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Regarding tourist places in Pakistan, there are plenty of great options for everyone. Mountains, plains, meadows, forests, lakes, waterfalls, deserts, rivers, and archaeological and Buddhist sites offer adventurous tours for those interested in history, culture, traditions, and delights for foodies.
So, when you are trying to plan your trip to Pakistan, where do you start? It depends on what you like the most. Pakistan offers unlimited nature experiences, adventure tours, cultural tours, archaeological site tours, food tours, shopping tours, and more.
Let us have a brief detail about the most amazing places of Pakistan. Moreover, if you book us your trip to Pakistan, you will complete information about the place you visit, its safety, and planning your trip.
Here, we have listed some of the top places to visit in Pakistan that are worth visiting when you are on a trip to Pakistan, no matter when you visit. These places are available throughout the year.
Islamabad is the capital and the federal territory of Pakistan. With over a million inhabitants, the city has a different vibe from Karachi/Lahore or any other city in Pakistan. Islamabad seems calmer, cleaner, and greener. Moreover, it is the second most beautiful capital in the World. Islamabad is an excellent place to start if you visit the northern region.
Lahore is the capital of Punjab province and one of the best tourist cities in Pakistan. Influenced by the Mughal Empire and British India, you’ll find beautiful gardens, forts, and mosques here. There are so many places in Lahore you can visit on your next tour to Pakistan. Some of the best places in Lahore are Badshahi Mosque, Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore Fort, and many more.
Karachi is the capital of Sindh province and the largest city in Pakistan, with a population of over 18 million. It is one of the largest cities in the world! Karachi has no shortage of things to do, and just watching the crazy traffic will keep you entertained all day.
Whether you’re exploring historic markets, paying homage to Pakistan’s founders, or shopping in the country’s largest mall, Karachi has you covered. Pakistan has many important historical places, including six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Two of these historic places in Pakistan are in Sindh.
Quetta is the capital of Balochistan. It is listed as the 9th largest city in the “Pakistan Fruit Production Center” due to its multiple production farms that produce various fruits and nuts. In the past, it was called “mini Paris” because of its beautiful appearance and great location.
Additionally, Quetta is located 1,680 meters above the northwest lowland in Balochistan, close to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and is an ongoing trade nerve between the two countries. Furthermore, Quetta has many grasslands, mountains, different plants, and beautiful creatures. However, it is one of the most densely populated cities in Pakistan, with a population of nearly 2 million.
Another area of Pakistan that looks very beautiful is Kashmir. Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, has many great destinations for tourists to explore. Most tourist attractions are located in the Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir. Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, has a lot to offer travelers, be it lush green valleys, lush alpine forests, majestic waterfalls, clear blue lakes, or lush green pastures, Azad Kashmir has everything a tourist wants to see.
Besides being a beautiful natural tourist destination, Azad Kashmir in Pakistan is rich in history. You can go on a cultural and historical tour of Azad Kashmir to explore ancient historical sites.
However, Azad Kashmir is a reasonably safe place, so avoid any hassle by booking your Azad Kashmir tour with us. But, of course, things change a lot regarding the political situation. When planning your trip to Pakistan, find out what’s going on there, maybe you can go.
Another city in Punjab that you might want to visit is Multan. It is the seventh-largest city in Pakistan and an important cultural and economic center in southern Punjab. With its numerous shrines, mausoleums, and mosques, it attracts devotees all year round.
This magical valley looks like a fairy tale! With its beautiful forests, rivers, and villages, Swat Valley is a must-see when you are in Pakistan. Swat Valley is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). The Swat Valley is known as the “Switzerland” of Pakistan. Swat is known for its enormous natural beauty, such as waterfalls, pine forests, snow-capped peaks, lush green fields, glaciers, and streams. Swat is undoubtedly the most beautiful destination in the northern region of Pakistan.
Gilgit-Baltistan is the northernmost administrative region of Pakistan. Additionally, Gilgit-Baltistan is known as home to the highest peaks in the world, including K2, K3, and Nanga Parbat. This stunning landscape is known for its mountains, glaciers, lakes, and valleys. Not only the mountains here, but Gilgit-Baltistan also has a unique background of culture, history, landmarks, and people.
Fresh and clear lakes, enchanting sounds, sensations of waterfalls, arid lands and dunes of great deserts, and ancient architectural fortresses await to make this trip exciting and unforgettable.
Fairy Meadows is one of Pakistan’s most popular trekking destinations, and for good reason. Although difficult to access, Fairy Meadows is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in Pakistan. This is because you can get stunning views from Nanga Parbat, the ninth-largest mountain in the world. Nanga Parbat is Pakistan’s highest mountain at 8,125 meters, second only to K2 and one of the most accessible treks, allowing you to see the 8,000-meter peak without a multi-day trip.
In the center of Gilgit-Baltistan in the Skardu District. Made up of lakes, deserts, roads, and picturesque villages, this place is the best place for nature excursions in Pakistan.
The Skardu region is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including K2. Another attraction is Deosai National Park, a 4,114-meter wonderland rich in flora and fauna. Find the best places here, like the Khaplu Valley, Shigar Fort, and Deosai Plains, to name a few.
Chaukhandi Tombs is located 28 kilometers outside Karachi. This historic site contains the tombs of ancestors of local tribes, estimated to date from the 15th to 18th centuries.
This historical place in Sindh was only discovered in the early 20th century, following extensive research and excavations. He concluded that these mounds and ruins were once part of the Indus Valley Civilization, contemporary with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Mohenjo-Daro is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has enormous historical significance, making it one of the best tourist destinations in Pakistan.
Fun fact: Mohenjo Daro is also what you see on Pakistani 20 rupee banknotes!
Visit Mohenjo Daro, an important historical place in Sindh. Like many places in the world today, you can visit ancient civilizations without a lot of tourists. This is just another reason to love Pakistan.
Tip: Avoid visiting Mohenjodaro in the middle of the day as the temperature outside is very high. There is hardly any sun protection when walking on the site. The best time to visit is in the early morning or evening when the sun is not directly in the sky. They rent umbrellas and hats on-site.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Makli, is the largest cemetery in the world. In 10 square kilometers, we traveled in a convertible to explore this massive tomb complex. It may seem strange to visit a cemetery, but the mausoleums left by the Mughal Empire are impressive. Each has intricate details that you could spend hours exploring.
Ranikot Fort is a historical fort located in Talpur, Jamshoro District, Sindh province. Known as the Indus Wall, it is considered the largest fort in the world, with a circumference of about 32 kilometers! You can walk around this fort and explore all the rooms you can enter. There are a lot of great photo opportunities here, and at the top, you get a great view of the surrounding area.
No matter how many forts you visit during your trip to Pakistan, each place is impressive and generally packed with tourists.
Another historical site worth visiting in Sindh is the Tomb of the Seven Sisters, they have an interesting story behind them. According to legend, the seven sisters lived in a cave and met no men. The then-Hindu ruler Raja Dahir learned of her beauty and ordered her to be brought before him. When the sisters heard this, they were terrified and began to pray. Suddenly, the earth opens in their prayers, and they disappear.
History aside, the cemetery is also a great place to view the beautiful Lansdown Bridge over the Indus River. Sunrise/sunset is the best time to visit. You may even see Indus dolphins in the water if you are lucky.
As a Muslim-majority country, Pakistan has many beautiful mosques to visit, but San Jahan is my favorite. The mosque is elegant in design and colorful. The geometric design of the entire mosque intrigued me.
This mosque was built by a Mughal king as a gift to the hospitality of the people of Tatta. Construction began in 1644 and took three years to complete.
One of the most beautiful sights in Lahore is the Badshahi Mosque or “Emperor’s Mosque”. It was built by the Mughal emperor in 1673 with precious red sandstone.
Tip: After your meal, head to the Haveli restaurant in Food Street for a different view. There you can enjoy the view of Badshahi Mosque from the top of the restaurant.
Next to the Badshahi Mosque is the Lahore Fort. This is another beautiful Mughal building, built in the 1580s, the fort is located in the northwest corner of the walled city of Lahore. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times in its history.
Shalimar Gardens, another royal complex, is located 7 km from the castle. Influenced by Persian and Islamic traditions, these gardens are outstanding examples of Mughal gardens.
Both Lahore Fort and Sharma Gardens were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1981 for their outstanding universal value.
Lahore is full of beautiful mosques. It’s called the Paris of the East for a reason! Located in the heart of Lahore, Wazir Khan Mosque is another mosque worth visiting during your time. It is currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This 17th-century mosque is an architectural masterpiece!
Minar-e-Pakistan is a 70-meter high building, similar to the Eiffel Tower. It marked the 1940 resolution of the Anglo-Indian Muslim League to establish the independent Islamic State of Pakistan. From the top of Minar-e-Pakistan, you can get a great view of Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque.
Near the Lahore Fort, there is the National History Museum of Pakistan. It is located in Iqbal Park, a beautiful park that attracts thousands of visitors annually. You can learn about Pakistan’s fascinating history at the National Museum through interactive audio and video exhibits.
One of the top attractions in Lahore is the Delhi Gate, which leads to one of the oldest markets in Lahore. After going in and only walking around, it was a nice break from the busy Pakistani traffic.
There is also a refurbished shahi Haman (traditional hammam) that you can visit inside the bazaar. The city has done a great job renovating the bathroom and making it more accessible to tourists. A guide can show you the bathrooms.
Lahore is just two kilometers from India, and ceremonies are held twice daily at the border. It was a military celebration, with soldiers walking around trying to impress while locals on all sides cheered, sang, shouted, and displayed their patriotism.
When you are in Islamabad, be sure to visit Faisal Mosque. This modern mosque looks very different from other mosques in the country, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Pakistan. Faisal Mosque differs from the traditional dome found in most mosques by being topped with a sloping roof. The main prayer hall can hold up to 100,000 people!
Non-Muslims were asked to avoid visiting during prayer times and Fridays. Visitors must take off their shoes and dress appropriately before entering the hospital.
After visiting the mosque, head to the Monal restaurant on the hilltop outside the city center. From there, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of Islamabad, and the food is delicious! It is one of the most famous tourist spots in Islamabad. It is the highest point in Islamabad, and you can have the whole view of Islamabad. Trekkers usually use trails in Islamabad you reach the top and enjoy good food with pleasant weather all year long.
Just 32 kilometers from Islamabad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the ancient city of Taxila. The ancient site is located on a branch of the Silk Road connecting China to the West. The Taxila ruins reveal urban development patterns in the Indian subcontinent over five centuries. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia.
The main route through the north is the Karakoram Highway. It is the highest paved international road in the world. This tour is an adventure in itself, taking you through many of the most beautiful places in Pakistan. Once you leave Islamabad and head north, you will start seeing a new side of Pakistan. The northern region is my favorite place to explore in Pakistan. With epic wilderness treks, lakes, and mountains, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped from nature.
One of the highlights of the KKH is the Babusar Pass, a section with a total height of 4,131 meters. The roads below offer beautiful views and allow you to appreciate the work of building roads in northern Pakistan.
Walking down the valley below at such a high altitude is terrifying. Be sure to bring a jacket to keep warm and take the time to explore the area, as the altitude can easily disturb you.
Another great place to visit near Naran is Lake Lulusar, 48 km away. This is the largest lake in the Kaghan Valley at 3410 meters high. The turquoise color of this lake is simply stunning. After arriving in Naran, the fun thing is rafting on the Kunhar River. The slopes are suitable for beginners as they are only 1st and 2nd class. Be careful: you will get wet!
To get to the Fairy Meadows, ride up the hill in a terrifying jeep and hike 2-3 hours to the camp. Although difficult to access, it is one of the most unique campgrounds I have ever stayed at. Nanga Parbat’s opinion is unrealistic. You can also hike from Fairy Meadows Camp to Nanga Parbat Base Camp.
Karimabad is the capital of the Hunza Valley, a valley in Gilgit-Baltistan often referred to as paradise on earth. Once you see the Hunza Valley, it’s not hard to understand how it got this title. Two of the best viewpoints to enjoy the Hunza Valley are the Eagle’s Nest and Baltit Fort.
Baltit Fort is not only beautiful but also rich in history. This fictional fortress was built in the 8th century BC on a hill overlooking Karimabad. You can take a guided tour inside the fort to learn about their history and past lives. To visit Baltit Fort, you must walk up a steep hill for 10-15 minutes, as there are some shops along the way. It is recommended to visit them after buying souvenirs in Pakistan. You can get quality gems and real antler scarves.
Another great place to view the Hunza Valley is the Eagle’s Nest. It can be reached by car and a short walk to the top of the mountain. One must visit Eagle’s Nest at sunrise or sunset. Although the area is beautiful at any time of the day, seeing the sky change color against all this beauty is a memorable experience. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Pakistan!
Without a doubt, Lake Attabad is one of the best tourist attractions in Pakistan and should be your first choice. This turquoise-colored lake in the Hunza Valley was formed after a massive landslide in 2010. Although the landslide caused much damage at the time, what was left was beautiful. At the lake, you can rent a motorboat or take a boat tour around the lake.
You’ll find plenty of scenic views as you drive along the Karakoram Highway, but the Passu Cone is one of the most noticeable. The gigantic mountain makes you spellbound as you go close to them. You can see the cone from the town of Gulmit, but if you continue down the road, you’ll get a better view. There is a place to go out by the side of the road, indicated by the words “Passu.”
A few kilometers north of Karimabad in Upper Hunza is the Husseini Suspension Bridge. Known as the most dangerous bridge in the world, it is made of wire ropes and planks. The bridge links cities in the region, and locals walk on it every day. As a tourist, you can try walking on it, but you must be careful. The rapids below are fast and unlikely to save you if you fall.
The China-Pakistan border is one of the most impressive borders I have ever seen. To get there, you need to drive through the Hingol Mountain Pass, which has a total height of 4,673 meters. This is a must-visit place in Pakistan. Everyone is proud of Pakistan on the border! It’s fun to be a part of. Begin your journey through the green valley, and you will end up surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It was an amazing journey and an enjoyable summit experience. Many people have never seen snow before, and it was so much fun to watch. The border is one of Pakistan’s most popular tourist attractions that must be visited.
Hingol National Park is located in Lasbella District, Balochistan. It is one of the most stunning sights in Balochistan, is located along the Makran Coastal Road, and covers an area of approximately 1,650 square kilometers. Much of the park is covered with floating sand, also classified as a semi-coastal desert. The park is one of the most important nature reserves in Pakistan. It partially spans three regions in Balochistan, including Gwadar, Awaran, and Lasbella, and presents a variety of topographical features ranging from subtropical forests to arid mountains.
Since 2017, Saba Ghani has been serving as the talented and dedicated chief content writer for Pakistan Tour and Travel & EMHI Solutions. With her exceptional writing skills and in-depth knowledge of the travel industry, she has been instrumental in crafting engaging and informative content that captivates the audience. You can catch her at [email protected] or Twitter
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