Whenever we think of
Pakistan, all that comes to our mind is terrorism, extremism, sectarianism,
corruption, load shedding, and inflation but despite all these issues, we immensely
love our country.
Amidst all the chaos
we have forgotten the beauty of our landscape.
Pakistan is full of
breathtaking locations which will make you fall in love with this country all
over again. If you are a tourist or love traveling then you must compile a
list of places you plan to visit next year.
Here are 10 destinations
from our list which you must visit in 2020. Your experience would be, indeed,
unforgettable:
1. Naltar valley
Naltar is famous for
its colourful lakes, it is situated at a drive of 2.5 hours from Gilgit.
World’s tastiest potatoes are cultivated here. Covered with pine trees, this
valley doesn’t seem to be a part of this world.
If you really want to
experience paradise in this world, you should visit Naltar at least once. This
place will make you fall in love with it.
2. Neelum Valley, Azad
Kashmir
Opposite to the Keran
sector of Indian-held Kashmir. From the Chella Bandi Bridge – just north of
Azaad Kashmir’s capital Muzaffarabad – to Tau Butt, a valley stretches out for
240 kilometres; it is known as the Neelum Valley (literally, the Blue Gem
Valley).
Neelum is one of the
most beautiful valleys of Azaad Kashmir, and it hosts several brooks,
freshwater streams, forests, lush green mountains, and a river. Here, you see
cataracts falling down the mountains; their milky-white waters flowing over the
roads and splashing against the rocks, before commingling with the muddy
3. Shangrila resort,
Skardu
In the extreme north
of Pakistan, Skardu the central valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, is an epitome of
beauty, serenity and wilderness.
After Jaglot on the
Karakoram Highway, a narrow road turns towards Skardu. During the seven-hour journey,
one is greeted with several streams, springs, and the hospitality of the local
people.
After crossing the old
wooden bridge built over the River Indus, one reaches Shangrila, a paradise on
earth for tourists. It is a famous tourist spot in Skardu, which is about 25
minutes away by drive. Restaurant in Shangrila
4. Gojal Valley
The Gojal Valley
borders China and Afghanistan, with its border meeting the Chinese border at
Khunjerab — 15,397 feet above sea level — and remains covered with snow all
year long.
In the north west,
there is Chiporsun, whose border touches the Wakhan region of Afghanistan.
Wakhan is about six square miles in area, after which starts Tajikistan. The
Karakoram Highway which connects Pakistan to China also passes through Gojal
Valley and enters China at Khunjerab.
5. Deosai Plains
Deosai is located on
the boundary of Karakoram and the western Himalayas, and at no point it is less
than 4000 meters above sea level. It remains covered with snow for 8 months.
The rest of the year, it hosts a range of beautiful flowers of all hues and
colours, but not a single tree is found in this plateau spread over 3000 sq.
km.
Sheosar lake is also
part of this. This lake is one of the highest lakes in the world. The deep blue
water, with snow-covered mountains in backdrop, and greenery with wild flowers
in foreground offer such a view in summers, that one is left amused for the
rest of his life.
6. Rama Meadow
Just a little ahead of
Rama Village, which is 11 kilometres from Astore, is a beautiful and serene
plain called Rama Meadow.
If you ever happen to
find yourself in plain, ice-cold and milk-white water flowing in streams, sheep
and cows grazing in peace, pine trees, Chongra’s ice-covered peak in
background, and Nanga Parbat’s southern ridge is in view, then you are probably
in Rama Meadow.
7. Paye
Shogran had seen an
influx of tourists, who trampled over its beauty, leaving it jaded. Siri Paye,
nonetheless, still retains its strong attraction for tourists as a green
plateau on top of the Hindu Kush. Engulfed in clouds and fog more often than
not, it entices many as a rendezvous which allows one to observe Nature play
peek-a-boo.
Here, you see numerous
small ponds filled with freshwater, meet horse-riders wandering about, and
smell wild yellow flowers blooming everywhere. With the Makra Peak set as a
backdrop, the beauty of the Siri Paye meadows comes to life.
8. Ayun and Bamburet
Valley
Ayun district is a
village of Chitral. Located 12 kilometres south of the city at the confluence
of the River Bamburet . There are no words to describe the beauty of the
mountains surrounding the village. Beyond Ayun valley is Bamburet Valley, it is
one of the three Kalash valleys.
Bamburet is nearly
two-hour journey from Chitral. Locals trace their roots to Alexander the Great
and Greece. Bamburet valley is a picturesque valley with lush greenery and
mountains that give you a sense of calm and solitude.
9. White Palace Swat
White Palace Marghazar
is the only breathtaking location in the Swat district that’s situated at a
distance of around 12 km from the city of Mingora. Not only do tourists visit
Marghazar for its natural beauty and pleasant weather but also to visit the
historic White Palace (1941), built during the era of Swat state.
After the White Palace
was constructed on the directives of the founder of modern Swat state, Miangul
Abdul Wadood also known as Badshah Sahab, Marghazar became the capital of Swat
state during summer season. Even today, after seven decades, White Palace remains
an attraction for tourists.
The Palace doesn’t
just look beautiful in summer; even during winter it remains enchanting
especially after snowfall. Also read: Swat's White Palace: Cut from the same
stone as the Taj Mahal
10. Kerthar area
The Kirthar range
stretches from Sindh to Balochistan, serving as a natural border between the
two provinces. This mountain range includes the scenic Gorakh Hill (5700),
Kutte Ji Qabar (6877) and Bandu Ji Qabar (7112).
This region is not
just known for its breathtaking beauty but also for its rich history. Spread
across 150 miles, it is an ideal tourist spot due to several streams, springs
and historic locations, however, it’s unfortunate that few tourists prefer to
visit. The local population is eager to welcome visitors and want to make this
area a better place.
