Best Places to Visit Northern Pakistan
Pakistan’s northern areas are full of breathtaking beauty — tall snow-covered peaks, green forests, blue lakes, and peaceful valleys. These places are loved by travelers from all over the world. In fact, the British Backpacker Society named Pakistan the most attractive travel destination in 2017 and 2018.
If you’re planning a trip to explore nature, adventure, and culture, you must visit northern Pakistan. The scenery here is unlike anywhere else — every turn feels like a new painting of mountains, rivers, and fresh air.
Here are some of the best places you can visit in Northern Pakistan.
Hunza Valley
Hunza Valley is one of the most famous and beautiful valleys in northern Pakistan. Surrounded by tall mountains and peaceful villages, it’s often called paradise on earth. The valley has three main parts — Upper Hunza, Middle Hunza, and Lower Hunza — each with its own charm.
Top attractions: Baltit Fort, Altit Fort, Attabad Lake, Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint, and Passu Cones. Baltit Fort has been restored and now serves as a heritage museum.
Local market: Karimabad Bazaar is popular for handmade caps, jewelry, rugs, gemstones (especially rubies), and traditional clothes.
Location: Gilgit-Baltistan, about 2,438 meters above sea level.
Best time to visit: May to October.
How to reach: You can reach Hunza through the Karakoram Highway, about 100 miles from Gilgit (a 2–3 hour drive).
Naran Kaghan
Naran Kaghan is a beautiful valley surrounded by green mountains and pine forests. It’s famous for its fresh air, flowing rivers, and clear lakes.
Main attractions: Saif ul Malook Lake, Lulusar Lake, Ansoo Lake, Dudipatsar Lake, and Babusar Top. These are some of the most scenic spots to visit in northern Pakistan.
The valley remains closed during winter (October to April) due to heavy snow, so summer is the best time to go.
Skardu Valley
Skardu is the gateway to the world’s highest peaks and a dreamland for nature and mountain lovers. From deserts and lakes to forts and valleys, Skardu has it all.
Famous attractions:
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Shangrila Lake
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Upper Kachura Lake
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Shigar Valley and Fort
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Khaplu Palace
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Deosai National Park
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Katpana Cold Desert
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Kharpocho Fort
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Chaqchan Mosque
Location: Gilgit-Baltistan, at about 2,500 meters elevation, where the Indus and Shigar rivers meet.
Cold Deserts: Katpana and Shigar deserts are known as the world’s highest cold deserts.
Route: About 30 minutes’ drive from Skardu city along Shigar Road.
Deosai National Park
Deosai is one of the highest plateaus in the world. Known as the “Land of Giants,” it stretches across Skardu and Astore districts. Covered in wildflowers during summer, it’s home to brown bears, marmots, and rare birds. The beauty of Deosai makes it one of the must-see destinations if you plan to visit northern Pakistan.
Gilgit Valley
Gilgit Valley is peaceful and full of natural beauty. The Gilgit River flows through the valley, and the area connects to Chitral through the Shandur Pass.
Divisions: Danyor County, Gilgit Tehsil, and Juglot Tehsil.
Nearby Rivers: Astore River, Indus River, Hunza River, Hispar River, and Khunjerab River.
Chitral Valley
Chitral lies in the Hindukush mountain range and is famous for its rich culture and scenic beauty. It’s known as the “Palace of the Fairies” because of its magical landscape of mountains, rivers, forests, and glaciers.
Top spots:
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Kalash Valley
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Garam Chashma (hot springs)
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Shahi Mosque
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Mehtar’s Fort
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Shandur Pass and Polo Festival
Lakes: Karambar Lake, Shandur Lake, Bashqargolo Lake.
Festivals: Chilimjusht (Spring Festival) and Kalash Summer Festival.
Swat Valley
Swat Valley is known as the “Switzerland of the East,” a title given by Queen Elizabeth II in 1961. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, it’s one of the most visited tourist areas in Pakistan.
Activities in summer: Hiking, trekking, ziplining, and chairlift rides.
Activities in winter: Skiing, sledding, and ice skating.
Location: Along the Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Best time to visit: March to August.
Silk Route (Karakoram Highway)
The Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan’s northern areas to China and follows the ancient Silk Route. This 1,300 km long road runs through high mountains, glaciers, and beautiful valleys. Along the way, travelers can see rock carvings and old petroglyphs that tell stories from centuries ago.
Contact Us to Visit the Place
If you’re ready to visit northern Pakistan and explore its lakes, mountains, and valleys — we’re here to make it easy for you.
Contact Repeatrip Tours to plan your trip and explore these stunning destinations safely and comfortably.