Summer is in its full glory and what better way to escape this hot and humid weather then going for a summer vacation. Yes it is that time of the year when kids are off from school and that too for two long months. So, take some time out and go for a luxurious summer holiday with your family members.
Pakistan has the most beautiful places that you can visit, especially the northern areas of Pakistan and Kashmir region. This part of the country is famous all around the world because of sky high mountains, lush green valleys, mighty rivers, beautiful lakes, and amazing wildlife. Wondering which place to select that is cool and peaceful? Well, fret not as we have a few vacation spots that are just perfect to spend a great time with family.
Thandiani
Thandiani is a hill station located about 31 kilometres from the city of Abbottabad in the Gilyat area of Pakistan. Thandiani literally means ‘very cold’. It is a superb place for nature lovers. The beauty of this lush green hill station is not spoiled by the crowds in summers making it a perfect place to go for those who want to relax in a peaceful place far away from the hustle bustle of the busy modern life.
Thandiani was discovered and established as a sanatorium during British rule, for the comfort of officers positioned at the Abbottabad Cantt. The beauty of this area lies in its charming landscapes and magnificent weather. There are beautiful trees on the way to Thandiani and also a few small caves which are probably home for wildlife. Thandiani is a place worth visiting.
Nathiagali
Nathiagali is the most picturesque hill station in Hazara, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Nathiagali is heaven on earth and is known for its scenic beauty. It is 35 km drive away from both Murree and Abbottabad. It is a part of the Galyat range, where several hill-stations are situated, closely connected to each other, and with their names mostly ending in ‘Gali’. Nathiagali is known for its hiking tracks and pleasant weather, which is much cooler than the rest of the Galyat. The weather of Nathiagali remains cool, pleasant and foggy in summers (May to August). Don’t forget to visit this hill station!
Neelum valley
Neelam valley is a 144 km long bow-shaped valley in Azad Kashmir region. The Valley is situated at the North and North-East of Muzaffarabad. The Neelam valley has excellent scenic beauty, panoramic views, and towering hills on both sides of the Neelum River. Lush green forests, enchanting streams and attractive surroundings make the valley a dream come true.
Neelum valley is one of most attractive place for tourists and a must go place this summer.
Hunza valley
Hunza is probably Pakistan’s most visited valley, by the tourists. It is a fairy tale land surrounded by beautiful rugged and snow capped mountains. The Hunza valley is a mountainous valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Only at a distance of 100 kilometres from Gilgit, Hunza is a small town on Karakorum Highway. The Hunza valley is situated north/west of the Hunza River, at an elevation of around 2,500 metres. The valley has three Regions - Upper Hunza (Gojal); Centre Hunza and Lower Hunza. The Hunza valley is surely the most beautiful place to visit.
Swat valley
Swat valley, is known as the mini Switzerland of Pakistan. Swat is a valley and an administrative district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. This destination is surely a heavenly experience for the visitors who go there to have a nice time. A vacation at Swat means an opportunity to feel the glory of high mountains, the fragrance of green meadows and the freshness of clear lakes. Kalam and Malam Jabba are some of the best attractions of the valley.
Kalash valley
Kalash valley is situated in the Chitral district of Pakistan. This valley has a historic background but its history has controversies. Kalash is a Greek civilization and the people have their own religion and culture.The people here live in small villages which are built on the hill sides. These villages are at the banks of the streams and rivers. The people of Kalash are cheerful and they celebrate many festivals like Uchal Festival, Phoo Festival and Chomos Festival. There are many beautiful sites for visiting so make sure to visit Kalash.
Kaghan valley
Summer vacations can’t be better than this place. The Kaghan valley is a collection of natural beauty, mighty mountains, ceaseless rivers, and glaciers. This beautiful valley is situated in the north-east of Mansehra District. It attracts many tourists from not only Pakistan but also from the whole world due to its splendour and natural beauty. There are many beautiful and attractive spots like Shogran, Jared, Naran, Lake Saiful Muluk, Lake Dudipat Sar etc.
Rawalakot
Rawalakot is a town in Azad Kashmir, and is the district headquarters of Poonch Division. It is a beautiful valley surrounded by hills, which is located almost 80 kilometres away from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Rawalakot is certainly one of the points that you should visit this season.
Skardu (Gilgit-Baltistan)
Skardu will be your destination to view the world’s highest points: K2 and Mashaborum. Once you explore these peaks, curiosity about Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush ranges will be a thing of the past. Throughout the year the mountain peaks are covered with snow and is surely an amazing site. Also you will get to see glimpses of the terrific beauty of the Skardu’s evergreen meadows and flowerbeds.
Ayubia
Ayubia National Park is located in Abbottabad District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northern Pakistan. It was declared a national park in 1984 and was named after Muhammad Ayub Khan (1958-1969), second President of Pakistan. Ayubia National Park is surrounded by seven major villages and four small towns of Thandiani, Nathiagali, Ayubia and Khanspur. The park was established in 1984 in an east corner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, province of Pakistan. In 1998 it was expanded and since then it has been managed by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Wildlife Department. The climate is cooler than most places in the summers and the cold sets in when the monsoons come to lash in late July and early August. A perfect place to spend your summer vacations!