15 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan You'll Fall In Love With

Let’s be completely honest, if you heard someone mention that they are going on a vacation to Pakistan you would be really surprised.

After all, the country has unfortunately been associated with terrorism, war, and trouble in general as far as the American popular consciousness goes since its independence from India and founding shortly after the Second World War. Yet the surprising reality for many is that Pakistan is one of the more beautiful countries on earth.

The varied nation offers so many beautiful natural places that it would be hard to find many other countries with so much refreshing scenery to offer to you as a visitor. These range from vibrant green forests to stark and stunning mountain scenery, to cascading waterfalls and hypnotic lakes. We look at 15 compelling reasons to go on a trip to this hidden gem with stunning mountains and valleys called Pakistan in this article on the most beautiful spots in this major neighbor to the northwest of India.

Pakistan is hugely blessed with far more than just some of the top natural vistas to be found anywhere in the world. The country’s long, compelling history dates all the way back to the ancient world. There are many historical, architectural, and cultural wonders to visit here besides the great and overwhelming natural beauty spots.

21 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan

Kalash Valleys
Concordia
Lake Saif-ul-Malook
Deosai
Shandur Top
Neelum Valley
Guraiz Valley
Naltar Valley
Siri Paye
Kund Malir
The Mosque of Badshahi Masjid
Fort Rohtas (Qila Rohtas)
Mohenjo-daro
Taxila
Mazar-e-Quaid
Pir Sohawa
Ranikot Fort
Bahawalpur
Hunza Valley
Karachi
Naran and Kaghan Valleys

FAQs:

Is Pakistan safe for travel?

At the moment Pakistan is a safe place to visit! Most of the conflicts from the past were resolved and terrorism is at its lowest but some remote areas might be still dangerous. Do a proper research and beforehand and ask in the local hotel or hostel.

Which areas should travelers avoid in Pakistan?

Major areas that should be avoided for traveling in Pakistan are Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Swat, Tank and Northern, and Southern Waziristan areas. For the full list check here.

Which city is the most beautiful in Pakistan?

Islamabad is considered as the most beautiful city in Pakistan. In 2015, Islamabad was ranked as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world.

21 Most Beautiful Places in Pakistan To Visit

1. Kalash Valleys

Pakistan’s Kalash Valleys, comprised of Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur are hidden gems surrounded by the dramatic Hindu Kush mountain range, a part of the Himalayas. The rugged peaks are covered with scrubs of juniper and birch for stunning, natural views.

The valleys are known for the beauty of the people as well as the natural splendor. Thought to be the descendants of Alexander the Great’s armies, the Kalash are animists, an ethnic minority, rather than Muslims, and live in wooden homes that dot the high hills. The women are known for their gayly-colored traditional dresses and headpieces you will only see in this part of Pakistan.

Jeeps and car hires transport visitors easily to the remote Kalash Valleys from Chitral, 2.5 hours away. Bumburet is the most populated valley and popular with Pakistan tourists. Rumbur and Birir are less developed and popular with foreign travelers. Visit the locally-owned Kalasha Dur museum in Bumburet, an attractive cultural museum that gives you all the information needed to tour the stunning valleys.

The best time to visit the Kalash Valleys is during one of their traditional festivals. Chilan Joshi is held in May, Uchau is celebrated in autumn, and Choimus occurs for two weeks around the winter solstice. Tourists are always amazed at the colorful costumes, rituals, drink, and dance.

2. Concordia

Image by Luis Stitzinger courtesy Luis Stitzinger, SOURCE — Image by Luis Stitzinger, SOURCE

Concordia is a paradise for mountain lovers and climbers alike. It lies in the far north of the country on the national border with China.

Most people are not aware of Pakistan’s claim to fame for containing five of the highest 14 peaks on the planet.

From the vantage point provided by this beautiful place Concordia, tourists can take in four of these five highest in the world peaks. This makes it both a stunning view vantage point and incomparable photo opportunity not to be missed while on a trip through Pakistan.

3. Lake Saif-ul-Malook

Lying at the northern extreme of the Kaghan Valley is the stunning natural Lake Saif-ul-Malook. It is found in the Khyber-Paktunkhwa province within the Mansehra District.

This natural lake is beautiful not only for the surrounding mountain scenery but also because of the unique reflection of the mountains on the lake water that is absolutely breathtaking for visitors to behold.

The best and most convenient time to visit this one of a kind wonder of nature is in the summer. During the winter months when snows are often heavy along the roads, it can require many nerve-racking hours to arrive safely. The roads are slippery with ice then, making the all-terrain vehicles an unsure way to come here safely through the high, often narrow, and winding mountain roads in the winter months.

4. Deosai

Within the Astore District of Gilgit-Balistan province lies the so-called “land of the giants” better known today as Deosai.

This region is actually a boundary to the western Himalayas Mountains and Karakorum. Here visitors will enjoy magnificent varieties of flowers and many different and often one of a kind animal species such as the snow leopard and the brown bear who call this region home. This plateau turns out to be the highest one on earth, providing more bragging rights in front of friends stuck back home.

This is not to be missed spot to take in the more unique animal life of Pakistan. Nature-lovers should never miss the well worth the time and effort trip if the seasonal weather conditions permit the journey.

5. Shandur Top

Shandur Top is found in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa District in the Chitral area, making it a good trip to potentially combine with that of nearby Deosai. This Shandur Top has been called the highest elevation polo ground anywhere on earth.

During the winter months, the area is blanketed in snow, yet in summer months, Shandur Top becomes a lush and green spot.

During July, the Shandur Polo Festival occurs here each year, bringing in hordes of locals and tourists alike. Coming in the winter months is dangerous due to the slippery roads encumbered from heavy snowfalls and icy conditions. During the summer months, Shandur Top becomes easily accessible via all-terrain vehicles.

6. Neelum Valley

One of the most popular Pakistan beautiful places is Neelum Valley. This densely forested area is found in the Azad Kashmir region. Mughal Emperor Humayin once said about this Kashmir area that “if there is a paradise on earth, then this is it.” Visitors usually agree with his well-spoken assessment of the Kashmir Valley today.

The stunning valley sits at a high elevation of more than 4,850 feet (or 1,650 meters high) above sea level. Incredible milky white-colored waterfalls cascade from the mountains and provide the natural scene with a mesmerizing quality and otherworldly backdrop.

Tourists and locals alike come from all across Pakistan to see this glorious wonder of nature that is impossible to discount as a serious contender for the most beautiful spot on earth.

7. Guraiz Valley

Tourists should not pass up on the chance to visit the lovely Guraiz Valley while in Pakistan. It is glorious in either summer or winter months. The verdant green valley is thickly carpeted by dense forest.

Found high up in the Himalayas Mountains, Guraiz Valley is a veritable oasis among the icy towering white peaks. Visitors will find it on the border between Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

Unfortunately, the area is a site of periodic territorial conflict between India and Pakistan, meaning that the Pakistani army controls access to the valley. Fortunately, they allow tourists to visit the stunning valley upon request.

8. Naltar Valley

Graced by charming and beautiful lakes, Naltar Valley has the much-deserved reputation of being a one of a kind gorgeous place that is not to be missed while touring Pakistan.

The valley is dotted by many beautiful pine trees. It is rightly famed for its locally cultivated potatoes, said by many to be the most delicious anywhere on planet earth. Naltar Valley looks like the lost paradise because of its unforgettable stunning views.

9. Siri Paye

pakistan beautiful plces — Image by pakistan.shafaqna.com

A great wonder of nature that unfortunately is often overlooked by foreign tourists, Siri Paye is the most beautiful place to visit lies in the corner of Kaghan province. It is a mere from three to four miles (or six kilometers) away from the Shogran Valley. This green plateau lies atop the Hindu Kash Mountains.

Visitors will be refreshed by the many ponds that dot the landscape and are complimented by stunning fields of bright yellow flowers. This spot is sure to refresh the soul of visitors from whatever place in the world they hail.

10. Kund Malir

Located in Balochistan, Kund Malir is one of about two dozen beaches in Pakistan. The large sandy beach is an arid landscape located in the Hingol National Park.

The Makran Coastal Highway is a scenic highway that leads to the beach and has coastal views on one side and mountains on the other. Pack well for your trip as no emergency supplies are available in the area. Kund Malir is a 175-kilometer drive from Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city.

Kund Malir is a great place to escape the crowds and become immersed in nature. The stunningly beautiful beach has a 20-room resort and dhaba-style restaurant and truck stop. The beach stays pristine since it’s almost never crowded. While here, you can also visit the Princess of Hope statue, a rock statue created by strong winds and rain, and the ancient Hinglaj Temple.