The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a land rich in ancient cultures, encompassing regions that were once the domains of numerous empires and dynasties. Its diverse geography features a variety of landscapes and stunning natural beauty, from K2, the second highest peak in the world, to unique plateaus and the plains of the Indus River—known as the river of life. Here, we highlight five natural attractions so stunning, they will take your breath away.
1. Fairy Meadows
Fairy Meadows National Park presents a breathtaking landscape of lush grasslands. Situated at an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level, it serves as a base camp for mountaineers attempting to summit Nanga Parbat via the Rakhiot face. Accessible by jeep through a narrow dirt mountain road followed by a 5-kilometer hike, Fairy Meadows offers expansive green meadows bordered by Alpine forests, with Nanga Parbat (also known as Diamer), the 9th highest mountain in the world, providing a majestic backdrop. Visitors have the option to stay overnight at the top. If weather permits, both sunrise and moonlight illuminate the snow-capped peak, offering serene beauty and spectacular views.
2. Attabad Lake
Attabad Lake is a lake located in the Gojal region of Pakistan. In 2010, a significant landslide destroyed the village of Attabad and blocked the Hunza River for 5 months, creating a large 21-kilometer long dam that winds its way through the mountains. Attabad Lake is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Hunza Valley. With its turquoise blue water that flows from nearby glaciers, the lake offers travelers a chance to enjoy summer recreational activities such as sightseeing boat trips. In winter, the lake will turn into a massive sheet of ice.
3. Karakoram Highway
The Karakoram Highway, also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, is hailed as the 8th wonder of the world. It is a route that connects the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China with the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The Gilgit-Baltistan stretch of Pakistan cuts through the Hunza Valley along a route of more than 1,300 kilometers – offering travelers one of the most breathtaking routes in the world, with stunning views of pristine glaciers, lakes and snow-covered mountain peaks.
4. Chandragup Mud Volcano
Chandragup is a mud volcano situated in Hingol National Park, the largest national park in Pakistan, comprising a cluster of three large mud volcanoes and several smaller ones. Its formation is attributed to tectonic plate subduction. Due to the arid conditions of the region, Chandragup ejects mud and methane gas rather than the typical hot orange-yellow lava seen in traditional volcanoes. Despite this, Chandragup holds sacred significance for Hindus and serves as a crucial stopover for pilgrims en route to the Shri Hinglaj Mata Temple.
5. Katpana Desert
The Katpana Desert, also known as the Cold Desert, is a high-altitude desert located near Skardu in the Shigar district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Situated at an elevation of 2,226 meters above sea level, it ranks among the highest deserts globally. The desert features expansive sand dunes that are often covered with snow during the winter months. Stretching from the Khaplu valley to Nubra in Ladakh, India, the largest desert areas are found in Skardu and the Shigar Valley of Pakistan. Its distinctive landscape, characterized by white granules instead of the typical yellow sand, makes the Katpana Desert a popular destination for travelers from across the world.
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