Pakistan, home to a wide variety of surroundings, offers rivers and mountains for the daring, historical monuments for the inquisitive, and unspoiled beaches for those seeking solitude. Here are a few of the top destinations to visit in a nation full of options:
You can reach the Karakoram Mountains by travelling on PIA Airlines. The airport is located in Islamabad, which is the capital city of Pakistan. From there, you can embark on a thrilling journey to witness the majestic peaks and glaciers of the Karakoram Range.
1. The Glacier Baltoro
One of the world’s longest glaciers, Baltoro, stretches 63 km across the Karakoram Mountain range in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Many glacier valleys slink to the side as their broad valley winds across steep slopes. It should come as no surprise that it is a popular trekking destination, the starting point for trekking routes to K2, and the highest point of the Gasherbrum peaks. Its melted snow water feeds the valleys of northern Pakistan. To see it for yourself, travel to the glacier that spans the Balti hamlet of Skardu.
2. Valley of Neelum
It’s not surprising how the Neelum Valley gets its name from a rare stone, given that it is an emerald green gem hidden among the rugged, snow-capped slopes of Azad Kashmir.
It is a true oasis in the arid north, a forgotten world of lush forests, bubbling streams, and lush pastures where residents live simple lifestyles supported by abundant crops and livestock.
When the daylight is out, this is the ideal time to visit. In the summer, the valley is renowned for its abundance of apples, apricots, walnuts, and plums.
3. National Park of Hingol
Located west of Karachi along the Makran Coast, Hingol National Park is a sight to behold—an uninhabitable lunar environment.
A cluster of mud volcanoes erupts beside an azure sea, forming the shapes of princesses, sphinxes, and other fantastic shapes due to elements in the rocks of Hingol.
A great variety of fauna can be seen in the park. Perceptive individuals can identify Indian pangolins, honey badgers, chinkaras, and Sindh leopards.
4. Towers of Trango
The Trango Towers are a group of sandstone towers in northern Pakistan celebrated as one of the most breathtakingly steep alpine climbs in the world. Climbers have been chasing this holy grail since it was first reached in 1977, rising 800 metres above the surrounding arid highlands.
Another popular activity at the towers is trekking. Their mere beauty, reflected in the lake beneath, is enough motivation for those who aren’t ready to put on a safety belt and climb.
5. Plains of Deosai
Pakistani locals believe that the Deosai Plains are the closest thing on Earth to paradise, especially during the summer because this high-altitude meadow is blanketed in an abundance of wildflowers.
People who live there will tell you that fairies live there and that it’s a magical location. It will be difficult to disagree when you look out over the field of colourful flowers and vivid hills covered in green and snow-capped peaks.
Its attractions also appeal to endangered Himalayan brown bears, Himalayan ibexes, Tibetan wolves, Tibetan red foxes, and golden marmots.
6. Coast of Makran
Although Pakistan hasn’t yet developed its beaches into luxurious vacation spots, the Makran Coast is undoubtedly worth visiting if you’re interested in seeing an undeveloped coastline with natural beaches. The stunning scenery seen in the region of Balochistan is a welcome diversion from the harsh surroundings, which are primarily made up of desolate mountains.
The 1,000-kilometre (621-mile) coast itself stretches through the Gulf of Oman and is dotted with immaculate beaches where you can travel by car along the expansive Makran Coastal Highway.
The highway begins in Karachi, Sindh, travels through the cities of Ormara and Pasni and terminates in Gwadar. To make the most of the lengthy travel, it is advised that you leave Karachi as soon as possible. Astola Island, Kund Malir Beach, Ormara Beach, Gwadar Beach, Sonmiani Beach, and Pasni Beach are a few of the coastal strip’s well-known beaches.
You can travel to these destinations on PIA Airlines, which offers regular flights to Gwadar from major cities in Pakistan. You can also opt for a scenic road trip along the Makran Coastal Highway, allowing you to explore the stunning coastal landscapes and enjoy various beaches along the way.