Visiting Pakistan

GC:TRAVEL Must-Visit Places In Northern Pakistan

PAULA CABILDO

Travel Writer

My taste in traveling is a bit unique and more on the adventurous side. While people enjoy extravagant travels, I enjoy the simplicity of camping sites. People see beauty in luxury hotels, but I feel at peace with ruins. I feel happy to visit different temples regardless of my religion. So when people asked me what is next on my travel list, people would usually be in disbelief when I say “Pakistan”.

Contrary to popular belief, Pakistan is a safe country to visit, and even solo female travelers proved it on their social media handles. Moreover, it’s a relatively peaceful place, unlike what was presented in the news and circulating in the online world.

Before the pandemic, my dream is to travel Northern Pakistan. I’ve seen the beauty of Pakistan on Instagram. I’ve done my research and also watched blogs and read reviews online. And with the assurance from travel vloggers and wanderlust, I’m convinced that Pakistan should be on my list.

According to some of the most famous travel vloggers, no words can describe the beauty of Northern Pakistan. Some even call it “the New Zealand of Asia”. Pakistan is blessed with majestic mountain views covered in snow during the cold season (Yes! it snows in Pakistan!)

Although my Pakistan trip was pushed back due to the Covid-19 situation, allow me to share with you the places included in my itinerary. Check out these places, and hopefully these will convince you to visit Northern Pakistan at least once in your life!

Fairy Meadows

Also called “heaven on earth,” Fairy Meadows are wide grassy meadows sitting on 3,300 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by dense alpine forest and a backdrop of snowy Nanga Parbat, the 9th highest mountain in the world. But before you can set foot on this majestic place, you need to have a brave heart to conquer a windy and narrow mountain road. This is the only way to reach Fairy Meadows. So if you are adventurous and looking for a breathtaking view after crossing the 2nd most dangerous road in the planet (as ranked by World Health Organization in 2013), then these beautiful Meadows should be included in your travel list.

Skardu

It is a city located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region and is the capital of the Skardu District. It’s located at an elevation of over 7,300 feet. You literally have a bit of everything — blue skies, clear waters, magnificent mountain views, and greens that cover almost the entire place. The most iconic place in Skardu is the Shangrila Resort, Skardu. It was established in 1983 and is the first resort hotel ever built in Skardu. It offers an enchanting view of Upper and Lower Kachura Lake. The heart-shaped lake is covered in lush greens during summer and coated in snow during the winter. Whatever season it is, Skardu gives you the best nature view.

Lake Saiful

This mountainous lake is located at the northern end of Kaghan Valley. Its crystal clear waters present a picturesque reflection of the mountains whose beauty is sure to bring out the poet in everyone.

Photo Credit: www.kpkhotels.com

Hunza Valley

It’s a mountainous region that lies in the northern part of Gilgit-Baltistan and in the border of Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor to the north, and the Xinjiang region of China to the northeast. Hunza Valley supports agriculture and is blessed with every piece of nature - mountains, valleys, fertile lands.

Kunjerab Pass

Known as the highest international border, Kunjerab Pass connects northern Pakistan and China at an elevation of 4693 meters. The stunning border is covered in snow during the winter and is a popular tourist destination and an Instagram-worthy place.