Your next winter adventure

When winter sets in, many travelers in Pakistan instinctively head to familiar northern hotspots like Murree, Nathiagali, or Hunza. These destinations offer comfort, convenience, and the assurance of well-trodden paths. Yet, beyond the beaten track lies a world of untamed beauty and hidden gems—places that remain untouched by the masses and brimming with secrets waiting to be discovered. Few daring adventurers and content creators chart these unknown terrains, sharing their experiences and opening doors for others to follow.

In a land as diverse as Pakistan, countless winter wonders remain under the radar. Thanks to the power of social media, particularly TikTok and Instagram, these hidden locales are finding their way into the spotlight. To understand this fascinating interplay of exploration and technology, we spoke to the fearless travelers and creators who have ventured into the unexplored and brought their findings back to the world. Their stories reveal not just the breathtaking beauty of these destinations but also the challenges, inspirations, and impacts of unveiling Pakistan’s winter secrets.

Off the beaten path

"In the pursuit of the unknown, I've spent years uncovering the secrets of Pakistan's winter landscapes," reveals Zunair Kamboh, his voice filled with the excitement of a treasure hunter. "From the mangrove forests of Karachi to the snow-capped peaks of the north, every destination is a new adventure waiting to happen."

Laeeq Abbas, a seasoned adventurer with a penchant for the extreme, recounts his heart-stopping journey to Rakaposhi Base Camp on his trusty Suzuki 150cc bike. "The icy roads and freezing winds were unforgiving, but the breathtaking views of the snow-covered Rakaposhi peak were the ultimate reward," he reminisces. "It was a journey that tested my limits, but also reminded me of the awe-inspiring beauty of Pakistan's winter landscapes."

Asif Ashoor, a vlogger and photographer with a passion for capturing the untamed beauty of Pakistan, shares his own tale of adventure and discovery. "Trekking from Skardu to Astore via Alam Pass was a journey that pushed me to my limits, but also deepened my appreciation for Pakistan's natural beauty," he reflects. "The snow-clad peaks, the pristine valleys, and the serene lakes all combined to create an experience that was nothing short of magical."

For Zunair, the discovery of hidden gems is a constant source of inspiration. "I've explored many lakes in Skardu that were unknown to the masses," he reveals. "Kharfak Lake, for instance, was not famous four to five years ago. Today, it's a popular destination, thanks to social media."

Laeeq echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of showcasing Pakistan's untapped beauty. "As a content creator, I believe it's my responsibility to promote Pakistan's tourism industry," he asserts. "By sharing my experiences and showcasing the country's hidden gems, I hope to inspire others to explore Pakistan's winter landscapes."

"My goal is to raise awareness about Pakistan's diverse winter destinations and give people a chance to experience their natural beauty and tranquility," he asserts, his passion for promoting Pakistan's tourism industry evident in every word,” he added.

Asif concurs, highlighting the need to preserve Pakistan's natural beauty for future generations. "As a photographer and vlogger, I've had the privilege of capturing Pakistan's breathtaking landscapes," he reflects. "However, I also believe it's our responsibility to promote sustainable tourism practices and preserve the country's natural beauty for future generations."

Social media influence

In today's digital age, social media has revolutionised the way we explore and discover new destinations. For Laeeq, social media has played a pivotal role in shaping his travel decisions and content creation. "It has opened doors to discover hidden destinations and unique experiences through the shared journeys of others,” he reveals. “Platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide a constant flow of inspiration, encouraging me to think creatively about the places I visit and the stories I want to tell."

By providing a platform for creators to share their stories and showcase breathtaking landscapes, social media has democratised travel content creation, inspiring a new generation of travelers to venture off the beaten path. "Platforms like TikTok have been instrumental in highlighting lesser-known places such as Rakaposhi Base Camp in winter or the Sarfaranga Cold Desert in Skardu," Laeeq explains. "The ability to visually share the journey, the challenges, and the breathtaking beauty of these locations inspires others to explore them."

Asif echoes this sentiment noting that such platforms provide a direct way to connect with a wider audience and promote tourism. “Social media has been a game-changer for my travel journeys. It not only helps me discover new destinations but also provides a platform to share my experiences with a global audience."

Drawing an analogy between social media platforms and cricket formats, Zunair put forth an example: "There are three categories in cricket. One test match, one day, and then T20. The most watched video these days is like the T20. In the same way, TikTok is the T20 of social media. You can put Facebook or Meta apps in one day. And put YouTube in that category. In the same way, some of my videos that are viral on YouTube and Facebook, When we meet in the public, they don't say that I saw your vlog on Facebook. I saw your vlog on YouTube. No. The most viewed videos in Pakistan are on TikTok."

"If a person is viral or has a positive or negative message, Whether it's your vlog or personal vlog, First of all, your message reaches the public through TikTok quickly. Which is the issue in Pakistan. So TikTok is the best platform for discovery," Zunair added, highlighting the platform's ability to amplify messages and inspire action.

Rewarding content

For Zunair, the true reward of sharing his travel experiences lies in the impact it has on others. "When we are in winter, you are standing on a check post, or you are standing on a hotel or a city, the most enjoyable thing is when the passerby says, ‘I saw your video and reached here’," he shares.

Laee shares a similarly inspiring story of how his content helped put a hidden gem on the map. "One of my most memorable success stories is from my trip to Bilamik Valley in Skardu. When I visited this stunning location, there were only three guest houses, and the owners were disheartened due to the lack of tourists, despite the valley’s breathtaking beauty."

Laeeq’s decision to capture the beauty of Bilamik Valley and share it through his TikTok videos had a profound impact, inspiring thousands of others to visit this hidden gem. The response was overwhelming, with the number of tourists visiting Bilamik Valley surpassing the total number the valley would typically see in an entire year. "The guest house owners were so grateful that they called me personally to thank me for putting their valley on the map," he recounts.

Asif too had a similar effect on his viewers: "Many followers have reached out to share how my content inspired their trips to places like Skardu and Deosai. One family even mentioned they planned their entire winter vacation based on my recommendations, which was incredibly fulfilling to hear."

Challenges and opportunities

Pakistan's tourism industry is at a crossroads, with social media playing a pivotal role in shaping its future. As the country's breathtaking landscapes and hidden gems gain global attention, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

"Pakistan’s tourism industry faces several challenges and opportunities when it comes to social media promotion," Laeeq notes. "One major challenge is the lack of proper infrastructure and facilities in many tourist destinations, which can make travel difficult for visitors. Additionally, limited internet connectivity in remote areas hinders consistent content creation and sharing."

However, he also highlights the immense opportunities that social media presents for promoting Pakistan's tourism industry. "Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become powerful tools for showcasing hidden gems and attracting both local and international audiences. Viral content can not only promote the beauty of these destinations but also provide economic benefits to local communities."

Recommendations for adventurers

For travelers looking to venture off the beaten path and explore Pakistan's hidden winter destinations, Zunair offers a wealth of advice and recommendations. "Like the whole of Sindh. I am still in Sindh. Our interior is a different pleasure of Sindh," he begins, his voice filled with excitement. "Karachi is a different world in Sindh. That is, the whole seaside is in Karachi. You can do the best kind of tourism in it. And in the interior, there are all kinds of cultures. And also, the biggest fort in Asia, Rani Kot."

Laeeq’s advice to travelers exploring alternative winter destinations in Pakistan is to plan wisely and embrace the adventure. To start, it's essential to research and prepare thoroughly, understanding the destination, its weather conditions, and road accessibility during winters. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid any unexpected challenges. Additionally, packing appropriately is crucial, as winter destinations in Pakistan can be extremely cold. Be sure to carry proper winter clothing, snow boots, and essentials like gloves and thermal wear.

Safety is also a top priority, especially when traveling to remote areas. Always travel in well-maintained vehicles, and if you’re biking, ensure your gear is winter-ready. Furthermore, respecting local communities is vital, engaging with the locals, respecting their traditions, and supporting local businesses. This not only enhances your experience but also contributes to the local economy.

Finally, when capturing and sharing your experiences on social media, ensure that your content doesn’t harm the environment or disrupt the natural beauty of the place. By being mindful of your impact, you can help preserve the beauty of Pakistan's hidden winter destinations for future generations.

Asif, offering his own set of recommendations for adventurers looking to explore Pakistan's hidden winter destinations, says, "Plan ahead, research the destination thoroughly, and prioritise safety. Respect the local culture and environment, and always travel with appropriate winter gear to enjoy the experience to the fullest."