The northern areas of Pakistan are blessed with plenty of beautiful mountains, snow peaks, meadows, lakes, and many more. It is at this point that three mountain ranges meet: the Himalayas, the Hindukush, and the Karakoram.
Every year thousands of local and international tourists visit these areas to enjoy the spectacular beauty of nature. Due to measures taken by the previous government to enhance tourism in Pakistan, our tourism industry has witnessed unprecedented growth. Pakistan has been ranked among the top tourist destinations by various tourism agencies in the world.
Apart from existing tourism areas, Pakistan has developed several new areas of tourism potential. For every local and international tourist, it is essential to have a list of top tourist spots in the northern areas, so that they can have a wholesome experience during their road trips in Pakistan.
Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, has compiled a list of top tourist places in the northern areas of Pakistan.
List of Famous Northern Areas of Pakistan
The following is a list of famous northern areas of Pakistan:
Let’s explore best places to visit in Pakistan northern areas in detail and uncover the hidden gems of nature in them.
Skardu
Skardu is located in the extreme north of Pakistan. It is the central valley of Gilgit-Baltistan and is the epitome of serenity, beauty, and wilderness. Paths to some of the highest mountain peaks, such as K2, K3, and Gasherbrum, all are connected to this specific place.
It has abundant mountain peaks, forts, lakes, and resorts, which make it a perfect place for trekkers, tourists, and mountaineers. The following are some major attraction points that you can visit while on your trip to Skardu:
- Glaciers: Baltoro Glacier, Chogo Lungma Glacier, Biafo Glacier
- Mountain Peaks: K2, Gasherbrum, Masherbrum
- Lakes: Upper Kachura Lake, Satpara Lake, Shangrila Lake
- Forts: Shigar Fort, Shangrila Fort, Kharpocho Fort
- Cold Deserts: Shigar Cold Desert, Katpana Cold Desert
- Other Places: Chaqchan Mosque, Deosai National Park, Khaplu Palace
Chitral Valley
It is the capital of the Chitral district and is located inside the Hindukush range. Chitral is famous for its attraction points and several cultural festivals. It is known as the “Palace of the Fairies” because of its majestic mountains, lush green valleys, flowing rivers, thick forests, and glaciers.
Every year, Chitral welcomes thousands of tourists. The following are some of its most famous tourist destinations:
- Lakes: Karambar Lake, Shandur Lake, Bashqargolo Lake
- Festivals: Kalash Festivals, Summer-Shandor Polo Festivals, Chilimjusht Festival, Uchitel Summer Festival
- Other Attractions: Kalash Valley, Garam Chashma, Shahi Masjid, Mehtar’s Fort, Khowar Houses
Naran-Kaghan Valley
Situated in the upper Kaghan Valley of Mansehra city of KPK, this valley is one of the most famous attraction points for local and international tourists. It is located in the Himalayan mountain range and is a centre point for people visiting Hunza and Skardu. During summers, there is heavy rainfall and, in winters, there is snowfall.
The following are some most famous tourist attractions in Naran-Kashan valley that you can visit:
- Babusar Top
- Ansoo Lake
- Dudipatsar Lake
- Lake Saif-ul-Malok
- Lulusar Lake
- Lalazar Plateau
Swat Valley
Due to the similarity in landscape and beauty, Swat is known as the “Switzerland of Pakistan”. It is located on the Swat River, which is one of the most famous attractions of Swat Valley. Swat has eye-catch lakes, rivers, high mountain peaks, beautiful waterfalls, and springs.
Tourists can enjoy trekking, hiking, zip-lining, chairlift rides, fishing, skiing, sledding, ice skating, and various other activities during both summers and winters. The following are some top attractions in Swat valley:
- White Palace Marghazar
- Mahodand Valley & Lake
- Natural Ushu Valley
- Ushu Forest
- Malam Jabba (Famous Ski Resort)
- Kalam Valley
Neelum Valley
Known as the “Paradise of Kashmir”, Neelum Valley is one of the most beautiful tourist attraction points. It is also world-famous for its fruits such as apples, apricots, walnuts, and plums. The area is covered with thick forests, hills, rivers, and streams. The following are some top attractions in Neelum Valley:
- Ratti Gali
- Kutton Valley
- Sharda Valley
- Kel
- Arang Kel
- Jagran
- Nanga Parbat Viewpoint
Hunza Valley
Located in the Gilgit Baltistan region near China Border, Hunza Valley is famous for its majestic beauty. It is surrounded by mountain peaks from all sides. Rakaposhi, Hunza Peak, Ultar Sar, Ladyfinger Peak, and Darmyani Peak surround Hunza Valley from all sides.
The following is a list of the most famous destinations in Hunza Valley:
- Lakes: Borith Lake, Attabad Lake
- Forts: Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Nagar Fort, Kha Basi
- Hussaini Suspension Bridge
- Khunjerab National Park
- Khunjerab Pass
- Passu Cones
- Rakaposhi Viewpoint
- Hopper Glacier
- Pak-China Sost dry port
- Eagle’s Nest Point
Kumrat Valley
A true gem of nature with high mountains, streams, greenery, thick forests, and lakes, Kumrat Valley is a dream destination for most tourists. It is located in the Upper Dir district of KPK. It provides an excellent opportunity for trekking, mountaineering, and rock climbing. The valley has the following attraction points:
- Do Kala Chashma
- Jahaz Banda Waterfall
- Wooden Canals Thal
- Katora Lake
- Kumrat Forest
- Jandrai Trek
- Jahaz Banda Meadows
These spots add to the beauty of the northern areas of Pakistan. To explore, you can get a detailed map of the travel guide for northern areas of Pakistan, and it will guide you through all the beautiful spots.
For more information about northern areas of Pakistan such as Galiyat, visit Graana Blog
