In recent years, many tourists have made their way to Pakistan to discover the region’s unparalleled beauty and topographical wonders. At the same time, many of these individuals have also broken the stereotypical (and highly erroneous ‘conflict-ridden’) image still attached to the country in the western press; of it being an unsafe country to sojourn to.
Pakistan, as any local (and many foreign ground analysts would state), has made immense sacrifices in the US-imposed ‘war on terror’ following the horrendous 9/11 attacks. And one of the major casualties, on this front, has been the South Asian nation’s tarnished image in the view of the wider world. People commonly believe that the country is a hub for terrorist activities and ultraconservative political tensions. This false flags, of course, have greatly increased hesitancy among tourist circles aspiring to travel there.
But today, thanks in large part to Pakistan’s indigenous efforts towards neutralizing local militancy, visiting travel and food bloggers, and the hospitality of its open-hearted people, this cliché is slowly, but surely, fading. Almost all the travel pieces that highlight Pakistan in the contemporary blogosphere now start with the narrative that the place is ‘not what you have been led to believe’.
In reality, Pakistan is home to scores of affectionate and misunderstood people, majestic mountain peaks, sparkling lakes, lush green pastures, delicious foods, and a wealth of other cultural baggage. And apart from a constant influx of neat travelling adventures, the country offers amazing recreational and sporting options for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts.
Hiking in Pakistan
Pakistan is rich in mountainous areas, especially in its Northern districts, where the Himalayas stretch far across the horizon (dominating the enrapturing skyline). These zones feature many hiking trails, and the people living in the mountains do a stellar job of making the experience more memorable.
Most tourists, as well as locals, launch their hiking escapades either from Lahore or Islamabad. Islamabad is the country’s capital, and an extension of the Himalayas is easily accessible from there. The tracks here offer easy hikes for budding mountaineers during the daytime.
When you’re in the region for land trekking pursuits like these, it is a good idea to book a local property for serving as your base of tourist operations (easily doable on locally catering real estate portals likes Prop.pk and Airbnb, among many others). And once you’re done with setting up camp, consider venturing out onto one or more of the following trails–and be sure to carry some local cash in hand!
Dunga Gali (Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)
This particular hiking track is not only very aesthetically pleasing but is also quite easy to manage. When you’re on it, you don’t have to toughen up and ascend rough tracks. Instead, you will get to see fresh pine trees and other lush scenery that you won’t forget any time soon.
This trail is commonly referred to as Pipeline Track, as it follows a pipeline that supplies water to the Murree hill station. The track takes you from Dunga Gali to Ayubia through the Ayubia National Park. It is 5-km long and lies close to Islamabad. Also, it is situated conveniently enough for you to plan it as a stop station, while aiming for further hikes up north.
For those who have a natural affinity for animal life, this track offers many beautiful sights of birds and small rodents.
As a first-time visitor, it is highly recommended that you don’t venture into the pine forests without a guide. Both ends of the track have a number of restaurants, and there are benches installed along the way for hardcore hikers to take a pause every once in a while.
Fairy Meadows (Diamer District, Gilgit-Baltistan)
Fairy Meadows is a place that many people consider to be right out of fantasy-fiction. It is pretty easy to reach the location, as it takes only about two hours to travel by road from Islamabad. However, if you plan your visit during the winters, know that the area will come inundated with deep snow pockets which will significantly prolong your hiking schedule, and also make it more difficult. For avoiding this scenario, in case you’re not a fan of the ‘white stuff’, try to visit in August or September.
Fairy Meadows offers majestic views of its surrounding mountain elevations. From its top, you can view the Nanga Parbat, which is the ninth highest peak in the world. And in fair weather conditions, you can even make your way to the Nanga Parbat Basecamp.
Mushkpuri Track (Nathiagali, Punjab)
Situated at an elevation of 90-km north of Islamabad, Mushkpuri is a 9,200 feet high peak. You can hike towards the top from either the track located in Dunga Gali or from the one which stretches from Nathiagali outwards. In this location, you will witness mountains covered in subalpine conifer forests. Along the way, you can also revel in the mesmerizing views of Lalazar Park.
Once on Mushkpuri Top, you will have reached the eastern edge of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. From here, you can easily view the Jhelum River, Azad Kashmir’s Bagh District, and Circle Bakote. And from the southward’s vantage point, you will be able to see Murree city, along with Islamabad.
Ratti Gali Lake (Neelum Valley, Azad Jammu & Kashmir)
Azad Kashmir is undeniably home to some of the world’s most beautiful natural views. The region boasts expanses of lush greenery, breathtaking lakes, and enchanting rivers. To reach its historic Ratti Gali Lake attraction, you will have to hike through the village of Dowarian, which lies at a distance of 106-km from Muzaffarabad.
Ratti Gali Alake is an alpine glacial lake formation, fed by the glacial melt of its surrounding peaks. At an altitude of 12,130 feet, the lake’s views are simply entrancing. Depending on the season, the adjacent mountain peaks are either covered in snow or refreshing greenery. The lake reflects these magical views on its mirror-like, emerald-hued surface; a vision that you will be hard-pressed to let go of.
Passu (Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan)
Passu is a remote village truncated with a number of awe-inspiring mountain views. It is one of the country’s more difficult hikes but is considered to be totally worth the effort (by most people, at least) once you chance to reach it. Also, the notorious Karakoram Range spread around the journeying trail will keep you enthralled.
Once you’re on this path, it won’t be long before you reach Passu’s glacial lake, followed by Lake Borit (which lies a little distance further). To cross Lake Borit, you will need to brave the Hussaini Hanging Bridge; often termed as the most dangerous bridge in the world (a must-try experience for adrenaline junkies)!
The real treasure of the location, Lake Attabad, lies a little way further, however. This out-of-this-world traveller’s hotspot is a natural reservoir of stunning turquoise waters enclosed in a narrow space following a tragic landslide.
Pakistan is truly one beautiful country; home to equally kinder and compassionate people. The hiking lover inside you will simply rejoice at the tracks and views it has to offer. So don’t wait, and mark your calendars for the country as your next big hiking destination of this season!
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