7 Incredible Pakistan Adventures For Your Bucket List

Pakistan may not be the most visited destination globally, helping to keep its sweeping views and supernatural mountainous scenery unspoiled. It’s hard for intrepid adventurers not to love the magical, rugged landscapes embroidering this South Asian country. If Pakistan sits atop your dream list of places to explore, this article may help you! Find a list of incredible Pakistan adventure tours and treks below.

Pakistan’s Hunza Valley is home to some of the world’s most impressive mountain scenery. Located in northwestern Pakistan, several peaks in the region rise over 19685ft in elevation, providing truly world-class mountain views. In addition to mountains, the region boasts magical castles, watch towers, and forts to explore. The Karakoram Highway runs through the valley, and driving the winding road reveals why this region is so spectacular. From the sky-high Babusar Pass to the dense green river valleys, there are no shortages of picture-perfect spots. Off the roadway, the bright blue waters of the Attabad Lake are the perfect spot for a warm day of boating.

Aside from driving a road that’s considered to be the 8th wonder of the world, there is plenty of exploring to do on foot. A dizzying trip over the Hussaini suspension bridge, which is one of the longest of its kind, is the perfect way to admire the Hunza river delta. Traversing to nearby glaciers and mountain viewpoints will leave you with memories you’ll never forget.

Hunza Valley Highlights

• Unforgettable views of the Himalayas, including heavenly Duikar and Babusar Pass
• World-class sightseeing while driving along the Karakoram Highway
• Recreational boating and jet-skiing on Attabad Lake
• Incredible local history, rich culture, and welcoming locals

Best time to visit the Hunza Valley

The best time to visit the Hunza Valley is between April and October. For recreational activities on Attabad Lake, consider visiting in the summer months (June-August) for the warmest weather.

Chitral Valley is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful regions, and it’s a must for anyone seeking breathtaking mountain scenery. Located in northern Pakistan, Chitral Valley is surrounded by some of the world’s tallest peaks and is the perfect setting for the adventure of a lifetime. Among sulphur springs, forests, and flowing rivers, there is no place quite like it. Additionally, the culture of the region is unique and fascinating to immerse yourself in.

The region’s impressive history means you get the opportunity to explore historic gathering sites, visit beautiful mosques, and shop in dazzling markets. The indigenous Kalasha people are the perfect source of knowledge when learning about and exploring this amazing place. The huge Shandur Pass plateau is a once-in-a-lifetime camping spot, where you can lay out under the Milky Way and sleep under the watch of the Hindu Kush mountain range. Stopping by Chitral Gol National Park is a must, where three valleys join together and several glaciers move across the land. Keep an eye out for wildlife here, including ibex, snow leopards, lynx, and eagles. Visiting the Chitral Valley is a must for anyone keen to explore Pakistan’s beauty.

Chitral Valley Highlights

• Enjoy spectacular views of the Hindu Kush mountains
• Experience the unique culture and hospitality of the Kalasha people
• Camp under the stars at the impressive Shandur Pass plateau
• Sightsee and wildlife spot to your hearts’ content in the incredible Chitral Gol National Park

Best Time to Visit Chitral Valley

The best time to visit Chitral Valley is between April and October. If you enjoy hot weather, visiting from June-August is best. For more mild temperatures, spring or fall visits are ideal.

Chitral Valley Tours

The Skardu Valley is nestled along the Indus River, which lies between the Karakoram range and the Himalayas. Perched under K2 and other imposing peaks, the Skardu Valley enjoys a prime location that makes it an ideal destination for those seeking an incredible trip. Mountaineers, hiking enthusiasts, and those with a love of high-altitude scenery will be amazed at the Skardu Valley.

The Skardu Valley shares cultural similarities with Tibet, and being near the Pakistani border with China gives it a unique cultural feel. The area that extends between Gilgit and Baltistan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its natural beauty. The largest protected area in Pakistan, Central Karakoram National Park, is also within the valley. Watching a sunset over the dunes in the Katpana Cold Desert is an unforgettable moment, and exploring the Deosai Plateau is exhilarating as you traverse sky-high scenery. The Skardu Valley is a must-see for anyone planning their Pakistan adventures.

Skardu Valley Highlights

• Experience sights that only come with being nestled in between the world’s highest mountain ranges
• Explore stunning natural areas, like the Central Karakoram National Park and the Katpana Cold Desert
• Marvel at the unobstructed Milky Way from wilderness campsites on lakeshores
• Immerse yourself in unique culture reminiscent of Tibet

Skardu Valley Highlights

The best time to visit Skardu Valley is between April and October. For hotter temperatures, visit during the summer months (June-August). If you prefer milder temperatures, a spring or fall visit is ideal.

Skardu Valley Tours

No trip to Pakistan is fully complete without appreciating the sky-high mountains of the region. Nanga Parbat, often called Diamer by locals, is the ninth tallest mountain in the world. At an imposing 26660ft above sea level, it’s a spectacular sight! This mountain is the far-western anchor of the Himalayas and a dramatic sight.

The dramatic Rupal Face rises 15092ft from the base of the mountain, making it a must-see feature. The mountain is one of only two in the world that rank in the top twenty as both the highest mountains and the most prominent peaks. The other? Mount Everest. The perfect way to view Nanga Parbat is from Fairy Meadows and Beyal base camp, which makes for an unforgettable trip.

Nanga Parbat Highlights

• Marvel at the beauty of the ninth-tallest mountain in the world
• View the historic climbing routes and dramatic faces that make this mountain so famed
• Explore the lush forests and glacial fields that make this region so unique
• Drive down exhilarating 4×4 roads not often traveled

Best Time to Visit Nanga Parbat

The best time to visit Nanga Parbat is between April and October. Temperatures and weather can be extreme in the region, so consider booking in the summer months if you prefer hotter temperatures, and in the spring or fall for more varied weather conditions.

Nanga Parbat Tours

Perched 29029ft above sea level, K2 is the second-tallest mountain in the world, behind only Mount Everest. It straddles the border between China and Pakistan, and is a sight seen only by a lucky few. Visiting Pakistan gives you the rare chance to marvel at K2’s splendor in person!

K2 is both the highest point of the Karakoram range and Pakistan. The King of Mountains is a notoriously dangerous and difficult climb, perhaps more difficult than Everest despite being shorter. No worries! You can appreciate its beauty from the safety of the ground. Trekking to base camp is a simply unforgettable peek at a part of the world only a select few ever experience.

K2 Highlights

• K2 is the second-tallest mountain in the world, making it a marvel-worthy sight to behold
• Climbing K2 is said to be the peak mountain challenge, and you can view the historic faces that climbers attempt
• Camping at the renowned Concordia campsite surrounds you in some of the most splendid scenery on earth
• Challenge your mountaineering skills by crossing the Gondogoro Pass

Best Time to Visit K2

The best time to visit K2 is during the summer months when the weather is mild- from June-August. Outside of the summer season, weather can be extreme and unpredictable.

K2 Tours

The heavenly Gondogoro La Pass sits 18323ft high in northern Pakistan. Those seeking the most epic travel experience possible will revel in its scenery! The pass is 15.5mi south of K2, the second-tallest mountain in the world. It serves as the connection between the Gondogoro Glacier and the Vigne Glacier, and provides unforgettable views of the Karakoram range, making it one of the most impressive vistas in the world.

The trek across Gondogoro La Pass is an exceptional opportunity to exercise real mountaineering skill in some of the most rewarding terrain on earth. Trekking across the pass provides views that many mountaineers have called the finest in the world, and well worth the physical challenge. Peaks including K2, Gasherbrum II-IV, Broad Peak, and Laila Peak are all included in the views.

Gondogoro La Highlights

• Views that are regarded as some of the finest alpine vistas in the world
• Admirable trekking through real mountain terrain
• Viewpoints of K2, the world’s second-tallest mountain
• Staggering views of the Karakoram Range

Best Time to Visit Gondogoro La

The best time to visit Gondogoro La is during the summer months. Early summer (June) provides the easiest time to cross the pass, as snowmelt in August can increase technical demands.

Gondogoro La Tours

The ethereal Snow Lake is a glacial basin high in the Karakoram mountain range of northern Pakistan. 16001ft above sea level, Snow Lake is one of the most unique sights you can find while exploring Pakistan.

While not actually a lake, Snow Lake spreads across the basin between the Biafo and Hispar glaciers. This forms a 62.1mi long river of ice, which is a rare sight outside of the Arctic. The first foreign visitor to Snow Lake, Martin Conway, described it as “beyond all comparison the finest view of mountains it has ever been my lot to behold.” Visiting the vista inspires awe, to say the least.

Snow Lake Highlights

• An expansive view of a rare geological ice basin phenomenon
• Surrounded by some of the highest mountain peaks in the world
• The chance to camp beside Snow Lake provides a rare opportunity to experience Pakistan’s finest scenery

Best Time to Visit Snow Lake

The best time to visit Snow Lake is in the summer months, from June-August. The weather in summer is less extreme and much more enjoyable than any other time of year at this altitude.

Snow Lake Tours

Additional Treks in Pakistan

The enchanting, rugged scenery amounts to some pretty epic treks in Pakistan. Take a look at some awesome adventures worth looking into below:

• Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Basecamp Trek (7 days, moderate difficulty)
• Rakaposhi Base Camp Trek (6-9 days, moderate to challenging)
• Rupal Face and Mazeno La Trek (3-4 days, moderate difficulty)

As mentioned above, trekking in Pakistan is much easier to do with a tour guide or an adventure tour. Some of these off-the-beaten-path expeditions are best reserved for experienced trekkers only!

Is it safe to travel in Pakistan?

Many travellers enjoy safe, pleasant trips to Pakistan. Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK’s Foreign Office and the Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Do I need a visa to travel to Pakistan?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. Pakistan allows certain nationals to apply for tourist visas on arrival. If you are from a participating country, you can apply on the Government of Pakistan website.

What is the scenery in Pakistan like? Is Pakistan beautiful?

Pakistan is home to some of the most renowned alpine scenery in the world. The country contains several of the world’s highest mountain ranges, and visitors often regard the views in Pakistan as exceptional.

What is traditional Pakistani cuisine like?

Pakistani cuisine is often considered to be reminiscent of Indian and Chinese food. Eastern areas tend to have spicy, highly-seasoned food. Western and northern provinces tend to serve milder dishes.

What are the highlights of Pakistan’s culture?

Thanks to its geographical, historical, and ethnic diversity, Pakistan boasts a vibrant culture. There are over 15 distinct ethnic groups in Pakistan, each of which enjoy their own customs, dress, food, and celebrations. There are over 70 languages spoken in Pakistan, and each cultural group provides their own distinct contribution to Pakistan’s rich culture as a whole.

Is Pakistan expensive?

Pakistan is generally regarded as having a low cost of living. Travellers should consider the costs of mountaineering equipment and guides when budgeting for their travel plans.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Pakistan?

Check with your family doctor or travel doctor. Those planning a stay longer than four weeks may need to provide proof of polio vaccination. Vaccinations against Japanese encephalitis and antimalarial drugs may be recommended based on your itinerary. IAMAT provides up-to-date vaccine suggestions for Pakistan.

Pakistan deserves to sit somewhere on your bucket list, especially if you’re an avid explorer. The scenery is like no other! So give us a shout if you’re interested in booking a tour in Pakistan, and we will point you in the right direction.