Once again, wandering in the cool breeze of spectacular Hunza valley, I gave it a thought to write it down as my personal experience to show the Colors of Beautiful Hunza Valley, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan.

Well, the COVID-19 pandemic made me sick, sitting at home during the world under lockdown. I spent my time watching Netflix, sometimes having a walk to the rooftop and back to the room. Like other travelers in the world, I was waiting for the situations to get back to everyday life—nothing to scare about, nothing to fear from as before. I just wanted to travel again, to fly free again in the pleasant, in the marvelous mighty mountains of nature. Being a traveler, I was keenly waiting to get back on Journey, to get far away from this world and closer to the gifts of nature. Wanted to walk again on the Bank of rivers and have a cup of Tea.

Colorful Cycle at Attabad Lake

Colorful Cycle at Attabad Lake 

On 4th August 2020, the Government of Pakistan made a press conference, in which they stated that the lockdown from the country Lifts after reviewing the situation of COVID-19. Finally, the announcement that everyone has been waiting for, mostly the travelers, have come on air. Anyone can travel to any part of Pakistan. A lot of people went out towards the Northern part of Pakistan, mostly towards Naran Kaghan Valley and Swat Valley. It was too hectic, the roads get blocked due to traffic jams, and the hotels were all booked. In Conclusion, a layer of joy and hope for Tour Operators and Hoteliers working in Pakistan’s Northern areas.

At last, on 24th August 2020, I made a plan to visit the Hunza Valley of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. So I can see fewer people and more nature. Due to raining in the Mountains region of Pakistan, fewer people were traveling to Hunza valley. I applied for my leave from the office for a week from 31st August till 6th September 2020. Everything goes according to plan; my travel backpack was ready. So let’s get on Journey like Old times.

On the morning of 31st August 2020, to start my Journey and a driver (Arshad Bhai) from our company, the weather ideal matches my expectations and liking. As it was raining, turning every part to a fresh color and fresh start. Once again, I checked everything necessary and set on Tour to Hunza Valley. It was a great feeling to be on the road, after a tense situation of COVID-19 pandemic. As for the streets, the Government of Pakistan had started an Expressway that reached Balakot City. This Expressway is under the project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The weather was rainy and colder in Balakot city, covering the lush green mountains of Balakot under the mighty clouds. We stopped in Balakot for a while to have Lunch in the market. Over there, I had no signals on my Ufone network, but I saw promotions of Telenor over there. It’s best to have a Telenor sim card if you are traveling for Naran Kaghan Valley.

Telenor Promotions

The Lunch 

After Lunch, we started Journey back to reach for our first-night stay amid Naran Valley. It took us around Three Hours to reach down on a location, stopping by at some points like Kewai Waterfalls. Also, for the area, what’s best then Tea while sitting in the pleasant weather under mountains and forests’ shades?

Naran, The Valley describes its beauty by the lush green mountains, deep fairy tale lakes, Sky-high mountain pass, and splendid colorful meadows. The valley lies on the borderline of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, connecting to Gilgit Baltistan in the North of Pakistan through Babusar Pass (4,173 m). Surrounded by dense alpine woods, Naran Valley topped Pakistan’s best traveling destinations, especially for the Local tourists. The valley can be reached easily by a new motorway in just 7 hours from the Capital city. Well, let’s have some rest as we have a long journey in the morning.

The next morning, yet again, rainy, beautiful cloudy weather was waiting for us on Journey. That day our destination was to reach Gilgit city for a night stay. On the way, it was less traffic than usual, feel like we were the only one wandering in this part of Pakistan. We stopped for a while at Lulusar Lake of Naran Valley and again a cup of TeaTea. It was a peaceful time spent over there, green Tea under the Shop’s rood while raining and Lulusar Lake at the backdrop.

Normal Life in Naran Valley

Life of Naran Valley 

Further, the Journey took us around 45 minutes to reach Babusar top from the Lake. The Top, the pass that connects two provinces of Pakistan, touching the sky at 4,173 meters (13,690 feet). Babusar, one of the most beautiful mountain pass, was looking even more dazzling that day after the Rain. The colors were at their full bloom. That day, the clouds were ruling over the land. However, the magic of this location doesn’t let travelers pass through this point.

Somehow, we had to be healthy hearts to say Goodbye to Babusar Top and Naran Valley. Like some other destinations, some other magic of nature was waiting for us. It was quite a long tiring journey from Naran to Gilgit as the road condition was too bad. The flooding and landslides made roads disappear due to Heavy Rain in most of the Northern areas of Pakistan. But we didn’t get scared as I knew that the world’s best destinations come after your comfort zones. At last, I managed to reach Gilgit city till evening.

An adventurous jeep ride was waiting for me the next morning. We headed towards the Normal village of Gilgit Baltistan to hire a thrilling jeep ride for Naltar Valley. It was still cloudy weather, and better not to go for Naltar Valley on a rainy day as nature can test your patience for traveling by landslides. But the love of Naltar valley forced me to face this experience, and we set for it. The road that connects Normal village and Naltar Valley was under construction, so its condition was even worse than before. After around one hour, we reached Naltar Valley that resides at 9700 feet, surrounded by lush green alpine forest with the White Mountains at the back under the roaring dark clouds. We stopped for a while to catch a glimpse of the valley under beautiful weather. Setting back to journey for the beautiful lakes of Naltar Valley, the clouds started weeping slowly, making it a most romantic sight to have a walk along with your loved one. Yet I am single, so I believe nature as my loved one to walk along.

Jeep Ride to Naltar Valley

As we moved further, the Rain started to have pace, making it difficult to reach anywhere. At this moment, after crossing so many hurdles, we stopped at Bashgiri. The place where they kept Snow leopard in a cage. The beautiful female snow leopard with Lovely’s name given by its caretaker was enjoying the weather that day. We gave it a thought to go back from here, as it was heavily raining and also to get dark.

According to the plan, we had to reach Hunza valley on the same day. So I turned our jeep back towards Naltar Valley and then to Normal village. On the way, we saw some rocks coming from the mountains due to Rain. As we crossed Naltar Valley, we got stuck by the landslide and unfortunately had to move to Naltar Valley for the Rain to stop. Having a teacup, it felt like Naltar valley doesn’t want us to leave so early. Waiting for Rain to stop, the brightness of day time turns into the darkness of night, and we had to stay there for the night.

Snow leopard in Naltar Valley

NALTAR VALLEY 

The weather was still the same the next day, but the Rain stopped for a while. After breakfast, we get back on the jeep to reach back to Normal village so that we can continue our Journey back to Hunza Valley. Around after one hour, we came to the town and left the jeep over there. Back to Karakorum highway, we moved towards Hunza. One way, we stop at the old road.

Furthermore, The Old silk route remains in action Gilgit Baltistan until 1978. Moreover, when the construction of the Karakorum Highway completes. Karakorum Highway can give some best capture moments of nature, especially the views of Rakaposhi peak (7,788 m). The mountain that remains on Top of your head all time until you reach Hunza Valley. But whether that day didn’t allow it to show. After a while, we stopped at Rakaposhi Viewpoint, even the peak was in clouds, but you can still have a small stop for Tea.

Rakaposhi Peak 7,788 m Under clouds

Attabad Lake 

Furthermore, it took us around One and a half hours to reach The Valley of Hunza. We didn’t stop there as we had planned for a night stay at the Bank of mesmerizing Attabad Lake. Finally, after crossing the tunnel made by China as Pak-China Friendship, we reached there after a half-hour.

The mighty deep blue water lake comes to existence by a catastrophe in January of 2010. A massive landslide blocked the river of Hunza valley. Because of this, Attabad Lake Came into being. The name was given to Lake by the village that drowned under Lake, Attabad.

It is around 10 miles in length. For a long time, people used the boat to travel from one side of Lake to another as the Karakorum highway went down in Lake. Lake formed after a disaster, made itself the best travel sites Hunza valley of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. The blue color of the Lake is a mystery itself, along with enchanting scenes of Passu Cones, gives Lake breathtaking views. Especially when it’s going raining or cloudy. The evening lands in beautifully sitting at the Bank of Lake with Tea and enjoying the views.

Attabad Lake Hunza Valley

The next morning arrived with the beautiful views of Attabad Lake. Our last day in Hunza Valley as from the very next day, we had started moving back to Islamabad. At the same time, that day was the first day when the weather was sunny. We had to visit Baltit fort and Karimabad village of Hunza Valley. Moving towards Karimabad village, you can see a beautiful view of Lady Finger and Ultra’s peak. Reaching there, we had to walk for 15 minutes to reach Baltit Fort.  

Baltit Fort of Hunza Valley

Because of the sunny weather, one can see the Rakaposhi peak from Fort as well. The first-time traveler should visit that Fort and learn the history of Hunza Valley. After a while, I went back down towards the car. I decided to reach back to the lakeside for some good time as it was the last day. So we moved back there and enjoyed some final moments there.

Here are some pictures from Hunza Valley:

Old Women in Karimabad Bazaar

Attabad Lake and Luxus Hunza

Lady Finger in Hunza Valley

Hunza Valley

Travel far enough, face different experiences, but never step back from there once you’re on Journey because The Journey will hate that traveler who doesn’t accomplish it. Just like life, Journey is all about traveling, not the destination.

Keep Traveling and Enjoy.

The post Colors of Beautiful Hunza Valley in Northern Pakistan appeared first on See Pakistan Tours.

Travelers from all around the world love to visit the northern areas of Pakistan. Govt. has lifted all the travel hurdles for visitors from all around the globe. As a result, in the summer of 2024, many wanderers worldwide traveled to the friendliness country blessed with the sacred landscape. During 2017 and 2018, the British Backpackers society listed the country with the best travel destinations in the world. Also, Forbes magazine listed Pakistan as the best travel destination in 2019. As the country is listed as the Best travel site, we have some of the most beautiful places to visit in northern Pakistan.

• Naran Kaghan
• Hunza Valley
• Skardu Valley
• Fairy Meadows
• Naltar Valley

Naran Kaghan

On the top of the list of the best places in northern Pakistan, we have Naran Kaghan valley in the Himalayan Mountains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Naran valleys stay open for a few months to deliver marvelous views of nature. The valley remains closed during winter from October to April due to heavy snowfall in northern areas of Pakistan. The road towards the valley gets blocked due to avalanches from the mountains. However, among the local travelers, Naran valley is one of the most famous traveling places in northern areas of Pakistan. Every year, many visitors visit this site with their friends, families, and loved ones to capture the best memories.

The valley is surrounded by lush green mountains and deep alpine forests, impacting travelers about Himalayan valleys. In the valley of Naran, there is much more to discover, like the fairy tale Saif Ul Malook Lake, Hike towards the Ansoo Lake, Lulusar lake, The Queen Dudipatsar Lake, and lastly, Babusar Top (4,173 m). So plan for this summer’s 2024 and get on the journey to explore Naran valley, among other best places in northern Pakistan.

Top places of Naran Kaghan:

Lake Saif ul Malook 

Saif ul Malook Lake needs no introduction as it is one of the most famous lakes in Pakistan. The Saif ul Malook, 9 kilometers long and 50 feet deep, also rises 3,224 meters above the surface. It also captivates anyone with her captivating beauty. The jeep drive to the lake through winding roads makes the trip even more adventurous.

Babusar Top

In second place is Babusar Top, known for its cool breeze. Babusar Top is one of the main tourist attractions in Naran Kaghan. Here you can enjoy the hot coffee, cool breeze, and calm atmosphere.

Lalazar 

Next came the rich green meadows of Lalazar. The plateau is covered with rare flora and fauna. Lalazar is 3123 meters above sea level. Even in the hot summer, the climate here is delightful.

Lulusar Lake 

The Naran Kaghan valley is full of lakes and waterfalls. Lake Lulusar is one of the beautiful lakes. Lulusar offers stunning views from an altitude of 3410 meters above sea level. No trip to Naran Kaahan is complete without a visit to the magnificent lake. A 48-kilometer jeep ride can reach the lake.

Shogran

About 6 kilometers from Naran Valley, Kaghan’s famous picnic area is Shogran. The lush Sugarland meadows add even more awe to the hike. The tall mountains and pleasant climate cannot be described in words.

Siri Paye

Next on the list is Siri Paye, which is closer to Shogran. Equally a tranquil treat for couples away from the hustle and bustle of major cities. A lake called Siri Lake is also where visitors can ride horses.

Balakot

Balakot became the gateway to the Valley of the Khans. It’s a tiny town where you can shop and eat delicious local food. In addition, Balakot offers stunning panoramic views, and it’s on the banks of the Kunhal River. Tourists love to “fish,” “boat,” and “raft” on the Kunhal River.

Malika Parbat

It is known as the “Queen of the Mountains” Marika Parbat. This is a popular stop for visitors to the Naran Kaghan Valley. Huge mountains can also be seen through Saif ul-Malook Lake. Few brave souls have climbed this mountain. The highest point of Malika Parbat is 5290 meters above sea level.

Ansu lake

Another famous lake in Khan Valley is Ansu Lake. Ansoo is an Urdu word that means “tears.” This is a teardrop-shaped lake found in the Khan Manor Valley. Due to the high altitude, the climate there is harsh. The lake completely freezes over in winter and is even more beautiful in summer. Summer is the best time to visit Ansu Lake, according to the weather updates of Ansu Lake.

Jharkhand 

Last but not least is the city of Jalkhad. Naran is less than a 3-hour drive from the city. Jharkhand provides a base camp area for the park. There is a small basin lake and green lawn for nature lovers to enjoy camping. Also, Jharkhand has an approximate altitude of 10,200 feet.

Hunza Valley

It lies in the mountains of Northern Pakistan, the gigantic and colorful Hunza Valley far in the Gilgit Baltistan region near the China border. Hunza Valley is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the northern areas of Pakistan. Hunza valley has been offering its wanderers the history, culture, and colorful traditions for many years. Moreover, to historical and traditional expectations, Hunza valley is famous all around the globe among ravelers for its immense natural landscape that can strongly impact travelers’ minds. However, the valley has a lot more to discover.

Places To Visit In Hunza

Some of the best travel destinations in Hunza Valley are Ganesh Historical settlement, Baltit, Altit Fort, Attahbad Lake, Shimshal Valley, Passu cones and glacier, Khunjerab Pass (Pak-China Border), and much more.

Ganesh village is a historical Silk Route settlement around 1000 years old, supposed to be the First Silk Route settlement. Furthermore, Hunza valley is supposed to be the only destination in the world where one can witness the beauty of Four mighty Seven Thousanders peaks along with some famous peaks like Ladyfinger peak (Bublimating – 6000 m) and Hunza Peak (6,270 m).

In Hunza Valley, many beautiful trekking routes can take travelers to another world. Some of the most beautiful trekking routes are the Shimshal pass, Patundas trek, Batura Glacier trek, and many more.

So make sure this summer 2024 to travel to explore this fantastic place of Northern areas of Pakistan with your friends or someone special to have a wonderful time.

Rakaposhi View Point

First is Rakaposhi’s point of view. No matter where you are in Hunza, the massive Rakaposhi mountain can be seen from anywhere. In addition, the mountain is part of the Karakoram range, with an altitude of 7,788 meters. Rakaposhi means “shining wall.” The summit is surrounded by famous glaciers such as Barpu, Biro, Bagrot, and Pisan. Rakaposhi’s sunrises and sunsets are nothing short of a sight to behold.

Karimabad

In second place is Karimabad, the capital of Hunza province. The city is famous for its history as it was home to royalty. The city presents its oldest appearance with stone-built houses and streets. Some of Karimabad’s well-known attractions are Baltit Fort and Victoria Memorial Monument. In addition, Ultar Nala also falls in Karimabad.

Altit Fort 

Altit Fort is an ancient fort above Karimabad in the Hunza Valley. It was home to the hereditary rulers of Hunza, who received the title of Mir. Around 1100 years ago, Altit Fort was the residence of former princes. It is there now as a museum. Each fort is a masterpiece of architecture and craftsmanship. Refurbished by Agha Khan Culture Trust, the impressive design is a legacy for future generations. Altit Fort is not just a place but a legacy that has evolved.

Baltit Fort

Fort Baltit, another Hunza Valley fort, is a must-see. The fort’s foundations are said to be around 600 years old but have been rebuilt and altered over the centuries. The fairy-tale Baltit Fort above Karimabad is a Hunza landmark, built on giant legs with wooden windows overlooking the valley. Initially, it was used as the residence of Mers Hunza. Because of the opposition of the ruler’s two sons to the ruler, they were moved to a new place, Altit Fort.

Attabad lake 

Attabad Lake is one of the most amazing places in Hunza Valley. The crystal clear turquoise waters mesmerize anyone in the mighty Karakoram range. Impressive with its colors and charm in spring, it attracts many tourists every year. The lake is 13 miles long and approximately 358 feet deep. The lake has also been voted one of Pakistan’s best lakes due to its beauty.

Rush Lake 

Another wonder of the Nagar Valley in Hunza is Rush Lake. Also, Nagar is one of the most attractive valleys. Best of all, the mesmerizing colors of the Nagar Valley will never go unnoticed; nothing is more beautiful than simplicity. Rush Lake in Nagar Valley is an alpine lake with a surface elevation of nearly 4694 meters. Surrounded by huge mountains, the lake is considered the highest lake in Pakistan.

Sost Village

Sost is the last Hunza town on the border with China along the Karakoram Highway. The city is an essential point for all passenger and cargo traffic on the highway, as all traffic crossing the Pakistan-China border passes through the town. Along with the Khunjerab pass is the high mountain pass of the Karakoram range. In addition, the Khunjerab Trail also includes a national park where the rare snow leopard lives. It is an excellent symbol of friendship in Pakistan.

Skardu Valley

Here we go with the Gateway to the Karakorum mountain range on this list. Skardu valley lies in the Karakorum Range of Gilgit Baltistan in northern Pakistan. Being my favorite destination in the mountainous region of Pakistan, Skardu valley offers a lot to the wanderers that one can never expect and ever forget after visiting such places in northern areas of Pakistan. The road leading towards Skardu valley is supposed to be the world’s Eight wonders, as the way offers some breathtaking views and the danger of enormous landslides every time it receives rain. The valley has a rich culture and history with beautiful traditions. Likewise, culture and traditions are similar to Tibet. However, Skardu is the Baltistan in the Gilgit Baltistan region known as Little Tibet.

Best Places To Visit In Skardu

Skardu valley has a lot to offer for travelers to wander in the mountains to explore, as many places have not been visited. From the mighty mountains to the world’s highest desert, Skardu has everything for its lovers. Some of the best places to visit in Skardu valley are:

• Shangrila (Lower Kachura) Lake
• Upper Kachura Lake
• Kharpocho Fort
• Katpana Cold desert and Lake
• Shiger Cold Desert
• Shiger Valley and Fort
• Khaplu Valley and Palace
• Chaqchan Mosque
• Deosai National Park

However, as the Skardu valley is Gateway to Karakorum Mountains, it has many of the world’s most beautiful and astonishing trekking routes. Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo), K2 Base Camp (Concordia), the Banak La, and many more are the most amazing. Furthermore, Skardu hosts the K2 (8,611 m), the second-highest peak of the world, Broad elevation (8,047 m), Gasherbrum 1 (8,080 m), Gasherbrum 2 (8,035 m), and many more mighty and famous mountains. With all these rugged peaks in Skardu, it becomes the dream for the mountaineers to conquer. Thousands of mountaineers visit Pakistan yearly to try climbing these rugged peaks in Skardu valley. So make sure to journey in this place to visit northern areas of Pakistan this summer.

Fairy Meadows

Name given to the heavenly beauty in this piece of land, Fairy meadows lie in the Far Himalayan mountains of Gilgit Baltistan in the northern areas of Pakistan. The destination is famous because of the dark alpine forest, lush green meadows in the center, and the tremendous mighty Nanga Parbat peak (8,126 m) at the front, making this one of the best places to visit in northern areas of Pakistan.

Nanga Parbat is known as The Killer Mountain, with the name listed as the Second in the Highest peak in Pakistan. On the other hand, the height is the Ninth Largest in the world. In the Fairy meadows, one can explore some beautiful regions by trekking towards Biyal Camp and the Base camp of Nanga Parbat.

Furthermore, Biyal Camp is known to be the first camp of Killer Mountain. To reach this Fairyland of Pakistan, one has to take the adventurous Jeep ride on the world’s most Dangerous Jeep track and then trek for around 3 hours through dense woods. The destinations get close during winter because of the heavy snowfall making it challenging to live there. This summer, put this destination on your travel list among other best places to visit in northern areas of Pakistan.

Naltar Valley

Lastly, we got a Ski resort, Naltar valley, in the Gilgit Baltistan of Northern Pakistan. The valley is full of lush greenery all around, with astonishing views. One can visit this destination by taxiing from Normal village for about 45 minutes. However, the weather remains cold in Naltar valley, with an elevation of 9,700 ft. It offers some beautiful destinations for travelers to visit. Some of the best to explore are Naltar lake 1 (Satrangi), Pari lake, Blue Lake, and much more. In summer, a vast number of travelers come to visit such destinations to record in their memory. Furthermore, travelers enjoy the International Ski Festival in the valley in winter. Get this great destiny on your list of travel for summer 2024.

Final Thoughts

These were some of northern Pakistan’s most famous and best travel destinations that travelers should visit this summer of 2024. So set your backpack ready for 2024 and journey towards these unique destinations of astonishing Landscapes in northern Pakistan.

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