The jagged mountains, secluded settlements, and windswept plains of Pakistan are unlike any other landscape on Earth. From steep mountain ranges and bizarre lakes to elegant mosques and mediaeval defences, these are the six most beautiful places in Pakistan.
1. SWAT VALLEY
Despite its difficult background, Swat Valley has a bright future. A breathtaking valley in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province seems to be straight out of a fairy tale.
Consider acres of lush vegetation and woods, lovely villages, and rivers with blues so pure and vivid you’d never guess they were real.
The actual magnificence of Swat can be seen in the town of Kalam, which serves as a starting point for further exploration. There are three places in the Swat Valley that you must see:
Boyun Village
Green Top (also known as Boyun) is a short drive or moderate uphill trek from Kalam town. When you reach the top, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the valley below, as well as one of the biggest and most beautiful villages I’ve ever seen. You may easily spend the day at Boyun from Kalam.
Kandol and Spindhor
Within two hours of Kalam, you’ll arrive at the set of mountain lakes. While Spindhor needs a two-hour climb, Kandol Lake is now accessible via jeep track. Both are unquestionably among Pakistan’s most beautiful spots for honeymoon.
Ushu
Getting lost in this well-preserved deodar forest is an excellent way to spend a day. Forest roads link the several settlements along the Kalam River.
2. HUNZA VALLEY
Many people have heard of the Hunza mountain range in Pakistan. Hunza, despite its name, is a vast country with several valleys and villages. These are some of Hunza’s most magnificent sights along the old Silk Road.
Passu Cones
The Passu Cathedral, Pakistan’s most renowned structure, is a natural marvel. The Passu cones may be viewed from Gulmit and beyond. It’s best seen from the Karakoram Highway, which is about an hour’s drive from Gilgit.
Attabad Lake
The lake isn’t real, even though you’re there in front of it. Attabad was formed in 2010 as a result of a large landslide. The Hunza River was diverted to form the now-famous lake. One of the most beautiful islands in Pakistan, with turquoise oceans and white sand beaches.
Eagle’s Nest
We recommend visiting the Hunza Valley to view one of the valley’s most stunning sunsets. Visit Eagle’s Nest around sunset for the best view! Although the name originates from a nearby swanky hotel/restaurant, the vista is accessible without stopping.
3. PHANDER LAKE
Phander Lake in Phander Village is almost unbearably unpleasant to visit. A tranquil blue lake is surrounded by light green trees and crystal clear blue water.
Despite its stunning beauty, Phander Lake is less well-known than Attabad Lake.
I didn’t see another person for the whole four days I was at Phander’s lakefront. If you do decide to visit, the Lake Inn, which is a short walk away and costs 1,000 rupees a night, is a good option.
The Lake Inn offers superior service and value than the PTDC’s (5,000 rupees) overlooking the lake.
4. BROGHIL VALLEY
Previously, access to the Broghil Valley in Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor was limited to horseback or foot travel. Strangers are now prohibited from entering Broghil, despite the fact that the once-secret location is now accessible through a challenging jeep road during the few months when it is not coated in snow. If you want to visit Chitral, be sure to first verify with the Chitral Deputy Commissioner’s Office. Pakistanis, on the other hand, are keeping a close watch on this! The landscape is filled with yarks, lakes, and lush green meadows, all set against a stunning 13,000-foot granite backdrop.
Karambar, the world’s highest lake, is about a day’s trip from Lashkargaz, Broghil’s last hamlet.
5. KALASH VALLEYS
The Kalash ethnic group lives in the valleys of Bumboret, Rumbur, and Birir. The Kalash, a Pakistani ethnic group, live in these lovely valleys, both natural and man-made.
Rumbur is home to a magnificent valley. The Kalash’s riverbanks are dotted by sand dunes and mountain ranges. The Kalash women’s traditional clothing and headgear are well-known, and their wooden cottages sit dangerously on the slopes of steep mountains.
The journey from Chitral City to the valleys now takes two and a half hours. Spend at least one day exploring the valley below Rumbur if you come. Sheikhandeh, Rumbur’s final community, was formerly a Nuristani hamlet whose residents had long since gone to Pakistan.
6. NALTAR VALLEY
The Naltar Valley is in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan province. People come to the region for a variety of reasons, including skiing, magnificent woodlands, and crystal-clear lakes.
In my opinion, the greatest time to visit Naltar is during the summer months, when the lakes have dried up and the forests are more accessible.
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Despite the fact that Gilgit has a public transportation infrastructure, the only way to get to this gorgeous valley is via Jeep. In both valley towns, hotels and guesthouses may be found. If you want to avoid crowds, visit between October and May. This time of year, you may be able to capture some spectacular autumn foliage.
Final Thoughts
It’s tough to choose the most beautiful areas in Pakistan since the country’s environment is stunning in some way no matter where you go. If you’ve never been to Pakistan, I strongly recommend seeing at least a couple of these attractions.
Traveling throughout Pakistan for four years was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. However, I am aware that in a country as large and varied as the United States, there is always more to learn.
Best of luck on your journey!
