11 Best Places to Visit in Pakistan’s Northern Areas

The best places to visit in Pakistan’s Northern areas and mountainous ranges offer a host of cultures and stunning views that are hard to match. The natural beauty of these places is dazzling, and any visitor would leave with a piece of it in their memory.

Be it the high altitudes of Karakoram or the beautiful lakes of Bajaur, almost every corner of the northern areas has something unique to offer. This article will help you plan your trip while also informing you about all the best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas. 

1. Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley has inspired poets and travellers alike and is a true gem of northern Pakistan. Home to the majestic Rakaposhi, Artar Sar and Ladyfinger mountains, the Hunza Valley will thrill all your senses and leave you with a sense of serenity. Most of the tourism in the region is centred around Karimabad, the valley’s main city. The ancient Baltit and Urutat Forts are also worth visiting; they offer a window into the past. It is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas. 

Moreover, Hunza is recognized for apricot orchards and the friendly islanders who look after them. All in all, Hunza Valley in the northern areas is something where beauty and culture amalgamate beautifully and is worth traveling to. It is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas. 

2. Skardu

Skardu is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas. It is known as the ‘Gateway to the Rest of the World’ and is located around some of the Seven Thousands. Deosai Plains of Skardu is also significant to note, which is known as a Giants Land. Deosai is a national park that features beautiful landscapes, colorful flowers, and plenty of plains.

In addition, Skardu also serves as a gateway for those interested in climbing K2 (the second-highest mountain in the world). Shangri-La Resort (Heaven on Earth) and the beautiful lakes such as Satpara and Sheosar are other places worth seeing. These highlights certainly position Skardu among the best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas.

3. Nalter Valley

Located near the Gilgit region, it is truly an undiscovered gem. Surrounded by dense pine forests and dotted with many beautiful lakes, the valley is an environmentalist’s dream. The Naltar Ski Resort in winter and cool green pastures in summer make this valley a worthy destination for everyone.

Furthermore, the valley features ultimate destinations and comprises vivid-colored lakes like Lake Satrangi and Lake Blue. Due to the sparse human civilization there and the peaceful atmosphere, it is another location worth visiting in the northern areas of Pakistan.

4. Fairy Meadows

Ideal fairy meadows positioned adjacent to Nanga Parbat are probably among the highly recognizable sights in Pakistan. This green carpet of meadows serves as an excellent perspective for Nanga Parbat, which ranks as the ninth-highest mountain in the world. It is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas. 

That sensation alone makes camping at Fairy Meadows unforgettable, and imagine adding a beautiful starry night to that. The hike to Nanga Parbat isn’t the easiest of the bunch but is picturesque and poses a lot of fun. Its virgin beauty makes it one of the best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas.

5. Swat Valley

Also known as the Switzerland of the East, Swat Valley is renowned for its scenic landscape, green pastures, as well as fast-flowing rivers. The district is inhabited by major cities such as Mingora and Saidu Sharif, which have great antiquities with many ruins and sites to visit.

Swat is also home to several popular tourist stops, including waterfalls, quiet forests, Mahogany Lake, Usho Forest, and Kalam Valley, which is encompassed in Swat. These factors render Swat Valley one of the prime locations to explore in Pakistan’s northern areas.

6. Chitral

Located in the Hindu Kush mountain range, Chitral is one of the most stunning regions in the country, both in terms of location and cultural exchange. Kalash valley is one of the best places to visit in the northern region of Pakistan and offers plenty of opportunities to see the Kalash tribe, their traditions and colorful festivals. Some of the valleys to visit include Bomboat, Rambol and Barriere.

Chitral is famous for the Shandur Pass where the annual polo festival is held. Shandur is one of the most compelling areas in Pakistan’s northern areas because of its etched beauty and rich history.

7. Gilgit

Gilgit is a beautiful, busy town that can truly be termed the entry point of Gilgit-Baltistan, surrounded by beautiful mountains. It is the point from where most of the traffic heading to northern regions such as Hunza and Skardu, among other places. Also, check out the Kargah Buddha, an ancient rock carving that was dated to be from the 7th century.

The scenic locations of Gilgit, along with its well-cut position, make it pivotal as well as one of the best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas.

8. The Khunjerab Pass

The Khunjerab Pass, located at an elevation of 4693 meters, is the highest paved international border crossover in the whole world. It serves as a link between Pakistan and China and presents an awestruck sight of the mountains in the background. The Khunjerab National Park, which shelters endangered animals such as snow leopards and Marco Polo sheep, is an additional attraction to the area.

The breathtaking scenery and cultural importance influence Khunjerab Pass to be one of the most ideal places to visit in the northern areas of Pakistan.

9. Shorgan and Siri Paye

Kaghan Valley’s Shogran hilltop is a handout of picturesque landscapes filled with lush pastures and otherworldly beauty. One can visit nearby Siri Paye, which is a lovely hilltop locality that requires a jeep ride from Shogran and is encircled by beautiful white peaks.

The relaxing atmosphere with beautiful sights around Shogran and Sari Paye make Shogran and Siri Paye ideal places to go among the northern areas of Pakistan aiming for relaxation, which adds to the list of best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas.

10. Neelam Valley

Nestled between green hills, streams, and waterfalls lies the beauty of the Neelum Valley, occupying the territory of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. It encompasses some of the popular spots such as Keran, Sharda, and Kel Valley for tourism, whereas Sharda is well known for its medieval university and picturesque surroundings.

One of the stunning northern areas of Pakistan you should take the time to explore is the valley. What makes it breathtakingly beautiful? All we can say is its untouched nature in combination with aesthetic views.

11. Ratti Gali Lake

Located away from the hustle and bustle, Ratti Gali Lake is a glacial lake located in the Neelum Valley. The majestic mountains cradle the lake, and with the clear waters of the lake, the reflection of the harrowing mountains creates a dazzling view. 

The journey to Ratti Gali Lake in itself is a thrill, with remarkable sights throughout the journey. It can be rightly said that it is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas because of its immaculate splendor and tranquil ambiance. 

Conclusion

Young Pakistani climber Akbar Masih sets a new record of climbing the five highest summits in a row. A snowy donner Barak at the northern edge of the geographical spread of Pakistan When in Pakistan, a traveler could never run out of picturesque mountains.

There are valleys rich in beautiful cultures and gewgaw-filled places like the high peaks of the Karakoram Range, Hunza, Swat, and Neelum. The best places to visit in Pakistan’s northern areas depict the country’s rich history and uneven terrain, apart from breathtaking views. 

Whether you are in a hunt for adventure, wild, or simply peace in the form of nature, the northern areas of Pakistan can cater to all your demands and, most importantly, create lasting memories.