In 2020, Forbes declared Pakistan among “Top 10-under-the-radar travel destinations” in the world.
In the same year, Conde Nast – a famous travel magazine – declared Pakistan “No.1 Travel Destination for 2020”.
Home to the 4000 year old Indus Valley Civilization, Pakistan is blessed with an unmatched landscape. From mountains to lakes to stunning historical architecture, the country has it all! It is a paradise for people who find solace in traveling.
Even though Pakistan has jaw dropping natural beauty and dazzling sites to visit, only a little is known about it. Majestic mountain peaks, soothing turquoise-blue and emerald-green valleys, and deserts – this is not even half of what the country has to offer!
One thing is for sure: If you travel across Pakistan, you won’t be disappointed.
If you plan to travel across Pakistan, you won’t be able to visit every site. In this blog, we have listed some of the best tourist places in the country for you to visit.
With that being said, let us take you on this journey with us.
1. Swat Valley
Labeled as the “Switzerland of Pakistan” by Queen Elizabeth II, Swat Valley is a sight to behold. With bright green forests and fields, clear blue skies and picturesque villages, this valley looks nothing short of a scenic image straight out of a fairy tale.
If you happen to visit Swat Valley, you can go hiking, trekking, zip-lining or simply just enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley. Do not forget to feast on the local street food of this beautiful valley in Pakistan.
2. Fairy Meadows
Fairy Meadows is one of our most favorite spots. Over the course of time, Fairy Meadows has become a bit touristy but we still believe that it is worth visiting.
Fairy Meadows is a beautiful sight located at the foot of Nanga Parbat. Covered with snow, these majestic mountains are a matchless beauty. Lush green grass, snow covered mountains, fresh cherry from the trees and welcoming people of Gilgit Baltistan are all that you get to experience when you visit Fairy Meadows.
Reaching this beautiful place is a true depiction of the saying- good things come to those who wait (with a little hard work, in this case). To reach Fair Meadows, you have to start your journey with a bumpy jeep ride. Once that ride is over, you will have to hike in the mountains for almost 3 hours to reach the heavenly place.
But we promise you, all this trouble will be worth it!
3. Thandiani
Located in the Galyat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Thandiana is a hill station surrounded by pine and juniper forests. The place is still a bit unexplored which makes it a perfect weekend getaway.
Not only the destination itself, but the journey towards Thandiani is a treat on its own. The roads leading to the hill station offer splendid panoramic views of the mountains. If you visit Thandiani in summers, you will be able to witness beautiful lush green views, whereas in winters, the majestic snow covered peaks will take your breath away.
Since the mountains around this hill station are densely forested, they house various local species of monkeys, leopards and pheasants. If you get lucky, you may be able to spot one as well.
If you plan to visit Thandiana, do rent a camping pod and enjoy the tranquil vibe. Do not forget to thank us later!
4. Deosai National Park
Deosai National Park is a beautiful and fertile land with a blanket of beautiful flowers. These flowers become home to hundreds of butterflies, bees and birds that visit this national park all around the year.
Spread over an area of 3000 km square, the Deosai National Park is the highest plateau on the planet. It is also home to the Himalyan Brown bear, the snow leopard, lammergeiers and golden marmots.
If you visit the Deosai National Park, you will witness remarkable beauty and diversity.
5. Taxila
The lost city of Taxila is an ancient civilization and is THE place to be for history lovers. The city dates back to 1000 BCE, however, surprisingly, some ruins present at the site are considered to be 3360 BCE old.
If you are someone who loves exploring old ruins, you would enjoy visiting Taxila because it is not just limited to one spot. There are various ancient structures present which include a monastery, a cave, stupas and so much more.
6. Attabad Lake
Attabad Lake is a magical lake, if we may say so. A massive landslide occurred in 2010 which created this famous lake. Born out of a tragedy, Attabad Lake is now one of the most popular Pakistani tourist spots.
The lake has clear, bright-blue waters which seep through the land of Hunza Valley. The locals of Attabad have made this lake a source of livelihood. They have built guest houses and hotels nearby where tourists can relish delicious food items and enjoy a scenic stay.
7. Badshahi Mosque
Badshahi Mosque is an artifact of the Mughal Dynasty. Made by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the Mosque can easily cater to over 100,000 worshippers.
Along with its historical and religious importance, Badshahi Mosque has an architectural significance as well. Inspired by the Jama Masjid in Delhi, Badshahi Mosque has intricate tile work, floral motifs, beautiful calligraphy and a red structure.
Lahore Fort is another must visit site if you visit Badshahi Mosque. It is just beside the Mosque.
Pro Tip: Do not forget to enjoy the food at the Food Street nearby. The night view of Badshahi Mosque from the food street is not to be missed!
8. Rakaposhi Base Camp
All trekking enthusiasts, this one’s for you!
With a peak of 7,800 meter, Rakaposhi Base Camp is a place where adventure lovers feel the adrenaline rush. The trek is doable even for beginners which means you can plan a fun day here with your friends. However, make sure you check what the weather conditions are like before you plan your visit. Also make sure that you have all the necessary equipment.
It is a 4 to 5 hours trek from the village of Minapin, so before you take on this journey do not forget to tighten your shoelaces!
9. Rohtas Fort
If you are a lover of historic sites, we have another place for you to visit. Say hello to Rohtas Fort as it is a 16th century fortress which is also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located near Jhelum, the Rohtas Fort is one of the largest in the Subcontinent. The fort is a beautiful relic with a HUGE structure which takes people back in time.
Despite its age, the fort is still in a great condition.
10. Churna Island
If you are a water sports lover then you must visit Churna Island. Located near Mubarak Village, Karachi, this place offers multiple water sports including cliff diving, underwater exploration, jet skiing, snorkeling, etc.
11. Arang Kel
Called the “Pearl of Neelam”, Arang Kel is a small, beautiful village in the Neelum Valley. It is located 8000 feet on the hilltop which allows tourists to enjoy the mesmerizing views of the mountains. Along with this, it is also home to horses, wild animals and birds of the rarest kinds.
Arang Kel is a 5-hour long drive from Muzaffarabad and this drive is nothing short of a visual treat.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog and that it will help you plan your trip. If you want to rent a car to visit these places, you can visit OLX Pakistan’s website.
Do let us know which famous places out of these made it to your list.
You may also like:
Places to Visit in Karachi – Especially for First-Timers
You may also like:
Leave a Reply