Islamabad: Pakistan is currently attempting to market itself as a winter tourism destination. The country’s picturesque north has long been a favorite spot for mountaineers from all over the world.
Every year, in Pakistan’s snow-covered valleys, winter sports and cultural festivals are held to draw both local and foreign visitors to encourage adventure and winter tourism. With some restrictions related to the coronavirus this year, Pakistan is ready to welcome visitors to well-known winter travel locations. As the new virus strains continue to cause worries, travelers are required to carry a proof of vaccination, either in hard copy or digital format.
Winter Destinations
Pakistan is well-known for its magnificent mountains, historical landmarks, fine dining, and friendliness. There are five peaks in Pakistan that are higher than 8,000 meters, including K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.
Through the organization of adventurous sports and cultural events, the government is progressively investing in facilities and infrastructure to provide more attractions for tourists, skiers, hikers, and mountaineers. The air safari service operated by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also restarted. The journey to Skardu is dubbed “the most scenic and exciting flight” because it offers breathtaking vistas of the highest mountains in the world.
Hunza and Skardu in Gilgit-Baltistan
Spread over 72,400 sq km, Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region is where the three mightiest mountain ranges, Himalayas, Karakorams and Hindu Kush, meet. The scenic valleys Gilgit, Hunza and Skardu in the shadows of towering snow-clad peaks have attracted travellers for decades. Hunza valley offers exceptional views from lofty peaks to historic buildings to unique culture and heritage including the 1000-year-old Altit fort and 700-year-old Baltit fort.
The famous crystal clear Attabad Lake is also near Hunza. British mountaineer Eric Shipton called the Hunza valley “the ultimate manifestation of mountain grandeur” with the iconic Rakaposhi mountain as the valley’s star attraction. The region offers splendid views of Pakistan’s loftiest peaks and unforgettable sunrises, according to visitors. Some of the winter sports attractions in Gilgit Baltistan include the snow marathon in Khunjerab, ski traversing in Deosai, skiing in Naltar and Astore and ice hockey in Hunza.
Swat, Galiyat and Kumrat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is known for its diverse natural beauty and magnificent valleys including the Swat, Kaghan and Kumrat valleys. Swat Valley, with its green pine trees, snow-capped peaks and glistening lakes, is also known as the Switzerland of East.
The remote valley of Kumrat is called the “hidden gem of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” due to the valley’s fairytale ambience, deodar-forested mountains and waterfalls. Another worth visiting region in KP is the Galiyat area which includes Nathiagali, Donga Gali, Changla Gali and Ayubia. Snow festivals with thrilling adventure activities are the key attractions for tourists in the Galiyat region.
Neelum Valley
In Pakistan-administered Kashmir is the 144 km long and bow-shaped Neelum Valley. The valley is surrounded by mountains, dense forests, and glistening freshwater streams. Referred to as the “blue gem,” Neelum Valley is increasingly becoming a sought-after winter travel destination as the local government promotes the area with lively festivals and sporting events.
Quetta and Ziarat in Balochistan
Balochistan is a place of amazing topographical and geological features, featuring spectacular mountain ranges, beautiful deserts, and a magnificent coastal region that includes Astola Island and Gwadar Beach. Among the most breathtaking deserts in the area are those of Nushki and Kharan. With the second largest juniper forest in the world, Ziarat Valley is the most visited tourist destination. Summers in the valley are still cool, while winters bring snowfall. Another stunning location close to Quetta that is blanketed with snow during the winter is Hanna Lake. Balochistan’s Hingol National Park is well-known for its diverse animal life and striking rock formations.
Forts, Deserts and Beaches in Sindh
If you don’t like the icy valleys, there are sand dunes, breathtaking vistas, verdant meadows, and shimmering beaches along the Arabian Sea in central Pakistan. The well-preserved ancient city of Moenjo Daro, a remnant of the Indus Valley Civilization, as well as a number of heritage sites and forts, gorgeous beaches, and Karachi, the provincial capital, are all located in the province of Sindh. In deep Sindh, where summer temperatures typically range from 40 to 50 degrees Celsius, winter is the ideal season to learn about the local way of life. The forts at Ranikot, Umerkot, and Kot Diji showcase Sindh’s magnificence and evoke memories of the era when Pakistan was the birthplace of civilizations.
Mughal Era Monuments, Culture and Heritage Sites in Punjab
The Punjab province is home to many heritage and cultural sites and comprises rich agricultural lands, an extensive network of rivers and channels, shrines, and Mughal-era forts and gardens. It is a melting pot of religions and cultures with Sufi shrines, Buddhist monasteries Sikh gurdwaras and Hindu temples spread across the province. The rich culture of the walled city of Lahore, sacred shrines in Multan, glorious palaces in Bahawalpur and Derawar Fort in the Cholistan Desert are some of the most attractive tourist destinations.
After the Murree tragedy, the police has strictly asked tourists to come fully prepared by storing extra fuel, charged batteries, tow and snow chains, and be extra careful while snapping selfies and check the weather conditions before travelling. Meanwhile, the visitors have urged authorities to improve food and lodging standards, keep a check on the local tourism industry and ensure sustainable tourism by introducing littering fines and proper waste management and recycling facilities.
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