Islamabad – E11 – A perfect place to unwind and lodge when you need a break from the city’s hustle bustle. A nice walk in the evening along the road, a gorgeous sunrise over the Margallas and a night full of croaking toads – an experience you will never forget.
Skardu (Gilgit Baltistan) – Travel only if you have the heart to enjoy long, tedious rocky rides. Skardu is the central valley of Gilgit Baltistan and a perfect blend of beauty, tranquility and wilderness.
Lower-Kachura Lake (Skardu) – Popularly known as Shangrilla is a gorgeous lake edged with pretty cottages, restaurants and flower gardens. Turn the image upside down and appreciate the miraculous mirror-image.
Upper-Kachura Lake (Skardu) – Bordered by old dramatic trees and large pieces of rocks – this amazing lake stands still, peaceful and serene even if it is drizzling and the temperatures are low. Trek around the lake for a better look at the nature’s miracle.
First Organic Village (Skardu) – Cross a dozen small brightly-coloured bridges and enter Nansoq – the first organic village in the region which is free from artificial manure, pesticides and chemicals. Mud houses surrounded by old trees, fruit orchards, vegetable gardens and natural fish farms with sweet tasting water is situated on the bank of the mighty Indus river.
Kharpocho Fort (Skardu) – means the King of Forts is a grand 600 year old spectacle for the eyes – the wood crafting, huge stones; boulders have been skillfully used for the construction of the walls. Unfortunately the fort needs attention from the authorities to restore this historical piece of art.
Satpara Lake (Skardu) – a natural lake which supplies water to Skardu Valley, known for fishing and boating and is surrounded by 7 mountains. A brilliant turquoise coloured clear lake stands still until the dust-storm hits it, which is a norm here.
Shigar Fort (Skardu) – means Fort on Rocks, originally known as Fongkhar meaning the Palace on Rocks in local Balti language. This fort has been restored by Agha Khan Cultural Service Pakistan and converted to a museum and a luxury hotel managed by Serena Hotels. Located on the legendary route to the world’s second highest mountain K-2 surrounded by lush green fields and irrigated by the waters from the glaciers of Baltistan. The restaurant here offers good local Balti cuisine.
Sarfaranga – Cold Desert (Skardu) – The rough terrain of freezing cold desert 7,500 feet above sea level and leads to K-2 base. This high altitude desert is located between Skardu and Shigar. It’s a barren strip dotted with sand dunes and swept by freezing tundra winds.
Katpana (Skardu) – The mystic beauty of white sand-dunes is also known as cold desert. Stunning white sand meets the snowy mountains and touches the blue sky above.
The Chaqchan Mosque (Khaplu) – The oldest mosque in GB means the miraculous mosque. The mosque’s wooden interior is influenced by Kasmiri, Persian and Tibetan architecture. The interior is quite vibrant and colourful and is almost 700 years old.
Khaplu Fort (Khaplu) – means Fort on the Roof, locally known as Yabgo Khar is an old fort and palace. The structure of the palace is heavily influenced by Tibetan, Balti, Kashmiri and central Asian architecture. The Palace restaurant offers some excellent local cuisines that you must try.
Manthokha Waterfall (Kharmang – Skardu) – Commonly thought to be one of the biggest waterfalls of Pakistan, this place features lush green pastures, streams, exotic birds soaring high and towering mountains of Karakoram. Enjoy a steaming cup of tea in front of the mighty waterfall.
Rama Meadows (Astore) – Thickly forested with huge pine, cedar, fir and juniper trees, is covered in snow for 7–8 months of the year. In summer, it becomes lush green with a large number of colourful butterflies. If you are fortunate you can view the world's 9th highest mountain the Nanga Parbat under the clear blue sky.
Gilgit City – Gilgit is fairly stable and safe compared to other regions. Gilgit Baltistan is home to five of the 8000 peaks and to more than 50 peaks above 7,000 meters. Three of the world's longest glaciers outside the Polar Regions are found here. The main tourism activities here are trekking and mountaineering.
Borith Lake (Gulmit Gojal – Hunza) – It is the best place to get disconnected and connect with nature. Enjoy the best tea served by Zahid, who is very passionate about this place he owns and a proud son of Tawakal Khan sahab. Experience the glorious sunrise at the turquoise, crystal-clear lake and you may trek towards Passu Glaciers if the weather conditions are favourable.
Hussaini Suspension Bridge (Upper Hunza) – Known as the most dangerous bridge in the world, the Hussaini suspension bridge is one of the many precarious rope bridges in GB. This rope bridge is quite long and not well maintained. Many planks are missing and the bridge shakes when it’s windy. Despite its dangerous looks the Hussaini bridge is a relatively safe bridge and has become something of a tourist attraction over the years. Many hikers testing their nerves as they carefully work their way across it, little realizing the agony of the villagers who cross it with loads on their back.
Gul-e-Gulmit (Gojal – Hunza) – Surrounded by mountains, this is a place where serenity and solitude is blended well with nature. With a clear view of Passu cathedrals as you drive down the valley. There are many hotels and historic places located in Gulmit; such as worship places, library, religious community centers, old carpet house, music school Bulbulik School, Bozlanj café run by women and hotels for tourists. Nazir Ahmad Babul the poet and an educationist was born and lived here. Cross Gulmit and reach Passu to revel in the grandeur of Passu cones and enjoy a freshly baked apricot cake at Glacier Breeze and a steaming cup of French-pressed coffee or the local green tea (tumoro – wild thyme tea).
Gulkhin (Gojal – Hunza) – Located in Gojal it occupies the site of an old glacier fed lake. The central area of this village now supports several dwellings and fields, including a strip of land often used as a cricket pitch. You will find a 350 year old Royal Maktab here, which was restored and funded by Federal Republic of Germany and Agha Khan Cultural Service Pakistan.
Hussainabad Tunnel Sost (Gojal – Hunza) – You will notice the old writing at the Mount de Shishkgeen the "Islam Zindaabad, Pakistan payindaabad" as you enter the area. The developmental and upgrade work initiated at Hussainabad Tunnel Sost opening-end by the help of community donors will be transformed into a full fledged tourist visiting site. Go cave exploring but try not to soil the drinking water.
National Logistics Cell Silk Route Dry Port Sost (Sost) – It is open until early evening. NLC is an organization affiliated with the Pakistan Army, located in Sost town of Gojal Valley, Hunza. It is committed to contribute towards the development and prosperity of GB.
Khyber – Ghalapan – Jamalabad – Hussainabad (Gojal – Hunza) – Visit these small villages on your way to Sost and back. The landscape is gorgeous, the weather sunny and bright mostly. Enjoy a nice glass of cold refreshing Chamos (dried apricot juice) at Ghalapan (Mini Switzerland) as they call it. We stopped at a brightly coloured roadside café Highway Food Point.
Shimshal (Gojal – Hunza) – Shimshal "The Valley of Mountaineers," is the largest village of Hunza valley and attracts foreign tourism for years now. Over twenty well known mountaineers from this valley have made Pakistan proud in the field of tourism. There are almost 250 houses in Shimshal and nearly all houses use solar panels to generate electricity.
Karimabad (Hunza) – Major attractions in Karmiabad and Aliabad are: Baltit Fort – Handicrafts, wood work and dry fruit shops – bookstores – hotels serving local food such as Hidden Paradise – walnut cake at Café de Hunza – Altit Fort – Ganish (1000 year old settlement) – Eagles Nest – Hooper Glacier to name a few.
Ganish (Hunza) – 1000 year old historic Ganish settlement is the oldest on the ancient Silk Road in the Hunza Valley. Ganish means gold in Brushaski. A site of various ancient watch towers, traditional mosques, religious centers and a reservoir.
Duikar (Altit – Hunza) – Popularly known as Eagles Nest, Duikar is the top view point in Altit village from where you can see 7 famous mountain peaks. Enjoy the sunset and the sunrise over Rakaposhi, Golden Peak, Diran, Lady Finger and the Ultar Peaks. You’ll feel as if you’re on top of the world or on top of Hunza!
Immit (Ishkoman – Ghizer) – If you are fortunate you will find home stay here which is always the best option to experience local hospitality, culture and norms. It is the central village of Ishkoman valley and should be explored with a local.
Barsuwat (Ghizer) – A small glacier melt has swollen Barsuwat nullah in the Ishkoman valley of Ghizer district in Gilgit-Baltistan, creating an artificial lake and blocking the flow of the Immit River. The river flow has been blocked and the stagnant water has created an artificial lake similar to Attabad Hunza Lake.
Darkut (Yasin Valley) – A historical place and has been a passage way for important persons. It is the last village of Yasin Valley, moving towards Chitral. A mountain pass (Darkut pass) that connects Yasin valley with Boroghil (valley), Chitral. There is a hot spring gushing from the ground at a distance of 2 kilometers.
Phander (Ghizer) - The deep blue Phander River is a treat to the eyes and soul offering a magnificent sunrise and sunset view and is basically home to trout fish which is quite rare to find. Even though there is an official ban on fishing but is overlooked not by locals only but by officials and hotel owners around the area.
Shandur Pass/Top – Located between Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan as a common shared pass is often termed as the 'Roof of the World'. This flat plateau is famous for Polo Festival held in the 1st week of July every year. Shandur Pass is an old and historic crossing point between Chitral and Ghizer (Gilgit). The Polo Festival is being held each year since 1936.
Chitral (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) – The capital of the Chitral District, situated on the Chitral River in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Chitral also served as the capital of the princely state of Chitral until 1969. Located among Hindukush Mountains, Chitral is gifted with mysterious and steep mountains, lush green valleys, beautiful meadows and huge glaciers. Tirchmir is the highest peak in this range of Hindukush at 25,263 feet. There are many Polo grounds in Chitral and if you are lucky then you might witness a match.
Kalash Valley (Chitral) – The Kalash people live in three isolated mountain valleys: Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir. These valleys open towards the Kunhar River. This part of the world is extremely fertile, the mountainside filled with rich oak forests and intensive agricultural growth, the fact that most of the work is done not by machinery, but by hand. Wheat, maize, grapes, mulberry, apples, apricots and walnuts are among the many foodstuffs grown in this area.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – From Chitral to Thal to Jandrai to Jahaz Banda; start your hike up to the Takki Banda and further trek till Jahaz Banda surrounded by snow clad mountains. The trek goes through a stunning path of dense forest, sturdy roots with sparkling streams flowing in curves through the pastures. On the way you come across mountains goats, cows, sheep, horses and donkeys grazing the green meadows.
Trek down further to witness a mighty abshar (waterfall). Walk around the lush meadows, dip your feet in cold feet-numbing River or walk in the not-so-deep part of the river with sharp edged stones. End your expedition around the gushing river with a steaming cup of doodh patti (milk tea) and hike back to the Jahaz Banda campsite before dark.
Jamia Masjid (Thal) – An ancient masjid, constructed about 150 years ago. It was constructed in 1865 and was built totally with Cedar and Walnut wood. The wooden roof is supported by the wooden pillars inside the main mosque. These pillars are engraved and beautifully painted and are the masterpieces of the regional architecture and drawing. The walls of the masjid and ceiling are constructed from walnut wood.
Swat (Utror or Atror) – this valley is located in the Dir District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. It is surrounded by snow clad mountains, green pastures, lofty hills, thick forests, exotic wildlife and waterfalls makes it a worthy place to visit. Uthror is one of the beautiful valleys in district Swat. It is the land of mountains and beautiful lakes. Uthror is 16 km from Kalam valley where tourists enjoy fishing or hiking around the enchanting valleys.
Peshawar – It is the capital of the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Situated near the eastern end of the historic Khyber Pass and close to the border with Afghanistan, it is the oldest city in Pakistan and one of the oldest cities in the world. An old portion of this city is known as the walled city of Peshawar. Many of the walls were built here and during the British Raj. Tourist attractions here are: Qissa Khuwani bazar, Peshawar museum, Sunehri Masjid, Mahabat Khan masjid, Sethi House museum, Chowk Yadgaar, Bab-e-Khyber (Khyber Pass), Bala Hisar Fort, University of Peshawar and Islamia College to name a few.
Taxila - Located in the Rawalpindi district of Pakistan’s Punjab province, it is a vast sequential site with archaeological remains of four early settlement sites, Buddhist monasteries and a Muslim mosque and madrassa. In its glory days it was one of the main cities of the ancient Kingdom of Gandhara, and included much of what are now northern Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan. What makes Taxila unique and fascinating is the mainly Buddhist art and architecture of the Gandharan period. The city attracted monks, nuns, pilgrims and students from across Asia; even today it attracts Buddhist pilgrims from as far as Southeast Asia and Japan. However, it was never exclusively a Buddhist city; there is a Jain temple and the Hindu scholar Pāṇini among the ruins. Persians, Greeks, Central Asians and Hindus have all left their marks on the area.
World Heritage Sites: There are some three dozen large and small sites which include stupas, monasteries, and other ancient buildings spread out over a wide area. Some well-know and must-explore places are:
1- Khanpur Cave
2- Sirkap
3- Sirsukh
4- Jandial complex
5- Lalchak and Badalpur Buddhist stupa
6- Mohra Moradu stupa and monastery
7- Pippala stupa and monastery
8- Julian stupa and monastery
9- Buddhist remains around Bhallar stupa
10- Giri Mosque and tombs
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