Sana Khalid 
travel spots in Pakistan for winter
Cold air on the face, tea steaming in a chipped cup, road turning white ahead. Popular travel spots in Pakistan for winter draw crowds for snow, quiet valleys, chairlifts, and clear night skies. This season pulls people out of cities. That’s how it looks on the ground.
High ranges, pine belts, frozen lakes, dry sunny days in pockets. One country, many winter moods. The north stacks peaks like a postcard, while hill stations keep it easy with short drives and hot snacks. Trains hum, jeeps climb, chai stalls never sleep. Sounds basic, still works.
Top Winter Travel Spots in Pakistan
Reporters watching winter traffic name the same arcs again and again. Murree and Galiyat for quick trips. Hunza and Skardu for crisp alpine scenes. Swat and Malam Jabba for skiing. Shogran and Siri Paye for soft meadows under snow. Simple list, real choices.
Murree – The Classic Winter Getaway
Mall Road gets noisy by noon, but mornings stay soft and blue. Families queue for chairlifts at Patriata, kids kick slush into neat piles, vendors fry pakoras that smell like home. Parking needs patience. Midweek is calmer, hotels cheaper after the New Year rush. Small tips help, always.
Nathia Gali & The Galiyat Region
Narrow roads. Tall deodar, white caps on branches. Short treks to viewpoints where breath fogs the air and dogs trot alongside like locals. Bonfire nights in small lodges bring simple joy. Breakfast is eggs, parathas, and a story from the caretaker who has seen fifty winters. That’s a record.
Hunza Valley – A Snow-Covered Wonderland
Silence feels thick in Hunza when the wind stops. Altit and Baltit stand firm, stones warm in the afternoon sun. Attabad turns deep blue, then glassy, then a mirror after dusk. Power cuts happen. Carry layers, a torch, a quiet mind. Locals share directions better than any app. Works every time.
Skardu – Winter Adventure Destination
Airport landings look like a film cut, mountains on both sides. Skardu in winter is for those who enjoy raw cold and long views. Shangrila Lake freezes on the edges. Daylight stays precious, so people move early. Gear matters. Good shoes, good gloves, small flask of tea. Feels serious, in a good way.
Swat & Malam Jabba – Skiing and Snow Sports
The ski slope at Malam Jabba draws mixed crowds. Learners slide, laugh, fall, repeat. Instructors do quick fixes, then send the brave higher. Gondola queues grow after 11 am, so early starts pay. Swat’s roadside trout grills send out that sweet woody smoke. Simple lunches taste great after a run.
Shogran & Siri Paye – Serene Snow Retreat
The road climbs to Shogran, then thins toward Siri Paye. Meadows that glow in summer turn white sheets. Horses stand quiet, breathing in little clouds. A tea stop here can stretch to an hour because time slows. Keep a wool cap handy. Silly to forget one up here.
Travel Tips for Winter Trips in Pakistan
- Carry two base layers, not one. One dries while the other works. Old mountain trick.
- Keep cash for small towns. ATMs get moody in the cold. That’s the truth.
- Start before sunrise for long drives. Roads feel safer and views are kinder.
- The book stays with heating details clearly noted. A small heater changes everything.
- Respect local guidance on road closures. Saves nerves and fuel.
Estimated Budget & Travel Costs
| Item | Budget per day | Notes |
| Local transport | Rs2,000–Rs4,500 | Shared jeeps cheaper, private cars faster on bad days. |
| Stay | Rs3,000–Rs8,000 | Hill stations lower, remote valleys higher in peak cold. |
| Food | Rs800–Rs2,000 | Street snacks cheap, lodge dinners hearty. |
| Activities | Rs700–Rs3,000 | Chairlifts, ski passes, short treks with a guide. |
| Misc | Rs500–Rs1,500 | Permits, tips, small gear, hot packs. |
Numbers shift by weekend surges and holiday weeks. Bargain a little, not a lot. Fair is fair.
Best Time to Visit in Winter Season
Late December to late February brings steady snow to high belts. Early December gives clearer roads and cheaper stays. March holds soft patches of snow with longer light. Choose dates by mood. Powder chasers go peak cold. Families pick shoulder weeks for calm. That’s how most people plan.
FAQs
1. Which place suits a quick two day winter break without long travel times in Pakistan?
Murree or the Galiyat region suits a short plan, with easy road access, reliable stays, and enough winter charm to fill a weekend without stress.
2. How early should travellers start daily drives in snowy valleys to avoid road issues and delays?
Before sunrise works best, since plows clear routes early, traffic stays light, and daylight gives safer visibility for bends and shaded ice.
3. Do chairlift and gondola services run daily at Malam Jabba during peak winter weeks?
Operations run most days in season, though high winds and heavy snowfall can pause rides, so on ground updates matter more than posters.
4. What practical clothing keeps most travellers comfortable across hill stations and high valleys?
Two thermal layers, fleece mid, waterproof shell, insulated shoes, wool cap, and warm gloves cover the basics without overpacking bulky items.
5. Are power cuts and mobile signal issues common in remote winter spots across the north?
Yes, especially on stormy days, so charge banks, save offline maps, and carry a small torch to keep evenings smooth and simple.
