Pakistan Top 5 Winter Tourist Destinations
Pakistan is a country with a diverse range of tourist destinations, and its winter season offers a unique experience for visitors. The winter months, which typically run from November to February, bring colder temperatures and snowfall to many parts of the country, providing the perfect opportunity for outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
One popular winter destination in Pakistan is the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan. This area is home to some of the country’s highest mountains, including K2, the second-highest peak in the world. During the winter months, the region transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered peaks and frozen rivers. Visitors can go skiing and snowboarding at the Naltar Ski Resort, which is located just outside of Gilgit city. The resort offers a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, as well as equipment rental and ski lessons.
Another popular winter destination in Pakistan is the Swat Valley, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This area is known for its picturesque landscapes, with snow-covered mountains, frozen rivers, and lush pine forests. Visitors can go skiing and snowboarding at the Malam Jabba Ski Resort, which is located near the town of Mingora. The resort offers a variety of slopes, as well as equipment rental and ski lessons.
For those who prefer a more relaxed winter vacation, the Kaghan Valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is a great option. This area is known for its natural beauty and mild winter temperatures, making it perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the valley’s many trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The valley is also home to several natural hot springs, which can be a great way to warm up on a cold winter day.
Another destination that is great for winter is the Neelum Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The valley offers an enchanting view of the surrounding mountains and rivers blanketed in snow. Along with skiing, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the valley on foot and can also enjoy the local culture, food, and music.
For those interested in culture, history, and architecture, Lahore is a great winter destination. The city is known for its rich history and culture and is home to a variety of historical sites and landmarks. Visitors can explore the Walled City of Lahore, which is home to several important Mughal-era buildings and monuments, including the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque. Lahore is also famous for its food and you can enjoy a traditional Lahori meal at a variety of street-side restaurants and food markets throughout the city.
Overall, Pakistan offers a diverse range of winter destinations, from snow-covered mountains and ski resorts to valleys, scenic hiking trails, and historical and cultural landmarks. Whether you’re an experienced skier or snowboarder looking for a challenging winter adventure or simply looking for a relaxing winter vacation, Pakistan has something to offer everyone.
Hunza and Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan
Spread over 72,400 sq km, Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region is where the three mightiest mountain ranges, the Himalayas, Karakorams, and Hindu Kush, meet. The scenic valleys Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu in the shadows of towering snow-clad peaks have attracted travelers for decades. Hunza valley offers exceptional views from lofty peaks to historic buildings to unique culture and heritage including the 1000-year-old Altit fort and 700-year-old Baltit fort. The famous crystal clear Attabad Lake is also near Hunza. British mountaineer Eric Shipton called the Hunza valley “the ultimate manifestation of mountain grandeur” with the iconic Rakaposhi mountain as the valley’s star attraction. The region offers splendid views of Pakistan’s loftiest peaks and unforgettable sunrises, according to visitors. Some of the winter sports attractions in Gilgit Baltistan include the snow marathon in Khunjerab, ski traversing in Deosai, skiing in Naltar and Astore and ice hockey in Hunza.
MURREE
If you are looking for places to visit in Pakistan during winter that aren’t too far from the city and offer all the latest amenities, this breathtaking hill station is perhaps your best option. Not to mention, the weather in Murree doesn’t get as harsh as in many other northern areas, making it easily accessible even in winter. Some of the major tourist attractions in and around Murree include Mall Road, Pindi Point, Kashmir Point, Chattar Park, Bhurban, Ayubia and Patriata. Moreover, Murree boasts a number of budget-friendly and upscale hotels, guest houses and resorts. As for dining options, you can find something for every palate here. Some of the most popular restaurants and cafes in one of the top winter vacation destinations in Pakistan include Des Pardes Murree, Usmania Restaurant, Thaali Restaurant, Murree Tabaq Restaurant and Red Onion to name a few. Branches of international food chains such as Pizza Hut, Gloria Jean’s Coffee and KFC are also located in Murree.
Neelum Valley
The 144km-long bow-shaped Neelum Valley is located in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The valley is home to lush green terrain and mountains, sparkling freshwater streams and dense forests. Neelum Valley is known as the “blue gem” is popular as a summer tourist spot but is now emerging as a new winter destination as the local administration is encouraging tourists to visit the valley with vibrant festivals and sports activities.
KALAM VALLEY
Kalam Valley is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan in December. Located in the upper reaches of the picturesque Swat Valley, Kalam is a popular winter tourist destination, known for its mesmerizing landscape, glacial lakes, mesmerizing Swat River, dense forests and majestic snow-clad mountain peaks. To put it simply, the incredible beauty of this valley is enough to leave one utterly speechless. This exceptionally beautiful tourist destination is situated at an altitude of about 6,600 feet and is home to a number of hotels and restaurants. For those planning to travel to Kalam during winter vacations, the temperature can drop as low as 1 degree Celsius, which is still tolerable compared to the weather in most areas of Gilgit Baltistan.
Moreover, since Kalam does not get as many tourists as other places on this list, you can easily explore this vast and spacious valley on your own. The locals are also extremely hospitable, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost either. If you plan a trip to Kalam, make sure to visit the nearby valleys of Usho, Matiltan and Utror as well. The famous Mahodand Lake and Kundol Lake are also a must-visit.
Quetta and Ziarat in Balochistan
Balochistan is a land of remarkable geological and topographical wonders with golden deserts, dramatic mountain ranges, and the splendid coastal region which includes Gwadar beach and Astola Island. The deserts of Nushki and Kharan are among the most beautiful in the region. Ziarat Valley is the most popular tourist destination and home to the world’s second most extensive Juniper forest. The valley remains cool in summers and snow-covered in winters. Hanna Lake is another gorgeous place to visit near Quetta city which is covered in snow in winters. Hingol National Park in Balochistan is popular for its unique rock formations and numerous animal species.
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