Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Which Country is The Beauteous Of Them All?
(Top 21 must-visit spots in Pakistan in 2021)
Pakistan, the magic mirror replied.
Pakistan has been ranked as “The Best Holiday Destination for 2021”, as well as the world’s third-highest ranking adventure destination. Tourism has grown as the country’s security improved during the past few years. Its value has risen by more than 300 percent.
The Pakistani government has made it easier to enter Pakistan by launching online visa services for 175 countries and offering visas on arrival to 50 others.
Pakistan’s breathtaking beauty enriched with 108 peaks above 7,000 meters, including K2. Pakistan is a fantastic spot for a unique trip, with vibrant cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and so many other cities as well as picturesque valleys in the north.
In 2015, Islamabad was ranked as one of the most beautiful capitals all over the globe.
Are you planning your trip to Pakistan after the COVID-19 pandemic has over? If yes, then this article will help you to make your list of favorite places to visit. Following are the top 21 must-visit spots in Pakistan in 2021.
1. Astore Valley
Astore Valley is located at an altitude of 8500ft. It is a 120-kilometer-long valley with a 5,000-square-kilometer area in Gilgit-Baltistan province. The valley is on the eastern slope of Nanga Parbat, an 8,125-meter peak known as the Killer Mountain because it is regarded as one of the world’s most perilous mountains to climb.
It’s particularly lovely from May to September, after that there’s a lot of snow in the winter. The valley’s landscape is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also rich in geographic variety and contrasts, providing the adventurous traveler with numerous trekking opportunities as well as the opportunity to immerse in a culture that few tourists have ever seen.
Astore is a small town in a rural area and the lodging options there aren’t as good as Astore. However, if you are planning to stay there following is a list of hotels in Astore:
1. PTDC Rama Astore
2. Kamran Hotel and Restaurant Astore
3. Rama Midway Guest House Astore
4. Kamran Hotel Astore
5. Wazir Guest House Astore
2. Rupal Base Camp
Fairy Meadows’ name given by a German climber, Marchenwiese is a grassland near one of the Nanga Parbat’s base campsites. It is the starting point for hikers attempting to ascend the Nanga Parbat’s Rakhiot face. It is located at an elevation of about 10,800 feet above sea level.
Fairy Meadows was designated as a national park by the Pakistani government in 1995.
Fairy Meadows is accessible by a 15-kilometer jeepable trip that begins at the Rakhiot bridge on the Karakoram Highway and ends in the settlement of Tato. It takes roughly three to four hours to go from Tata to Fairy Meadows, which is a five-kilometer trip.
The grassland is located in the Rakhiot valley, near one end of the Rakhiot glacier, which flows from the Nanga Parbat and feeds a stream that eventually flows into the Indus River.
Here is a complete guide including maps, residencies, and a lot more you must know before planning your trip.
3. Hunza Valley
Hunza Valley is regarded as one of the most beautiful valleys of Gilgit Baltistan. Upper Hunza, Central Hunza, and Lower Hunza make up this region. Karimabad is the valley’s largest city, with all of the necessary amenities for mountaineers and tourists.
Here you’ll find the Passu Cones; The Passu Dome is a magnificent piece of beauty and one of Pakistan’s best-known sights.
And if you are fond of witnessing an epic and spectacular sunset in Hunza Valley then you should head towards Eagle’s Nest. The dazzling blue turquoise waters of Attabad Lake will fascinate you with the beauty of this valley.
You can contact Eagle Nest’s Hotel and Wild Frontiers for staying and enjoying such a beautiful landscape.
4. Makli Hills/Necropolises
Makli Hill is a vast cemetery filled with elegantly deteriorating monuments. It is one of the biggest global funeral cemeteries, and in 1891 it was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is situated on highlands roughly 7 kilometers from Thatta.
It’s about 99 kilometers east of Karachi, at the River Indus Delta’s apex in southeastern Sindh. The Makli Necropolis is home to numerous major burial tombs dedicated to kings, Sufi saints, and illustrious philosophers.
Go and visit WHCList and SindhCulture.PK if you need more information about the protection and management-related queries.
5. Baltit Fort
Baltit Fort was built almost 700 years ago, and its rich beauty can be traced back to that time.
Baltit Fort is a historic mediaeval fort in Karimabad. In addition, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The majority of people travel by vehicle to Karimabad, which is 100 kilometers from Gilgit. From Gilgit, it takes 2 to 3 hours to get to Hunza.
You can visit Tripadvisor, the best site to get necessary support including residency, tour guides, and their contact numbers.
6. Phander Valley
The picturesque Phander Valley, sometimes known as “Little Kashmir,” has gained popularity among tourists in recent years. Phander is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful tourist destinations, with gorgeous landscapes, vibrant flowers, old wooden homes, and a tranquil environment.
The valley is home to the attractive Phander Lake, which is known for its lovely blue water and is located in Ghizer district in lovely Gilgit-Baltistan.
Plan your tour to this gorgeous valley between July and August. Even though it is tourist season there, it is significantly less crowded than Hunza and Gilgit. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to see apricot, cherry, and mulberry trees in full bloom.
The vibrant spring foliage of these trees adds a splash of colors to the scene. You can also enjoy catching Trout fish.
Visit GoNOMAD for further information about the place.
7. Concordia
It is a mountain lover’s and climber’s dream come true. It is located in the very north of the country, near the Chinese national boundary. The majority of people are unaware that Pakistan is home to five of the world’s fourteen highest peaks.
Tourists can see four of the world’s five highest peaks from the vantage point afforded by this lovely site called Concordia. As a result, it is both a breathtaking vista vantage point and an unrivaled photo opportunity that should not be missed while traveling through Pakistan.
Furthermore, you can contact ApricotTours and KEAdvantures to hire a full-time tour guide.
8. Hussaini Suspension Bridge
Near Hussaini village, a long wooden suspension bridge spans the Hunza River. It is considered one of the world’s most perilous bridges. The decrepit rope and panel bridges that cross Northern Pakistan’s mountain rivers and streams are a common feature of commute through this area.
It’s also known as the “Indiana Jones Bridge” in the area.
The Hussaini Hanging Bridge, which spans Borit Lake in Upper Hunza, is one of them.
9. Broghil Valley
Several yaks, high-altitude lakes, and sweeping green meadows may indeed be found in the valley, which is surrounded by spectacular landscapes that rise above 14,000 feet. In this valley, the legendary yak polo is present.
After traveling by car for more than four days, across the Broghil and Ishqoman valleys you’ll reach Karambar Lake which is Pakistan’s second-highest lake.
The quickest and easiest way to get to Karomber Lake is from Chitral.
The track route is as following;
Chitral
Mastuj
Kishmanja
Garhil
Irgit maidan
Lalay Rabat side
10. Deosai
The shortest route to Deosai National Park is from Skardu city, which is around 30 kilometers distant. It’ll take you an hour to drive to the top of the plains from there. Another popular route is through Astore Valley via Chilam.
Deosai, except for a few sites in the world, cannot be paralleled to any other location on the planet. At around 13500 feet above sea level, you will come across a nearly flat area of about 1200 Sq.Km.
Deosai is covered in snow from September until almost the beginning of June, and visitors may only experience the magnificence of Deosai for 3–4 months.
Deosai is all about lush green fields with billions of wildflowers, pure water streams with plenty of fish, seductive perfume in the air, and an everlasting environment.
DTS.GOVT can guide you further to explore this area.
11. Astola Island
This is actually Pakistan’s Magnificent Jewel. A vast hidden deserted island, somehow 25 kilometers off the coastline of Balochistan, hides in the Arabian Sea. It is only 7 kilometers high and 2.5 kilometers broad. With towering white cliffs ringed by the great turquoise ocean, it is known as Astola Island- Island of the Seven Hills.
The lovely beachfront, secluded island, aquatic life, and the magnificent Arabian Sea are the true attractions of Astola Island. The island is made up of seven little hills that are all linked together. The island has several coves and caves, which add to the attractiveness of the area.
TravelCultures and CARAWAAN are online resources to get more details about the place.
12. Shogran
Shogran is a hill station in northern Pakistan, located at a height of 7749 ft above sea level on a grassy plateau in the Kaghan Valley. It is situated in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Balakot is 34 kilometers away, while Shogran is 34 kilometers distant.
From Islamabad, one can reach there in about 8 hours via Mansehra and Balakot. It’s Kaghan’s most popular picnic place.
Shogran has lush green meadows that add to the journey’s surprises. The breathtaking mountain beauty and nice weather are difficult to express in words. This might be a perfect hangout place for families.
Arcadian Sprucewoods Luxury Resort, Cedar Woods Resort, Green Land Motel, Lalazar Hotel, Hilltop Hotel, and Kamloops Hotel and Cottage are some places that can accommodate you there.
13. Saidpur Village
It is located on the slopes of the Margalla Hills, is one of the most fascinating spots to visit for travel or a picnic in Islamabad. Bird viewing, strolling, and a scavenger hunt are just a few of the exciting things available at Saidpur Village.
Furthermore, the charm of this gorgeous location is complemented by a harmonious blend of rural and urban life.
Saidpur Village’s main draw is the presence of three different religious centers at one location. An ancient Hindu temple, a finely designed mosque, and a church can all be found here.
Saidpur Village is, without a doubt, an ideal package for history fans in Islamabad as well as those who are enchanted by architectural marvels.
14. Rohtas Fort
It is located about 8 km south of the G. T. Road and 16 kilometers northwest of Jhelum. The medieval G. T. Road used to run alongside the fort’s outer northern wall. Rohtas Fort was never attacked by any force and has astonishingly survived intact.
Sher Shah Suri constructed the castle. Large defensive walls and multiple massive entrances distinguish the fort.
In 1997, UNESCO designated Rohtas Fort as a World Heritage Site for its “outstanding example of Muslim military architecture in Central and South Asia.” This fort has a perimeter of around 4 kilometers.
15. Khewra Salt Mine
The mine is located on the Potohar plateau of the Salt Range, which rises from the Indo-Gangetic Plain and is the world’s second-largest. The mine includes nineteen stories, of which eleven are below ground.
The mine reaches around 2440 feet into the mountains from the entrance, with a total tube length of around 40 kilometers. The chamber and pillar method of quarrying is used, with half of the salt being mined and the other half being used to support what is above.
There is a beautiful mosque built with pink salt which presents a beautiful look. TDCP provides comprehensive information. Here is a complete guide video titled “Hidden gems of Pakistan” which may provide a comprehensive virtual tour.
16. Wagah Border Flag Lowering Ceremony
In addition to all the usual and traditional viewing spots like Walled City, Badshahi Masjid, Shahi Qila, Shalamar Garden, Jahangir Tomb, Anarkali Bazar, Lahore Museum, Masjid Wazir Khan, there is an excellent site to visit.
A Lahore trip cannot be completed without visiting Wagah Border on an evening. The border between Pakistan and its neighbor, India, is marked at this location. Every evening Flag Lowering Ceremony is convened. In the evening, just before sunset, a ceremony is held near the border crossing gates at the Wagah Border daily.
Before the entrance to the event location, there is an intentionally erected structure known as “Bab-e-Azadi”. A stadium-like environment greets tourists as they enter “Bab-e-Azadi,”.
Hundreds of people renew their patriotism and love for their respective countries, Pakistan and India, every day during the ritual, which includes spirited rehearsals by Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Forces.
Visitors sing the national song and yell slogans such as “Pakistan Zindabad” as they cheer on the march.
17. Do Darya Food Street
Everyone knows, there are a lot of places to see in Karachi like Mazar e Quaid, Clifton Beach, Port Grand, Sea View, Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, Hawks Bay, and others.
A massive food strip called Do Darya, which runs along the gorgeous seafront of the Arabian Sea and is quickly becoming a popular dining destination in the city, is adjacent yet distant from the Sea View beach.
This is the country’s only culinary street of its kind, where you’ll find a slew of restaurants clustered along the Arabian Sea’s coast.
18. Ranikot Fort
Ranikot Fort, popularly known as The Great Wall of Sindh, stands tall and majestically as one of the world’s largest forts and exudes imperial opulence. This is thought to be the world’s largest fort, measuring 32 kilometers in diameter. It is advisable to visit in the winter.
Ranikot Fort is an ancient Talpur fort in Sindh, Pakistan, located near Sann in the Jamshoro district. After a three-hour drive from Karachi, one can reach Ranikot Fort. The walls of the fort can be compared with China’s Great Wall.
STDC offers you a platform to book all of your hotel reservations online.
19. Gojal Valley
The Gojal Valley, which runs between China and Afghanistan and meets the Chinese border near Khunjerab, is about 15400 feet above sea level. It remains covered with snow all around the year.
Chiporsun is located in the northwestern part of the country, along its border with Afghanistan’s Wakhan area. Tajikistan begins after Wakhan, which is around six square miles in size.
The Karakoram Highway, which connects Pakistan and China, also runs through Gojal Valley before entering China at Khunjerab.
Gujral Valley is one of the most beautiful sites in Pakistan’s Northern Areas, and it is becoming increasingly well-known for its natural beauty.
Ghulkin Glacier, Passu Glacier, Khunjerab National Park, Shimshal Pamir, and many other attractions can be found in the area.
20. Fort Munro
Fort Munro is a hill station near the provincial border between Balochistan and Punjab. Many people are unaware of it. This craggy station is located just one hour drive from Dera Ghazi Khan.
There are some most spectacular mountainous views in the area, as well as a distinct culture that combines Baloch and Punjabi traditions.
21. Katpana Cold Desert
Pakistan has beautiful sites in every landscape imaginable. The Katpana Cold Desert is one of them.
Despite having all of the characteristics of a “warm” desert, the Katpana is distinguished by its elevation. During the winter it remains snow-covered.
Dunes at this altitude are said to be the world’s highest cold desert, and they appear to be unique. Only a few countries can boast of such a rare occurrence. Travelers may easily access the Katpana Desert from Skardu because it is only 30 minutes distant. However, don’t count on public transportation.
You can get complete guidance about this trip from PKtravelGuide.
In a Nutshell
locals and tourists both frequently extol the incredible beauty of Pakistan’s magnificent surroundings, and with a worthwhile purpose.
Apart from well-known natural competitors such as Hawaii, Norway, New Zealand, and the Faroe Islands, it’d be impossible to locate a unique nation with as many stunning landscapes, woods, glaciers, rivers, and cascades as this Southeast Asian country.
The region has seen an inflow of travel viewers who have documented the country’s beauty, particularly in the northern highlands of Hunza and Skardu. Recently the Government of Pakistan focused on tourism and improved the infrastructure of such areas.
It is totally safe to plan a trip to Pakistan, and the Destination is waiting for you!
So, are you excited to explore these places in 2021?
