northern areas of Pakistan
Blessed with the world’s highest mountain peaks, alpine lakes, river valleys, and lush green forests, the Northern areas of Pakistan have endless destinations that offer unparalleled opportunities for sightseeing, trekking, and high-altitude mountaineering.
Northern Pakistan spans the Himalayas, Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush ranges. So, it might be overwhelming to figure out what to see when you visit northern areas of Pakistan.
Whether you are planning your trip to Pakistan for the first time or going on a family vacation to northern Pakistan, plan your trip with this list of the 10 best places to visit in northern areas of Pakistan. Ready? Let’s get into it!
Located in the northern and northwestern parts of the country, Northern Pakistan comprises KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Azad Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Rawalpindi division, and Islamabad.
The Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and mighty Himalaya mountain ranges meet in this region, offering the most breathtaking mountain scenery. It is also home to the world’s longest glaciers outside of Polar Regions and 10 of the 30 world’s highest peaks, making it a popular high-altitude mountaineering destination. Khanjrab Pass, which is the world’s highest paved border that connects Pakistan and China, is the highest point on the Karakoram Highway.
Snowfall and frigid temperatures are regular occurrences in Northern Pakistan in colder months. So, summer months are usually considered the best time to visit northern areas of Pakistan, especially Gilgit Baltistan. However, you can experience the best of the winter season in north Pakistan by visiting the Galyiat region, Swat Valley, Upper Chitral, and Murree.
Azad Jammu and Kashmir are known for their river valleys, high-altitude lakes, and quaint villages. Bordered to the northeast by the Skardu and Astore District of Gilgit Baltistan, Neelum Valley is located between towering mountains and is dominated by a heavily forested landscape.
The true beauty of the valley can be found around the Sharda Valley, Arrang Kel, and Kutton Valley, which look like they belong to the Swiss Alps. This alpine valley is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Azad Kashmir.
It can be visited in spring and summer. As it is located near the Indian-administered Kashmir region, foreign tourists can only visit this valley unless they have special permits.
Plan your visit to this beautiful valley between March and October when the weather is pleasant.
If you want a heavenly travel experience in northern areas of Pakistan, no other place can beat the beauty of Kumrat Valley, which looks straight out of a fairytale.
Located in the upper Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this valley is known for its lush green pine forest, scenic waterfalls, alpine lakes, and rivers that boast shades of greenish blue.
It is easy to get lost in the serenity of this valley as it deeply connects you with nature. Kumrat Valley is around 370 km away from Islamabad, and you may find camp-style hotels for tourists here, making it not the best vacation spot for families in northern areas.
The best time to visit this off-beat destination in northern areas of Pakistan is from mid-June to mid-October. Read our full Kumrat Valley guide to learn more about it.
Exploring the Hunza Valley is the highlight of travel in the northern areas of Pakistan. Think picturesque valleys, quaint villages, sky-soaring mountain peaks (some of them are more than 7,000 meters high), and blue-water glacial lakes that you wouldn’t have believed were real.
Altit and Baltit Fort, Passu Cones, Attabad Lake, Hussaini Bridge, and Karimabad are some of the famous places to visit in Hunza Valley.
The best time to visit Hunza is between April and September. However, if you want to witness the cherry blossom season or admire the richness of autumn colors, be sure to visit in March and October, respectively.
If you’re wondering what to do in Hunza Valley, take a look at the following recommendations:
Skardu is the largest city in the Gilgit Baltistan region and is known as a starting point for all the major treks leading to the heavily glacierized Central Karakoram National Park. Safaranga and Katpana deserts surround the city on either side, which are some of the high-altitude cold deserts of the world.
You will find a bazaar in the heart of the city where you can shop for souvenirs, try local dishes, and discover the best places to stay in Skardu.
Some notable places to visit in Skardu include the Masur Rock, upper and lower Kachura Lake, Kharpocho Fort, and the Katpana and Safaranga desert.
If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Skardu, don’t forget to visit Hushe village, which is an alternative starting point to Charakusa Valley and Concordia. Sakrdu receives more visitors in summer due to the harsh winters.
However, late August or early September is the best time to visit Skardu Valley if you want to avoid the crowds. Get your full Skardu travel guide here.
Learn more about things to do in Skardu
Swat is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in northern areas of Pakistan, thanks to its mountainous beauty and remnants of Buddhist culture. Swat Valley can be easily accessed from the capital city of Pakistan. Swat offers many trekking opportunities to adventure seekers, which are suitable for all skill levels.
You can embark on a day trek to Desan Meadows, which is situated on the route to Matiltan from Kalam City, and soak up the beauty of Ushu Forest. Experienced trekkers can choose the multi-day hike to Andrab Lake, a.k.a. Kooh Lake in Ankar Valley of Swat. Kalam, Malam Jabba, Madyan, Saidu Sharif, and Bahrain are some popular places to visit in Swat Valley.
The best time to visit this valley is from April to August. However, visit the famous ski resort, Malam Jabba, between January and February to enjoy adventurous activities and snowfall.
Know the best attractions in Kalam for 2024 with our must-visit places to visit in Kalam guide.
If you are an adventure traveler and ready for the world’s scariest jeep ride, you must visit Fairy Meadows. It is not only the most beautiful place in Gilgit Baltistan but also one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan.
Located at the western reaches of the Himalayas, it offers the heart-stopping views of Nanga Parbat, the world’s 9th highest mountain. The journey starts with a bus ride across the Karakoram Highway to Chilas and culminates with an arrival at Raikot Bridge.
After reaching the Raikot Bridge, you need to take the jeep to reach the trailhead. It’s a 2-3 hour hike to the Fairy Meadow from the trailhead, which is a stop en route to the Nanga Parbat base camp.
Accessing Fairy Meadow involves a crazy jeep ride that is not for the faint of heart, but the views at Fairy Meadow are worth the hype.
The best time to hike to Fairy Meadows is between April and May or from September to October.
Kalash Valley is located in the Lower Chitral district and is renowned for its beauty and culture. Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir valleys make it up, and Bumburet valley is the largest and most visited of them. Rumbur Valley sits along the Kalash River, while Birir Valley opens towards Kunhar.
It takes around 2.5 hours to get there from Chitral City. Kalasha people are an ethnic minority in Pakistan who don’t practice Islam and have their own religious beliefs. Foreign tourists need special permission to visit Kalash Valley and pay 600 rupees tax before visiting these valleys.
For a rich cultural experience, plan your visit to the valley during the Chilam Joshi Festival in May, the Uchau Festival in September, or the Chawmos Festival in December, which involves folk music and traditional dancing.
Nathia Gali is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas and is renowned for its lush green forest and mountainous landscape. Making it to the Nathia Gali is easy as it is located just 40 km away from Murree, Pakistan’s most visited hill station.
The main draw to come here is to trek to Mushkpuri and Miranjani Peak, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Mushkpuri top is the second-highest hill in the region, and meadows come alive with wildflowers in spring and summer.
Other tourist attractions include Dunga Gali Pine Path, St. Matthews Church, Ayubia National Park, and Nathia Gali Market. It can be visited all year round, but the summer months are considered the best time to visit it due to the colder temperatures in winter.
No trip to the northern areas of Pakistan is complete without visiting Naran Kaghan Valley, located in the northwestern KPK province. Renowned for its alpine lakes, lush green meadows, and snow-capped mountains, Naran and Kaghan Valley is a great spot for nature lovers and trekkers.
Adventure seekers can indulge in river rafting, trekking, and rock climbing. Kaghan and Naran Valley Trail, as well as the Shogran Trail, are some interesting hikes there. Babusar Top is the highest point in the Kaghan Valley, which connects the KPK province with Gilgit Baltistan.
Some other famous places to visit in Naran Kaghan Valley include Shogran, Payee meadows, Saif Ul Malook Lake, Dudipatsar Lake, and Teardrop Lake. The best time to visit Naran Kaghan Valley is from May to October.
Despite its beauty, this region has sadly been a real victim of over-tourism due to the easy access from Islamabad. However, Kaghan Valley is less crowded and offers some affordable accommodation options compared to Naran.
Read our complete guide on the best hotels in Naran Kaghan Valley to discover where to stay on your next visit.
“God has created some scenes only for vagabonds, some worlds only for nomads, some winds only to touch the bodies of those whose minds are obsessed with the vagabondage.”
— Mustansir Hussain Tarar, Pakistani author, travelogue writer, and mountaineer
Central Karakoram National Park is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the northern areas of Pakistan, but it is definitely for trekkers, not tourists.
It is the highest national park in the world, and it contains the greatest concentration of 8000 meters and 7000-meter peaks, which are some of the highest peaks on this planet. Located in Skardu, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its iconic trek to the K2 Base Camp.
Concordia is positioned 7.5 miles away from K2 base camp, where trekkers can see four sky-soaring eight-thousand-meter high peaks from one place, including K2 (the world’s second-highest mountain), Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II, and Broad Peak. Trango Towers is one of the tallest granite faces on Earth that offers adventurous rock climbing opportunities.
Due to extreme weather, it is only possible to trek between July and August. However, lower-altitude treks (below 5,500m) are accessible from June to early September.
Foreigners need a trekking and mountaineering visa while domestic trekkers need a trekking permit from Gilgit Baltistan council to do trekking or mountaineering in CKNP.
Northern areas of Pakistan are famous for their mountainous landscape where the world’s three famous mountain ranges collide here, i.e., Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and the mighty Himalayas. With many trekking and other adventurous options, visiting northern Pakistan also helps you witness cultural diversity in Pakistan.
Skardu is considered the most beautiful place in the northern area of Pakistan due to its scenic beauty and high-altitude mountain peaks that offer endless trekking and mountaineering opportunities. However, if you are looking for a place with luscious pastures and verdant forests, nothing can beat the beauty of Neelum Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
The best time to visit the Pakistan northern areas is from April to October, as the Northern areas of Pakistan weather tend to be colder during the winter months.
Unlike central and southern Pakistan, Northern Pakistan has stunning landscapes, including majestic mountains, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lakes that attract tourists. These areas offer unique opportunities for adventure, trekking, and cultural exploration amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
We hope you find this ultimate guide to the best places to visit in Pakistan northern areas helpful. Which destination is your favorite and why? Let us know in the comments below!
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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.
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