakistan.
Foreign tourists will need special permission to visit this one of the unique places in Pakistan. Kalasha women wear a black cotton or woolen dress called garb with a traditional headdress or Shushut. The dress is embroiled at the cuffs, hems, and collar, while the headdress is decorated with beads and shells.
If you are looking for a cultural experience, visit this valley during the Chilam Joshi (in May), Uchau (in September), and Chawmos (in December) festivals, where you can witness the beautiful people of Kalash’s love for music and dance.
Best Time to Visit
The winter season in Kalash Valley is extremely harsh, while the summer season is mild. To avoid extreme temperatures, it is best to plan your trip in the summer.
12- Chitral
Famous for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and hospitable people, Chitral is an exotic town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, surrounded by the mighty Hindu Kush range. This scenic region is a gateway to the Shandoor region, where one of the world’s oldest polo festivals is held annually.
Kalash Valley, Pakistan’s most fascinating destination, is a part of the Chitral district. Tirich Mir is the highest peak of Hindu Kush that provides an opportunity for hardcore trekkers and adventure lovers to put their dexterity to the test.
However, during colder months, trekking is impossible in this region due to heavy snowfall. Lower Chitral is one of the best snowfall places in Pakistan to enjoy winter snow sports like ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding. Tourists can access the Shandor Pass, Mastuj, the Kalash Valley, and Garam Chasma from Chitral.
The mountainous landscape, camping spots, beautiful lakes, glaciers, trekking routes, ancient civilization, language, and local arts and crafts make it one of the best places to visit in northern Pakistan.
The most popular tourist destinations of the Chitral district include Chitral Fort, Chitral Gol National Park, Old Royal Fort in Mastuj, Chitral Museum, Trich Mir Peak, Ayun Valley, Barmoglasht Resort, Chitral Polo Ground, Koghazi and Goleen and Garam Chashma.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chitral is between April and December.
13- Naltar Valley
Famous as Skiing heaven, Naltar Valley is a must-visit place in the extreme North of Pakistan for nature lovers, skiing enthusiasts, and hikers. Located in the heart of Karakorum, it is close to Hunza Valley and 34 miles from Gilgit city. The bluest glacial lakes, thick pine forests, snow-capped peaks, stunning mountain views, and babbling rivers feel otherworldly.
Visitors can also enjoy fun hikes and experience the thrill of skiing on the snow-covered slopes of Naltar Ski Resort. On your visit to this picturesque valley, you will also get a chance to witness a Snow Leopard habitat that can be accessed by hiking or via jeep.
Moreover, you can also camp out at the Naltar Valley’s lakes. Despite its scenic beauty, the highlight of Naltar Valley is its blue, green, and multicolored lakes, the Lovey Park (famous for harboring markhor & snow-leopard), the world’s longest chairlift, and ski resort.
Best Time to Visit
It receives more visitors in summer. So whether you want to avoid freezing temperatures or huge crowds, visit this place in autumn or May.
14-Kumrat valley
Kumrat Valley is an unexplored and hidden gem of KPK’s Upper Dir District. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful valleys in the KPK province, its virgin beauty lures trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Graced by lush green pine forests, black mountains, scenic meadows, pristine rivers, and waterfalls, this remote valley has emerged as one of the favorite tourist places in Pakistan that is not to be missed while heading to northern Pakistan. In Kumrat Valley, visitors can witness a diverse range of wildlife, such as musk deer, snow leopards, and Himalayan brown bears.
Nothing beats the experience of trekking in Jahaz Banda and Badagoi Pass, camping at Katora Lake, exploring Thal village on foot, hiking at Do Kala Chasm, rafting at Panjkora River, and walking in the forest.
Best Time to Visit
It is majestic in any season, but hotter months provide the best experience with pleasant weather, unfreeze lakes, and clear views. So it is best to plan your trip between June and September.
15- Fairy Meadows
Fairy Meadows is unarguably the heavenly place that you must visit in Northern Pakistan. Sits at the foot of the Nanga Parbat, it is located in Raikhot Valley high in the western reaches of the Himalayas.
The vast expense of the alpine vistas of Fairy Meadows with the breathtaking view of the majestic Nanga Parbat is sure to take your heart away. The road to Fairy Meadow is the world’s second deadliest road on Earth.
The journey starts with the scariest jeep ride from Raikot Bridge, located 80km south of Gilgit City. With a jeep trip of two hours and a two-hour hike uphill, you will reach a magical place that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Although reaching this heavenly place involves a harrowing jeep ride and a 2-hour hike to the village, the views are truly worth the effort. Visitors can find accommodation in designated campsites, log cabins, or cottages.
There is also a camping site near Fairy Meadows named Beyal Camp which is a great place to make a night of it. Reflection Lake is the famous tourist attraction at Fairy Meadows that shows the crystal clear reflection of the Nanga Parbat, the world’s 9th highest mountain.
Best Time to visit
Visiting Fairy Meadows in late September or early October is recommended to avoid extreme temperatures and huge crowds of tourists.
Hidden gems/lesser-known places
16-Misgar Valley
Located in the north-western part of Upper Hunza, Misghar Valley is a hidden gem of exotic north of Pakistan. It is less frequented by travelers despite situating at a distance of 7km from the iconic Karakoram Highway.
This valley is home to the historic Minitika Pass and Kilik Pass, which are part of the Silk Road. Minitika connects Pakistan with the neighboring country China while the Kilik pass leads travelers to the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan.
Its geographical importance, stunning scenery, wildlife, 6000 meters towering peaks, and fascinating history make it an unmissable place in North Pakistan. It is well connected with the traditions and culture of Hunza. After a one-hour drive on the Karakorum Highway, you will reach the Kalam Darchi Fort, the landmark of Misghar Valley.
The British soldier built this fort to keep a watch on the invasion of people from Russia and China through the Wakhan Corridor. Mighar Valley is a great one-day tour place from the Upper Hunza. It is best to use your own transportation to travel here.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip between May and October to explore this picturesque valley.
17-Soon valley
Known for its mountainous landscape, historical monuments, and scenic beauty, Soon Valley / Soan Sakaser Valley is one of the best place in Pakistan for adventurous and cultural exploration without going to the Northern areas of Pakistan. It is located in the northwest of Khushab district of Punjab province. The lush green landscape, waterfalls, mesmerizing lakes, and deep ravines are soul-satisfying and highly rejuvenating.
Once the territory of the Mughal and Sikh dynasties, it is home to some ancient temples and monuments. A paradise for history buffs and nature lovers, Soon Valley is best for hiking, bird watching, camping, swimming, boating, and temple visit. Some spots worth witnessing here are Khabeki Lake, Sakesar Mountain, Daip Shareef, Kanhatti Garden, Jahlar Lake, Nurshingh Phuwar, and Uchali Lake.
Best Time to Visit
Soon valley is majestic in any season, but spring and summer provide the best experience with pleasant weather, vibrant colors, and lush greenery.
18- Makran coast
When looking for the best places to visit in Pakistan, you can’t miss the unspoiled and breathtaking coastal region with natural beaches in Baluchistan province. This semi-desert coastal strip is a 1000km stretch along the coast of the Gulf of Oman, and around 750 kilometers is in Pakistan.
Being home to some great attractions like pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and Martian Mountains that leave the tourists awed. Some notable beaches on the Makran coastline include Astola Island, Gwadar Beach, Kund Malir Beach, Pasni Beach, Sonmiani Beach, and Ormara Beach.
These beaches are accessible via the scenic Makran Coastal Highway, which starts from Pakistan’s most populous city Karachi, passes the Ormara and Pasni towns, and ends in Gwadar on the border with Iran. It is recommended to start your Journey from Karachi in Sindh Province, from where Makran Coast is located at a distance of 424 miles.
Best Time to Visit:
You can visit this beautiful place the whole year around.
19- Shimshal Valley
Shimshal Valley is the highest settlement in the Hunza district of Gilgit Baltistan. A gateway to Shimshal Pass, this remote valley is a base of lengthy treks and easier short hikes to yak pastures. Being an adventure destination, it is a popular trek among mountaineers, climbers, and avid trekkers.
The Shimshal village is known as a border village as it connects the Gilgit-Baltistan area with the neighboring country China. With no guard rails on the road and having to cross gorges and wooden bridges, Shimshal valley road earns the reputation of being one of the most dangerous roads in Pakistan that you can traverse on a motorcycle or 4×4.
It is an adrenaline-pumping journey in itself as you follow the narrow valley on a perilous road leading to the hamlet of Shimshal. It is not easy to reach there due to its remote settings. You can take public transport from Aliabad, which is the transport hub of Hunza.
This valley has several glaciers, and the first one is Yazghil Glacier which is about a 3-hour walk from it. Whether you are a mountaineer or not, this destination offers a great off-the-beaten-track experience. You can simply wander around, enjoy the view of the multiple towering peaks in the distance upon reaching the glacier, and walk in the fields of mustard-yellow flowers.
The calming surroundings with only background noises come from the Shimshal River, making it a great place to unwind with a cup of local tea and a book.
Best Time to Visit:
The roads remain covered with snow most of the year, so May to August is the best time to visit this valley.
Conclusion
A country full of natural treasures, diverse landscapes and climates, rich cultures, and hospitality of its people is a must-visit once in a lifetime. Pakistan offers numerous tourist attractions that captivate the imagination in a way that no other place on this planet can.
From natural wonders to lesser-known places and adventurous places to historical sites, this guide has shown you the most beautiful places in Pakistan that must be seen. Each place listed here will make your vacation in Pakistan worthwhile.
Don’t forget to add these extraordinary places to your itinerary for a soul-satisfying travel experience. Happy adventuring!
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About Author:
Sondus Ubin
Sondus Ubin is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in travel and food. With nearly 10 years of experience in lifestyle content creation, her toes are dipped in the exciting world of travel and food. In her time working as a travel writer, she has had the opportunity to interact with frequent travelers and travel photographers. All that knowledge she gains and her passion for travel make it possible for her to bring you informative yet fun travel content. Trust her words to help you plan your dream trip. She lives in Lahore, where she explores the city’s most intriguing, interesting, and unusual places and captures the beauty and essence of every place through her lens. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her giving her eyes a much-needed break from screens with a good book, painting landscapes, or trying out new recipes.