“Northern Pakistan” covers three very different regions: Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. Here are twenty places worth the journey, with the months they are at their best. Each links to a detailed guide.
In this guide
Gilgit-Baltistan
| Place | Known for | Best months | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunza Valley | Forts, orchards, Passu Cones | Apr–Oct | 5–7 |
| Attabad Lake | Turquoise lake and boat rides | May–Oct | Half day |
| Khunjerab Pass | Border at 4,693 m | Jun–Sep | 1 day |
| Skardu | Lakes and desert | May–Oct | 4–6 |
| Deosai Plains | High plateau, wildflowers | Jul–Aug | 1 day |
| Shigar | Restored fort and village | May–Oct | 1 day |
| Khaplu | Palace and medieval mosque | May–Oct | 1–2 |
| Fairy Meadows | Nanga Parbat views | Jun–Sep | 2 nights |
| Naltar Valley | Coloured lakes | May–Oct | 1 day |
| Astore and Rama | Meadows and Rupal Face | Jun–Sep | 3–4 |
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
| Place | Known for | Best months | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swat and Kalam | River valley, forests | Apr–Oct | 3–5 |
| Mahodand Lake | Alpine lake | Jun–Sep | 1 day |
| Malam Jabba | Skiing and chairlift | Jan–Feb, Apr–Oct | 1 day |
| Kumrat Valley | Deodar forests | May–Oct | 3 |
| Naran and Kaghan | Lakes and Babusar Top | Jun–Sep | 3–4 |
| Lake Saiful Muluk | Legendary mountain lake | Jun–Sep | Half day |
| Kalash valleys | Culture and festivals | Apr–Oct | 5–7 |
Azad Kashmir and the hills
| Place | Known for | Best months | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neelum Valley | Green valley, Arang Kel | May–Oct | 4–5 |
| Toli Pir and Banjosa | Meadows and quiet lake | Apr–Oct | 2 |
| Murree and the Galiyat | Pine hills near Islamabad | All year | 1–3 |
How to choose
- Short on time: Galiyat, Swat or Skardu by air.
- First big mountain trip: Hunza or Skardu — see Hunza vs Skardu.
- Summer escape: Naran and Kaghan, or Neelum.
- Culture: Chitral and Kalash.
- Adventure: Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat, Kumrat, Ratti Gali.
Not sure where to start? Check the best month or tell us your dates.
Sample combinations
| Trip | Days | Combination |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Gilgit-Baltistan | 9–11 | Hunza, Attabad, Khunjerab, Skardu, Kachura and Deosai |
| Summer valleys | 6–8 | Swat, Kalam, Naran, Saiful Muluk and Shogran |
| Kashmir and green hills | 5–6 | Muzaffarabad, Neelum, Arang Kel and Toli Pir |
| Short break | 2–3 | Nathia Gali, Pipeline Track and Mushkpuri |
What to consider when choosing
- Season. Some places are only open for a few months.
- Time. Distances are long; fewer places done well beat many done badly.
- Group. Elderly parents and young children change the plan.
- Budget. See what shapes the cost.
Getting expert help
If you are unsure, send us your dates and group details. We will suggest a short list with honest pros and cons — and tell you when a place is not worth the trip at that time of year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best place to visit in Northern Pakistan for first-timers?
Hunza and Swat are two of the easiest and most rewarding choices.
Which northern area is best in summer?
Naran, Neelum, Hunza and Skardu are all excellent from June to September.
How many days do I need?
From a weekend in the Galiyat to ten days or more for Hunza and Skardu together.
Which northern place is best for a honeymoon?
Hunza, Skardu and Naran in summer are popular. See our couples guide.
Which place is least crowded?
Neelum, Astore, Kumrat and Toli Pir tend to be quieter than Murree and Naran.
