With the news of Pakistan’s many struggles, including terrorism, poverty, unemployment, etc., many people have forgotten about the positive aspects of this country have been overshadowed by the negative. Without question, the natural wonders of Pakistan are undoubtedly amazing and refreshing.
The beauty of Pakistan is unmatchable. The northern side and Kashmir area of Pakistan are among many of world’s’ must visit places. The sky-high mountains, abundant green valleys, beautiful lakes, mighty rivers, and magnificent wildlife attracts visitors from around the world.
Murree Hills
Located in Rawalpindi district, Murree is a famous summer hill station for Pakistanis. People specifically plan a trip to Murree for summer vacations to get a break from the scorching heat and spend some quality time with their family and friends; while in the winters this place is equally crowded as visitors come to enjoy the snowfall experience. PC Bhurban and Mall Road are the main tourist centers. However, there are many other places marked as great picnic points, including Dunga Gali, Bara Gali, Muskpuri Hill, and Nathia Gali.
Neelum Valley
The tourists’ favorite place, Neelum Valley offers a sense of beauty in nature with a charismatic environment of blossoming green forests; a place with frills of jade against the blue sky and all in all a luxurious place to bask. The valley is an arched area, 144 kilometers long, and located at the northern end of the capital of Azad Kashmir Muzaffarabad. This heavenly place includes familiar locales such as Halmet, Sharda Fort, Sharda University, Ratti Galli, and Karen, with all their scenic beauty, refreshing streams, oozing springs, and lush green mountains.
Shandur Pass
Situated between Chitral and Gilgit at the height of 3,738 meters above sea level, Shandur is the highest polo ground on the planet. Your visit here becomes a challenging adventure in the wintertime since the snow covered roads and mountains are difficult to cross. However, in the summer the Shandur Polo Festival is held, it’s a popular event that includes a freestyle polo contest.
Hunza
The Hunza Valley includes three main regions; Upper Hunza, Centr Hunza, and Lower Hunza and previously was categorized as a princely state. Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan area, it’s a mountainous valley in the northwest of the Hunza River. The altitude of this valley is approximately 2,500 meters. It’s one of the most attractive resorts in Pakistan, drawing significant numbers of visitors every year. Its scenic beauty is remarkable and includes other beautiful places such as Rakaposhi Base Camp, Hoper Glacier, Passue and Gulmit, Khunjrab Pass, Diran Base Camp, Atta Abad Lake, and Nagar Valley.
Rawalakot
Located in Azad Kashmir, Rawalakot is surrounded by a breathtaking valley and should be visited in the summers as the winters here can be quite cold. It mere 80km drive from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, it’s a very peaceful town where you can relax on your vacations away from the busy city life. Visitors in Rawalakot can enjoy numerous attractions like Banjosa, Toli Pir, Poonch River, Tatta Pani, Banjosoa Lake, and Sudhngalli.
Ziarat
The capital of Ziarat District, Ziarat used to be the summer residence of the provincial commissioner and a sanatorium for European troops stationed at Quetta but is now a famous holiday resort. Almost every trip from Karachi to Quetta stops here as the well-wooded hills surrounding the area are simply beautiful. This hill station in the Sibi District is cool during summers whereas in winter there is heavy snowfall. A trip to Quetta is incomplete without visiting Ziarat.
Swat
Hindukush Range in the upper part of the Swat Valley is another wonder of Pakistan. Also considered as an administrative district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Swat is widely known as the reflection of Switzerland in Pakistan with its numerous captivating places for visitors. The area is rich in lush green sloppy hills and mountains with streams and springs flowing through it. Pleasant weather can be enjoyed in many of the popular areas such as Madyan, Swat and Kalaam Valleys, Der, Bonir, Malam Jabba and Ushu Forest.
Jhelum Valley
Jhelum Valley is situated in Azad Kashmir and is ideal for both local and international visitors. The whirling river Jhelum winds it’s way between the towering green mountains, creating a breathtaking view. This valley is titled as “Teepa Valley” due to it being the loveliest and fascinating among all valleys in Pakistan. Walnuts, apples, cherries, and honey from Leepa are delicious and very popular. The area has many attractions such as Chikar, Peerchanasi, Leepa, Chinary, Chakothi, Ghari Dopatta, and of course Zilzaal Lake. The lush green rice fields in the summers and small wooden houses look so refreshing and are a site worth watching. The beauty of this valley is unmatchable.
Kelash
Chitral district holds another beautiful place of Pakistan known as Kelash Valley. Residents have built their houses on the river bank and hillside for easy access to the water, and almost all the villages are constructed of logwood. Kelashis celebrate many holidays and festivals to delight themselves, including Uchal, Phoo, and Chomos Festivals. The valley’s historical background and rich culture attract many international visitors. According to some, Kelash was an ancient Greek civilization, with their own religion and traditions, and was known as “The Kelash.”
Kaghan Valley
In the north-east of Mansehra District, there stands a beautiful place known as Kaghan Valley. It lies in the lesser Himalayas and is a picture-perfect area where the beautiful, magical and elevated hills are dotted with fresh streams and springs. It’s one of the natural masterpieces which adorns Pakistan and is one of the reasons people visit this place often. The main attractions are Naran, Lake Saif-ul-Maluk, Babusar Pass, and Lake Dudipat Sar.
Have you been to Pakistan? What were your favorite places to visit – let us know in the comments.