The Northern Areas of Pakistan are the most famous tourist destinations in the world. These areas are globally recognized for their famous tourist attractions. The rich culture and hospitality of the people of the Northern areas are praiseworthy by millions of foreigners who visit Northern Pakistani areas yearly.
The best time and season to visit these places is summer. All the valleys of the Northern Areas become lush green with beautiful scenery.
During the summer, the residents of Punjab and Sindh visit these amazing places with their friends and families to get some relief and enjoy their summer vacations. These places become a spot of relief for the residents of other provinces of Pakistan.
The Government of Pakistan and the Government of Gilgit Baltistan played a significant and key role in developing tourism in the northern areas. They have invested a lot in the tourism sector to provide the best and necessary facilities for visitors.
They have made a lot of hotels, stations, and provide the best internet facilities. These basic steps played an important role in promoting Tourism in Pakistan.
The Best Places of Northern Areas
We make a list with the names of valleys, famous places, and some of the best places to visit there, to assist your tourism.
Valleys:
The valleys in the Northern areas of Pakistan are the most beautiful in the world, with the mesmerizing sceneries of lakes, mountains, rivers, meadows, culture, and landscape. These beautiful places have no comparison in their culture and beauty. These places must be recommended by everyone who visits here.
1. Chitral Valley
You will fall in love with Chitral Valley after seeing the mountains and green valleys. You can get to Chitral in two ways: first by the KPK side and the other from the east of the Ghizer valley of Gilgit Baltistan.
Chitral Valley is situated in KPK with the borders of the districts of Swat and Dir. This valley has the world’s beautiful landscape, mountains, and glaciers, and is the ideal place for hikers. The weather in this valley is best during the summer, so most of the tourists visit this place in the summer. The other famous point of Chitral is the Kalash Valley.
2. Swat Valley
Swat Valley is also famous as the Switzerland of Pakistan because its landscape is similar to that of Switzerland. This valley is situated near the river of Swat, 247km from Islamabad. This valley shares its borders with District Chitral in the northwest.
The beautiful high mountains and green valleys give you a vibe of paradise. This valley is also famous for its delicious fruits. The natural beauty includes mountains, lakes, waterfalls, green farms, and high mountains, all of which attract many tourists every year from all over the world. The temperature is very cool in summer.
3. Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Azad Jammu Kashmir is located in the northeast of Pakistan. This amazing Kashmir is 82 km from Islamabad. There are beautiful green forests and snow-covered mountains.
Neelam Valley is the most beautiful of all the other valleys of Kashmir, surrounded by fresh water and forests. The main tourist points in the capital of Kashmir are the Jhelum and Neelam rivers in Muzaffarabad. Tourists can enjoy their vacation here if they are not ready to go far.
4. Naltar Valley
Naltar Valley is considered the most beautiful valley in Gilgit Baltistan. This valley is famous for its high green mountains and beautiful peaks. This valley is situated in the Gilgit District, 47 km away from the main city and 90 km away from the district of Hunza.
This valley consists of 5 lakes, which give a vibrant look and increase the beauty of the mountains. An annual sports event named the All Pakistan Ski Tournament is held here every year in January. Ski players from all over Pakistan and foreigners have participated in this tournament.
5. Naran Kaghan
Naran and Kaghan are the most famous and most touristic destinations in the northern areas of Pakistan. Naran Kaghan is the main and nearest destination from all other cities of Pakistan. This valley is 10k feet above sea level with cold weather in summer and snow in winter. You can find all the basic facilities here.
The bazaar of Naran is fully packed with tourists every day in summer, and there are a lot of hotels with every facility.
The main reason for the fame of this valley is Lake Saif ul Malook, 7 km away from the main Naran. The lake is covered with snow, surrounded by mountains, and the blue water will give a full view of heaven.
6. Fairy Meadows
If you are a hiking lover and want to hike in the most beautiful place in the world without any noise pollution, then you must visit Fairy Meadows. This place will give you a sight of heaven with snow-covered mountains.
Fairy Meadows is a 50 km jeep drive from Main Chilas. You will enjoy the beautiful Nanga Parbat Peak, which is the 2nd-highest mountain in Pakistan. Fairy Meadows is recommended to visit in the summer.
Beautiful Places of Baltistan
1. Ghanche
District Ghanche is located within a 2-hour drive from Skardu. This district is famous for its beautiful valleys, high mountains, and lakes. You will fall in love with this at first sight.
The roads are covered with different colored leaves in autumn. Tourists need a minimum of 5 to 7 days to completely discover this district.
The famous tourist points include Khaplu Fort, Chaqchan Mosque, Khaplu Khanqah, Saling Valley, Thoqsikhar Mosque, Sogha Lake, Saling Fish Farm, Barah Valley, Chorbat Valley, Kandey Valley, Nangma Valley, Kanday, Ghanche Lake, Daholi Lake, Hushe, Thalay Broq, Saltoro Valley, Khaplu Broq, World’s Highest Battlefield Siachen, Siachen Tower, Keris Valley, and many other tourist points.
2. Shigar
The district Shigar is almost 20 20-minute drive from Skardu City. Tourists can discover many points in this district. This is one of the most beautiful districts in Gilgit Baltistan.
The most famous place is Shigar Fort, which represents the old heritage of the Baltistan region. This old fort was restored by the Agha Khan Foundation to promote cultural and economic values. Blind Lake Shigar is the best place to enjoy vacations in the summer.
3. Kharmang
Kharmang Valley is located in Baltistan and is situated in the northeast of Ghanche. Kharmang is 120 km away from the main bazar in Skardu. This valley is famous for its beautiful waterfalls.
There are two beautiful waterfalls in Kharmang Valley, named Manthokha Waterfall and Khamosh waterfall. The apples of Kharmang Valley are famous all over Pakistan. The locals of this valley are very kind and great at hospitality for the Pakistani and Foreign tourists.
4. Skardu
Skardu district is the capital of the Baltistan region. This district has some major tourist points in Pakistan. There are many famous tourist points in Skardu, including Kharpocho Fort, Kachura Lake, Chunda Valley, Katpana Desert, Shangrila Lake, Sadpara Lake, and many others.
The valley is so beautiful, and thousands of tourists visit here during the season. Skardu has a beautiful airport, which is now acting as an International Airport. The best route to visit here is through the flight service offered by Airblue and PIA.
5. Roundu
The subdivision Roundu has some beautiful, lush green valleys that allow tourists to visit. Tormik Valley, which lies on JSR, holds great and beautiful valleys to visit. The fields are built like playgrounds to play polo, which is their regional game. Polo is played and watched by the locals, and the team of Roundu is famous for winning trophies.
Best Places in Gilgit
1. Ghizer
District Ghizer is situated in the Gilgit region. It lies in the western part of the District of Gilgit. You can spend some beautiful time with your friends and family here. Khalti Lake is most famous for trout fish in this district. This place will give you peace of mind.
2. Hunza
Hunza is the most famous district of Gilgit Baltistan. The travelers show interest in visiting every year. The famous points in Hunza include Altit Fort, Attabad Lake, and Shimshal Lake. The snow-covered beautiful mountains enhance the beauty of this valley. All of Gilgit Baltistan, including Hunza, is safe for travelers and adventurers, and all necessary items will be available. During the summer, Hunza is packed with visitors.
3. Nagar
Nagar Valley is one of the main tourist attractions near Hunza. Some famous mountains offer an amazing sight, covered in thick snow. One of these mountains is the Rakaposhi Peaks, which lies in the Karakoram Mountain range.
5. Gilgit
Gilgit is the main city and capital of Gilgit Baltistan and is known for its unmatched beauty. This valley is situated near the Hunza River and the Gilgit River. This is the primary tourist site, and every tourist stays here before going to their next destination.
6. Astore
District Astore is situated in Gilgit Baltistan and is above 8353 ft above sea level. This valley is the most beautiful in G.B. The famous tourist sites include Minimarg Village, Domail, and Chilam. To reach here, you need a car or a local van. Thousands of tourists visit this district every year.
7. Chilas
Chilas Valley is situated in the Gilgit Baltistan Diamer region. This valley is considered the door of Gilgit Baltistan. The beautiful Fairy Meadows is also situated in Chilas Valley.
Author
Adil Balti
Founder · Balti.pk
Muhammad Adil Balti is the Founder of balti.pk, the only platform connecting tourists with local tour operators, guides, hotels, restaurants, and transport services across Skardu and Gilgit-Baltistan, helping promote the region’s tourism and local economy.