Beginner’s Guide to Northern Pakistan
Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Northern Pakistan for First-Time Travelers
If you're planning your first trip to Northern Pakistan, you're in for a magical experience. This region is a paradise for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, photographers, and culture enthusiasts. With its snow-covered peaks, lush green valleys, turquoise lakes, and ancient traditions, Northern Pakistan offers some of the most unforgettable travel experiences in the world.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the top 10 must-visit destinations in Northern Pakistan that should be on every first-time traveler’s list.
Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Northern Pakistan
1. Hunza Valley – A Slice of Heaven 🌄
Best For: Families, Couples, Solo TravelersHunza Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Pakistan—and for good reason. Surrounded by majestic mountains like Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar, the valley offers serene landscapes, friendly locals, and a touch of ancient history.
Highlights:
Altit & Baltit Forts – Over 800 years old, these forts offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into Hunza’s royal past.
Attabad Lake – A stunning turquoise lake formed after a landslide in 2010.
Passu Cones – Jaw-dropping, cathedral-like peaks often featured in travel photos.
Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint – The perfect spot for sunrise or sunset.
2. Skardu – The Gateway to Giants 🏔️
Best For: Adventure seekers, mountain loversSkardu, in the heart of the Karakoram Mountains, is a gateway to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2, the second-tallest mountain on Earth. But even if you're not a trekker, Skardu offers mesmerizing valleys, lakes, and forts.
Highlights: Shigar & Khaplu Forts – Restored royal residences turned into heritage hotels. Shangrila Resort – Known as "Heaven on Earth," with a heart-shaped lake. Satpara Lake & Sheosar Lake – Perfect spots for boating and picnics. Deosai Plains – The second-highest plateau in the world, often called “Land of the Giants.”
3. Fairy Meadows – A Dreamlike Experience 🌿
Best For: Hikers, nature lovers, photographersFairy Meadows offers one of the most iconic views in the world — a lush green plateau with the towering Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) in the background. It’s a base camp for serious trekkers but also accessible for casual travelers looking for an unforgettable camping experience.
How to Get There: A jeep ride from Raikot Bridge followed by a moderate trek
Top Activities: Stargazing and bonfires Hike to Nanga Parbat Base Camp Relax in wooden huts with stunning views
4. Naltar Valley – Where Nature Paints 🏞️
Best For: Peace seekers, offbeat travelersLocated near Gilgit, Naltar Valley is famous for its magical, color-shifting lakes and dense pine forests. It’s quiet, less crowded, and absolutely picturesque.
Highlights: Naltar Lakes – Green, blue, and aqua-colored alpine lakes Skiing (Winter) – Naltar is home to one of Pakistan’s few ski resorts Wildlife & Jeep Rides – Explore the untouched wilderness
5. Malam Jabba – Pakistan’s Top Ski Destination
Best For: Winter sports lovers, familiesMalam Jabba, located in Swat Valley, is Pakistan’s premier winter sports resort. But it’s not just for skiing — summer months offer beautiful hiking trails, ziplining, and panoramic views.
Things to Do: Skiing and snowboarding (Dec–Feb) Chairlift and zipline rides Scenic views from the hilltop
6. Swat Valley – The Switzerland of the East 🌅
Best For: Families, couples, nature loversKnown for its lush green mountains, flowing rivers, and rich history, Swat Valley is one of the most accessible northern destinations and ideal for beginners.
Popular Spots: Kalam Valley – Famous for Mahodand Lake Bahrain – Riverside town with a bazaar vibe Mingora – The main city with good hotels and markets
7. Kalash Valley Culture & Color🌺
Best For: Cultural explorers, festival-goersTucked in the mountains of Chitral, Kalash Valley is home to the Kalasha people — an ancient, non-Muslim tribe with colorful clothing, distinct language, and centuries-old traditions.
Experience: Festivals like Chilam Joshi (May) & Uchau (September) Wooden homes with intricate carvings Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir valleys
8.Neelum Valley – Kashmir’s Untouched Beauty 🏕️
Best For: Couples, families, solo travelersIn Azad Kashmir, Neelum Valley boasts emerald rivers, alpine meadows, and postcard-worthy wooden houses. It’s one of the greenest and most peaceful areas in Northern Pakistan.
Must-Visit: Keran & Upper Neelum – Riverside villages Arang Kel – A magical village accessible via cable car and short hike Ratti Gali Lake – High-altitude alpine lake surrounded by snow
9. Shogran & Siri Paye – Meadows Above the Clouds 🌳
Best For: Weekend getaways, familiesLocated in Kaghan Valley, Shogran is a hill station surrounded by pine forests. From here, a jeep takes you to Siri Paye Meadows, offering 360-degree views of surrounding peaks.Must-Visit:
Activities: Horse riding in the meadows Tea at mountain-top cafes Stunning photography opportunities
10. Babusar Top & Lulusar Lake – The Scenic Highway⛰️
Best For: Road trip lovers, adventure couplesThe drive from Naran to Babusar Top is one of the most scenic routes in Pakistan. Along the way, you’ll see alpine lakes, lush valleys, and snow-covered mountains.
Highlights: Lulusar Lake – A tranquil, deep-blue lake Babusar Top – A mountain pass at 13,700 ft with panoramic views Picnic stops at Batakundi and Jalkhad
✈️ Final Words: Start Your Northern Pakistan Journey Today
From the rugged beauty of Skardu to the serene meadows of Fairy Meadows and the vibrant culture of Kalash — Northern Pakistan is a treasure chest for travelers.
Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a family getaway, or an adventurous road trip, these top 10 destinations in Northern Pakistan will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
💼 Plan Your Tour with Us
At Trekkerz Pakistan we specialize in customized tours to Northern Pakistan. Whether you want group travel, a private couple's package, or a solo adventure — we’ve got you covered with professional guides, safe transport, and 24/7 assistance.
📞 Contact us today to book your Northern Pakistan adventure.
