New Year just arrived and we’re sure you need one good travel guide for the places to visit in Pakistan in 2017. Thus, get ready to know the most beautiful places in Pakistan.
Shigar
Located in Baltistan, the Shigar Valley is drenched by the Shigar River and stretched to approximately 170 km from Skardy to Askole and was originally a subdivision of the Skardu District but has presently, transformed itself into a district of its own. Even though the town of Shigar is very remotely located, it hosts the largest settlement in the valley and has a number of villages located within it, with Askole being the last settlement over there, they valley is still far away from the mountain ranges.
Khaplu
Located in Gilgit, Baltistan, the Kahplu Valley is located on the eastern side of Skardu and is the second largest empire to be present in old Baltistan. The valley is presently known as Ghance and used to guard the trade route to Ladakh which is located near the Shyok River. The residents of the town mostly speak the Balti language and the town serves as a base for trekking into the Hushe Valley which leads up to the mountains of Masherbrum and Siachen.
Hoper
Located at a distance of 10 km from Nagar Khas, the Hoper Valley is a stunning part of the Nagar Valley in Pakistan, being filled with famous, high rise mountains which include the Golden peak, Rush peak and Kapal peak, along with the presence of beautiful glaciers, exotic lakes as well as pastures. The Bualter glacier, which is also known as the Hoper glacier, along with the Barpu glacier amplifies the elegance of the region with the Rush lake serving as a yearlong attraction for tourists.
Hoper offers a good view of the Ultra peak as well as the Barpu glacier since the village is surrounded by snowcapped mountains, allowing guests to observe the day to day activities taking place in the countryside.
The valley hosts a total of five villages within it which serve as ideal spots for tourists due to their beautiful landscape present there which includes peaks, glaciers as well as lakes which include the Golden Peak and Rush Lake.
Passu
Passu is a small village,that is the parts Valleys of Pakistan and located on the Karakoram Highway, next to the Hunza Rover, with close proximity to the Pasu and Batura glaciers, the latter of which is known to be the fifth longest non-polar glacier in the world. The residents of Passu are known as ‘Wakhi’ and speak the ‘Wakhi’ language, being Ismaili by religion.
The northern area of the village is covered by the ‘Passu Cones’ along with other peaks such as Batura, Shispare Sar and Pasu Sar. The village itself is located near the Chinese border besides the Karakurum range.
Hunza
Hunza is a mountainous Valleys of Pakistan located in Gilgit Baltistan and is situated near the Hunza River. Baltit serves to be a popular destination for tourists due to the presence of beautiful scenery of the nearby mountains which include the Hunza Peak, Ghenta Peak and Passu Peak.
This valley is known to be the country’s most visited valley and is termed as a fairy tale land due to the mountainous landscape surrounding it because of which it is known to be one of the most photogenic locations in the world.
Kaghan and Naran
Famous for being the ‘Land of Fairies’, the Kaghan valley is situated in the Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and appeals to individuals who enjoy activities pertaining to hiking, fishing and trekking. The Naran Valley is known to be one of the most attractive spots for tourists in the world and is located in the same district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. From here, tourists are able to explore places Lake Saif ul Malook, Lalazar and Noori Valley as well.
Kalam
Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kalam is surrounded by thick green forests, captivating hills and serene lakes, waterfalls and meadows which add to the perfect package of it offering the ideal location for scenic beauty. It is also known to be the birth place of the Swat River which is formed by the convergence of the major tributaries of the Ushu and Gabral Rivers. Kalam also offers a great variety of lavish hotels for tourists planning to visit this region and taking advantage of the beautiful landscape being offered by it.
Shogran
Located in the Kaghan Valley on the green plateau, the Shogran Valley is at a distance of 212 kilometers from Islamabad and is home to beautiful lakes and mountains which offer tourists different leisure activities like horse riding as well as hiking.
Chitral
Deemed as the perfect package for honeymoon couples, Chitral is known to be a magical region, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, near the Kunar River. A total of approximately 20,000 people reside here. Its main attractions include the Kalash and Shandoor Valley, where the people of the former are known for their culture, traditions, and hospitality. The weather in this region is persistently cold throughout the winters but idea for tourism during summers.
Toli Pir
Toli Pir is the highest mountainous location in Pakistan, being situated in the Poonch District of Azad Kashmir, in Tehsil Rawalakot. It is a hilltop station situated at a height of around 8800 feet above sea level and presents a 45 minute drive from Rawalakot to Azad Kashmir, allowing travelers to view Abbaspur, Bagh and the Poonch River on their way. It forms the point of origin for a number of different mountain ridges with the remains of an old mazar being located on the highest hilltop of this region. Toli Pir is mostly accessible during the summer season due to the pleasant weather with its natural beauty being showcased at its best during the months from April to September.
Banjosa Lake
Banjosa, being a Hindko word which means forest from ‘Bunn’ and Jousa who was the owner of the land, is basically a small tourist attraction being located around 20 kilometers from Rawalakot in Azad Kashmir. It comprises of three main markets which are called mareed na bagla, R.A bazar and mirat gala. This valley is famous for Kashmir’s freedom fight which was initiated there by Captain Hussein Khan and for the presence of the great Banjosa Lake.
Peer Chinasi
Pir Chinasi is situated 30 kilometers east from Muzaffarabad, offering beautiful green plateaus, a stunning topography and the perfect weather for tourists and nature lovers. It offers a spectacular view of the neighboring mountain peaks with the followers of the Saint Shah Hussain Bukhari undertaking regular pilgrimages here in order to spiritually refresh themselves. The neighboring areas of Pir Asimar, Jarran Phirran, Mushki, Saran and Sakki offer perfect landscapes for hiking, camping and trekking activities whilst providing residence to the tourists in the Tourist Lodge present at Saran.
Neelum Valley
About 240 km long bow-shaped deeply forested picturesque Neelum Valley is dipped in beauty. Situated at North and North-East of Muzaffarabad in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, running parallel to Kaghan Valley. These two valleys are only separated by snow-covered peaks, some over 4000m above sea level. Excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, towering hills on both sides, lush green forests and enchanting streams are an eye-opening experience. Plus, the attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.
Neelum Valley lies on both sides of the river Neelum. The geographical features enhance the natural beauty of the Valley. Its elevation, a mere 2,000 feet at the start, gradually rises till it attains a respectable height of 8,000 feet. On both sides there are high mountains and peaks. Nearly all the forest wealth of Azad Kashmir is to be found in this part of the State.
The Kundal Shahi Village
The Kundal Shahi is at a distance of 74 kilometers from Muzaffarabad on the banks of the River Neelum. The most renowned and populated regions in this district is Jura. Jura is popular for its bazar and the beauty of the surrounding areas. It comprises of different colleges along with private and government schools as well as hospitals. Athmuqam is the principal town of the valley which is located at a distance of 84 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. This offers all the basic necessities needed by its inhabitants. It is also known to be the headquarters of the district with the presence of different facilities. These include hotels, markets, banks, hospitals and rest houses.
Kutton Village
Kutton is a village which is located at a distance of 82 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. It is also called the Jagran Valley. Private guest houses and hotels are available along with rest houses of the AJK Tourism Department and WAPDA. Keran is also located within the Neelum District. Keran is a resort which is located on the banks of the River Neelum, 11 kilometers away from Athmuqam. Sharda is also located on the banks of the Neelum River and is approximately 136 kilometers away from Muzaffarabad. Dowarian is located on the banks of the Neelum River at a distance of 106 kilometers from Muzaffarabad. Dowarian is also 22 kilometers from Athmuqan. It serves as a base camp for the Ratti Gali Lake. Moreover, it also contains a rest house for tourism belonging to the AJK Tourism Department.
Dudhnial
The area of Dudhnial is a well-known town of the Neelum District. Dudhnial offers a government college, high school for girls as well as a hospital and other government offices. Privately owned rest houses, shops and restaurants are also available here.
With a total population exceeding 5000 individuals, Tehjian is a beautiful village located in this region. Even though it is densely populated, the village does not provide any postal service. Tehjian possesses a few basic health units and private hospitals along with a tourist hotel by the AJK Tourism-Department.
Arang Kel
Kel is another village which is 19 kilometers away from Sharda. It offers similar facilities to those of Tehjian, adding a college, markets, and a bank to the facilities too.
Arang Kel is a tourist spot and village which is located at a distance of 2 kilometers from Kel. The last station of the valley is Taobat. It is located at a distance of 200 kilometers from Muzaffarabad, containing a private hotel for tourists.
Now that you know the best places to visit in Pakistan in 2017, make sure you pack your bags accordingly.
