Life & Style

4 cities in Pakistan you must visit this winter

Planning a trip? Visit these places within your country before you consider going abroad

Ayesha Mahboob Alam October 08, 2015

Take a break and explore these beautiful parts of your country!

KARACHI: Planning a trip this winter? Visit these places within Pakistan before you consider going abroad. Travelling to these cities is affordable, and the experience, unparalleled.

1. Hunza

View of Hunza Valley from Karimabad. Photo: Jialiang Gao

One of the most beautiful places in Pakistan and a popular tourist destination, Hunza is a treat for everyone in winters. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains like Ultar Sar, Hunza Peak and Passu Peak, and boasts breathtaking views along with a rich culture as it was once a princely state.

The Baltit Fort. Photo: Yasir Nisar

Some popular places to visit in Hunza are: Karimabad, Altit, Attabad lake, Baltit fort and Passu. Feeling adventurous? You can also go trekking on one of the mountains.

Attabad Lake. Photo: Shehzaad Maroof

2. Gilgit

Photo: Historypak.com

The capital city of the Gilgit-Baltistan region is another beautiful destination spot located near Hunza. Gilgit is surrounded by many valleys like Astore, Naltar, and Haramosh which provide absolutely spectacular views.

Haramosh Valley. Photo: Flickr

Naltar Valley. Photo: Danial Shah

The city is home to delicious fruits and friendly people. It also hosts many cultural festivals. Once you go there, you will want to visit repeatedly!

Apricots of Gilgit. Photo: skardu.pk

Cultural festival in Gilgit. Photo: Travel Pakistan

3. Quetta

Photo: Dost Pakistan

Quetta is exceptionally beautiful in the winters. It is known as the fruit garden of Pakistan because of the delectable Pashtun cuisine, fruits and dry fruits it offers. The interesting Buzkashi festival is held in Quetta every year in which two teams on horse-back attempt to snatch a goat from each other.

The Buzkashi festival in Quetta. Photo: Dost Pakistan

Dry fruits in Quetta. Photo: Danial Shah

4. Abbottabad

Abbottabad in winters. Photo: Abbottabad.com.pk

Abbottabad is a city located in the Hazara region in KPK. It is known for its beauty and pleasant weather, and is surrounded by hills. The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) is located here, which gives additional charm to the small city.

Photo: Defence.pk

The parade at PMA is something you can't miss! Photo: Screengrab of video by Pakistan Military

The towns of Nathiagali and Thandiani are very close to Abbottabad and they are both gorgeous places.

Nathiagali. Photo: PakWheels

Thandiani. Photo: TourisminPakistan.com

So, which city will you be visiting this winter?

COMMENTS (16)

Naif | 9 years ago | Reply Hii to everyone...where to visit with family in a winter season in Pakistan (best tourist spots...) If any one can direct me.. Thanks

Rollin & Trollin | 9 years ago | Reply I don't why the beautiful exotic Gwadar is not on that list, with all the hip in-crowd from Karachi lazing on its sultry beaches; gorgeous by sunset ! Great seafood as well. The northern part of the country while beautiful, becomes almost inaccessible due to flight cancellations and fog come winter time.

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Aam Admi Bechara | 9 years ago | Reply @Glowing Pakistan: Billions have been "spent" on Gorakh Hills by corrupt sindhi governments yet the place remains devoid of basic tourist facilities and wadera corruption party waderas' gangs of robbers are another threat to the tourists from outside interior sindh hence it cannot be put with other tourist places in Pakistan

Lolz | 9 years ago | Reply @Antiq: Gilgit and Hunza are accessible via roads 12 months a year! Perhaps you are confused due to Lowari Tunnel of Chitral which is located in KP. Gilgit, Hunza and all parts of Gilgit Balktistan are very much accessible in winters.

Fahim | 9 years ago | Reply I never visited Hunza in winter due to unable to fly and harsh weather conditions

imran | 9 years ago | Reply @stranger If you are white , do not bother about your colour to be unique as we have very gorgeous pathan race with similar features as europians and extremely handsome. If you are Indian , we have most attractive Punjabi and Sindhi people of Indo Aryan origin. If you are Chinese , then China is our best friend. So just dress yourself decently and Welcome to Pakistan. If you know just a few words of Urdu it will be awesome.

Antiq | 9 years ago | Reply This is the outcome of sheer lack of research. Hunza, Gilgit are not accessible via roads in winters. Even if you take the plane to Skardu yet you won't be able to sight see much in winters.

bharat | 9 years ago | Reply Well millions of tourists could come here if it was marketed

Parvez | 9 years ago | Reply When you write something like this ....... You must give places to stay and costs.

Pakistani Dude | 9 years ago | Reply @Stranger: If you keep tab on international news, you will come to know that many foreign tourists have recently visited Pakistan and have come back home safe and 'alive' with praises for Pakistan's hospitality.

Ahmed | 9 years ago | Reply @Stranger: Yes it gets very cold but if you dress warmly and take precautions you will not die.

NOT FROM PAK YOUZ SEEEZ | 9 years ago | Reply @Stranger: Chances are close to 0.326% from the statistical analysis of NOOOOOT RETURNING I did based on temporary movement of civilian between the 4 outlined destinations. Even that we are referring to City center (district council). Factoring in a 5+ day stay then your chances become grim by jumping up to 0.569%. If not all some parts will return one way or another. If you want avoid even the minutes of statistical inferences then don't come at all. YOU WON'T BE MISSED..... IAM 100% Sure of than one.

Irtiza | 9 years ago | Reply @Stranger: The situation is not good in some parts of the country. You show some courage and I am sure you will be fine in these areas.

Stranger | 9 years ago | Reply U paint a rozy picture . but what are the chances of my coming back alive from these places . I am not from Pak you see...

Glowing Pakistan | 9 years ago | Reply Also include Murree!!! Queen of Hills. And also Gorakh Hills in Sindh which receive snowfall almost in every winter.

Pakistani | 9 years ago | Reply Pakistan is very beautiful .......

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