northern pakistan travel

10 Days in Northern Pakistan

If you’re considering your first visit to Pakistan and want an itinerary to rival all others, I’ve got you covered. I recently spent 10 days in Northern Pakistan and I had the adventure of a lifetime. If you are planning a visit to Pakistan for the first time, these are the highlights you cannot miss.

Why you should visit Pakistan

Pakistan is one of the most underrated travel destinations for a variety of reasons. Not without its’ problems, Pakistan is known for having a complex and complicated history since it was established in 1947. For that reason I would personally recommend a guided tour for your first visit, though have no reason not to encourage a solo journey given my own experience.

For the sake of clarity, travelling solo (and in particular as a female) in the likes of Bali or Bangkok is very different to travelling solo in Pakistan. If you are new to solo travel I would suggest gaining experience in countries more populated by tourists and indeed, with a more developed approach toward tourism and foreign visitors.

Because I didn’t travel through Pakistan as a solo female, I would suggest reading this post by The Broke Backpacker for further information and clarity given her thorough documentation on the topic (and brilliant coverage of Pakistan!)

This itinerary follows my 10-day adventure throughout Pakistan, starting in Islamabad. The tour was put together by our guide Atta (you can email him here) who works full time as a guide in Northern Pakistan (more on Atta later). 

Islamabad (or Isloo to the locals) is the capital city of Pakistan but not even close to the biggest city. There are a whopping 213 million people in Pakistan and just 1 million in Islamabad. That makes the city great for a stopover and introduction to the country. I’d recommend at least one full day to explore Islamabad, though it wouldn’t hurt to allow for two and take advantage of shaking jet lag at the same time.

Start the day right with one of the best coffees in Islamabad , found at Mocca Cafe in Kohsar Market. While you are there be sure to wander around and begin to experience the local shopping. I would suggest taking advantage of the opportunity to buy a scarf or two, as you will need to wear a scarf when entering mosques and as a general rule, it is a good idea to have on one hand for certain situations that call for covering up as a sign of respect to the local culture.

For a beautiful pashmina (which are in fact from Nepal), head over to Maharaja Handicrafts at F6 markez, school road. For Afghan Handicrafts and antiques head over to the few shops around the corner from Maharaja on Aga Khan Road near the flower shops.

Check in to the Serena Hotel if you want an unforgettable introduction to Pakistani culture, architecture, and opulent interiors inside what is considered the most beautiful hotel in Islamabad. The hotel has all the perks you could ever need, including an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and huge restaurant to enjoy a buffet breakfast.

An important note on this itinerary: it relies entirely on this first flight from Islamabad to Skardu, which is unfortunately subject to many cancellations given the weather path entering the mountain ranges in Skardu. Should your flight be cancelled and you are travelling as part of a tour, alternative arrangements will be made for you. If you are travelling on your own accord, I would recommend having a few days of flexibility in case of cancellation, as there is only one flight a day and it is entirely weather dependent.

Unfortunately our trip began in just that fashion: a cancelled flight to Skardu, resulting in a 12 hour drive toward that direction and a prompt in us reversing our itinerary. With a dose of optimism I am hoping the same does not happen to you, so will proceed to share the itinerary as it was originally planned as we still visited all of these places – just in reverse and with much more time in a bus!

On the way to Skardu be sure to request a seat on the left hand side of the plane for the best photo opportunities – you won’t regret it as you enter the mountain ranges in the North!

Once you arrive be sure to stock up on dried apricots, walnuts and almonds for the long journey by road over the coming days. There were days where we would not eat for 12 hours at a time given the remote locations of these towns, so it is better to be prepared! 

Shigar Fort

A couple of hours drive from Skardu and you will arrive at Shigar Fort, one of Northern Pakistan’s most beautiful hotels occupying an old fort. The experience is real and raw – almost so real that it feels as if you have stepped in to a movie set because it is so picturesque. The town itself is also great to walk around during the day amidst the hustle and bustle or you can take a bicycle for a more relaxed afternoon to stretch the legs after your long plane and bus journey. 

If you can time your luck, there may be a local polo match taking place nearby. Ask your guide or one of the locals for updated information – this is a popular sport in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and known popular as “Game of the Kings”.

Khaplu Palace

It is a further three hours drive to reach Khaplu Palace, but this is hands down one of the most beautiful properties to stay in all of Pakistan and indeed, the highlight of my trip. If you have time to spend more than one night, this property is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Be sure to make use of the guided palace tour as there is much to learn about the history of the palace and its surrounds. 

The Royal High Tea is an experience not to be forgotten and is served on a terrace overlooking the palace grounds and has sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. If you ask politely the hotel staff may also let you explore the rooftop of the palace, which has 360 degree views over Khaplu. 

If you are feeling more active and adventurous, there is a great panoramic view to be had at Thoqsikhar , a two hour hike from the palace. Ask the hotel to pack a picnic lunch or start your journey early in the morning with the sun and return to the palace for a relaxed lunch in the gardens.

If you have time the day you are checking out, consider stopping at Bara , a small town just 20 minutes from Khaplu and en route to your next destination: Gilgit. Here you will find a wool spinning and weave centre that trains and supports local women. This is also a great place to purchase a local Baltistani topi.

It is a lengthy drive from Khaplu to Gilgit, so be sure to leave in good time if you wish to see Gilgit before dark and perhaps even take a hike to the water channel above the city that offers views of the valley below and also features the victory monument of Taj Mughul as well as the 7th century Kargah Buddha rock carving . Whilst in Gilgit we stayed at the Serena Hotel and I was starting to realise how much I appreciated these beautiful hotels being all across Pakistan! They were extremely welcoming and felt like coming home. Buffet breakfasts were a highlight as were the interiors, always dedicated to the local area and paying tribute to influences in Central Asia.

Karimabad, Hunza

If you are going to spend a few days in any one place, I would highly recommend basing yourself for a few days in the Hunza Valley. Renowned for its charm, cleanliness and 995 literacy rate, Hunza is commonly regarded as one of the most beautiful cities to visit in the North of Pakistan.

If you’re feeling peckish, start your day at Cafe de Hunza for a slice of famous walnut cake with an iced latte (which is actually a frappe for ye Westerners) and so refreshing after days and days of instant coffee! 

There are many towns to explore in Hunza, but with limited time we made our way to Gulmit, one of the highlights in the Hunza Valley. Here there are a number of women’s initiatives and it was one of the few cities where we saw women in the streets. To support local communities, some great items to purchase as souvenirs or gifts to take home are apricot creams and oils, gem stones, woollen shawls and woodcraft. You will find many artisans and shop keepers on the streets who are more than willing to help (many of which speak perfect English) and not once was I hassled to buy anything throughout my time in Pakistan.

Not too far from Hunza, I would highly recommend a visit to Attabad lake . This lake appeared  after a landslide that killed 20 people known as the Attabad disaster. The lake collects glacial silt from the surrounding mountains, resulting in its turquoise blue colour in Spring and Summer. Further down the road edging closer to the border with China is the rickety bridge known as “The Indiana Jones Bridge” for its likeness, though it never appeared in the films. It is totally worth a visit but not for the faint hearted!

Karakoram Highway

Considered to be one of the greatest engineering accomplishments of the 20th century, the Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan and China and is one of the highlights of Northeastern Pakistan. The entire journey is 805 miles long but you don’t need to drive the entire way to experience some of the epic scenery that takes you through hair-raising turns, endless mountain ranges and many small villages where locals will wave as you pass by.

Fairy Meadows

If adventure travel is more your style and you’re ready for one wild ride, do not miss the chance to jump on the jeeps and make your way to fairy Meadows along a steep cliff edge. After a one hour drive to the end of the road, it is just a 1.5-2 hour hike to the Fairy Meadows camp, which is a popular stop en route to the Base Camp for Nanga Parbat.

If time is on your side you might consider embarking on the trek to base camp the following morning – according to my guide this was a further 10-12 hour hike with basic lodging at base camp. The Swiss-style cabins at Fairy Meadows are lovely and lush, complete with hot water and electricity! This was a beautiful part of the world to wake up and enjoy the crisp mountain air so if time is on your side, you may even want to stay an extra night.

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

You may also enjoy:

10 trips that will change your life.

Simply love the photos…

Your visit to Pakistan seems like an adventure. These photos are stunning.

Do you know any trusted tour organizers that I could contact? I will be travelling solo and would prefer to have someone with me all the time or join a group.

The places you mentioned are some of the breathtaking places on earth.

Such a beautiful country Pakistan is

Are these places open nowadays?

Let’s visit hunza together

Totally agree with the writer about 10 days itinerary in Northern Pakistan Tour. If any one wish to hikes more then just Islamabad Tour, 10 days itinerary is even not enough. We visited Karakorum hike spending 2 weeks time staying in a beautiful lodge trek just for seeing some sights. K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II are the highest peaks of Karakoram Mountain Ranges that are clearly visible if you hikes.

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12 Best Places to Visit in Northern Areas of Pakistan

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The Northern Areas of Pakistan are endowed with stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and an adventurous spirit that pervades every valley and peak. This article covers a list of the 12 Best Places to Visit in Pakistan’s Northern Areas. These destinations provide a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure, making the Northern Areas of Pakistan must-visit for travelers seeking diverse experiences.

Here’s a list of 12 Best Places to Visit in Northern Areas of Pakistan:

• Hunza Valley
• Skardu Valley 
• Fairy Meadows 
• Swat Valley
• Neelum Valley
• kumrat Valley
• Naran-Kaghan Valley 
• Chitral Valley
• Attabad Lake 
• Naltar Valley 
• Deosai National Park
• Shangrila Lake 

1. Hunza Valley 

Hunza Valley is one of the most enchanting valleys in Pakistan’s Northern Areas. Hunza is known for its breathtaking scenery, which are bordered by snow-capped peaks such as Ultar Sar, Ladyfinger Peak, and the majestic Rakaposhi.

Other well-known attractions in the Hunza Valley include Borith Lake, Attabad Lake, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Hussaini Bridge, Khunjerab Pass, Passu Cones, Eagle’s Nest Point, and others.

2. Skardu Valley 

Skardu Valley, located in Gilgit-Baltistan area, is a captivating destination noted for its beautiful scenery, high mountain ranges, and tranquil lakes. Skardu is the primary gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.

Top attraction in skardu includes; Upper Kachura Lake, Shigar Fort, Mountain peaks (K2, Gasherbrum, Masherbrum), Katpana Cold Desert, Shangrila Lake and others.

3. Fairy Meadows 

Fairy Meadows is a stunning alpine meadow at the foot of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth highest peak. Fairy Meadows is located in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer District. It is reached via a difficult jeep track from the town of Raikot. The meadows provide breathtaking views of Nanga Parbat, widely known as the “Killer Mountain.”

Fairy Meadows is the beginning point for hikers attempting to reach Nanga Parbat Base Camp. The hike to the base camp is difficult but rewarding, with close-up views of the enormous peak.

4. Swat Valley

Swat Valley, also reffered to as the “Switzerland of Pakistan,” is a beautiful valley on the Swat River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Swat Valley is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful landscapes and pleasant climate.

White Palace Marghazar, Mahodand Valley & Lake, Natural Ushu Valley, Malam Jabba (Famous Ski Resort), Kalam Valley, and others are prominent tourist destinations in Swat Valley.

Aside from the landscapes, tourists and visitors may engage in a variety of activities such as hiking, zip-lining, chairlift riding, and trekking. Skiing, ice skating, and sledding are popular winter activities.

5. Neelum Valley

Neelum Valley is a gorgeous and enticing valley in AJK, Pakistan. Neelum Valley is a famous location for nature lovers due to its lush green valleys, pure rivers, and snow-capped mountains.

The valley gets its name from the Neelum River, which runs through it. Ratti Gali, Kutton Valley, Sharda Valley, Kel, Arang Kel, and others are among the top attractions in Neelum Valley.

6. kumrat Valley

Kumrat Valley is a beautiful and largely unexplored jewel in Pakistan’s Upper Dir area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Kumrat Valley has gained appeal among nature enthusiasts due to its lush green valleys, unambiguous rivers, and breathtaking mountains.

Popular spots in kumrat valley include; Panjkora River, Jahaz Banda, Katora Lake and others.

7. Naran-Kaghan Valley 

Naran-Kaghan Valley is a breathtakingly gorgeous location in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mansehra District. The Kaghan Valley is known for its lush vegetation, meadows, and the Kunhar River, which runs alongside the road.

Naran is a renowned tourist destination in the upper Kaghan Valley, located at an elevation of 2,409 meters. Saif-ul-Mulook Lake, Lulusar Lake, Kunhar River, and Babusar Pass are some of the most well-known attractions in Naran-kaghan.

8. Chitral Valley

Chitral Valley, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is a scenic region recognized for its breathtaking vistas, unique culture, and historical significance. Kalash Valley, home to the indigenous Kalash people, is recognized for its distinct culture, festivals, and traditional wooden homes.

Bumburate, Rumbur, and Birir are the three main Kalash villages. Some of the popular attractions in chitral include; Shandur Pass, Tirich Mir, Chitral Gol National Park, Broghil Valley and others.

9. Attabad Lake

Attabad Lake, also known as Gojal Lake, is a magnificent turquoise-colored lake in the Hunza Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan’s. The lake formed in January 2010 as a result of a major landslide that blocked the Hunza River, resulting in the formation of a natural lake.

Attabad Lake is around 21 kilometers long and has a maximum depth of 358 feet (109 meters). It is one of the region’s biggest lakes. On Attabad Lake, boating is a popular sport, and visitors can take boat trips to explore the lake and its surrounds.

10. Naltar Valley 

Naltar Valley is a breathtakingly gorgeous valley in Gilgit-Baltistan area. It is famous for its beautiful scenery, lofty mountains, and bright lakes.

The valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and is located at an elevation of 2,228 meters (7,310 feet) above sea level. Naltar Lake, Bashkiri Lake, Satrangi Lake are among the top Naltar Valley attractions.

11. Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park is a high-altitude plateau and one of Pakistan’s most beautiful national parks. The park spans over 3,000 square kilometers and boasts distinctive landscapes, rich fauna, and magnificent views.

It is located in the Northern Pakistan province of Gilgit-Baltistan. Sheosar Lake is a popular attraction in Deosai National Park.

12. Shangrila Lake

Shangrila Lake, also known as Lower Kachura Lake, is a scenic lake in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, near the town of Skardu. The lake is located within the Shangrila Resort, a prominent tourist attraction known for its tranquil environment and breathtaking vistas.

Shangrila Lake is about 20 minutes from Skardu, the largest town in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Skardu District. Paddle boating on the lake is a pleasant and scenic activity with views of the surrounding mountains for visitors. 

That concludes our list of the 12 Best Places to Visit in Northern Areas of Pakistan.

Also Checkout  19 Famous Landmarks of Pakistan

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Gilgit-Baltistan Travel Guide

Updated April 2024 ,  The Gilgit-Baltistan Travel Guide was originally written in August 2018

Gilgit-Baltistan: Where the Karakorams and Hindu Kush gnarl together forming some of the world’s highest mountains. Home to Khowar, Shina, Wakhi, and Balti speakers (just to name a few!), as well as those using Burushaski- a language related to no other. Where hospitality knows no bounds and an adventure of a lifetime is at nearly every twist and turn.

Learn how to travel in Pakistan’s stunning Northern Areas in this Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide.

Need visuals? Head over to my post:  Gilgit-Baltistan in photos

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Pakistan?

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Pakistan’s currency is the Pakistani Rupee ( PKR  or  Rs ). As of   April 2024, the current exchange rate is:

• $1 USD = 280 PKR
• €1 = 305 PKR

You can exchange to PKR in Gilgit, Karimabad as well as Sost, and there are ATMs in Gilgit city. For exchanging to and from RMB for those coming from and heading to China the best place to exchange is Sost. USD is generally the easiest currency to exchange.

Tipping – Tipping isn’t common practice in Gilgit-Baltistan as is the case in most of Pakistan. Those working in the tourism industry may expect a tip, so you can tip for good service.

People throughout the region are quite warm and welcoming and will invite you to stay in their homes and even offer you meals. You can try to leave a small amount of money for them as a thank-you, although it is common for them to refuse (I typically try to hide the money somewhere, like under a cushion).

Pakistan is home to over 60 languages, with Urdu and English being the official languages of the country. Gilgit-Baltistan is a clash of cultures and languages. Languages spoken in the region include Shina, Balti, Burushaski, Khowar, Wakhi, Domaki, Gujari, Pashto, Ladakhi, Zangskari, and Purgi.

The population of Gilgit-Baltistan are Muslim with the majority being of the Shia Sect, although the region is fairly diverse. You will find practitioners of both Sunni and Shia sects as well as Ismailism.

What To Wear In Gilgit-Baltistan

I 100% recommend purchasing a shalwar kameez when you arrive in Gilgit-Baltistan or Pakistan in general. Why wear something uncomfortable when you can don a shalwar? You can pick up a ready made shalwar for 1,500-2,500 PKR in Gilgit, but if you have the time I recommend having one tailored.

Okay, so what if you don’t want to wear the shalwar…

For The Boys : Trousers and long sleeve tops, but t-shirts are acceptable.

For The Girls : It’s best to dress conservatively because it’s the norm in Gilgit-Baltistan Long sleeved tunics that go mid-thigh in length or longer are best worn with trousers. Always have a scarf with you although you won’t be expected to wear it covering your hair most of the time.

Best Time To Visit Gilgit-Baltistan

For trekking and camping, the best time to visit is June-August, however, August can get quite crowded and a bit more expensive with Pakistani tourists visiting as well from all over the country. October & November are a great time to visit with the beautiful fall colors underway.

Getting Around

Most traveling in Gilgit-Baltistan will be done by either bus or jeep hire.  NATCO  (Northern Area Transport Corporation) is the most well-known transport company is in the area, but there are others. Transport companies, as well as  tour operators  in the region, can arrange jeep hire as well.

How To Get To Gilgit-Baltistan

To reach Gilgit-Baltistan you can do so by air and by road.

The Karakoram Highway (Aka: KKH or N-35) connects Gilgit-Baltistan with China to the north and to Islamabad in the south.

For those coming from Islamabad/Rawalpindi by bus, the journey to Gilgit will take roughly 19 hours and costs between 1,600 and 2,300 PKR.

For those coming down the KKH from China expect the journey (once the bus actually leaves) to take about 6 hours from Tashkurgan to the Pakistani border post at Sost. You can book buses either with  NATCO  or  Hunza Xinjiang Trading & Tourism  from the bus station in Tashkurgan for 225 RMB ($33 USD).

You will need to clear Chinese customs and immigration in Tashkurgan before boarding your bus (which will leave from the Khunjerab Port where you clear customs/immigration). From there it’s about 3 hours to the actual border crossing fence to Pakistan. From the fence expect about 3 hours of travel time to arrive in Sost.

From Sost you can find buses bound for the Hunza Valley, Gilgit, Skardu, Chilas, Astore, and beyond.

Read:  Everything you need to know to cross the border at Khunjerab Pass

One thing to note is that you will have to get out and pay the Khunjerab National Park fee on the way to Sost. You can pay the fee in Pakistani Rupee (800 PKR), Chinese Yuan (50 RMB), or US Dollars ($8 USD).

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) offers daily flights to Gilgit from Islamabad, taking about 50 minutes. It’s known to be one of the most scenic flights in the world but is prone to delays and cancellations due to weather. Prices are 12,110 PKR each way (roughly $100 USD).

PIA also offers a daily flight to Skardu from Islamabad taking 1 hour. This flight is scenic as well and suffers weather delays much like the Gilgit flight. Prices are 15,420 PKR each way (about $125 USD).

Many visitors are now eligible for an e-visa to visit Pakistan. You can apply for yours  here .

I will mention that in 2019 I applied and paid for a one-year multi-entry in my Italian passport and only received a single entry e-visa (I enquired about the mistake but it has never been resolved), so I’ve paid $52 for a single entry visa, rather than the $35 fee that you would normally pay for a single entry- so consider yourself warned.

In 2018 I still had to apply the old-fashioned way, through a consulate (this was on my US passport). I can say from personal experience that obtaining a tourist visa from the  Pakistani Consulate in Los Angeles  was simple, fast, and straightforward. The only document I was asked for that was not mentioned in the instructions on their website was a letter from my employer stating that my travel in Pakistan was not work-related and that I would be returning to my job after my trip.

Note that the visa application, whether applying online or at the consulate is extremely long and full of plenty of questions that I think are pointless (like seriously? I have to list every place I’ve visited in the last 5 years?!!?)

Permits & Special Permissions

You may have read in Pakistan you may need special permissions to visit certain areas and about needing a NOC (no objection certificate) to visit certain places. Most places that tourists go to in Gilgit-Baltistan do not need permits or NOC at the moment. Just note that anything in regards to bureaucracy in Pakistan could change in a second without any notice.

Good places to look up conversations on current info or ask questions are  The Karakoram Club  and  Backpacking Pakistan  on Facebook. In 2019 there were a lot of talks of certain areas of Pakistan not requiring NOC to visit, but some tourists have been asked for them.

Gilgit-Baltistan cuisine shares a lot in common with Chitrali cuisine in neighboring Khyber-Pakktunkhwa. Of course you will find pilafs, daal and other dishes common throughout Pakistan. Here are a few local dishes you’ll likely find in Gilgit-Baltistan:

Gholmandi : A filling of locally made cheese, coriander, and chives between two buttery chapatis. This is my absolute favorite.

Chapshuru : Meat, onion, chili, tomatoes, and coriander inside a thin dough. It looks similar to a calzone.

Shisar : A fried pastry-like snack made of wheat flour mixed with egg. Similar to fry bread or langos.

Rishoki : Like a pancake or crepe made of egg and wheat flour, dipped in butter. Can be savory or sweet.

Guli : Flatbread of wheat flour covered in heaps of butter.

Mantu : Steamed dumplings usually filled with meat, onion, garlic, and peppers.

Local Fruits : You can buy fresh local fruits ( during the season of course) from people on the side of the road. Make sure and try the mulberries, apricots, cherries, plums, and grapes when in season.

Chai : Chai accompanies every meal, and also be ready for plenty of chai stops in your travels as well.

Accommodation

For those wanting to stay on a tighter budget, it’s recommended to try to stay at smaller hotels, guesthouses, and inns in Gilgit-Baltistan. There are guesthouses and hotels available in Gilgit, Gulmit, Hunza, Karimabad, Fairy Meadows, Skardu, Passu, Astore, and more.  Search guesthouses and hotels on booking .

What To See & Do In Gilgit-Baltistan

For those that love dramatic mountains, turquoise glacial lakes, fascinating culture and great trekking Gilgit-Baltistan is a true paradise. There are too many stunning places to mention to check out here for this one blog post! Here are a few of the most common draws for those who visit the region.

K2 Basecamp, Baltoro & Concordia Glacier – The trek that takes you to the basecamp of the world’s second-highest peak. Usually an 18-19 day trek roundtrip.

Passu Cones – The Passu Cones can be seen as you traverse the Karakoram Highway in the Upper Hunza Valley near the village and glacier of the same name.

Hussaini Bridge – Known as the most dangerous bridge in the world. This rickety suspension bridge crosses the Hunza River with views of the Passu Cones in the distance.

Attabad Lake – This massive glacial lake was only formed in 2010 by a landslide that blocked the flow of the Hunza River resulting in this turquoise lake. The lake destroyed a section of the Karakoram Highway, forcing vehicular traffic to use barges to traverse the damaged 24 kilometer stretch. In 2015 the KKH was reopened through this section after 3 years of work and several tunnels and bridges. Attabad lake is 21 kilometers in length.

Baltit & Altit Forts – These 700 year old and 1,000 year old ( respectively ) forts perched in the Hunza Valley were once the homes of the Mir ( king ) of Hunza. They have sweeping views of the peaks and glaciers nearby.

Trekking – There are a dizzying amount of trekking and mountaineering options in Gilgit-Baltistan that will keep everyone happy from beginner to hardcore mountaineer.

Fishing – Until I stepped foot in Northern Pakistan I never knew that trout fishing was a big deal here.

Cycling – Many come to Gilgit-Baltistan to cycle the Karakoram Highway between Islamabad and Kashgar, China.

Where To Go

Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most beautiful parts of Pakistan known for its massive mountain peaks. If you hate stunning mountain sceneries, sparkling lakes, welcoming people, and great food you probably should have stopped reading this travel guide a long time ago.

Gilgit City : The central travel hub for Gilgit-Baltistan and largest town along the Pakistani KKH. The main reasons to come to Gilgit is to exchange or get money out of an ATM, stock up on supplies/do some shopping, or spend a night between adventures. Gilgit City is accessible by road and plane.

The KKH connects the city with Xinjiang Province and China all the way south to Islamabad. Daily flights connect Gilgit to Islamabad.

Sost : Border town along the KKH in the Upper Hunza (Gojal) Valley. If arriving from China, Sost will be your first stop. Sost is the customs and immigration point for those coming from or heading to China.

Shimshal : Village in the north of Gilgit inhabited by Wakhi people. Several multi-day treks can be done from here including the most well-known in the area to Shimshal Pass. Note that most trekking in the Shimshal area requires prior permission, contact a local tour agency to arrange them.

Hunza & Nagar Valleys : Hunza and Nagar were formerly princely states until 1974. The Hunza Valley is a big draw for tourists to Gilgit-Baltistan.

Nagar Valley is located just south of Hunza Valley as you make your way down the KKH. From the Nagar Valley, you will have amazing views of Rakaposhi- the 27th tallest mountain in the world from the highway.

A few of the places to visit in the valley include:

• Passu Cones & Glacier
• Hussaini Bridge
• Baltit Fort & Karimabad
• Attabad Lake
• Barpu Glacier

Ishkoman Valley : Home to 20 villages that sit along the Ishkoman River at the bottom of the valley that lies between the Hindu Kush to the west and Karakorams to the east. There are several treks that can be done from Ishkoman Valley including a trek up Chillinji Pass to join the Chipursan Valley, and eventually back to the KKH near Sost, a trek connecting Imit to Darkot in Yasin Valley as well as another connecting Chatorkhand with Yasin Valley, and even a trek up the Karumbar Pass taking you to Karumbar Lake near the border with the  Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan . Another trek that can be done from Chatorkhand and Pakora up to Pakora Pass to reach either Nagar or Chalt.

Trekking to Asumber Pass between Asumber Village in Ishkoman Valley and Sandhi Yasin in Yasin Valley is another hike connecting to the two valleys. Another scenic hiking option is to hike from Gotulti in the upper Ishkoman Valley to Attar Lakes, up over Attar Pass to reach Darkhot in the upper Yasin Valley. Ishkoman Valley is accessible by road from the town of Gakhuch.

Guesthouses are available in Ishkoman Valley including the newly opened  Royal Guest House Birgal .

Yasin Valley : Just west of the Ishkoman Valley lies Yasin. Yasin has been historically important because it allowed access to Broghil Pass into Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor and to Chitral in Pakistan’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province. Yasin is reachable by road from the town of Gupis.

There are several treks that connect Ishkoman and Yasin Valleys together (see Ishkoman section above for quick descriptions).

Shandur Pass : Shandur Pass is in the far western fringes of Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer District connecting it to Chitral in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province. Shandur Pass is famous as it is home to the Shandur Polo Festival each year held in July. Shandur Polo Festival is the highest polo festival in the world.

Phandar Valley : Located 60 kilometers west of Gupis, Phandar Valley is green, lush and surrounded by mountains. Access to the valley is possible by road from both Gilgit or from Chitral.

Skardu : Skardu is the capital of Baltistan District and the jumping off point for adventures into the Karakoram Mountains. Skardu can be reached by road from Gilgit and Islamabad, as well as by daily flights from Islamabad. Nearby things to do in the Skardu Valley include:

• Kharpocho Fort
• Shangril-La Lake
• Sand Dunes along the Indus River
• Sartpara Lake

Shigar Valley : The gateway to K-2, G-I, G-II, G-III, G-IV, Broad Peak and more massive mountains in the Karakorams. Expeditions and basecamp treks leave from the town of Askole. Reachable by road from Skardu.

Kharmang Valley : Located about 100 kilometers southeast of Skardu by road. Attractions here include:

• Manthokha Waterfall
• Mehdiabad Valley
• Khamosh Waterfall
• Mehdiabad Nala

Khaplu Valley :

The jumping off point for expeditions to Masherbrum Peak, K-7, K-6, Chogolisa and more peaks in the Karakoram. Located about 100 kilometers east of Skardu and accessible by road. There are several lakes to trek to along the Khaplu Valley as well.

Joot (Fairy Meadows) : A beautiful grassland located near the basecamp for Nanga-Parbat’s Rakhiot Face. From Chilas you will continue along the KKH to the Rakhiot Bridge and drive another 12 kilometers to Tato Village. From Tato trek 5 kilometers to Fairy Meadows.

There are lodges available in Fairy Meadows but you can pitch a tent as well.

Trekking & Mountaineering

Gilgit-Baltistan is a paradise for trekkers and climbers. Some common treks in the area are:

• Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat Basecamp
• K2 Basecamp, Concordia Glacier & Baltoro Glacier
• Rakaposhi Basecamp
• Borith Lake & Passu Glacier
• Hoper Valley
• Malik Pass in Deosai Plains National Park
• Yasin Spring Festival : This spring festival in the Yasin Valley is held every year typically between the first and second weeks of March celebrating the start of the new year and upcoming spring.
• Nowruz : Persian New Year. Celebrated on the first day of spring (March 20-22, depending on the year).
• Chilam Joshi : This is a Kalash Spring Festival held in the Kalash valleys of Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir, in the Chitral District of the neighboring province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Usually held around May 13-16 each year. The objective of the Kalash Spring Festival is for men and women to find spouses. Colorful dresses and beaded necklaces are worn by the Kalash women.
• Shandur Polo Festival : The highest polo tournament in the world, held at Shandur Pass usually on the second weekend in July. In 2019 it will take place July 8-10.
• Harvest Festival : Dates differ village to village but celebrations fall between June 21 and July 12. Celebrates the beginning of harvest.
• Babusar Polo Festival : A freestyle polo tournament held in the Babusar Pass each year in August. Dates can vary.
• Independence Day : Pakistan’s Independence Day. Held August 14.
• Uchal Festival : Another Kalash Festival held August 20-22 celebrating summer harvest in the Kalash Valleys.
• Gilgit-Baltistan Independence Day : Celebration to mark the end of the Dogra Regime. Held on November 1.
• Chawmos : A Kalash festival held around winter solstice (December 7-22). It’s essentially a wild two week long solstice party of feasts, music, dancing, and more.
• Thumushalling Festival : Celebrating the death of the last Buddhist king of Gilgit. Bonfires and dancing are a part of this celebration held mostly in Hunza, Ishkoman, and Gilgit Valleys on December 21.

Tour Operators & Guides

As we were a small group of mostly American passport holders we did have to go through a tour agency to get LOIs to apply for visas in order to visit Pakistan the first time I went.  Hindukush Karakoram Tours & Treks  took care of us and I can personally recommend them. Murad & Ayub are two of the best guides I’ve gotten to meet in all my travels.

Gilgit-Baltistan Travel Budget

Costs can vary widely in Pakistan depending on your travel style, and whether or not you will be required to book a tour in the country. While some may scrape by on less than 1,850 PKR per day, others may have a budget of 18,500 PKR per day or more. Here are some ideas of costs in the region:

• Hotel room : Expect prices to ring in around 3,500-100,000 PKR per night.
• Guesthouse : You can find dirt cheap rooms as little as 800 PKR per night. Most will range around 1,000-3,000 PKR per night. For those looking to really save on accommodation, you can try Couchsurfing.
• Local Transport : Depends on distance, but most transport should cost between 500 and 1,500 PKR between destinations in Gilgit-Baltistan. For longer journeys ( Islamabad and beyond ) expect prices to be 1,800 to 3,000 PKR.
• Jeep Hire : Expect to pay 6,000-7,000 PKR per day for a jeep and driver.
• Meals : For simple Pakistani meals you can expect to pay 150-200 PKR per meal, more for fancier restaurants.
• National Parks & Historic Sites : 500-800 PKR.
• Guided Tours : Expect most guided tours to cost in the range of $150-200 per day. Of course this typically would include guide, accommodation, meals and transport.

Packing List

• Inreach Explorer+ – A GPS and SOS beacon that can send text messages as well. Garmin offers reasonable monthly rates. Great for those planning to trek in remote areas.
• Solar charger – Keep your gadgets charged when camping and trekking.
• External battery pack – Good for keeping gadgets charged on long bus rides and when the electricity cuts out.
• Backpack – I recommend the  Osprey Ariel 65L backpack .
• Daypack – My personal favorite is the Osprey Hikelite Plus.
• 3 Season tent – I use the  MSR NX Hubba-Hubba solo tent  and the  Mountainsmith Morrison 2 person tent  and love them both!
• Sleeping bag – Useful for trekkers & cyclists. I use a  Nemo sleeping bag  cold rated to 20ºF/-7ºC.
• Hiking Boots – My personal favorite is the  La Sportiva Nucleo GTX  hiking boot.
• Lightweight cooking camp set – For trekkers and cyclists that plan to prepare their own meals.
• Water Purifier – I personally use the  Katadyn water filter .
• Trekking Poles – Useful for the steep scree slopes and river crossings you may encounter.
• Headlamp – Useful while camping, and for power outages.
• Sunscreen – Many places you’ll visit in Gilgit-Baltistan are at higher altitudes leaving you more susceptible to sunburn.
• Mosquito Repellant – Recommended in the summertime.
• Prescription & over-the-counter medications .

Guide Books

• Pakistan Traveller – Available in both paperback and digital download.

Online Resources & Handy Apps

• Lost With Purpose : Alex is essentially the queen of solo female travel in Pakistan (I mean, the boys can get pretty much all necessary info from her too).
• Root Network : Led by Alex, Aneeqa, Laila, Sara, and Turfa, the Root Network aims to ensure a sustainable future for the tourism industry of Pakistan.
• The Karakoram Club : Great Facebook group to see photos of the area and meet locals as well as other travelers.
• Backpacking Pakistan : Another good Facebook group. Great resource for Pakistan travel, asking questions, and meeting other travelers.
• Maps.me : Download on your mobile phone. This is an easy to use offline map.

Internet & Mobile

I didn’t come to Gilgit-Baltistan for the internet, and neither should you. Okay, okay, I know sometimes you do need to do important stuff on the internet. Several guesthouses and hotels in towns offer wifi, just be prepared for pretty slow speeds.

For SIM cards the recommended company is Zong, as they have the best coverage in Northern Pakistan- just make sure and have a local sign you up because you’ll pay a lot less.

Health & Safety

• Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the safest parts of Pakistan to visit. Standard precautions are usually enough.
• The most annoying thing you’ll likely encounter is (especially as a woman) are police that decide you need an escort and accompany you to wherever you’re going, even though it’s a perfectly safe place to visit. Of course, if you’re on a tour this won’t be such an issue, but if you’re traveling independently– you’ve been warned. This is probably the most frequent complaint I see from travelers in Pakistan in general.
• Solo female travelers will likely need to a bit more cautious traveling around Pakistan. It is still a very male-dominated society, so you can expect some harassment (though, northern Pakistan seems to be a bit more relaxed about this than other parts of the country). I have spoken with one woman who not once, but twice had men break into her hotel room while she was sleeping in Hunza, presumably to sexually assault her. I’m not trying to scare solo female travelers off, I have many great male and female friends in Pakistan, but these are all things I think you should be aware of.
• Many treks are in remote areas, so do take caution to avoid injury.
• On occasion, there are terroristic attacks that take place in Gilgit-Baltistan (such as the  attack on 12 girls’ schools in the Chilas area on August 3 , as well as the  attack on mountaineers in Fairy Meadows in 2013 ). They are not the norm in this part of Pakistan but are something to be aware of.

Other Important Notes

• Tourists aren’t allowed near the LOC (line of control) where Gilgit-Baltistan borders Kashmir.
• Sometimes you will find yourself assigned a free police escort armed with an AK-47. Annoying yes- but this isn’t too unusual.
• There are heaps of security checkpoints in Giglit-Baltistan as well as the rest of Pakistan. However, I didn’t find them to be as big a pain in the ass as the ones in Xinjiang, China.
• Bring tons of passport copies and visa copies for above mentioned security checkpoints.

More Posts from Pakistan:

Gilgit Baltistan Travel Guide: Travel Pakistan’s Northern Areas

A Beginner’s Guide To Central Asia Travel: Discover The Silk Road

The Best Road Trips In The World

A Simple Guide To Central Asia Visas

Crossing Khunjerab Pass Between Pakistan & China

12 Stunning Photos From Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan

Pakistan Tour: Chawmos Festival, Bazaar Towns & Vibrant Lahore

Travel with Me to China, Tajikistan and Pakistan in 2018!

15 thoughts on “gilgit baltistan travel guide: travel pakistan’s northern areas”.

Hi – I really enjoyed reading your article on Gilgit Baltistan and really felling proud at the same moment. I actually belongs to Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan.

So someone coming from any other place and liked your region and wrote on it to show the world, that is something I said priceless. Once again thank you for showing the real beauty of the GB to the world.

Impressive! Thanks for sharing this.

Good read. Gilgit is really a GEM to visit

Gilgit Baltistan is the crown of Pakistan and the most wanted tourist spot all over the country. Its people are welcoming and pay a lot of respect to the tourists. Thanks for sharing the positive side of Pakistan. I have also written some reasons to visit Pakistan, please read at About Pakistan

I’m not one of those readers that comments on articles often, but yours really compelled me. I hope you continue this. Thanks for sharing the details about Gilgit-Baltistan Travel Guide. For more details visit us at; https://www.facebook.com/Sufitravellers/

Gilgit-Baltistan is famous for its dramatic mountains especially the snow-capped mountains. GB has unlimited scenery views and is known as heaven on earth. It is one of the beautiful places in Pakistan, delighting and pleasing several tourists, travelers, and adventure lovers. Planning to visit Gilgit-Baltistan? Here are the most enchanting places to visit.

THis Gilgit Baltistan travel guide is impressive.

Tangir and Darel are Most beautiful valleys in Gilgit Baltistan

Beautiful pictures of Pakistan, I must say

You guys should try the off-beaten track in Pakistan like this Mukshpuri Top Hike in Winters https://www.how2havefun.com/travel/mukshpuri-track/

What do you think?

Gilgit Baltistan is indeed a heaven on earth

I couldn’t agree more!

nice article, thanks for sharing. keep it up

Thank you!!

Hi, great guide- I suspect you are going to be instrumental in my next trip. I used so much of your advice when I went to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan this year. Thanks so much Gill

Hey Gill, Glad it helped you in TJ & KG, I hope you had an amazing time! Where to next year (I’m guessing PK is on the list ?)? I’ll be getting more guides on UZ and AFG out hopefully in the next couple months.

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Tour Northern Pakistan: 10 Bucket-List Worthy Experiences

Discover a part of Asia that is often overlooked by travelers. Northern Pakistan has many exciting adventures to offer from trekking to history.

• Stay at Khaplu Palace, a historic fort turned 3-star hotel in Northern Pakistan that showcases stunning architecture influenced by different regions in Asia.
• Swim in Attabad Lake, a vibrant blue lake in Gilgit-Baltistan province that offers swimming, boating, and other water sports during the summer months.
• Hike to K2 Base Camp, a challenging but rewarding trek close to Nepal, where travelers can experience the second-tallest mountain on Earth and prepare for a scenic and difficult adventure.

There's no lack of amazing things to do in Pakistan, one of the most underrated destinations in Asia and a part of the world often overlooked by backpackers exploring South Asian countries, but it deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. Northern Pakistan, in particular, has lots to offer travelers in terms of outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery.

These incredible experiences in Northern Pakistan, specifically in the province of Gilgit-Baltistan, are worth adding to the bucket list.

10 Stay At Khaplu Palace

This historic fort from the 1840s is one of the best remaining examples of a royal residence in Pakistan. Today, it not only serves as a beautiful historical site in the north of the country but also offers overnight accommodation to guests as a comfortable 3-star hotel called Serena Khaplu Palace.

The visually stunning architecture of the hotel comes from influences from different regions in Asia, including Tibet, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Central Asia.

• Address: Khaplu Palace, Serena, Chaqchan Rd, Sargiab, Khaplu, 16800

9 Swim In Attabad Lake

Travelers can add swimming in one of Pakistan’s most beautiful lakes to their bucket list. Attabad Lake, located in Gilgit-Baltistan province, is one of the top attractions in Northern Pakistan; it's a vibrant blue lake suitable for swimming, boating, and other water sports during the summer months.

Pakistan experiences a warm, dry spring from March to May and a hot but wet summer from June to September.

• Address: Gojal, Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan

8 Watch The Sunset In The Safaranga Cold Desert

Located just 20 minutes from Skardu in the province of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Safaranga Cold Desert (also called Skardu Cold Desert) is among the most unique attractions in Pakistan that is bucket-list worthy.

The desert is at an altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level in Shigar. The vast landscape of sand dunes earns the name “cold desert” because of this high altitude, and often the dunes are covered in snow. Witnessing a sunset here is truly magical!

• Address: CP6R+3CP, Shigar, Pakistan

7 Hike To K2 Base Camp

Most travelers have heard of trekking to Everest Base Camp , but they might not realize that there is an equally challenging and rewarding trek close to Nepal in Northern Pakistan. K2 Mountain is the second-tallest mountain on Earth, after Everest, with a peak of 28,251 feet .

Similar to trekking to Everest Base Camp, travelers can book a guided trek to K2 Base Camp in Pakistan. The journey takes around 14 days from Askhole, and, much like how travelers prepare for the Everest Base Camp trek , it is a scenic but difficult adventure that hikers must ready themselves for well in advance.

• Address: Hussaini Chowk, Star Market, Hassan General Store, Skardu, 16100

From Lukla To Everest Base Camp: A Guide To The Best Routes And Trails

6 stay at the shangri-la resort skardu.

Travelers might’ve heard of the Shangri-La Resort , but the Skardu hotel is something worth adding to the bucket list. This luxury resort calls itself “Heaven on Earth” and is situated on a heart-shaped lake (as if another sign was needed for how incredible it is).

The rooms available range from cottages to villas to suites, all with scenic views of the idyllic landscapes of Northern Pakistan.

• Address: Kachura, Skardu, Pakistan

5 Visit The Skardu Fort

The Skardu Fort, also called the Kharpocho, is the “King of Forts” and is a bucket-list-worthy attraction to visit in Pakistan.

The historic fortress sits above Skardu city in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Northern Pakistan. The fort perches on a mountain 40 meters above the city and is situated on the banks of the Indus River.

• Address: Kharpocho Fort, Chumik Rd, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

4 Hike In Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park in northern Pakistan is situated between the Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan regions. It’s protected by its status as a national park and is dedicated to the conservation of the Himalayan Brown Bear .

The Himalayan Brown Bear is a critically endangered species due to habitat loss, so this expansive protected area where bears can roam safely is an important natural area in Pakistan. Wildlife photographers and trekkers can add this park to their bucket lists.

• Address: XFCC+6P4 Deosai Park Road Astore, 50991

Beyond The Summit: 10 Things You'll Discover On Foot In The Beauty Of Everest Base Camp

3 tour baltit fort.

Visiting the Baltit Fort in the Hunza Valley is one of the best things to do in Northern Pakistan for the bucket list. The historic fort is located in Karimabad, close to the border with China, in a remote part of the country. More than 700 years old, the fort was a former palace of the Mir of Hunza.

Travelers can take a guided tour of the fort or simply visit the exterior to take beautiful photos of its architecture.

• Address: 8MG9+7W2, Hunza, Karimabad, Gilgit-Baltistan

2 See The Hunza Valley

For outdoor enthusiasts, trekkers, and travel photographers, visiting the Hunza Valley in Northern Pakistan is something to aspire to. The valley is picturesque and surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.

Interestingly, people in the Hunza Valley have longer than average lifespans , largely attributed to their strong immune systems, low rates of disease, and consumption of Vitamin B-17 through natural foods.

• Address: Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Why China's Qinghai Province Is An Over Looked Destination Offering A World Few Ever See

1 drive the karakoram highway.

The Karakoram Highway is the Silk Route, a southern part of the famous Silk Roads trading route in Asia. This drive is an important part of the region’s history and is also one of the most scenic road trips in the world .

Today, the N-35 highway connects Pakistan and China along this interesting and storied corridor.

• Address: N-35, Pakistan

A 2 Week Pakistan Itinerary to Northern Pakistan & the Cities!

Categories Asia , Itinerary , Pakistan

Words cannot describe how much I loved my 3 weeks in Pakistan. Backpacking Pakistan is high up there as one of my favourite trips and to see how much I loved it, the best way is to check out my Instagram Stories (see Lahore & Islamabad here , and the Northern areas of Pakistan here ) and my Pakistan YouTube videos !

Pakistan tourism is slowly increasing thanks to the visa process becoming a lot easier in 2019, so now in 2020 and 2021, you don’t have to be an intrepid traveller to visit Pakistan. You CAN visit beautiful Pakistan in 2 weeks on a Pakistan itinerary like this! So if you’re bored with the usual 2-week holiday destinations, in this Pakistan travel blog and Pakistan travel guide, this is where to go with 2 weeks in Pakistan!

Pakistan Itinerary

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best Time to Visit Pakistan.

Pakistan is an all year round destination however you can’t visit the whole country all year round! The Northern area of Pakistan is the most popular area to visit in Pakistan for tourists right now and rightly so, it’s stunning and so easy to travel!

When planning your Pakistan itinerary and your trip to the beautiful Northern areas of Pakistan you’ll want to visit during late Spring, Summer and early Autumn otherwise the mountains are covered in snow and tourist attractions in Northern Pakistan close up. I visited Pakistan in the last week of September and the first 2 weeks of October and although it was a good time to visit and the crowds were less, it was getting chilly.

If you can only visit Pakistan during the winter months like November to April, you’re going to want to visit Southern Pakistan including Karachi and Lahore .

There are many Pakistan itineraries you can do but on your first visit to Pakistan, I think the below Pakistan itinerary is the best itinerary for Pakistan and I’d recommend you do this between May and early October .

Best Places to Visit in Pakistan.

A lot of people are still asking- is Pakistan safe? The answer is yes but, there are certain areas of Pakistan that tourists cannot visit , specifically those areas on the western side of the country near Afghanistan and Iran, and that’s ok because as tourists you wouldn’t want to visit there anyway and there are more than enough places that tourists can visit in Pakistan!

When it comes to safe areas of Pakistan to travel and good places in Pakistan to visit, places such as Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Swat, Hunza, Skardu are all possible for foreigners to visit and most of these are included in the below itinerary!

Map of Pakistan.

Day 1, 2 – Explore Islamabad City.

Islamabad is the capital city of Pakistan and its airport is well connected with international flights. Islamabad is a pretty new city, it was only built in the 1970s so it’s a great place to start your Pakistan adventure and your Pakistan itinerary no matter how long you stay in Pakistan for!

Things to do in Islamabad.

Pakistan Monument & Museum.

Faisal Mosque for Sunset.

Margalla Hiking Trails.

Lok Virsa Heritage Museum.

Golra Railway Station and Heritage Museum.

Saidpur Village for Lunch.

Dinner at Monal.

Islamabad is organised into blocks called F-7, G-8 etc and it’s an extremely safe and easy city to see. The best way to see all of Islamabad’s tourist attractions and the best way to get around Islamabad is by Uber which is really cheap and there are always drivers available.

To see a more crazy side of Islamabad on your Pakistan itinerary, head to Rawalpindi and check out the Bazar’s and Street Food. Islamabad and Rawalpindi are known as twin cities however they are very different!

Day 3 – Fly from Islamabad to Skardu.

Flight from Islamabad to Skardu.

There are daily flights each morning from Islamabad to Skardu with Pakistani Airlines . Do note that this flight along with the flight to Gilgit in Hunza do not always run due to the weather up in Northern Pakistan and are often cancelled and delayed . (I speak from experience!)

However, because Skardu has a bigger airport than Gilgit the planes are bigger and therefore, the chances of them being cancelled are lower so I suggest flying to Skardu first on your Pakistan itinerary. And make sure you book the earliest flight possible as there are more chances of this one leaving than the later ones ! (Again, talking from experience!)

If your flight does get cancelled Pakistani Airlines will book you onto the next available flight which should be the next day when flying to Skardu. Because you are on a tight timeframe, you may even want to book a flight on Day 2 in Pakistan so if it gets cancelled you have another day spare.

The flight from Islamabad to Skardu is one of the best in the world, it’s essentially a scenic flight as you fly above the mountains the whole way and even go over Nanga Parbat, the ninth highest mountain in the world!

Related Post: Skardu and Hunza are now pretty popular regions to visit in Pakistan for foreign tourists. If you want to visit somewhere else in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, look into SWAT which is known as the Switzerland of Pakistan. Here are the best places to visit in Swat Valley .

Day 4 – Explore Skardu.

There are a few different ways you can explore Skardu. I stayed in Upper and Lower Kachura Lake for 2 nights, spending one night at each lake. Accommodation around here is limited and relies on you turning up to see what’s available, however, there is a Shangrila Resort on Lower Kachura lake which is   really nice and if you are treating yourself to a holiday in Pakistan, I’d recommend booking here. However, if you are reading this because you will be backpacking Pakistan, Motel Tibet is a cheap hotel next to Lower Kachura Lake.

Places to visit in Skardu:

Upper & Lower Kachura Lake

Satpara Lake

Satpara Dam

Cold Dessert

Skardu Fort

Manthal Buddha Rock

The best way to get around Skardu on this 2 week Pakistan itinerary will be to hire a driver for the day. Upper and Lower Kachura Lake are in walking distance but all of the above things to do in Pakistan are further apart.

Related Post: Make sure you read my 10 Pakistan Travel Tips to know BEFORE going to Pakistan !

Day 5 – Travel from Skardu to Hunza.

Skardu to gilgit road..

There is a direct road that goes from Skardu to Gilgit. Do check the current conditions of the road as they have been working on it to make it better but I believe there can still be regular issues and road works happening. The road from Skardu to Gilgit will take you to the start of the Karakoram Highway .

This is just another way that Pakistan is making moves to improve tourism in Pakistan for both domestic tourism and international tourism and connect the tourist places in Pakistan.

Deosai National Park.

Once the road is finished it will be possible to travel from Skardu to Gilgit directly, however, if you want more of an adventure and you want to take a more scenic route between Hunza and Skardu then I recommend hiring a jeep and driver  on your Pakistan itinerary (foreign tourists cannot rent drive cars and jeeps themselves at the time of writing this) to take you via Deosai National Park . You’ll want to leave early in the morning and you’ll need to spend a night in a town called Astore  as you won’t make it to Gilgit in one day.

Your driver will know where to take you and where to stop so you can get chai and lunch in the teahouses in Deosai National Park which I loved so much, it was so nice speaking to all of the friendly locals in here.

Day 6 –  Drive to Karimabad in Hunza.

The karakoram highway..

Ask your driver to take you to Rama Lake this morning before you leave Astore. Make sure they drive as far as they can but you will need to walk for the last part however the views when you get to Rama Lake are worth it.

From Rama Lake, head towards Hunza up the Karakoram Highway! This drive will take about 6 hours and you may want to get your jeep driver to drop you in Jaglot or Gilgit and then get a taxi further North to Hunza from here as otherwise, you’ll be paying for your driver to drive all the way up and then back down again.

We found it very easy to catch taxis, and hitchhike, along the Karakoram Highway. Or you can hire a motorbike in Gilgit and ride as the Karakoram Highway is perfect to ride along!

I suggest heading to Karimabad and staying there for one night as part of your Northern Pakistan itinerary as it’s a great tourist town with very friendly locals, good places to eat, a relaxed atmosphere and it’s one of most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Day 7 –  Explore Karimabad in Hunza.

Things to do in karimabad..

Baltit Fort

Eagles Nest

Cafe de Hunza

Day 8 – Attabad Lake.

Further north, up the Karakoram Highway, is Attabad Lake. This is an impressive blue lake that was created in 2010 because of a landslide which blocked the Hunza River and created this separate lake, now it is a popular tourist attraction in Northern Pakistan.

Boat tours can take you out on Attabad Lake which is well worth doing to see the sheer beauty of this Pakistan destinations.

You can stay overnight in accommodation close to Attabad Lake but I would suggest continuing further up the Karakoram Highway to one of the villages and towns to see even more of the beautiful places in Pakistan!

I personally recommend that you look into Rehman Backpackers which is the accommodation in Hunza I stayed in. Rehman and his Dad- Khan Bhag are very well known in this area of Hunza.

Alternatively, I would recommend staying in a hotel in the village of Gulmit which has plenty of hotels, guesthouses and places to eat with a really nice, local vibe.

Day 9 – Hussaini Suspension Bridge & Hiking in Hunza.

You may have heard of the ‘scary bridge in Hunza’ this is Hussaini Suspension Bridge and you have to visit it on your 2 weeks Pakistani itinerary! The only thing is, is that it is closed to cross during the day and has men guarding it, so if you want to cross it, you’ll need to go before 8:00 am.. and don’t say that I told you!

It would be a good idea to get a local to take you out hiking in Pakistan today because they will know all of the good areas. Because I stayed at Rehman Backpackers, we got to go out with Rehman’s Dad along Husseini Suspension Bridge and then on a 4-hour hike all the way to the village of Passu , including crossing Passu Suspension Bridge which was even scarier than Husseini bridge and through the local fields. I’ll be honest and say we couldn’t have done this without a guide and local so look for some help here.

If you are doing a Pakistan itinerary by motorbike you can bike up to Passu and still see the very famous Passu Cones which are one of the most iconic landmarks on the Karakoram Highway!

If hiking in Hunza isn’t your thing, today you could visit the China Pakistan Border which is just a few hours further up North and the Karakoram highway.

Day 10 – Fairy Meadows Hike & Stay.

Make sure you get up early this morning and head back south along the Karakoram Highway, past Gilgit to Raikot Bridge  to catch a jeep and then hike up to the Fairy Meadows!

The Fairy Meadows is a green plain up in the mountains, which is common in the Northern areas of Pakistan, however, this one is special and the reason it is one of the best places in Pakistan to visit is because from there you can get an incredible view of Nanga Parbat, the second highest peak in Pakistan (the highest is K2), and the ninth highest mountain in the world! 

From the Fairy Meadows, you can climb even further to Nanga Parbat Base Camp . If you follow this 2 week Pakistan itinerary, you won’t have time to do this but if it’s on your list of things to do in Pakistan and on your Pakistan bucket list, be sure to create an extra day to do it.

I didn’t go to the Fairy Meadows in Northern Pakistan as it started to get too cold in mid-October but I found this blog post from Against the Compass very helpful on how to get to the Fairy Meadows by jeep and by foot when I was planning my Pakistan travels. It’s on my Pakistan itinerary for my next trip to Pakistan though!

Day 11  – Fairy Meadows to Gilgit.

Now you can reverse the journey and from the Fairy Meadows head back to Gilgit but I would take your time as from my experience there’s not really any things to do in Gilgit for tourists.

Here I suggest 2 options to get back down South and back to Islamabad:

1 – Fly from Gilgit to Islamabad.

This flight is the flight that gets cancelled a lot as it is a small plane and a small runway. I booked this flight and crossed my fingers that it did run and didn’t get cancelled and it was fine, so it can be fine, however, nothing is guaranteed. Again, if you do go for this, book the earliest flight with Pakistani Airlines leaving Gilgit to Islamabad to increase your chances of getting on.

You will need to fly on Day 12, not Day 11 as you need a few hours to get down from the Fairy Meadows.

2 – Overnight bus from Gilgit to Islamabad.

If you are worried about the flight to Islamabad, and if you have to leave Pakistan on a specific date and you are going to be tight on time, I suggest getting an overnight bus which will ensure you do arrive back in Islamabad on time.

Day 12  – Gilgit to Islamabad, Islamabad to Lahore.

Lahore is a must-visit place in Pakistan and I don’t think you can do this Pakistan itinerary without going there.

Unfortunately, as it stands there are no direct flights between Northern Pakistan and Lahore and although there are flights from Islamabad to Lahore I found them to be very pricey, and I wouldn’t trust booking a connecting flight from Islamabad to Lahore after flying back from Gilgit in case your flight from the North is delayed.

Luckily Lahore is just a 5-hour bus journey from Islamabad and there are regular, high-quality   coaches running all day.

If you feel like you saw enough of Islamabad earlier on in the trip, then I’d suggest flying from Gilgit to Islamabad or in the morning or doing the overnight bus journey, and getting a taxi straight to one of the bus stations in Islamabad to get a bus to Lahore.

I found that I couldn’t book buses online because of my international bank card but I used bookme.pk to help check the times of buses from Islamabad to Lahore and Lahore to Islamabad and then went to the station 45 minutes before to book a ticket at the station.

Day 13 –  Explore Lahore & Wagah Border Ceremony.

Lahore is a chaotic city and it will give you a good taste of Punjab. If you have been to Amritsar in India you will notice many similarities.

Things to do in Lahore.

Lahore Fort

Badshahi Mosque

Sulfi Night

Street Food Tour

Wagah Border Ceremony

Day 14 –  Leave Pakistan.

Lahore Airport is well connected with international flights so you could fly out of Pakistan from Lahore. However, if it works out cheaper to get return flights from Islamabad, be sure to book a later flight and get the bus from Lahore to Islamabad in the morning.

Make sure you watch of my Pakistan YouTube videos and Instagram Stories to help you see just how amazing Pakistan is and why you should visit!

For more of my Pakistan blog posts to help you plan your trip see:

ALL PAKISTAN POSTS

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Thursday 28th of July 2022

Hello, do you still remember where you stayed in Astore? I'm planning a trip in September but struggle to find places to stay there. It seems there's not a lot of choices in Booking.com. Thanks.

Thursday 6th of October 2022

@TheWanderingQuinn, thank you. I just returned and my trip was incredible. Your post gave very useful information. I hope to visit again!

TheWanderingQuinn

Hello, I don't have the name I'm afraid but if you are going with a driver I wouldn't worry about booking anything in advance as they will know places to stay, and if you are driving yourself then I'd also not worry as we found that so many areas in the mountains didn't have places online (which is totally understandable when you see these small remote towns and villages) but once you are there there will be places to stay :)

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Northern Areas Of Pakistan Complete Tour Guide

Have you ever heard about the Northern areas of Pakistan? Fair enough! It is termed as a jewel in the crown of the finest tourist destinations existing all around the globe. If you are riveted, let’s check out the most authentic travel guide of the best places to visit in this expanse.

Northern Areas of Pakistan

The North county of Pakistan consists of upper KPK, the entire province of Gilgit-Baltistan, along with some areas of AJK. It is situated between the western Himalayas on the southern side, while, the Karakoram and Hindu Kush Mountain Range on the northern side. This region shares the border with the Wakhan corridor in Afghanistan, Xinjiang territory of China as well as the occupied Kashmir in India.

Besides their socio-political significance, the Northern areas are brimming with the travel opportunities for the tourists. As they offer tremendously picturesque scenery, the bonafide nature, breathtaking landscapes, magnificent peaks, pristine water bodies, dazzling historical sites, rich culture and the extremely hospitable people which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Best Destinations In The Northern Areas

The most popular travel destinations in North Pakistan are;

1. Azad Kashmir

Arang Kel, Baboon Valley, Banjosa Lake, Jhelum Valley, Leepa Valley, Neelum Valley, Pir Chinasi, Rawalakot, besides Toli Pir.

2. Gilgit-Baltistan

Astore, Chillas, Concordia, Diamer, Deosai, Gilgit, Ghanche District, Ghizer, Gojal Valley, Hunza, Kharmang, Naltar valley, Nagar, Shigar, and Skardu.

3. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abbottabad, Ayubia, Chitral, Kalam Valley, Kaghan Valley, Kalash Valley, Madyan, Malam Jabba, Mardan, Malakand, Mansehra, Mushkpuri, Nathiagali, Naran, Shangla, Shogran, Swat, along with Thandiani.

Why Northern Areas of Pakistan Are Famous?

The Northern areas of Pakistan are well-known all because of the striking natural beauty, rich history, religious/cultural/ethnic diversity, astonishing cold deserts, lush meadows, mighty mountains, bewildering glaciers, scenic trekking trails, astounding plateaus, massive national parks, mesmerizing lakes and rivers, enchanting waterfalls, thick pine forests, glorious ancient sites, intriguing monasteries and temples, incredible traditional food, thriving bazaars, entrancing music, colorful clothes, fascinating flora,  marvelous wildlife and most importantly the indispensably beautiful people.

Weather of Northern Areas of Pakistan

The climate varies from area to area. Actually, the mountains surrounding this region create sharp variations in weather. Precisely the eastern zones that lie close to Western Himalayas are relatively moist but moving further towards the Hindu Kush and Karakoram Mountains, the weather becomes significantly dry.

In summers, the temperatures are really high in certain towns during the daytime. Although, it drops down during the night. But in the areas like Hunza, Astore and Nagar etcetera even the summers are cold.

The weather is really frigid in winter. The majority of the Northern region is covered in heavy snow during this period.

Best Time To Visit The Northern Areas

The best time to visit North Pakistan is during spring or summer. It is because this region is situated above sea level. Hence, during winters the temperature drops down below the freezing point at the majority of the areas. Nevertheless, throughout the spring as well as the summers the weather is quite pleasant, also, the tourists can approach these areas easily.

This region comprises of a prodigious ethnic and lingual diversity. Urdu is the lingua franca as well as the official language of the region, whereas, Arabic is used for religious purposes by the Muslims. English is the co-official language used in education.

The residents of Northern areas preferably speak local languages like Badeshi, Balti, Burushaski, Chilisso, Domaaki, Dameli, Gawarbati, Gawri, Gojri, Hindko, Kalasha, Kamviri, Kativiri, Khowar, Madaghlashti, Mankiyali, Wakhi, Palula, Pashto, Shina, Torwali, Ushojo and Yidgha, for communication among themselves.

Art And Music

The local people highly appreciate art and music. They prefer to sing classical songs or the local folklores while playing musical instruments such as; dhol, chang, karnai and surnai, during festive events or weddings.

The natives of Northern areas perform the classical dance, sword dance, Broqchhos, Yakkha, Chhogho Prasul, Gasho-Pa or Sneopa depending upon the event.

This entire North region is the center of extreme sports like polo, mountaineering, paragliding and skiing. Locals also enjoy playing football, cricket and volleyball.

Yet, the most popular sport in the region is Polo.  Almost every valley has a polo ground. The native people belonging to different age groups play this sport earnestly. Therefore, the region’s elite host many polo tournaments annually.

The lifestyle of people is pretty simple. They live in small homes equipped with only basic facilities. Natives have a deep respect for their cultural values. The majority of people prefer to live in a joint family system. Arranged marriage is an integral part of the culture in many areas.

Traditional Dresses

Generally, women wear long hand-woven frocks or Kameez with Shalwar, Dupatta and a cap. Men wear traditional Shalwar Kameez paired with local hats. During winters, people keep themselves warm by wearing traditional Shawls, Waistcoats, Sweaters and Jackets.

In certain places such as; Kalash Valley, the dress code is considerably different than the other areas of the region.

Different Festivals in Northern areas of Pakistan

1) shandur polo festival.

Polo is a famous regional sport of Gilgit-Baltistan . Hence, a polo festival is hosted at Shandur (Chitral) each year. Shandur is the second-highest polo ground in the world located at the altitude of 3,734m. The event starts in July and commemorates the fierce rivalry between the epic contenders of Chitral and Gilgit. A massive crowd including tourists and locals from surrounding districts attend this festival with great zeal.

2) Silk Route Festival

Silk route is one of the oldest trade routes between East and West that connects China, Rome, Persia and India. It dates back to 200 BC. Due to its immense importance in the region’s economy, the locals of Gilgit- Baltistan celebrate the silk route festival in September every year. They honor the past conquerors by cultural music, folk dance, local food, craft bazaar and an ethnic fashion show.

3) Chilham Joshi Festival

It is a spring festival celebrated from 11 th May to 14 th May in the Kalash Valley. At this event, the local people wear new clothes, women decorate their houses and the culturally dressed Kalash boys and girls gather at the hillside for singing and dancing. The pastoral God called Goshidai is thanked at Joshi for protecting herds. The Kalash people aim to find their spouse during Chillam Joshi.

4) Gianni Festival

This is the most anticipated festival in Hunza Valley. Its celebrations start on 21 st June and end till 25 th June. During Gianni, the people gather in Aliabad or Altit villages where they perform religious rituals and traditional dances. A local dish called Dirum Pitti is specifically prepared to commemorate this festival.

5) Navroz Festival

Navroz Festival is an annual event of Chitral, Hunza, Gilgit and Skardu. It is locally known as “New Day”. The festival begins on 21 st March to mark the first day of the Spring season. Traditionally, the festival is celebrated for physical rejuvenation, spiritual renewal and to pay gratitude to God Almighty for timeless blessings.

Activities that you can enjoy in Northern areas of Pakistan

I) hiking and mountaineering.

Northern Pakistan is home to five of the world’s highest mountains including Godwin Austin (K2), Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-I, BroadPeak and Gasherbrum-II. Furthermore, there are more than 160 peaks above 7000m in addition to 700 summits above 6000m located in the same region that serves as a tourist’s reverie.  Gilgit and Skardu are the main hubs of mountaineering expeditions.

ii) Boating

In the serene rivers of North, tourists must try boating or rafting as it’s a once in a lifetime experience.

iii) Fishing

This region has some of the world’s most fascinating water bodies where you can try your luck at fishing. Trout fishing is a renowned hobby of the local people.

iv) Paragliding

Many paragliding associations are operating in North Pakistan that provide ample facilities for this sport intended for the visitors.

v) Trekking

Northern areas are considered as the heaven for trekkers as it offers a wide range of trekking opportunities varying from facile, technical to strenuous treks.

Several ski resorts have been opened in the region. These include resorts of Astore, Deosai (Skardu), Fairy Meadows (Chilas), Malam Jabba, Naltar valley, Nathiagali and Shimsal (Hunza Valley). All of these ski destinations have ample facilities. Also, you can play plenty of alternative sports there. Out of all these spots, Malam Jabba offers ideal skiing opportunities.

Travel Guide To The Northern Areas Of Pakistan

ROUTES to reach Northern areas

PIA operates daily flights from Islamabad International Airport to Gilgit-Baltistan, KPK and Azad Kashmir. From there, tourists can travel to their desired locations via road trip.

Local transport companies like Northern Areas Transport Corporation (NATCO), Masherbrum Transport Pvt and Silk Route Transport Pvt operate buses from Islamabad to the Northern areas and vice versa. Tourists can also rent the 4×4 vehicles to travel solo to this region.

The main travel route to this region via road is Islamabad-Taxila-Fairy Meadows-Deosai-Skardu-Gilgit-Karimabad- Hunza- Duiker- Khunjerab Pass- Gulmit- Phander- Chitral- Kalash Valley- Lawari Pass- Swat – Takht-e-Bhai- Peshawar – Islamabad.

Condition of Roads

In winters, thick snow covers the majority of routes to the Northern areas due to which traffic influx or efflux is almost impossible. Also during monsoon, the heavy rainfall, land sliding or avalanches gridlock the roadway sometimes. Therefore, the best time to visit the region is from May till October as it is easily accessible.

Tour Packages and Expenses

Several local companies offer affordable tour packages for both local and international tourists to travel to the Northern areas of Pakistan. According to the feasibility, you can pick the package of your choice.

Generally, the tour packages propose from 3 to 8 days stay at the desired location. However, if you wish to travel the entire Northern region, the Adventures Tour Pakistan offers a 21 days/20 nights trip to its clients.

The expenses of the trip largely depend on the package of your choice. If you want to travel solo then do not spend lavishly, stay in local hotels or camps, travel on local transport, otherwise rent a 4×4 vehicle, eat traditional foods and most notably try to befriend local people.

Places to Stay

Mobile networks / how to connect / use internet in northern areas.

Depending upon the area you wish to visit, bring a SIM card accordingly. Actually, no mobile network provides complete coverage everywhere in the Northern areas. However in Gilgit/Hunza/Skardu/Neelum Valley, SCO provides the best communication and 3G internet. It is the Pakistan army label that operates in Gilgit-Baltistan as well as Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The SCO SIMs can be purchased from local stores.

Zong offers the best 3G and 4G services in Sost, Khunjerab, Kalam Valley and Swat Valley. While, Telenor is your ideal bet in Chitral district, Kalash Valley, Kaghan Valley and Naran, Telenor also started new campaigns in 2019 on Northern Areas of Pakistan, on instagram the tags are quite famous #TelenorXPakistan & #Telenor4GKaNorth . If you are planning to visit the K2 Base Camp then only a satellite phone can help you.

SIM Cost And Availability

• SCOM cost Rs. 250 for SIM as well as some internet data (3G). But this price rises to Rs.350 if you need 4G coverage.
• Telenor SIM prices are dependent on the plan of your choice i.e. prepaid or postpaid.
• Zong SIM cost also depends upon the plan.

The SIMs of all these networks are available in the local mobile franchises.

Pro Tips For Travelling To The Northern Areas

> choose suitable clothes.

In North Pakistan, the weather varies considerably from time to time. Therefore, instead of wearing heavily warm clothes, dress in layers so that you can take them off whenever required. Also take a warm jacket or coat, the woolen cap, a gloves pair, socks, a raincoat and a pair of boots along with some trousers and shirts.

>  A Little Extra Of Everything

Not many facilities are available in this region, therefore, tourists must take a first-aid kit, power bank, an extra charger for both mobile/laptop and an additional battery for camera/drone.

>  Be Cash Smart

Do not keep a lot of cash with yourself. But make sure you have enough to bear your expenses. Keep cash in different places to avoid losing it. There is an ATM facility available many Northern areas so you can easily avail of it.

Top 25 Natural Lakes In Pakistan

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Explore Pakistan’s wildest, most beautiful landscapes

Snowcapped Himalayan peaks, rare brown bears, and otherworldly rock formations dazzle travelers to this stunning part of the world.

From the precipitous peaks of the Karakoram range to the fertile Indus River plain, Pakistan is home to a diversity of stunning landscapes. Two new parks —Himalaya National Park and Nanga Parbat National Park—were designated in 2020, covering more than 2,200 square miles of biodiverse, high-altitude terrain in the northern territory of Gilgit-Baltistan .

Although its spectacular topography and fascinating history date back thousands of years, Pakistan is a relatively young nation, formed in 1947 when Partition split the Indian subcontinent into two separate countries.  

Travelers can explore both cultural monuments (lengths of the ancient Silk Road, the ruins of Mohenjo-daro ) and dazzling national parks, alpine lakes, and scenic drives. Here are the best ways to get into that lesser-known, wilder side of Pakistan.

Deosai National Park

Known as “Land of the Giants,” Deosai National Park sits on an alpine plateau backdropped by snow-dusted mountains. Each spring, the lush valley is swept by wildflowers and rare butterflies, earning the name “Summer’s Palace” by locals, who enjoy the wildlife after winter’s thaw.  

( Learn why mountain peaks inspire so many travelers .)

This biodiversity hot spot is home to the Tibetan wolf, Himalayan ibex, Tibetan red fox, and golden marmots, but the government granted the park protected status in 1993 to safeguard the critically endangered Himalayan brown bear. The park was also nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status in 2016.

Kaghan Valley National Park

Northern Pakistan’s picturesque Kaghan Valley is a place of fairytales. According to a local legend, a prince of Persia fell in love with a fairy princess on the crystalline waters of Lake Saiful Muluk. But a giant was also enraptured with the princess, and held her captive. One day, the prince escaped with her, and in his fury, the giant flooded the valley and created lakes with his tears. Today, visitors from around the world travel to Kaghan Valley for its mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and clear night skies.

Makran Coastal Highway

The Makran Coastal Highway is a scenic drive along Pakistan’s Arabian Sea coast. The route starts in Karachi and runs through Gwadar to the Iran border, and is considered a major infrastructural achievement. Unique, lunar rock formations line a section of the highway known as the Buzi Pass in Hingol National Park. Natural rock sculptures, like the sphinx-shaped “Lion of Balochistan,” can be found along the highway.

Hunza Valley

In the northern territory of Gilgit-Baltistan , icy peaks soar above the Hunza River. Situated on the riverbank and surrounded by glaciers and gorges, the town of Hunza traditionally served as a resting place for travelers descending the Hindu Kush mountains into the Vale of Kashmir. The valley is home to snow leopards , markhors, ibexes, and red-striped foxes.

Hingol National Park

Pakistan’s largest national park extends hundreds of miles along the Makran Coast. While Hingol National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife—Sindh leopards, chinkaras, honey badgers, and Indian pangolins–it is perhaps best known for its cluster of active mud volcanoes.  

( Delve into village life ialong the India-Pakistan border .)

A mix of hot spring activity, gas, and water reacts chemically with the surrounding rocks to form boiling mud. When the mud is expelled, it continuously rebuilds the cones, which are easily eroded. One of the most famous mud volcanoes is Chandragup, a sacred annual pilgrimage site for thousands of Hindus, along with the nearby Hinglaj temple.

Baltoro Glacier National Park

In Pakistan’s eastern Karakoram, Baltoro Glacier is one of the world’s largest valley glaciers. Though difficult to access, it is one of the most highly trafficked regions in Pakistan because of mountaineering destinations including K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum peaks at its head. The area is not only known for its stunning scenery, but as a life source–a large portion of northern Pakistan’s population depends on meltwater from the Karakoram glaciers.

( Learn how a team of Nepalese climbers summited K2 in winter .)

Neelum Valley National Park

In northern Azad Kashmir, the bow-shaped Neelum Valley is sandwiched between 13,000-foot peaks and blanketed by verdant forest and streams .   The small hilltop village of Arang Kel, dotted with traditional wooden houses, is known as the pearl of Neelum Valley. Hiking paths around the valley afford prime views of mountains and waterfalls.

Attabad Lake

Nestled in the Hunza Valley, Attabad Lake’s vibrant turquoise waters cut through the rocky terrain. Although beautiful, the serene landscape has a violent origin story. The lake was formed in January 2010, when a massive landslide at Attabad Village flooded nearby towns, blocked the flow of the Hunza River, and displaced thousands of people. Today, it’s a popular stop for tourists who can take boats out on the water.

This story was originally published April 5, 2018. It has been updated.

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The Karakoram Highway: The “Eighth Wonder of the World” Hidden in Northern Pakistan

The Karakoram Highway (KKH) is a remarkable feat of engineering. This incredible road, also known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” offers a unique travel experience with stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and vibrant local culture. Let’s delve into the wonders you’ll see on the northern Pakistan Karakoram Highway Tour – for adventure enthusiasts and independent travelers alike.

The Karakoram Highway: An Engineering Marvel

Stretching over 1,300km (800 miles) the Karakoram Highway connects the cities of Hasan Abdal in Pakistan and Kashgar in China. Built between 1959 and 1979, this joint venture between Pakistan and China was constructed to strengthen economic, cultural, and military ties. The highway holds strategic geopolitical importance. It serves as a vital trade and transportation corridor, linking China to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan.

The Highway Today: A Journey Through the Roof of the World

The KKH is considered one of the highest paved international roads in the world, reaching an elevation of 4,714 meters at the Khunjerab Pass. Despite its challenging conditions, including rockfalls, landslides, and narrow sections, the highway is well-maintained and continues to serve as an essential trade and transportation route.

The climate and terrain along the KKH are incredibly diverse. On the road you’ll traverse arid deserts, lush valleys, and snow-capped mountains. You can expect varying weather conditions, especially at higher elevations, where temperatures can plummet, and sudden storms may occur. Expect snow capped mountain passes and t-shirt weather vibrant cities.

Northern Pakistan: A Tapestry of Traditions

A journey along the Karakoram Highway offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich and diverse culture of northern Pakistan. The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Wakhi, Burusho, and Shina people, each with their own distinct language, customs, and traditions. As you travel through the region, you’ll be welcomed by the warm hospitality of the locals. They are always eager to share their culture and way of life, or just ask why you are here.

Why the Karakoram Highway is a Must for Independent Travelers

A trek along the Karakoram Highway is the ultimate road-trip – A unique and off-the-beaten-path experience. The journey offers countless opportunities to explore breathtaking landscapes. From the Rakaposhi viewpoint, the stunning Attabad Lake, and the enchanting Fairy Meadows .

If you are a history enthusiast, the KKH passes by ancient Silk Road trading posts, caravanserais, and fascinating archaeological sites like the Altit and Baltit Forts . Adventure-seeker? Embark on thrilling treks and excursions to explore the region’s glaciers, such as the Passu Glacier, or attempt to cross one of the many rope bridges .

KKH Road-trip – Lets Go!

The Karakoram Highway is a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes, history, and culture of northern Pakistan. For travelers who crave unique destinations and authentic experiences, a road-trip along the KKH is an escapade that should not be skipped. Pakistan is open with easy e-Visa. See you in September for our next awe-inspiring Karakoram Highway Tour . Or you can contact us and let us help arrange a custom independent trip for you.

Solo female travel anywhere and everywhere.

Pakistan travel guide: everything to know before you go

Updated in 2024: After years of both independently traveling in Pakistan and later running tours there, it’s safe to say I know a lot about travel in Pakistan. Here’s my complete Pakistan travel guide with information on visas, transportation, costs, and everything else you need to know about travel in Pakistan.

Curious about traveling to Pakistan but nervous about going alone? Check out my tours: I run both women’s tours and biker tours in Pakistan.

Jaw-dropping nature, diverse cultures, and delicious food—these are but a few of the things you’ll experience when you visit Pakistan. Most importantly, it’s home to the most hospitable people I’ve met in my travels. It’s no wonder more and more people want to travel to Pakistan!

However, Pakistan ain’t as easy to travel in as some will have you believe . But no worries, I got you. This guide was created after more than six visits and almost a year of travel in Pakistan. I have visited Pakistan more than any other travel blogger and traveled to Pakistan both with friends and by myself. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about travel in Pakistan.

Pakistan travel guide: index

• Pakistan basics
• Languages of Pakistan
• Regions of Pakistan
• Culture in Pakistan
• Gender in Pakistan
• Drinking and drugs
• Religion and Pakistan
• Pakistani food
• Money in Pakistan
• Visas for Pakistan
• Entering and exiting Pakistan
• Accommodation in Pakistan
• Transportation in Pakistan
• Safety in Pakistan
• SIM cards and WiFi
• Responsible tourism in Pakistan
• Resources for Pakistan travel

Pakistan travel guide: the basics

Pakistan is officially called “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” A populous country in South Asia—no, it’s not in the Middle East—with more than 200 million people, it’s the 6th most populous country in the world. TL;DR: Lots and lots of people. Everywhere.

Pakistan was founded on the 14th of August 1947 after an event known as Partition : when British India created the modern states of India and Pakistan. The event was bloody, its ramifications still visible today. The country became an Islamic Republic in 1956. During partition, Pakistan was divided into West and East Pakistan. In 1971 East Pakistan became Bangladesh after another bloody war for independence .

Although Pakistan is a young country, its history is ancient. Ruins of one of the oldest civilizations in the world, the Indus Valley Civilization , lie in southern Pakistan. Multiple conquerors and civilizations took hold in parts of modern-day Pakistan, including Alexander the Great, the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and the British Raj.

The ruins of Moenjo Daro in Sindh province are from the Indus Valley civilization, the oldest known civilization

Pakistan’s recent history is marred with conflict, both internal and external, most notably with India. It’s struggled with military coups, terrorist attacks, war, and secessionist tensions. Its army has strengthened throughout the years as a result; it’s now a nuclear power and has the sixth-largest standing armed forces in the world.

I could go into it more, but you can only cover so much in one Pakistan travel guide! If you want to get more in-depth with Pakistan’s history, I highly recommend getting a copy of Pakistan Traveller – it’s the best Pakistan travel guide book on the market.

Pakistan travel guide: Language in Pakistan

Myriad languages are spoken in Pakistan. Most people speak two or three languages. At least!

Urdu is Pakistan’s national language, as well as the language of officialdom together with English. Most middle and upper-class Pakistanis will speak (some) English. It’s rare to find a place where absolutely no one speaks English. However, it’s always good to pick up a phrase or two in Urdu before you visit Pakistan. I highly recommend Pimsleur for learning language basics .

Besides the two official languages, there are many local languages: Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi, Punjabi, Potohari, Shina, Wakhi, Burushaski… the list goes on! Every province has its own regional language, such as the aforementioned Punjabi and Sindhi. In major cities people mostly speak Urdu, but in towns and villages local languages reign supreme.

Urdu basics

• Salaamu aleikum: Hello
• Walaykum asalaam:  Hello (in response)
• Shukriya:  Thank you
• Kya haal hai?:  How are you?
• Mai thik hoon:  I am fine.
• Aap ka naam kya hai?:  What is your name?
• Mera naam Alex hai: My name is Alex.
• … kaha hai?: Where is… ?
• Kitnay paisa?:  How much?
• Ji / haan:  Yes/yeah
• Jao:  Go away
• Nehi chahiye:  I don’t need it
• Angrezi ata/ati?: Do you know English?

Interested in learning more conversational Urdu? I’ve been taking virtual lessons with a teacher, Naveed Rehman, for several years now (on and off). He’s very patient, excellent at explaining grammar, and focuses on practical conversational Urdu rather than rote memorization. I highly recommend his online Urdu classes —they’re quite affordable by Western standards, so they’re well worth a try!

Pakistan travel guide: Regions of Pakistan

The country of Pakistan is divided into four provinces and three territories, each with its own distinct culture and flavor:

Sunset at Gorakh Hill in Sindh

Sindh (province)

Major cities/destinations: Karachi, Hyderabad, Sehwan Sharif

The southernmost province of Pakistan is home to its biggest city, Karachi. But venture out into the rural areas, known as “interior Sindh”, and you’ll find a mystic realm of moody deserts, Sufi shrines, and abandoned forts.  Don’t miss my guide to traveling in Sindh.

Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar Gardens) in Lahore, Punjab

Punjab (province)

Major cities/destinations: Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan

Pakistan’s wealthiest province sits in the middle of the country. Though vast fields of wheat and other crops make stereotypical Punjabi landscapes, there are also plenty of massive Mughal relics and nature tinged with green to keep travelers busy. It’s also home to my absolute favorite city in Pakistan, Lahore .

Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (province)

Major cities/destinations: Peshawar, Chitral, Kalash Valleys

Far to the west of the country, and now including what was once known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), this province borders Afghanistan. Home primarily to the Pakhtun (Pashtun) people , many parts of this province are evocative of traveling Afghanistan . Some parts are off-limits—especially the south and regions along the Afghan border—but natural areas such as Swat Valley and the Kalash Valleys are popular… for good reason!

Lonely road in Balochistan province

Balochistan (province)

Major cities/destinations: Quetta, Gwadar, Hingol National Park, Makran Coastal Highway

Bordering Iran and Afghanistan, the country’s largest province is also one of the least traveled. Home to deserts, dusty mountains, and azure coastlines, this province is unfortunately off-limits to foreign travelers aside from those doing the Iran-Pakistan overland border crossing .

Islamabad, Pakistan from above

Islamabad capital territory

The country’s capital is also its own territory. Many tourists start their Pakistan travels in Islamabad, but I’ll be honest with you: I’m not the biggest fan. Though there are many things to do in Islamabad , the capital is far from representative of the rest of the country, and is on the verge of boring much of the time. Still, it’s a comfortable and relatively developed place to rest, relax, and pick up some necessities while traveling in Pakistan.

Autumn in Khyber village, Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit Baltistan (territory)

Major cities/destinations: Gilgit, Central Hunza (Karimabad), Passu

When people come to Pakistan looking for mountains, this is where they end up. Also known as “Northern Pakistan”, the vast territory of Gilgit Baltistan is home to three major mountain ranges—Himalayas, Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush—as well as several of the world’s tallest mountains (K2, Nanga Parbat, and Rakaposhi). It’s by far the calmest and easiest to travel of all the country’s provinces, especially for female travelers . If you’re in search of nature, you’re probably heading north to Gilgit Baltistan.

Ramkot Fort in Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir (territory)

Major cities/destinations: Muzaffarabad, Neelum Valley

This narrow territory to the east of Pakistan on the border with India has been disputed ever since Partition, the dividing of India and Pakistan in 1947. Tensions occasionally flare up between the Pakistani military and the Indian military, and so the territory was off-limits to foreign travelers for a long time. As of 2019, the territory has opened up slightly, though foreigners are still not allowed to go within 10 km of the border, known as the Line of Control (LOC). However, you can at least visit Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and their surrounding areas… though security forces might hassle you a bit.

People enjoying the night air at Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Pakistan travel guide: Culture in Pakistan

Pakistan’s culture is varied and vibrant, albeit very conservative. Religion dictates and influences culture at almost every level. Keep that in mind and tread carefully when traveling to Pakistan. Keep this Pakistan travel guide handy to help you avoid any cultural faux pas situations.

Due to its diversity, it’s difficult to make generalizations about Pakistani culture… but try, I shall! This is a Pakistan travel guide, after all. Here are some cultural nuances travelers should be aware of:

Hospitality

Pakistan’s hospitality is renowned. In Pakistan, guests are a gift from God, and many people are honored to treat them as such. During my travels through Pakistan, people have…

• Invited me to stay in their homes despite not knowing me at all.
• Slept on the floor so I could sleep in their bed.
• Fed me a million and one times, even when they were fasting during Ramadan.
• Taken the time to show me around their cities, villages, regions.
• Gifted me everything from clothing to food to souvenirs.
• … and then some.

The hospitality is incredible and continues to amaze me even after repeat visits to the country.

However, in recent times—and due to some careless influencers —I feel some travelers are interpreting this hospitality the wrong way.

Pakistan is NOT a place to go because ~*everything is freeeee!!!*~. By all means, enjoy their hospitality—I sure do—but don’t take advantage of it. Give back where you can.

You can give people small tips (maybe 20 to 50 rupees) if they do something to help you out, or if they’re visibly poor but still feed you or give you things. More if they help you a lot over a period of time. Help out around the house, or buy gifts of fruits, sweets, or nuts (called “dried fruits” in Pakistan). Meat is also a good gift for poorer people in villages. Bring small gifts from your own country or home for people who host you (think postcards, sweets, trinkets, etc.).

Sometimes people will not accept, but it doesn’t hurt to offer. If it’s a matter of pride over money, you can always give a little financial gift to the kids, or leave money somewhere in their house where they’ll find it.

TL;DR: don’t be a mooch. Pakistani hospitality is something to appreciate and learn from, not take advantage of. Enjoy, then pay it forward!

The Pakistani mindset

Let me preface this by saying Pakistanis are the most hospitable people I’ve met in my travels (shout out to Iranians and Bangladeshis as runners ups).

Pakistanis make you feel wholly welcome and are the country’s greatest asset. Some of the best friends from my travels are Pakistani. I’m not sure there’s a country where it’s easier to meet and interact with locals than Pakistan.

The flip side: Pakistanis can be difficult people to deal with.

Because the country is conservative and religiously homogenous ( about 97% of the population is Muslim ), I’ve found people can be very intolerant. There is a way to do and think about things in Pakistan, and those who do or believe otherwise are often met with opposition. Though many people harbor “alternative” opinions, they are often hesitant to speak them unless in close company. People are not used to differing opinions.

Pakistanis also do not handle criticism well. I knew this, but had a nice reminder (translation: aggressive awakening) of this inability when I posted a critical video about Pakistan’s tourism scene this year. I had to field hate for weeks on end despite constructive intentions.

Don’t let me put you off Pakistan and its people; my point is that you should be very cautious when speaking about sensitive subjects and be careful to respect Pakistan’s culture. By all means discuss, but choose your battles wisely.

The rest of this guide is meant to help you get a grasp on what is and is not okay in Pakistan, and how to act once there. Read through, and you won’t need to worry about clashing with locals. As I said, Pakistan is a brilliant country for adventurous travelers… so long as you respect local culture.

Overlooking the streets of Karachi in standard wear – kurta, jeans, and a dupatta (scarf)

People who want to travel to Pakistan often ask me about the types of clothes they have to wear. Although dress codes are less strict than they used to be, it’s best to come prepared when you visit Pakistan.

There’s no official rule about what to wear ( unlike Iran ), so long as you’re somewhat modest.

If you want to wear “western” clothes such as t-shirts and jeans, go ahead; many people wear western clothes in cities, especially in wealthy areas such as malls and Defence neighborhoods. Gilgit Baltistan sees plenty of trekkers wandering about in western outdoor attire.

Women: Pakistan is a very conservative country; unless you’re in a liberal/wealthy part of a major city, I recommend dressing modestly. That means long pants and a loose shirt or dress that ideally covers your bum. Although headscarves aren’t mandatory, it pays to have one on you for entering mosques.

The local pant/shirt combination, salwar kameez , is immensely comfortable and colorful. You can pick them up in bazaars and malls throughout Pakistan—locals will appreciate it!

Men: Shorts are okay, but you won’t see many locals wearing them, and they’re not allowed in mosques. In general, it pays to dress modestly—no tank tops or shorts. Again, salwar kameez is recommended.

Buy some local clothes at one of the many bazaars, like this one in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

Women in Pakistan

Unfortunately, Pakistan is lagging when it comes to women’s rights. There are many places where you won’t see women on the street. Especially in rural areas, women are treated as second class citizens, domestic workers, and baby-making machines.

Foreign women are mostly be treated with respect. As an outside traveler, you straddle the line between men and women; you’re unusual enough to sit with men, but feminine enough to access women’s spaces, too.

Alas, harassment is still common, though it’s mostly restricted to unwanted touching and commentary. If a man does something to you, slap them or make a scene. Pakistanis are very protective of women and someone will likely come to your aid.

For more info, check out my guide to female travel in Pakistan .

Tipping in Pakistan

Tipping is not mandatory. Instances where you might tip someone include:

• Hiring a driver who did a good job – Several hundred PKR
• Take a private tour with a good tour guide – Several hundred PKR per day
• Dining at a fancier restaurant – Round the bill up to a more even number
• If someone goes well out of their way to help you or give you access to something – 50 to 100 PKR

If you do tip, don’t tip too much, else you’ll raise expectations for future travelers. Don’t feel pressured to tip someone if they ask you for a tip—they’re being cheeky because you’re foreign.

Pakistan travel guide: Gender divides, relationships, and sexuality in Pakistan

Pakistan’s gender divide is massive. Fly in, and you’ll see what I mean 30 seconds after stepping outside the airport.

Because of both Islam and regional culture, men and women are separated in society. Streets are a world of men, women rule in the home. Society tries to separate boys and girls until marriage… after which couples are expected to produce babies ASAP. Go figure.

That’s not to say there’s no intermingling, but it might not be what you’re used to at home. Public displays of affection—kissing, holding hands, touching in public—are taboo. Unmarried couples are subtle when they meet; you might notice them hiding in parks or behind tinted car windows. Openness about boyfriends or girlfriends is unusual. Elite Pakistanis are sometimes an exception… until their parents are involved.

My “husband” and I back in the days when I traveled as a couple/before my solo travel began

Couples travel in Pakistan

Unmarried foreign couples should just pretend to be married. Otherwise, hotels might cause problems, and people might be uncomfortable hosting you.

Tip: Make sure you have some kind of story worked out—people are probably going to ask you about your wedding!

If you’re married, no problem! You just have to deal with constant questions about children. If you already have children, you’re on a perfect life path in most Pakistani’s eyes. Well done, you.

Women to men  

Women should be on guard when interacting with men. That’s not to say all men are evil, nor should you fear speaking with men. Just know many men interpret friendliness as flirtation.

In my experience, even men I thought friends ended up hitting on me hours, days, or weeks later. To establish boundaries with men, you can call young men bhai or brother, and older men chacha or uncle.

To keep men at bay, you can say you’re married. Weirdly enough, people are more likely to believe you’re married but traveling alone than accept that you’re unmarried.

Do not say that you have a boyfriend. If you do, men will interpret that as you being sexually loose and thus willing to sleep with them. Respectable ladies do not admit they have boyfriends to men. Or so Pakistanis think.

Men to women

Boys, be cautious when interacting with women… if you can find them.

Many male travelers struggle to meet women in Pakistan. Unless hanging out with liberal/wealthy folks in cities, most women will keep their distance from you. Or stay out of sight completely.

If you do encounter women be respectful and distant with unmarried girls. Be careful if flirting. Pakistanis upset quickly; many male family members will not react well to foreign men flirting with their sister/daughter/cousin.

On the bright side, it’s more socially acceptable for men to have a girlfriend(s) than vice versa. Saying you have a girlfriend implies you’re a bit of a player, but the average man will probably respect you for it, not shame you. Mmmm toxic masculinity.

LGBTQ+ in Pakistan

As you might have guessed, Pakistan isn’t a good place to be queer.

Interestingly enough, gay couples can fly under the radar long as you don’t kiss in public or admit you’re gay. Men hold hands and put arms around men. Women hold hands and touch other women. People of the same gender share hotel rooms without issue. Basically, so long as men and women aren’t touching in public, all is well. Don’t tell anyone you’re gay and you’ll be okay.

Gay communities do exist. I’ve only met one lesbian couple in Pakistan, but I know several gay men who traveled the country and said there’s a thriving underground gay scene to be found in cities (try Grindr, Tinder, or Couchsurfing). Women, you unfortunately might have to look a bit harder.

The idea of transgenders is established in Pakistan, but not in a positive way.

Hijras are men dressed as women who traditionally beg on the streets and at weddings. Some also work as prostitutes or dancers. Aside from hijras , people aren’t familiar with transgenders or genderqueers. Brace yourself for a lot of questions and looks. If male passing, know identifying as male will save you a lot of hassle.

Hookups and relationships in Pakistan

Relationships/hooking up with Pakistanis is possible, mostly in the liberal cities of Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. Tinder is very active in Pakistan, and a good place to start fishing.

Dating is manageable… but if you want to actually sleep with someone you might encounter problems. Unless someone has their own place—meaning they don’t live with their family—you’ll have to find either an Airbnb or an expensive hotel room.

Men, please be careful if trying to hook up with women: their reputation can really be damaged if word gets out that they sleep with [foreign] men. In Pakistan, reputation is everything. You can leave Pakistan—and a bad reputation—more easily than they.

For love? Or for visa?

Beware declarations of love, marriage proposals, etc in Pakistan. Pakistani men commonly try to seduce foreign women in the hopes of marrying and getting a visa to another country. It’s not impossible to have a legitimate relationship… just more likely that ulterior motives are involved.

Ex-cans of Murree, the only local beer in Pakistan

Pakistan travel guide: Drinks and drugs in Pakistan

The Quran forbids substances… but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist in the Islamic Republic!

Be sensible with substances in Pakistan; Pakistanis tend to go overboard and authorities will not play nicely if they find drugs on you.

Alcohol in Pakistan

Believe it or not, there’s one legal brewery in Pakistan: Murree Brewery. They have a monopoly on all alcohol in the country, and produce everything from beer (passable, try the light blue wheat beer) to all kinds of liquor (beware).

Foreigners/non-Muslims can legally purchase alcohol from shops and high-end hotels. Wine shops are relatively common in multicultural Sindh province , but further north, you’ll need to look to five-star hotels and “permit shops” attached to them where drinks are sold at market cost. The shopkeepers can often arrange imported drinks for you under the table for an extra fee.

“Bootleggers” are the go-to choice for Muslims. Pakistanis who drink likely have phone numbers of several bootleggers who can deliver alcohol discreetly. Bootleggers are easy in this regard, though their drinks are usually more expensive than the shops’.

Hash (cannabis) in Pakistan

Hashish is everywhere in Pakistan.

It comes from the region around the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Most Pakistani boys have tried hash at least once, and it’s easy for men to find someone to smoke with. Girls get raised eyebrows if they partake, though elite young women in cities do smoke. Ask around and you’re sure to find “stuff” everywhere in the country.

Read: Rolling with the stoners in Hunza

The best stuff is in/from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Look for hash that’s relatively dry and a dark greenish brown. Despite boastful city kids’ claims, the sticky tar-like substance they smoke there is adulterated.

Other drugs in Pakistan

Yes, you can find other drugs in Pakistan.

Some pharmacies are… flexible. Heroin is widespread in the country as it comes from Pakistan’s next-door neighbor, Afghanistan. Party drugs circulate in elite society; if you’re attending a big party in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad, there’s a decent chance someone is on drugs. LSD, MDMA, cocaine, speed, meth, they’re all there.

Whether or not you partake is on you. I won’t judge drug usage *cough* but do be careful taking substances, especially from people you don’t know well. Just because someone says white powder is cocaine doesn’t mean it’s actually cocaine (remember, cocaine comes from South America, thousands and thousands of kilometers away ).

The drug scene in Pakistan is not so developed that you can expect the average drug user to know quality from fake. Besides, in a country where even simple things like milk are faked or cut with toxic ingredients , how can you expect illicit substances to be pure?

Be careful. And drink lots of water!

Pakistan travel guide: Religion in Pakistan

The vast majority of Pakistanis are Muslim, with scattered Christian and Hindu communities. Islam is the official state religion, the head of state has to be a Muslim, and people’s religion is stated on their identity cards.

Because Pakistan is an Islamic Republic, its laws are based on Sharia law. It has some of the most draconian blasphemy laws in the world. Foreigners won’t be held to the same standards as locals, but you should always be respectful of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, and religious culture.

Atheism, though not officially illegal, can be punishable by death under the blasphemy law . Even if you’re not religious, it’s best to say you have a religion when asked (And you will be asked about this. A lot ) .

Pakistan is one of the worst countries in the world when it comes to the treatment of religious minorities. There are specific laws persecuting the Ahmadi sect of Islam, although few Pakistanis will want to talk about this.

It’s best to steer clear of religious discussions unless you’re well acquainted with the person you’re talking to.

Sufism is a kind of Islam widely practiced in Pakistan, yet it can be a sensitive topic for very strict Muslims

Pakistan travel guide: Food in Pakistan

Pakistani food is delicious and diverse, but not particularly healthy. It involves lots of oil, meat, and bread—prepare to pack on the pounds. Outside of (village) homes, don’t expect any fresh salads when traveling in Pakistan aside from sliced onions, cucumbers, and maybe carrots or cabbage.

Food in Pakistan is full of flavors and spices, but rarely too spicy except for those with zero spice tolerance. However, hygiene standards are lacking. Most visitors to Pakistan will have some stomach trouble at one point or another.

Many cities have their own food culture and specialties. Lahore and Karachi compete for the title of the best foodie city in Pakistan. In major cities, more and more cafes and restaurants are attempting international flavors. Quality still varies widely; in general, it’s best to stick to local food. Don’t expect well-executed Western food unless you’re paying a premium.

Some famous Pakistani dishes include:

• Karahi : Meat stir-fried in a large pan
• Biryani : Spiced rice with meat
• Pulao : Rice cooked with animal fat or oil, usually containing carrots, raisins, and meat
• Dal : Lentils
• Channa : Chickpeas
• Roti : Thin round bread
• Naan : Thicker round bread
• Chapli kebab : The best kebab (in my humble opinion), somewhat like a burger patty… but 10x better. The best chapli kebab is found in K hyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province.

Karachi’s street food scene is on

Vegetarians and vegans in Pakistan

Traveling as a vegetarian in Pakistan can be difficult… but it is possible. Affluent Pakistanis understand (and sometimes scoff at) the concept. Except for the poorest of people, meat is a daily staple. Chicken and fish aren’t even considered “meat”—meat means mutton or beef.

If you’re a strict vegetarian, tell your host beforehand. Otherwise, it will lead to awkward situations when someone cooks up a meaty feast in your honor and you have to reject it.

Vegans will have a much harder time traveling in Pakistan. Many dishes include butter or yogurt, and explaining you can’t eat eggs will be interesting. Dal and channa are sometimes cooked in the same pot as meat, or with meat stock. Veganism hardly exists in Pakistan. Be firm, but know you’ll be restricted to dal , channa , and “mix  sabzi “(mixed vegetables). You’ll need to be very clear about no butter or  ghee  (clarified butter).

Pakistan travel guide: Money and the cost of travel in Pakistan

Pakistan uses the Pakistani Rupee (PKR). Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 Rs. There are also coins, but these are virtually useless. Some shops will give change in small candy, rather than coins!

Getting money from ATMs can be a struggle, especially in the north. Not all banks accept foreign cards. Several banks (hi Standard Chartered) charge a 500 Rs fee per withdrawal. Islamic banks do not work with foreign cards . ATMs in the mountains often run out of cash.

In my experience, Bank Alfalah , Habib Bank , and MCB Bank ( not M I B Bank) are your best bet for withdrawing cash from ATMs in Pakistan.

Northern Pakistan is beautiful… but can be a nightmare when it comes to finding cash. Stock up before you head up!

Cost of travel in Pakistan

Pakistan is a relatively cheap country to travel, although it can be tricky to find budget accommodation outside of the popular tourist destinations or in high season (June – August). Below is a breakdown of the average cost of traveling in Pakistan on a backpacker budget.

At the time of writing, US$1 = 155 Rs.

Food & drinks

• Water or soda : 30 – 100 Rs
• Tea:  10 – 50 Rs
• Breakfast and lunch:  50 – 100 Rs each
• Dinner:  50 – 250 Rs (street food ahoy!)

Accommodation

• Budget hotels:  800 – 1,500 Rs
• Mid-range:  1,500  – 4,000 Rs

Cultural outings

• Museums:  200 – 500 Rs
• Historical sights:  500 – 1,000Rs
• National Parks:  800 Rs
• Mosques: Free

For more info, check out this backpacking in Pakistan budget report.

If you do travel to Pakistan during high season, try to book accommodation ahead of time. Popular places along the Karakoram Highway, such as Hunza, are really popular with Pakistani tourists, and places can be full. Pakistan Traveller is a fantastic Pakistan travel guide that has a multitude of hotel recommendations for everywhere and anywhere you might want to travel in Pakistan.

Famous sights like Baltit Fort in Hunza will cost around 1,000 Rs for a foreigner ticket

Pakistan travel guide: Visas for Pakistan

Almost everyone needs a visa for Pakistan. It used to be a real pain in the butt to get a visa for Pakistan, but the recent e-visa introduction made things much easier. The e-visa form is still way too long and full of irrelevant questions, but at least it’s a start in the right direction.

To find out if you’re eligible for a Pakistani e-visa, go to the e-visa portal of Pakistan . It also mentions a visa on arrival scheme, but many have reported problems with it. It’s better to apply for an e-visa .

How to apply for a Pakistan e-visa

Ensure you have JPEG files of:

• Passport information page
• Passport photo with a white background
• Letter of invitation by a tour company or hotel booking confirmation. I work with a local company to offer cheap letters of invitation for Pakistan evisas . Don’t miss out!

Go to the Pakistan e-visa portal and register yourself. To do this, click the “Tourist Visa” button under “Visa Categories”. It will lead you to the info page about tourist visas. If you click “Apply now”, you’ll be prompted to create a new account or log in to an existing account.

Once registered you can start your application. Allow you have plenty of time, as it can easily take an hour or more to fill out all the questions. Many of them seem unnecessary (and probably are) but alas, you have to fill in the entire form.

Once you’ve finished your application, it’s time to pay. The visa costs US$35 for most nationalities. You can pay with Visa or MasterCard. I’ve heard reports of the payment not working all the time, so check you actually paid.

After you’ve paid, click “Submit your Application”. If you don’t do this, the application will remain pending.

The e-visa portal states it takes 5-7 working days for a visa to be approved, but turnaround can be much faster. If you haven’t heard anything after 7 working days, contact them directly via the e-visa portal. It’s possible they need additional documentation from you.

Pakistan travel guide: Entering and exiting Pakistan

Pakistan shares a border with Afghanistan, China, India, and Iran. It also has multiple international airports. There are no international ferry services to or from Pakistan.

To enter Pakistan you need a valid visa, and you need to fill out an arrival form at customs. The arrival card asks the usual questions such as your name, address, name of the hotel you’ll be staying in, etc.

Exiting Pakistan is straightforward, and no forms have to be filled out.

Land borders

• Afghanistan : This border is at the famous Khyber Pass. Technically, this border is closed to foreigners, but there have been reports of people successfully crossing this border. However, we don’t recommend using this border, as traveling overland in Afghanistan comes with considerable risk.
• China : The land border with China at the Khunjerab Pass is the highest paved border crossing in the world. This border should be open year-round, but heavy snowfall in the area sometimes leads to closures. Check ahead if crossing this border during winter months. For more info, check out my guide on crossing the border between Pakistan and China at the Khunjerab Pass .
• India : Many people believe that the Wagah border isn’t open to foreigners. This is not true. Provided you have a visa, this is actually a pretty easy border to cross. For more info, check out my detailed guide on crossing the famous Wagah border between India and Pakistan . The Wagah border is the only border between India and Pakistan that is open to tourists.
• Iran : There is only one border crossing open to tourists, and it’s not the most relaxing experience. The crossing is located in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan, an area that the government deems too unsafe for independent travel. You’ll get a security escort on the Pakistan side. For detailed info about this border crossing, check out my guide to crossing the border between Iran and Pakistan .

International airports

The main airports in Pakistan are in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Several major airlines fly into Pakistan, and more routes are being added regularly. These include routes to London, Dubai, Istanbul, and Kuala Lumpur.

Pakistan travel guide: Accommodation in Pakistan

Booking a place to sleep in Pakistan ahead of time can be challenging. Although websites and online booking are becomig more common in Pakistan, it’s still not as widespread as in surrounding countries. Pakistanis usually call ahead to reserve rooms.

Finding hotels to stay at in less-visited places—especially ones that accept foreign guests—can be quite the challenge. That’s where having a Pakistan travel guide in print can make a huge difference; all the information is already there. If you’re open to carrying a Pakistan travel guide book with you, I can’t recommend Pakistan Traveller by Urbanduniya enough.

Online booking in Pakistan

Booking.com and Airbnb are growing in Pakistan. The former is still mostly for mid-range to luxury hotels, and the latter works… sometimes. There are an unfortunate amount of creepy men on Airbnb offering rooms in their homes to female travelers only; beware and steer clear.

Facebook pages are increasingly common for mid-range accommodation options, and can be useful for contacting a property to ask questions or reserve a room.

How to find cheap guesthouses in Pakistan

Want to find a cheap place to rest your head? You’ll need to rely on the traveler grapevine. Guidebooks are not very reliable for prices— Pakistan Traveller by Tim Blight being the only exception—and not all cheap hotels and guesthouses accept foreign travelers.

Facebook groups like Backpacking Pakistan and Female Pakistan travelers are your best bet for information on cheap places to stay. Use the search function to find accommodation discussions.

It’s a bit of a hassle, but there’s a plus side: you can haggle over accommodation price upon arrival . Don’t feel bad about it, especially in touristic areas with inflated seasonal prices; Pakistanis expect it, and will take advantage of foreigners who do not haggle. If you can get 15-25% off of the quoted price—up to 50% if it’s particularly inflated—you’re doing well.

Some popular accommodation for backpackers in Pakistan you might want to be aware of include:

• Lahore Backpackers (US$6 for dorm bed)
• Five Giants (US$15-20 for a shared room in homestay)
• Adam’s House (US$10 for a private room)
• Islamabad: Backpackers’ Hostel & Guesthouse Islamabad (US$8 for dorm bed)
• Madina Hotel and Madina Hotel 2 (around US$10-20 for a double)
• Karimabad: Old Hunza Inn
• Peshawar: Hidayat Hotel

Lunch with my host at a homestay I found through Let’s Home

Homestays in Pakistan

Until recently, there weren’t many homestay options in Pakistan, but that is changing. Check out my article on homestays in Pakistan to get all the latest info.

A special shoutout goes to Seema, a motivated Hunzai woman, who recently started a booking platform called Let’s Home . She offers a variety of accommodation including homestays around Gilgit Baltistan. I used it to find a family in old Altit, and had a great experience.

Couchsurfing in Pakistan

The Couchsurfing community is highly active in Pakistan’s cities, and local CSers are eager to host foreigners. Most of the CS community is male, but there are few female members in major cities and many men are trustworthy. Always read the host’s references before agreeing to stay.

Since CS has become a paid service now, check out the Facebook group for CSers in Pakistan.

Being hosted in Pakistan

It’s remarkably easy to be hosted once on the road.

Unbelievable until you’re in Pakistan, but many people will simply offer you a place in their homes if you chat with them long enough. Their overwhelming hospitality is a privilege; make sure not to abuse their kindness. Don’t overstay your welcome, help around the house (they won’t accept at first), and bring small gifts from your country or tokens of appreciation like fruits or sweets.

Another bonus to being hosted: in Pakistan, family and friends are everywhere and it’s normal to stay with them when visiting places. Your host will probably offer to find a friend for you to stay with in your next destination. Make one friend, and their whole social network opens up!

Pakistan travel guide: Transportation in Pakistan

Pakistan has a myriad of transport options. Train, bus, and minibus are most common for long-distance travel. For shorter distances use either rickshaws (south of Islamabad), taxis (Islamabad) or Jeeps (north of Islamabad).

Pakistan has an extensive rail network. Trains are relatively comfortable, albeit a bit slow. Prices are reasonable unless you want AC class. It is advisable to book your ticket ahead of time, and with the help of a local.

Check the Pakistan Railway website for schedules and fares. The website is not the easiest to use, but it’ll do. If you have a local friend with a credit card and phone number, they can book you a ticket online. Don’t roget to read my guide on train travel in Pakistan before you do!

Buses and minibuses

Pakistan’s multitude of bus options are sometimes overwhelming. But that’s where this Pakistan travel guide can help you out!

From crappy minibus, to bedazzled local buses, to well-run Daewoo and Faisal Movers services, there are a lot of ways to get from A to B.

High-end bus services

When I’m in a rush and want to make sure I reach my destination on time, I prefer Faisal Movers, Daewoo, or for Gilgit-Baltistan, NATCO. These services are professional, leave on time and are very comfortable. Definitely worth the extra rupees.

• Schedules for Daewoo
• Schedules for NATCO

Ticket prices depend on the type of bus. I’ve had luxurious buses with reclining seats and AC… and passable contraptions with no AC. Different buses go at different times. To get an idea of prices, a Daewoo from Lahore to Islamabad (Rawalpindi) goes for 1,000 to 1,500 Rs for the four-hour journey .

You can usually book tickets on the same day at the bus station or through your hotel. Note that Daewoo has its own stations, so make sure you go here and not to the local bus station.

Local buses and minibuses

Prices for local buses are much cheaper, but you’ll be packed in like sardines in a can.

Minibuses are usually available for shorter hops between towns. Sometimes there’s a minibus yard, sometimes they leave from a specific point on the road, and sometimes… nobody knows where they leave from! Ask locals to figure out where you can find a bus to your next destination, or wait on a roadside and try flagging down passing minibuses—they can stop anywhere.

Minibus prices should be set, but ticket hawkers are likely to try making some extra money off of you. A minibus shouldn’t be much more than 200 Rs for a five-hour journey . Ask a fellow passenger what the price is, or watch to see what other people around you are paying.

Local bus and a Qingqi in Sehwan Sharif

To save yourself some hassle, download the taxi app Careem , which most Pakistanis use to get taxis. Uber (now the owner of Careem) also operates in major Pakistani cities.

Both offer a variety of vehicles ranging from motorbikes to rickshaws to air-conditioned cars, and they’re by far the easiest and most hassle-free way to get around cities.

Rickshaws and Qingqis

Rickshaws (with doors) and Qingqis (pronounced “ching-chee”, totally open) have a somewhat bad reputation, but in my experience, they’re the fastest way to get around in cities. There are no set prices, though, and sometimes you have to drive a hard bargain.

As a basic rule of thumb, for foreigners, the actual price is probably around 50-75% of what the rickshaw driver initially quotes you. Offer half of what he’s saying, then bargain up from there. Alternatively, check the price of a rickshaw to your destination using the rideshare apps Uber and Careem—yes, they offer rickshaw rides, too—and use that as a bargaining point.

Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price seems too high. There are thousands of rickshaws around; another rickshaw driver is sure to appear if you’re not satisfied with the price.

Pricing is a bit tricky, but a 10-minute drive should cost about 150 Rs.

Many places in the mountains, such as Fairy Meadows and Deosai, are only accessible by jeep. There are public transport jeeps for remote valleys like Chapursan and Shimshal , but in other areas you’ll have to hire a private jeep.

Prices to popular places such as Fairy Meadows are fixed and non-negotiable, while others are more… flexible. It pays to wait around and see if you can share a jeep with other people going your way. Alternatively, you can post in the Backpacking Pakistan Facebook group to find someone to share a ride with.

A jeep to Fairy Meadows is 7,500 Rs, and a jeep to Deosai is 8-10,000 Rs for a day trip. Overnight trips are more expensive. Hotels can arrange jeeps for you, at a higher cost. Your best bet is to ask friendly locals what a decent rate should be.

A private jeep hired during one of my unique women-only tours of Pakistan

Pakistan travel guide: Safety in Pakistan

One of the things people want to know before going: is Pakistan safe? A fair question!

For years, Pakistan was associated with violence. Terrorist groups were in power in many rural areas and terror attacks were common in cities.  Heck, even now many governments advise against travel to (parts of) Pakistan. There’s no denying the country is still perceived as dangerous.

Although terrorist attacks still happen—and not all places in Pakistan are safe for travel—the security situation has largely improved. The Pakistani military has stabilized the security situation. Places that foreigners are likely to visit, such as the cities of Lahore and Islamabad or the mountains of Gilgit Baltistan are generally safe to travel, given you take standard precautions. The fact that you’re reading through this Pakistan travel guide means you’re already more prepared than others.

Legitimately dangerous areas are off-limits to foreign visitors, so the chance of something serious happening to you is slim. The biggest dangers of traveling in Pakistan are traffic-related, pollution, and getting sick from poor hygiene standards. Oh, and hospitality 😉

To be fair, there’s a good chance you’ll still feel uncomfortable at times with the current security situation. Pakistan is still a police state. There’s a lot of heavily armed personnel on the streets, and many security checkpoints throughout the country. Sensitive sites such as shrines and religious minority gatherings will be filled with army/police/security. Don’t let it intimidate you—these people are there for safety purposes.

To learn more about safe travel in Pakistan, check out my article on whether it’s safe to travel in Pakistan .

That time I had a security escort with me during the urs of Lal Shahbaz in Sehwan Sharif

Dealing with security in Pakistan  

When people ask me about the security situation in Pakistan, I usually respond with “Pakistan doesn’t have a security problem, in Pakistan security is the problem.”

Security agencies are a sore spot for many foreign travelers in Pakistan, though don’t say so to any Pakistani.

To be fair, it’s in the agencies’ interests to keep foreign travelers out of trouble. If anything happens to a foreigner it will be all over the news and Pakistan’s international image will sink further.

Agencies are overbearing with foreigners because of this. In my years of travel in Pakistan, I’ve had intelligence agency stalkers, confrontational encounters with police, mandatory armed guards. Police and army stopped me from going places saying I needed permission or an NOC (non objection certificate) but didn’t say how to get one.

On the bright side, things have vastly improved in the last year. Gilgit Baltistan and the Chitral region almost entirely removed the need for NOCs and armed escorts in 2019 .

However, you’ll likely encounter issues if traveling to less-visited destinations, especially in southern Punjab and Sindh province . Common problematic places for travelers include:

• Multan – Foreigners are often required to leave immediately if discovered by police. Can only stay if unnoticed residing at luxury hotels.
• Bahawalpur – Foreigners are not allowed into army-occupied palaces, and can again only stay at expensive hotels.
• Sukkur – Multiple travelers reported questioning and harassment by security agencies when visiting Sukkur.

Hopefully security won’t be an issue for you, but if you must deal with security, be polite but firm. Ask them to show their identification first. Save phone numbers of Pakistanis you meet in the government or army; power and connections go a long way with security agencies. If what they’re asking of you doesn’t make sense, stand your ground.

Protip: Never insult the army. Most Pakistanis love the army. Despite their rather ominous not-so-secret control of the country, they did help stabilize it and don’t ask for bribes like police do. Pakistanis will not take kindly to army insults.

Pakistan travel guide: Connectivity in Pakistan

Connectivity in Pakistan is hit-and-miss. Wifi is often bad—if present at all—and mobile signals can go down at any time for no reason. Signals are often blocked during large events that may pose a security threat. Cities have decent 4G coverage, but especially in the rural north, there are many places with no coverage at all. If you want to have the widest range of coverage, you’ll need two or three different sim cards from several mobile operators.

Mobile SIM cards for calling and data in Pakistan

Overall, Zong and Telenor are your best bet in cities and rural areas. In northern Gilgit Baltistan, Zong and Telenor work in  some  areas, but it’s a better idea to buy a SCOM SIM card instead. You can buy them at customer service centers in hubs such as Gilgit, Aliabad, and Karimabad.

Getting a SIM card can be an annoying process. Foreigners cannot buy SIM cards at any outlet—you have to go to an official “customer service center” of the mobile provider to get one. You must fill out a registration form to buy a SIM, so bring copies of your passport.

It usually takes 4-12 hours for your card to activate (24 for SCOM). Your SIM card will expire when your visa expires.

WiFi in Pakistan

WiFi in Pakistan is spotty at best. Upscale cafes will have Wifi that may or may not work, as will high-end hotels. Besides that, you’re pretty much lost.

Rather than relying on WiFi networks, I usually buy a large mobile data pack (10GB, mmm blogger life) and use my mobile phone as a WiFi hotspot. If you’re going to do that, buy a power bank so you don’t have to worry about your phone running out of battery while you do so.

Pakistan travel guide: Being a responsible tourist in Pakistan

Pakistan encourages many bad habits; it’s easy to forget to be a responsible tourist in the face of it all.

Nevertheless, we visitors have a responsibility to Pakistan and its people to leave a positive impact on the country, especially as tourism develops. Here are some suggestions for visiting Pakistan responsibly:

• Always ask before taking someone’s picture, especially women . Many women (and their male family) are sensitive about having their photo taken.
• Don’t take photos of children unless you have permission from their parents . Share sparingly. Pakistani photographers abuse this all the time; that doesn’t make it right.
• Keep places clean . If you find a plastic bag or have one to spare, use it to collect trash while walking in nature. Dispose of trash somewhere where it might be disposed of properly.
• Hire local guides and drivers. Punjabis tend to dominate the tourism scene, but they are not locals outside of Punjab.
• Support female-run businesses . Pakistan is far from gender equality, but many women in the country are trying to change that. Some totally female-run examples are Let’s Home for accommodation, The Mad Hatters for organized tours, and A Piece Of Cake café in Lahore.

Useful? Pin it!

Other useful resources for planning Pakistan travel

Want more sweet Pakistan travel deliciousness? Below are several of my favorite posts to help you plan your trip to Pakistan. They’re full of all kinds of things to know before going to Pakistan.

Pakistan tours I run

• 3 weeks: Pakistan for women, by women
• 2 weeks: Pakistan adventure motorcycle tour

Best Pakistan travel guide book

Pakistan Traveller by Urbanduniya is hands down the best printed Pakistan travel guide on the market. I know; I helped him with the latest edition!

Pakistan travel guides on Lost With Purpose

• Is Pakistan safe to travel?
• Guide to traveling in Sindh province
• Is it safe for women to travel in Pakistan?
• Female traveler’s guide to Pakistan
• First timer’s guide to train travel in Pakistan
• Experiences to add to your Pakistan bucket list
• Traveling Pakistan during Ramadan

Region-specific Pakistan travel guides

• Things to do in Lahore
• Chapursan Valley travel guide
• Phander Valley travel guide
• Kalash Valley travel guide
• Guide to trekking in Swat Valley

Epic Pakistan experiences

• The longest border crossing in the world
• Desert trippin’ at the urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif
• Sufi nights in Lahore
• Learning to motorbike in Pakistan
• Rolling with the stoners in Hunza
• Bloodbaths in the Walled City: Eid al Adha in Lahore

Need even more tips about travel in Pakistan? Ask them in the comments or get in touch .

Alex Reynolds

33 thoughts on “ pakistan travel guide: everything to know before you go ”.

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Outstanding read!

Very Informative and funny.

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great article thanks for sharing. i always struggeld with finding an ATM, so then i foudn this travel app ” ATM Fee Saver” it shows ATMs close by and gives information about their fees and limit. super useful 🙂 maybe you wanna check it out.

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Northern Pakistan: Wonders of the Karakoram

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On this amazing journey through the mountains of the famous Karakoram Highway - the eighth wonder of the world - we will experience stunning scenery, historical forts, regional cuisine, imposing plateaus and heritage properties as we venture into the Baltistan region. Beginning in Islamabad, we travel north through the beautiful forested landscapes of Kaghan Valley and over the spectacular Babusar Pass to the classic frontier town of Gilgit. From here we continue to Hunza, home to ...

On this amazing journey through the mountains of the famous Karakoram Highway - the eighth wonder of the world - we will experience stunning scenery, historical forts, regional cuisine, imposing plateaus and heritage properties as we venture into the Baltistan region. Beginning in Islamabad, we travel north through the beautiful forested landscapes of Kaghan Valley and over the spectacular Babusar Pass to the classic frontier town of Gilgit. From here we continue to Hunza, home to colourful local markets, the impressive UNESCO Baltit Fort and some of the region’s most epic mountain scenery. More of the northeast’s natural gems await as we arrive in the alpine meadows of Rama Lake and journey on to the stunning Deosai Plateau National Park, the second highest plateau in the world. Discover the cultural highlights of Khaplu and Skardu where we will explore morning markets and spend time with local communities, before returning south to Islamabad.

At a glance

Local Prado or classic re-conditioned 1970s Willys jeeps for certain sections in the north; coasters everywhere else.

EXPERT TEAM

Accommodation, entrance fees, fitness rating.

As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this trip, there is some varied accommodation including some excellent hotels, but on the whole it will be in small hotels and guesthouses with Western style bathrooms.

For security reasons we do not provide details of the hotels used on this trip but if you would like more information please contact the office.

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Positive Impact of this Trip

Map & itinerary.

Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below

Day 1 Tour starts in Islamabad

Today the tour starts in Islamabad, 'City of Islam', Pakistan's capital city. It replaced Karachi back in 1967 and is now the political and commercial heart of the country. Situated against the lush backdrop of the Margalla Hills it is a city where old and new collide. Leafy green boulevards are home to modern buildings, and shopping malls, but also dotted with traditional homes and mosques. After checking in to our rooms, available from 14:00 or possibly earlier, we have the chance to visit some of the famous sights of Islamabad including the Faisal Mosque, the largest in South East Asia, and 5th largest mosque in the world. We will also take time to visit the Lok Virsa Museum and Pakistan Monument.

Day 2 Islamabad – Naran

After breakfast leave for the beautiful valley of Kaghan, a drive of approximately 7 hours. The valley has a beautiful river flowing through it, flanked by stunning mountains. Check into the hotel in Naran in the late afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure. The majority of the people here are Pashtun and you should have the opportunity to have a stroll around the bazaar this evening or sit and watch the world go by in one of the rooftop cafes.

Day 3 Naran - Gilgit (4173m approx)

Departing early this morning we will continue through the forested Kaghan Valley and over the spectacular Babusar Pass and Raikot Bridge, enjoying more spectacular scenery as we drive along the Karakoram Highway to Gilgit.

Day 4 Gilgit - Hunza

This morning we have a chance to take a look around this classic frontier town, once considered the furthest outpost of the empire. We will see the Christian graveyard and the bazaar, before heading north on the KKH to Hunza in the famed Hunza Valley. We know we use a lot of superlatives in this tour but this journey really is epic, particularly as you round the corner and see the titanic form of Mount Rakaposhi basking in the sun, right beside the road. We will take lunch on the way – at the Rakaposhi View Restaurant – before continuing on to Hunza. On arrival we will have the chance to explore this laidback little town and admire the mountains that surround it before continuing on to our hotel for our first night situated, as the name suggests, 2,850m above sea level, 800m above the valley floor with panoramic views of seven 7,000m peaks!

Day 5 Around Hunza

After breakfast we rejoin the Karakorum Highway and drive to Gulmit (located in Upper Hunza) along the banks of the newly-formed Attabad Lake, a significant addition to the natural beauty of Hunza. On reaching Gulmit we can enjoy a walk through the village and learn more about carpet weaving and other traditional handicrafts. From here we will drive on to Borith Lake situated just north of Gulmit, stopping en route to see the spectacular Hussaini Hanging Bridge. The lake can be reached from Husseini village, which lies adjacent to Gulmit village. Proceed to Passu to enjoy fabulous views of Tupupdan Sar, Passu Peaks, Shispare and Boyohagur, before enjoying refreshments at the local hotel and then returning to Hunza.

Day 6 Around Hunza

Another full day around Hunza gives us the chance to take a wonderful water channel walk down to Hunza town where we’ll visit the famous Baltit Fort, recently restored by the Aga Khan Trust to a fantastic standard, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll also have plenty of time for shopping in the town’s pretty bazaar as well as time simply to relax. After all this is a holiday!

Day 7 Hunza - Astore

Day 8 Astore – Deosai Plateau – Skardu (4100m approx)

After an early breakfast we'll set off for the amazing Deosai Plateau National Park. Deosai Plain has an average elevation of 4,114m above sea level, making it one of the highest plateaus in the world. We’ll enjoy a hearty picnic lunch with views of the Himalayas before continuing on to Skardu. Today will be a long day as we are covering large distances but will be rewarded with yet even more striking scenery.

Day 9 Skardu - Khaplu

This morning we’ll visit the old bazaar, and then head out to see the Manthal Buddha rock carving just outside Skardu. After this we’ll drive to Khaplu for a real treat as we stay in one of the most wonderful heritage hotels in the whole subcontinent. This has been recently converted by the Aga Khan Cultural Development Trust and runs as a community project.

Day 10 Khaplu - Hushe - Khaplu (3050m approx)

Today the adventure continues as we follow the Shyok and Hushe Rivers into the heart of the Karakoram. Draining an enormous area of the eastern Karakoram, much of which is now in India, the Shyok and Hushe rivers cut a spectacular trail into this eastern most part of Baltistan. We'll drive up the Hushe Valley, where we have the opportunity to visit our foundation-sponsored school in the remote village of Baleygon. From here we’ll continue a little further up the valley to Marzigone where we see the magnificent sight of the 7,000m Mashabrum Mountain standing sentinel before us. In the late afternoon, as the sun is setting, we’ll return to Khaplu.

Day 11 Khaplu - Skardu

Today we drive the shorter two-hour drive back to Skardu. In the afternoon we can then spend some time exploring Kharapocho, also known as Skardu Fort, before visiting the sand dunes of Skardu's unusual 'Cold Desert'.

Day 12 Skardu - Islamabad

Day 13 Around Islamabad

Today we will have a relaxed start and take a short drive to Taxila to explore this fascinating Buddhist university town, dating back to the Gandaharan era of Alexander the Great. We’ll then return to Islamabad where they may be time for some last minute shopping before our farewell dinner.

Day 14 Tour ends in Islamabad

Tour ends in Islamabad after breakfast.

PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?

All group tours can be taken on a private basis.

Additional Details

Responsible travel.

With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit. When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.  Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.

Baleygon School – Hushe Valley, Northern Pakistan

On this tour you have the opportunity to visit the Wild Frontiers Foundation sponsored school in the remote Hushe Valley village of Baleygon. The building and ongoing support of the Baleygon Village School has been our biggest and most challenging project to date, spanning over 10 years. With government funding often not forthcoming at the time, hamlets, villages and entire regions had little in the way of educational facilities, denying children of even a basic level of tuition. This was the case in Baleygon village, where stood a dilapidated two-roomed building with 10 broken desks and around 100 students (most of whom had to sit on a hard concrete floor even in mid-winter to learn), one teacher in charge of all students from 4 to 14-year-olds, and very little else in the way of equipment. Recognising the needs of the village and the students, the Wild Frontiers Foundation’s first major project was initiated in 2010. It was a long process, but the initial funds raised through a charity trek to K2,  led to huge developments at the school including land purchase, three new classrooms and a new teacher. In 2012 there was an official opening of the new school extension amid much celebration.

We now work with educational charity partner, the Felix Foundation Baltistan, which manages the school on our behalf to help ensure a good quality of education and student attendance. As guardians of the school, the Wild Frontiers Foundation’s continued support funds teachers’ wages, teaching aids, equipment and contributes to the general maintenance and upkeep of the building and grounds, while helping to secure the future education of the children in Baleygon and surrounding villages.  

Reducing Single Use Plastic

We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)

Supplementary Information

Lahore Post Tour Extension

This morning you will be driven from Islamabad to Lahore.

En route you will stop off at Rohtas Fort, also known as Qila Rohtas, an exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture in Central and South Asia. Following the defeat of the Moghul Emperor Humayun in 1541, Sher Shah Suri built the strong fortified complex at Rohtas, a strategic site about 16km north-west of the city of Jhelum. On arrival in Lahore, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in.

Lahore Full Day City Tour

Today you have a full day of guiding in Lahore. The historic capital of both the Moghul and Sikh empires, this city also played a significant part in the British governance of the Punjab. Home to a remarkable collection of cultural and historic highlights, your tour today will include visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Jahangir Tomb, Asif Khan Tomb and Noor Jahan Tomb, once richly decorated with floral fresco paintings on lime plaster. Following this, drive to the Shalimar Gardens and then on to the Wagah border where you will join the patriotic crowds to witness the extraordinary - and very bizarre - Wagah Border Ceremony. Watch the spectacle of the frontier guards of Pakistan squaring up to the frontier guards of India in an act of great bravado, pomp and ceremony, closing the gate between the two countries, each lowering their flags. This is a wonderful introduction to the relationship between the two great foes.

Today your tour includes the wonderful assortment of artefacts and national history displayed at the Lahore Museum, the striking Badshahi Mosque built from red sandstone and the neighbouring Lahore Fort. In the early afternoon, head to the walled city of Lahore to view the hustle and bustle of day to day life in this city. If you walk through the busy bazaar, you can also visit the spectacular and recently restored Shahi Hammam, as well as the Wazir Khan Mosque. In the afternoon, you will visit the shrine of Hazrat Mian Mir, a famous Sufi Muslim saint who resided in Lahore.

Early this morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to Lahore Airport in time for your flight.

Please note that this tour extension will be with a Local Guide and not a WF Tour Leader and may be shared with other clients booked on your group tour departure. Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis. Please contact our Sales team for more details and costs.

Getting There

If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.

If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.  

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here -  https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa

For this tour UK passport holde rs currently require a visa for Pakistan . Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.

Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a mandatory requirement for all travellers to Pakistan . Also, if your travels are for 4 weeks or more, you will be required to show proof of a Polio vaccination on exiting the country. For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.  Malaria is present in some par ts of Pakistan  and pr ecautions are essential. For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk Covid Testing : No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers. If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.

If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration. The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.

*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert

Lahore Group Tour Extension

Why not add a 3 day extension in Lahore onto your Pakistan tour, and soak up the atmosphere, historical majesty and faded elegance of the Moghul and Raj eras, along with the bustling street life of Pakistan's traditional capital. For more details refer to the Supplementary Information section.

Governmental Travel Advice

Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department . Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.

Key Information

The weather conditions can be extremely varied. In the mountains of Pakistan, where you will often be travelling at heights of up to 3,000 metres, even in the middle of summer it can turn bitter; at the same time the temperature in Islamabad could be nudging 40 degrees.

IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?

It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.

KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. Please note there are some long driving days and in places the drive can be bumpy.  When travelling in jeeps, we open the roof when the weather permits to fully embrace the nature of adventure travel that this mode of transport allows and maximising our opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL

We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.

TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS

As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone! Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour. Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.

Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.

General Information

All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.

A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.

PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY

For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page

This tour will earn you 7514 Wild Miles

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour. Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights Beverages & any costs of a personal nature : This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY

If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events. 

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.

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Walking in Northern Pakistan

Rakaposhi (25,551ft/7,788m) and nanga parbat (26,660ft/8,126m - world's 7th highest mountain), pakistan.

Trekkers may add a 3-day tour to Lahore. This is Pakistan’s most vibrant city and included visits to the famed Lahore Museum, Red Fort, Shalimar Gardens and Friday Mosque, amongst other sites of the city. Please contact Gordon Janow if interested.

This was an amazing opportunity to experience Pakistan!  I thought the trip went as planned and exceeded my expectations. The treks made the trip for me, getting out in the wild and really experiencing Pakistan and the locals with amazing scenery!  I will never forget the two weeks I spent in Pakistan, an experience very few will ever have.  A special thanks to Eric, Momin, and Rafeek,  The three of them were incredible!!!

Depart Home Country.

In transit.

Arrive Islamabad early morning. After checking into hotel (approximately 4 am for most flights) we will reconvene for an orientation at 11am and then have a group lunch. We will have a short tour as time permits and dinner as we prepare for an early flight the next day.

Fly to Gilgit or Skardu and onward travel to village of Passu.

(Should the flight be cancelled, we will commence on driving up to the Karakorum Highway over the Babusar Pass 4,173 m. The pass is the highest point and connects the Kaghan Valley with town of Chilas. It’s one of the most famous hairpin roads in the world. We overnight on in route and arrive Passu the following day).

Home of the mighty Passu cones (jagged peak above the village), Passu epitomizes the beauty of both the mountains and local village life that make Northern Pakistan so intriguing. This will be our base for the next few days as we take on a series of stunning days hikes with breathtaking mountain views, and can include remote valleys, outing to Borith Lake, visits with local villagers, timber wood plank suspension bridge crossings (in continuous use for hundreds of years) and walks along the bed of the Indus River.

Passu is part of the famed Northern Hunza Valley (often referred to as Gojal) and has a long history of proud and pioneering people who originated in the Wakhan Corridor of Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. The language and ethnic group is known as Wakhi or as they say, “we are Wakhi from Wakhan.”

“ Passu is one of my favorite places in all the world ” – G. Janow Director of Programs

Days 5 – 6

Trekking in and around Passu.

Visit Duiker Valley

We drive to Duiker Valley (roof of the world) via Gulmit Village (second capital of Hunza in 960 CE) where we visit the small women’s weaving center and onward to the valley via Attabad Lake.

Duiker Valley will serve as our base to visit the forts of Karimabad and neighboring areas. From Duiker we have a breathtaking view of the Hunza Valley and many peaks over 7000 meters such as Rakaposhi (7,788 m), Diran Peak (7,266 m), Spantik (7,027 m), Ultar Sar (7,388 m).

Dukker Valley visit to include:

Walks on the water channel which starts from Karimabad village and ends in Hyderabad Nala. During the water channel walk you will have close interaction with local people, and it is a great opportunity to get enmeshed in local village life. Karimabad also has a vibrant tourist bazaar (mostly designed for domestic visitors, but a good chance to shop for gifts).

“The people are cheerful and friendly. Almost all speak Burushaski and in upper Hunza they speak Wakhi. The miracle of the Hunzakuts longevity, supposedly resulting from their mostly vegetarian diet of cereals and fruits from Hunza Valley.”

Continue tour in Duiker Valley area. Visit Hopper Valley, Altit & Baltit.

Morning drive to Hopper Valley, The Hopper Valley is a scenic portion of the Nagar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan. Hopper Valley is home of the Spantik and Hopper glaciers. After lunch we visit Baltit Fort 700 Years old and Altit Fort (900-Years-old), after a walk in the Karimabad bazaar.

The Fort offers breathtaking views of the magnificent high mountains as well as a bird’s eye view of the villages in the valley. Baltit Fort has great historical, cultural and symbolic value to the local community. Historically, it was the seat of the Mirs of Hunza, a family that ruled the region for centuries. Culturally it is a record of the architectural evolution of the area, with some buildings dating back to 12th century. The main building is an impressive stone structure with intricately detailed timber features. Its architecture is a significant example of Pakistan’s diverse heritage, reflecting distinct Tibetan influence as seen by the presence of a Tibetan ‘sky-light’ in the roof.

Altit Fort: Built on a sheer rock-cliff that falls 300 meters into the Hunza River and is much older than the Baltit Fort. The extreme gullies, sharp drop-off, and location high above the river made this settlement highly defensible and an older settlement than many in the central valley.

The majestic Altit Fort is center of attraction due to its architectural design and strategic location. Altit is the birthplace of the Hunza Kingdom and Altit fort is the first fort of the region. The fort has been constructed in six different stages by using various natural levels of the rock. The construction has been made right-on the edge of a sheer rock cliff that drops 1,000 feet straight down to the Hunza River. In the beginning it was built as a palace, soon after the addition of the watch tower a defensive architectural element it transformed to a fort. There is great possibility that different stages of the fort have been constructed during different times because the actual age of the fort is said to be more than 800 years, around 50-100 years older than Baltit Fort.

At the end of the day, we can return to Karimabad bazaar for last minute shopping and a chance to drink the ever-elusive Cappuccino.

Drive to the small village of Manapin our launch point to the trek to Rakaposhi base camp. The drive provides excellent views of Rakaposhi (7788m) and Diran peak (7266m) while skirting the edge of the old Silk Road.

After an early start we hike to meadow camp at Hapakun in 4-5 hours. The trail begins behind the Minapin village, where we cross a bridge to the Minapin River’s true left bank. The step path gives wide views of the Minapin Glacier, and eventually of the entire Rakaposhi-Diran crest line as we reach Hapakun camp. (5.8km, 792m ascent, 2,814 m). Here we enjoy the views from the meadow and take a 2-hour break for lunch.

After lunch we make the ascent up to Rakaposhi Basecamp also known as Tagaphia camp. The trek takes 3 – 4 hours.

Our hike in the afternoon has us crossing the canal between the two camps, the trail heads south, rising across rock-strewn open ground beyond Hapakun’ s largest camp and we climb immediately west up switchbacks through a fir forest. After 15 – 30 minutes, the trail eases off and contours the rocky slope for 30 – 45 minutes to a verdant bowl where wildflowers and colorful songbirds thrive. Sweeping gently through the meadows, the trail enters scattered juniper stands and climbs via switchbacks to the windy ridge top, where Diran, Rakaposhi and their interconnecting ice wall finally come into full dramatic view. From here the trail flattens as we make the final walk to base camp, hugging the mountainside until the meadow opens before us at base camp. Overnight in tents.

Overnight Rakaposhi Basecamp

We leave camp early morning and make our way towards Rakaposhi eventually reaching the large glacier (non-technical) crossing to Diran base camp where we lunch before return. This is a full day outing and truly brings us deep in the Karakorum range.

Descend to Village of Manpin We descend at a slow pace back to village of Manapin where we overnight at a small lodge.

Trek to Nanga Parbat

We drive to Raikot Bridge (1 hour), then transfer by jeep and travel a rough and exhilarating road to Tato village (1.5 hours) and trek to Fairy Meadows (2-3 hours, 5.5 km).

The Fairy Meadows lie at an altitude of 3,306 m. Here we have a spectacular view of Nanga Parbat, 8,125 m. Overnight in huts.

Driving the road to Raikot Bridge, we stop at the junction point of the three world famous mountain ranges where The Himalayas (means the “Home of Snow”), The Karakoram (means black gravel) and The Hindu Kush (means the “Killer of Hindus”) meet just at the northern region of Pakistan

Hermann Buhl, the Austrian climber who made the first ascent of Nanga Parbat in 1953, named this area Fairy Meadows due to its wonderful scenery.

Excursion to Nanga Parbat viewpoint & Back to Fairy Meadows.

Full day excursion to Nanga Parbat viewpoint, altitude 3,967 m, 467 m ascent, 467 m descent, and trek back to Fairy Meadows. On this trek we will have panoramic views of Nanga Parbat 8,126 m, Raikot Peak 7,070 m, Chongra Peak 6,830 m and Ganalo Peak 6,608 m.

Return to Raikot Bridge and travel to Gilgit, the largest city in the area. In Gilgit we will visit the Kargha Buddha wall carving, Gilgit suspension bridge and bazaar area.

Travel to Islamabad

Fly Gilgit to Islamabad. In case of cancellation, we will begin our drive to Islamabad overnighting at hotel along the way.

Islamabad Tour (arrive Islamabad if driving)

Islamabad is the capital of Pakistan and the ninth largest city in the country with a population of 1.4 million. It is a modern city located on the Pothohar Plateau in the northeastern part of the country. The region has historically been the crossroad of the provinces Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) and Punjab (India), with Margalla pass acting as the gateway between the two regions. The city was built during the 1960s to replace Karachi as Pakistan’s capital.

Tour Taxila (if we were able to fly):

This longtime capital of the Gandharan Empire (800 BCE to 500 CE) was a Buddhist driven civilization that combined Greek and Indian culture known for its multi-culturism and artistic development.

Taxila: Most of the archaeological sites of Taxila (600 BC to 500 AD) are located around Taxila museum. For over one thousand-years Taxila remained famous as a center of learning Gandhara art of sculpture, architecture, education, and Buddhism in the formidable days of this era. There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius of 30 km around Taxila.

Taxila museum: A museum comprising various sections with rich archaeological finds of Taxila. It is one of the best and well-maintained site museums of Pakistan. Here we can get a glimpse as to the level of sophistication and beauty of the artisans.

Continuing touring Islamabad/Rawalpindi (this day also used as an extra travel day in case of road delays.

Rawalpindi is a lively, bustling city with crowded streets and colorful bazaars. Though it lacks the grand monuments of Islamabad, its bazaars should appeal to anyone with a desire to see the real Pakistan. The buzzing Rajah Bazaar is a kaleidoscope of people and merchandise spreading in every direction from the chaotic Fawara Chowk junction. Dotted throughout the city are crumbling stone towers marking old Hindu temples

Depart early morning for homeward flight.

Arrive Home Country

From Kilimanjaro: t was without a doubt the most enjoyable expedition I have been a part of. From the beginning to end, the level of competency, attention to detail, knowledge base, and guideship was top notch. Not only was Eric Murphy a pillar of knowledge, the Tanzanian crew were clearly a cut above the other outfits crews.

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Training for Mountaineering Webinar with Steve House

Alpine Ascents International hosted Steve House, founder of Uphill Athlete and author of the training bible for mountaineers and trail runners, Training for the Uphill Athlete, for a free webinar on February 20th. Steve covered the training approach that he used in his own career as a professional climber which he now uses to help […]

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Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. We operate what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. This expertise is based upon years of accumulated experience-not just from individual mountain guides, but through experience on particular mountains where details are fine-tuned over time.

Our guides are an integral part of Alpine Ascents because they understand and share our climbing principles. These individuals are dedicated to sharing their excellence with others. Many of our guides have been with Alpine Ascents for over five years, with a handful of veterans working with us for most of their careers. The quality of our Guide Staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors.

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Leave No Trace principles are fundamental to our program, and we encourage all who climb and trek with us to understand proper wilderness practices. We help facilitate this effort by passing on Leave No Trace training and literature to every Alpine Ascents climber.

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The Dos and Don’ts of Travelling to the Northern Areas of Pakistan

Home » Tourism » The Dos and Don’ts of Travelling to the Northern Areas of Pakistan

Since summer vacations are finally here, a number of families across the country must have started planning their trips to the beautiful northern areas of Pakistan to relax and seek reprieve from the scorching heatwaves.

Be it the enchanting green meadows in Kaghan Valley or the magnificent snow-covered mountain peaks in Gilgit-Baltistan, there is no shortage of picturesque tourist destinations in Pakistan just waiting to be explored. While these tourist destinations are perfectly safe for families as well as solo women, you can’t just pack a bag and leave to explore these veritable pieces of heaven on earth.

To make sure you don’t run into any problems during your trip, we have compiled a list of dos and don’ts that all travellers will find extremely useful.

Tips for Travelling to Northern Areas of Pakistan

Here are some major do’s and don’ts of travelling to popular vacation destinations in the country, including Hunza, Skardu, Kashmir and Naran, to name a few.

DO: Pack light

When planning a trip, make a list of things to carry while travelling to northern areas. This list should ideally include a raincoat, a warm jacket, a pair of waterproof boots, a woollen cap, a pair of gloves, extra socks, a few shirts and trousers, a first aid kit, prescribed medicine (if any), and a few other items of personal use. However, make sure to pack light and only keep essentials in your backpack. In addition, pack a power bank and an extra battery for your camera.

In addition, don’t forget to keep a few face masks and a bottle of hand sanitiser with you at all times.

Once you are done packing everything, pick your bag up and see whether it’s light enough for you to carry around without feeling tired. Of course, you can leave your luggage at the hotel, but if you want to make the most out of your trip and explore more places, you may have to carry your bag a lot as you won’t be staying in one place for long.

DON’T: Travel in the monsoon

For those planning to travel to the northern areas during the summer holidays, try and plan and trip before July, as that’s when the monsoon period officially starts in Pakistan. Since heavy rainfall can lead to landslides, getting caught in the rain in the middle of a mountainous road can be quite dangerous.  

Usually, the spell of heavy rain lasts until October, after which the winter begins to set in. Therefore, the best time to go on a tour is before the end of June.

However, don’t forget that it might start drizzling at any time. So, always keep an umbrella or a raincoat in reach.

DO: Wear layers

While you shouldn’t pack too much stuff, you should always pack enough clothes so that you’re able to dress in layers. Those who have travelled to the northern areas before would agree that the weather can change at any given time. While it may not be very drastic, you will experience a rise in temperature whenever the sky gets a little clear. Similarly, the wind might get a little chilly at the drop of a hat.

Therefore, instead of wearing a lot of warm clothes, dress sensibly and in layers, so you can take off and put them on as needed.

DON’T: Put Your Expensive Belongings on Display

This is one of the most important rules of travelling, no matter where you’re going.

Although the crime rate in the northern areas of Pakistan, particularly Gilgit Baltistan, is extremely low, you should still avoid wearing flashy jewellery or displaying your expensive smartphones while travelling. Moreover, it’s always better to carry a small amount of cash on hand. If needed, you can easily withdraw money from an ATM machine, which can be easily found in almost all tourist destinations in Pakistan.

DO: Explore hidden destinations

The northern areas of Pakistan are full of beautiful places waiting to be explored. While the valleys of Hunza and Chitral see a large influx of tourists all around the year, there are still several villages in these regions that are yet to make it to the travel brochures.

For instance, the villages of Arang Kel in Azad Kashmir and Minapin in Nagar Valley, two of the most beautiful places in Pakistan, remain underrated travel attractions despite having a stunning landscape. Make sure to include these places in your travel itinerary.

If you want to travel off the beaten path and explore someplace new, take a look at some of the hidden tourist destinations in Pakistan .

DON’T: Trek or climb unless experienced

The majestic mountain ranges and lofty peaks make Pakistan a paradise for trekkers and climbers.

While adventurers from across the world travel to northern Pakistan during holidays, you need to think twice if you are planning to go hiking or trekking on your own – especially if you don’t have prior experience.

Since most of the popular trekking routines lay in the Himalayas, the Karakoram and the Hindukush ranges, climbing these peaks without proper gear and training can be quite dangerous.

DO: Try local food and delicacies

Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir are famous for their traditional food, which is extremely popular among tourists. Although you can easily find restaurants serving desi, Chinese and even Continental dishes in this area, it’s always better to give the local cuisine and delicacies a try.

However, before consuming anything, make sure to ask about its ingredients to ensure it doesn’t have something that you might be allergic to.

DON’T: Spend a lot of money on shopping

Buying a few souvenirs during your trip to the northern areas of Pakistan is completely okay. But you should refrain from spending too much money on buying things that you can find in your own city or can order online.

Instead of buying things such as clothes and bags, opt for items such as traditional jewellery, handmade caps and other handicrafts so that your purchases help the local industry.

If you are a fan of road trips and are thinking about taking one this summer, check out this detailed guide on how to plan a road trip from Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass . The entire trip will take about five days and you’ll be able to explore a number of major tourist destinations in Pakistan.

Here are a few more travel guides that may help you plan your next adventure this summer.

• Must-Visit Places in the Picturesque Galiyat Region
• The Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Pakistan
• Most Beautiful Lakes in Pakistan

Meanwhile, if you are looking for more summer vacation spots near you, head over to Zameen Blog . You can also get in touch with us by sending an email at [email protected] . Last but not least, don’ forget to visit our Facebook page for the latest updates on the tourism industry in Pakistan.

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5 Amazing Places To Visit In Northern Areas Of Pakistan

Places To Visit In Northern Areas Of Pakistan 2024

Travelers from all around the world love to visit the northern areas of Pakistan. Govt. has lifted all the travel hurdles for visitors from all around the globe. As a result, in the summer of 2024, many wanderers worldwide traveled to the friendliness country blessed with the sacred landscape. During 2017 and 2018, the British Backpackers society listed the country with the best travel destinations in the world. Also, Forbes magazine listed Pakistan as the best travel destination in 2019 . As the country is listed as the Best travel site, we have some of the most beautiful places to visit in northern Pakistan .

Naran Kaghan

Hunza valley, skardu valley, fairy meadows, naltar valley.

On the top of the list of the best places in northern Pakistan, we have Naran Kaghan valley in the Himalayan Mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Naran valleys stay open for a few months to deliver marvelous views of nature. The valley remains closed during winter from October to April due to heavy snowfall in northern areas of Pakistan. The road towards the valley gets blocked due to avalanches from the mountains. However, among the local travelers, Naran valley is one of the most famous traveling places in northern areas of Pakistan. Every year, many visitors visit this site with their friends, families, and loved ones to capture the best memories.

The valley is surrounded by lush green mountains and deep alpine forests, impacting travelers about Himalayan valleys. In the valley of Naran, there is much more to discover, like the fairy tale Saif Ul Malook Lake , Hike towards the Ansoo Lake , Lulusar lake , The Queen Dudipatsar Lake, and lastly, Babusar Top (4,173 m) . So plan for this summer’s 2024 and get on the journey to explore Naran valley , among other best places in northern Pakistan .

Top places of Naran Kaghan:

Lake saif ul malook .

Saif ul Malook Lake needs no introduction as it is one of the most famous lakes in Pakistan. The Saif ul Malook, 9 kilometers long and 50 feet deep, also rises 3,224 meters above the surface. It also captivates anyone with her captivating beauty. The jeep drive to the lake through winding roads makes the trip even more adventurous.

Babusar Top

In second place is Babusar Top, known for its cool breeze. Babusar Top is one of the main tourist attractions in Naran Kaghan. Here you can enjoy the hot coffee, cool breeze, and calm atmosphere.

Next came the rich green meadows of Lalazar. The plateau is covered with rare flora and fauna. Lalazar is 3123 meters above sea level. Even in the hot summer, the climate here is delightful.

Lulusar Lake 

The Naran Kaghan valley is full of lakes and waterfalls. Lake Lulusar is one of the beautiful lakes. Lulusar offers stunning views from an altitude of 3410 meters above sea level. No trip to Naran Kaahan is complete without a visit to the magnificent lake. A 48-kilometer jeep ride can reach the lake.

About 6 kilometers from Naran Valley, Kaghan’s famous picnic area is Shogran. The lush Sugarland meadows add even more awe to the hike. The tall mountains and pleasant climate cannot be described in words.

Next on the list is Siri Paye, which is closer to Shogran. Equally a tranquil treat for couples away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. A lake called Siri Lake is also where visitors can ride horses.

Balakot became the gateway to the Valley of the Khans. It’s a tiny town where you can shop and eat delicious local food. In addition, Balakot offers stunning panoramic views, and it’s on the banks of the Kunhal River. Tourists love to “fish,” “boat,” and “raft” on the Kunhal River.

Malika Parbat

It is known as the “Queen of the Mountains” Marika Parbat. This is a popular stop for visitors to the Naran Kaghan Valley. Huge mountains can also be seen through Saif ul-Malook Lake. Few brave souls have climbed this mountain. The highest point of Malika Parbat is 5290 meters above sea level.

Another famous lake in Khan Valley is Ansu Lake. Ansoo is an Urdu word that means “tears.” This is a teardrop-shaped lake found in the Khan Manor Valley. Due to the high altitude, the climate there is harsh. The lake completely freezes over in winter and is even more beautiful in summer. Summer is the best time to visit Ansu Lake, according to the weather updates of Ansu Lake.

Last but not least is the city of Jalkhad. Naran is less than a 3-hour drive from the city. Jharkhand provides a base camp area for the park. There is a small basin lake and green lawn for nature lovers to enjoy camping. Also, Jharkhand has an approximate altitude of 10,200 feet.

It lies in the mountains of Northern Pakistan, the gigantic and colorful Hunza Valley far in the Gilgit Baltistan region near the China border. Hunza Valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the northern areas of Pakistan. Hunza valley has been offering its wanderers the history, culture, and colorful traditions for many years. Moreover, to historical and traditional expectations, Hunza valley is famous all around the globe among ravelers for its immense natural landscape that can strongly impact travelers’ minds. However, the valley has a lot more to discover.

Places To Visit In Hunza

Some of the best travel destinations in Hunza Valley are Ganesh Historical settlement , Baltit, Altit Fort , Attahbad Lake , Shimshal Valley , Passu cones and glacier , Khunjerab Pass (Pak-China Border), and much more.

Ganesh village is a historical Silk Route settlement around 1000 years old, supposed to be the First Silk Route settlement. Furthermore, Hunza valley is supposed to be the only destination in the world where one can witness the beauty of Four mighty Seven Thousanders peaks along with some famous peaks like Ladyfinger peak   (Bublimating – 6000 m) and Hunza Peak (6,270 m).

In Hunza Valley , many beautiful trekking routes can take travelers to another world. Some of the most beautiful trekking routes are the Shimshal pass , Patundas trek , Batura Glacier trek, and many more.

So make sure this summer 2024 to travel to explore this fantastic place of Northern areas of Pakistan with your friends or someone special to have a wonderful time.

Rakaposhi View Point

First is Rakaposhi’s point of view. No matter where you are in Hunza, the massive Rakaposhi mountain can be seen from anywhere. In addition, the mountain is part of the Karakoram range, with an altitude of 7,788 meters. Rakaposhi means “shining wall.” The summit is surrounded by famous glaciers such as Barpu, Biro, Bagrot, and Pisan. Rakaposhi’s sunrises and sunsets are nothing short of a sight to behold.

In second place is Karimabad, the capital of Hunza province. The city is famous for its history as it was home to royalty. The city presents its oldest appearance with stone-built houses and streets. Some of Karimabad’s well-known attractions are Baltit Fort and Victoria Memorial Monument. In addition, Ultar Nala also falls in Karimabad.

Altit Fort 

Altit Fort is an ancient fort above Karimabad in the Hunza Valley. It was home to the hereditary rulers of Hunza, who received the title of Mir. Around 1100 years ago, Altit Fort was the residence of former princes. It is there now as a museum. Each fort is a masterpiece of architecture and craftsmanship. Refurbished by Agha Khan Culture Trust, the impressive design is a legacy for future generations. Altit Fort is not just a place but a legacy that has evolved.

Baltit Fort

Fort Baltit, another Hunza Valley fort, is a must-see. The fort’s foundations are said to be around 600 years old but have been rebuilt and altered over the centuries. The fairy-tale Baltit Fort above Karimabad is a Hunza landmark, built on giant legs with wooden windows overlooking the valley. Initially, it was used as the residence of Mers Hunza. Because of the opposition of the ruler’s two sons to the ruler, they were moved to a new place, Altit Fort.

Attabad lake 

Attabad Lake is one of the most amazing places in Hunza Valley. The crystal clear turquoise waters mesmerize anyone in the mighty Karakoram range. Impressive with its colors and charm in spring, it attracts many tourists every year. The lake is 13 miles long and approximately 358 feet deep. The lake has also been voted one of Pakistan’s best lakes due to its beauty.

Another wonder of the Nagar Valley in Hunza is Rush Lake. Also, Nagar is one of the most attractive valleys. Best of all, the mesmerizing colors of the Nagar Valley will never go unnoticed; nothing is more beautiful than simplicity. Rush Lake in Nagar Valley is an alpine lake with a surface elevation of nearly 4694 meters. Surrounded by huge mountains, the lake is considered the highest lake in Pakistan.

Sost Village

Sost is the last Hunza town on the border with China along the Karakoram Highway. The city is an essential point for all passenger and cargo traffic on the highway, as all traffic crossing the Pakistan-China border passes through the town. Along with the Khunjerab pass is the high mountain pass of the Karakoram range. In addition, the Khunjerab Trail also includes a national park where the rare snow leopard lives. It is an excellent symbol of friendship in Pakistan.

Here we go with the Gateway to the Karakorum mountain range on this list. Skardu valley lies in the Karakorum Range of Gilgit Baltistan in northern Pakistan. Being my favorite destination in the mountainous region of Pakistan, Skardu valley offers a lot to the wanderers that one can never expect and ever forget after visiting such places in northern areas of Pakistan. The road leading towards Skardu valley is supposed to be the world’s Eight wonders, as the way offers some breathtaking views and the danger of enormous landslides every time it receives rain. The valley has a rich culture and history with beautiful traditions. Likewise, culture and traditions are similar to Tibet. However, Skardu is the Baltistan in the Gilgit Baltistan region known as Little Tibet.

Best Places To Visit In Skardu

Skardu valley has a lot to offer for travelers to wander in the mountains to explore, as many places have not been visited. From the mighty mountains to the world’s highest desert, Skardu has everything for its lovers. Some of the best places to visit in Skardu valley are:

• Shangrila (Lower Kachura) Lake
• Upper Kachura Lake
• Kharpocho Fort
• Katpana Cold desert and Lake
• Shiger Cold Desert
• Shiger Valley and Fort
• Khaplu Valley and Palace
• Chaqchan Mosque
• Deosai National Park

However, as the Skardu valley is Gateway to Karakorum Mountains, it has many of the world’s most beautiful and astonishing trekking routes. Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo), K2 Base Camp (Concordia), the Banak La, and many more are the most amazing. Furthermore, Skardu hosts the K2 (8,611 m) , the second-highest peak of the world, Broad elevation (8,047 m), Gasherbrum 1 (8,080 m), Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), and many more mighty and famous mountains. With all these rugged peaks in Skardu, it becomes the dream for the mountaineers to conquer. Thousands of mountaineers visit Pakistan yearly to try climbing these rugged peaks in Skardu valley. So make sure to journey in this place to visit northern areas of Pakistan this summer.

Name given to the heavenly beauty in this piece of land, Fairy meadows lie in the Far Himalayan mountains of Gilgit Baltistan in the northern areas of Pakistan. The destination is famous because of the dark alpine forest, lush green meadows in the center, and the tremendous mighty Nanga Parbat peak (8,126 m) at the front, making this one of the best places to visit in northern areas of Pakistan.

Nanga Parbat is known as The Killer Mountain, with the name listed as the Second in the Highest peak in Pakistan. On the other hand, the height is the Ninth Largest in the world. In the Fairy meadows, one can explore some beautiful regions by trekking towards Biyal Camp and the Base camp of Nanga Parbat .

Furthermore, Biyal Camp is known to be the first camp of Killer Mountain. To reach this Fairyland of Pakistan, one has to take the adventurous Jeep ride on the world’s most Dangerous Jeep track and then trek for around 3 hours through dense woods. The destinations get close during winter because of the heavy snowfall making it challenging to live there. This summer, put this destination on your travel list among other best places to visit in northern areas of Pakistan.

Lastly, we got a Ski resort, Naltar valley, in the Gilgit Baltistan of Northern Pakistan. The valley is full of lush greenery all around, with astonishing views. One can visit this destination by taxiing from Normal village for about 45 minutes. However, the weather remains cold in Naltar valley, with an elevation of 9,700 ft. It offers some beautiful destinations for travelers to visit. Some of the best to explore are Naltar lake 1 (Satrangi) , Pari lake, Blue Lake, and much more. In summer, a vast number of travelers come to visit such destinations to record in their memory. Furthermore, travelers enjoy the International Ski Festival in the valley in winter. Get this great destiny on your list of travel for summer 2024.

Final Thoughts

These were some of northern Pakistan’s most famous and best travel destinations that travelers should visit this summer of 2024. So set your backpack ready for 2024 and journey towards these unique destinations of astonishing Landscapes in northern Pakistan .

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Why you should take northern pakistan tour packages.

So many places in  the Northern areas of Pakistan still need to be discovered or catch media attention. There was a time when reaching these northern parts of Pakistan was unimagined. But now, with new infrastructures and road conditions, tourism in Pakistan is increasing daily, and you can now visit the end of Pakistan easily. However, many peaks in northern Pakistan still need to be climbed and unchallenged. Plus, numerous lakes in northern Pakist an are yet to be discovered. 

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Pakistan Northern Areas Tour Packages 2024- Northern Pakistan Tour Packages

A perfect Pakistan tour of Swat from Islamabad covers the gigantic Karakorum Highway to  Hunza Valley  &   Khunjerab Pass,  then over the scenic Shangla Pass to the fertile Swat valley.

Plan a vacation trip with us also; note that we provide  Pakistan northern areas tour packages 2024  at very reasonable rates, and above all, we do not compromise on quality standards. 

There is always the  best time to visit northern areas of Pakistan,  but climatologists suggest avoiding the monsoon season because of flooding and landslide. Nevertheless, the areas of the north of Pakistan’s weather are so unpredictable that it started raining out of nowhere. Undoubtedly, nights from north Pakistan are so chilly.  

There are many  activities in the northern areas  for local and foreign tourists.  From camping to rafting, hiking to wandering, there are numerous things that tourists can enjoy in the north of Pakistan. 

With years of experience providing the best tour to northern Pakistan packages ,  we have many positive reviews from our prestigious clients. 

Whether traveling alone or with someone, explore the  beautiful northern regions of Pakistan   with all the exceptional services by Pakistan Tour and Travel.

Each northern trip ends at Islamabad, Pakistan’s second most beautiful city.

A trip to Swat  & Peshawar will introduce you to the historic Gandhara Buddhist heritage and traditions of Pathan culture. As you travel on  Karakorum   Highway, reputed as the eighth wonder of the world, you enjoy fascinating views of challenging peaks rising above 7,000 meters.  Nanga Parbat, at 8,125 m ,  is the highest of the peaks we see during our journey. 

If you take a trip to northern Pakistan, you will see the meeting place of the three highest mountain ranges of the world: The Karakorum, the Himalayas, and Hindukush. As you arrive at  Khunjerab Pass  at 4,733 m, you are on the border of not only China & Pakistan but also the Pamir and Karakorum ranges. As incredible as it sounds, don’t waste time and plan a memorable  trip to Pakistan northern areas with us today.

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Why are Northern Areas of Pakistan so popular in the tourist community?

Pakistan Northern areas are tourists’ primary goals in Pakistan tour. Pakistan is a multi-cultural and multi-season country—the land of rivers, snow peaks, lush green meadows, and cultural places of great value. Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism for the past few years due to many factors, but this one factor has caused significant issues for inhabitants of our holy land.

Pakistan offers a diverse landscape to its visitors. The language changes after 15 miles, and cultural changes are also evident if you move from one area to another. Our rich cultural values are deeply rooted in our system. We will give you complete details about the most famous places in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, the best time to visit, and how to get there. Let’s start with the top places in the Northern areas of Pakistan without further ado .

You can find detailed northern areas of Pakistan map here. Entire HD map of Northern Pakistan :

Full HD Northern Areas Pakistan Map

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The  Pakistan Northern Areas tour packages are the hub of the world’s highest mountain ranges. Make a trip to these heavenly places in northern Pakistan with us. See our Northern Pakistan Tour Packages 2024 , which are updated.

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Pakistan Tour Travel offers the most affordable and luxurious Trips to  Azad Kashmir Holidays  and the best  Honeymoon Northern Areas Winter Tour Packages . Enjoy the live snowfall with hot chocolate in our Winter Snowfall Trip Packages, and relish the best days of your life with your loved ones.

Whether you take a K2 and Concordia tour, Chitral, or the Hindukush tour, each tour offers a magnificent culture, hospitable and incredible views. Or, if you are a daring soul, book a Nanga Parbat  and the  Himalayas  tour, which provides challenging treks to reach breathtaking places you can never see anywhere else.

Places to visit in northern areas of Pakistan are blessed with the highest mountains in the world; within a small area, there are almost 100 mountain peaks above 7000 meters, five of which tower above 8000 meters:

• K-2 (8611 m)
•  Nanga Parbat (8125 m) 
• Gasherbrum 1 (8068 m)
• Broad Peak (8047 m) 
• Gasherbrum 1 ( 8035 m)

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Pakistan tourism northern areas are famous for their unmatchable beauty, enchanting waterfalls, and incredible weather. It is a paradise for hikers and mountaineers as it owns the best trekking paths in the world.

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Northern Pakistan Tour Pakistan- Why do people travel to northern areas of Pakistan?

Top 12 Northern Areas Of Pakistan You Should Visit

Deosai National Park 

Tucked away in northern Pakistan is this amazing spot where the Karakoram Mountains and Western Himalayas come together, reaching a height of at least 4,114 meters. Covered in snow for most of the year, this 3,000 square kilometer plateau turns into a burst of colorful flowers in the other seasons, without any trees in sight. Some cool nearby spots are:

• Sheosar Lake,
• Shatoung Nala.

One of the most famous hill station, known as Malika e Kohsar, at an altitude of 2,200 meters. It captures thousand of tourist daily due to its proximity to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Also, in every season (summer/winters), tourists almost flood the entire area. Top places to visit in Murree are:

Naltar Valley 

Located 34 kilometers from the central Gilgit Valley and at 15,348 feet above sea level. This beauty is far from the hustle and bustle of Gilgit-Baltistan towns. It has lush green landscapes and stunning lakes, all of which describe it as a true paradise. The top areas of Naltar Valley one must visit are:

• Rattu Ski Resort,
• Satrangi Lake,
• Naltar-Pakora Trek
• Naltar Lake
• Dhudia Lake.

Swat Kalam Valley 

Swat  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 . It 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. The top places to visit in Swat valley are:

• Kalam Valley
• Kumrat Valley
• Saidu Sharif
• Mahodand Lake
• Malam Jabba
• Kundol Lake

Azad Kashmir

Azad Kashmir offers visitors the most panoramic views and incredible weather throughout the year. Azad Kashmir is a paradise on earth, with blue lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and lush green pastures. 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 unmatchable. The top spots in Azad Kashmir one must visit are:

• Neelum Valley 
• Pir Chinasi
• Banjosa Lake 

Chitral Valley 

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. Festival like Chilham Joshi is their main celebration 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
• Shandur Pass

Valleys Of Baltistan

Gilgit, a land of valleys, offers turquoise water lake, deep, dense forest, the perfect hiking treks, wide green land, ravishing waterfalls, and much morethree luminous mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush meet, is home to rare flora and fauna, beautiful valleys and beautiful lakes  The top valley in Gilgit Baltistan are:

• Harmosh Valley,
• Phandar Lake,
• Basho Valley,
• Tormiq Valley
• Nagar Valley

Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most prominent reasons which capture tourists; it is home to some of the highest mountains in the world. Combining endless green grasslands, deep valleys, beautiful waterfalls, and steep roads, it is a haven for every nature lover and a paradise for every explorer. Top places in Gilgit Baltistan are:

• Skardu Valley,
• Attabad lake,
• Hussaini Suspension Bridge
• Karakoram Highway,
• Shigar Valley
• Khunjerab Pass
• Gupis Valley

Naran Kaghan Valley 

Naran Kaghan is a famous 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 top places to visit in Naran Kaghan are:

• Saif ul Malook Lake
• Lulusar Lake
• Babusar Top

Hunza  Valley

Hunza is a wonderland in the northern areas of Pakistan . Hunza has always been famous in north 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”. The people of Hunza are always friendly, lovely, and caring. The top places to visit in Hunza Valley are:  

• Rakaposhi Peak
• Baltit Fort
• Attabad Lake
• Sost Border
• Summit Gulmit
• Borith Lake
• Eagle Nest Duiker

Skardu is 763 Kilometre away from the capital city of Islamabad. Skardu is another remarkable place offering an abundance of sightseeing places. Skardu 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. Top places to visit in Skardu valley,

• Khaplu Valley
• Kachura Lake
• Shangri-La Lake
• Satpara Lake
• Shigar Fort

Fairy Meadows 

Fairy Meadows, Pakistan, is one of the most fantastic tourist attractions, attracting tourists and travelers worldwide.  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 there. The top places to visit in Fairy Meadows are:

• Nanga Parbat
• Raikot Bridge
• Ganalo Peak

Reasons Why You Should Visit Northern Pakistan This Year

Reasons for traveling to pakistan .

When someone wants to travel to Pakistan, everyone asks why you should visit northern Pakistan . There are many reasons you should travel to Pakistan once in your lifetime. The media often portrays Pakistan as a war-torn pit, and Pakistan’s tourism industry is almost non-existent. Few adventurers and enthusiastic climbers go to Pakistan every year, and one should be determined to be one of them. Travelling in Pakistan is a truly unique experience. It can be frustrating, rewarding, life-changing, and often surprising. Pakistan is the ultimate destination for backpacking; if you are a true adventure fan, it is time to travel to Pakistan!

Book exciting packages from our Northern Pakistan Tour package list and avail yourself of the fantastic service in Northern Pakistan.

Diverse Culture in Northern Pakistan

Another reason for vesting Pakistan is the Multiculturalism in Northern Pakistan . The culture of Pakistan is entirely different from any other culture you have encountered before; it is simultaneously passionate, unique, proud, and a bit strange. There are many situations you will be wondering about the region you are visiting and how special this place is.

At a particular moment, you cannot visit Pakistan without appreciation. This country uses everything it has to hit you and leave you speechless. You will be amazing surprised by the cultural diversity from the Karakorum to the Hunza , the Neelum valley to the trek of Nanga Parbat . Or you were walking in some of the craziest and most gigantic mountains in the world. Each region leaves you a whammy because you met the locals or learned more about their lives in Pakistan .

Economical Prices

Pakistan is the second cheapest country you can visit while on a budget. It is possible to visit Pakistan with a budget of about $100 per week, including food, housing, transportation, and many other significant events.

If you have Pakistani friends, they will almost certainly invite you to all activities. Pakistanis are very generous. Even if you tried to pay for dinner many times, the host of Pakistan did not allow it because of their hospitability culture.

It may be expensive to stay in Pakistan, but many campsites exist. If you want to save money on accommodation, pack your tent. If you live in a place like Fairy Meadows, it is worth it.

Trying to organize a one-on-one adventure in Pakistan can be tricky. For example, although traveling in Nepal is relatively easy to reach Mount Everest, K2 requires a lot of logistics. Due to expenditure and cost, most tourists may become part of organized travel in Pakistan for at least a time.

Safe Region (Northern Pakistan is safe for international tourism)

Undoubtedly Pakistan is the safest country , contrary to what is portrayed in Media. Many international platforms declared Pakistan the most favorite and safest country to visit. However, Pakistan sometimes suffers from terrorist attacks, but every country in the world seems to play a fair role, and sitting at home is not safe. The media thrives on fear and prejudice, so don’t let yourself be affected.

The Pakistani people strongly oppose the Taliban (the Pakistani armed forces are currently kicking the Taliban in the border areas). They will do their best to ensure your safety at all costs.

If you are conscious of the security risks, you can hire security agencies for your safety, but other than that, “ you are safe in Pakistan alone.”  This does not necessarily mean that you are in a dangerous area, but it only means that the local police department monitors you.

Amazing Hospitality

People are amazing; they hope you like their country. There is no doubt that the people of Pakistan are the most generous and enthusiastic people you have ever met. From the bustling streets of Lahore to the ancient mountain city of Hunza, whenever a local finds me, you get a smile and often a tempting dinner.

Exceptional Beauty 

The most beautiful country in the world is probably just Pakistan which shows diversity in landscapes. Pakistan is famous for its mountains, valleys, rivers, glaciers, and forests. This country has genuinely wondered more than its share. Many, so you will travel to Pakistan to the fullest. Five of the 14 highest peaks in the world were discovered in Pakistan, including the famous and deadly K2. Pakistan is your country if you like mountain climbing, kayaking, or hiking.

No other country would match the endless beauty of Northern Pakistan, and it is safe to say that Pakistan is the most diverse and beautiful country you have ever visited. Many unclimbed peaks are waiting to be conquered by someone worth the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of leopards found in northern areas of pakistan.

The snow leopard is a scarce species of Leopard found in different parts of northern areas. 

What conical-shaped trees in northern Pakistan called?

Conical-shaped trees in northern Pakistan are called   Conifers: Conical evergreen trees with needle-like leaves or growing scales are primarily found in the north of Pakistan.

Which of these is a rare animal found in northern Pakistan?

Some of the wildlife species found in the northern mountains and the Potohar Plateau include:

• Eurasian lynx,
• Himalayan antelope,
• Marco Polo sheep,
• Badger (in Deossa National Park)
• Yellow-throated fish.

Which are the top cities in northern areas of Pakistan?

Top cities in northern areas of Pakistan:

• Skardu City 
• Gilgit City 
• Abbottabad City 
• Chitral City 
• Karimabad City 

which mountain range situated in the northern areas of Pakistan?

Top mountain ranges in norther areas of Pakistan are:

Why Plan a Trip to Northern Areas of Pakistan?

Pakistan is famous for the most thrilling and fantastic traveling sights worldwide. The most famous region for trekking in Pakistan is the mesmerizing Northern Areas of Pakistan , offering boundless destinations to visit and observe the colors of Nature. Many travelers from and outside the country visit unique North Pakistan in a vast ratio every year to capture the beautiful sight of Pakistan.

How do I choose the best nothern Pakistan travel plan for me and my family?

Here we present the complete list of northern Pakistan holiday travel plans for you and your family; take a look and choose the best

• NARAN KAGHAN TOUR PACKAGES 
• FAIRY MEADOWS TOURS
• SKARDU TOUR PACKAGES
• MURREE TOUR PACKAGES
• CHITRAL TOUR PACKAGES
• SWAT TOUR PACKAGES 
• AZAD KASHMIR TOURS 
• HUNZA TOUR PACKAGES

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Pakistan Travel Advisory

Travel advisory june 23, 2023, pakistan - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to health information.

Reconsider travel to Pakistan due to  terrorism . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do not travel to: 

• Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, including the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), due to  terrorism  and  kidnapping .
• The immediate vicinity of the India-Pakistan border and the Line of Control due to  terrorism  and  the potential for armed conflict .

Country Summary: Terrorist groups continue to plot attacks in Pakistan. Terrorism and ongoing violence by extremist elements have led to indiscriminate attacks on civilian, as well as local military and police, targets. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, military installations, airports, universities, tourist locations, schools, hospitals, places of worship, and government facilities. Terrorists have targeted U.S. diplomats and diplomatic facilities in the past.

Terrorist attacks continue across Pakistan, with most occurring in Balochistan and KP, including the former FATA. Large-scale terrorist attacks have resulted in numerous casualties.

Pakistan’s security environment remains fluid sometimes changing with little or no notice. There are greater security resources and infrastructure in the major cities, particularly Islamabad, and security forces in these areas may be more readily able to respond to an emergency compared to other areas of the country. While threats still exist, terrorist attacks occur less frequently in major urban areas than other parts of Pakistan.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Pakistan due to the security environment. Travel by U.S. government personnel within Pakistan is restricted, and additional restrictions on movements by U.S. government personnel outside of U.S. diplomatic facilities may occur at any time, depending on local circumstances and security conditions, which can change suddenly.

The U.S. Consulate General in Peshawar is unable to provide any consular services to U.S. citizens.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Pakistan. 

If you decide to travel to Pakistan:      

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas . 
• Remain aware of your surroundings and local events. 
• Vary travel routes and timing, especially for routine trips. 
• Be cognizant of your surroundings, particularly around public markets, restaurants, government and military institutions, and other locations. 
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ( STEP ) to receive security alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. 
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter . 
• Review the Country Security Report for Pakistan. 
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergencies. Review the Traveler’s Checklist . 

Balochistan Province – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to Balochistan province. Active terrorist groups, including an active separatist movement, have conducted deadly terrorist attacks against civilians, religious minorities, government offices, and security forces.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .  

KP Province, including the former FATA – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Do not travel to KP province, which includes the former FATA. Active terrorist and insurgent groups routinely conduct attacks against civilians, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government offices, and security forces. These groups historically have not discriminated between government officials and civilians. Assassination and kidnapping attempts are common, including the targeting of polio eradication teams and Government of Pakistan security service (police and military) personnel.

Vicinity of Line of Control – Level 4: Do Not Travel 

Do not travel to the India-Pakistan border, including the Line of Control. Militant groups are known to operate in the area. India and Pakistan maintain a strong military presence on both sides of the border. The only official Pakistan-India border crossing point for persons who are not citizens of India or Pakistan is in the province of Punjab between Wagah, Pakistan, and Atari, India. Travelers are advised to confirm the status of the border crossing prior to commencing travel. An Indian visa is required to enter India, and no visa services are available at the border.

Travel Advisory Levels

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PakistanTravelGuide

• Hunza Tour Packages
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Pakistan Tour & Top Rated Packages

"#1 Customized Travel Packages of Pakistan: A Journey Through Culture, Adventure and Hospitality"

Pakistan Holiday Packages – Get luxury travel options at Pakistan Travel Guide

With the Complete all Pakistan tour packages, you can discover Alpine lake, snow-covered peaks and gorgeous wildlife.Want to get adventurous or relaxing trip to Pakistan , so just browse our travel plans of Pakistan Tour packages with team Pakistan Travel Guide at very reasonable prices. Explore hidden beauty of Skardu or visit cultural sites or trek to Gondogoro K2 or a peaceful Family tour Package. We are offering best tour packages for Pakistan in 2024.

Chitral Tour Packages  

Murree Tour Packages  

Swat Kalam Tour Packages  

Kumrat Valley Tour Packages  

In this awe-inspiring destination in world also known as Pakistan, memorable experiences are an everyday occurrence on Pakistan Tour.

There’s no denying it: Pakistan is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, with endless opportunities for tourists to explore and enjoy.

Explore the great outdoors adventures on Pakistan tour , participating in thrilling activities like  Paragliding in Kashmir or  rafting in Kunhar River or more relaxed ventures such as  hiking ,  biking ,  fishing ,  camping , and simply immersing yourself in breathtaking wide-open spaces. Take a  train ride from Karachi , or  flightseeing tour  of Gilgit Baltistan for chances to spot  wildlife like from brown bears of deosai to lagoons of Kashmir. Experience Gilgit Baltistan Native culture through  cultural tours  or  festivals . And if you visit in winter, there’s  skiing, snowboarding at Malam Jabba , and more—and don’t miss watching the  Milky Ways  dance across the night sky. No matter how you choose to get around, from  road trips ,  planes ,  trains ,  motorcoaches , you’ll discover that the journey is all part of the adventure.

According to forbes Northern Pakistan could bee the world’s No.1 Tourism destination, so it’s true as our packages trips to Northern Pakistan are the hot selling plans, Northern Pakistan is world wide famous for striking landscape, alpine glacier lakes,Highest peaks and the cultural heritage. A tour package to Northern Pakistan includes transport,hotel booking and sightseeing, as we are Number 1 travel operator to Northern Pakistan, you can book your northern areas tour packages from team Pakistan Travel Guide.

Holiday Pakistan Tour Packages 2024

4 Days, 3 NIghts Start From PKR177,000

4 Days Luxury Swat Tour | Pakistan Travel Guide

7 Days, 6 NIghts Start From PKRon Call

7 Days Luxury Hunza Road Trip

7 Days, 6 Nights Start From PKR491000

7 days Skardu Luxury Road Trip

6 Days, 5 NIghts Start From PKR165000

Hunza Apricot and Cherry Blossom Trip

5 Days, 4 NIghts Start From PKR160000

Hunza by Air in Winters

Pakistan is rightfully regarded as one of the most striking adventure destinations in the world. Explore Pakistan Packages.

Pakistan is so geographically varied that every adventure travel lover in the world would love to take Pakistan tour at least once in their lifetime. From lush green valleys to Cold deserts, and unexplored beaches to the second highest Mountain in the world, from Gilgit Baltistan of North to Ziarat of Baluchistan. Pakistan is blessed with natural landscapes; each one more beautiful than the other.

Apart from the geographical undulations, the diversity in the culture, food, language and even flora and fauna found in the various regions of Pakistan is quite fascinating. This affluence is the reason why Pakistan Tour Packages are so popular.

Pakistan tours are of mostly towards Northern areas of Pakistan, Pakistan tours destinations are like Karimabad and Attabad in Hunza, Kalam valley in Swat, Neelum Valley in Azad Kashmir. Pakistan tours are at very affordable prices and with good amenities. Pakistan Travel Guide is a travel agency in Pakistan providing Pakistan tours since 2015 and registered by tourism directorate general services.

PakistanTravelGuide your Vacations Partner in Pakistan with the best tour packages in  in 2024.

Pakistan Travel Guide License# 2582 with its Head office in Muzaffarabad Azad Kashmir, Holiday Provider Company in Pakistan for facilitating tours and travel services in Pakistan. The company is offering Vacations Tours, Adventure Tours, Corporate Tours, and Family holiday tours with 100 + Pakistan Tour Packages. Travel Agency had highly qualified staff for tour operations, marketing team, and promoting the tour and travel culture in Pakistan.

Pakistan Tour Packages 2024 are available with updated prices for Gilgit Hunza, Skardu, Chitral, Naran Kaghan, Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, Swat Kalam, and Murree Galayat. PakistanTravelGuide.PK is a user-friendly travel portal offering Pakistan Tour Packages , weather updates, road conditions, traffic situations, and emergency contact numbers of administrative authorities in case of any emergency. CEO of Pakistan Travel Guide License# 2582 had a very clear vision of implementing rules and regulations to promote the tourism culture in Pakistan and to facilitate customers with standard services.

Looking at where to go for your next holidays in Pakistan? Has sitting at your office or house and rummaging through the internet for the best holiday destinations in Pakistan got you brain-racking? Mention not, Pakistan Travel Guide is here to solve the mystery.

At Pakistan Travel Guide , We must help you make the right decision and choose the best Pakistan tour packages that suit your budget and complement your needs.

Best Time to Visit Northern areas of Pakistan on Tour Packages:

The northern areas of Pakistan consist of valleys of Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ( Chitral, Naran Kaghan, Swat ), Azad Kashmir ( Neelum Valley, Jhelum Valley, Rawalakot ), and Murree/Galyat. All of the valleys are classified with respect to seasons, some of the best in winter, some are best in summer to visit and some had unique charm in the spring and autumn season. We have classified these valleys with respect to which time it’s best to travel.

• Best Time to Visit Pakistan.

Pakistan is blessed with four seasons, which depend upon the traveler’s mood and nature and what he/she wants to explore, in the Winters coastal line of Pakistan is the best time to explore natural beaches. On way to the coastal highway, you will find calm and beautiful beaches among all others in the world. If you are a snow lover then the Northern areas of Pakistan in winter from December to March are in a category where heavy snowfalls each year. South and central Punjab had a unique cultural ambiance for cultural and food lovers, it’s unique in the world.

• Best Time to Visit Azad Kashmir

Most part of Azad Kashmir is on the Line of Control between Pakistan and India but it’s heavenly beautiful, lakes, waterfalls, water streams, and glaciers. The best time to Visit Azad Kashmir is in Summers from May – September.

• Best time to Visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KPK

Same as Azad Kashmir, KPK is another summers destination with water springs, milky streams, dense forests, the best time to visit KPK is in Summers from May-September. Now Swat Kalam added as the winter destination as well, thousand of tourists rushed to explore the beauty of winters.

• Best Time to Visit Gilgit Baltistan

Apart from other summer destinations, Gilgit Baltistan is four seasonal destinations in Pakistan, Spring season where cherry blossoms in the most part wherein Summers temperature remain moderate and millions of tourists from each part of the world visit, in Autumn GB changes the colors which delicates the fragrance into atmosphere, Autumn is considered as photographers heaven in Gilgit Baltistan .

Geography of Pakistan :

The geography of Pakistan is a blend of landscapes varying from plains to deserts, forests, hills, and plateaus ranging from the coastal areas of the Arabian Sea in the south to the high mountains of central Asia in the north. The Himalayas and Karakorams are the world’s newest mountains formed as a result of a collision between the Indian geological plate and the Asian plate. The Karakoram Range is about 500 km in length and the most heavily glaciated part of the world outside the polar region. Pakistan has the densest concentration of high mountains in the world with five peaks over 8,000 meters, including K2, the second-highest mountain on Earth.

In the north of Pakistan, there is another great mountain range of the Hindu Kush which is 800 km long and stretches between central Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. The highest point in the Hindu Kush is Tirich Mr (7,708 m) towering above the Chitral Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The mountain range separates Central Asia from South Asia. In the north of Pakistan, there is another great mountain range of the Hindu Kush which is 800 km long and stretches between central Afghanistan and northern Pakistan. The highest point in the Hindu Kush is Tirich Mr (7,708 m) towering above the Chitral Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The mountain range separates Central Asia from South Asia, Pakistan Tour offered by Pakistan Travel Guide .

The Indus River is Pakistan’s lifeline and with its tributaries provide water for the largest irrigation system in the world. The Indus is 3,200 kilometers long and is the third-longest river in Asia. Rising in Tibet, it passes through Ladakh in northern India and enters Pakistan flowing northwestwards. The Indus separates the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges, plunging through some of the world’s deepest gorges as it twists between the mountains until it finally finds an exit south to the plains of Punjab and Sindh. The Indus River is Pakistan’s lifeline and with it tributaries provide water for the largest irrigation system in the world. The Indus is 3,200 kilometers long and is the third-longest river in Asia. Rising in Tibet, it passes through Ladakh in northern India and enters Pakistan flowing northwestwards. The Indus separates the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges, plunging through some of the world’s deepest gorges as it twists between the mountains until it finally finds an exit south to the plains of Punjab and Sindh.

According to a famous travel writer, ” Never let your memories be greater than your dreams. For me, Pakistan is such a destination which makes it possible….” Pakistan is blessed with four seasons, diverse culture, vivid colors, and romance that increases gradually. Pakistan is considered a Holy name as it’s named as which means pure land. Pakistan nestles in the valleys of the ever-evolving grand Karakorum ranges. The country is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Indian ocean. Neighboring countries are Afghanistan, India, Iran, and China. Pakistan had mighty mountains, adjacent points, and 3M junctions in the North with an incredible landscape. Pakistan is home to historical mosques, cold and hot deserts, natural caves, lakes, and palm-fringed beaches.

Pakistan is a kaleidoscope where you will see men and women dressed up in an enchanting combination of bright and captivating colors.

Pakistan has much to cater to every discerning tourist. The sheer diversity of culture, amazing landscapes, manmade historical monuments, and religious places makes Pakistan a famous holiday destination in the world.

Pakistan is a country located in South Asia, and is known for its diverse culture, rich history, and beautiful landscapes. The country is home to the Himalayas, the Karakoram mountain range, and the Indus River, as well as a variety of historical sites and cultural landmarks.

Tourism in Pakistan has been on rise in recent years, but it is still considered as a relatively low-key destination.

When planning a trip to Pakistan, it is important to be aware of local customs and laws, as well as current political conditions. Visitors should also be prepared for the fact that infrastructure and facilities may not be as well-developed as in other countries.

The best time to visit Pakistan depend on where you’re planning to go. The best time to visit the northern regions such as Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat and Kalash Valley is during the summer months between May and September. During the winter, these regions can become very cold and difficult to navigate. The best time to visit the southern regions such as Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad is between October and March.

Some of the must-see destinations in Pakistan include the ancient ruins of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, the Himalayas and Karakoram mountain ranges, the Hunza Valley and the historic city of Lahore. Visitors should also consider taking a trip to the northern areas of the country, such as the region of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is a place of picturesque landscapes and culture.

Tourists are also required to have a visa before entering Pakistan and It is recommended to have travel insurance before travelling.

It is recommended to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Visitors should also be prepared for the fact that infrastructure and facilities may not be as well-developed as in other countries.

In Pakistan Tour Packages now you can enjoy the adventure sports like Paragliding, Parasailing, Cycling, and rafting, have a look at our latest Pakistan tours and book your travel packages or just call on our toll-free number.

In Pakitan it’s very hard to get cheap family plans and packages, team Pakistan Travel Guide worked very hard to make standard economical and cheap family packages in Pakistan and now listed at our website. Neat and clean Hotels in Standard and cheap deals are available, as fuel prices  have gone sky high but still team cut down the routes and added fuel efficient vehicles to make affordable family tours in Pakistan.

Domestic Tour Packages from Karachi :

Domestic tour packages from Karachi are available at very reasonable prices could explore the valleys of Pakistan, lakes, and waterfalls on the domestic tour.

Which one is Best Selling Pakistan Tour Package :

We are offering about 60+ Pakistan Tour packages but the selling tour package in Pakistan are of 7 Days Hunza tour package , most families and honeymoon couples like this tour plan. Sightseeing in this Package includes Naran Kaghan, Babusar Top, Gilgit, Hunza, Attabad Lake, the Pak-China border, and Naltar Valley.

Pakistan winter tour packages

We are making it easy for tourists to search the winter package for some specific locations and vice versa? we have listed winter packages in Pakistan to search for an easy getaway. We have individual and group Pakistan winter tour packages. you can talk to our operation manager about special customized tour packages.

Pakistan Affordable Tour Packages

Pakistan offers the best destination for tourists by offering100+ exotic destinations to explore within budget. Pakistan is one among many such tourist places where you can explore natural destinations where can have quality time with your beloved ones without hitting your pocket hard. For Pakistan, affordable holidays, look at Pakistan Tour Packages and select the one that best suits you. Our itineraries are designed in such a manner that you make the best choice to visit during a trip. Also, avail of our best offers and deals to spend cheap holidays in Pakistan.

Northern Pakistan Tours

In the tour package of Northern Pakistan, we are offering high-altitude treks and cultural and historical sightseeing. Northern Pakistan’s favorite and most visited tourist destination is Gilgit Baltistan. Famous villages of Nothern Pakistan which we offer on our Northern tour Packages are Hunza and Skardu while covering other places as well in Hunza there is a high altitude pass named Khunjerab Pass and Attabad Lake etc but in Skardu Valley, we have multiple sightseeing destinations like exploring Khaplu, Upper Kachura, Shigar Valley, etc. If you want a tour to Northern Pakistan with our package deal so just write us at [email protected].

Northern areas of Pakistan tour packages 2024 is a summer retreat, full of adventure, exploring natural habitats, culture, and travel destinations, enjoy honeymoon vacations to Northern Pakistan. Adventure of the mighty Karakorum or Himalayan among these beautiful valleys like Hunza, Phandar Valley, Nagar Valley, Skardu valley, Neelum Valley, and Gurez Valley. Pakistan tour packages for northern areas of Pakistan as a tourist is the best retreat to get lost in the scenic heavens, enjoy your holidays, honeymoon tours, and family tours with Pakistan Travel Guide, the best tour planner in Pakistan.

Pakistan Tour Packages from Karachi

Are you looking for Pakistan packages from Karachi? Look no further, because PakistanTravelGuide’s Pakistan holiday packages are the best choice for you. You will find a range of customizable Pakistan tour Package to suit every kind of traveler from Karachi. We have a collection of 50 plus packages and you have to choose from Karachi and enjoy unbeatable deals and discounts. PakistanTravelGuide’s packages from Karachi to Northern areas of Pakistan are available with and without flights, as start at prices as low as Rs 15000/- whether you are exploring Pakistan family packages, planning a Pakistan honeymoon, or just looking for a weekend getaway to Pakistan from Karachi with your friends. You will find the right trip option here.

Average Pakistan Tour Package price :

Pakistan tour package average estimated price is about PKR 207000/- ($727).

Pakistan Tour Packages 2024

With the New Year 2024, we are presenting Pakistan Tour Packages from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan, and Islamabad. This year Pakistan tour packages from India are also included in our travel catalog. New hotels and travel destinations are added to our travel packages with three categories like Standard, Deluxe, Luxury. New transport for travel packages also included Kia Sportage, MG, Luxus, Grand Cabin, and 5c Coaster Saloons. You can enjoy the best transport and hotels in our travel Packages.

Pakistan Travel Guide offers Best Priced Pakistan Tour and Travel Packages 2024

Packages:   Hunza Tour Packages , Swat Tour Packages , Skardu Tour Packages , Naran Kaghan Tour Packages,