Although I call the UK my home, I still visit Pakistan regularly. Although various governments still issue travel warnings, in my opinion most areas are very safe (especially after Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014) as long as you exercise common sense. With that note, let's continue to the beauty!
The northern areas of Pakistan are blessed with natural beauty and there are some mesmerizing valleys with breathtakingly beautiful views. Visiting these spectacular places makes your experience an unforgettable one. Here are some of the heavenly valleys that are worth visiting:
Neelum Valley
Neelum valley also known as the “Blue Jem Valley of Pakistan” lies in Azad Kashmir. This valley casts its astounding effect all year round with snowy winters, orange autumns, lush-green springs and chilly summers. It comprises of lavish green mountains, clear water streams, forests and a river – the Neelum River. There are waterfalls with milky-white waters falling down and splashing against big and small rocks and then mingling with the River Neelum. This valley does not have proper tourism facilities but the serenity of this place, separating you from the rest of the noisy world, is what makes you go back to this valley again.
Hunza Valley
At a distance of 100 kilometers from Gilgit lies a paradise-like place enveloped in the Karakoram and Himalayan Mountain ranges. I'm sure Himalaya will ring a bell of recognition. The sensory impact of this region is going to mesmerize you every time you visit it - this is the Hunza Valley. This valley is enriched with plants loaded with pink, orange and white flowers everywhere. Throughout the changing seasons, the valley remains extremely alluring and marvelous. In between these beautiful mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of life, you will find real peace. I've never seen another place on earth similar to this area.
Skardu Valley
10 kilometer wide by 40 kilometer long, Skardu Valley lies at the convergence of two rivers the Indus and the Shigar. It is the central valley of the Gilgit-Baltistan province of Pakistan and is an embodiment of serenity and beauty. Paths to K2, K3, Broad peak and Gasherbrum - some of the world’s highest peaks, are connected through Skardu Valley. It is crowded with mountaineers, trekkers and tourists throughout the world from April to October. The rest of the year, freezing winter and snow everywhere attracts only winter and snowfall lovers. Kachura Lake and Satpara Lake are also located near Skardu Valley and these lakes on a full moon night look stunning.
Swat Valley
It is the Swat Valley that has been given the name “The Switzerland of the East” by late Queen Elizabeth II. It consists of many scenic sites including magical waterfalls amidst the gigantic mountains, cool clear lakes and green meadows. Swat valley attracts many tourists all year round and whosoever visits this valley is spellbound by its breathtaking beauty.
(Swat valley image by ijaz18 via flickr)
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of the natural beauty of Pakistan and were able to see the country in a new light.
Cheers,
Mr Ron