Northern Pakistan packs more world-class scenery into a few hundred kilometres than almost anywhere on earth — five of the world's 14 highest peaks, turquoise lakes, cold deserts and ancient cultures. Here are the 12 places worth building a trip around.
1. Hunza Valley
The icon of the north: stone villages, the 900-year-old Baltit and Altit forts, fruit orchards and views of Rakaposhi. Best April (blossom), June–September and October (autumn). → Hunza Valley & Naltar tour
2. Skardu & Baltistan
Raw, dramatic landscapes — the Kachura lakes, Sarfaranga cold desert, Shigar valley and the gateway to K2. → Skardu & Deosai tour
3. Deosai National Park
The "Land of Giants" — the world's second-highest plateau at ~4,000 m, home to Sheosar Lake, Himalayan brown bears and summer wildflowers. → Skardu & Deosai tour
4. Fairy Meadows & Nanga Parbat
A green alpine shelf staring up at the world's 9th-highest peak, reached by a famous jeep track and a short hike. → Fairy Meadows & Beyal Camp tour
5. Naran, Kaghan & Saif-ul-Malook
The most popular summer escape — the legendary Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Lulusar and Babusar Top. → Naran & Shogran tour
6. Khunjerab Pass
The highest paved border crossing in the world (4,693 m) at the Pakistan–China border, inside Khunjerab National Park. Included on our Hunza loops.
7. Naltar Valley
Pine forest, a ski resort and the jewel-coloured Naltar (rainbow) lakes, reached by jeep above Gilgit. → Hunza Valley & Naltar tour
8. Kumrat Valley
Quiet pine forests, the Panjkora river and the Jahaz Banda meadow — the off-grid alternative to the crowds. → Kumrat tours
9. Neelum Valley
The emerald valley of Azad Kashmir — Sharda, Arang Kel, Taobat and the alpine Ratti Gali Lake. → Neelum Valley tours
10. Swat & Kalam
The "Switzerland of Pakistan" — green meadows, rivers and Mahodand Lake. → Swat & Kalam tour
11. Chitral & the Kalash Valleys
Remote culture and the unique, ancient Kalash people and their festivals. → Chitral & Kalash tour
12. Shandur — the Roof of the World
The world's highest polo ground, host to the legendary summer Shandur Polo Festival. → Shandur Polo Festival tour
When should you go?
| Season | Best for |
|---|---|
| Apr–May | Hunza blossom, lower valleys |
| Jun–Sep | Everything — high passes & lakes open |
| Oct | Autumn colour in Hunza |
| Nov–Mar | Snow scenery; many high roads closed |
Plan your trip
Whether you want one region done well or a grand multi-valley loop, browse all our guided group tours — or tell us your dates and we'll suggest the right route.