Tourism in Pakistan
From the “Land of Giants” to the “Heaven on Earth”. Pakistan is a tapestry of breathtaking beauty and cultural richness. In this journey, we’ll traverse its enchanting landscapes, discover serene valleys, and explore historical gems that make Pakistan a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the top beautiful places of Pakistan.
Pakistan has numerous beautiful places which attract Tourism, below are top 10 most beautiful places in Pakistan.
Top 10 Attractions of Tourism in Pakistan
| Places | Description | Best Time to Visit | Notable Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunza Valley | Nestled in Gilgit-Baltistan, it’s known for snow-capped peaks and serene lakes. | Spring to Autumn | Baltit Fort, Attabad Lake |
| Swat Valley | Often called the “Switzerland of Pakistan,” it’s famous for lush valleys and pristine rivers. | Spring to Summer | Malam Jabba, Mingora |
| Chitral Valley | Offers stunning landscapes and is a gateway to the Kalash Valley. | Spring to Autumn | Kalash Valley, Shandur Pass |
| Shounter Valley | Located in Azad Kashmir, this valley is known for its natural beauty. | Spring to Autumn | Shounter Lake, Shounter Top |
| Neelam Valley | A breathtaking valley in Azad Kashmir, it’s characterized by lush greenery and rivers. | Spring to Autumn | Sharda, Keran, Arang Kel |
| Kumrat Valley | Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it’s a serene valley with meadows and rivers. | Spring to Autumn | Jahaz Banda, Panjkora River |
| Kaghan Valley | A paradise for nature lovers, offering stunning landscapes and trekking opportunities. | Summer | Lake Saif-ul-Mulook, Babusar Top |
| Naltar Valley | Known for its pristine lakes, skiing, and a lush forested landscape. | Spring to Autumn | Naltar Lakes, Ski Resort, Naltar Forest |
1. Hunza Valley
Hunza is a beautiful mountainous valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It lies at an altitude 7,788 (25,551ft.) meters above sea level. It’s distance from Islamabad City is 600 meters.
It has bordering with Xinjiang region of China and the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan and, it is situated in the extreme part of northern areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
Hunza has become easily tourist friendly, easy accessible, sightseeing attractions and peppered with regional cuisine.
2. Kalash Valley
The Kalash Valley is located in northern side of Chitral District, Pakistan. It lies at an altitude 1,670 m (5,480 ft.) above sea level. It’s distance from Islamabad city is 420 km. The valleys are surrounded by the famous Hindu Kush mountain range.
The inhabitants of the valley are the Kalash people and they unique language and unique culture, they follow a form of ancient Hinduism. These beautiful Valleys are a source of attraction for Pakistani as well as International tourists.
There are three main valleys which are Bumburet, reached by a road from Ayun in the Kunar Valley, Rumbur is a north side valley of Bumburet. The third valley is Biriu which is also beautiful and attractive.
The annual celebration of the unique tribe of Kalash in Pakistan will be celebrated in all three valleys from May 12 to May 16 (the last day in Rambar and May 16 in Bombard), with thousands of tourists visiting the Kalash Valley. It is interesting to note that Joshi (Chlam Yoshi) is only a festival for us, but for the Kalash tribe it will come with a religious color.
We have a duty to promote any religious group and not disturb them for any reason. Usually it is seen that when Kalash people perform their traditional dance, tourists flock to them, or without permission. Entering a house and making pictures of girls or women is certainly not a favorite of the Kalash people.
Do not enter Kalash synagogues without permission.
3. Swat Valley
Swat valley is another beautiful Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It lies at an altitude of 2,001 m (6,565 ft.) above sea level. It’s distance from Islamabad city is 314 km. It has the largest ski (Malam-Jabba) resort in Pakistan.
The Malam Jabba ski resort, owned by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, had a ski slope of about 800 m with the highest point of the slope 2804 m (above sea level.
Malam Jabba Ski Resort was the joint effort of the Pakistan government with its Austrian counterpart. The resort was equipped with modern facilities including roller/ice-skating rinks, chair lifts, skiing platforms, telephones and snow clearing equipment. The resort was destroyed by the Taliban when they were in hold in Swat valley.
Now that writ of the government has been reinstated and peace established, tourism has picked up. The government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) has awarded the tender for rebuilding the Malam Jabba skiing resort to a private company. Skiing has already been restored and a skiing festival was held in Jan 2015.
The world is beautiful – there is a scene, there is a song, there is terror, there is water, but everything is in a bin, in the outskirts of a mountain, somewhere high.
Those who have low courage will lose these beauties. Then create some crazy songs that convey universal and infectious aesthetics, share the feel of the four walls of your own cubicle, singing poems, lyrics and songs. Make pictures, write, analyze, create sculptures. Some do not tolerate the yawning of the dude.
4. Chitral Valley
Chitral Valley is the beautiful Valley. Its capital City is Chitral in Chitral District, it is located on the Chitral River in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It lies at an altitude of 1,500 m (4,921 ft.) above sea level.
It’s distance from Islamabad city is 405 km. Chitral is famous beautiful places for snowy mountains far from the city of Chitral, the only witness to the history of its inhabitants for centuries.
Whether it is to invite someone to your village, to have children play in the morning and evening, to have an assembly of elders, a gathering of political people or a funeral of a man, this is the center of all.
The reason for the population settling in this cold area is a fountain whose water is extremely hot, allegedly by an NGO, a regular system of pipeline from this fountain’s water brought hot water to the entire village. It has connections to schools, mosques, madrassas, hotels, homes everywhere. And that is why this area is called hot springs.
5. Shounter Valley
Shounter Valley is another beautiful sub valley of Neelam Valley, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan.
It lies at an altitude of 3,100 m above sea level This beautiful Valley has surrounding mountains and glacial waters, mountains and green grass. It’s distance from Islamabad City is 400 km.
6) Shimshal Valley
Shimshal is a beautiful valley which is located in Gojal Tehsil, Hunza District, Gilgit–Baltistan in northern areas of Pakistan. It lies at an altitude of 3,100 m above sea level and it is the beautiful highest settlement in the district.
It’s distance from Islamabad city is 680 km. It has a border village that connects the Gilgit-Baltistan with China.
The total area of this beautiful Shimshal Valley is approximately 3,800 km and around two thousand inhabitants with a total of 240 households.
7. Neelam Valley
Neelam Valley is the one of the top most beautiful valley in northernmost region of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. It is a huge valley with beautiful places, Karen, Sharda, Kel, Arang Kel and Taobat are most beautiful visiting points. There is beautiful river which is called Neelam river throughout the valley.
Beautiful Muzaffarabad City is situated on the river side which is 127 km away from Islamabad.
It has beautiful waterfalls like Dhani Waterfall, it’s distance from is Muzaffarabad City 33 km. Another beautiful Kutton waterfall, it’s distance from Muzaffarabad City is 60 km. This Valley lies at an altitude of 1,615 meters (5,299 feet) above sea level.
In Winter season mostly mountains are covered from snow and in summer beautiful greenery enrich the beauty of Neelam Valley.
8. Kumrat Valley
Kumrat is another beautiful valley in opposite side of Neelam Valley in Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It lies at an altitude of 2,359 meters (7740 ft.) above sea level.
It’s distance from Islamabad is 385 km. It is located around 40 minutes away from a beautiful town of Thal Village. It is the recent attraction places for the visitors.
Kumrat has beautiful forest, cool river, high peaks, beautiful lakes and beautiful hiking treks. In Summer season numbers of tourists from all over the worlds come to visit to Kumrat valley and enjoy the greenery and fresh cool weather.
There is Panjkora river located on level ground forest. It is an ideal place for enjoy camping and fishing.
9. Kaghan Valley
Naran is another beautiful in upper Kaghan Valley which is located in Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It lies at an altitude of 2,409 meters (7,904 ft.) above sea level. It is around 280 km away from Islamabad City.
Kaghan Valley is an example of beauty and beauty, but if you want to enjoy nature and listen to the silence, stop at any place ahead of Naran, in front of you are numerous scenes.
Knowing that you will have no choice but to stop, one of the beautiful destinations, it has magnificent and lush field on the two sides, after crossing Lulosar on the way to Babusar.
In the upper mountains and sides, small streams and springs hold the viewer in their grip, leaving the liver free of the kidney. The task is that the servant feels himself mentally and spiritually even after his return, and his dreams are always sought after.
After visiting this place, you will suffer from fatigue and discomfort instead of being overwhelmed by the beauty of nature.
10. Naltar Valley
Naltar is a beautiful valley near Gilgit, Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. There is a jeep track and 40 km away from Gilgit.
Naltar is a forested region, it’s distance from Islamabad city is 560 km. It lies at an altitude of 2,359 meters (7740 ft.) above sea level.
Ski competitions can be found commonly at Naltar ski resort. It is one of the famous tourist attractions in Northern areas of beautiful Pakistan. The valley has a variety of fauna, flora as well as natural scenery.
There are number of rest houses recently established there by the help of Government, accommodation facilities & hotels are easily available in the valley.
FAQs
Q: Is Pakistan safe for tourists?
A: While certain regions may have travel advisories, many parts of Pakistan are safe for tourists. It’s advisable to check the latest travel updates and follow local guidelines.
Q: What is the best time to visit Pakistan?
A: The best time to visit varies by region. Generally, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are pleasant for most areas, while summer can be ideal for northern regions.
Q: Are there restrictions for women travelers in Pakistan?
A: Women travelers should dress modestly, especially in conservative areas. It’s recommended to research and respect local customs. In urban areas, there are generally fewer restrictions.
Q: Can I get a visa on arrival in Pakistan?
A: Pakistan offers a visa on arrival for citizens of several countries. However, it’s advisable to check the latest visa regulations and consider obtaining a visa in advance.
Q: What are some adventure activities in Pakistan?
A: Pakistan offers a range of adventure activities, including trekking in the Karakoram Range, white-water rafting in Swat Valley, and exploring the diverse landscapes.
Q: How can I travel between major tourist destinations in Pakistan?
A: Pakistan has a network of domestic flights, trains, and buses. Private transportation options, including taxis and car rentals, are also available.
Q: Are there cultural etiquettes to be aware of when visiting historical sites?
A: Yes, it’s respectful to dress modestly, remove shoes before entering religious sites, and seek permission before taking photographs, especially of locals.
Q: What are the must-try dishes in Pakistani cuisine?
A: Biryani, Seekh Kebabs, Nihari, and Chapli Kebabs are among the delicious dishes to try. Each region has its specialties, so exploring local cuisine is highly recommended.
Q: Can I use credit cards in Pakistan?
A: While credit cards are accepted in major urban areas, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially in rural or remote locations where cash transactions are more common.
Q: How can I stay informed about the latest travel updates in Pakistan?
A: Stay updated by checking travel advisories from your country’s embassy, local news, and official tourism websites. Reliable travel apps and forums can also provide real-time information from fellow travelers.
Wind Up Lines
In the enchanting realm of Pakistani tourism, these top 10 attractions stand as captivating testaments to the nation’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From the regal Lahore Fort to the serene shores of Lake Saif-ul-Mulook, each destination weaves a unique tale, inviting travelers to explore the tapestry of Pakistan’s beauty. So, let these wonders be your guide as you embark on a journey filled with history, culture, and natural splendor. Pakistan awaits, ready to unveil its treasures to those who seek the extraordinary. Discover, immerse, and relish the magic of these top 10 attractions in the heart of South Asia.
