Pakistan’s northern regions are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes, from majestic mountains to serene lakes and lush green valleys. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, honeymoon traveler, or nature lover, these places offer unforgettable experiences. If you’re planning a trip in 2025, here are the top 10 northern areas in Pakistan, complete with locations, accessible routes, and weather conditions.

1. Hunza Valley – The Crown Jewel of Pakistan
Location:
Located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza Valley is about 98 km (2 hours) from Gilgit city.
How to Reach:
- By Air: Fly to Gilgit Airport from Islamabad, then take a 2-hour drive to Hunza.
- By Road: Travel via Karakoram Highway (KKH) from Islamabad (600 km, 14-16 hours).
Weather:
- Summer (May-September): 10°C – 25°C (ideal for sightseeing).
- Winter (December-February): -10°C – 5°C (perfect for snow lovers).
Top Attractions:
Attabad Lake – A stunning turquoise lake.
Passu Cones – Iconic peaks along the Karakoram Highway.
Baltit & Altit Forts – Historical gems showcasing Hunza’s heritage.
Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint – A mesmerizing sunset spot.
Related: Hunza Valley Tour Guide 2025
Related: Attabad Lake Tour Guide 2025
Related: Passu Cones Travel Guide 2025

2. Skardu – Land of Lakes and Peaks
📍 Location:
Skardu lies in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, about 620 km from Islamabad.
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Air: Direct flights from Islamabad to Skardu Airport (1.5-hour flight).
- By Road: Karakoram Highway → Skardu Road (20-22 hours drive).
🌦 Weather:
- Summer (June-September): 15°C – 30°C (best for trekking & sightseeing).
- Winter (December-February): -10°C – 5°C (snowy landscapes & frozen lakes).
Top Attractions:
✅ Deosai National Park – Known as the “Land of Giants.”
✅ Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake) – A dreamlike destination.
✅ Sheosar Lake – Crystal-clear lake with views of Nanga Parbat.
✅ Shigar & Khaplu Forts – Ancient forts preserving Balti culture.
Related: Deosai National Tour Guide

3. Fairy Meadows – The Gateway to Nanga Parbat
📍 Location:
Fairy Meadows is located in the Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, near Nanga Parbat (8,126m).
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Road: Drive from Islamabad to Raikot Bridge (10-12 hours), take a jeep ride to Tattu Village, then hike for 3-4 hours to reach Fairy Meadows.
🌦 Weather:
- Summer (May-September): 5°C – 20°C (best for trekking).
- Winter (October-April): -15°C – 0°C (mostly inaccessible due to heavy snowfall).
Top Attractions:
✅ Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek – One of the best treks in Pakistan.
✅ Camping under the stars – Perfect for adventure seekers.
✅ Raikot Bridge Jeep Ride – A thrilling off-road experience.
Related: Fairy Meadows Travel Guide 2025

4. Swat Valley – The Switzerland of Pakistan
📍 Location:
Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), 250 km from Islamabad.
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Road: Islamabad → Mardan Motorway → Swat (5-6 hours drive).
- By Air: Direct flights to Saidu Sharif Airport from Islamabad.
🌦 Weather:
- Summer (April-September): 15°C – 30°C (perfect for family trips).
- Winter (December-February): -2°C – 10°C (ideal for snowfall lovers).
Top Attractions:
✅ Malam Jabba – Pakistan’s top ski resort.
✅ Mahodand Lake – A scenic high-altitude lake.
✅ Kalam Valley – Known for its waterfalls and lush green mountains.
Related: Swat Valley Travel Guide 2025

5. Naran & Kaghan Valley – A Nature Lover’s Paradise
📍 Location:
Located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, about 280 km from Islamabad.
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Road: Islamabad → Abbottabad → Balakot → Naran (8-9 hours drive).
🌦 Weather:
- Summer (May-September): 10°C – 25°C (ideal for tourism).
- Winter (November-March): -10°C – 5°C (heavy snowfall, roads closed).
Top Attractions:
✅ Lake Saif-ul-Malook – A fairytale-like lake.
✅ Babusar Top – A breathtaking mountain pass.

6. Neelum Valley – Kashmir’s Hidden Gem
📍 Location:
Neelum Valley is located in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, about 130 km from Muzaffarabad.
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Road: Islamabad → Muzaffarabad → Keran → Sharda (8-10 hours drive).
🌦 Weather:
- Summer (April-September): 15°C – 30°C.
- Winter (December-February): 0°C – 5°C (light snowfall).
Top Attractions:
✅ Keran & Sharda – Charming riverside villages.
✅ Arang Kel – A scenic village offering breathtaking views.

7. Murree & Nathia Gali – The Most Accessible Getaway
📍 Location:
Murree and Nathia Gali are part of the Galiyat region in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Punjab, about 60 km from Islamabad.
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Road:
- Islamabad → Murree Expressway → Murree (1.5-hour drive)
- Islamabad → Abbottabad → Nathia Gali (3-hour drive)
🌦 Weather:
- Summer (April-September): 15°C – 25°C (pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing).
- Winter (November-February): 0°C – 5°C (heavy snowfall, ideal for snow lovers).
Top Attractions in Murree & Nathia Gali:
✅ Patriata (New Murree): A popular tourist attraction featuring chairlifts, cable cars, and breathtaking hilltop views.
✅ Mall Road: A lively street filled with traditional shops, restaurants, and a bustling atmosphere.
✅ Ayubia National Park: A protected area with diverse wildlife, hiking trails, and panoramic views.
✅ Dunga Gali Pipeline Track: A scenic walking route with forested trails leading to Ayubia.
✅ Mukshpuri & Miranjani Top: Famous hiking trails offering stunning views of the entire Galiyat region.
Murree and Nathia Gali are perfect weekend getaways for people living in Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation.

8. Shounter Valley – A Hidden Paradise in Azad Kashmir
📍 Location:
Shounter Valley is located in Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), near the Pak-China border, at an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,170 ft).
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Road:
- Islamabad → Muzaffarabad → Kel → Shounter Valley (10-12 hours drive)
- From Kel, a 3-4 hour jeep ride takes you to Shounter Valley.
🌦 Weather:
- Summer (June-September): 10°C – 20°C (best time to visit).
- Winter (October-May): -5°C – 5°C (snow-covered, difficult to access).
Top Attractions in Shounter Valley:
✅ Shounter Lake: A beautiful alpine lake surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks.
✅ Chitta Katha Lake: A stunning blue-green lake accessible via a challenging 5-6 hour trek from Domel.
✅ Glaciers & Waterfalls: The valley is filled with mesmerizing waterfalls and glacial streams.
✅ Wildlife Spotting: Home to snow leopards, Himalayan bears, and ibex.
Shounter Valley is an off-the-beaten-path destination, perfect for adventurers, trekkers, and photographers looking for untouched natural beauty.

9. Kumrat Valley – The Untouched Beauty of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
📍 Location:
Kumrat Valley is located in the Upper Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), about 370 km from Islamabad.
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Road:
- Islamabad → Dir → Thal → Kumrat Valley (10-12 hours drive)
- A 4×4 jeep is required for the last stretch from Thal to Kumrat.
🌦 Weather:
- Summer (May-September): 15°C – 25°C (ideal for exploring nature).
- Winter (November-March): -5°C – 10°C (snow-covered landscapes, but difficult to access).
Top Attractions in Kumrat Valley:
✅ Panjkora River: A crystal-clear river flowing through the valley, perfect for fishing and picnicking.
✅ Katora Lake: A high-altitude lake with a scenic 4-5 hour trek from Jahaz Banda.
✅ Jahaz Banda Meadows: A lush green plateau offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks.
✅ Kala Chashma (Black Spring): A famous freshwater spring known for its unique color.
✅ Densely Forested Areas: One of the few untouched alpine forests in Pakistan.
Kumrat Valley is an untouched paradise, perfect for camping, hiking, and nature photography.

10.Ratti Gali Lake – A Mesmerizing High-Altitude Lake
📍 Location:
Ratti Gali Lake is a glacial lake located in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, at an altitude of 3,683 meters (12,083 ft).
🚗 How to Reach:
- By Road:
- Islamabad → Muzaffarabad → Dowarian (8-10 hours drive)
- From Dowarian, a 2-hour jeep ride takes you to the base camp, followed by a 2-3 hour trek to reach the lake.
🌦 Weather:
- Summer (July-September): 10°C – 20°C (best time for trekking and camping).
- Winter (October-May): -10°C – 5°C (lake remains frozen, difficult to access).
Top Attractions in Ratti Gali Lake:
✅ Crystal-Clear Waters: The lake’s stunning blue-green waters reflect the surrounding glaciers.
✅ Camping & Trekking: Camp overnight under a star-lit sky and enjoy scenic trekking trails.
✅ Wildflowers & Meadows: The area around the lake blooms with colorful flowers during summer.
Ratti Gali Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Pakistan, attracting nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers.
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Which northern destination are you planning to visit in 2025? Let us know in the comments!