Pakistan: The land of magnificent valleys

Marzia Hashmi Momo

From magical Himalayan valleys to ice-packed mountains, the longest glaciers outside of the polar region, and home of the world’s second highest peak (K2), Pakistan dazzles travelers around the globe with natural exotic beauty.

The country boasts diverse attractions—mountains, lakes, the Karakoram Highway, glaciers, deserts, forests, flora, fauna, heritage, culture, and traditions. Pakistan is home to five of the world’s fourteen Eight-Thousanders—mountain peaks that rise above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) and located in the northern regions of the country, particularly in the Karakoram and Himalaya Mountain ranges. Trekking, mountaineering, mountain and desert jeep safaris, camel and yak safaris, trout fishing, and bird watching are a few activities that enchant the adventure lovers in Pakistan. In 2017, over 1.75 million tourists visited.

Hunza Valley:

A beautiful valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, known for the Hunza river and the Karakorum Mountain range. As a traveler, experiencing Hunza Valley is like stepping into a fairytale, where every corner is adorned with breathtaking natural beauty, from the towering peaks of the Karakoram Range to the crystal-clear waters of the Hunza River. The warm hospitality of the locals, coupled with their fascinating traditions and vibrant festivals, adds a unique charm to the journey, making Hunza Valley an unforgettable and enriching experience for any adventurer. The valley is home to snow leopards, markhors, ibexes, and red-striped foxes.

Neelum Valley:

A 144 km long valley in Azad Kashmir, known for its scenic beauty, lush forests, and towering hills. In northern Azad Kashmir, the bow-shaped Neelum Valley is sandwiched between 13,000-foot peaks and blanketed by verdant forest and streams. The small hilltop village of Arang Kel, dotted with traditional wooden houses, is known as the pearl of Neelum Valley. Hiking paths around the valley afford prime views of mountains and waterfalls.

Kaghan Valley: 

Northern Pakistan’s picturesque Kaghan Valley is a place of fairytales. It is an alpine valley in Balakot Tehsil, Mansehra District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Visitors from around the world travel to Kaghan Valley for its mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and clear night skies. Pakistan’s most well-known lake, Saif-ul-Malook Lake is located in the valley. Naran, Shogran and Babusar top are among the most liked tourist destinations in the valley. Kaghan Valley, situated about 240 km from Islamabad, is easily accessible via the newly constructed Hazara Motorway, making the journey a smooth and scenic 4–5-hour drive from the capital.

Swat Valley: 

Swat is a breathtaking valley locally known as ‘Mini Switzerland’. It is cherished by millions for its stunning snow-capped mountains, glaciers, rivers, and scenic views. Sawt is a popular destination for skiing, hiking, rock climbing, ziplining, horseback riding, ice skating, fishing, sledding, ice hockey, bandy, snowboarding, and camping. It is also well-known for captivating souvenirs—local gemstones, jewelry, handwoven textiles, carved wooden furniture, local crafts, etc. Kalam, Mahodand Lake, and Malam Jabba are popular tourist spots in the valley. The region IN Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also boasts a deep historical significance, as it was once a center of Buddhism, evidenced by ancient relics and stupas scattered across the valley. Swat’s captivating beauty, coupled with its rich heritage, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Pakistan’s beauty.

Naltar Valley: 

Naltar is a beautiful miracle of nature. Three lakes ornament this valley beyond expectations. Strangi Lake, Blue Lake, and Bodlok Lake are the striking features. Forests, wildlife, birds, and, above all, the most hospitable local people are very few of the many reasons to visit this place again and again. Naltar Valley is merely 34 km away from the capital of the province of Gilgit-Baltistan, Gilgit City. The popularity of this valley as a ski resort in winter is increasing like a snowball with every passing moment. Milky ways in the nights, skies full of stars, and gleaming lights of small but serene cottages make this place indescribably beautiful and full of charm. This valley is fertile with surprises for the visitors. Three lakes ornament this valley beyond expectations. Strangi Lake, Blue Lake, and Bodlok Lake are the striking features of this mesmerizing valley. This valley is a must-visit place.

Phandar Valley:

Phander Valley is a strikingly beautiful valley full of orchards and green fields, with the Gilgit River flowing through the center of the valley. Gilgit River has beautiful turquoise-blue water in this area. It provides travelers with the vibrant colors of autumn. Turquoise blue water, meadows, and a contrast of nature’s colors leave visitors completely stunned.

Astore Valley:

Astore Valley is known as the “Land of Pastures,” not only of colossal beauty but is also composed of large geographic variety and contrasts, offering the adventurous traveler endless trekking options. It is a mountainous valley in Gilgit Baltistan and one of the most favorite destinations in North Pakistan. Deosai Plains, Rama Lake, Minimurg, and Rupal are the places that travelers should visit.

Gojal Valley:

Sparkling view as you overlook the glacier—as if a river flowing from a mountain just got frozen for infinite time. Gojal Valley is such a mystical place. Hospitable local people in villages Gulmit, Kamaris, and Ghulkin. A traveler visits Hussaini Bridge, Passu Mountain and Attabad Lake. Attabad Lake’s vibrant turquoise waters cut through the rocky terrain. The serene landscape is a popular stop for tourists who can take boats out on the water.

Kalash Valley:

Kalash Valley is known for its unique culture and stunning natural beauty. The valley is home to the Kalash people, who have their own distinct language, religion, and way of life. Visitors can explore the traditional houses, attend colorful festivals, and enjoy the picturesque scenery of the valley.

 Kumrat Valley: 

Nestled amidst lush green meadows and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Kumrat Valley offers a visual feast for nature enthusiasts. With its dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and panoramic views, Kumrat seems to come straight out of a postcard.

Baltoro is one of the longest glaciers in the world. It is a popular trekking destination, a jumping-off point to mountaineering destinations like K2, Broad Peak, and the Gasherbrum peaks at its head. The area is known for its unique scenery.

Fairy Meadows: 

Fairy Meadows, nestled in the heart of Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. It is renowned for its verdant plateaus and the imposing presence of Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak. Located in the Diamer District, this scenic meadow was given the name “Fairy Meadows” in 1953 by Austrian climber Hermann Buhl. Visitors to Fairy Meadows can stay in small on-site cabins or designated campsites. Camping or staying in a traditional wooden cottage offers a unique experience, especially on clear, full-moon nights, with the moonlight reflecting off the icy peak of Nanga Parbat, showcasing nature’s beauty and peace. Fairy Meadows has long captivated backpackers, climbers, wildlife researchers, photographers, painters, geologists, and nature lovers. The area features virgin pine forests home to diverse bird and wildlife species. It offers majestic views of Nanga Parbat’s North Face.

The second-highest mountain on Earth after Mount Everest. It is situated in the Gilgit-Baltistan Region of Pakistan. The traditional route to its base camp goes from Skardu, which is linked with Islamabad by a good road. K2 has been only scaled by around 425 people including 20 women since 1954 as it is more physically difficult to ascend compared to other peaks. Wasfia Nazreen of Bangladesh became the first person from Bangladesh to scale Pakistan’s K2 in July 2022.

K2 has been only scaled by around 425 people including 20 women since 1954 as it is more physically difficult to ascend compared to other peaks. Photo: Collected

Deosai National Park:

Deosai National Park, a part of the Conservation International Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, hosts diverse species such as the Tibetan wolf, Himalayan ibex, Tibetan red fox, and golden marmots. Its waters contain large local snow trout. Deosai Plains are considered the second highest plateau in the world. Each spring, the lush valley is swept by wildflowers and rare butterflies, earning the name “Summer’s Palace” by locals. The Deosai Plain, 30 kilometers from Skardu, is the world’s second-highest plateau.

Makran Coastal Highway:

The Makran Coastal Highway is a scenic drive along Pakistan’s Arabian Sea coast. Lunar rock formations line a section of the highway known as the Buzi Pass.

Hingol National Park:

Hingol National Park is renowned for its diverse wildlife—Sindh leopards, chinkaras, honey badgers, and Indian pangolins. It is perhaps best known for its cluster of active mud volcanoes.

Deserts: Pakistan has some of the world’s most beautiful deserts—the Thar desert and Cholistan. Other deserts are the Thal Desert, the Kharan, and the Katpana Desert (Cold Desert).

World Heritage sites:

Pakistan also contains six of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

1. Archaeological Ruins of Moenjodaro; 2. Ancient Monuments at Makli;
2. Thatta, Archaeological Complex of Taxila; 4. Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi;
3. Remains at Sahr-i-Bahlol and Lahore Fort & Shalamar Gardens in Lahore; and
4. Deosai National Park

Dhaka to Islamabad: The Dawn of a New Era

Fifty-three years down the road, Pakistan and Bangladesh are rethinking their strategies to introduce a new era in their bilateral relations. In 2022, Bangladesh exported 74 million dollars to Pakistan. The same year, Pakistan exported $839 million. Yet lack of direct flights and sea linkages between Bangladesh and Pakistan, along with obstacles in the issuance of visas, are considered to be a major impediment for promoting cultural, educational, and business ties. Although many Bangladeshis are interested in traveling to Pakistan, there are no direct flights from Bangladesh to any city in the country. According to Tanjir Hossen from Revive Tourism Network, currently the Thai Airways Dhaka to Karachi fare per adult will be 1,61,300 BDT, Flydubai: 1,37,000 BDT, Qatar Airways: 1,89,100 BDT, and Emirates: 1,94,921 BDT. On the other hand, it will be possible to reach Karachi directly from Dhaka in three to three and a half hours with a moderate fare.

To boost people-to-people contacts, recently Pakistan has provided a free e-visa application for Bangladeshi citizens. Where E-Visa is available within a few hours if Bangladeshi citizens apply online. The resumption of direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi is under consideration which if done will boost medical and adventure tourism between the two countries in the wake of recent political development in Bangladesh.

Managing Director of Pakistan tourism development corporation Aftab ur Rehman Rana expressed his views by stating that- ‘Pakistani government has announced a new visa policy aimed at increasing tourism and attracting foreign investment by offering online visa application facilities and waiving visa fees for nationals of 126 countries. The program also reflects Pakistan’s desire to strengthen regional ties, particularly with neighbors such as Bangladesh. This approach may also open up new investment doors for Bangladesh in Pakistan’s expanding markets. Bangladeshi investors may discover new avenues for partnership in industries such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology. Both nations stand to gain from more trade, partnerships, and investments as regional economic linkages strengthen.’

Pakistan stands as a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural richness, inviting adventurers and travelers alike to explore its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant heritage. From the enchanting valleys of Hunza and Naran to the majestic heights of K2, the country offers an array of experiences that cater to every wanderer’s heart. With a growing focus on enhancing tourism infrastructure, including improved access routes and streamlined visa processes, Pakistan is poised to welcome even more visitors eager to uncover its hidden gems. As travelers embark on their journeys through this extraordinary land, they not only witness the unparalleled beauty of its mountains, valleys, and historical sites but also engage with its warm and hospitable communities. The allure of Pakistan lies not just in its stunning vistas but in the stories that each destination holds, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.