Now, whenever Pakistan is mentioned in the news, it’s usually not in a very positive light. Looking at the headlines, it’s hard for anyone to realise that Pakistan is actually a land of astounding sceneries and boundless natural beauty.
But believe me when I tell you, the northern areas of this country have a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. Magnificent snow-covered peaks, lush green valleys, raging rivers, endless forests and spectacular lakes are just some of the wonders awaiting travelers coming to Pakistan.
Here are our top five, must-see destinations for both local and international tourists in the country.
1. Naran Kaghan
This is the top tourist hot-spot in Pakistan and for good reason. Located in the Mansehra District, Naran Kaghan is the most breathtakingly scenic area in the entire country. Just look at the Kunhaar River below.
Popular with visitors especially in the summer, the main attractions in this locality includes the Lulusar Lake, the Babusar Top, Shogran, Siri Paye, and of course Saif-ul-Malook Lake. Many travelers also visit this area in the winter so that they can witness a frozen Saif-ul-Malook Lake in all its glory.
2. The Fairy Meadows
Number two on our list is the Fairy Meadows. Located in Gilgit Baltistan, the Fairy Meadows is a lush green land close to one of the base camp sites of Nanga Parbat (the 9th highest mountain in the world). Locally known as Joot, the area was declared as National Park by the government in 1995. Situated at an altitude of 3300 meters, this serene meadow provides stunning views of Nanga Parbat (here’s proof) (Photo By Usmanbukhari3362 [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons)
Trekkers use the locality as a starting point for their climb on the Rakhiot Face of the mountain. During the tourist season (April-September), visitors can also enjoy overnight camping, polo matches, horse riding, excellent food and hiking to Bayal Camp.
3. The Hunza Valley
Third on our list is the beautiful Hunza Valley. Situated in Gilgit Baltistan, in the very north of the country, this area borders the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan and the Xinjiang region in China. In addition to its astonishing scenic beauty, visitors are also drawn by the hospitality and warmth of the locals residing in the valley.
The valley boasts several tourist hot spots. This includes the Rakaposhi View Point, Attabad Lake, Pasu, Karimabad, Rush Lake, Altit Fort and the Baltit Fort.
The Baltit Fort (shown below) is one of the most iconic structures in Hunza. Located near Karimabad, the fort dates back 700 years ago and is now a museum operated by the Baltit Heritage Trust.
4. The Kumrat Valley
Our next recommendation for travelers in Pakistan is the stunning Kumrat Valley. Located in the Upper Dir District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this valley welcomes thousands of visitors every year.
Blessed with infinite forests, gushing rivers, snow-capped mountains and green pastures, Kumrat has numerous tourist attractions. The Panjkora River, Thal, Dojanga, Do Kala Chasma, Badagoi Pass, Kotara Lake, Bara Dand Lake, the Wooden Canals and the Crooked Woods are just some of the must-see spots in this area.
5. The Swat Valley
Last but not least on our list is the picturesque Swat Valley. Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this district is famous for hosting Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960’s. Dubbed as the “Switzerland of the East”, Swat offers tourists unforgettable views of gushing waterfalls, green meadows, roaring rivers, majestic mountains, fruit-filled orchards and flower-covered slopes.
It is home to Malam Jabba, one of the best ski resorts in the country and a must-see destination for travelers in Pakistan. Over a hundred thousand tourists flock to Malam Jabba in the winter and it’s not hard to see why.
Some of the other well-known tourist attractions in Swat include Bahrain, the Fizagat Park, the Kalam Forest, the Kandol Lake, the Mahodand Lake, Matiltan and the Jarogo Waterfall.
Visitpk.com offers customised tours to all of these locations and more. So what are you waiting for? Call us on 0345 1520702 and book your trip now.