List of Top Northern Areas of Pakistan
Various locations are spectacular, but we will only discuss the top tourist destinations in the Northern areas of Pakistan.
Hunza Valley
Envision a spot where the mountains are mighty, the view is peaceful, and the organic products are rich; that is Hunza Valley for you. Most concur that it is one of the most lovely destinations on Earth and is necessary on anybody’s basin list.
Even though the spot has dependably been well known among visitors, the choice waters of Attabad Lake have added another element to the scene: a magnet for media influencers and picture-takers.
Hunza is a wonderland in the northern areas of Pakistan. Hunza has always been famous in Northern areas of Pakistan as it has been frequently listed in international Magazines. During the late 90s, Hunza grabbed global attention when it was featured on the book cover of National Geographic Magazine as “Hunza Road to Heaven.”
Top Norther Areas of Pakistan To Visit: Hunza Valley
Since then, it has lived up to its reputation of being mysterious in all weather, colorful like a majestic painting carefully crafted by God. Hunza is just 102 kilometers away from the City of Gilgit. Gilgit is getting one flight daily from Islamabad Airport via Pakistan International Airlines. Though the flight is weather dependent, the weather in northern Pakistan is unpredictable.
Hunza has too many places to visit, and you need ample time to touch this part of Pakistan. Some notable areas are mainly Karimabad, Duiker, Naltar, Chalt, Nagar Valley ( not part of Hunza but near Hunza), Gojjal, Passu, Sost Dry port, and Khunjerab Top ( Pak China International Border).
Hunza has famous Baltit and Altit forts which are preserved nicely by the Agha Khan Foundation to preserve the rich culture of Hunza, and the habitats of Hunza are always friendly, lovely, and caring.
However, the striking thing about Hunza isn’t only its perfect condition – local people are probably the brightest individuals you’ll ever meet. Furthermore, if you’re a genuine adrenaline junkie, the Hussaini hanging span in Gojal is essential!
Some of the things that you can do in Hunza are:
- Witnessing the dawn in Eagles Nest,
- The view from Baltit Fort,
- Some espresso at Cafe de Hunza,
- Drifting at Attabad Lake,
- Shopping at Karimabad Bazaar,
- Chomping at Glacier Breeze eatery,
- The Passu Cones and Rakaposhi perspectives are, on the whole, musts.
The top places to visit in Hunza Valley are:
- Rakaposhi Peak
- Karimabad
- Altit Fort
- Baltit Fort
- Attabad Lake
- Rush Lake
- Sost Border
- Summit Gulmit
- Borith Lake
- Eagle Nest Duiker
How to reach Hunza? There are two ways to reach Hunza Valley from Islamabad. The first one is you can take a flight to Gilgit or Skardu. Or you can drive to Hunza via N-15, a time travel of around 10 hours.
The best time to visit Hunza Valley is from March to October. If you can visit Hunza, plan your trip to Hunza in Cherry Blossom Season or Autumn Season to witness the majestic colors of nature.
Chitral Valley KPK
Chitral is part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and was a princely state until 1969. The Chitral is at the foot of Tirch Mir Peak, the highest peak of the Hindukush range. It was first scaled in 1950 by a Norwegian team. Tich mir can be seen from the central Bazar of Chitral. Additionally, Chitral has a famous Badhshai mosque. Chitral also possesses an airport that offers one daily flight from Islamabad and Peshawar.
The most famous area of the Chitral Region is Kalash ( Kafiristan) which has a population of 2000 Kalashi People. These people are non-Muslims and have their religion. These people are different from other people of Pakistan with their unique culture and different beliefs. Their language, food, and way of life are foreign. Chilham Joshi is their main festival when visitors from other parts of the world and domestic tourists come to Pakistan. However, the top places to visit in Chitral KPK are:
- Bumburet Valley
- Rumbur Valley
- Birir Valley
- Ayun valley
- Garam Chashma
- Bonni
- Shandur Pass
- Tirch Mir
How to get to the Chitral Valley? You can get a direct flight from Islamabad to Chitral, which is almost one hour flight thrice a week. Or you can drive to Chitral via N45, travel time to Chitral from Islamabad is almost 8 hours.
The best time to visit Chitral is between March to October. During this time, you will get to witness the amazing festivals of Chitral.
Kalash Valley
On the off chance that you go to Chitral, Kalash is a conspicuous hotspot at that point. The valleys are home to the renowned Kalash individuals, who are said to be relatives of the militaries of Alexander the Great. Cut off from the world; it is an extraordinary social encounter you won’t discover anyplace else. The three primary valleys are Bumburat, the most created regarding offices and notoriety. There’s additionally Rumboor and Birir, which outside vacationers visit more.
Northern Areas Of Pakistan That You Have To Visit: Chitral Valley
The three celebrations are the best occasions to go to Kalash. There will be a lot of stupefying treats for your eyes; think move, bright customs, and garments in plain view. Chilam Joshi is in May, Uchau in autumn (September), and Choimus goes on for about fourteen days around the winter solstice.
The most effective method to arrive at Kalash Valley is local Jeeps. Jeeps going from Chitral to the three diverse valleys, for the most part, leave around 1.00 pm. Your goal will take as long as two hours from that point.
Skardu
Encompassed by the unselfish Karakorum and Himalaya mountain ranges, Skardu is the focal point of trekking, trailing, and ascending voyages. It’s the exemplification of magnificence, tranquillity, and wildness. On the off chance that you are wandering there, Upper Kachura Lake is another common.
Skardu is 763 Kilometre away from the capital city of Islamabad. It is another remarkable place offering an abundance of sightseeing places. However, it is primarily known for climbers toward the world’s highest peaks are approached from here. During the summer, you can always see the expedition tiding their shoes and luggage towards K2 and other neighboring peaks. Skardu does possess an airport, and daily flight comes from Islamabad.
Skardu has various lakes that invite visitors to see their beauty and fall in love with them. The most famous lake is Shangrila lakes in the Khachura valley which is an artificial lake but has gained fame due to the world-famous Shangrila resort.
Just a few minutes walk from Shangrila resort can take you towards the green lake of Upper Khachura, a natural lake, and its warm waters welcome swimmers to enjoy it here. The Sadpara Lake is one other lake in the heart of Skardu city. This blue color lake is the biggest in the Skardu region, with an extensive stock of clean water.
Must-visit places would be the immense Deosai National Park, Basho Valley, Katpana Cold Desert of Skardu, Shangri-La Resort, Manthal Buddha shake carvings, Satpara Lake, and a lot more; the list continues forever.
Northern Areas Of Pakistan That You Have To Visit: Skardu Valley
The top places to visit in Skardu Valley are:
- Skardu Fort
- Khaplu Valley
- Kachura Lake
- Shangri-La Lake
- Satpara Lake
- Shigar Fort
- Deosai
- Sheosar Lake
- Katpana Lake
- Basho Valley
How to get Skardu? You can take a flight to Skardu from Islamabad, which takes almost 1 hour to reach. On the other hand, you can drive to Skardu via S-1, which takes 13 hr 40 min (636.9 km).
Fairy Meadows
Simply the name alone makes us wonder if real pixies are living here. Based on its ethereal magnificence, they should be. Being in Fairy Meadows resembles being in a real fantasy. The name is a piece of a legend that the supernatural animals have their paradise on the lavish green level and was authored by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl.
Fairy Meadows, Pakistan, is one of the most fantastic tourist attractions, attracting tourists and travelers worldwide. Still, its treacherous mountain roads add to the excitement of the place. Pakistan’s many dangerous roads take travelers to the most beautiful places, and the Ferry Meadows trail is one of them. The exciting Fairy Medows ride starts from the Rakhiot Bridge on the Karakoram Highway and takes travelers to the village of Tato. Rocky Mountain gravel roads are dangerous and only open to locals. Locals are responsible for providing transportation for travelers.
Places in Northern Areas Of Pakistan: Fairy Meadows
To achieve Fairy Meadows, one must take the transport or private vehicle on the Karakoram Highway to Chilas and proceed around 50 kilometers to Raikot connect. Jeeps are accessible to take you to Tato town, where you climb for approximately two hours.
However, Nanga Parbat is the ninth most noteworthy mountain on the planet. It appears to scratch the degrees of the skies, an invulnerable bastion of snow, ice, and shakes. It resembles a post from a dream film, then again. It’s genuine.
More precisely, the Fairy Meadows Trail was declared the second most dangerous and deadly road in the world by the World Health Organization in 2013. After passing through the village of Tatu, a difficult five-kilometer road requires drivers to walk travelers through to reach it. Fairy Meadows, this hike only takes three to four hours.
Fairy Meadows is a meadow in the Rakhiot Valley, to be precise, at the end of the Rakhiot Glacier. Rakhi Glacier starts from Nanga Parbat and has a beautiful stream that flows into the Indus River. Fairy Meadows’ night views are beyond imagination, and locals have begun camping in the area. The top places to visit in Fairy Meadows are:
- Nanga Parbat
- Rama Lake
- Raikot Bridge
- Rakhiot
- Chongra
- Ganalo Peak
How to get Fairy Meadows? Now Fairy Meadows is easily accessible because of paved roads. You can drive to Fairy meadows via Gilgit, take a direct flight to Gilgit, and then move to Fairy Meadows. The flight takes 2:30 hours; however, the drive to Fairy Meadows lasts 10:30 hours but is worth seeing.
The best time to visit Fairy Meadows is from March to October. But avoiding traveling to Fairy Meadows during the monsoon season is advisable.
Murree Hills
Are you searching for a fast portion of nature without voyaging excessively? Simply go to Murree. It just takes around 40 minutes to arrive from Islamabad and is the perfect day trip in case you’re in the capital. At 12,605 hectares, The Margalla Hills are a piece of the Himalayan lower regions north of Islamabad. You can get a 10,000-foot perspective on the shocking Faisal Mosque from here.
Places in Northern Areas Of Pakistan: Murree
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Naran Kaghan Valley
Naran is a famous domestic location for tourists. It is part of district Mansehra and has so much to offer. Naran has been fetching more than 2 million visitors annually, and this growth ratio is improving with each passing year. However, several places in Naran Kaghan are fascinating yet enriching in history and culture.
The most mesmerizing is Lake Saif ul Malook, one of the world’s top lakes. Moreover, this lake is the most visited in Pakistan. Saif ul Malook offers sublime beauty in the Northern areas of Pakistan. However, it is half an hour’s Jeep ride from Naran Baazar.
Northern Areas Of Pakistan That You Have To Visit: Naran Kaghan Valley
The road is bumpy and only accessible by 4×4 Jeeps. During the summer season, Naran is full of tourists. You won’t find more tourists in other parts of Pakistan than in Naran. Naran’s top point is Babusar Top, at 13600 Feet. From there, you can see a glimpse of Rakaposhi Peak, 280km away. Some other famous places in the Naran region are Shogran, Sharan, Siri Paye Meadows, Lalazar Meadows, and Nori Top. Lulusar Lake is one other lovely lake in Naran Region. The top places to visit in Naran Kaghan are:
- Saif ul Malook Lake
- Lulusar Lake
- Shogran
- Siri Paye
- Babusar Top
- Lalazar
- Balakot
How to get Naran Kaghan? You can reach Naran Kaghan from Islamabad via Mansehra – Naran – Jalkhad – Chilas Rd/N-15 and Hazara Motorway/M-15 in 5 hr 59 min (281.2 km) approximately.
The best time to visit Naran Kaghan is from March to October. In winter, the road is usually closed because of the heavy snowfall.
Swat Kalam Valley
Kalam is a land of rivers, towering mountains, waterfalls, and lovely people. Kalam is one of the top-visited places in the northern areas of Pakistan. Kalam has all ingredients to be termed the top tourist destination in Pakistan. Kalam has great forests for camping, lovely mountains for trekking and climbing, lakes for boating, and various excellent resorts. Mohdand lake is one of the most refreshing lakes in northern Pakistan. Mohdand Lake is 2 hours jeep drive from Kalam Bazar.
You can visit the Ushu Jungle, and the Matalan areas have one of the biggest waterfalls in Pakistan. The climate remains chilled there, and you need a warmer outfit to stay accessible. The road structure is being improved. The road from Madyan to kalam needs to be refined but is being carpeted.
Northern Areas Of Pakistan That You Have To Visit: Swat Kalam Valley
Some other areas in Swat need worth visiting. Murghzar is exceptionally green and has an excellent location in the swat area, which is 30 minutes drive from Saidu sharif, the capital of Swat. White Palace is also in Swat, offering great cultural value. It was built in the 1940s with the same marble used in the Taj Mahal. There are ancient places in Swat as well. Malam Jabba is the highest point in Swat, most famous during the winter season for skiing. The top places to visit in Swat valley are:
- Kalam Valley
- Kumrat Valley
- Madyan
- Bahrain
- Marghazar
- Saidu Sharif
- Mahodand Lake
- Malam Jabba
- Fizaghat
- Kundol Lake
How to get to Swat valley? You can drive through the Swat Motorway, a 5-hour drive from Islamabad. Or you can take a direct flight to Swat, that land at Saidu Shareef Airport.
The best time to visit Swat is the whole year, but you can enjoy the most from March to October. But if you are a chionophile, you must visit in winter for some majestic views.
Gilgit Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan, known to Pakistanis for its northern region, is home to some of the highest mountains in the world. Combining endless green grasslands, deep valleys, beautiful waterfalls, and steep roads, Gilgit-Baltistan is a haven for every nature lover and a paradise for every explorer.
Gilgit is the administrative capital of the region. Before the split of the Indo-Pakistani subcontinent, it was also an essential stop on the Silk Road. This is where Buddhism took root in India. One of the other significant towns here is Skardu, which has some of the most beautiful glaciers, museums, forts, and resorts, making it a top tourist destination.
The Gilgit-Baltistan district became a separate administrative unit in 1970. It contains three districts, each with more partitions. The three significant districts are Gilgit District, Baltistan District, and Diamir District. Gilgit District includes Hunza District, Nagar District, Gilgit District, and Jize District. The Diamer region has Astore and Diamer as its subdivisions. Meanwhile, the province of Baltistan includes Shigar, Ganchi, Skardu, and Kharmanj as additional sub-districts. The top places in Gilgit Baltistan one must visit are:
- Skardu Valley,
- Attabad lake
- Nagar Valley,
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge
- Khaplu Valley,
- Karakoram Highway,
- Shigar Valley
- Khunjerab Pass
- Gupis Valley
Azad Kashmir-Neelum Valley
There are many beautiful places in Azad Kashmir, and choosing the best is the hardest. People often need help determining where to go and which valley is closest. Azad Kashmir is a paradise on earth, with blue lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and lush green pastures. Azad Kashmir is one of the few places where nature shows men at their absolute best.
Northern Areas Of Pakistan That You Have To Visit: Azad Kashmir, Neelum Valley
With so many hills, mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes, Azad Kashmir is one of those places that tourists want to return to again and again because the beauty of this place is not enough to experience in a lifetime. As the only obstacle to tourism in Azad Kashmir, which is the safety and security aspects, is firmly handled by the government, it is undeniable that more and more tourists will travel to Pakistan to experience the tourist attractions of Azad Kashmir for themselves. The top places in Azad Kashmir one must visit are:
- Taubut
- Arang Kel
- Shardha
- Neelum Valley
- Pir Chinasi
- Toli Peer
- Banjosa Lake
Naltar Valley
Located 34 kilometers from the central Gilgit Valley and at 15,348 feet above sea level, Naltar is a barren canyon that offers visitors a beautiful view. This beauty is far from the hustle and bustle of Gilgit-Baltistan towns.
Northern Areas Of Pakistan That You Have To Visit: Naltar Valley
It’s an all-weather destination, known as a summer and winter destination, offering peace away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. For those visiting Naltar in winter, it offers superb skiing and is the best place to stay in summer. It has lush green landscapes and stunning lakes, describing it as a true paradise. The top areas of Naltar Valley one must visit are:
- Rattu Ski Resort,
- Satrangi Lake,
- Blue Lake,
- Naltar-Pakora Trek
- Naltar Lake
- Dhudia Lake.
Deosai National Park
The Deosai Plain is one of the greatest natural wonders of northern Pakistan. It can be described in many ways: wild, desolate, lush, surreal, etc., but one word best sums it up. Deosai is an example of breadth.
Once you come here, all you can see is the grassland and the endless sky. The farthest landmark is the city wall of the four sides of the mountain, and the alliance in the distance guards the plain. To any visitor, the whole region is like a universe microcosm, as if the mountains hide the idyllic plateau from the curious world.
Northern Areas Of Pakistan That You Have To Visit: Deosai National Park
When translated, the name Deosai means “shadow of giants.” However, Deosai weather is so unpredictable that the nights in Deosai are chilled. And it starts raining from nowhere. Plus, the top places in Deosai one must visit are:
- Sheosar Lake,
- Kala Pani,
- Deosai Top
- Shatoung Nala.