Planning a Trip to Pakistan
If someone told you they were planning a trip to Pakistan, you would likely be somewhat startled.
Since its independence from India and establishment shortly after World Conflict II, the country has been unhappily connected with terrorism, war, and general unrest in the American common perception. However, many are surprised to learn that Pakistan is one of the world’s most beautiful nations.
Energizing Natural Landscape
It would be difficult to locate many other nations that could give you as a tourist as much energizing natural landscape as this diverse nation.
These include lush, verdant woods, stark, breathtaking mountain vistas, gushing waterfalls, and mesmerizing lakes. In this article on the most beautiful areas in this large neighbor to the northwest of India, we examine 16 compelling reasons to travel to Pakistan, a hidden jewel with breathtaking mountains and valleys.
World’s Most Beautiful Natural Landscapes
Pakistan is well endowed with considerably more than some of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes. The country’s vast and fascinating history extends back to ancient times.
In addition to the tremendous and overwhelming natural beauty, there are numerous historical, architectural, and cultural attractions to explore here.
1. Kalash Valleys
The Kalash Valleys of Pakistan, which consist of Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur, are hidden jewels surrounded by the majestic Hindu Kush mountain range, which is a part of the Himalayas. The rocky summits are covered with juniper and birch scrubs, providing breathtaking vistas of nature.
The valleys are renowned for the attractiveness of their inhabitants as well as their natural grandeur. Thought to be the successors of Alexander the Great’s soldiers, the Kalash are animists, an ethnic minority, as opposed to Muslims, and they reside in wooden huts on the high hills. In this region of Pakistan, the ladies are recognized for their brightly hued traditional attire and headwear.
The 2.5-hour drive from Chitral to the isolated Kalash Valleys is facilitated by Jeeps and rental cars. Bumburet is the most populous valley in Pakistan and a major tourist destination. Rumbur and Birir are less developed and favored by international tourists. Visit the locally-owned Kalasha Dur museum in Bumburet, a charming cultural museum that will provide you with all the knowledge you need to explore the breathtaking valleys.
2. Concordia
Concordia is a mountain lover’s and climber’s heaven. It is located in the far north of the country near the border with China.
Pakistan’s claim to fame is that it has five of the world’s 14 tallest peaks, a fact that is unknown to the majority of people.
Four of these five tallest peaks in the world may be viewed from the vantage point afforded by Concordia, a stunning location. This makes it both a breathtaking vista vantage point and an unrivaled photo opportunity during a vacation to Pakistan.
3. Lake Saif-ul-Malook
The magnificent natural Lake Saif-ul-Malook is located at the northernmost end of the Kaghan Valley. It is situated in the Mansehra District of the Khyber-Paktunkhwa province.
This natural lake is breathtakingly gorgeous not only because of the surrounding mountain landscape, but also because of the unique reflection of the mountains on the lake’s water.
Summer is the greatest and most convenient time to explore this one-of-a-kind natural beauty. During the winter months, when snowfall is frequently heavy on the roads, it might take many anxious hours to arrive safely. In the winter months, when the roads are slick with ice, all-terrain vehicles are an unsafe method to traverse the high, frequently narrow, and curving mountain routes.
4. Deosai
Deosai, often known as the “country of the giants,” is located inside the Astore District of Gilgit-Balistan region.
This area serves as the border between the western Himalayas and Karakorum. This region is home to numerous unique and diverse animal species, such as the snow leopard and the brown bear, as well as an abundance of beautiful floral variations. This peak proves to be the highest on the planet, offering further bragging rights with friends back home.
This is a not-to-be-missed location for observing Pakistan’s rarest animal species. If the seasonal weather conditions enable the voyage, nature enthusiasts should never forego the worthwhile excursion.
5. Shandur Top
Shandur Top is located in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa District in the Chitral region, making it a potential trip combination with Deosai. This Shandur Top has been described as the world’s highest-elevation polo field.
During the winter months, the region is covered with snow, while during the summer months, Shandur Top is a verdant and beautiful location.
Each year in July, the Shandur Polo Festival is held here, attracting throngs of residents and tourists. Due to severe snowfalls and icy conditions, traveling during the winter months is risky. During the warmer months, all-terrain vehicles may easily reach Shandur Top.
6. Neelum Valley
Neelum Valley is one of the most popular picturesque spots in Pakistan. This highly wooded region is located in Azad Kashmir. This Kashmir region was originally described by the Mughal emperor Humayun as “if there is a paradise on earth, then this is it.” The majority of visitors concur with his articulate appraisal of the Kashmir Valley today.
The breathtaking valley is situated at a height of more than 1,650 feet (4,850 ft) above sea level. Incredible, milk-white waterfalls stream from the mountains, providing a hypnotic effect and surreal backdrop to the natural setting.
Tourists and locals alike travel from all over Pakistan to view this magnificent natural wonder that cannot be discounted as a credible candidate for the most beautiful location on earth.
7. Guraiz Valley
In Pakistan, tourists should not miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Guraiz Valley. It is magnificent in both summer and winter. The beautiful green valley is densely covered with thick forest.
Guraiz Valley, located high in the Himalayas, is a genuine oasis among the freezing, towering white peaks. It may be found in the boundary between Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
Due to frequent territorial dispute between India and Pakistan, entrance to the valley is controlled by the Pakistani army. On request, they enable travelers to view the breathtaking valley.
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8. Naltar Valley
Naltar Valley has the well-deserved reputation of being a one-of-a-kind magnificent location that should not be missed when traveling to Pakistan.
The valley is studded with several gorgeous pine trees. It is renowned for its locally grown potatoes, which are considered by many to be the tastiest on the entire world. Naltar Valley appears to be a hidden paradise due to its breathtaking scenery.
9. Siri Paye
Siri Paye, the most attractive spot to visit in Kaghan province, is a natural marvel that regrettably is often missed by international tourists. Siri Paye is located in the southwestern portion of the province. The Shogran Valley is about three to four miles (or six kilometers) distant. This verdant plateau is located on top of the Hindu Kash Mountains.
Visitors will be rejuvenated by the landscape’s numerous ponds, which are complemented by breathtaking fields of bright yellow flowers. This location will invigorate the spirits of tourists from anywhere in the world.
10. Kund Malir
Kund Malir, located in Balochistan, is one of around two dozen beaches in Pakistan. The expansive sand beach is a dry terrain in the Hingol National Park.
The Makran Coastal Highway is a picturesque road that goes to the beach and features coastal and mountain vistas on each side. There are no emergency supplies accessible in the region, so pack carefully. Karachi, Pakistan’s most populous metropolis, is 175 kilometers from Kund Malir.
Kund Malir is an excellent location to escape the throng and immerse oneself in nature. The breathtakingly lovely beach features a 20-room resort, café in the dhaba style, and truck stop. The beach remains clean because it is rarely populated. In addition to the Princess of Hope monument, which was formed by powerful winds and rain, you may also visit the historic Hinglaj Temple.
11. The Mosque of Badshahi Masjid
In the old city of Lahore, you will discover an abundance of architectural and historical marvels to admire. This mosque from the 17th century is a major attraction. It dates back to the Imperial Mughal Empire and was built during the reign of the last great Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, from 1672 to 1674. It continues to rank among the world’s largest mosques.
Built entirely of red sandstone and marble, the mosque is breathtakingly gorgeous and extraordinarily stunning in both its vast scale and expansive expanse.
Unique and exquisite Islamic calligraphy adorns the ceilings and walls of the prayer halls on the massive edifice that will make you feel small and unimportant. This is likely the most stunning man-made attraction in Pakistan, hence it is essential to see.
12. Fort Rohtas (Qila Rohtas)
Between 1539 and 1545, the renowned Afghan monarch Sher Shah Suri erected this beautiful medieval fort. Today, it is located near Jehlum in the state of Punjab. In its heyday, 500 years ago, the large fortified military outpost functioned as a focus for army command activities.
Each of the 12 unique gates of Rohtas Fort was fashioned using ashlars stone. It was constructed with a manly architectural style.
In 1997, the United Nations granted the fort the title of World Heritage Site. Naturally, history buffs will be in seventh heaven when they visit this site, but the fact is that everyone will truly appreciate this magnificent and mighty feat constructed by pre-modern man without the aid of modern machines.
13. Mohenjo-daro
Mohenjo-daro, situated in the Sindh province of southeastern Pakistan, is home to the Sindh people and an archaeological site dating back to 2500 BCE.
The ruins and mounds were part of the Indus Valley civilisation around the same time period as Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, according to extensive research and excavation. Engineers and urban planners who were decades ahead of their time will captivate history aficionados. The community was arranged on a grid, with public baths, and a very efficient water management system.
The village vanished around 1900 BCE for unexplained causes and was rediscovered in the 1920s. In-depth archeological operations were discontinued in 1966 due to weather-related damage. Since 1980, Mohenjo-daro has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The location is accessible via public transit or private vehicle. The closest major city is Multan, located to the north.
14. Taxila
Pakistan’s award-winning and well-preserved ancient city of Taxila is a prime example of strong, one-of-a-kind, and breathtaking Buddhist architecture. According to the Pakistani Tourism Development Corporation, this city is home to several magnificent Buddhist buildings constructed over millennia. The city itself has a history that spans more than 3,000 years.
It served as the principal administrative hub of Gandhara. This charming city, which is about 20 miles (or 35 kilometers) from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is easily accessible to travelers and should not be missed for its distinct attractions and memorable, breathtaking architectural marvels.
In 1980, the United Nations bestowed to the entire city the prestigious title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
15. Mazar-e-Quaid
Today, Quaid-e-Azam, the founder of Pakistan, is put to rest in this majestic mausoleum in the main city of Karachi in the province of Sindh. Modern, renowned architect Yahya Merchant created it (using costly and rare white marble).
It makes perfect sense to pay homage to the founder of Pakistan by paying a visit to his holy burial while seeing the lovely country. B
Aside from being serene and conducive to introspection, this site is ideal for remembering the man responsible for the independence of contemporary Pakistan.
16. Pir Sohawa
The Pir Sohawa overlooks the city of Islamabad from the Margalla Hills. The tourist destination has long been recognized for more than its unparalleled views. It is gifted with tranquil strolls across lovely nature.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy picnics amidst the cool breezes and spectacular views afforded by the site’s height of nearly 5,000 feet (or more than 1,500 meters) above sea level. Here, the steep valleys are populated with mud dwellings with thatched roofs. Several pleasant and attractive eateries flank the road leading to this location for visitors who did not prepare ahead to pack a picnic.