Best Places to Visit in Pakistan’s Northern Areas in 2023

The Best Places to Visit in Pakistan Northern Areas are blessed with numerous stunning mountains, snow peaks, meadows, lakes, and other natural features. Three mountain ranges the Himalayas, Hindukush, and Karakoram—intersect at this location.

Thousands of local and foreign visitors visit these northern areas each year to take in the breathtaking beauty of nature. The previous administration’s efforts to promote tourism in Pakistan resulted in remarkable growth in the sector. Numerous tourism organizations throughout the world have listed Pakistan as one of the best tourist destinations.

In addition to its well-known tourist spots, Pakistan has constructed a number of new tourist-friendly locations. To have a complete experience on their road journeys in Pakistan, it is crucial for both domestic and foreign tourists to have a list of the top tourist attractions in the northern areas.

List of Best Places to visit in Pakistan’s Northern Areas

These are the Best Places to visit in Pakistan’s Northern Areas:

• Naran-Kaghan Valley
• Swat Valley
• Skardu
• Chitral Valley
• Neelum Valley
• Kumrat Valley
• Hunza Valley

1. Naran-Kaghan Valley

One of the top tourist destinations for both domestic and foreign visitors is the upper Kaghan Valley, which is located near Mansehra city, KPK. It is a hub for travelers to Hunza and Skardu and is situated in the Himalayan mountain range. Heavy rain falls in the summer, while snow falls in the winter.

You may visit the following popular tourist destinations in the Naran-Kashan Valley:

• Ansoo Lake
• Lalazar Plateau
• Dudipatsar Lake
• Lulusar Lake
• Lake Saif-ul-Malok
• Babusar Top

2. Swat Valley

Swat is referred to be the “Switzerland of Pakistan” due to the similarities in its scenery and natural beauty. It is situated beside the Swat River, one of Swat Valley’s most well-known tourist destinations. Eye-catching lakes, rivers, lofty mountain peaks, lovely waterfalls, and springs may all be found in Swat.

One of Pakistan’s most stunning locales is Swat Valley. The Valley is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, the captivating Swat River, and other tourist attractions. The Valley is renowned as Pakistan’s real beauty and draws tourists from all over the world.

According to legend, Queen Elizabeth II called Swat the “Switzerland of the East” during her 1961 visit because the region’s vistas are comparable to and just as stunning as those of Switzerland. One of Pakistan’s most popular tourist destinations in the valley of Swat.

The Swat River and the Valley are both located in KPK. The valley’s largest town is Mingora, while Saidu Sharif serves as its capital. The Valley is home to beautiful lakes, majestic mountains, springtime, waterfalls, and nice weather. Swat Valley offers visitors a stunning sight of Pakistan’s majestic mountains.

Swat is one of Pakistan’s top northern areas if you’re seeking for a nice family vacation in a calm environment.

Both in the summer and the winter, visitors may engage in a variety of activities such as hiking, zip-lining, chairlift rides, fishing, skiing, sledding, ice skating, and others. The following are a few of Swat Valley’s key attractions:

• Mahogany Valley & Lake
• Kalam Valley
• Ushu Forest
• Natural Ushu Valley
• White Palace Marghazar
• Malam Jabba (Famous Ski Resort)

3. Skardu

Pakistan’s far north is where Skardu is situated. It is Gilgit-center Baltistan’s valley and the peak of tranquillity, beauty, and wildness. K2, K3, and Gasherbrum are a few of the highest Himalayan summits that may be reached from this area.

It is the ideal location for trekkers, visitors, and mountaineers since it boasts several mountain peaks, forts, lakes, and resorts. You may visit the following popular tourist destinations when visiting Skardu:

Mountain Peaks: Masherbrum, K2, Gasherbrum,

Forts: Shangrila Fort, Shigar Fort, Kharpocho Fort

Glaciers: Biafo Glacier, Chogo Lungma Glacier

Lakes: Satpara Lake, Shangrila Lake, Upper Kachura Lake

Cold Deserts: Katpana Cold Desert, Shigar Cold Desert

Other Places: Deosai National Park, Chaqchan Mosque, Khaplu Palace

4. Chitral Valley

It is located within the Hindukush-mountain range and serves as the administrative center for the Chitral district. Chitral is noted for its many cultural events and tourist destinations. It is known as the “Palace of the Fairies” because of its soaring mountains, lush valleys, flowing rivers, dense forests, and glaciers.

Chitral receives thousands of visitors each year. Some of its more well-known tourist attractions are as follows:

Festivals: Summer-Shandor Polo Festivals, Uchitel Summer Festival, Kalash Festivals, and Chilimjusht Festival

Lakes: Shandur Lake, Karambar Lake, Bashqargolo Lake

Other Attractions: Shahi Masjid, Garam Chashma, Mehtar’s Fort, Kalash Valley, Khowar Houses

Read More About the Best Places to Visit in Kashmir in 2023

5. Neelum Valley

Neelum Valley, sometimes known as the “Paradise of Kashmir,” is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the world. It is renowned across the world for producing fruits including apples, apricots, walnuts, and plums. Rivers, streams, hills, and dense woods are all present in the region. Top Neelum Valley attractions include the following:

• Sharda Valley
• Kutton Valley
• Jagran
• Kel
• Ratti Gali
• Nanga Parbat Viewpoint
• Arang Kel

6. Kumrat Valley

A wide variety of wildlife and plants may be found living in Kumrat’s lush meadows, snow-capped slopes, the Panjkora River, hazy mounds, and forests. It is in the Upper Dir Kohistan region, which borders the Gabral Swat Kohistan region on the other side.

Kumrat Valley is a real treasure of the natural world, including tall mountains, streams, greenery, dense woods, and lakes. It is situated in KPK’s Upper Dir neighborhood. It offers fantastic opportunities for rock climbing, mountaineering, and hiking. The valley’s points of interest include the following:

• Do Kala Chashma
• Kumrat Forest
• Wooden Canals Thal
• Jandrai Trek
• Jahaz Banda Waterfall
• Jahaz Banda Meadows
• Katora Lake

These places add to the attractiveness of Pakistan’s northern regions. Get a full map of the travel guide for Pakistan’s northern regions so you may explore; it will lead you to all the stunning locations.

7. Hunza Valley

The Hunza Valley, which lies in the Gilgit-Baltistan area close to the China Border, is renowned for its spectacular beauty. It has mountain peaks surrounding it on all sides. Rakaposhi, Hunza Peak, Ultar Sar, Ladyfinger Peak, and Darmyani Peak all ring Hunza Valley.

In the mountains of Northern Pakistan, in the Gilgit Baltistan region, close to the Chinese border, is the enormous and vibrant Hunza Valley. One of Pakistan’s most beautiful tourist sites in the north is Hunza Valley. The Hunza Valley has been introducing its tourists to history, culture, and vibrant traditions for many years. The Hunza Valley is well-known among tourists from all over the world for its extensive natural beauty, which leaves a lasting effect on visitors. This is in addition to its historical and cultural attractions. Contrarily, the valley has a lot more to offer.

Here is a list of the top tourist attractions in Hunza Valley:

Lakes: Attabad Lake, Borith Lake

Forts: Nagar Fort, Altit Fort, Kha Basi, Baltit Fort

• Khunjerab National Park
• Eagle’s Nest Point
• Passu Cones
• Khunjerab Pass
• Rakaposhi Viewpoint
• Hopper Glacier
• Hussaini Suspension Bridge
• Pak-China Sost dry port