If experiencing the splendour and mystique of Pakistan is high on your travel wish list, you must include some of these beautiful places to visit in Pakistan on your travel itinerary while organising your trip. Compared to many other nations, very little is known about the tourist industry in Pakistan. As a result, the country’s breathtaking beauty comes as a surprise when one first sees some of the natural beauties and ancient towns that the country has to offer.
It is accurate to say that Pakistan has all to offer, from the opulent palaces of long-vanished kingdoms to the glistening waters of lakes set in wide, winding valleys. It is one-of-a-kind, intriguing, and stunning all at the same time. Together, let us experience a little portion of the majesty, enchantment, and wonder this nation offers as we go around 25 of Pakistan’s most beautiful places while guided by a local writer.
25 Beautiful Places to Visit in Pakistan
Here’s the list of the 25 most charming and beautiful places to visit in Pakistan:
1. Hunza Valley
The Hunza Valley in Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan is a truly undiscovered paradise. It is a remote valley sandwiched between the high mountain ranges of the Himalayas and the Karakoram. Tourists have long been drawn to the rich farmland in this valley. The people are kind and helpful, and the scenery is stunning.
Hunza’s mountain range is a peaceful and secluded place to be. You’d swear you’d stumbled into heaven among the untamed beauty of the mountains. Those looking for a respite from their busy lives should check this place out. Hunza is considered one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan for visitors
2. Swat Valley
During her time in Pakistan, Queen Elizabeth II knew Swat as “Pakistan’s Switzerland.” Swat is a district in the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Beautiful landscapes, mild temperatures, and friendly locals combine to make Hunza seem like a slice of paradise on Earth.
In addition to its stunning scenery, Swat Valley is well-known for its abundance of native species. There are thick woods, towering mountains, and stunning lakes to be found there. Tourists may spend time in nature walking, trekking, camping, and zip-lining. Skiing, ice skating, sledging, ice hockey, snowboarding, and speed skating are just some of the winter sports that visitors may partake in. Swat Valley is best beautiful place in Pakistan to visit for tourism.
3. Naran Kaghan
The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to several fantastic travel destinations, including Naran and Kaghan. The valleys here are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. They include beautiful landscapes such as rushing rivers, vast fields, snow-capped mountains, and stunning lakes.
The valleys are among the most popular travel destinations in the nation. Scenic landscapes are abundant in this area. Rivers with clear water, meadows with lush grass, and mountains with snow-capped summits characterize it. Travelers may enjoy beautiful lakes such as Lake Saiful Malook, Lulusar Lake, Aansoo Lake (Tear Lake), and Dutipatsar Lake. Every year, hundreds of people visit this valley from all over the globe. Summer, namely May through September, are peak times to visit.
4. Shogran Valley
The Kaghan region is home to the charming hill station of Shogran. It’s a great place to take the kids on vacation because of all the high-end hotels and motels. In the summer, Shogran becomes as crowded with visitors as the neighbouring Naran Kaghan area.
The Siri Paye meadow is a popular destination in Shogran. Visitors will find plenty of hiking, trekking, and mountain climbing opportunities. Music festivals and concerts are also often held there. It’s a safe, fun place where people of all ages, from families to thrill-seekers to music lovers, can have a good time and make memories that last a lifetime.
5. Skardu Valley
The beautiful valley of Skardu is situated in the Baltistan province’s capital. There are craggy mountains, clear lakes, and gushing springs wherever you look. Skardu, the largest city in the valley, is a major transportation hub that links Pakistan to China, Afghanistan, and India.
It is the primary reason so many hikers visit the area yearly. Located at an altitude of 2,286 meters, the area is hidden from view by the towering peaks of the Karakoram. Budget hotels and inns in Balti allow visitors to experience the warm friendliness of the locals, feast on delicious traditional cuisine, and take in breathtaking vistas.
6. Chitral Kalash
Chitral is a sleepy town that rests at the foot of the towering Hindu Kush. A hardy, kind and welcoming populace calls this place home. The ancient city of Kalash, recognized as such by UNESCO, is about two hours’ drive from Chitral. There are still around 5,000 Kalasha who have maintained their centuries-old way of life.
Tourists go there every year to learn from and be inspired by the local customs. The ladies of Kalash wear traditional clothing, which is black with vivid embroidery and is topped off with a tiny hat. At every event, the sexes mix and dance together. Throughout the year, this community works together to care for their goats, pay homage to their gods, and cultivate their crops. This is one of the few locations in Pakistan that allows visitors to experience life as it was centuries ago.
7. Fairy Meadows
Nanga Parbat’s stunning mountain range is found around the magnificent Fairy Meadows. It can be found in Gilgit Baltistan’s Diamer neighbourhood. Fairy Meadows is one of the most beautiful places in all of Pakistan. Nearly three hours of hiking will bring you to a paradise with verdant lakes and a breathtaking panorama of snow-capped Nanga Parbat.
From the comfort of your log cabin, you may take in the breathtaking scenery while sipping a cup of steaming tea or coffee. A visit to Fairy Meadows is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the unspoiled north of Pakistan.
8. Neelum Valley
The Neelum Valley is a region in Azad Kashmir that may be found close to Muzaffarabad, the region’s capital. Neelum Valley means “Blue Gem Valley” in the local language.
Among the most beautiful places in all of Azad Kashmir. There are many scenic woods and pristine rivers to be found there. The inhabitants of Kashmir, like the rest of Pakistan, are very kind and friendly. Neelum has a wide variety of affordable hotels. If you want to avoid crowds often arriving during the summer, September and October are ideal.
10. Yarkhun Valley
Despite being less well-known and less often visited than some of Pakistan’s other more well-known tourist destinations, I found Yarkhun Valley to be the country’s most stunning natural setting. Yarkhun, in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Upper Chitral district, is breathtaking because of its undeveloped mountainous landscape and remote communities.
If you need transportation, you’ll have to work to get to the valley, far from the administrative centre of Mastuj. However, if you do have one, you will have a good ride; you need to be ready to go on largely dirt roads. If you go to Yarkhun, you should stop at the side valley of Gazin. Thoi Pass is a high mountain pass that links Upper Chitral and Yasin Valley in Gilgit Baltistan, and its mountains may be seen here.
11. Badshahi Mosque
The Badshahi Mosque is located in Lahore. The Badshahi Mosque is an artefact from when the Mughal Empire reigned over most of the Indian Subcontinent. Over a hundred thousand worshippers may fit within this historic landmark.
Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, commissioned it. The mosque features four minarets and three domes, a fine example of Mughal architecture. It also contains Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) bodily remains. It has ornate flower designs and elegant writing. The government maintains the mosque since it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12. Arang Kel
The town of Arang Kel is located in Neelam. The Pearl of Neelam is another name for this gem. This picturesque settlement is on a hill at around 8,000 feet. The journey from Muzaffarabad to Arang Kel takes around five hours, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Kel is a rural, forested area cut off from the rest of Kashmir. Wild animals, horses, and exotic birds call Kel their home. Stay in a quaint inn or rustic cottage and relax with the family as you explore the stunning landscape on foot or horseback.
13. Phander Lake
The beauty of Phander Lake in Phander Village is unbelievable. A lake the colour of teal, surrounded by trees the shade of pale green, seems like something out of a painting.
Phander Lake is even more stunning than Attabad Lake, yet it receives a fraction of the visitor traffic. No other vacationers were there during my four days of lakeside lounging in Phander. The Lake Inn, located nearby for 1,000 rupees per night, comes highly recommended by me if you decide to make the trip. Even though the PTDC, which has a view of the lake and costs 5,000 rupees more, is more costly, the hospitality and value at Lake Inn are unrivalled.
14. Shandur-Hundrup National Park
The Shandur Pass is a plateau, over 4100 meters in height, located between Chitral and Gilgit. Between late April and early November, travellers may reach the Shandur region. Only accessible by vehicle, it’s a 168-kilometre trip from Chitral. “Roof of the World” is often used to describe this region. The folks there are the most hardy and kindhearted in the world.
Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan teams participate each year in the Shandur Polo Festival. Seven games are played throughout the three-day festival, which occurs annually from July 7th to the 9th. The polo pitch here is the highest one in the world. Visitors visiting Pakistan may indulge in delectable cuisine, see thrilling polo tournaments, and soak up the kind welcome of the locals.
15. HINGOL NATIONAL PARK
Hingol National Park is in Pakistan, although it might be mistaken for another planet. The total land area of the park is almost 6,000 square km. It is home to spectacularly unusual rock formations, enormous canyons, a wide variety of wildlife, and even a mud volcano.
In addition to its numerous features, the National Park benefits from being located near the seaside. Despite its otherworldly appearance, Hingol is barely 3.5 hours away from Karachi, Pakistan’s most populated city.
Pakistanis should be fine visiting the park, but international visitors have had varying experiences. Those who were welcomed into the park by locals were allowed to stay overnight or for the weekend, but those without local guides were only allowed in for the day. You’ll need your means of transportation to get to the park since there is no public transit.
16. Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park is a flower-filled plain of lush land. Beautiful birds, butterflies, and bees visit the blooms year-round.
It covers an area of around 3,000 km2 and is the highest plateau on Earth. Its location is convenient for exploring the Himalayas and Karakoram. A national park was declared there because of the area’s exceptional natural beauty and rich wildlife. The park provides a haven for endangered species, including the snow leopard, golden marmot, and lammergeier vultures. It is one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.
17. Khunjerab Pass
The Karakoram Highway’s highest point and the highest international border crossing is the Khunjerab Pass. It links the Chinese province of Xinjiang to the country of Pakistan. It has a breathtaking panorama, with snowy peaks on each side of a lush highland plain.
Visitors may see yaks and mountain goats roaming freely in the area. The Pakistani and Chinese militaries get along well near the border, with both sides often exchanging presents and pleasantries. It represents the unbreakable friendship between China and Pakistan.
18. SHIMSHAL
If you’re looking for a beautiful places to visit in Pakistan, Shimshal Valley is well worth the extra work it takes. Climbers and mountaineers flock to the area because of its reputation as an exciting adventure destination.
Though it is a stunning location, Shimshal has more to offer than Pakistan’s thrill-seekers. The village is especially lovely during the summer. Incredible as it may seem, it runs nearly entirely on solar power. Shorter excursions to local yak pastures and free-form explorations of the area’s magnificent panoramas and flower-filled meadows are also available. Shimshal Valley is underrated and one of the beautiful place in Pakistan.
17. RAKAPOSHI BASE CAMP
Those of you who like hiking will appreciate this. The Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek may be completed in a day by inexperienced hikers, providing breathtaking views of Rakaposhi. This mountain rises to an altitude of 7,800 meters. There are few opportunities like this one to rub shoulders with Pakistan’s heavy hitters. The walk begins in Minapin and takes around four or five hours for individuals in reasonably good physical condition.
While camping is an option, the trip there and back may easily be accomplished in a day because of the swiftness of the fall. The weather is too severe outside of May and October for the walk to be attempted at any other time.
18. Khaplu
Khaplu is a little isolated settlement near Skardu. It has attractive terraced fields home to a diverse array of plant life. Once upon a time, the kings and queens of Khaplu ruled over a prosperous and well-known country.
As time passed, the landscape deteriorated, and this once beautiful community became forgotten by the rest of the world. Recently, Agha Khan has shown interest in restoring Khaplu and bringing the well-known Khaplu Palace back to the splendour it once had for the benefit of tourists and other visitors.
19. ROHTAS FORT
Meet another of Pakistan’s most beautiful places: a castle from the 16th century that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Approximately four hours from Lahore and two hours from Islamabad, the Rohtas Fort can be found in Punjab next to the Jhelum.
The stronghold is well preserved for its antiquity, considering it is one of the biggest on the whole Subcontinent. The vast edifice may be explored for hours; it is a stunning artefact that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. A day could be wasted wandering about the walls and gates. Remember that the entry cost to the fort is 500 Pakistani Rupees for visitors and 20 Pakistani Rupees for locals.
20. Pir Sohawa
Islamabad is home to several beautiful places, one of which has the designation Pir Sohawa. It is a well-known destination with a solid reputation among visitors from other countries, including diplomats, tourists, and guests coming to the capital. This lush area teems with picturesque eateries that provide a breathtaking perspective of the whole city, particularly as the sun goes down.
Because of its breathtaking scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, and relaxing atmosphere, it is consistently packed with visitors, guests, and families. When in Islamabad, you really must make the trip to see it.
21. Bahawalpur
In the state of Punjab may be found the ancient city of Bahawalpur. It is located on the edge of the desolate Cholistan desert, very near to the Pakistani–Indian border, and is next to India. It was once a princely state that was a component of the Rajputana States and included a large portion of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The Nawabs and Nizams served as their rulers.
The city is replete with ancient buildings and monuments, such as the Noor Mehal, preserved throughout the years. You may go back to the period of the ancient monarchs who used to reign over this area by visiting the city, which is like a time capsule.
Other significant historic sights can be found in Bahawalpur. One is the well-known Derawar Fort, which dates back to the 9th century. The bastions that encircle the fort are an astonishing 30 meters high, and the walls that enclose it stretch for more than 1.5 km. It is a magnificent structure that has stood the test of time and inspires awe in all who see it.
In addition, the Farid Gate and the royal tombs that can be seen inside the Derawar Fort are also essential stops for anybody interested in the history of Pakistan.
22. Ranikot Fort
Ranikot Fort, commonly known as the “Great Wall of Sindh,” is the biggest fort in the world. Located near Jamshoro, Sindh, this building is a work of art.
Ranikot Fort is a stunning piece of Pakistani history and architecture. Still, if you’re in Sindh, you may have difficulty getting there because of the region’s lack of development. Try asking around for some local help.
The fort is completely out of the way and serves no use. The fort is a source of pride for the people of Sindh, even though archaeologists have never been able to determine its original function. It has endured for over two centuries because of its sturdy construction.
23. KATPANA DESERT
Pakistan is home to beautiful places in every conceivable geographic Including the chilly Katpana Desert. While the Katpana possesses the characteristics of a ‘warm’ desert, its elevation sets it apart. In the winter, snow does fall and cover it.
The dunes in this area, claimed to be the world’s tallest freezing desert, have an unusual appearance. Only some nations can make such a claim. It takes little more than half an hour to reach the Katpana Desert from Skardu. Don’t depend on any public transit to get you around.
24. Baltit Fort
Baltit Fort is a historical building in Hunza that is 700 years old. Once upon a time, the fort served as the region’s political epicentre. The Mirs governed for hundreds of years as governors. In 1954, the Mirs left the fort for a new palace they had built nearby. Over the following fifty years, the fort’s former splendour faded away.
The Agha Khan Trust has brought the fort back to its former splendour. The stunning Hunza culture was protected in this way. It took a long time, but the restored fort is now a source of regional pride. Baltit Fort is a notable example of Pakistan’s attempts to conserve its natural and cultural heritage and a popular tourist destination.
25. NALTAR VALLEY
Naltar Valley is located in the Gilgit-Baltistan area of Pakistan, around 54 kilometres (34 miles) from Gilgit City. In the winter, visitors may enjoy the area’s skiing facilities. At the same time, in the summer, they can take advantage of the area’s crystal-clear lakes and stunning woodlands.
The genuine charm of Naltar is best experienced in the summer when the lakes are no longer frozen, and the trees are at their lushest. However, many visitors come solely for the slopes.
Jeeps are the only way to reach this enchanted valley; however, you may take the bus from Gilgit. Visitors can stay in several places in the two settlements that make up the valley. May is the busiest month for tourists, so if you want to escape the crowds, you should come in the autumn. Towards the end of October, you could be fortunate and see some spectacular autumn leaves.
Conclusion
It’s more complicated to narrow down the 25 most beautiful places in Pakistan, given the country’s scenery is stunning in its many forms. While this is not an exhaustive list of everything to see in Pakistan, I cannot stress enough how important it is to attempt to see at least some of the places included here.