Whenever we think of Pakistan, all that comes to our mind is terrorism, extremism, sectarianism, corruption, load shedding and inflation but despite all these issues, we immensely love our country.
Amidst all the chaos we have forgotten the beauty of our landscape.
Pakistan is full of breathtaking locations which will make you fall in love with this country all over again. If you are a tourist or love travelling then you must compile a list of places you plan to visit next year.
Highlighting the positive image of the country and to generate awareness among the people, here are 8 destinations from our list which you must visit. Your experience would be, indeed, unforgettable:
1. Naltar Valley:
Naltar Valley is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Northern Pakistan, it is situated at a drive of 2.5 hours from Gilgit. Naltar is famous for its colorful lakes. World’s tastiest potatoes are cultivated here. Covered with pine trees, this valley doesn’t seem to be a part of this world.
If you really want to experience paradise in this world, you should visit Naltar at least once. This place will make you fall in love with it.
2. Shangrila Resort:
In the extreme north of Pakistan, Skardu the central valley of Gilgit-Baltistan is an epitome of beauty, serenity and wilderness.
After crossing the old wooden bridge built over the River Indus, one reaches Shangrila, a paradise on earth for tourists. It is a famous tourist spot in Skardu, which is about 25 minutes away by drive. Restaurant in Shangrila rest house is highlight of this place, which is built in the structure of an aircraft.
3. Deosai Plains:
Deosai is located on the boundary of Karakoram and the western Himalayas and at no point it is less than 4000 meters above sea level. It remains covered with snow for 8 months. The rest of the year, it hosts a range of beautiful flowers of all hues and colors but not a single tree is found in this plateau spread over 3000 sq. km.
Sheosar Lake is also part of this. This lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. The deep blue water, with snow-covered mountains in backdrop, and greenery with wild flowers in foreground offer such a view in summers, that one is left amused for the rest of his life.
4. Fairy Meadows:
A night camping or stay in traditionally constructed wooden cottage at Fairy Meadows with a breathtaking view of mighty Nanga Parbat’s North face is very unique and wonderful experience. Even more if sky is clear and night is full moon. The cool moonlight reflecting from the gigantic majestic icy peak shows the real meaning of nature’s beauty and peace.
5. Ayun & Bamburet Valley:
Ayun district is a village of Chitral. Located 12 kilometres south of the city at the confluence of the River Bamburet. There are no words to describe the beauty of the mountains surrounding the village. Beyond Ayun valley is Bamburet Valley, it is one of the three Kalash valleys. Bamburet valley is a picturesque valley with lush greenery and mountains that give you a sense of calm and solitude.
6. Gojal Valley:
Shishkat is one of the beautiful places in Gojal. It is the first village, where Gojal valley starts from. The famous Attabad lake, also known as Gojal Lake is situated at Shishkat village, basically Attabad lake is given name after disaster in 2007, many people of Attabad were killed so the lake which has come to form in Shishkat has named Attabad lake (In the remembrance of those people). It is famous for its cultural festival. People of Shishkat are also famous for their hospitality.
7. Neelum Valley:
Neelum is one of the most beautiful valleys of Azad Kashmir, and it hosts several brooks, freshwater streams, forests, lush green mountains, and a river. Here, you see cataracts falling down the mountains; waters flowing over the roads and splashing against the rocks, before commingling with the muddy waters of River Neelum.
8. Astola Island:
Everyone is familiar with the beauty of Pakistan’s northern areas, but few have taken the time to discover the mesmerizing charm of the country’s coast in the south. Astola Island, also known as ‘Island of the Seven Hills’, is a small uninhabited Pakistani island in the Arabian Sea. Administratively, the island is part of the Pasni sub district of Gwadar District in Baluchistan province. The island can be accessed by motorized boats from Pasni, with a journey time of about 5 hours to reach the island.