Top 5 Landscapes in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country blessed with incredible natural beauty. From the sandy beaches and salt marshes in the south to the high mountains, green valleys, and glaciers in the north, the country’s variety of landscapes is amazing. The middle regions have dry deserts and rocky highlands, while the northern parts are full of snow-covered peaks, flowing rivers, and peaceful valleys. Here are some of the most stunning landscapes in Pakistan that show the true beauty of nature.
Baltoro Glacier
The Baltoro Glacier is one of the most impressive sights in the Karakoram Mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan. It stretches for about 63 kilometers, making it one of the longest glaciers in the world. The glacier lies between the Baltoro Muztagh to the north and east and the Masherbrum Mountains to the south.
The glacier’s valley is wide, with smaller glaciers joining it and forming large icefalls. The rocky sides are steep, and you can clearly see marks left by the moving ice on nearby rocks. The glacier’s movement has also created several small depressions that now hold glacial lakes.
Baltoro Glacier is a favorite destination for trekkers. It is the route to some of the world’s tallest peaks, including K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum peaks. Meltwater from this glacier flows into the valleys of northern Pakistan, giving life to the region. To explore it closely, trekkers usually start their journey from the Balti town of Skardu.
Best time to visit:
Most trekking groups start their journey on Baltoro Glacier in June and return by August. These are the busiest months on the trail. However, early June is also a good time, as river crossings are easier before the water levels rise in July.
Saif ul Muluk Lake
Saif ul Muluk is one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan and among the most photographed landscapes in Pakistan. Located at a height of 3,200 meters near Naran in the Kaghan Valley, this emerald-green lake is surrounded by snow-covered hills and glaciers.
According to an old local story, a prince named Saif-ul-Malook fell in love with a fairy princess at this lake. On clear nights when the moonlight reflects on the water, the lake looks truly magical. The lake is also home to large brown trout fish, some weighing up to 7 kilograms. From here, you can also see a perfect view of Malika Parbat, the highest peak in the Kaghan Valley.
The lake lies within the Saif ul Muluk National Park and is one of the highest alpine lakes in Pakistan, standing at 3,224 meters above sea level.
Best route:
Reaching Saif ul Muluk is not easy. You can either hike up for around two hours from Naran or take a jeep ride on a rough mountain road, which is considered one of the most dangerous tracks in the world. Only 4×4 jeeps can go up this route.
Best time to visit:
In summer, the weather remains pleasant. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 15°C in July and August, but nights are quite cold, sometimes dropping to 3°C. Warm clothes are a must. In winter, the lake is covered with snow, and the road remains closed due to heavy snowfall.
Thar Desert
The Thar Desert is another one of the unique landscapes in Pakistan. It stretches across the eastern border of Pakistan into India and covers nearly 200,000 square kilometers. Some of its sand dunes reach up to 498 feet high. It is ranked as the 20th largest desert in the world and the 9th largest hot desert.
The Thar Desert has a special place in Pakistan’s history, culture, and art. It becomes especially charming at sunset, when the sand changes color and the shadows of the dunes create beautiful patterns.
Climate:
The Thar Desert has a subtropical desert climate. Summers are extremely hot, with temperatures rising above 50°C, while winters are much cooler. The soil is dry most of the year, and strong winds often blow sand across the region. These winds also carry dust that settles on nearby farmlands.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit the Thar Desert is during winter, from October to February. Days are comfortably warm, and nights are cool. Summers, on the other hand, are very hot and not suitable for travel.
Deosai Plains
The Deosai Plains are among the most breathtaking landscapes in Pakistan. Locals often call it the “land of giants” or even “heaven on earth.” During summer, the plains are covered with colorful wildflowers that stretch as far as the eye can see. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains and green hills, Deosai looks like a perfect painting of nature.
It is home to many rare animals such as the Himalayan brown bear, Tibetan wolf, Himalayan ibex, and red fox. Marmots can also be seen popping out of their burrows during the summer months.
Location:
Deosai National Park is located in Gilgit-Baltistan in the western Himalayas. The plains are the second-highest plateau in the world, after Tibet’s Changtang Plateau, standing at an average height of 4,114 meters (13,497 feet) above sea level.
Things to do:
Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and camping at Deosai. The views at sunrise and sunset are unforgettable.
Best time to visit:
Deosai is open only in summer, from June to September. For the rest of the year, the region is covered with snow, and all routes remain closed.
Hunza Valley
Hunza Valley is one of the most famous landscapes in Pakistan and a must-visit destination for travelers. Surrounded by high mountains, this valley is full of natural charm, fruit orchards, streams, and traditional villages. It is a peaceful place where visitors are welcomed warmly by the local people.
Hunza is often called “Pakistan’s Shangri-La” because of its calm and pure environment. The valley sits on the Karakoram Highway and offers a perfect stop for travelers heading towards Khunjerab Pass.
The valley is surrounded by many ancient forts built on mountain tops, which offer amazing views and short hiking opportunities. It is also home to wildlife such as snow leopards, markhors, red foxes, and ibexes.
Location:
Hunza Valley is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, formed by the Hunza River. It is bordered by Ishkoman to the northwest, Shigar to the southeast, the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan to the north, and China’s Xinjiang region to the northeast.
Best way to reach:
Hunza is about 100 kilometers from Gilgit. Most travelers prefer to go by car, which takes around 2 to 3 hours. The main bus stop is in Aliabad, on the Karakoram Highway.
Best time to visit:
Summer is the best season to visit Hunza Valley. Days are bright, and the temperature is pleasant. Spring, from late April to early June, is also a great time to visit when the valley is full of blooming apricot and cherry blossoms.
Contact Us to Visit These Beautiful Places
If you want to explore these beautiful landscapes in Pakistan, plan your trip with RepeaTrip Tours. We organize tours to Baltoro Glacier, Hunza Valley, Deosai Plains, Saif ul Muluk Lake, and many other natural spots.
Contact us to visit the place and experience the true beauty of Pakistan.