Best Places for Winter Tourism in Pakistan
There are many fascinating places of nature in Pakistan. In addition to the beautiful mountain ranges, there are charming valleys, deserts, enchanting lakes that captivate the heart. People of Pakistan mostly visit these beautiful and cool areas in summer. Even in winter, Pakistan is a very beautiful country for tourism. Many people prefer to spend winter indoors, but some enjoy the season outdoors, on snowy mountains and lakes. December and January are important months to visit some of the most touristic places in the country. There is no dearth of beautiful places in Pakistan to enjoy the winter season. Some of the important ones are listed below.
Muree
Located at an altitude of around 7,000 feet, Murree is a popular weekend destination for those living in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and other nearby areas. Surrounded by lush pine forests and majestic mountain peaks, this charming area is a tourist attraction throughout the year. Pleasant weather, vibrant lifestyle and scenic views make Murree a great place to spend some time with family during summer vacations but in winters Murree turns into a snow covered area to enjoy the snowfall. There is a rush of tourists here in the winter season. Some of the important tourist spots in and around Murree include Mall Road, Pindi Point, Kashmir Point, Chatter Park, Bhorban, Ayubia and Patriata. Apart from this, Murree boasts of high class hotels, guesthouses and resorts. Some of the most popular restaurants and cafes among the best winter vacation spots in Pakistan include Des Pardes Murree, Osmania Restaurant, Thali Restaurant, Murree Tabaq Restaurant and Surkh Piyaz. Branches of international food chains like Pizza Hut, Gloria Jane’s Coffee and KFC are also present in Murree, due to which tourists do not have to face any difficulty.
Malam Jabba
Malam Jabba is located at a distance of 50 km from Saidu Sharif, the capital of the Swat Valley. It is a magnificent hill station in the Hindu Kush mountain region. The charming holiday destination attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. Malam Jabba Ski Resort owned by Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation has a ski slope of about 800 meters. Malam Jabba is widely known for the slope of its highest peak, which is about 9,000 feet above sea level. Its chairlifts, which offer a breathtaking view of the snow-covered valley during the winter months. Apart from the chair lift and skiing platform, the charming resort also has an ice skating rink among other modern facilities. Those who enjoy trekking can also enjoy two popular trails located in the area, one of which starts about 18 km from the ski resort and passes through Shangla Top while the other from the resort. It is located at a distance of 17 km and passes through the Sabunif valley. Finding hotels and restaurants in Malam Jabba is not difficult. Due to the huge influx of tourists in the past few years, access to urban amenities in the area is not difficult.
Nathia Gali
Nathia Gali is considered a real piece of heaven on earth. Nathia Gali is about 7,900 feet above sea level. Hence it is cooler throughout the year than other areas of Galyat.This place is known for its breathtaking scenery, hiking trails. During winters, there is heavy snowfall, with temperatures dropping to -8 degrees Celsius during extreme winters. Although heavy snowfall during the cold winter months may make trekking difficult for some people, the area still attracts winter and snow enthusiasts. To promote tourism, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has introduced camping pods in Nathiagali along with some other famous tourist spots of Pakistan. There are many famous spots like Dinga Gully, Patriata Chairlift, Ayubia Pipeline Track, Samudr Katha Lake,Mushkpuri Top.
Gorakh Hills
A beautiful hill station called Gorakh Hill Station in Dadu district of Sindh has been built for many years to provide a hill station to the people of Sindh. Gorakh Hill Station is located in the Kirthar range at an altitude of 5,688 feet.
It is the only place in the entire province that receives light snowfall during the winter months and temperatures drop below zero.Gorakh Pahari is a beautiful tourist destination during winter for those living in Karachi. Many tour groups offer cheap weekend trips to Gorakh Hill throughout the year. Gorakh Pahari is neither densely Forests nor snow covered. Surrounded by mountains, this area is a great place for bonfires, soulful music and camping.
Chitral
Chitral is the best place for winter tourism in Pakistan. Due to the completion of the Lowari Tunnel, this beautiful region is now accessible all year round. Situated at an altitude of about 4,900 feet above sea level, Chitral is surrounded by the majestic Hindu Kush range, including the famous Kalasha, Bamborit, Rambur and Bario valleys. Trekking in Chitral is not usually possible in winter due to heavy snowfall, but it is a popular spot for skiing enthusiasts. Chitral has hotels and rest houses as well as various eateries that serve delicious local cuisine. Additionally, if you travel to Chitral in mid-December, you can also witness the colorful and vibrant Kailash Winter Festival.Major tourist attractions here include Chitral Fort, Chitral Museum of Archeology and Ethnology, Old Royal Fort at Mastoj, Chitral. Gol National Park and most importantly the famous polo ground of Chitral.
Kalam Valley
Kalam Valley is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan in winter. Located in the upper reaches of the beautiful Swat Valley, Kalam is a popular winter tourist destination for its picturesque scenery, lakes, mesmerizing Swat River, snow-clad dense forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. This beautiful tourist spot is located at an altitude of about 6,600 feet and the temperature here drops to 1 degree Celsius in winter. Popular tourist spots here are Osho, Mataltan and Atrur, Mahudand Lake and Kandol Lake. Many hotels in Kalam valley and apart from the restaurant, the local people here are very hospitable. So that the tourists do not face any problem.
Naltar Valley
Naltar valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is situated at an altitude of 7,999 feet and is about 40 km from Gilgit city. This valley is famous for its cold weather. Tourists from all over the world come to enjoy the natural beauty of Naltar Valley.
Naltar Valley is a beautiful place to visit in any season, but the winter months offer some of the most breathtaking scenery. Snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes are some tourists’ dreams. Naltar valley is one of the magical places for tourists in winter season. It is the best place for skiing in winter. Winter is an exciting opportunity to spot snow leopards in the Naltar forest.
Azad Kashmir
Azad Kashmir is a land of pure natural beauty and exquisite simplicity. It is considered as “heaven on earth” because of its lush green plains and magnificent mountains and trees. Kashmir is home to a variety of landscapes. There are snow-capped mountains, lakes, magnificent forested slopes, and glaciers. It is a great camping spot for tourists in winter.
Hunza Valley
Winter starts from November in the most beautiful Hunza Valley of Pakistan.
Hunza valley Famous for snow hockey, many tourists visit this valley in winter. Snowy and frozen Attabad Lake is the most amazing sight of nature. The mighty lake turns into an ice park in winter and even small cars can drive over the lake. Car drifting on the frozen lake is one of the most mesmerizing moments of Hunza in winter. Along with the beauty of the Hunza Valley, one can also enjoy the recreational activities. The tourist places here are Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Hussaini Bridge, Passu Peak.
Tourists can spend their winter vacations in these regions by choosing any beautiful place to enjoy these beautiful views of nature.
Nabila Ameer
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