Explore North Pakistan

Complete Guide to the Most Beautiful Tourist Destinations in Pakistan (PakJourney Exclusive)

Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindukush. With towering snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear rivers, lush green meadows, deep valleys, historic forts, and unmatched hospitality, North Pakistan offers a magical escape from the busy life of cities.

From Hunza’s fairy-tale beauty to Skardu’s alpine lakes, from the serene valleys of Swat to the rugged terrains of Chitral and Gilgit, the region is a hub for trekkers, honeymooners, backpackers, history buffs, and culture seekers.

Whether you’re planning your next road trip, a solo adventure, or a family vacation, this complete guide from PakJourney is your perfect travel partner.

1. Gilgit – The Heart of North Pakistan

Keywords: Gilgit tourism, Gilgit attractions, how to reach Gilgit, Gilgit weather

✦ Overview:

Gilgit serves as the gateway to many northern destinations. It’s a historic city with a rich Buddhist past and now a center for trade, tourism, and adventure sports.

✦ Top Attractions:

• Gilgit Bridge: One of the largest suspension bridges in Asia.
• Kargah Buddha: Ancient rock carving dating back to the 7th century.
• Naltar Valley: 40 km from Gilgit, known for skiing in winters and vibrant lakes.
• Gilgit River: Offers scenic riverside camping and trout fishing.

✦ Best Time to Visit:

March to October for moderate weather and clear roads.

2. Hunza Valley – The Crown Jewel of Pakistan

Keywords: Hunza Valley travel guide, Hunza weather, Hunza tourist spots, Karimabad, Altit, Baltit

✦ Overview:

A dream destination with fairy-tale villages, apricot orchards, and centuries-old forts, Hunza Valley is one of the most visited and most Instagrammed places in Pakistan.

✦ Must-Visit Spots:

• Karimabad: Cultural center of Hunza, known for hotels, cafes, and local bazaars.
• Baltit Fort: 700-year-old fort with stunning views.
• Altit Fort: Older than Baltit, surrounded by royal gardens.
• Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint: Watch the sun set over Rakaposhi (7,788 m).
• Attabad Lake: Formed in 2010 after a landslide; famous for boating and jet skiing.
• Passu Cones & Glacier: Iconic pointed peaks and thrilling treks.

✦ Best Time to Visit:

• April to May (Cherry Blossom Season)
• October (Autumn/Fall Season)

3. Skardu – The Land of Giants and Lakes

Keywords: Skardu tourism, Deosai, Shangrila, Satpara, Skardu tour plan

✦ Overview:

Skardu, home to the second-highest mountain in the world – K2 (8,611 m), is a breathtaking destination with majestic views, cold deserts, and alpine lakes.

✦ Top Destinations:

• Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake): Red-roofed cottages beside a turquoise lake.
• Upper Kachura Lake: Deep freshwater lake hidden in pine trees.
• Satpara Lake: Glacial lake near Skardu city.
• Sheosar Lake & Deosai Plains: Known as the “Roof of the World” at 13,000 feet.
• Shigar Fort: Restored heritage site turned into a luxurious hotel.
• Khaplu Palace: Historic architecture with royal vibes.

✦ Best Time to Visit:

• June to September for Deosai
• Spring & Autumn for less crowd and dramatic colors

4. Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat Base Camp

Keywords: Fairy Meadows, Nanga Parbat, trekking in Pakistan, Raikot Bridge jeep

✦ Overview:

Declared one of the most beautiful places on earth by UNESCO, Fairy Meadows is a meadow at the base of the 9th highest mountain in the world, Nanga Parbat (8,126 m).

✦ Access & Activities:

• Reach via Raikot Bridge on Karakoram Highway → Jeep ride to Tattu Village → 3-hour trek to Fairy Meadows.
• Camping under stars, hiking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp, and bonfire nights.

5. Naran & Kaghan Valley – A Scenic Road Trip

Keywords: Naran travel, Saif ul Malook, Babusar Top, Lulusar Lake, Naran Kaghan hotels

✦ Overview:

Easily accessible by road from Islamabad, Naran Kaghan Valley is ideal for weekend travelers.

✦ Major Attractions:

• Lake Saif ul Malook: The jewel of Naran, with legendary folktales.
• Lulusar Lake: On the way to Babusar Top, a serene blue lake.
• Babusar Top: 13,700 feet above sea level, connects KP to Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Batakundi & Jalkhad: Less-crowded alternatives with gorgeous views.

6. Swat Valley – Switzerland of Pakistan

Keywords: Swat tourism, Malam Jabba, Kalam, Mahodand Lake, Fizagat Park

✦ Overview:

Swat is the perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and history.

✦ Highlights:

• Malam Jabba Ski Resort: Pakistan’s top ski destination.
• Kalam Valley: A 99 km drive from Mingora, lush pine forests and streams.
• Ushu Forest & Mahodand Lake: Enchanted forest and turquoise lake with boating.
• Fizagat Park: Great for families with riverside picnic spots.

7. Chitral & Kalash – Culture, Mountains & Mystery

Keywords: Chitral tourism, Kalash festivals, Tirich Mir, Chitral Fort

✦ Overview:

Chitral is home to the Kalash tribe, known for their unique language, religion, and festivals.

✦ Don’t Miss:

• Kalash Valleys (Bumburet, Rumbur, Birir): Experience Joshi, Uchal, and Choimus festivals.
• Tirich Mir (7,708 m): The tallest peak in Hindu Kush.
• Shandur Pass: Highest polo ground in the world. Hosts annual Shandur Polo Festival.
• Chitral Fort & Mosque: Architectural beauties from the Mughal era.

8. Astore Valley – The Hidden Gem

Keywords: Astore Valley tourism, Rama Meadows, Chillam, Rupal Face

✦ Overview:

Less commercial than Skardu or Hunza, Astore is rich in alpine beauty.

✦ Attractions:

• Rama Lake & Meadows: Lush green fields beneath Nanga Parbat.
• Chillam Chowki: Gateway to Deosai Plains.
• Minimarg & Domel: Bordering Kashmir, permit required, but worth it.

9. Road Routes and Travel Tips

From the travel table in your image, here are some key distances and contact details (converted and arranged clearly for tourists):

From	To	Distance (KM)	Travel Time (Hrs)
Islamabad	Gilgit	500	12
Islamabad	Skardu	630	15
Islamabad	Hunza	580	13
Islamabad	Naran	280	7
Gilgit	Hunza	100	2.5
Gilgit	Skardu (via Jaglot)	195	6

You can use this info to plan road trips and group tours.

Taste of the North – Traditional Foods to Try in Northern Pakistan

Meta Keywords: North Pakistan food, Hunza cuisine, Gilgit Baltistan dishes, Swat trout fish, Skardu local food, Kalash food culture

Travel in Pakistan isn’t complete without experiencing the unique flavors of its northern cuisine. With a blend of Tibetan, Central Asian, Kashmiri, and Punjabi influences, the food in regions like Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit, Swat, and Chitral reflects both their cultural diversity and natural abundance.

If you’re visiting these regions, don’t miss out on these authentic dishes you can only find in the mountains!

Hunza Valley – Clean Eating, Ancient Wisdom

Hunza is famous not just for its beauty, but also for its healthy, organic food. The people of Hunza are known for their longevity, and their diet plays a key role.

Must-Try Foods in Hunza:

• Chapshuro (Hunza Pizza): A flatbread stuffed with seasoned yak or beef mince and baked.
• Diram Fitti: A naturally sweet bread made from sprouted wheat flour – high in energy.
• Hunza Walnut Cake: Local dessert with wild walnuts and apricots.
• Butter Tea (Gur Gur Chai): Pink salty tea mixed with butter – strange but warming!

Most Hunza dishes are organic, oil-free, and cooked without excessive spices – great for travelers with sensitive stomachs.

Skardu & Baltistan – High-Altitude Delights

The Baltistani food scene is a mix of Tibetan and Kashmiri influences. You’ll find simple, carb-rich, warming meals ideal for cold mountain nights.

Baltistani Specialties:

• Mamtu: Steamed beef or vegetable dumplings served with chili sauce.
• Gyaling (Balti Roti): Pancake-style bread eaten with honey or apricot oil.
• Prapoo: Noodles with crushed walnuts and thick gravy.
• Shapik: Stuffed bread with minced beef and herbs.
• Apricot Soup & Jam: Made from sun-dried local apricots.

Skardu’s food is less spicy and more filling – perfect for trekkers and campers.

Naran Kaghan & Swat – Trout Lover’s Heaven

These river valleys are renowned for freshwater trout, considered among the best in South Asia.

What to Eat in Naran, Kaghan, and Swat:

• Fried Trout Fish: Marinated in light masala, served with naan or rice.
• Chapli Kebab (Swat style): Minced meat kebab with herbs, tomatoes, and corn flour.
• Makai ki Roti with Saag: Cornbread with mustard leaf curry.
• Shinwari Karahi: Lamb meat cooked in its own fat with green chilies – local favorite.

Don’t forget to eat trout at local riverside hotels – PakJourney can recommend the best spots in each area!

Chitral & Kalash – Tribal Traditions on the Plate

The food of Chitral reflects its ancient tribal roots, while Kalash food includes unique vegetarian and dairy-rich recipes.

Try These Dishes in Chitral:

• Ghalmandi: Layers of flatbread stuffed with cottage cheese, green onions, and coriander.
• Kalli (Kalash Dish): Ground corn cooked with crushed walnuts.
• Kawak: Roasted meat with dried apricot paste.
• Kalash Cheese & Yogurt: Homemade and incredibly rich in flavor.

Kalash dairy products are natural and often sold fresh at local homestays.

Fairy Meadows & Astore – Mountain Food for Hikers

Since these regions attract hikers and campers, the food here is energizing and carb-dense.

Popular Foods in Fairy Meadows & Astore:

• Roti & Lentil Soup: Served hot at night for campers.
• Bakar Khani: A hard bread used by porters and locals – long-lasting and filling.
• Yak Karahi (if available): Rare delicacy cooked in local spices.

Camping food in Fairy Meadows is simple but wholesome – most guesthouses serve local dishes with bonfire nights.

Essential Snacks & Drinks in the North

No trip is complete without enjoying local snacks and drinks:

• Dry Fruits: Apricots, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts (buy directly from locals)
• Chilgoza (Pine Nuts): Highly valued – expensive but worth tasting
• Mulberry & Apricot Juice: Naturally sweet, great for hydration
• Chai (Local Tea): Served everywhere, from roadside dhabas to hotels

Where to Eat – PakJourney Recommendations

For each location, PakJourney will recommend verified local eateries and family restaurants, including:

• Hunza Food Street (Karimabad)
• Shangrila Lake Restaurant (Skardu)
• Naran Trout House
• Kalam Green Valley Restaurant
• Chitral Guest House Kitchen
• Fairy Meadows Base Camp Dining Huts

🍽️ Need help finding the best food spots? PakJourney offers food tours, picnic arrangements, and guides in every region.

Tips for Eating in the North

• Always drink bottled or boiled water
• Carry stomach-safe snacks like dry fruits and biscuits for long journeys
• In remote areas, inform your guesthouse in advance if you need dinner
• Prefer local kitchens over fancy hotels for authentic taste
• If vegetarian, let your host know in advance – many dishes are meat-based

Safety, Permits & Cultural Etiquette in North Pakistan – What Every Tourist Must Know

Traveling in the northern areas of Pakistan is generally safe and welcoming, especially for local tourists and foreigners who respect the culture, customs, and environment of the region. However, since some of these regions lie close to border areas or are governed by special rules (like AJK or Gilgit-Baltistan), it’s important to be prepared.

Is North Pakistan Safe for Tourists?

Yes – North Pakistan is one of the safest regions in the country, especially in Hunza, Skardu, Gilgit, and Swat. These areas are tourism-friendly, and locals are famous for their hospitality.

Safety Tips for Travelers:

• Avoid driving late at night, especially on mountainous roads like Babusar Top, Lowari Pass, or Fairy Meadows jeep track.
• Always check weather forecasts before traveling – landslides and road closures are common.
• Stay connected by keeping Jazz or SCOM SIMs; these networks work best in remote areas.
• Register yourself with the local police in sensitive areas like Skardu, Fairy Meadows, or Astore if required.
• In case of medical emergencies, visit CMH hospitals (Gilgit, Skardu) or local clinics in towns.
• Keep your original CNIC/NICOP/Passport with you at all times.

Permit Requirements in Northern Pakistan

Some regions in the north require NOCs or travel permits, especially for foreign tourists or when traveling near border zones.

Areas That May Require Permits:

Region	Permit Required	Details
Fairy Meadows (Foreigners)	✔️	Register at Raikot Checkpost or via travel company
Astore → Minimarg	✔️ (All Tourists)	Close to LOC, army permission required
Siachen Base Trek	✔️ (Special)	Only allowed through licensed tour operators
Khunjerab Pass (China Border)	❌	Open for Pakistani & foreign tourists, but CNIC/Passport must be shown
Shandur Pass (During Polo)	❌	No permit needed, but expect checkposts
Kalash Valley (Foreigners)	❌	No official permit, but recommend registering at Chitral police station

📄 PakJourney can arrange permits and coordinate your trips to restricted areas like Minimarg, Fairy Meadows, or border zones.

Cultural Etiquette – Respect Local Traditions

Northern Pakistan is a culturally diverse and religiously conservative region, with strong values of modesty, respect, and hospitality. Here’s how to make sure you blend in respectfully:

Dress Code:

• Both men and women should dress modestly.
• Women tourists should avoid tight clothes or sleeveless tops, especially in Swat, Chitral, and Astore.
• Carry a light scarf or shawl when entering villages or mosques.
• In liberal areas like Hunza or Gilgit, locals are more accepting, but still appreciate conservative dressing.

Behavior & Manners:

• Always greet with “Assalamualaikum” and a smile.
• Never point at someone with your feet or touch their head.
• Avoid public display of affection (hugging/kissing) in public.
• Do not take pictures of people without their permission, especially women or elders.
• Be respectful when you hear the Azaan (call to prayer) – pause your activities momentarily.

Religious Sensitivities:

• Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral are religiously diverse – Sunnis, Ismailis, Shias, and Kalash.
• Avoid religious debates or asking about sects.
• Remove shoes when entering mosques or homes.

💬 Interaction with Locals – Do’s & Don’ts

DO:

• Learn a few basic Urdu or local words (“Shukriya”, “Kitna hai?”, “Pani milega?”)
• Try local food and accept if someone offers tea or fruit
• Buy from local women-run stalls or handicraft shops

DON’T:

• Bargain too aggressively – it’s okay in cities, but not polite in villages
• Compare regions or cultures (e.g., “Is Hunza better than Swat?”)
• Discuss politics or military matters, especially near border areas

Tips for Female Travelers (Local & Foreign)

• Northern regions like Hunza, Skardu, and Gilgit are safe for solo female travelers.
• You’ll see many local women running shops, cafés, and guesthouses.
• Avoid hiking alone in remote trails without a guide.
• Always inform your hotel about your next destination or day plan.
• Dress modestly and confidently – respect earns respect.

Travel Essentials Checklist by PakJourney

✅ Must-Have Items	✅ Optional but Helpful
CNIC/NICOP/Passport	Power Bank & Extra Batteries
Basic First Aid Kit	Trekking Shoes or Hiking Stick
Local SIM (Jazz or SCOM)	Portable Oxygen Cylinder (Skardu)
Snacks/Instant Food	Garbage Bag (keep the north clean)
Light Jacket (even in summer)	Waterproof Covers for Luggage
Torch/Flashlight	Printed map or GPS app backup

📢 Reminder from PakJourney

Please respect the land, its people, and the environment.
Do not litter. Leave only footprints, take only memories.
If unsure about etiquette, ask your guide or a local – they will help you with pride.

Best Hotels & Where to Stay in North Pakistan

To make your journey memorable and comfortable, we’ve handpicked the best hotels in every major tourist destination of North Pakistan. These hotels offer scenic views, warm hospitality, cleanliness, and easy access to nearby attractions. You can get in touch with us to choose the best first available option to make your tour best and memorable.

Why Book Through PakJourney?

Verified and Reviewed Hotels
Local Guidance and 24/7 Support
Group Discounts and Tour Packages
Customized Itineraries for Honeymooners, Families, and Backpackers
Free Consultation Call Before You Travel