Travelling is something that you should never stop doing. It’s a process that helps you evolve in a variety of ways that you can’t possibly imagine unless you try it yourself. I am sure at this point in life almost everyone has seen many travel vlogs and documentaries to help them inspire to go to a particular place or whatnot. Travelling to other countries may sounds exciting but travelling within your own hometown is much more exciting. There are some best places to visit in northern Pakistan like Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan, Hunza valley, Nanga Parbat, Khaplu Valley, Neelam Valley, Swat, Yarkhun Valley, and Broghil Valley
Places to go in 2022:
Travelling to other foreign countries is fun of course, but to start from your own home country is always the best idea. While travelling you get to see amazing views of your hometown, Sometimes you get awestruck and wonder am I really in Pakistan? Like every place has its own beauty to appreciate, same goes to the country as well. Every country is different in its own aspects. You will find out how you feel about your homeland and experience the hospitality of the natives which you’ve never experienced before. You will find out how much you know or you do not know about your own country.
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You will be able to observe how you react in completely new situations. Moreover, you will test your language, orientation and social skills but after that you will not be the same person after returning home.
1. Rakaposhi Base Camp:
I don’t know about you all, but Rakaposhi top is one of my intense desire place to visit in northern Pakistan, because I’ve been having craving to visit the base camp of this majestically enchanting mountain for a while. The best way to explore the mountainous regions is through hiking because through hiking you take your sweet time to really admire the beauty of it all. You all need to be in shape of ascend in order to go on hiking. Some people with altitude sickness encounter breathing problems on a certain height. Again, research about your destination and only undertake the journey which you know is possible and easy for you, otherwise you’ll get sick or hurt yourself.
The hike to Rakaposhi Base Camp is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes you can do in Pakistan. Most people hike the Base Camp with a guide in 2 – 3 days with a night camping stay at various spots but a hike till base camp can be done in 1 day as well. The Rakaposhi Mountain is a 7,788 m high mountain in the Karakoram mountain range located in the Nagar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The name Rakaposhi, means “snow-covered” which came from one the fact that you can see its extraordinary rise of its snow-covered peaks all the way from the Karakoram Highway route that goes through Nagar Valley. You can even see its majestic wall of snow all the way from Hunza Valley.
The base camp stands at 3,500 m for any hikers to climb and witness the majestic mountain up close and personal. The best time to trek to base camp is from May-October.
2. Ratti Gali Lake:
The trek to Ratti Gali Lake is second on my list after Rakaposhi Base Camp. The Ratti Gali Lake is an alpine glacial lake which is located in Neelam Valley, Pakistan Administered Kashmir at the altitude of 12,130 feet (3,700 m). The lake is fed by the nearby glacier waters of the mountains. It is one of the best lake of Pakistan as well as of world. The lake is approachable through a bank and unpaved jeep track from Dowarian. After the jeep track there is a hiking trek full of dazzling and breathtaking views. End of July, August and September is the best month or time to visit Ratti Gali Lake. A breathtaking sight, a place where you can stop, jaw gape, and breathe it in. A brown mountain range encircles the lake, surrounding its calm glacial waters.
3. Skardu:
It’s not possible to see all of Skardu in one trip, because it’s a huge region with so many attractions and thrilling destinations. Skardu has so much to offer. Skardu is located in the Baltistan division of Gilgit Baltistan. In Spring you can enjoy the stunning views of Apricot and Cherry blossom. Similarly, in autumn you can see the colorful fall season. Skardu is really a wonderful place to just have a luxurious vacation.
Here is the list of top sights in Skardu:
Deosai National Park:
Deosai is one of the best places to visit in northern Pakistan. It is also one of the most famous places to visit in Skardu. The Deosai National Park was established to secure the lives of several animals and birds species for example Snow Leopard, Red Fox, Himalayan Brown Bear, Wolf, Golden eagle, Sparrow Hawk etc. The National Park is only visited in summer, welcomed by a breath-taking view of flowers and butterflies. Deosai is one of the most famous places to visit in Skardu. It is also called the Land of Giants, because of its elevation.
Upper Kachura Lake:
This is the most fascinating lake in Skardu valley, with a depth of almost 60 meters is located 20 Km from Skardu city. In the local Balti language, it is called Foroq Tso. Upper Kachura Lake is one of the top places to visit in Skardu.
Satpara Lake:
Satpara Lake is the bright blue lake, bursting with rainbow. It is surrounded by the glacial mountains and carrying a mesmerizing lake in its middle. This lake is the ultimate fairy-tale resort in the beautiful valley of Skardu. Satpara Lake is also known for fishing and boating.
Basho Valley:
Basho is a lush green beautiful valley located at a distance of 20 Km from Skardu airport. The valley is famous for its pine forests. In addition to that, there are lush green meadows and waterfalls. Basho can be accessed by 4*4 vehicles and jeeps only.
Katpana Lake and Cold Desert:
Katpana lake is one of the best places to visit in northern Pakistan. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Skardu. In between Skardu Airport and Lake, there are sand dunes. These sand dunes are no less than a wonder in between the mighty mountains of Karakoram and the Himalayas. It is also on the list of famous places to visit in Skardu. Sand Dunes in Skardu are located near the Indus River covering the two main deserts; Katpana Desert and Shigar desert. These Sand dunes are also known as cold desert holds a magnetic attraction in them.
Lower Kachura Lake Shangrila:
Heavenly Shangrila Resort is built on a beautiful lake and is located 35 minutes from Skardu. It is surrounded by fascinating sceneries. This resort is best known for boat riding in Skardu. The resort is built on the bank of Lower Kachura Lake. It is also a famous picnic point and attraction in Skardu.
Manthal Budha Rock:
Manthal village is located at the right bank of Hargisa river in Skardu. The Buddhist rock is situated in this village. This Buddhist rock was engraved by Buddhists when Buddhism was practiced in Skardu. Buddhist monks of that time engrave drawings of their visions, experiences, and images of Buddha with texts written in the Tibetan Language. Moreover these Buddhist rocks were the place of their worship till the mid of 14th Century A.D before the advent of Islam in Baltistan region.
Shigar Fort:
Shigar valley is watered by the Shigar River and is the gateway to the mighty Karakoram Mountains. Shigar is one of the best places to visit in northern Pakistan and is 23km away from Skardu. Moreover, it is a attractive village that flourish with crops and fruits of all sorts for example apricots, walnuts, pears, peaches, and grapes. However, Shigar Fort was the residence of a local Ruler. It is recently modernized by Agha Khan. In addition to that, there is a Wooden Mosque built by Kashmiri Carpenters in the middle of Shigar Valley.
Kharphocho Fort:
The ancient and famous fort gives a hilltop view of the whole town. There is a powerful flow of Indus River under Kharpocho Fort. This fort has a historical mosque that dates back to the ancient rulers of Skardu.
Nansoq Organic Village:
Nansoq is the first organic village in Pakistan. It is located behind the well-known Kharpocho fort, this village has been visited by Charles and Prince of Wales and Duchess Of Cornwall recently.
There is so much to see and admire in this world, if one country and one region has this much to offer, imagine how much this whole world has to offer to us. Nature is divine and we try as much to see the infinite nature with our finite eyes as possible. Travel more and let yourself experience the magic and awe of it all.
