best places to visit pakistan

The 11 best places to visit in Pakistan

Aug 13, 2023 • 7 min read

The Himalayas in Pakistan have long been an irresistible place to visit for many travelers © Ratnakorn Piyasirisorost / Getty Images

The Himalaya and Karakoram mountain ranges have long drawn adventurous tourists to northern Pakistan , but these famous summits are far from the only beautiful places to visit in the country.

In fact, there are fascinating places to visit spread right across the country, from the cosmopolitan coastal metropolis of Karachi to the centuries-old Mughal city of Lahore .

Our list of best places to visit takes in varied landscapes and architecture, thousands of years of history, and some of the best aspects of Pakistan’s vibrant contemporary culture. Together, it’s a reminder of why Pakistan is one of Asia’s most exciting tourist destinations. It's time to start planning your trip!

Best place for culture

If you only have time to visit one place in Pakistan, make sure it’s Lahore . A Unesco City of Literature, and home to multiple Unesco World Heritage Sites, this ancient Mughal city is not only one of the most historic places in the country, it also hosts a thriving modern cultural scene.

Lahore Fort has recently been restored with support from the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Shalimar Gardens are one of the world’s finest Persian-style gardens, and the magnificent Badshahi Mosque is one of Pakistan’s most famous landmarks; in fact, it's one of the most striking religious buildings on the planet. The city’s food scene is fabulous, too.

Planning tip: Book a hotel in or near Lahore’s Walled City so you can walk to many of the monuments.

Best place for spirituality

Multan is known as the City of Saints and it continues to be an important regional center for Sufism, the mystical form of Islam. Multan has been inhabited longer than almost anywhere else in Asia – Alexander the Great besieged the city in the 4th century BCE, adding to Multan’s claim to be the most historic spot in the country.

The most beautiful places to visit are the city’s Sufi shrines, especially the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam with its delicate turquoise tiles, and the predominantly pink Mausoleum of Shamsuddin Sabzwari, which is topped by a bright yellow dome.

Planning tip: Multan is at its busiest during the Urs festivals, which commemorate the death anniversaries of local saints. The festival dates follow the lunar calendar and therefore change from year to year – check dates for the coming year when planning your trip.

3. Karakoram Highway

Best place for scenery

The 1300km-long (808 miles) Karakoram Highway is one of the world’s greatest road trips. There are front-row views of Nanga Parbat (8126m/26,660ft), Rakaposhi (7788m/25,551ft) and other dramatic mountain peaks from the road, which passes through Gilgit and Hunza as it meanders north towards the border with China .

Traveling the section from Gilgit to the Chinese border is one of Asia’s greatest adventures – you can fly to Gilgit from Islamabad and hire a 4WD vehicle and driver locally to explore.

Planning tip: The northern part of the Karakoram Highway is closed between January and April due to heavy ice and snow, so plan accordingly.

4. Rohtas Fort

Best place for military history

The territory covered by the modern state of Pakistan has long been contested, and you’ll find fortifications all across the country recalling past battles for supremacy. The largest of these is Rohtas Fort near Dina.

This Unesco World Heritage Site is considered to be the best surviving example of Mughal military architecture in Asia, with 4km (2.5 miles) of sandstone walls and 14 seemingly impenetrable gates, protecting a vast and well-preserved complex of mosques, step wells, palaces and domestic buildings.

Planning tip: Rohtas lies north of Lahore, just off the Grand Trunk Road (NH5) – visit en route between Lahore and Islamabad/Rawalpindi.

5. Fairy Meadows

Best place for hiking

The Fairy Meadows National Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan. Mighty Nanga Parbat (8126 m/26,660ft), the ninth-highest mountain in the world, rises above fertile grasslands and alpine forest, home to brown bears and deer. Wildflowers paint the meadows in spring and summer and the serene landscapes are reflected in the water of small, still lakes.

Planning tip: There are a few tourist cottages and guesthouses at Fairy Meadows, but camping brings you closer to nature. Get here from Raikot Bridge, on the Karakoram Highway south of Gilgit.

6. Moenjodaro

Best place for ancient history

Moenjodaro , meaning “The Mound of the Dead”, was built in Sindh more than 4500 years ago, making it one of the world’s oldest cities. This was the center of the technologically and culturally advanced Indus Valley Civilisation, which stretched not only across Pakistan but also into Afghanistan and India. This was the very first site in South Asia to be designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The ruins are huge – archaeologists have excavated streets, granaries and guard towers, and even a grand public bath.

7. Shandur Pass

Best place for spectator sports

The Shandur Pass lies at 3720m (12,204ft) above sea level in Gilgit-Baltistan, one of the most beautiful mountain regions in Pakistan. Close to the idyllic Shandur Lake, this lofty pass is the location of Pakistan’s most famous polo ground, which hosts an annual tournament between the teams of Gilgit and Chitral. The matches are played on horseback with free-style rules and the Polo Festival attracts thousands of spectators.

Planning tip: The Shandur Polo Festival dates are fixed every year from 7-9 July but plan ahead as there’s heavy demand for accommodation and transport.

Best place for nightlife

You won’t find many Western-style nightclubs in Pakistan, as the country is officially alcohol-free (unless you have a government permit), but there’s still plenty to do in Karachi once the sun goes down. Venues like Base Rock Cafe and The Second Floor (T2F) attract an enthusiastic audience of live music lovers, and Burns Road and Rashid Minhas Road are packed every evening as foodies flock to their buzzing restaurants and street food stalls. Combined with the city’s expansive beaches, it’s an experience many travelers are surprised to find in Pakistan.

9. Katas Raj Temples

Best place for myths and legends

Modern Pakistan has a Muslim-majority population, but before the arrival of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other faiths were prevalent. The pool in the center of the Katas Raj Temples in Punjab is said to have been formed from the tears of the Hindu god Shiva, and in the Sanskrit epic the Mahabharata , the Pandava brothers were exiled here.

Early travelers mentioned the presence of a Buddhist stupa, too, and you can still see its remains alongside the ruins of multiple temples, a small fort, and havelis. The buildings are in poor condition and little conservation work has been done, but Katas Raj remains a remarkable place to explore.

10. Hiran Minar

Best place for a day trip

We all love our pets, but the Mughal Emperor Jahangir took his affection to extreme lengths when he built Hiran Minar for his favorite antelope, Mansraj, who he proclaimed to be "Lord of all animal beings". The early 16th-century tomb, minaret, and pavilion overlook a huge reservoir in the center of what was once a royal hunting ground but today is a wildlife reserve. Animals and birds still come out of the scrub forest to drink, so it remains one of the best places to visit in Pakistan for wildlife watching, fishing, and generally relaxing in peaceful surroundings.

Planning tip: Hiran Minar is an hour’s drive outside Lahore and is easy to combine with the nearby Sheikhupura Fort.

Best for pomp and circumstance

The Attari-Wagah border post is the only place where you can cross between Pakistan and India by land. Its daily closing ceremony is also one of the most over-the-top examples of military posturing you’ll ever see, with soldiers from both sides competing to show off who can kick higher, shout louder, parade more in sync, and grow the most impressive facial hair. Take a seat in the stands and join the cheering, flag-waving crowds for a very entertaining afternoon out.

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Wander-Lush

20 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan – From Mountains to Mosques

It’s hard to imagine a more magnificent landscape than the rugged peaks, hidden villages and wind-swept plains of Pakistan. Here are 20 of the most beautiful places in Pakistan , from wild mountain passes and unreal lakes, to ornate mosques and ancient fortresses.

Thanks to Samantha for sharing her Pakistan tips. Samantha is a self-proclaimed South Asia addict and hippopotamus lover who’s been on the road for seven months so far. She blogs about her indefinite budget-backpacking adventure at Intentional Detours, where she shares guides and stories to help and inspire you to visit offbeat places, too. 

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Western media might try to tell you otherwise, but trust me – Pakistan is an absolutely stunning country. Think famous mountain peaks, emerald-green and turquoise-blue valleys, deserts filled with remnants of ancient civilization… And that’s not even the half of it.

One thing’s for sure: Pakistan sure isn’t lacking in beautiful places to visit!

Also read: 7 best Pakistani cultural experiences for travellers .

During the 4 months I spent in the country, I was constantly blown away by what I was seeing. There’s an endless number of perfect natural (and man-made) sights to see while backpacking Pakistan , so I thought I’d spotlight 20 of the very best for future travellers.

20 most beautiful places in Pakistan

Without further ado, here are the 20 most beautiful places in Pakistan (in no particular order), a country that quickly and fiercely stole my heart.

1. Swat Valley

Though it has had a rough past, the present and future of Swat Valley are shining very bright. This stunning valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan is something straight out of a fairy tale.

Think bright green fields and forests, picturesque villages, and rivers boasting shades of blue so clear and bright you wouldn’t have thought them real!

The true beauty of Swat can be found around the town of Kalam, which serves as a base to the explore the beauty of the valley. Here are 3 places you can’t miss in Swat Valley:

Boyun Village

Boyun, also known as Green Top, is a short drive or manageable up-hill walk from Kalam town. When you finally reached the pinnacle, you’ll be rewarded with a panorama of one of the most vast and beautiful villages I’ve ever seen – along with sweeping views of the valley below. Boyun is an easy day trip from Kalam.

Kandol and Spindhor Lakes

These alpine lakes lie 2 hours away from Kalam. These days, Kandol Lake is accessible via jeep track and is a bit more commercialised, whereas Spindhor can only be reached on a 2-hour trek. Whichever you choose to visit, both are absolutely counted among the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Ushu Forest

This well-preserved forest is full of deodar trees and is a fabulous place to get lost. The road that leads into the forest continues on to several villages set along the Kalam River.

2. Hunza Valley

If you live in Pakistan – or have read anything about the country – it’s almost certain you’ve come across the name Hunza. Don’t let the word ‘valley’ confuse you, though – Hunza is actually a massive district made up of numerous valleys and villages. One part of the ancient Silk Road , here are some of the most beautiful sights in Hunza:

Passu Cones

The Passu Cathedral is a natural work of art and one of the most recognisable scenes in Pakistan. Though staying overnight in Passu village is no longer allowed, the cones are visible from a ways away, starting from the village of Gulmit. The most iconic view of the Cathedral is from the Karakoram Highway, about an hour’s drive from Gilgit City.

Attabad Lake

A lake that doesn’t look real… Even when you’re standing right in front of it. Attabad was born out of tragedy when a massive landslide occurred in 2010. The flow of the Hunza River was blocked, and the now-famous lake was created in its wake. Its bright-blue turquoise waters make the it one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan.

Eagle’s Nest

Want to see one of the most epic sunsets in the Hunza Valley? Head to Eagle’s Nest around golden hour! The name comes from an upscale hotel/restaurant nearby, but you can drive up to the viewpoint without going there.

3. Yarkhun Valley

Though it’s relatively unheard of and forgotten compared to Pakistan’s most famous tourist spots, I think Yarkhun Valley was the most beautiful place I visited in the country. Located in the Upper Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Yarkhun dazzles with its mountain ranges and untouched villages.

Reaching the valley, which stretches for many kilometres past the administrative town of Mastuj, requires a bit of effort if you don’t have your own vehicle. If you do have one though, the ride isn’t too bad – just prepare for mostly dirt roads!

The side valley of Gazin is most definitely worth a detour if you make it all the way to Yarkhun. Here, you can see the mountains of the Thoi Pass, a high-altitude pass that connects Upper Chitral with Yasin Valley in Gilgit Baltistan.

4. Phander Lake

Phander Lake, located in Phander Village, is almost too good to be true. The teal-coloured lake sits silently amongst light-green trees befitting a landscape painting.

Despite being insanely beautiful, Phander Lake doesn’t see anywhere as close to the number of tourists as the more popular Attabad Lake does.

During the 4 days I spent in Phander relaxing lakeside, I didn’t encounter any other tourists. If you do visit, I highly recommend you stay at the Lake Inn, which is a short walk away and charges 1,000 rupees per night.

There is also the expensive (5,000 rupees) PTDC that overlooks the lake, but the hospitality and value at Lake Inn reign superior.

5. Broghil Valley

Located way up north very close to Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, Broghil Valley was formerly only accessible via trek or horseback. These days, the once-hidden locale can be reached by a treacherous jeep track – yet it still only receives a handful of visitors during the few months it’s not frozen under heaps of snow.

Currently, whether or not foreigners are allowed to visit Broghil is iffy. (If you’re insistent, make sure you check with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Chitral before making the trek up there.) But Pakistanis – please go see this beauty! The valley is home to numerous high-altitude lakes, yaks, and sprawling green pastures, all set against a dramatic mountainous backdrop that soars above 13,000 feet.

Moreover, a day’s trek from Lashkargaz, the last village in Broghil, will lead you to Karambar Lake, one of the highest in the world!

A city… Say what? Yes, Lahore may be a metro but its treasure trove of historical places surely makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan. Lahore was the city of Mughals, and so much of their creations still remain.

If you’re wondering what are the best places to visit in Lahore , hold tight because there’s a whole lot of them!

The most famous of the city’s monuments include the Badshahi Mosque, the Wazir Khan Mosque, and of course the Lahore Fort. Add to that dozens upon dozens of beautifully preserved tombs, lively shrines, and havelis upon havelis , and you have yourself the cultural capital of Pakistan.

7. Hingol National Park

Hingol National Park is technically in Pakistan, but it looks more like a Martian planet! The park is over 6,000-square-kilometres and contains incredibly unique rock formations, vast canyons, numerous animal species, and even a mud volcano .

What’s more, part of the National Park hugs the coast, adding the ocean to all its other assets. Though totally out-of-this-world in its looks, Hingol is only 3.5 hours from Karachi, Pakistan’s most populous city.

Pakistanis shouldn’t have any problem entering the park, but foreigners have had mixed experiences. Some who were accompanied by locals have been able to spend a night/ weekend in the park, while others were only given day permission. There is no public transport to the park, so having access to your own transportation is a must.

8. Kalash Valleys

The Kalash Valleys, comprised of Bumboret, Rumbur, and Birir, are home to the Kalash people, a religious and ethnic minority in Pakistan with their own beliefs, culture and language. The valleys they live in are certainly some of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – not just for their natural splendour, but also for the beauty of the Kalash themselves.

The valley of Rumbur is particularly stunning. Here, kilometres of dusty road and mountains rumble alongside the Kalash River. The Kalash people live in wooden homes that cling to the high hills, and the women are particularly famous for their brightly-coloured traditional dress and headwear that differs from anything else one can find in Pakistan.

Being only 2.5 hours from Chitral City, it’s very easy to make it out to one of the valleys these days. If you do decide to head to Rumbur, take a day to trek all the way into the valley. The last settlement of Rumbur, Sheikhandeh, is a former Nuristani village whose inhabitants migrated across the border to Pakistan a few hundred years ago.

9. Deosai Plains National Park

Deosai is often referred to as the roof of the world. And it kinda is. At 4,117 metres (13,497 feet), the massive plateau is the second-highest on the planet, and is only really accessible during summer.

Sprawling emerald-green meadows, snow-capped peaks and glistening blue lakes greet visitors who make the journey to this beautiful spot. The Himalayan Brown Bear calls Deosai its home and has been spotted by many a visitor – watch out for them if you’re camping!

The park charges an entrance fee of 1,000 rupees for foreigners and 40 rupees for Pakistanis.

10. Gorakh Hills

Hills in the desert… Yup, the Gorakh Hill Station is located in Sindh, but is certainly elevated as a part of the Kirthar Mountains. At 1,734 metres (5,689 feet), the top of the hills provide some of the most beautiful views in Southern Pakistan. This is the perfect spot for a weekend camping trip.

Gorakh Hills are about 8 hours from Karachi, but only 2 to 3 hours from the city of Dadu, making the latter a better place to start your journey. There is no public transport, but there are a few rest houses for anyone who isn’t looking to pitch a tent.

11. Shimshal

Though a bit out of the way compared to some of the other beautiful tourist places in Pakistan featured on this list, Shimshal Valley is well worth the effort required to reach it. The locale is known for being a major adventure destination that’s particularly popular amongst climbers and mountaineers.

But Shimshal isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan for adrenaline junkies. The village itself is divine come summer. Incredibly, it almost exclusively relies on solar energy! Easier short treks to nearby yak pastures can also be arranged, as can just simply wandering around and enjoying the epic vistas and fields of mustard-yellow flowers.

12. Shah Jahan Mosque

Thought all the Mughal relics were in Punjab? Think again! The Shah Jahan Mosque – also known as the Jamia Masjid – is located in Thatta, a town in Pakistan’s Sindh province. It’s widely known for having the most elaborate display of tile work in all of South Asia. Blue and sandstone colours adorn the interior of the mosque and are sure to wow all who visit.

The mosque was commissioned by Shah Jahan when he sought refuge in Thatta back in 1647 and somehow remains in amazing shape today. Though Sindh might seem to be a far cry from the mountains, the immaculate artistry present here makes it one of the most beautiful tourist places in Pakistan.

13. Fairy Meadows

Though it has become a bit touristy (and pricey), Fairy Meadows is no doubt a stunner. The meadows offer an incredible view of Nanga Prabat, the world’s 9th highest mountain peak.

Reaching Fairy Meadows is a bit of a challenge. The journey starts with a jeep ride across one of the most dangerous roads in the world and culminates with a 5 kilometre trek. It’s possible to rent a campsite, or you can bring your own equipment to enjoy a night or two basking in one of Pakistan’s most epic views.

Currently, the price for a jeep into the meadows is around 8,000 rupees ($51), and walking the road is prohibited. Lucky it’s possible to split the cost with other travellers.

14. Chapursan Valley

Like Broghil, Chapursan Valley also borders Afghanistan’s Wakhan but is situated more to the east. This stunning collection of villages and vistas sees only a handful of tourists and is one of the most remote places you can visit in Hunza.

Chapursan is home to the Wakhi people, an ethnic group who speak Wakhi and belong to the Ismaili sect of Islam. With royal blue skies, massive mountain peaks, sprawling lakes and virtually no commercialisation, Chapursan Valley is as beautiful a place in Pakistan as they come!

To reach it, you’ll first need to head to the town of Sost that sits near the Pakistan-China Border. If you have your own vehicle, you’re all set to head on up from there. If not, shared jeeps leave from Sost each morning around 6am.

While in the valley, don’t miss the Baba Ghundi Shrine, a mystical Sufi shrine dedicated to a saint who supposedly held magical powers. Also don’t forget to enjoy the company of the yaks!

15. Khunjerab Pass

This high-mountain pass isn’t for the faint of heart. At nearly 4,600 metres (15,397 feet), this popular tourist attraction connects Pakistan with China to form the highest paved border crossing in the world.

Many people venture to the border to take photos at the official gate, which is surrounded by insanely tall peaks and grassy fields. As for transport, it’s best to travel here with your own vehicle as bus tickets can get pricey. For adventurous travellers, hitchhiking is also an option, as it is on much of the Karakoram Highway.

16. Rakaposhi Base Camp

For all those trekking enthusiasts out there – this one’s for you! The Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek is doable in one day, even for beginners, and offers some truly insane views of Rakaposhi, a 7,800-metre peak!

There are few ways to get as up close and personal with Pakistan’s giants than this. The trek starts from the village of Minapin, where it should take those with a decent fitness level about 4 to 5 hours to reach the top.

While it is possible to camp, the descent is much quicker, making the entire journey there and back a plausible one-day affair. Due to extreme weather, it’s only possible to do the trek between May and October.

17. Margala Hills

Islamabad might be a glitzy ‘new’ city, but did you know it also has a vast array of hills perfect for climbing? The Margala Hills are spread out over over 12,000 hectares and contain multiple hiking and running trails.

Ascending to the various peaks of the range show off Islamabad in ways you might not have known were possible. There are few places in Pakistan that remain so close to the city yet so deeply connected to nature.

18. Rohtas Fort

Say hello to another of the most beautiful places in Pakistan – this time a 16th-century fortress that’s recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Rohtas Fort is located near Jhelum in Punjab, which is about 4 hours from Lahore and 2 hours from Islamabad.

The fortress is one of the largest in the Subcontinent and has remained in remarkable condition despite its age. Hours can be spent roaming around the massive structure, a beautiful relic that almost seems to transport visitors back in time.

It’s easy to get lost amongst the walls and gates for an entire day. Keep in mind that the fort charges an entrance fee of 500 rupees for foreigners and 20 rupees for Pakistanis.

19. Naltar Valley

Naltar Valley is about 54 kilometres (34 miles) from Gilgit City in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The popular tourist attraction is known for its dramatic forests, a collection of crystal-clear lakes, and in the winter, skiing facilities.

Though many tourists just come for the slopes, I think the real magic of Naltar can only be witnessed in the summer months when the lakes unfreeze and the forests can be best enjoyed.

This magical valley is only accessible via Jeep, but public transport does exist from Gilgit. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists in the valley’s two villages. To avoid peak tourist season, steer clear of visiting during the month of May and try coming in fall instead. You might be lucky enough to catch some epic foliage towards the end of October.

20. Katpana Desert

Beautiful places in Pakistan truly cover every landscape imaginable… Including the Katpana Cold Desert. Though it has all the makings of a ‘warm’ desert, what makes the Katpana stand out is its altitude. It does, in fact, become covered with snow in the winter.

Said to be the highest cold desert in the world, sand dunes at this altitude look truly unique. Very few countries can lay claim to such a rarity. Travellers can reach the Katpana Desert easily from Skardu, as it’s only about 30 minutes away. Don’t count on there being public transport, though.

Most beautiful places in Pakistan: Final thoughts

Listing the 20 most beautiful places in Pakistan isn’t an easy task when almost everywhere you turn, the landscape is mesmerising in one way or another. Though this is only a small sample of what Pakistan has to offer, I strongly recommend trying to visit at least a few of these highlights.

I absolutely loved every minute of the 4 months I spent travelling through Pakistan. But in a country this big and beautiful, I know there’s always more to discover. Happy adventuring! 

Most beautiful places in Pakistan

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81 Comments

Dear Emily, Thanks for the best article about Pakistan’s beautiful tourist attractions. I am wondering to know have you visited to the Ghizer Valley like Yasin, Ishkoman, and Phander Valleys there many best places to visit as well. Above all, this part of Pakistan is less visited by tourists either international or domestic.

Great article! Thank you so much!!

Amazing journey and Finding Pakistan is a beautiful and pleasent country full of colours and Attractive places. It’s natural and there is just a little bit investment needed to be put into the Tourism and Management. We hope you shall visit our other areas of our country. Thanks

Thank you Emily for exploring my region. I am resident of Gilgit Baltistan and I still couldn’t write about the beauty of my region as you did. Thank you for visiting Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan as well. Welcome you again

I noticed most of these are northern areas, really pakistan needs to improve the ways to attract the international tourism providing them super facilities, sure safety and appropriate services..

I suggest you to visit visit Azad kashmir all district (10) of Azad kashmir are beautiful such a wonderful place you can search all district’s photos on Google. Heaven on earth

suggest the most beautiful, quite and relaxing place in Azad Kashmir

Shounter Valley, Baboon Valley Azad Kashmir heaven on earth

Thanks for giving us beautiful insights into our country

Yes Pakistan is the one of the beautiful country Please extend number of places because I ever some most places I think there is 50+ places for visiting

Dear, First of All appreciate your effort to consolidate Pakistan beauty in your article and really Pakistan is most beautiful country in World, if we explore it properly then we will experience this.

You could easily expand this article to 50 places. Pakistan has incredible natural beauty and the people are most hospitable

Being a Pakistani Please have a look at the Skardu (New Zealand of PK) by search on Google you will find such amazing photos. I appreciate your effort, Emily and Samantha!

Wow, absolutely stunning! I hope I can visit some day. Thanks so much for your comment!

Emily u r welcomed, I live here in rawalpindi if u like u will be welcomed with warm heart.

Excellent article…Pakistan is amazing indeed.

Gilgit-Baltistan is famous for its dramatic mountains especially the snow-capped mountains. GB has unlimited scenery views and is known as heaven on earth. It is one of the beautiful places in Pakistan, delighting and pleasing several tourists, travelers, and adventure lovers. Planning to visit Gilgit-Baltistan? Here are the most enchanting places to visit.

I’m surprised to see Rohtas Fort on here. It’s an amazing site for sure. We have family that live in the village inside the Fort, so whenever we’re in Pakistan, we visit quite often. I still think more effort needs to be made in order to maintain it…

All these places are Beautiful. Pakistan is a beautiful country.

Wow Such amazing article . My land my heaven

Thank you for the beautiful insights. Neelum valley in Kashmir is gorgeous, particularly the area around rattigalli and shounter valley. Naran and Sapat valleys as well as haramosh and then the wonderful Concordia and Snow lake treks. Pakistan has Karakorums Himalayas and Hindukush mountain ranges. Beautiful alpine lakes, pristine forests and waterfalls.

Thank you Taimur for the recommendations!

Sad to see that The Beauty Queen of Pakistan (Kumrat Valley) is not included in the list

Thank you Nazim for the recommendation! It looks spectacular!

Not only Kumrat but who North Pakistan is worth seeing. North.pk interested people may work on this portal.

Northern areas of Pakistan are really paradise of Allah on earth. These areas are magically beautiful. Once you reach there, you will never like to come back. I will suggest the tourists to visit l these location to see nature.

Thank you for sharing the amazing article. Pakistan is like heaven on earth. Everyone must visit Neelam valley.

Great Information for us I love Pakistan and i love traveling

Thanks for your great information about beautiful placese

I have been to most of the places .there are more beautiful places in Pakistan just like kumrat valley,jaz banda, madak lasht Chitral, phasti chitral, Rama lake gilgit baltistan and many more

Emily, is this information-you gathered is from internet or you literally visited these areas?

Hi Jamil, thanks for your comment. This is a guest post by Samantha of Intentional Detours. You can find her bio at the top. She has visited these places in Pakistan and many others – you can follow the link to her site for more articles.

From Bangladesh, i want to visit pakistan. But getting visa is a big problem from Bangladesh. Can any one help me? By proper information.

AssalamoAlykum, hope someone in Pakistan should help out, I live far away but have visited some of those Beautiful places, wish you will too someday

Hi thank you very much and i mean it. its lovely great introduction to Pakistan. And you are right Pakistan is a big and really beautiful country its impossible to mention and visit all the great places whether its Mountains, People, Deserts, Rivers, Sandy beaches with blue waters or Green planes. yes we should try to explore more and more. Good effort lady. Love it

Thank you Abdul for your comment!

Wow, Excellent post. Hats off to ur brilliant exploring skills.

Pakistan is one of the top tourist countries in the world. It has so many beautiful places to visit that attracts people from this world especially the northern side.

Lovely Post… Commendable.. though you haven’t listed Pakistan in your “Asia” destination tab 🙂

If u go Lahore u should also go Nankana sahib shrine , situated nearer to Lahore,

Such a beautiful places in pakistan every body most visited all this places I love pakistan

Sooooo beautiful natural places in Pakistan and many places you don’t show. so more places visit in Pakistan & highlights the natural beauty to show the world.. thanks

Unbelievable, I have visited only few of them and missed most of them because I stayed out of the country most of my life. Not only Pakistan but the Pakistani people are also amazing, very friendly, hospitable, helping and very kind people. Pakistani food is delicious, every big city has its own variety.

Thanks for your comment! I hope you get to explore more of Pakistan soon 🙂

This a great list of beautiful places in Pakistan. Pakistan is a wonderful country which has many attractions for every one. Thank you for sharing. The pictures are awesome I must say.

Mashallah, Very nice places. I am going to kund beach in Islamabad

Truly Pakistan is like heaven on earth.

Hello! Indeed Pakistan is really a Heaven on Earth and the Hearts of Pakistanis are more beautiful than these places. I believe that the World must now open its eyes and see the peace and tranquility we Pakistanis have earned through the hardships and struggles. Our Hearts are always open for everyone.

I love nature and of course the beauty of pakistan everyone should visit here and see the beauty of nature

Pakistan is rich in it’s culture, traditions, historical places and natural beauty. You have nicely described most of the beautiful places to visit in Pakistan.

Nice review about Beautiful Places in Pakistan.

♥ 😘 From Pakistan 🇵🇰 ♥ 😘

so many beautiful places in Pakistan…

Valuable information. Let’s promote Pakistan tourism in a positive way.

Nice info and I have visited 7 places from them but I try to visit physically all . Such a great contribution. Like it and appreciate you.

Minar-e-Pakistan is equivalent to nationalism and patriotism in Pakistan. It is the national monument, located at the center of Lahore. The tower was built between 1960 and 1968 on the site where the All-India Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution on 23 March 1940.

Very interesting article

Great list but you missed many many beautiful places in Pakistan. Our country has a lot of natural beauty.

Hi Emily, Thanks for ur article, it was an excellent effort. Yes there can be hundreds of wonderful sites in Pakistan but u filtered very well. Since I’m an admirer of GB beauty of Pakistan n visits a lot, probably its a typo saying Rakaposhi @ 7800 feet (actually it’s 7800 mtrs) but to me this small error impacts the uniqueness of this Majestic beauty of the world. Rakaposhi is the TALLEST free standing mountain in the world, almost 20000 feet (6000 mtrs) from base to top, few people also misunderstand this record with Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, which is about 16000 feet (4800 mtrs) from base to top. Rakaposhi is not only the tallest but the steepest climb in the world, whee u can see its summit while standing on the road at the bottom.

Shall strongly suggest to keep writing n keep visiting Pakistan.

Thanks n regards,

Thanks Nadeem for all the tips!

HI Emily thanks for your blog it is quite helpful and gives me idea to planned by visit being a pakistani i never visit northern areas of pakistan but i am planning to go on dec 2020 and i feel mountains areas will be fully covered by white sheet (full of snow) i hope my tour will be amazing INSHALLAH.

I’m so glad to hear that! Happy travels!

Dear all, Seeing is believing. But how about visa to travel to Pakistan. I am not sure if visas are issued to Pakistan by Pakistan embassy here in India currently. Please do elaborate. Thanks again…

Pakistan has opened E visa and and on Arrival tourist Visa for majority nationalities around the world. That’s why number of international tourists growing sharply. For india some restrictions however Sikhs getting religious tourist visa and Indians with dual nationality get visa easily on foreign passports.

Excellent information. I would also like to add Ketas in Potwar platue with it amazing hindu temple ruins and beautiful scenery.

Hi Emily, Your article on 20 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan is just an amazing effort. One can understand how challenging it is to select only 20 out of hundreds of attractions stretching across the country. Its diverse landscape, historic monuments, cultural diversity, food, weather patterns presenting seasonal variations in natural colors, and much more…. The more you travel the more you explore. Keep it up!

saif ul malook is also a beautiful lake in pakistan.

Thanks for the tip!

No mahudand lake is best

I don’t know who wrote this but they forgot to mention the most beautiful and picturesque Kaghan valley here. So heartening!

Thanks for the recommendation!

Tirah Tirah is the most beautiful natural and popular aria in Pakistan but unfortunately no one is known to it.i am certainly say .if you come to tirah then you will come again and again. It has all natural no artificial and it has highest mountain with full up natural trees and beautiful waterfalls. Being only 3.5 hours from Peshawar city .it is very easy to go there .no difficulty .it has peaceful way regards niaz muhammad afridi

Pakistan is a really amazing country with lots of places to visit as a Pakistani I didn’t knew about them.Truly Pakistan is like heaven on earth

Can I ask what I should see 2weeks free time near lahore and islamabad I will be in December so north pakistan I cannot go

Hey Mexx, you can still visit Hunza valley in December, alternate routes are open, and you can also take flights from Islamabad to Gilgit and Skardu if you want to avoid long road journeys. Both places are easy to access in winters and breathtaking.

Indeed Pakistan is really a Heaven on Earth and the Hearts of Pakistanis are more beautiful than these places. I believe that the World must now open its eyes and see the peace and tranquility we Pakistanis have earned through the hardships and struggles. Our Hearts are always open for everyone.

Beautiful places. Amazing people. Everyone should visit this piece of heaven on earth

PAKISTAN IS AMAZING THANKS FOR YOUR COMPLIMENT

Very welcoming people, safe country unlike what we usually see in media. Many places are like heaven on earth.

My land my heaven

I have also visited many beautiful places in Pakistan. Hunza Valley is just like heaven.

Amazing article No doubt, Pakistan is full of amazing and beautiful places. All kind of natural beauty is present in many areas of Pakistan including streams, rivers, and mountains, etc.

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The 27 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan: Sea to City to Summit

Home to the most awe-inspiring natural beauty on earth, Pakistan is absolutely chock full of sights that captivate the imagination in a way that no other place can. Martian-like desert landscapes, fields, and mountains covered in lush greenery, peaks in seemingly impossible geological formations; Pakistan has it all, in spades. On top of that, Pakistan possesses manmade cultural and historical sites that are as unique as they are visually stunning.

Anyone could spend a lifetime exploring all of Pakistann’s beauty, but like any other place, it has its highlights that simply can’t be missed! From putting in the work to uncover hidden gems to giving you the low-down on more well-known areas, this guide shows you Pakistan’s 27 most beautiful places that must be seen, and how (and when) to see them at their most magnificent.

DID YOU KNOW THAT I RUN TOURS IN PAKISTAN?

Every year I lead unique trips to Pakistan including the K2 Base Camp Trek and to the Hunza Valley?

When to Visit the Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan

Whether you are trying to avoid huge crowds of tourists or stay away from extreme temperatures, it’s always important to know when the best time is to visit a place in order to see it at its finest. Summer is undoubtedly the height of the tourist season, but that does not mean that it is the ideal time of year to travel in. Pakistan’s large size lends itself to a lot of climates, so there isn’t just one season that is optimum for seeing all of the country’s sights.

The south of the country tends to be scorching hot in summer, so much so to the point that it becomes unbearable and potentially dangerous. That makes summer a great time to head north and explore the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush without having to endure searing temperatures, although you find plenty of tourists in those regions during that season.

Personally, my favorite time to explore the mountains in the north is during Autumn. Lower prices, fewer tourists, and the Fall foliage is simply unreal.

The cherry blossom season is also truly a sight to behold, so while you might be a little chilly, seeing the trees erupt in color after winter makes the trip well worth the effort.

Winter is an excellent season to spend time traveling in the south of the country. You can enjoy the cultural and historical sights, great food, and legendary Pakistani hospitality all while doing so in cooler temperatures that won’t leave you wondering whether you’re literally melting or not.

Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan

Pakistan at its finest, in my opinion, is simply a cut above what most of the rest of the world has to offer. The scenery is as diverse as it is spellbinding, the food is delicious, the people are overwhelmingly kind, and the sheer uniqueness of this country is captivating as hell.

This guide aims to help you see Pakistan in the best way possible by showing you what I’ve found to be the country’s most beautiful, breathtaking locations, whether it a place that has earned its fame or a hidden gem unknown even to most Pakistanis. These sights showcase this incredible country at its greatest.

Concordia/K2 Base Camp

The planet’s second-highest mountain has inspired the trekking and mountaineering worlds for decades, and as a result, it is an increasingly sought-after trekking destination. While it is still not nearly as popular as the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal, for example, the trek to K2 is becoming frequented by more and more hikers every year.

Trekking to K2 Base Camp and back is an endeavor that takes around two weeks to complete, so while this is not the sort of destination for the casual traveler, serious hikers will find the jagged, awesome scenery of the trek and adventure to the foot of The Savage Mountain beyond priceless.

Kalam Valley/Swat

One of Pakistan’s renowned tourist destinations, Swat earns its fame with mountainous landscapes, forests, and pristine rivers. Kalam Valley in particular is a common destination for visitors both Pakistani and foreign, and for good reason.

Being in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (KPK for short), Kalam has a relatively warm climate for being so mountainous. While the summits aren’t quite as high on average as those you find in Hunza or Skardu, the mountains here are vibrant with deep colors and forests like very few other places in the world are.

Because of its comparatively warm climate, Kalam is a destination that is far more accessible in all seasons, and you can even explore during winter without having to face the frigid temperatures that more northern regions experience in the coldest months.

Neelum Valley, Kashmir

Kashmir is a place that has long captured my imagination, and Neelum Valley in particular is known for its lush, mountainous beauty that has inspired many a traveler. Far from the dry, desert mountain landscapes of Hunza and Skardu, Neelum glows with color, its mountains covered in deep green fields and brilliant wildflowers.

The political situation in Kashmir is delicate, as control of the region is divided between India and Pakistan. If you want to enter Pakistan-administered (Azad) Kashmir as a foreigner, you will need to obtain a Non-Objection Certificate from the Pakistani government, and there is no guarantee that getting one is achievable.

However, as a Pakistani, simply show your national ID card at a checkpoint and you will be granted entry. Regardless of your country of origin, Kashmir and Neelum Valley can’t be missed if you can find a way to visit.

Yasin Valley

High in the Hindu Kush, Yasin is known for enchanting, far-flung beauty and, like many other parts of Pakistan, boasts a unique and fascinating history. Although it is relatively close to Gilgit city, Yasin Valley does not have nearly as prominent of a tourism scene.

Travelers will find a stunning valley packed with awesome treks and hidden gems, as well as a myriad of rivers and mountains, to explore. The valley is not heavily populated nor is it touristy, so there is a good chance that you can have the place all to yourself if you want to.

Because of Yasin’s lack of a robust tourism scene, travelers can enjoy a visit in summer without having to endure an overwhelming swarm of tourists that crowd the roads and the sights while keeping warm, avoiding the temperatures of colder months. Autumn in Yasin, however, is simply breathtaking.

Phander Valley is spectacularly wild and is the kind of place for those seeking to get off the grid without exerting too much effort to escape from civilization. This paradise is for getting away from a consistent cell signal, relaxing, and enjoying unspoiled natural wonders. Want to explore Phander on a motorcycle with a badass group of other people keen on doing the same thing? My friend Alex over at Lost With Purpose Travel Blog started running unique, off-beat Motorcycle Tours in Pakistan . If you are into bikes and adventure, definitely check her trips out!

Phander has everything a traveler could want: day hikes and longer treks, fishing, camping, rich culture and history to uncover, and guesthouse and hotels of all price ranges to keep you warm and cozy in between adventures. Travelers can get to Phander from either Chitral (only in the warmer months) or Gilgit.

Kalash Valley

A place of vibrant culture and history, Kalash is a special part of Chitral, full of its own customs and a tribe of people that are absolutely distinct. Despite many attempts by outsiders over the years to impose the culture and religion of the outside world on Kalash, this special place has managed to preserve its traditions.

Visitors to Kalash are in for a special treat: the Kalasha people are a one-of-a-kind tribe within Pakistan, practicing a unique religion that is not found anywhere else. For travelers seeking a cultural experience that is unforgettable and truly different from anything else you’ll ever see, a visit to Kalash is not to be passed up on.

Kalash’s climate means that winters can be extremely harsh and summers are mild, so it’s best to plan a trip for the summer to avoid freezing temperatures and the difficulties of traveling when the roads become an icy, slippery mess.

The Fairy Meadows

A starting point for treks leading to the foot of the world’s ninth-highest mountain, the Fairy Meadows is one of the most strikingly beautiful places on Earth. After an exhilarating jeep ride from Raikot Bridge and a short two-hour hike uphill, you find yourself amongst a bevy of hotels and campsites in a location that looks like it is straight out of a mythical storybook.

The Fairy Meadows is one of the most well-known and popular places to visit in Pakistan, and as such, it has been subject to a spate of rapid development in recent years. New hotels spring up often, and the sound of construction is now a constant presence. This is no longer an off-the-grid destination, but it is still possible to pay a visit without finding yourself swarmed by tourists.

If you are looking to avoid the crowds, travel in late September or early October. It will be a little colder, but you manage to avoid huge crowds without being exposed to freezing temperatures that might be too much to handle.

Balochi Coast (Hingol National Park)

Balochistan is renowned for its Martian-like landscapes and has the most spectacular coastal roads in Pakistan. Hingol National Park in particular feels like a mysterious alien world of deserts and towering rock formations, leaving the traveler awed and full of wonder.

Sadly, the Pakistani government considers Balochistan to be a particularly sensitive province, so the political situation here is fragile. This means that foreigners traveling to Balochistan need a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) before entering the region, which can be difficult to obtain. Pakistanis who want to enter will have a much easier time – all you need to do is show your National ID Card.

Regardless of your nationality, it is important to know that Balochistan is not a solo travel destination. It is highly encouraged to travel with a group, and with a guide that knows the region.

Gwadar Cricket Stadium

Quite possibly one of the most epic sports stadiums on the planet, Gwadar Cricket Stadium is a highlight of Balochistan and is set in an unbelievably dramatic backdrop.

Regardless of your feelings toward Cricket (I personally have no significant attachment or special love for the sport), this stadium provides spectators with a striking, unique experience that is literally impossible to replicate anywhere else. If you manage to make your way to Balochistan, be sure to make the effort to give this place the visit it deserves.

Shimshal Valley

A valley of spectacular natural beauty, Shimshal is renown largely comes from being the setting of one of Pakistan’s most dangerous roads. The journey to Shimshal is a sensory overload, alive with raging rivers, titanic mountains, chasmic drops, and of course, no small amount of danger. And that’s before you even arrive at the village itself!

Shimshal Village is a home base for both short day hikes and lengthy treks (as well as climbs of nearby mountains), so it got a good number of guesthouses and lodges for travelers to stay at. This is a destination for those who love exploring rugged, mountainous areas on the edge of civilization.

Not particularly easy to reach, you can either take public transport from Hunza or attempt the road on a motorcycle. That being said, the Shimshal road earns its dangerous reputation and you should stick with arranging a public jeep/van to get there unless you are very experienced on a bike.

A particularly unique enclave within Pakistan, Hunza is a famed tourist destination that is undeniably special. This valley is known for being home to multiple 7000-meter peaks, some of the most bizarre geological formations there are to be seen anywhere, and of course, the legendary Karakoram Highway.

Hunza has something to offer for everyone, whether that’s popular, cozy hotels with incredible views, lesser-known hidden gems, smooth highways with unbeatable vistas, and the kindest, most hospitable people in the world. There’s always something new to do here, but the crush of tourists can be overwhelming at times, especially at the peak of the summer season.

Late August or early September is a great time to visit Hunza if you want smaller crowds with warm weather, but Autumn in Hunza is simply otherworldly.

The Shepherd’s Den, Karimabad

This tiny, secluded hut, high above Karimabad and even the famed Eagle’s Nest, is the perfect place to get away from the noise and bustle of Hunza’s most touristy city and provides the most jaw-dropping views of both the Hunza and Hoper valleys that I’ve seen.

The Shepherd’s Hut allows you to relax, have fun, hike, and explore in an area that as of now is known only to a few locals for the most part, and the stargazing here, high above any light pollution, is unmatched.

It is possible to stay the night here, and if you are looking to get in contact with the owner, you can contact him by messaging @shepherdsdenhunza on Instagram.

Steeped in history and the starting point for many treks, Chapursan Valley served as a gateway to the eastern portions of the Silk Road. Meaning what else do you need in Persian, Chapursan has an ancient tradition of providing hospitality to the traveler and is the destination for Muslim pilgrims throughout Central Asia.

Thanks to its history as a journey’s end for pilgrims making their way to the shrine of Baba Ghundi near Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor, Chapursan has plenty of guesthouses available for use in its various towns where you will be greeted with delicious food and as much hot chai as you could possibly want.

Chapursan is full of epic hikes, and visiting in summer is the best way to take advantage of those opportunities without getting too cold. That being said, this is yet another part of Pakistan that is unreasonably gorgeous in Autumn, so making the trip later in the year is absolutely worth enduring the colder temperatures.

Uuch Sharif

This gem of Punjab province is overflowing with ancient history, stunning architecture, and for me personally, is a site that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook to the point that I find it hard to believe that this is a real place.

Uuch Sharif’s history stretches back thousands of years, probably having been founded by Alexander the Great and maintaining status as an important location well into the Islamic period and into modern times. Even today, visitors experience a well-preserved region that is beyond captivating to behold, so people looking for something truly special should not pass this up.

Hoper Valley

Despite neighboring Hunza and being very close and accessible to touristy Karimabad, Hoper Valley does not see nearly as many visitors and is much quieter. That is a shame, but it is a huge boon for the travelers who dare to make the trip!

A short, easy drive from Karimabad, Hoper has a lot to brag about sweeping, epic vistas, historical locations, massive peaks, and a huge glacier that extends down from a 7000-meter mountain and stretches for miles. This is a place you can spend a lot of time adventuring in and sadly does not get enough visitors.

Hoper is majestic in any season, but summer and autumn provide the best experience with great weather, clear views, and vibrant colors. The drive through the valley is one of my favorites in all of Pakistan.

Another remote region of Pakistan, Broghil Valley is defined by raw, achingly beautiful wilderness and vast, mountainous landscapes. As part of Chitral, Broghil borders Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor and is not an easy destination to reach.

Like Chapursan, Broghil is not frequented by many tourists – foreign or Pakistani – so the valley is almost completely unspoiled and visitors can explore entirely free from the worry of being overwhelmed by a crush of tourists, even though Broghil is home to a splendid national park.

This is unquestionably a place that you need to be 100% committed to seeing if you plan on visiting, as it is one of Pakistan’s more hard-to-reach spots. But the pure, untamed beauty of the region will reward the more intrepid traveler with an unforgettable experience.

This bustling city of culture is packed with delicious food to eat, cultural and historical sites to see, and unbelievably chaotic traffic. Vibrant and alive, Lahore is an exciting city that can keep you busy for a long time.

The home of cultural sites like the Badshahi Mosque, the famous Wagah Border Ceremony with India, and many more, Lahore is rich in history. On top of that, the city is well-known for being a foodie’s paradise with a huge variety of fantastic dishes to enjoy on the cheap!

The most significant downsides of Lahore are that it is very crowded and in summer it is hot, so it is better to spend time exploring this one-of-a-kind city in the cooler months.

Naltar Valley

Reminiscent of Switzerland, Naltar Valley is a must-see area in Gilgit-Baltistan. Pristine, lush pine forests, glacial lakes, fun hikes of all difficulty levels, and even snow skiing are all available for visitors to enjoy.

Naltar has what I swear have to be the bluest lakes in the world, fed entirely by glacial melt in a part of the valley that has virtually no civilization at all. On top of that, the valley has essentially everything a nature-lover could possibly want and it’s all relatively easy to access! Visitors can even see a Snow Leopard habitat that can be reached via jeep or by hiking.

A great summer destination, Naltar is reachable by either hiring a jeep or by motorcycle. As of this writing, though, a significant portion of the road is in nightmarish condition, so you shouldn’t attempt to ride this road unless you’re both very experienced as a rider and prepared to suffer all kinds of body aches.

Snow Lake is an epic high-altitude trekking destination that is not easy to reach and sees very few visitors each year. Sitting at roughly 4,800 meters above sea level, Snow Lake awaits hikers after a difficult but glorious multi-day trek.

This is another highlight on our list that not only requires serious commitment but endurance and skill to successfully reach. Steep ascents, massive glacial crevasses, and potentially extreme weather are just a few of the obstacles hikers need to overcome in order to enjoy Snow Lake.

Snow Lake is not a spot for the casual hiker, but for those seeking to answer the call to adventure at its most raw, this trek is hard to beat. This is, without a doubt, a journey that only experienced hikers should attempt. For more info about this trek, check out my friend Jackson’s complete Snow Lake Trek guide .

Makli Necropolis

Makli is one of Pakistan’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the root of long spans of history, unique culture, and mind-blowing architecture, all dedicated to memorializing those who passed on centuries ago.

The styles of the tombs use various influences from all over South and West Asia, resulting in a myriad of diverse monuments to explore and discover. This is yet another of Pakistan’s sites that travelers seeking to learn more about the region’s history can’t miss.

Like the rest of southern Pakistan and especially Sindh, as it is the country’s southernmost province, summer temperatures here can get scalding hot to the point of being very dangerous, so I recommend doing everything you can to make the trip in a colder season if possible.

A meadow hidden above Upper Hunza, Patundas is another lesser-known spot that has mind-blowing panoramic views of the most spectacular mountains and glaciers on Earth. This place is an absolute must-see for hikers!

Getting there requires crossing a majestic glacier, and then conquering a pretty steep uphill hike to arrive at a plateau sitting roughly at 4200 meters altitude. Captivating vistas of the Karakoram range and some of the world’s biggest glaciers outside the polar regions await you, and you can enjoy one of the most satisfying cups of chai (or beverage of your choice) that you ever had.

Inaccessible during Winter and the majority of Spring, Patundas is an unbeatable summer trek and is just as spectacular, if a little colder, when early Autumn sets in.

Naran and Kaghan

Home to truly stunning, lush natural beauty, Naran and Kaghan are destinations commonly frequented by Pakistani tourists from the south looking to get away from the city and experience mountainous landscapes without going too far north. Naran is surrounded by towering, green peaks and is full of awesome hiking spots including the famous Saif Al Malouk lake.

Unfortunately, Naran has become overrun by mass tourism, and huge amounts of trash piled by the roadside is a common sight. The twin epidemics of unreasonably expensive hotels and mass littering plague Naran and there is no end in sight, which is all the more tragic because the region seriously is lovely.

If you want to experience staying amongst huge, green mountains without having to deal with overpricing and mass tourism, I highly recommend staying in Kaghan, just to the south of Naran. It’s far cheaper, less crowded, and you get the same verdant, mountainous beauty without the crowds.

Misgar Valley

A hidden gem of Northern Pakistan, Misgar valley is virtually untouched by tourism despite being only a short drive from the Karakoram Highway. One of the five Silk Road routes in Central Asia ran through Misgar, and as a result, this valley is utterly full of fascinating history as well as heart-stopping scenery.

The village itself is incredibly picturesque, and a few kilometers after the village you can see a fort at a fork in the river which guarded the Silk Road’s path to China before Khunjerab Pass came into use.

Best visited using your own transportation, Misgar is a great day trip from wherever you are based in in Upper Hunza. As of now, there is a guesthouse or two available for use in the village, but they are a challenge to find and there is very little other infrastructure around to accommodate travelers. Despite that, this valley and its people are an absolute must-see in Northern Pakistan.

Located in Punjab province, Bahawalpur is a dream, with history stretching back centuries and ancient structures built in exquisite detail. This city is for lovers of history, flavorful food, and eye-popping architecture.

Not only is Bahawalpur an oasis of culture, it is also near Lal Suhunra National Park, one of the largest national parks in South Asia. That makes this town virtually the complete experience for anyone wants in a destination, whether it is learning more about the region’s past, soaking in natural beauty, and more.

Bahawalpur can get suffocatingly hot in summer, especially for those not used to high temperatures (it can even be a struggle for locals, too), so it is best to spend time in this city during the cooler months of the year.

Tomb of Jahangir

Not far from the ancient Walled City of Lahore, this tomb is a can’t-miss historical landmark and one of the most elegant examples of Mughal architecture there is to be found in all of Pakistan. Anyone fascinated by peculiar, unique history will find exploring this site a remarkable experience.

Although the history of the site itself is a bit hazy, with differing accounts attributing construction to different people, this Mughal emperor’s tomb is, to this day, unbelievably well-preserved for casual visitors and serious students of history alike to soak in.

Avgharch is an ancient and remote village of northern Pakistan that is home to myth, history, and raw, untamed beauty. Relatively difficult to find and moderately challenging to reach, Avgharch is one of my favorites among Pakistan’s unknown, secluded gems.

On top of possessing untouched natural beauty, Avgharch was also the first settlement of the Wakhi people, a tribe of northern Pakistan when they first migrated here centuries ago, and as a result, it’s rich with incredible stories, both historical and mythological in nature.

The starting point for both day hikes and multi-day treks, Avgharch is not connected to any road and can only be reached either on foot or by horse. It is possible to hire a local guide to show you the way, and I recommend going on foot unless you are very experienced on horseback. If you are a hiking enthusiast and you can spare the time, this spectacular place can’t be missed.

Mohenjo-Daro

One of the most prominent archeological sites in the world, Mohenjo-Daro is also one of the world’s most ancient cities, founded by the mysterious Indus Valley civilization. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a highlight not only of Sindh province but in all of Pakistan.

For being so old, Mohenjo-Daro is well-preserved, but this jewel of the ancient world is under constant threat by erosion. Responsible visits to one of the world’s first examples of a major city are encouraged to be taken soon, as there is the constant risk of the character of this site being changed or damaged forever.

Final Thoughts on the Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan

Unparalleled natural beauty throughout diverse landscapes and climates, historical and cultural sites both ancient and modern, endless adventures both easy and difficult; Pakistan has it all.

At its best, Pakistan has natural and manmade wonders that simply rise above what most of the rest of the world has to offer as competition. The places in this guide constitute what I have found to be the country’s most beautiful, captivating destinations – each for different reasons.

Popular tourist destinations and hidden gems alike, the sites in this guide are Pakistan’s elite. You won’t find another place quite like any of these anywhere else on Earth.

Was this guide helpful? Let me know in the comments!

Must visit most beautiful places in Pakistan for national and international tourists. Regards

Thank you so much for visiting my country. No doubt Pakistan is safe even for female travelers, especially when accompanied by trusted men, however, special caution is required for women who wish to visit solo. There are many things to keep in mind and women should also be mentally prepared for the gender divide they will experience in Pakistan.

Thank you for sharing all your thoughts with us. I will be visiting many of the sites you suggested when we visit Pakistan in late March/early April. Your insights and writing really helped me prioritize what we want to see and where we want to go. Thanks again for your efforts.

Awesome, glad you enjoyed the post!

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• 10 Best And Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Pakistan

23 Mar 2023

Stretching from the large mountains in the north to the vast Indus alluvial delta in the south, Pakistan is full of natural beauty and stunning mountains. In addition to bright deserts and some of the world’s highest peaks, the country offers numerous attractions for sightseeing, hiking, mountain climbing and skiing. Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and ancient monuments continue to enchant visitors from all over the world. There are a lot of places to visit in Pakistan where you can have memorable experiences, have a look at these most beautiful places for your holiday in Pakistan.

10 Beautiful Places to Visit in Pakistan

Pakistan is gifted with a plethora of historical and natural treasures. A land full of breathtaking vistas and extraordinary places is a must-visit once in a lifetime. To guide you on your trip here is a list of the places to visit in Pakistan . Make sure you add some of these to your itinerary before heading to this destination.

1. Hunza Valley 2. Attabad Lake 3. Swat Valley 4. Naran Kaghan 5. Badshahi Mosque 6. Concordia 7. Neelum Valley 8. Deosai National Park 9. Mohenjo-daro 10. Piri Sohawa

1. Hunza Valley

Located in Gilgit Baltistan, the Hunza Valley is one of Pakistan’s hidden gems. This isolated valley is nestled between the Himalayas and the Karakoram mountain peaks. This is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan because of its lush farmlands. Here you can find markhors, ounces, ibexes, and red foxes. In this valley, a glorious view awaits you, and the locals are warm and friendly.

Best time to visit: April to September

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2. Attabad Lake

This beautiful lake which provides tranquil waters was originated as a result of a landslide in January 2010 in Attabad Village. The lake has vivid blue waters that pierce through the hilly land of Hunza Valley The lake is one of the most popular tourist places in Pakistan , offering exciting experiences like skiing, boating, catching fishes and others.

Best time to Visit: March to June

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3. Swat Valley

Despite its tragic history, Swat Valley’s present situation is very promising. There’s something fairytale-like about this spectacular valley in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Being one the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan among all other attractions, this valley has great weather and friendly locals. Visitors can enjoy trekking, hiking, backpacking, or simply enjoy in the natural environment.

Best time to visit: April to May

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4. Naran Kaghan

Naran and Kaghan are two amazing places to visit in Pakistan which are located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They are amazing places to explore for those who love nature. You will find beautiful rivers, stretches of fields, snowcapped peaks, and picturesque lakes in these areas. Each year, thousands of tourists come to this valley from all over the world.

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5. Badshahi Mosque

Originally built during the 1670s, Badshahi Mosque is a monument of the Mughal Empire, which ruled over the Indian subcontinent for nearly three centuries. Located in Lahore, this mosque is a great representation of Mughal architecture, with four minarets and three domes forming the courtyard. The mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monument truly justifies being one of the beautiful tourist places in Pakistan .

Best time to visit: The monument can be visited the whole year round except for the hottest months here, which are June and July.

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6. Concordia

Concordia is one of the paradisiacal Pakistan tourist places for hikers and climbers. It is situated in the north of the country, around the Chinese border. Pakistan is home to five of the fourteen highest mountain peaks in the world. You can get an excellent view of four of these five highest mountains from Concordia. This makes Concordia an unmissable place for sightseeing in Pakistan .

Best time to visit: June to August

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7. Neelum Valley

The Neelum Valley in northern Azad Kashmir is a bow-shaped valley situated between peaks that soar 13,000 feet into the sky, surrounded by verdant forests and flowing streams. Neelum Valley is one of the most beautiful places to see in Pakistan. This valley has pristine rivers, mirror-like lakes, and lush landscapes.

Best time to visit: March to October

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8. Deosai National Park

Deosai National Park, known as the Land of Giants, has a landscape of snow-capped mountains rising from the highland. This area has an astounding amount of biodiversity, including Himalayan wolves, Siberian ibex, red foxes, and yellow-bellied marmots. For someone who loves biodiversity and is seeking the best tourist places in Pakistan , Deosai National Park is an ideal place.

Best time to visit: July to September

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9. Mohenjo-daro

Mohenjo-daro, located in Sindh, a province in southeastern part of the country, that is among the famous places to visit in Pakistan . It is home to the Sindh people and a historical site dating back to 2500 BCE. The ruins and mounds were discovered to be part of an ancient civilization called the Indus Valley civilization. Those who love history will be fascinated by the engineering and urban planning that was far ahead of their time.

Best time to visit: The monument can be visited whole year round.

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10. Pir Sohawa

Pir Sohawa is located in the Margalla Hills, near Islamabad. Being among the best tourist places in Pakistan , there is more to admire about this tourist spot than just the breathtaking views. Located approximately 5,000 feet above sea level, this place is famous among tourists and locals for outings in the fresh breezes and admiring the stunning scenery.

Best time to visit: March to December

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Now when you got this list of some of the most beautiful places to visit in Pakistan , make sure you add these to your bucket list on your trip to this beautiful country. Take a break from the busy pace of life and do unwind by spending some serene time in these beautiful locations. And for when you come back, do not forget to share your beautiful memories with us so that your trip could inspire others to witness the beauty on the other side.

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Beautiful Places to visit in Pakistan

Is it safe to visit Pakistan during Covid-19 times?

Make sure you are fully vaccinated before travelling to Pakistan. It is advisable to get your PT-PCR negative test report. We recommend staying updated with the most current information and travel guidelines of the country before travelling.

Which is the most beautiful city to visit in Pakistan?

Islamabad, which is the capital city of Pakistan is also a really beautiful city to visit. It is home to several historical monuments and other tourist attractions.

Which are the most visited places in Pakistan?

Some of the most visited places of Pakistan include Badshahi Mosque, Neelum Valley, Attabd Lake and Khagan Valley.

What is the best time to visit Pakistan?

The best time to visit Pakistan is from May to October. This is the best time to explore the beautiful valleys and magnificent mountain ranges that lie in the northern part of the country.

What are the best things to do in Pakistan?

As a tourist, you can visit the amazing valleys and admire the breathtaking landscapes they offer, experience the rich culture and history by visiting the ancient monuments, try various mouthwatering dishes of Pakistan and go for a trek in the stunning peaks.

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The Best Places to Visit in Pakistan

Home to a multitude of landscapes and terrains, Pakistan offers mountains and rivers for the adventurous, archaeological sites for the curious and untouched beaches for those looking to escape the crowds. In a country with so many options to choose from, here are some of the best places to visit.

1. gilgit-baltistan.

Natural Feature

Travel to the north for some of the best scenic views and adventure activities the country has to offer. Start your trip in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), a popular choice for those seeking diverse experiences while sticking to just one region. GB, the northernmost administrative territory of Pakistan , is home to a number of mountain peaks over 6000m (20,000ft), including the renowned K-2 and Nanga Parbat. Shandur, the world’s highest polo ground, is also located here, as is the turquoise-hued Attabad Lake in Hunza Valley that was created after a landslide in 2010. The treeless Deosai National Park, located largely in the Skardu District, is a 4,114m-high (13,497ft) wonderland rich in flora and fauna that can only be accessed in the summer. Skiing enthusiasts can visit the Naltar Ski Resort and eager campers can trek up to the picturesque Fairy Meadows.

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

The city of Multan presents a historic mix of ancient warfare, trade, dynastic rule and Sufism. The seventh most populous city of Pakistan has changed numerous hands since 3300 BCE, reportedly starting with Hindu occupation, then witnessing Greek invasion and finally hosting a long era of Muslim rule heavily influenced by Sufism in the 11th and 12th centuries. Multan is now an important part of south Punjab and devotees from all over the country and abroad visit the innumerable shrines, tombs and mosques all year round. Such is the reverence for the deceased Sufi mystics remembered or buried here that it is known as the ‘City of Saints’.

3. Tharparkar

Interest in the Tharparkar District in Sindh as a tourist spot is a relatively recent development. The gradual increase in the number of tourists each year is an encouraging sign for the region which consists of a jumble of towns and villages ranging from slightly developed to completely rural settlements. Most visitors flock to the district during or after the monsoon rains to experience the short period in which the desert is transformed into an oasis. This brief season is also a source of joy for the residents because the soil of this particular desert is extremely fertile and supports rainfall agriculture.

5. Mohenjo-daro

Historical Landmark

History buffs will have a hard time passing up a chance to visit Mohenjo-daro in Sindh, an archaeological site dating back to 2500 BCE. An extensive study and excavation of the area found that the mounds and ruins were once a part of the Indus Valley Civilisation, a contemporary of Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Among other things, Mohenjo-daro was built according to a grid plan, boasted an efficient water management system and featured public baths – all of which demonstrates urban planning and civil engineering well ahead of its time. The city was eventually abandoned around 1900 BCE for obscure reasons and was not rediscovered until the 1920s. Detailed excavation continued until 1966, after which all in-depth archaeological work was halted due to damage inflicted by the weather. Mohenjo-daro was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1980 and can be visited via private transport, public bus or weekly flights from Karachi.

6. Khewra Salt Mine

A trip to the world’s second-largest salt mine may not be a regular bucket list feature, but it is certainly a great educational experience. The Khewra Salt Mine is situated in the foothills of the Salt Range – in the province of Punjab – and is almost 184km (114mi) away from Islamabad, the capital city. Not only is it the country’s most vital source of salt, but the site is also a major tourist attraction, with up to 250,000 visitors driving up to the mine each year. Once transported inside via carts, tourists can witness caves made entirely of salt, a number of saltwater pools and some miniature salt structures of important landmarks of the country. The salt reserves are said to have been discovered by the troops of Alexander the Great in 326 BCE.

7. Makran Coast

Pakistan has yet to turn its beaches into dream holiday resorts, but if exploring an unspoiled coastline with natural beaches is your thing, then the Makran Coast is definitely worth visiting. The breathtaking landscape in the province of Balochistan is a pleasant surprise in what is otherwise rugged terrain consisting mostly of barren mountains. The coast itself is a 1,000km (621mi) stretch along the Gulf of Oman and is interspersed with pristine beaches that are accessible via the sprawling Makran Coastal Highway, which starts from Karachi in Sindh, passes the towns of Ormara and Pasni and ends in Gwadar. It is advisable to begin your journey from Karachi at the crack of dawn so you can make the most of the long drive. Notable beaches on the coastal strip include Kund Malir Beach, Astola Island, Ormara Beach, Sonmiani Beach, Gwadar Beach and Pasni Beach.

Travelling more of Pakistan? Read our guide to the best hotels in Islamabad and the most beautiful landmarks to see in Pakistan . If you’re visiting Lahore, check out our guide on the top things to do in the city.

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15 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan You’ll Fall In Love With

Let’s be completely honest, if you heard someone mention that they are going on a vacation to Pakistan you would be really surprised.

After all, the country has unfortunately been associated with terrorism, war, and trouble in general as far as the American popular consciousness goes since its independence from India and founding shortly after the Second World War. Yet the surprising reality for many is that Pakistan is one of the more beautiful countries on earth.

The varied nation offers so many beautiful natural places that it would be hard to find many other countries with so much refreshing scenery to offer to you as a visitor. These range from vibrant green forests to stark and stunning mountain scenery, to cascading waterfalls and hypnotic lakes. We look at 15 compelling reasons to go on a trip to this hidden gem with stunning mountains and valleys called Pakistan in this article on the most beautiful spots in this major neighbor to the northwest of India.

Pakistan is hugely blessed with far more than just some of the top natural vistas to be found anywhere in the world. The country’s long, compelling history dates all the way back to the ancient world. There are many historical, architectural, and cultural wonders to visit here besides the great and overwhelming natural beauty spots.

21 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan

• Kalash Valleys
• Lake Saif-ul-Malook
• Shandur Top
• Neelum Valley
• Guraiz Valley
• Naltar Valley
• The Mosque of Badshahi Masjid
• Fort Rohtas (Qila Rohtas)
• Mohenjo-daro
• Mazar-e-Quaid
• Ranikot Fort
• Hunza Valley
• Naran and Kaghan Valleys

At the moment Pakistan is a safe place to visit! Most of the conflicts from the past were resolved and terrorism is at its lowest but some remote areas might be still dangerous. Do a proper research and beforehand and ask in the local hotel or hostel.

Major areas that should be avoided for traveling in Pakistan are Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Swat, Tank and Northern, and Southern Waziristan areas. For the full list check here .

Islamabad is considered as the most beautiful city in Pakistan. In 2015, Islamabad was ranked as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world.

21 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan To Visit

1. kalash valleys.

Pakistan’s Kalash Valleys , comprised of Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur are hidden gems surrounded by the dramatic Hindu Kush mountain range, a part of the Himalayas. The rugged peaks are covered with scrubs of juniper and birch for stunning, natural views.

The valleys are known for the beauty of the people as well as the natural splendor. Thought to be the descendants of Alexander the Great’s armies, the Kalash are animists, an ethnic minority, rather than Muslims, and live in wooden homes that dot the high hills. The women are known for their gayly-colored traditional dresses and headpieces you will only see in this part of Pakistan.

Jeeps and car hires transport visitors easily to the remote Kalash Valleys from Chitral, 2.5 hours away. Bumburet is the most populated valley and popular with Pakistan tourists. Rumbur and Birir are less developed and popular with foreign travelers. Visit the locally-owned Kalasha Dur museum in Bumburet, an attractive cultural museum that gives you all the information needed to tour the stunning valleys.

The best time to visit the Kalash Valleys is during one of their traditional festivals. Chilan Joshi is held in May, Uchau is celebrated in autumn, and Choimus occurs for two weeks around the winter solstice. Tourists are always amazed at the colorful costumes, rituals, drink, and dance.

2. Concordia

Concordia is a paradise for mountain lovers and climbers alike. It lies in the far north of the country on the national border with China.

Most people are not aware of Pakistan’s claim to fame for containing five of the highest 14 peaks on the planet.

From the vantage point provided by this beautiful place Concordia, tourists can take in four of these five highest in the world peaks. This makes it both a stunning view vantage point and incomparable photo opportunity not to be missed while on a trip through Pakistan.

3. Lake Saif-ul-Malook

Lying at the northern extreme of the Kaghan Valley is the stunning natural Lake Saif-ul-Malook. It is found in the Khyber-Paktunkhwa province within the Mansehra District.

This natural lake is beautiful not only for the surrounding mountain scenery but also because of the unique reflection of the mountains on the lake water that is absolutely breathtaking for visitors to behold.

The best and most convenient time to visit this one of a kind wonder of nature is in the summer. During the winter months when snows are often heavy along the roads, it can require many nerve-racking hours to arrive safely. The roads are slippery with ice then, making the all-terrain vehicles an unsure way to come here safely through the high, often narrow, and winding mountain roads in the winter months.

Within the Astore District of Gilgit-Balistan province lies the so-called “land of the giants” better known today as Deosai.

This region is actually a boundary to the western Himalayas Mountains and Karakorum. Here visitors will enjoy magnificent varieties of flowers and many different and often one of a kind animal species such as the snow leopard and the brown bear who call this region home. This plateau turns out to be the highest one on earth, providing more bragging rights in front of friends stuck back home.

This is not to be missed spot to take in the more unique animal life of Pakistan. Nature-lovers should never miss the well worth the time and effort trip if the seasonal weather conditions permit the journey.

5. Shandur Top

Shandur Top is found in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa District in the Chitral area, making it a good trip to potentially combine with that of nearby Deosai. This Shandur Top has been called the highest elevation polo ground anywhere on earth.

During the winter months, the area is blanketed in snow, yet in summer months, Shandur Top becomes a lush and green spot.

During July, the Shandur Polo Festival occurs here each year, bringing in hordes of locals and tourists alike. Coming in the winter months is dangerous due to the slippery roads encumbered from heavy snowfalls and icy conditions. During the summer months, Shandur Top becomes easily accessible via all-terrain vehicles.

6. Neelum Valley

One of the most popular Pakistan beautiful places is Neelum Valley. This densely forested area is found in the Azad Kashmir region. Mughal Emperor Humayin once said about this Kashmir area that “if there is a paradise on earth, then this is it.” Visitors usually agree with his well-spoken assessment of the Kashmir Valley today.

The stunning valley sits at a high elevation of more than 4,850 feet (or 1,650 meters high) above sea level. Incredible milky white-colored waterfalls cascade from the mountains and provide the natural scene with a mesmerizing quality and otherworldly backdrop.

Tourists and locals alike come from all across Pakistan to see this glorious wonder of nature that is impossible to discount as a serious contender for the most beautiful spot on earth.

7. Guraiz Valley

Tourists should not pass up on the chance to visit the lovely Guraiz Valley while in Pakistan. It is glorious in either summer or winter months. The verdant green valley is thickly carpeted by dense forest.

Found high up in the Himalayas Mountains, Guraiz Valley is a veritable oasis among the icy towering white peaks. Visitors will find it on the border between Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

Unfortunately, the area is a site of periodic territorial conflict between India and Pakistan, meaning that the Pakistani army controls access to the valley. Fortunately, they allow tourists to visit the stunning valley upon request.

8. Naltar Valley

Graced by charming and beautiful lakes, Naltar Valley has the much-deserved reputation of being a one of a kind gorgeous place that is not to be missed while touring Pakistan.

The valley is dotted by many beautiful pine trees. It is rightly famed for its locally cultivated potatoes, said by many to be the most delicious anywhere on planet earth. Naltar Valley looks like the lost paradise because of its unforgettable stunning views.

9. Siri Paye

A great wonder of nature that unfortunately is often overlooked by foreign tourists, Siri Paye is the most beautiful place to visit lies in the corner of Kaghan province. It is a mere from three to four miles (or six kilometers) away from the Shogran Valley. This green plateau lies atop the Hindu Kash Mountains.

Visitors will be refreshed by the many ponds that dot the landscape and are complimented by stunning fields of bright yellow flowers. This spot is sure to refresh the soul of visitors from whatever place in the world they hail.

10. Kund Malir

Located in Balochistan, Kund Malir is one of about two dozen beaches in Pakistan. The large sandy beach is an arid landscape located in the Hingol National Park.

The Makran Coastal Highway is a scenic highway that leads to the beach and has coastal views on one side and mountains on the other. Pack well for your trip as no emergency supplies are available in the area. Kund Malir is a 175-kilometer drive from Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city.

Kund Malir is a great place to escape the crowds and become immersed in nature. The stunningly beautiful beach has a 20-room resort and dhaba-style restaurant and truck stop. The beach stays pristine since it’s almost never crowded. While here, you can also visit the Princess of Hope statue, a rock statue created by strong winds and rain, and the ancient Hinglaj Temple.

11. The Mosque of Badshahi Masjid

12. Fort Rohtas (Qila Rohtas)

13. Mohenjo-daro

15. Mazar-e-Quaid

Few more places to consider visiting in Pakistan

Pakistan is a beautiful country, having many historical places. Everyone should visit here.

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30+ Best Places to Visit in Pakistan 2024

Top things to do and attractions in pakistan you must see.

Planning to explore Pakistan , here are 30+ best places to visit in Pakistan where you should go and make your visit to Pakistan memorable.

Pakistan is a country with great potential of tourism. Tourist attractions range from beautiful natural elements in the Northern areas of Pakistan to hundreds of cultural and historical places in cities like Karachi , Lahore , Islamabad , the Nation’s capital, Quetta and so on.

However, for a past few years, Pakistan has not been able to meet its potential tourist numbers due to several unfortunate reasons. Anyway, Pakistan is home to many such things which the tourists would love to see and here, we will be discussing a few of those ” famous places in Pakistan”.

Best Places to Visit in Pakistan

1. badshahi mosque.

Badshahi mosque is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan. It is situated in Lahore, the capital of Punjab province of Pakistan.

The mosque was built in the Mughal era under the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb. It is a huge mosque with a capacity of 56,000 people at a single time.

The architecture, obviously of ancient Mughal era, is of utmost strength and beauty. It attracts tourists from around the world and around the country too.

2. Lahore Fort

Lahore fort, or Shahi Qila , is a citadel in Lahore and one of the top travel destinations in Pakistan. It is a great attraction in Lahore. The construction of Lahore fort dates back to as far as the eleventh century, however, it has been rebuilt multiple times after that.

Emperor Akbar added architectural and artistic motifs on the fort that show both Muslims’ and Hindus’ designs. Then, Emperor Shah Jahan applied luxurious marbles in the fort whereas Emperor Aurangzeb built the famous Alamgiri Gate.

If you are visiting Lahore, this place should be in your list of best places to visit in Pakistan.

3. Minar-e-Pakistan

Very near to Badshahi mosque is the famous minaret named Minar-e-Pakistan. If you are in Lahore, then Minar-e-Pakistan should be in your list of best places to visit in Pakistan.

It has a very important historical background as the tower is built at the exact point where the first ever idea of separate nations for Muslims and Hindus was delivered. The Lahore Resolution was passed at this point by the All India Muslim League in 1940.

4. Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam

In the list of best places to visit in Pakistan, Mizar e Quaid should be in your list. It is Located in the former capital of Pakistan (Karachi), it is the tomb of the founder of the nation of Pakistan.

The tomb is surrounded by vast area of family park where people come from all over the country as well as from other countries to enjoy their time and pay gratitude to the founder of the nation who rests there.

5. Hunza Valley

Pakistan is bestowed by God with a great number of places with immense natural beauty and Hunza is one of those. The valley is located in the Gilgit district . The snow-covered peaks, sone-covered leaves and lush green grass at certain times of the year give the place a spectacular look .

If you are a planning to come to Pakistan, then Hunza is a must visit place as this is top holiday destinations in Pakistan.

6. Makli Necropolises

Makli Necropolises is one of the largest funerary sites in the world and was a UNESCO World heritage site in 1891. It is an excellent proof of Sindhi civilization of ancient times. It houses around 500,000 to 1 million tombs and includes several tombs of Sufi saints and scholars.

7. Lake Saiful Muluk

This lake is one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan and also in the world. Even it is one of the best things to do in Pakistan.

The lake is very near to Naran, another beautiful tourist attraction in the northern areas of Pakistan. The lake has clear, blue and cold water and the lake has a beautiful backdrop of snow-covered peaks. It is a perfect picturesque site which can feature your desktop wallpaper.

8. Ansoo Lake

Ansoo means tear, and the lake is literally in the shape of a tear drop or a water drop. It is located in the Kaghan Valley. It is tough to get to the lake which also explains why the lake was undiscovered even by locals before 1993 when it was discovered by Pakistan Air Force pilots who were flying low in the area.

9. Khaplu Fort

Khaplu fort, also known as Yabgo Khar meaning fort on the roof, is an old fort and palace located in Khaplu.

The fort was built in 19 th century and is a tourist attraction for a long time now. The fort is a masterpiece for beautiful architecture and it also was the place of residence for the Raja of Khaplu . This an awesome beauty of Pakistan.

Gwadar has been the limelight of Pakistani news for some time now due its trade importance for Pakistan. However, the city has much more than just a harbor for trading; it has beautiful beaches with mountains covering them. It has been a popular picnic point for Pakistani locals for many years.

11. Gorakh Hill station

In top 30 best places to visit in Paksitan, Gorakh comes at number eleven. Gorakh is located in the Sindh Province 95 kilometers Northwest of Dadu.

The hill station has a very different climate than other areas of Sindh. Most of the Sindh has a warm climate whereas Gorakh has a cold climate and also faces snowfall at certain times. The site is very popular amongst local and international tourists.

12. Ranikot Fort

Ranikot Fort is very near to Jamshoro ( top places to visit in Pakistan ) and is the largest fort in the world with a circumference of around 32 kilometers. For the same reason it is also known as ‘the great wall of Sindh’. Although the real builder of the fort is unknown, some archaeologists believe it to be built by the Arabs or by Persians in the 9 th

13. Sheesh Mahal

Another architectural masterpiece from the Mughal era. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan. The name, sheesh mahal, means ‘palace of mirrors’ and quite literally, it is made up of several mirrors of finest quality and other material including the high-quality marble. A part of the palace was reserved for the use of the royal family back then.

14. Mohenjo-Daro

It might seem as if there is not much to see in this ruined city covered in sand. However, lovers of history consider this place as their heaven.

Mohenjo-Daro was one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilization. The city was abandoned in the 19 th century and it was only rediscovered in the 1920s .

15. Margalla Hills

It is a hill range in the Himalayas. It is located to the north of Islamabad and also a popular tourist attraction due to its beauty and the bird-watching activity.

Many birds including the Himalayan griffon vulture, paradise flycatchers, kestrel, shrikes, black partridge, Indian sparrow hawk, golden oriole and different types of pheasants can be seen there.

16. Daman-e-Koh

Daman e Koh is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan and great things to do in Islamabad. It is Llocated in the Margalla hills, Daman-e-Koh is a hilltop garden and its name literally translates from Persian to ‘foothills’.

It is a viewing point for tourists for the hills above them. Monkeys are quite common in the area whereas Cheetahs can also be seen sometimes during the snowfall.

17. Faisal Mosque

Is that a Bedouin tent? No, it isn’t, but that’s what it was meant to look like when it was built in 1987 . The mosque is the biggest one in Pakistan and the fourth largest in the world. It was designed by a Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay .

The mosque is named after the Saudi King Faisal who gave a grant of $120 million to Pakistan . If you are in Islamabad, then it is worth visiting place because it one of the top attractions in Pakistan.

18. Pakistan Monument

Another best places to visit in Pakistan and top things to do in Islamabad. It is a national monument and a heritage museum, it was built to show the unity amongst the people of Pakistan.

It has shaped like a blooming flower and is visible from far away due to its elevation. The monument covers several features that describe an idea of Pakistan, for example its four biggest petals represent the four provinces of Pakistan.

19. Masjid-e-Tooba (Gol Masjid)

The mosque is situated in the DHA area of Karachi and has a very interesting history. Its builders, Dr. Babar Hamid and Zaheer Haider were certain that such a large dome can stand without a single pillar, while other people did not approve of this idea. However, they succeeded, and the mosque’s dome stands without a pillar today.

20. Katas Raj Temples

Also known as Qila Katas, it is a complex of several Hindu temples connected to each other by pathways. The temple complex covers a water named Katas which is considered sacred by Hindus.

These temples are also a part of Mahabharata which augments their historical and religious importance. The site is of interest to people fond of history. for Hindus, it is best places to visit in Pakistan.

21. Mohatta Palace Museum

Mohatta Palace is located in Karachi and was built by Shivratan Chandraratan Mohatta, a Hindu Marwari businessman in 1927 as his summer home. The palace is built using pink Jodhpur stone and local Gizri yellow stone. The site shows olden time architecture of the Rajasthani people.

22. Tomb of Jahangir

It is a 17 th century mausoleum for the Mughal emperor Jahangir . It is an architectural masterpiece and its interior and exterior both are worth appreciating.

Its interior features marbles and frescoes while the exterior is covered with the pietra dura. The tomb of Jahangir’s wife Nur Jahan is also located there. The tomb is also famous for its pleasant lush green gardens.

It is a must visiting place as it is one of the most famous places to visit in Punjab Pakistan.

23. Churna Island

Located near Mubarak Goth, it is an uninhabited island in the Arabian sea. The island has gained fame recently in the past few years due to several recreational activities such as snorkeling, cliff diving, scuba diving and underwater photography. The area around the island is famous for scuba diving due to the presence of several different kinds of fishes and corals.

24. Clifton Beach

The beach is located in Karachi and was amongst the most popular and top silver sand beaches. Today, the beach is a famous tourist attraction and a popular picnic point amongst the locals. There are several restaurants and recreational activities at and near the beach such as camel riding, horse riding, buggy cart and so on.

25. Hiran Minar

Hiran Minar is another top attractions and one of the famous places to visit in Punjab Pakistna. Hiran Minar, meaning the deer tower, is a complex in Sheikhupura built in the era of Emperor Jahangir in the memory of his pet antelope.

The complex was used by the royals of that time for hunting, whereas the minaret was built in in 1606 in the honor of Jahangir’s pet antelope who was trained to help the emperor in hunting other animals.

26. Mall Road Lahore

Mall road is a long street in Lahore which is famous for several reasons. First of all, most of the buildings on the street were built during the Mughal era or during the British Raj era.

Moreover, the street also has several shops where tourists can shop at very reasonable prices. Lastly, the street also has the Governor’s house and the Provincial Assembly of Punjab.

27. Hawkes Bay Beach

Hawkes Bay Beach is located near Karachi and is named after Bladen Wilmer Hawke who was the owner of a beach house at the place in the 1930s. the beach is a nesting ground for several kinds of turtles.

Murree is a hill station in the Norther region of Pakistan and is very famous not only amongst the international tourists but also amongst the locals. It has a very cold climate and is extremely beautiful. Chairlift in Murree is a popular activity amongst the visitors there.

29. Nathia Gali

In Galyat, Nathia Gali is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan. Nathia Gali is a hill station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It is extremely famous for its scenic beauty and hiking tracks. There are several other hill stations in the region with similar attributes and most of their names end with ‘gali’. The area is forested with pine, oak walnut and maple trees. Adding to this, it is situated very near to Murree.

 30. Bhurban

Located approximately 9 kilometers from Murree , Bhurban is another popular hill station amongst the tourists for its beauty and climate.

The town also has a branch of the famous Pearl Continental hotel which is also very famous amongst the tourists for its splendid service and the augmented natural beauty.

PS: W e will keep adding more attractions, things to do and best places to visit in Pakistan. 

• What is the Capital of Pakistan?
• 10 Best Cities to Visit in Pakistan
• 15 Best Places to Visit in Gilgit Baltistan 2023
• Top Attractions and Things to do in Karachi
• 22 Best Places to Visit in Lahore
• 15 Top Attractions in Islamabad
• 15 Best Places To Visit in Peshawar
• 20+ Best Pakistani Food Dishes You Should Try

We publish well-researched and interesting contents on our blog to help travelers.

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Thank you sir, for giving us full details about the places of Pakistan. I like the way you have explain about the places of Pakistan. Thank you so much.

Really great job … at least people may know the places to visit even in their own cities..

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The 19 Best Places to Visit in Pakistan

Pakistan is a country of true natural beauty, home to some fantastic mountain peaks, lush green landscapes and archaeological sites for the truly curious. There isn’t much else you could ask for from the ultimate adventure destination but unfortunately (or fortunately for those lucky few) due to the amount of negative press Pakistan receives, it is still untouched by western tourism.

Wild Frontiers have a deep connection with Pakistan. It was here, in the Northwestern Frontier, that our Founder Jonny Bealby hatched the plan for the company in the late 1990s. Since then we have travelled to the furthest regions of Pakistan in search of new adventures and experiences.

From those numerous travels, we have pulled together what we think are the best places to visit in Pakistan. So, without further ado...

Lying amongst the arid landscapes of the Cholistan Desert, close to the border with neighbouring India, Bahawalpur once lay at the heart of a princely state that formed part of the Rajputana States that stretched across Rajasthan in neighbouring India. Ruled over by the Nawabs, the city is filled with an impressive array of monuments that date back to those golden days, including the Noor Mahal, the Farid Gate and the royal tombs, found amongst the imposing majesty of the Derawar Fort, 100 kilometres to the south. The fortress itself dates back to the 9th century AD, its impressive 30 metre high walls encompassing some 40 towering bastions that can be seen for miles across its desert setting.

Nestled within a fertile valley beneath the mighty Tirich Mir - at 7,700m the highest mountain in the Hindu Kush - Chitral Town is a cosy place, inhabited by warm and welcoming people. A lively bazaar, many of the stalls and restaurants run by Afghan refugees, leads through its centre to the small airstrip at one end and the polo field at the other. The old mud fort, scene of the famous British siege, still rest on the banks of the Chitral River next to the Shahi Mosque. From here the hot springs of Garam Chashma, the Kalash Valleys, Mastuj and the Shandor Pass are all accessible. Cut off as it is from the rest of the country by high mountains, Chitral has developed its very own particular feel and charm that you simply must experience for yourself.

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Deosai national park.

Renowned for its rich flora and fauna, the Deosai Plains lie along the alpine steppes of the Karakoram-West Tibetan Plateau. During the spring, these fertile plains are blanketed in millions of colourful wildflowers that attract a vast army of butterflies to their dazzling blooms. The highest plateau on the planet, spread across almost 3,000 square kilometres, it sits at the boundary of the Karakoram and western Himalayan ranges and its remarkable biodiversity has earned it the accolade of a national wilderness park. Established initially to secure the survival of the Himalayan brown bear, the park is also home to golden marmots, snow leopards and huge soaring lammergeiers.

Fairy Meadows

Pakistan is blessed with areas of matchless beauty and Fairy Meadows can easily be considered one of the most beautiful locations in the region and is an absolute must on the list of places to visit in Pakistan. It requires a hike of approximately three hours but the views of Nanga Parbat, the 8,000m plus Killer Mountain, are very rewarding. You will have the best views of Nanga Parbat from Fairy Meadows sitting comfortably in a cosy log cabin.

Gilgit, found within Gilgit Baltistan region, is certainly no postcard town. Encircled by stark black mountains it carries the oppressive feeling of a place cut off from the rest of the world. However, since the opening of the Karakoram Highway and the Kunjarab Pass, the old trade route between China and the subcontinent has flourished giving rise to a teeming bazaar packed with strange goods, animals and people. It is also a superb place to watch frontier polo, a wild version of the spectacular sport where few, if any, rules apply.

The area known as Hunza lies on the ancient Silk Road to Kashgar and today the Karakoram Highway follows the same route, with Karimabad being the region's main town. This small, mountainous region was, until recently, a semi-autonomous state but is now fully unified with Pakistan. It is named after Prince Karim Agha Khan, the spiritual head of the Shia Ismaili Nizari community and is one of the most beautiful areas of Pakistan. Cricket, Pakistan's national sport, is often played in the streets and as the people are famed for their friendliness and hospitality you might be asked to take part in a few overs. The main language here is Brushuski although most people understand some English and Urdu. The majority of the region's peoples are Ismaili Muslims.

Islamabad has been the capital of Pakistan since 1967 when it moved from Karachi. As a relatively young city compared with others in the country, Islamabad does suffer from being somewhat sterile and characterless, and in all honesty is usually only used as a gateway to the rest of the country, but it is a good place from which to visit the bustling bazaars of Rawalpindi and the Buddhist ruins at Taxila and does boast some interesting sites such as the Faisal Mosque. As the capital and diplomatic centre of Pakistan, it is also home to some of the country’s best hotels and restaurants.

Pakistan’s most populous and most cosmopolitan city, Karachi lies on the shores of the Arabian Sea. Home to two of the country’s busiest seaports, it began life as a fortified settlement in the early years of the 18th century, before going on to play a major role in British India before Partition. Today it enjoys a reputation as one of Pakistan’s most liberal and ethnically diverse cities and plays host to an important collection of museums and shrines, including the National Museum of Pakistan, the Mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi. A short distance from the city you’ll discover the World Heritage treasures of the Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta and one of the largest necropolis sites in the world, Makli Hill.

Khaplu is a beautiful village just a few miles east of Skardu with picturesque terraced fields growing all sorts of crops. Khaplu was once a famous and wealthy kingdom and the Khaplu Palace was once the residential fort of the local ruler. Recently the Aga Khan showed interest in the palace, which has now been renovated into an exquisite hotel where our guests will stay.

Khunjerab Pass

The highest point on the famous Karakoram Highway and the highest paved border crossing in the world, the Khunjerab Pass lies at a lofty 4,693 metres, straddling the frontier between Pakistan and the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China. Located amongst some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes on the planet, the pass, which was completed in 1982, links the barren wastes of Pakistan’s desert gorges with the fertile high altitude plateau of the Chinese side, where grazing herds of yaks and sheep live amongst the local populations of Tajik herders.

Other than the many famous historical monuments, this city, the second largest in Pakistan, is also known for its beautiful gardens laid out during the Moghal Empire and the British Raj. Its faded elegance, busy streets and bazaars and wide variety of Islamic and British architecture, make it a city full of atmosphere, contrast and surprise. The people of Lahore, when they want to emphasize the uniqueness of their town, quite simply say - "Lahore is Lahore". The traditional capital of Punjab for a thousand years, it had been the cultural centre of Northern India extending from Peshawar to New Delhi.

Read Our Lahore City Guide >

With a history that stretches back millennia, Larkana is home to the ancient site of Mohenjo-daro, once one of the largest settlements of the Bronze Age civilisation that occupied the Indus Valley around 2500 BC. Occupying a fertile plain that once saw it christened the “Garden of Sindh”, the city has in recent years become better known for its connection with the powerful Bhutto family (Zulfikar Ali and Benazir Bhutto are both buried here). It is its historic antecedents that draw the visitors though, in particular the nearby setting of Mohenjo-daro (Mound of the Dead). Once the most advanced city of its time, and covering some 300 hectares, today the site is lauded as one of the best-preserved urban settlements anywhere in South Asia.

Amongst the fertile plains that are fed by the waters of the Chenab River, Multan’s history stretches back through antiquity. Besieged by Alexander the Great and conquered by the Arabs under Muhammad bin Qasim in the 8th century, it was once one of the most important trading centres in medieval Islamic India. During the 11th and 12th centuries it attracted Sufi mystics from across the region, to such a degree that the city went on to earn the title of “City of Saints”. Today it is home to a staggeringly rich collection of Sufi shrines, including those of Bahauddin Zikria, Shah Rukn-i-Alam and Shams Tabriz, the latter of whom is believed to have been the spiritual teacher of Rumi himself.

Like many of the subcontinent’s bustling bazaars, the streets of old Peshawar – especially around Qisa Khawani, the storyteller's bazaar – are a swirling kaleidoscope of colour, cultures, races and creeds, only here it’s on a massive scale. The jewellers don’t have stalls next to the cloth merchants, or the leather sellers close to the vegetable traders; squashed into the sunless alleyways, the merchants have their own bazaars all to themselves. It’s a noisy place buzzing with life and energy: a storybook town, echoing the times of The Arabian Nights. For the traveller to wander the streets, lost in this very different world, is simply a joy. Whenever possible we stay in the heart of the old town at the Khan Klub, an old haveli now converted into a fine heritage hotel.

Set in a landscape of towering mountains, deep gorges, resounding waterfalls and calm, deep lakes Skardu is perched at an elevation of 2,286 m in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakoram mountain range. As the capital of Baltistan, it sits on the old tea and trade routes between China and the subcontinent and for trekkers and non-trekkers alike, it is a fascinating place to visit in Pakistan.

Situated on the western bank of the River Indus, the strategically important city of Sukkur has lain at the heart of trade in this region since time immemorial. With a historic pedigree that can trace its roots back to before the arrival of Alexander the Great in 326 BC, the city has, over the years, absorbed the influences of the Umayyads, the Mughals and the British. Indeed, it was under the auspices of the British, in the guise of Sir Charles Napier, that the modern city came into being. One of its most impressive landmarks stems from that period of British rule - the spectacular Sukkur Barrage, which was built between 1923 and 1932 and still remains the largest single irrigation network of its kind in the world.

Obscured by time, the routes of the Kalash are steeped in myth and legend. Descended, they maintain, from the armies of Alexander the Great, the Kalash worship a plethora of ancestral gods and hold colourful religious festivals of music and dance. Though the men now wear the standard Pakistani shalwar kameez, the women still dress in traditional garb; voluminous black dresses held tight round the waist with thick red belts, flamboyant head-dresses made of wool, decorated with cowry shells, old buttons, beads and bells and, perhaps most striking of all, around their necks hang great strands of coloured beads. Practising the ancient agricultural system of transhumance, the Kalash divide the summer months between herding their goats in the high pastures and tending their crops of wheat and maize in the valleys.

The Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway is the greatest wonder of modern Pakistan, connecting Pakistan to China on one of the most spectacular roads in the world. It twists through three great mountain ranges of the Himalayas, Karakoram and Pamir - following one of the ancient silk routes along the valleys of the Indus, Gilgit and Hunza rivers to the Chinese border at the Khunjerab Pass. It then crosses the high Central Asian plateau before winding down through the Pamirs to Kashgar, at the Western edge of the Taklamakan Desert. By this route, Chinese silks, ceramics, lacquer-work, bronze, iron, fur and spices travelled south and west while the wool, linen, ivory, gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones, asbestos and glass of South Asia and the west travelled north and east.

The Shandur Pass

Situated between Chitral and Gilgit, in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the Shandur Pass is a spectacular mountain plateau rising to a height of almost 4,000 metres. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dissected by tumbling rivers teeming with trout and inhabited by grazing yaks, eagles, fox and the rare snow leopard, this is where the subcontinent dramatically transforms into Central Asia. It is also home to the highest polo ground in the world. In our opinion, especially during the polo festival in July, there is simply nowhere better. The three or four-day journey from Chitral to Gilgit is when Wild Frontiers truly lives up to its name.

Harry Foskett

View harry foskett's latest blog posts, related tours.

The BEST Time to Visit Pakistan: Month-by-Month Comparison

So let me guess: you’re planning an epic trip but are now left wondering when IS the best time to visit Pakistan ?

Well first off–congrats! Visiting Pakistan is an adventure like no other. 

The people and landscapes are unmatched, and every single province and territory has something special to offer.

While I know you were hoping for a basic and straightforward answer on when to come, the reality is that there isn’t one. Pakistan is a large country with diverse landscapes and climates. 

The best time to visit Sindh in the south is absolutely NOT the best time to visit Hunza Valley in the north. You’ll also find dozens upon dozens of microclimates, especially once you get into the mountains.

Even so, there definitely is a “best” time to travel to each region, and certainly, some months that should be avoided altogether.

I live in Pakistan , and have now traveled to every province and territory in the country, experiencing all four seasons along the way! (Yes, parts of Pakistan do in fact have four seasons.) My long-term experience in the country has shaped this guide, which gives a season-by-season AND a month-by-month breakdown of Pakistan’s weather.

Hopefully, by the end, you’ll know exactly when you should plan your trip based on your interests!

After more than 2.5 years living in Hunza, I now run women’s tours to the valley that are committed to supporting local communities.

Understanding the Climate in Pakistan

When planning your Pakistan itinerary , always keep in mind that you will have to consider very different climates. 

With such varied landscapes–from some of the highest mountains on Earth in Gilgit Baltistan to the deserts of Sindh–we absolutely need to break this down by province/territory. 

But first: there is one universal month that might be the worst time to visit Pakistan, and that’s August. Monsoon rains affect the entire country, and have proven to be catastrophic in 2022.

If you take away one thing about Pakistan’s climate, remember that August=monsoon ! 

Home to the largest amount of glaciers outside the polar regions, Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan territory has an arid climate–most towns and villages sit at over 8,000 feet (2200 m).

Certain regions are wetter or colder than others, but for the most part, the entire region sees all four seasons. The fall foliage that can be found in October-November is particularly incredible.

It’s difficult to fully classify the climate of KPK. The province has many microclimates ranging from subtropical to mountainous and dry just like Gilgit Baltistan.

Places in Peshawar will be extremely hot and almost unbearable in the summer, while the best time to visit Chitral, which has four seasons, is the summer. 

Like KPK, Punjab doesn’t have a uniform climate but it’s certainly not as varied. Punjab experiences extremely hot and humid temperatures from April-September, with many days that exceed 110 degrees .

I highly recommend you do not visit for more than a day or two during this time. A short winter typically grips the region for 2-3 months, where temperatures can get below 40 degrees. 

Sindh is the hottest place in Pakistan, and is located in a subtropical region . Most places in Sindh (aside from Karachi which benefits from the Arabian Sea) are over 100 degrees for the entire summer.

Winters remain pleasant with temperatures Westerners would consider “summer weather.”

Azad Kashmir is a territory of Pakistan that borders Punjab, KPK, and Gilgit Baltistan. As such it also has a varied climate , with places like Neelum Valley having weather similar to Gilgit Baltistan while other areas mimic Punjab’s climate.

Azad Kashmir is difficult for foreigners to travel in unless they hold some type of Pakistani ID card. 

Balochistan is absolutely massive, and its weather patterns vary, though most of the province can be described as “ extremely hot .”

The Makran Coastal region is notably milder and is extremely pleasant to visit from January-April. Meanwhile, mountainous areas around Quetta receive snow and remain very cold during these months.

Balochistan is often brought up when discussing Pakistan’s safety , but foreigners cannot visit without security anyways.

Temperatures in Pakistan

The table below shows average temperatures in all of the parts of Pakistan that travelers typically go to.

Does it snow in Pakistan?

Yes! While you might be thinking Pakistan is a hot country, that’s only true for some areas.

Many regions of Pakistan experience snow each winter, which lasts from around December-March , the same as in other countries in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Places in Pakistan that receive snow are situated at higher elevations. Surprisingly, you don’t need to head all the way up to Gilgit Baltistan to see it either.

There are multiple places within 3 hours of the capital Islamabad that receive snow.

To experience the best of the winter season in Pakistan, head to:

• Swat Valley
• Nathia Gali 
• Gilgit Baltistan
• Upper Chitral

Map of The Best Time to Visit Pakistan by Location

Seasons in Pakistan

While only a few places in Pakistan have four distinct seasons, every part of the country has seasonal fluctuations.

Here’s a breakdown of Pakistan seasons and where to travel during them:

Summer in Pakistan: High Season in the North (June-September)

A trekker’s paradise

As the climate in Pakistan is so varied, summer means very different things depending on the region you’re talking about. In the mountainous north, it’s arguably the best time of the year. You’ll find plenty of sunshine, and tourism will be in full swing in places like Hunza Valley and Skardu.

Do keep in mind that June and July are peak times for domestic tourism in Pakistan, which leads to massive amounts of commercial travel. It’s still a beautiful time in the region, and getting off the well-beaten tourist trail is not hard.

Prices in hotels will typically be the highest at this time as well, though things change significantly in September when schools reopen.

Summer is prime time for trekking in the mountains of Pakistan , with hundreds if not thousands of options in KPK and Gilgit Baltistan.

These mountainous regions are very cold and lack indoor heating, for the most part, so not only is summer the best time to visit Gilgit Baltistan , Chitral , and Swat Valley , but it’s really the only time to visit if you want to see the mountains at their best. 

In South Pakistan (including parts of southern KPK), summer is the absolute worst time of the year. Temperatures regularly exceed 100 F, and the beaches of Sindh and Balochistan become too dangerous to swim in.

If you’re primarily interested in South Pakistan’s historical sites , avoid planning your trip in the summer. 

Autumn in Pakistan: Shoulder Season (October-November)

Nature on fire

Fall is undoubtedly one of the best seasons in Pakistan . The weather is bearable even in Sindh, and it’s when you’ll finally be able to enjoy the cities–such as the many places to visit in Lahore –without feeling like you’re going to pass out.

While it might be too cold for some of the best treks, Autumn is the best time to visit Pakistan if the thought of incredible fall colors interests you.

Virtually all of Gilgit Baltistan becomes an array of orange, yellow and red, with the incredible Hunza Valley and many districts of Skardu being the best places to experience them.

That being said, you can also see some epic foliage in both Phander (Ghizer District of GB) and Upper Chitral.

Winter in Pakistan: High Season in the South (December-February)

It’s All About the South

As beautiful as it is, the winter season in Pakistan is an absolutely frigid time to head to the mountains. Most hotels and homes don’t have heating, and electricity is minimal.

On the flip side, these are the months of absolutely PERFECT weather throughout Southern Pakistan . It’s during this time that you can swim in Karachi’s beaches and attend local festivals in complete climate comfort. 

Rain is rare , and most days bring low levels of humidity. I spent the winter of 2021/2022 traveling around Sindh, and it couldn’t have been better. 

While Sindh will give you sub-tropical vibes during a traditionally freezing season, winter weather in Punjab and southern KPK is significantly colder. You’re definitely going to want to travel with a jacket!

Spring in Pakistan: Shoulder Season (March-May)

Flowers, flowers and more flowers

Spring in Pakistan is all about one thing: blossom season !

From mid-March to mid-April, the Northern Areas become awash with cherry, apricot, and apple blossoms that blanket the valleys in light pink and white hues. 

The apricots in particular are an important part of Hunza Valley cuisine – and the valley might be one of the best places to experience this short but magical season. 

Though Pakistan is one of the cheapest countries in Asia generally, prices are even more favorable during shoulder seasons.

March and April in the mountains see many warm sunny days , though rain is more frequent, especially in April. As for May, the weather is less predictable, but usually will allow you to head out on some actual treks. Though keep in mind, even popular beginner treks like

Rakaposhi Basecamp seldom becomes clear until early June.

While March is still a decent time to explore Sindh, Punjab and Lower KPK know that you should try to head north before April. Though technically still spring, April and May are often the hottest months of the year for most of the country.

When is The Best Month to Visit Pakistan?

Now that we’ve delved into Pakistan’s climate, let’s talk months. 

After spending well over a year in Pakistan and experiencing many of its climates, the reality is that there isn’t a single month that stands out as the best month to travel to PK. 

The best month will depend a lot on what you want to see and do while in the country, so here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you decide when to plan your trip for, including original photos that were actually taken in each month!

January in Pakistan

January is typically the coldest month of the year all throughout Pakistan. Even in Karachi, you won’t find temperatures exceeding 80 F, and a light jacket is a good idea everywhere.

Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic month to explore everything Punjab and Sindh have to offer with consistent pleasant weather and minimal humidity. If you’re looking to put your travel camera to use in urban centers, THIS is the time to do it!

January in Lahore is particularly unfavorable for exploring, as crop burning season makes the city’s air borderline unbreathable, plus it’s COLD. Islamabad typically hovers in the low 60s in January, making it a great time to travel to the city.

Unless you particularly want to see snow in Pakistan, January is one of the worst months of the year to visit any of the country’s mountainous regions. While roads usually remain open, almost all hotels and homes lack central heating.

February in Pakistan

February is a bit warmer than January in Southern Pakistan, and is one of the best months of the year to enjoy Pakistan’s beaches.

Major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar will have warmed up a bit, but will still be comfortable to walk around in. It’s one of the only months you can check out all of the best restaurants in Lahore without needing an AC break. 

While winter will still have a firm grip on Northern Pakistan, you can find several local festivals taking place down south, like the Cholistan Jeep Rally .

March in Pakistan

A transition time for the country, March brings spring to frigid Gilgit Baltistan, and with it millions of spring flowers. Blossom season typically begins around March 15th, with many trees bearing apricots, an essential Hunza Valley food . 

While the beginning of March trends along “pleasant summer temperatures” in Pakistan’s major cities, blazing days in the 30s begin to make a resurgence as March moves along. 

March 23rd is an annual national celebration known as Pakistan Day, which marks the day the idea of Pakistan as a separate state came about. 

You can also find numerous Sufi Urs festivals taking place at this time, particularly in Sindh and Punjab.

April in Pakistan

April marks a turn in Pakistan’s weather – the northern mountainous areas finally begin to thaw, while the entirety of Punjab and Sindh start to bake.

Until the middle of the month, many valleys in Gilgit Baltistan and Upper Chitral will still be filled with blossoms.

And trust me, they’re worth planning a trip around! Hunza Valley’s sights seem just a bit more magical when blanketed in flowers.

Rain is common during April in the Northern Areas, but you can also experience the warmest and sunniest of days. Most treks and high-altitude road passes (like Babusar) will still be closed for general use.

The beginning of April should mark the end of any time spent in Southern Pakistan – temperatures settle in the high 90s and only go up from there.

May in Pakistan

Ahh May, the official beginning of Pakistan’s trekking season, and it’s overall a glorious time to start any Pakistan trip. Most schools are still in session, so you’ll be able to enjoy the mountains before the commercial trips fully begin. 

Temperatures in Northern Pakistan are typically sunny and around 70 degrees, though warmer or cooler days may occur. By the end of May, all motorable roads should be accessible, including the Babusar , Shandur , and Khunjerab Passes . 

For the south, May usually means extreme and often record-breaking temperatures and heat waves. I had to spend a few days in Islamabad in May 2022, and it was literally 109 degrees. 

In short, summer travel in Pakistan is all about the north’s incredible natural landmarks .

June in Pakistan

As far as tourism goes, June is one of the busiest months of the year for Northern Pakistan. 

Temperatures are well within the “summer” range, and the hiking and climbing season will have fully kicked off. Though many popular tourist destinations will be packed, it’s very easy to beat the crowds.

For example, June is perhaps the worst time of year to visit the ever-famous Fairy Meadows, but a perfect time to explore the raw and authentic Chapursan Valley . 

The weather in mainland Pakistan’s cities will be truly unbearable throughout June. As the monsoon begins this month too, Karachi and other parts of Sindh and Balochistan have been known to experience severe rain and flooding.

July in Pakistan

July is the hottest month of the year in north Pakistan, with temperatures regularly exceeding 80 degrees.

Many popular treks like the Shimshal Pass in Shimshal Valley and K2 Basecamp have their peak weather windows in July, and wildflowers are a common sight in almost any meadow.

Camping will be at its most comfortable, and while still common, rain is less frequent in much of the Northern Areas.

August in Pakistan

Visiting Pakistan in August is unfortunately taking a gamble. The monsoon season finally reaches the Northern Areas, and can cause intense flooding and devastation. Rain in Pakistan is absolutely NO joke.

In August 2022, record-breaking monsoon rain in combination with melting glaciers wreaked havoc on the country . More than 33 million were displaced and many were killed. This effect was felt in EVERY province and territory, from Sindh to Gilgit Baltistan in varying degrees.

This doesn’t mean this will happen every year, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind when planning your Pakistan trip.

Aside from the monsoon, Pakistan’s cities will still be baking at around 40 C throughout August, as I experienced firsthand in 2019 when I spent the month in Lahore (rookie mistake).

When it’s not raining, temperatures will be pleasant and warm throughout August up North. You’ll also find Independence Day celebrated all throughout the country on August 14th .

September in Pakistan

Surprisingly, September just might be the best month to visit Northern Pakistan. Domestic commercial tourism slows significantly, and the vast majority of days are still warm and sunny.

September is also the last month to comfortably trek in the mountains, though nights will start to progressively get cooler as October approaches. Still, you can definitely get some solid high-altitude use out of your hiking backpack throughout the month!

Personally, the Septembers that I’ve spent traveling Pakistan have without question provided the most consistent sunny days. Towards the end of the month, you’ll be able to see some magical fall colors in Upper Hunza, parts of Skardu, and Upper Chitral. 

September is still not a great time to explore the south-days still often exceed 100 degrees-though by the end of the month temperatures will get a bit comfier.

October in Pakistan

If you love fall colors, then the best time to visit Pakistan is definitely in October. While it might be a bit chilly, the incredible foliage to be found all over Gilgit Baltistan is worth wearing an extra jacket for!

Nearly the entire GB territory experiences foliage in some shape or form, though I’m a bit partial to the magical regions of Central Hunza and Nagar. 

You can also find incredible colors all over Skardu as well as in Phander, a bucolic village in the Ghizer District. 

October is also when you’ll find Pakistan’s major cities (Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi) finally become enjoyable from a temperature perspective, though the end of the month will be notably cooler than the beginning. 

The Babusar Pass which is the best road connecting Gilgit Baltistan with the rest of Pakistan tends to close by mid-October. The longer Karakoram Highway route remains open for traffic year-round.

November in Pakistan

Foliage will be on display until roughly November 15th all throughout the northern areas, and temperatures will drop with the leaves. 

Temperatures regularly approach 0 degrees F at this time of year, though rest assured that plenty of extra winter gear is sold in local shops. 

Meanwhile, November is one of the best months of the year to visit South Pakistan. From Karachi to Peshawar, temperatures will be extremely pleasant and may even get a bit chilly at night as the month moves along.

December in Pakistan

December is one of the coolest months in Pakistan overall, but that just means it’s finally enjoyable in most of the country’s Southern areas.

December is a fantastic time to explore Karachi, though you might even find it a bit chilly if you want to swim! 

Islamabad and Peshawar will be around 40-65 degrees during this month, as will Lahore. 

However, December is the WORST time to travel to Lahore as the entire city becomes choked with smog. Lahore is typically polluted but December is known as “ burning season ” when crops all over Punjab burn their harvested fields.

This typically puts pollution levels into an extremely hazardous zone – i.e API levels of 400-500 when 20-40 is optimal for health. 

The Northern Areas will be extremely cold in December, and the vast, vast majority of hotels and homes do not have central indoor heating.

FAQs About the Best Time to Travel to Pakistan

A few questions people tend to ask about the best time to go to Pakistan:

When is the best time to go to Pakistan?

The best time to go to Pakistan is largely dependent on what your travel goals are, though in general, summer is for the north and winter is for the south . 

If you want to do a lot of trekking and camping in Gilgit Baltistan, you’re going to want to visit from May-July or in September . 

If you want to explore the history of Sindh or soak in Pakistan’s major cities without passing out, you’ll want to plan your trip between November-March .

When is the best time to visit N orthern A reas of P akistan?

The best time to visit Gilgit Baltistan is from May-July and September if you want to trek, swim or climb. 

Meanwhile, Late October-November is the best time to experience the fall foliage, and Mid-March-Mid April is the peak season for seeing an explosion of blossoms.

When is the best time to visit C hitral?

The best time to visit Chitral is virtually identical to the best time to visit Gilgit Baltistan. Though keep in mind that Chitral City and the Kalash Valleys will be noticeably warmer than the Upper Chitral district.

When is the best time to visit L ahore?

The best time to visit Lahore is either in the month of November or from late January through March . 

December and early-mid January are terrible times to visit due to crop burning season–it’s then that the entire city becomes engulfed in thick smoke and reaches terrifying levels of pollution.

What is the best time to visit Hunza Valley?

The best time to visit Hunza is from May-July and September . You can also consider visiting in August, but this is peak monsoon time in the north and Hunza typically sees a lot of rain.

For other interests, early April brings a million cherry and apricot blossoms to the valley, while late October-early November brings about surreal fall foliage .

The Best Time to Visit Pakistan: Final Thoughts!

I hope you now have a better idea on when the best time to travel to Pakistan is! As I said earlier, the country’s complex climate can be summed up with: the summer is for the north and the winter is for the south!

So if you’re a mountain lover , plan your Pakistan trip between May-September (keeping in mind the August monsoon). And if you want to traipse around Pakistan’s historical sites in warm, humidity-free air? Book your tickets sometime between November-March .

Even if you don’t get to visit in the ideal season, there’s no doubt you’re still in for the adventure of a lifetime. Hey, back in 2019 I fell in love with Pakistan and Lahore despite the August heat, after all.

Do you have a question about the best time to travel to Pakistan? Ask away in the comments!

Samantha is the founder of Intentional Detours. Originally from the USA, she’s been backpacking the world since 2017, and is passionate about slow, adventure travel that puts local communities first. She has visited 19 countries and has been living in the Karakoram Mountains of Asia’s Hunza Valley since 2021. She’s super passionate about helping people get off the beaten path anywhere (on a budget of course), and her travel writing has been published in the likes of BBC Travel, CNBC, Business Insider, and more.

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