Northern areas of Pakistan are blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery and are culturally very distinct, which is why the journey to the northern areas is always worthwhile. Famous for its high mountain ranges, beautiful green meadows, and calm and crystal-clear lakes, it is the gateway to nature. This travel guide focuses on Northern Pakistan and gives a brief understanding of when is the best time to visit Northern Pakistan, the attractions of Northern Pakistan, where to stay and some travel tips for Northern Pakistan that would make their journey easy and memorable.
Although planning the perfect trip to Northern Pakistan relies heavily on knowing when the best time to visit Northern Pakistan is, Every season has something unique to offer, though for most travellers, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to explore. During spring, the valleys are covered with flowers, and the climate is mild, so they are suitable for trekking, sightseeing, and other outdoor adventures. Autumn is quite the opposite, with rich colours of the foliage, which turn golden and red, giving a warm touch to everything around.
For those who wish to witness the snow-capped mountains in their full glory, winter (December to February) is also an excellent time. However, travellers must be prepared for cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, which can sometimes limit access to certain areas. Northern Pakistan can also be visited in summer (June to August), but it is essential to be prepared for large tourist crowds and slightly warmer temperatures.
1. Hunza Valley: Often called “Heaven on Earth,” Hunza Valley is famous for its panoramic views, crystal-clear rivers, and majestic mountains. Key attractions include the ancient Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, and the enchanting Karimabad town, where visitors can experience the local culture and traditional cuisine.
2. Skardu: Surrounded by towering mountains and beautiful lakes, the town of Skardu is famous for its tranquillity. Some of the major attractions in Skardu are the Shangrila Resort, more famous as the ‘Heaven on Earth’ Resort, Sheosar Lake, and the beautiful Deosai Plains – the highest plains in the world, consisting of beautiful green lush meadows and different species of animals. Tourists can visit Shigar Fort or can go on a trip to nearby glaciers. Thus, Skardu is among the places that tourists should visit in Northern Pakistan.
3. Swat Valley: Famous as the Switzerland of Pakistan, Swat Valley strikes tourists with its forests, rivers, and historical sites. Tourism in Swat Valley is made up of Malam Jabba, a skiing area, and Mingora, the busiest town in the region.
4. Fairy Meadows: Fairy Meadows is one of the most beautiful places in Northern Pakistan and is perfect for watching the world’s ninth-highest mountain called Nanga Parbat. People who move to the site by car and walk a few hundred metres on foot are faced with fairy meadow beauty that can only be described as magical.
5. Naltar Valley: Naltar Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys, and it is famous for its colourful lakes and high Rocky Mountains. Naltar is approachable from Gilgit and is a perfect destination for those who love skiing and other snowy sports in the winter season.
Ecological tourism in the mountains is not an option for Pakistan; it is its need. The natural beauty of the country, diversified people, and threatened bio-systems are losing the battle to mass tourism.If sustainable tourism in Pakistan is adopted, it may not only retain the country’s beauty and rich resources for generations to come but also become one of the most preferred tourist destinations in the world for other significant reasons. This is the right time to act before its mountain attractions fade because of its lack of attention.
1. Serena Hotels: Based in Hunza and Gilgit, Serena Hotels provide comfortable rooms with all the sources of comfort. Their beautiful location enables guests to have fantastic views as well as providing them with comfort in line with traditional hospitality but with modern comforts.
2. Shangrila Resort, Skardu: Known for its ‘A heaven on earth’ tag line Shangrila Resort is one of the most renowned hotels in Northern Pakistan. Located in the midst of nature it offers the perfect vacation with beautiful chalets, great food and lovely views of the Shangrila Lake.
3. PTDC Motels: The government-owned Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) runs a chain of motels in Northern Pakistan, including Hunza, Skardu and Chitral. These motels are cheap and thus can be preferred by people who want to spend little cash on their accommodation.
4. Fairy Meadows Cottages: The Fairy Meadows Cottages are for tourists who choose to spend a night or more at Fairy Meadows. The cottages are spelt but comfortable and give the natural feel of staying in a tent at the base area of Nanga Parbat.
It is always interesting to travel to Northern Pakistan if one has valuable information regarding the area. Here are some essential travel tips for Northern Pakistan to help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey:
Tourists, particularly photography lovers, will be able to get the best of Northern Pakistan, immerse themselves in the beautiful scenery and capture the beautiful moments. Starting from the inhospitable mountains of the Karakoram to the picturesque lakes and valleys, everything seems as though it was painted. From the dawn over the Hunza valley, the mirror-like surface of Skardu lakes or the Naltar’s colourful forests, every shot looks picture perfect.
For those who want to attend local people, especially markets where people of Northern Pakistan can be seen, there are the Gilgit market, Skardu market and Mingora market. The other important thing to note is that it is always necessary to get permission while capturing the locals in the area to avoid intruding on the privacy of the people and their culture.
Northern Pakistan is a place to visit, and it guarantees an unforgettable journey. Due to its natural beauty, friendly people, and history, it is a place that captures the attention of any traveller. This travel guide aims at providing helpful information ranging from discovering the top Northern Pakistan best places to visit to knowing the most suitable hotels in the northern areas of Pakistan for a meaningful trip. It is important to know the best time to visit Northern Pakistan, and by knowing these essential travel tips for Northern Pakistan, travellers can enjoy the beauty of this area without causing harm to this region or its people.
