The northern areas of Pakistan are the most mesmerizing and fascinating regions around the world. In these regions, the world’s popular mountains join. These mountains are three i.e. the Himalayas, the Hindukush, and the Karakorum.
The Karakorum Pass is 5,575 meters, a historic route. It is a trading route between the Xinjiang city of China and the north of Pak. That’s why it has given the name through its range of extensions. This range makes between the Indus and Central Asian desserts a watershed.
Stay tuned for more information and amazing facts on these regions under the protection of PTDC (Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation).
Beautiful Northern areas of Pakistan
Baltistan Skardu
The capital of Baltistan is Skardu. The people of this area are a mix of Caucasian stock and Tibetan. However, their language is Balti. It was the ancient type of Tibetan culture. Since there is so much similarity of lifestyle, language, and culture, Baltistan is also called the “Tibet-e-Khurd.”
The temperature of this area is 27 degrees C and, -8 degrees is the minimum temperature. From April to October is the best time to visit here.
Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondhu, and Kharmang are five vales of Baltistan. Peaches, apricots, apples, and pears are yield in plenty amount in here.
Places to travel:
- Kharpocho Fort
- Buddha Rock Carvings
- Mountain Lakes
- Shigar & Khaplu Vale
- Chaqchan Mosque
Gilgit
Along the bank of the river, Gilgit is present at an altitude of 1,454 meters. The scenic beauty of Gilgit’s quaint little town is mesmerizing.
Therefore, for many centuries, it remained the capital of various kingdoms.
The ancient history of this place is old beyond the 6th century AD. Gilgit weather is cold but pleasant throughout the years. The melting glaciers are the sources of livelihood for the regional population.
Places to visit:
- Gilgit Bridge
- Yashini Buddha
- Buddhist monastery and Stupas remains
- Independence Monument
- Sher Qila (Lion’s Fort)
- Gahkuch, Gilgit Districts Headquarter
- Yasin
Hunza
The majority of people are overly obsessed with the rugged fascination of Hunza. A fragrant breeze through the Poplar tree gives a scenic beauty. Moreover, velvety green wheat fields and snow-capped mountains have captured the hearts of many.
Ismaili Muslims are present in the majority throughout the Hunza population. These are the followers of His Highness Aga Khan.
Brushiski is the local language of residency. However, many of them can understand and speak both Urdu and English very well.
What to see
- High peaks of former capital (Rakaposhi, Spantik, Diran, and Ultar)
- Baltit fairy-tale castle
- The Altit Fort
Chitral Valley
It is present at heights of 1,128 meters. It is the most famous spot for hunters, anglers, anthropologists, trekkers, and mountaineers. Afghanistan is present on the north, south, and west of the Chitral District.
Wakhan is a narrow strip that separates Tajikistan from the Chitral. This strip is in Afghan territory.
What to see
- Chitral Town along the River of Chitral
- Garam Chashma (Hot Spring) vale
- Kalash Dale
- Kalash Community (one of oldest Communities on Earth)
Swat Valley
Swat is one of the beautiful places of Pakistan due to its fruit-laden orchards and icy cold lakes. It is one of the holiday spots for its rushing torrents and flower-decked slopes.
The ancient and historical facts about it are old beyond the AD. People call it “The land of enthralling beauty.” Macedonia’s Alexander fought on this ground. And he won many battles here.
Then, he crossed the delta of the Indus River. This place is the residence of the Popular Ghandhara School of Sculpture. In the traditional Buddhist religion, it is the expressional form of Greco-Roman.
Where to travel
- The Swat museum
- Mingora
- Marghazar (Sufed Mahal)
Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Azad Jammu & Kashmir is the home of mesmerizing people, culture, and language.
The population is a perfect mix of several races. All of these are decedents of Mongoloid, Persians, Semitic, Aryan, Arabs, and Turks.
The influencing languages of the Azad Jammu population are Kashmiri, Gojri, Pushto, Pahari, and Punjabi.
What to see
- Snow-capped peaks, dense forests, climate varying, and winding rivers
- Muzaffarabad (Capital of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir)
Shrine Pir Chinnasi