Pakistan is an underrated travel destination that offers something for every kind of visitor – from adventure seekers to cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its modern capital city, stunning historical sites, and breathtaking northern landscapes make it one of the best places to visit in Pakistan. In this Pakistan travel guide, we highlight must-see attractions like Islamabad and Lahore, as well as the famed Northern Areas (Hunza, Skardu, Fairy Meadows, Swat Valley, and more). Whether you’re planning adventure tours in Pakistan or a relaxed cultural vacation, you’ll find plenty of unique experiences and things to do in Pakistan.
Islamabad’s green-blue avenues and the Margalla Hills foothills. The planned capital city feels more like a lush suburb than a crowded metropolis. Islamabad is one of the country’s most livable cities – it was carefully planned with wide boulevards, parks, and extensive greenery. The city is sheltered by the Margalla Hills (part of the Himalayan foothills) to the north, making it a gateway to excellent hiking and nature walks. Visitors can see the iconic Faisal Mosque, explore craft markets in F-6 and F-7 sectors, or tour the impressive Pakistan Monument Museum. Travelers note that Islamabad feels safe and orderly – a welcome contrast to larger cities – and recommend spending at least a full day to get oriented. In fact, Islamabad’s clean parks (like Daman-e-Koh viewpoint and Fatima Jinnah Park) and cultural sites make it an ideal stopover and introduction to Pakistan. (See our Islamabad city guide for local tips.)
The Margalla Hills National Park itself is a major draw around Islamabad. This protected range spans over 12,600 hectares on Islamabad’s northern edge. You can hike trails like Trail 3 or Trail 5 up the hills for sweeping city views. The hills host 250+ plant species and wildlife (even elusive leopards), so it’s a nature-lovers’ paradise. Islamabad also boasts modern amenities like top hotels (e.g. the Serena Islamabad), world-class shopping at Centaurus Mall, and gourmet restaurants. For culture vultures, there’s the Lok Virsa Museum of folk arts, plus several world-class art galleries and vibrant food markets. In short, Islamabad offers both convenience and scenery – making it one of the best travel destinations in Pakistan for newcomers.
Lahore: Mughal Heritage and Street Food
Lahore is Pakistan’s cultural heart, a city of splendid Mughal architecture, bustling bazaars, and legendary cuisine. The Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens are UNESCO World Heritage sites that exemplify Mughal art and garden design. The sprawling Badshahi Mosque and Wazir Khan Mosque (built by Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb) are among the largest and most ornate in the Islamic world. Stepping through Lahore’s 17th-century Walled City, you’ll pass ancient gates, shrines, and the Minar-e-Pakistan, a monument marking the country’s founding. As UNESCO notes, the Lahore Fort’s marbled palaces and the terraced Shalimar gardens are “outstanding examples of Mughal artistic expression at its height”. Don’t miss the Haveli architecture and Mughal tombs sprinkled throughout the city.
Beyond history, Lahore is famous for food. In fact, travel writer Mark Wiens calls Lahore “one of Pakistan’s most fascinating cities, and a World-Class Haven of Street Food”. A visit to Lahore must include sampling rich Punjabi dishes on Food Street or at Anarkali Bazaar – everything from spicy nihari (slow-cooked meat stew) to sweet jalebi. The city’s lively bazaars (e.g. Liberty Market, Anarkali) brim with fabrics, jewelry, and handicrafts. Evening cultural shows and festivals frequently fill the Lahore travel guide agenda.
- Top things to do in Lahore: Visit the Lahore Museum and Lahore Fort; stroll the Shalimar Gardens; shop and dine in the old city; watch the Wagah Border flag-lowering ceremony. See also: our Lahore sightseeing guide.
Overall, Lahore offers an intoxicating mix of history, art, and cuisine. Its Mughal monuments (and quirky British colonial relics, like the colonial Railway Station) are the best places to visit in Pakistan for heritage tourismwhc.unesco.orgmigrationology.com.
Northern Pakistan: Mountains and Adventure
The northern regions of Pakistan (Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) contain some of the world’s highest mountains and most spectacular valleys. Here you can combine adventure tours in Pakistan (trekking, camping, 4×4 safaris) with visits to remote villages and lakes. In the Hunza, Skardu, Swat and surrounding areas, the scenery rivals any Alpine landscape – jagged peaks, terraced fields, and glacier-fed rivers. Pakistan tourism in these parts is growing, with more guesthouses and guiding services than ever. For thrill-seekers, trekking to K2 Base Camp or Nanga Parbat’s Fairy Meadows is world-class. Even scenic drives like the Karakoram Highway are bucket-list journeys.
Hunza Valley
Sunset over the Hunza Valley. Fairy-tale peaks (Ultar Sar, Rakaposhi, etc.) and the Hunza River define this legendary gorge. The Hunza Valley is often cited as one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan. This high valley (elevation ~2,400m) is dotted with apricot orchards and ancient forts (Baltit and Altit Forts in Karimabad town). The panoramic viewpoint known as Eagle’s Nest (near Duikar village) offers a breathtaking overlook of the entire valley. In summer the valley turns lush and wildflowers bloom, framed by snow-capped summits. Travelers rave about Hunza’s hospitality and the clear mountain air. It’s also near the fabled Attabad Lake, whose turquoise waters now sit alongside the old Karakoram Highway.
Must-do in Hunza: Hike or drive up to Eagle’s Nest and the historic forts. Cruise the mesmerizing Attabad Lake. (See our Northern Pakistan trekking guide for routes in Gilgit-Baltistan.)
Skardu – Gateway to K2
Skardu city (Gilgit-Baltistan) sits in a wide valley at the confluence of the Indus and Shigar rivers, about 2,500m above sea level. It is “an important gateway to the eight-thousanders of the nearby Karakoram mountain range”. In other words, Skardu is the staging ground for expeditions to K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, and other 8,000m peaks. Adventure lodges and tour operators are based here, making Skardu the hub of high-altitude trekking and mountaineering tours. Even if you don’t climb, Skardu is surrounded by natural wonders: Shangrila (the “Heaven on Earth” resort built around a scenic lake), Satpara Lake (with cool waters and trout fishing), and the historic Skardu Fort. The towering desert-like Shigar Valley, just south of Skardu, includes the beautiful Shigar Fort and leads to treks in Hushe and Biafo Glacier.
Fairy Meadows (Nanga Parbat Basecamp)
Dramatic mountain roads near Fairy Meadows. Adventurous jeep rides and hikes lead to a lush alpine meadow under Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth highest peak. For many hikers, Fairy Meadows is a must. It lies at the base of Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the “Killer Mountain” in the Himalayas. Getting there is an adventure: a bone-rattling jeep road up a cliff to a forested meadow, followed by a short hike to a camping plateau. Swiss-style cabins at Fairy Meadows offer a cozy place to sleep under the stars. As travel blogger Brooke Saward notes, “after a one hour drive to the end of the road, it is just a 1.5-2 hour hike to the Fairy Meadows camp” – a trek well worth the effortworldofwanderlust.com. On clear nights you can see Nanga Parbat towering above you. This is genuine adventure tourism in Pakistan: remote, gorgeous, and unforgettable.
Adventure tours tip: Many visitors hire a local jeep and guide for the Fairy Meadows trek. It’s also possible to trek up to Nanga Parbat Base Camp (a multi-day hike from Fairy Meadows).
Swat Valley (“Pakistan’s Switzerland”)
A swift river and pine-forested valley in northern Pakistan. Swat (above) and nearby Kumrat Valley offer lush scenery often compared to Switzerland. Swat Valley (in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) is famed for its snow-capped peaks, emerald rivers, and alpine meadows. It was long nicknamed “Pakistan’s Switzerland”. In fact, reporters note “Swat valley is locally known as Pakistan’s Switzerland thanks to its snow-capped mountains and scenic views”. Key towns like Mingora and Saidu Sharif serve as bases to explore waterfalls and Buddhist heritage sites (e.g. Butkara Stupa). The princely White Palace at Marghazar and the ski resort at Malam Jabba are among the attractions. Since recent security improvements, Swat has rebounded as a summer retreat – escaping Lahore’s heat by car or (short) flight is very popular.
Other Highlights
- Kaghan Valley & Lake Saiful Muluk: A few hours from Islamabad, the alpine Kaghan Valley (with its dramatic Saiful Muluk lake) is another of Pakistan’s natural wonders.
- Chitral & Kalash: In northern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, visit the remote Chitral and unique Kalash valleys for high mountain views and indigenous culture.
- Taxila & Mohenjo-Daro: History buffs can also head to the Indus Civilization ruins at Mohenjo-Daro (Sindh) or the ancient Buddhist site of Taxila (near Islamabad).
Whether you’re hiking glaciers, cruising mountain lakes, or strolling Mughal gardens, Pakistan has it all. According to a veteran traveler: “Pakistan is a relatively safe country for tourists. Hospitality is second-to-none in Pakistan and the locals will go out of their way to make sure you’re OK”.
Plan Your Trip – Call to Action
Pakistan is rapidly emerging as a must-visit country, thanks to improved travel infrastructure and a variety of experiences. From the lush foothills of Islamabad to Lahore’s historic heart, and on to the grand spectacle of the northern mountains, Pakistan delivers adventure and culture in equal measure. This Pakistan travel guide shows that things to do in Pakistan range from trekking to K2’s basecamp, to savoring spicy street food in Lahore, to boating on serene alpine lakes.
If you’re seeking your next big adventure or cultural journey, consider Pakistan. There are new flight routes and an easy e-visa system for many nationalities, making travel simpler than ever. Locals are famously welcoming, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Check out our detailed Pakistan travel resources (for example, see our Northern Pakistan trekking guide) for itineraries and tips.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Pakistan’s incredible destinations. With its rich history, warm hospitality, and world-class landscapes, Pakistan could be the best travel secret of 2025. Book your trip now – whether for the majestic mountains of Hunza and Skardu or the urban charms of Islamabad and Lahore, you’re guaranteed memorable experiences in Pakistan.
