10 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan You should Visit
Welcome to Pakistan
From the mighty stretches of the Karakorams in the North to the vast alluvial delta of the Indus River in the South, Pakistan remains a land of high adventure and nature. Trekking, mountaineering, white water rafting, wild boar hunting, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing, and bird watching, are a few activities, which entice adventure and nature lovers to Pakistan.
Pakistan is endowed with rich and varied flora and fauna. The high Himalayas, Karakoram, and the Hindukush range with their alpine meadows and permanent snow line, coniferous forests down the sub-mountain scrub, the vast Indus plain merging into the great desert, the coastline, and wetlands, all offer a remarkably rich variety of vegetation and associated wildlife including avifauna, both endemic and migratory. Ten of 18 mammalian orders are represented in Pakistan with species ranging from the world’s smallest surviving mammals, the Mediterranean Pigmy Shrew, to the largest mammal ever known; the blue whale.
The British Backpacker Society ranked Pakistan as the world’s top adventure travel destination in 2018, describing the country as “one of the friendliest countries on earth, with mountain scenery that is beyond anyone’s wildest imagination”.
Pakistan is home to a number of UNESCO world heritage sites like Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro, Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi, and Neighbouring City Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol, Fort and Shalamar Gardens in Lahore, Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta, Rohtas Fort, and Taxila.
It’s hard to imagine a more magnificent landscape than the rugged peaks, hidden villages, and wind-swept plains of Pakistan. Here are 10 of the most beautiful places in Pakistan, from wild mountain passes and unreal lakes to ornate mosques and ancient fortresses.
1. SWAT VALLEY
Swat District is a district in the Malakand Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. With a population of 2,309,570 per the 2017 national census, Swat is the 15th-largest district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Swat District is centered on the Valley of Swat, usually referred to simply as Swat, which is a natural geographic region surrounding the Swat River. The valley was a major center of early Buddhism under the ancient kingdom of Gandhara, and was a major center of Gandharan Buddhism, with pockets of Buddhism persisting in the valley until the 10th century, after which the area became largely Muslim.
Though it has had a rough past, the present and future of Swat Valley are shining very bright. This stunning valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan is something straight out of a fairy tale. Think bright green fields and forests, picturesque villages, and rivers boasting shades of blue so clear and bright you wouldn’t have thought them real! The true beauty of Swat can be found around the town of Kalam, which serves as a base to explore the beauty of the valley. Here are 3 places you can’t miss in Swat Valley.
Boyun Village
Boyun, otherwise called Green Top, is a short drive or sensible up-slope stroll from Kalam town. At the point when you at last arrived at the zenith, you’ll be compensated with a scene of one of the most immense and delightful towns You have not at any point seen – alongside clearing perspectives on the valley beneath.
valley located at distance of 99 kilometres (62 mi) from Mingora in the northern upper reaches of Swat valley along the bank of Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The area has become a popular tourist attraction, known for its mountains, forests and lakes. It is the birthplace of Swat river, which forms with confluence of two major tributaries of Gabral river and Ushu river.
Kandol and Spindhor Lakes
These alpine lakes lie 2 hours away from Kalam. These days, Kandol Lake is accessible via jeep track and is a bit more commercialized, whereas Spindhor can only be reached on a 2-hour trek. Whichever you choose to visit, both are absolutely counted among the most beautiful places in Pakistan.
Ushu Forest
This well-preserved forest is full of deodar trees and is a fabulous place to get lost. The road that leads into the forest continues on to several villages set along the Kalam River.
2. HUNZA VALLEY
If you live in Pakistan – or have read anything about the country – it’s almost certain you’ve come across the name Hunza. Don’t let the word ‘valley’ confuse you, though – Hunza is actually a massive district made up of numerous valleys and villages. One part of the ancient Silk Road, here are some of the most beautiful sights in Hunza:
Passu Cones
The Passu Cathedral is a natural work of art and one of the most recognisable scenes in Pakistan. Though staying overnight in Passu village is no longer allowed, the cones are visible from a ways away, starting from the village of Gulmit. The most iconic view of the Cathedral is from the Karakoram Highway, about an hour’s drive from Gilgit City.
Attabad Lake
A lake that doesn’t look real… Even when you’re standing right in front of it. Attabad was born out of tragedy when a massive landslide occurred in 2010. The flow of the Hunza River was blocked, and the now-famous lake was created in its wake. Its bright-blue turquoise waters make the it one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.
Eagle’s Nest
Want to see one of the most epic sunsets in the Hunza Valley? Head to Eagle’s Nest around a golden hour! The name comes from an upscale hotel/restaurant nearby, but you can drive up to the viewpoint without going there.
3. YARKHUN VALLEY
Though it’s relatively unheard of and forgotten compared to Pakistan’s most famous tourist spots, Yarkhun Valley was the most beautiful place in the country. Located in the Upper Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Yarkhun dazzles with its mountain ranges and untouched villages.
Reaching the valley, which stretches for many kilometres past the administrative town of Mastuj, requires a bit of effort if you don’t have your own vehicle. If you do have one though, the ride isn’t too bad – just prepare for mostly dirt roads! The side valley of Gazin is most definitely worth a detour if you make it all the way to Yarkhun. Here, you can see the mountains of the Thoi Pass, a high-altitude pass that connects Upper Chitral with Yasin Valley in Gilgit Baltistan.
4. PHANDER LAKE
Phander Lake, located in Phander Village, is almost too good to be true. The teal-coloured lake sits silently amongst light-green trees befitting a landscape painting. Despite being insanely beautiful, Phander Lake doesn’t see anywhere as close to the number of tourists as the more popular Attabad Lake does.
During the 4 days You spent in Phander relaxing lakeside, You didn’t encounter any other tourists. If you do visit, We highly recommend you stay at the Lake Inn, which is a short walk away and charges 1,000 rupees per night. There is also the expensive (5,000 rupees) PTDC that overlooks the lake, but the hospitality and value at Lake Inn reign superior.
5. BROGHIL VALLEY
Located way up north very close to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, Broghil Valley was formerly only accessible via trek or horseback. These days, the once-hidden locale can be reached by a treacherous jeep track – yet it still only receives a handful of visitors during the few months it’s not frozen under heaps of snow.
Currently, whether or not foreigners are allowed to visit Broghil is iffy. (If you’re insistent, make sure you check with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Chitral before making the trek up there.) But Pakistanis – please go see this beauty! The valley is home to numerous high-altitude lakes, yaks, and sprawling green pastures, all set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop that soars above 13,000 feet.
Moreover, a day’s trek from Lashkargaz, the last village in Broghil, will lead you to Karambar Lake, one of the highest in the world!
6. LAHORE
A city… Say what? Yes, Lahore may be a metro but its treasure trove of historical places surely makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan. Lahore was the city of Mughals, and so much of their creations still remain.
If you’re wondering what are the best places to visit in Lahore, hold tight because there’s a whole lot of them! The most famous of the city’s monuments include the Badshahi Mosque, the Wazir Khan Mosque, and of course the Lahore Fort. Add to that dozens upon dozens of beautifully preserved tombs, lively shrines, and havelis upon havelis, and you have yourself the cultural capital of Pakistan.
7. HINGOL NATIONAL PARK
Hingol National Park is technically in Pakistan, but it looks more like a Martian planet! The park is over 6,000-square-kilometres and contains incredibly unique rock formations, vast canyons, numerous animal species, and even a mud volcano.
What’s more, part of the National Park hugs the coast, adding the ocean to all its other assets. Though totally out-of-this-world in its looks, Hingol is only 3.5 hours from Karachi, Pakistan’s most populous city.
Pakistanis shouldn’t have any problem entering the park, but foreigners have had mixed experiences. Some who were accompanied by locals have been able to spend a night/ weekend in the park, while others were only given day permission. There is no public transport to the park, so having access to your own transportation is a must.
8. KALASH VALLEYS
The Kalash Valleys, comprised of Bumboret, Rumbur, and Birir, are home to the Kalash people, a religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan with their own beliefs, culture and language. The valleys they live in are certainly some of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – not just for their natural splendour, but also for the beauty of the Kalash themselves.
The valley of Rumbur is particularly stunning. Here, kilometres of dusty road and mountains rumble alongside the Kalash River. The Kalash people live in wooden homes that cling to the high hills, and the women are particularly famous for their brightly-coloured traditional dress and headwear that differs from anything else one can find in Pakistan.
Being only 2.5 hours from Chitral City, it’s very easy to make it out to one of the valleys these days. If you do decide to head to Rumbur, take a day to trek all the way into the valley. The last settlement of Rumbur, Sheikhandeh, is a former Nuristani village whose inhabitants migrated across the border to Pakistan a few hundred years ago.
9. DEOSAI PLAINS NATIONAL PARK
Deosai is often referred to as the roof of the world. And it kinda is. At 4,117 metres (13,497 feet), the massive plateau is the second-highest on the planet, and is only really accessible during summer.
Sprawling emerald-green meadows, snow-capped peaks and glistening blue lakes greet visitors who make the journey to this beautiful spot. The Himalayan Brown Bear calls Deosai its home and has been spotted by many a visitor – watch out for them if you’re camping! The park charges an entrance fee of 1,000 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Pakistanis.
10. GORAKH HILLS
Hills in the desert… Yup, the Gorakh Hill Station is located in Sindh, but is certainly elevated as a part of the Kirthar Mountains. At 1,734 metres (5,689 feet), the top of the hills provide some of the most beautiful views in Southern Pakistan. This is the perfect spot for a weekend camping trip.
Gorakh Hills are about 8 hours from Karachi, but only 2 to 3 hours from the city of Dadu, making the latter a better place to start your journey. There is no public transport, but there are a few rest houses for anyone who isn’t looking to pitch a tent.