Visit Pakistan’s Northern Areas, Because You Must!

You ask, why you should go to Pakistan.

We say, why not go to Pakistan?

You are adventurous, looking for sites that guarantee an adrenaline rush at the first glimpse. You want to hike, trek and camp amidst majestic, wild mountains. You want to relish an amazing green view under a warm, bright sun, complemented by the subtle sounds of sparkly streams and the chirping of birds.

Or maybe you have an inclination towards ancient history and cultures, museums and artefacts. No worries, our northern areas have it all, and then some.

Up north is the splendid Neelum Valley, glistening like an emerald amid the snow-covered peaks of Azad Kashmir. Known for its breath-taking beauty, panoramic views, pleasant weather even in the summer, and lush greenery, it really is heaven on earth.

This scenic beauty meets another glorious region – Kaghan Valley – in the south-west, a well-known and globally endorsed tourism spot in the district of Mansehra in the KP province. Interestingly, everyone uses the Kunhar River as a refrigerator there! You are likely to find glass cold drink bottles and Pakistan’s favourite summer fruit, mangoes, dipped in the chilly running water that perfectly complements the gorgeous surroundings.

Then there’s Lake Saif-ul-Mulook – another renowned natural wonder – a beautiful, ecologically diverse lake famous for its fairy tales and mysterious aura of the Saif-ul-Mulook cave.

On the border with China, we have K2, the world’s second-highest peak. With its difficult terrain, extremely hostile weather, and great height, the peak is sure to fulfil the dreams of even the wildest, most ambitious of mountaineers.  Also, the harsh conditions make it impossible to climb the mountain in winter, so right now is the best time to make your hiking plans to Pakistan.

The Gilgit-Baltistan district is a sight of its own. Plenty of shops selling ethnic products including rugs, carpets, pashminas, and precious stones meet modern eating places like Café de Hunza, in this surreal, peaceful region of Pakistan. The main town connects to further sky-reaching peaks (Rakaposhi, Ladyfinger, Nanga Parbat), base camps and stunning lakes (Attabad Lake, Rush Lake, Borith Lake).

Overlooking the beautiful Karimabad area is the magnificent Baltit Fort in the valley of Gilgit-Baltistan. Restored into a museum, the fort captures Buddhist Tibetan influence and the ancient stories of the power struggle between the two sons of the ruling sultan in the region.

For all you archaeology lovers, there’s more: the Altit Fort, a tower with its low portals, small rooms and dainty wood carvings, again characterizing Tibetan reign over the district, stands upright in the Altit town of Hunza Valley.

Studded amongst these magnificent natural wonders are hotels, restaurants and dhabas (roadside food stalls) to make your visit entirely peaceful and convenient.

Your visit to Pakistan would be incomplete if you didn’t find yourself munching on spicy pakoras and sipping chai (tea) served hot in small, slightly tainted glasses amid the luscious greenery and bustling streams cutting through gigantic mountains by the end of your adventure.

Believe you me when I say ours is a warm country (both literally and metaphorically) that welcomes people from all over the world wholeheartedly. With our incomparable hospitality, services, warmth, rich cultural heritage and wonderful sites to visit, it is guaranteed that your stay here would be an exquisite, soothing and enlightening one.

Now let me conclude with a question here:

Why not go to Pakistan this summer?