Northern Pakistan's Quiet Spots: 8 Places Worth the Drive

Northern Pakistan has some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on Earth. The headline names — Hunza, Naran — pull the crowds, but a short detour off the main road takes you to lakes, plateaus and peaks where you'll have the view largely to yourself. Here are eight lesser-known spots worth the extra effort, with how to reach them, when to go and a rough budget.

The spots worth the extra effort

1. Fairy Meadows (Nanga Parbat) — alpine meadows staring straight at the world's ninth-highest mountain. The last stretch is a jeep ride up a notorious track, then a short trek.
2. Deosai Plains — a high plateau known as the "Land of Giants," carpeted with wildflowers in summer and home to the Himalayan brown bear.
3. Attabad Lake — the turquoise lake in Hunza, formed by a 2010 landslide that dammed the valley. Boat rides and lakeside cafés.
4. Passu Cones — the jagged "Cathedral" peaks above the Karakoram Highway, with glacier hikes and the Passu suspension bridges nearby.
5. Ratti Gali Lake (Neelum Valley) — a remote alpine lake reached by jeep and a walk, ringed by snow well into summer.
6. Shangrila and Kachura Lakes (Skardu) — easy-to-reach lakes near Skardu, good for a gentler day out.
7. Saiful Muluk Lake (near Naran) — a glacial lake wrapped in folklore at the foot of Malika Parbat; busy but still striking.
8. Khunjerab Pass — the 4,693 m crossing into China on the KKH, the highest paved border post in the world.

Best time and how to reach the north

The season runs roughly May to October; higher lakes like Deosai and Ratti Gali only open up from late June. To reach the region you can fly PIA to Gilgit or Skardu when the weather allows — the flights cancel often, so keep a road plan B — or drive the Karakoram Highway from Islamabad, which is scenic but long (two to three days with stops).

Rough budget from Pakistan: around PKR 50,000–90,000 for an 8–10 day trip excluding flights, with domestic airfare adding roughly PKR 15,000–25,000. Costs vary with the season and how you travel.

Practical tips

Pack layers — nights are cold even in summer — and carry cash, since cards aren't accepted in most of the north. Local transport and hired jeeps cover the rough sections. Check the National Highway Authority for road and landslide updates before you set off, and travel light on the trekking days. Support local guesthouses and operators where you can.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit northern Pakistan?

May to October, with the high-altitude lakes like Deosai and Ratti Gali opening up only from late June. July and August are the warmest and busiest; September and early October bring clear skies and thinner crowds.

How do you get to Skardu and Gilgit?

PIA flies to both from Islamabad when the weather permits, but mountain flights cancel often, so keep a road plan as backup. The alternative is the Karakoram Highway by car, a scenic two-to-three-day drive from Islamabad.

Is northern Pakistan safe for tourists?

The main tourist valleys — Hunza, Skardu, Naran, Neelum — are generally safe and well visited. Stick to the established routes, travel with a local guide for remote treks, and check National Highway Authority updates for road and landslide conditions before you go.

How much does a trip to northern Pakistan cost?

Budget roughly PKR 50,000–90,000 for an 8–10 day trip excluding flights, with domestic airfare adding around PKR 15,000–25,000. Costs depend on the season, your route and whether you hire jeeps for the rough sections.