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.

Northern Areas of Pakistan

Pakistan is blessed with astonishing valleys, world highest peaks, dense forests, deep blue water lakes and much more. In 2017 and 2018, Pakistan listed as Best country to travel in world by British Backpacker society. In addition, Forbes listed Pakistan as Best Travel Destination 2019.

Some of best places for travelers to wander are:

• Hunza Valley
• Skardu Valley
• Naran Kaghan Valley
• Neelum Valley
• Fairy Meadows
• Chitral Kalasha Valleys
• Swat Valley

Hunza Valley

They valley with the marvelous landscape, culture and traditions, Hunza Valley, lies in the up northern Pakistan near to China. Hunza is famous all around the world for the history and hospitality of the people. All along the year, millions of local and foreign travelers visit this majestic beauty of nature. However this valley is known for the Old Silk route and the historical settlements. Moreover, This place is meant to be the only one from where tourist can experience the beauty of Five famous 7000+ meters peaks in surrounding. Some of the most famous ones are:

• Rakaposhi
• Golden (Spantik) peak
• Ultar Sar 1
• Ultar Sar 2
• Diran

Except than this there is another famous peak right next to Ultar Sar 1 and 2, Lady Finger or Bublimating Peak. This peak has an elevation of 6,000 m and famous because of it’s shape like lady finger.

Best Season to visit Hunza Valley

Along with the peaks in surroundings, Hunza valley is famous for colorful seasons, specially Autumn and Blossom seasons. As it has different colors of valley with different times. In autumn, one can go mesmerized by watching landscape turning Golden. Furthermore, in Cherry Blossom travelers fall in love with hunza, when whole valley change itself in to white and pink color.

Moreover, Rich culture and traditions becomes another reason for the popularity of Hunza valley. As the valley offers the 1000 years old First Settlement of Silk Route, Ganesh Village. Till now tourists can wander in the historical streets of Silk route village. There is another famous places to see is Attabad Lake. A lake that was formed due to Huge landslide back in 2010. The colors of that water can take you to another world.

Best Places in Hunza

Some of best places that travelers should have in their list while traveling to Hunza Valley are:

• Karimabad
• Rakaposhi View point
• Attabad Lake
• Passu Cones and Glacier
• Eagle Nest View point (Duiker Top)
• Ganesh Village
• Altit and Baltit Forts
• Khunjerab Pass (Pak-China Border)

Skardu Valley

Up in the extreme Northern areas of Pakistan lies the astonishing Valley of Skardu. A huge valley to explore a lot of undiscovered sites. Skardu Valley is known to be Little Tibet in World, although if a traveler visit this piece of heaven, they can see the people of skardu looks similar to Tibetan. However the language of locals over here is also similar to Tibetan. This beautiful destination is well known amongst the hikers, mountaineers and climbers. As this valley offers world toughest hiking routes and World  highest peaks. Some of most famous peaks and treks are:

• K2
• Broad Peak
• Gasherbrum 1
• Gasherbrum 2
• Snow Lake (Lukpe Lawo)

Along with this there are some other famous peaks in the far northern Skardu Valley like Trango towers and Haldi Cones. Whereas, Trango towers are above 6000 meters and Haldi cones are more than 7000 meters.

Best Season to visit Skardu

Surrounded by the Eight Thousanders of world, Skardu Valley is famous for the different colors of season among travelers. Some of best times to visit the beautiful destination are Cherry Blossom, Spring and Golden (Autumn) Season. During the Spring, travelers can explore most of the valley because of pleasant weather. Furthermore, in fall time it changes in to Golden just like someone has put the golden shawl on it. Whereas in blossom, nature paints this valley into white and pink to catch the hearts of wanderers.

Moreover, the valley has similar culture like Tibetan. Skardu has some UNESCO world heritage sights to experience the rich culture. Along with this, travelers can wander on the heights of Deosai plateau. Deosai plains is second highest plateau in World and famous for the beautiful landscape and wildlife on the rood of the world. In addition, travelers can have a thriling ride in Safranga and katpana Cold Desert (World Highest Cold Desert). One can fall in love with the magnificent landscape of this Giant Skardu valley of Pakistan.

Best Places in Skardu

Some of best sights to wander in while traveling to Skardu are:

• Shangrila (Lower Kachura) Lake
• Upper Kachura Lake
• Khaplu valley and Palace
• Chanqchan Mosque
• Shigar Valley and fort
• Deosai Plateau
• Basha Valley
• Katpana Cold Desert and Lake
• Safranga Cold Desert
• Soge Valley
• Mantokha Waterfall

Naran Kaghan Valley

In the Himalayan mountain range of Pakistan lies the mesmerizing Naran Kaghan Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The valley is known to be the best travel destination in Northern Areas of Pakistan surrounded by dark Alpine forest. Millions of travelers visit this beautiful sight all along the year to have best time. This place is famous for its fairy tale stories lakes, moreover sightseeing destinations with all modern facilities and hotels. Although this valley has some of best hiking trails and Jeep tracks. These thrilling jeep rides and hiking trails leads tourists to some of beautiful lakes and passes.

Best Season to Visit Naran Kaghan Valley

Naran Valley is open only for 8 months from April to November throughout the year. However, In other four months, This majestic valley is closed for everyone because of heavy snowfall. Moreover, Weather condition in Naran remains cold all along the year. But the best time to travel this site is Summer. In Summers, tourists can easily travel to any part of Naran Valley.

Best Places to Visit in Naran Valley

Some of best travel sights that one can visit and fall in love with Naran Kaghan valley are:

• Lake Saif Ul Malook
• Lulusar Lake
• Babusar Top (4,173 m)
• Batakundi
• Besal
• Noori Top and Lake (3,959 m)
• Dudipatsar lake
• Lalazar Plateau

Neelum Valley

Situated near the border of India, Neelum Valley in Azad kashmir region of Pakistan. However, this place is famous for it beautiful dense forests, waterfalls, crystal clear lakes, valleys and much more amongst the tourists. The river coming from India to Pakistan with the name Neelum, gives the valley a Name of Neelum. This valley has some of the best and adventurous Jeep rides of Pakistan to enjoy with a lot more to explore. Mostly the local tourists from Pakistan visit this astonishing beauty of Azad kashmir.

Best Season to Visit Neelum Valley

Although road to Neelum valley remains open all along the year, because of border with India. Best time time to visit this heavenly beautiful valley are winter and spring season. In winters, a lot of tourists comes to enjoy the beautiful snowfall in the mountains of Kashmir. However in winters, travelers can hike to beautiful lakes of Neelum valley. Weather remains pleasant all the year.

Best Places to visit in Neelum Valley

Some of best places to see while visiting Neelum valley of Azad Kashmir Pakistan are:

• Kutton Waterfall
• Sharda Valley
• Kel
• Arang kel
• Sharda Peeth
• Ratti Gali Lake
• Taobutt
• Chitta Katha Lake

Fairy Meadows

Another most famous travel destination in Pakistan is Fairy Meadows around the foreign travelers. Fairy Meadows lies in Gilgit Baltistan of Pakistan under the Shadows of mighty Nanga Parbat peak (8,126 m), Second Highest mountain in Pakistan. Nanga Parbat is most famous amongst the climbers and mountaineers around the world specially Germans and Polish. The peak is commonly known with the title “The Killer Mountain”. Fairy meadows is the first camp of Nanga parbat with the mesmerizing view of peak and surroundings dark alpine forest.

Best Season to Visit Fairy meadows

Summer is the best time to travel towards astonishing Fairy meadows. As in summers one can have different and breathtaking views of destinations and the peak. However in winters, everything is closed in Fairy meadows due to massive snowfall. During summer one can see the beautiful meadows and lake surrounded by the village. Moreover, one can trek towards Biyal Camp to have some more beautiful views. Biyal camp supposed to be the first Base Camp of Nanga Parbat.

Chitral Kalasha Valley

Chitral Valley lies in the Far northern areas of Pakistan near Wakhan Corrider. Known for rich culture, traditions and festivals and much more, Chitral Kalasha Valley is one of the best travel sight in Pakistan because of unique culture and religion. The valley been visited by millions of travelers throughout the year, specially at the time of festivals. A huge number of tourists from all around the world come to enjoy the festival of Kalash people. Moreover, surrounded by Hindukush mountain range, Chitral valley has a lot of beautiful sites and much more to explore.

Best Season to Visit Chitral Valley

Although Chitral valley remains open throughout the year, but some of the best seasons to travel there is Spring and fall. In Autumn season, whole valley covers it self with the beautiful golden color, giving a strong impact on travelers to love it. However in spring time, one can explore most of the area because of pleasant weather. Moreover, in spring there are some most festivals by Kalash people to explore there culture, specially the Chillum Joshi festival. Chillum Joshi festival comes with the start of Spring season, also named as Spring Festival.

Best Places to Visit in Chitral Valley

There are a lot of places that should be visited while traveling towards Chitral Valley. Some of most famous ones are:

• Ayun Valley
• Shahi Qilla
• Bamburat Valley
• Chitral National Park
• Shandur Top
• Shandur Lake
• Kalash Valley

Swat Valley

High in mountains of Northern areas of Pakistan, lies the beautiful Swat valley. A valley that was once named as Switzerland of Pakistan by the Queen Elizabeth ||. The valley that presents the travelers with the rich culture, colorful traditions and astonishing landscape. Swat valley famous for the hospitality and history all around the globe. This place is full of mesmerizing attractions for the travelers to have an unforgettable experience of life. Moreover, Swat valley once was the capital of Buddhism religion. Every year a huge number of tourists travels to this destination from all over the world.

Best Season to Visit Swat Valley

The Swat Valley, Famous for dense forests, deep blue water lakes, lush green valleys and much more. As Swat valley remains open all year to receive the travelers to enjoy the serenity of nature. There are some best season that one should travel towards this places in Northern areas of Pakistan. Cherry Blossom and Autumn season, whereas winters are also the favorite season amongst travelers from Pakistan. However in Fall and in Blossom season, color of this beautiful valley changes to give an eye catching view of nature.

Best Places to visit in Swat Valley

• Kalam Valley
• Malam Jabba
• Fizza Ghat
• Takht Bhai
• Mahudand Lake
• Bahrain
• Saifullah Lake
• Ushu Dense Forest

These were some of the most famous travel destinations in northern areas of Pakistan. Furthermore, there are a lot more of sights like valleys, lakes, meadows and much more to explore in the northern areas of Pakistan.

Explore the hidden jewels of nature in the Northern areas of Pakistan with our best team of SEE Pakistan tours.

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