The world is stuffed with jawdropping locations — belief us, we all know — however Pakistan might be up there with the easiest of them. From hovering Himalayan peaks the place elusive snow leopards reign to vibrant bazaars promoting all method of trinkets — this fascinating vacation spot is an actual gem. No marvel then that it’s earned a spot on our trendsetting The place to Journey in 2025 checklist. And the very best half? Your groundbreaking journey helps us elevate up native communities on this typically missed nation. So, with out additional ado, right here’s our roundup of 14 locations to go to in Pakistan:
1. Lahore
As Pakistan’s second-largest metropolis and the capital of its Punjab province, Lahore has lots going for it. It’s a cultural behemoth and residential to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Websites — the mighty Lahore Fort, relationship all the way in which again to 1566, and the manicured Shalimar Gardens. Each are full to the brim with magnificent Mughal structure, and if you happen to’re desirous to proceed the historical past practice, then make your approach to the Badshahi Mosque.
Accomplished in 1674, it’s one of many world’s most hanging buildings, and if you happen to’re right here because the solar is setting, it’s an expertise you actually gained’t overlook in a rush. However Lahore isn’t all about historical past — as spectacular as that’s. It’s additionally well-known for its culinary scene, with dishes originating from right here together with hen lahori and the succulent gosht karahi.
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2. Islamabad
From one metropolis to a different now — and truly onto the capital metropolis thank-you-very-much. Residence to over 1,000,000 folks, Islamabad is a thriving metropolis with lots to see and do. Head on as much as the hilltop backyard of Daman-e-Koh — from the place you may get pleasure from sweeping cityscape views — or go to the Pakistan Monument formed like a petal and devoted to the folks of Pakistan.
One factor you actually can’t miss when you’re right here is paying a go to to the Faisal Mosque — which was designed to appear to be a bedouin tent. It’s a spellbinding place — significantly as nightfall is starting to fall and you may hear the decision to prayer echoing over the close by valley.
3. Wagah
Website of the well-known Wagah Border Ceremony — a every day occasion happening proper on the border of Pakistan and India — Wagah is a should on any journey to Pakistan. So, what does this ceremony entail? Properly, for context, it’s a every day navy drill designed to function a reminder of the advanced historical past and cultural ties between each India and Pakistan.
Going down on the border submit between the 2 nations, it’s a convention occurring since 1959 and characterised by dance-like leg-raising, foot stomping and flag-lowering — culminating in a hand-shake between the 2 nations proper on the finish. It’s an ostentatious show and well-worth seeing to get an perception into Pakistan’s historical past and rivalry with its jap neighbour.
4. The Karakoram Freeway
Usually dubbed the ‘Eight Surprise of the World’, the breathtaking Karakoram Freeway actually must be seen to be believed. Linking Pakistan with China, it passes by means of each the Himalayas and the Karakoram Mountain Vary and kinds a part of the traditional Silk Street linking Asia with Europe and North Africa.
Whereas the 1,300km-long (808 mi) freeway goes all the way in which from Islamabad to Kashgar in China’s autonomous Xinjiang area, arguably essentially the most spectacular half is throughout the Karakoram Mountains. You’ll get to drive by means of the Hunza Valley — an incredibly-scenic place characterised by huge snow-capped peaks, pristine glaciers, and alpine lakes.
However though the surroundings right here is a number of the most spectacular you’ll discover anyplace on the planet — it’s the charms of the folks residing right here that basically make it. Get an perception into native life with a conventional lunch at an area village and also you’ll see precisely what we’re speaking about.
Drive the Karakoram Freeway on: Pakistan: Karakoram Freeway, Native Eats & Village Life
5. The Thallay La Path
Initially a historic route that was the one hyperlink between the traditional kingdoms of Shigar and Khaplu, the Thallay La Path sits in a distant and untouched area of the Baltistan Mountains. Whereas as soon as important for buying and selling and survival of those communities all through historical past, the introduction of contemporary roads made the route more and more redundant. As a path solely utilized by a handful of hikers yearly, the distant alpine communities ended up minimize off from sustainable earnings.
By setting foot on these historical trails, you carry the route again to life and assist native villagers earn supplemental earnings by means of work as porters, cooks, and guides. You additionally get firsthand perception into native life, spend time with the neighborhood, and have a good time the traditional significance of the path as you hike by means of staggeringly scenic mountain passes and yak-filled valleys.
Assist uplift the Thallay La folks on: Pakistan: Lahore & Mountaineering the Karakoram Mountains
6. Ayubia Nationwide Park
Named after the second President of Pakistan, Ayubia Nationwide Park presents over 3,312 hectares’ (8,184 acres) value of protected forest. It’s a lovely place to go to, and is positioned simply 70km (43.4 mi) or so from the capital Islamabad — good for a day journey. Residence to all kinds of natural world — together with rhesus macaques, Kashmir flying squirrels, and even leopards (gulp!) — it’s well-known for its views greatest seen on the Pipeline Path.
The path itself is fairly simple and takes you from the hill city of Dunga Gali to Ayubia. Count on to identify varied species of wildlife and take in the views of Miranjani — the best peak within the area at virtually 3,000m (9,843 ft).
7. Shigar
Gateway to the imposing Karakoram Mountain Vary lies Shigar and its accompanying valley — a tranquil spot set proper on the banks of the Shigar River. It’s an important spot for mountain climbing as the paths (and views) are one-of-a-kind. Knowledgeable mountaineers additionally typically start their journey right here to K2 — the world’s second highest mountain.
On the valley’s coronary heart lies the city of Shigar virtually solely inhabited by the Balti Folks of Tibet. Whereas there’s lots to do right here — together with exploring the world’s highest chilly desert, the Katpana — the star attraction is Shigar Fort. Now a boutique lodge, it encompasses a 450-year-old fort and Seventeenth-century palace. There are additionally some sizzling springs close by — superb if you happen to’re seeking to soothe aching muscle tissue post-trekking.
Mattress down within the historic Shigar Fort on: Pakistan: Hike the Karakoram Mountains
8. The Kunhar River
The area surrounding the Kunhar River is usually thought of some of the picturesque spots in Pakistan — and given the competitors, that’s actually saying one thing! Many examine it to Patagonia in South America however with out the crowds.
There are many pure wonders set in and round this area. Hop in a automobile and drive to the serene Lake Saif-ul-Muluk — one of many nation’s highest lakes providing unbeatable views of the 5,290 metre-tall (17,356 ft) Malika Parbat peak — and the encompassing Kaghan Valley. Different sights close by embrace the small hill city of Naran — gateway to the mighty Babusar Cross.
9. Khunjerab Nationwide Park
Nestled excessive up within the Karakoram Vary lies the spectacular Khunjerab Nationwide Park — Pakistan’s third largest protected space which borders China’s Taxkorgan Nature Reserve. It’s dwelling to the namesake Khunjerab Cross, which at 4,693m (15,397 ft) above sea stage is the best border crossing on the planet and the best level on the Karakoram Freeway.
However there’s extra to this nationwide park than only a border crossing. The surroundings right here is jawdropping and it has one of many highest densities of elusive snow leopards anyplace on the planet. Different resident animals you’re extra more likely to spot embrace long-tailed marmots, Himalayan ibexes, yaks, and large-eared pikas.
10. Passu Glacier
There’s considered over 7,000 glaciers in Pakistan — although given the remoteness of a lot of the area, most of them are off limits. One which isn’t is the Passu Glacier located close to the small village of Passu and lies on the foot of the 7,478 metre-tall (24,534 ft) Passu Sar peak.
It’s an otherworldly place and simply reached from the Karakoram Freeway. There are quite a few viewpoints right here effectively value a go to and you may as well hike within the surrounding space. Don’t miss the possibility to hike in direction of Borith Lake, because the views alongside the way in which are completely spectacular.
11. Khaplu
Rounding off this checklist of locations to go to in Pakistan is Khaplu — the executive capital of the Ghanche district in Gilgit-Baltistan. Dubbed ‘Little Tibet’, it’s a lovely place most well-known for its namesake palace — a cultural delight identified domestically as Yagbo Khar.
In-built 1840 because the royal residence of the Raja of Khaplu, it displays Tibetan, Kashmiri, and Balti architectural influences — and has an accompanying museum and landscaped gardens in addition. One other gem right here is the Khanqah-e-Mualla — one of many oldest mosques in Baltistan relationship all the way in which again to the 14th century.
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12. Ganish
At effectively over a thousand years previous, Ganish is the oldest populated village in the complete Hunza Area — and it’s a incredible place to get an perception into the historical past of the realm. Winner of a UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award, it’s thought that the title ‘Ganish’ comes from the regional Burushaki dialect ‘Genish’, which means gold — and with good purpose because the websites right here deserve a gold star.
There are a number of intricately-carved wood mosques in addition to an historical restored watchtower. Phrase of warning nevertheless — it’s a decent squeeze! You may as well see how meals is saved cool utilizing precise glacial meltwater — a historic methodology nonetheless used to this very day.
13. Attabad Lake
Attabad Lake was truly created by a landslide blocking the stream of the Hunza River in 2010 — tragically this killed twenty folks from the native village of Attabad. Virtually 15 years later, it’s now thought of a must-visit spot if you happen to’re on this area of Pakistan as you may boat, swim, and even ice skate within the winter months.
The brilliantly-turquoise color of the lake itself — surrounded by the towering partitions of the encompassing valley — is extremely photogenic, and there’s the possibility to hike as much as varied viewpoints close by.
14. Nathia Gali and Miranjani Peak
When you want an incentive to scale Himalayan heights, then let or not it’s a celebratory meal of Patakha hen in Nathia Gali. This regional signature dish is so loaded with spices that it actually interprets to firecracker hen. It’s a blisteringly tasty approach to cap off a average 5 hour hike to Miranjani Peak sitting at virtually 3,000m — the best peak within the Galyat Area.
With a full stomach (and possibly a nap?) you may got down to wander the hill station city of Nathia Gali together with its small bazaar and St. Matthew’s Church, the latter being a British relic sorted by a Muslim household for 3 generations.
Really feel the stomach fireplace on: Pakistan: Karakoram Freeway, Native Eats & Village Life
