Contrary to the popular belief, propagated majorly by the over efficient international mainstream media machinery, Pakistan is home to a humongous number of breath-taking mountains, lakes, high altitude meadows and immense natural beauty. However, while planning an elaborate summer trip to these places, just make sure you’re not stranded in the heavy monsoon season.
So what do you need to know about planning the perfect summer trip in Pakistan?
Here’s where to start:
First, you need to know where exactly you want to go to. If you are looking to rejuvenate your existence during the summer holidays, here is a list of all the must-go tourist spots in Pakistan.
1. Kalash Valley
The people seem right out of the many movie characters we all have fancied since childhood. The customs, organic way of living and the ever enthusiastic Kilashis are unlike anything you have ever seen.
2. Karimabad/Khunjerab Pass and Attabad Lake
Karimabad is the capital city of Hunza – Gilgit Baltistan. The late night chillings at the Cafe De-Hunza, boat ride at the enchanting Attabad lake and a gazillion pictures with the Chinese soldiers at the Khunjerab Pass will keep you craving for more.
3. Fairy Meadows
The aptly named Fairy Meadows is a magical grassland near the Nanga Parbat base camp. The trek to this wonderland isn’t for the faint-hearted but you can always pay to ride a horse that will take you all the way up to the top. If you are lucky enough to witness a sunny day, the sight of the mighty Nanga Parbat standing tall in front of you is bound to send an enchantingly subtle sensation up your spine.
4. Skardu and Deosai Plains
The white desert of Skardu and the mesmerizing starry nights of the Deosai plains are just so surreally disarming.
5. Kashmir, Neelum Valley, Kaghan Valley, Mukshpuri Peak
Don’t have time for long trips? Kashmir, Kaghan Valley and the Mukshpuri peak in the Nathia Hills are perfect for a weekend trip. Wohoo!
If you’re looking for a hassle free trip, here a few travel companies you can take help from:
Tourich.
You can find out more about them here.
The Trekkerz
You can find out more about them here.
Travellia
You can find out more about them here.
Travellistan
You can find out more about them here.
Carvaan
You can find out more about them here.
Shaheen Travels
You can find out more about them here.
This is, in no way, an exhaustive list of travel companies, but you can be sure to get your money’s worth if you’re travelling with these folks.
Here is what to pack and where you can get the required stuff from:
If you are on a tight budget have already paid a huge amount to your trip organizers, do not fret because we have got you covered. If you are in Lahore, just go to Shahjamal or the Karim Block Market. The Higher Adventure Rescue Relief Equipment Pakistan in Shah Jamal (171 Shah Jamal, Lahore) is very reasonable when it comes to a trekking trip essentials. Their day pack is like a giant zambeel. The side pockets with their elasticized mesh slots can hold two big water bottles. While the bag itself works best if the entire trek isn’t longer than two days. The day pack costs 1100 only. The waterproof pants (you should totally get them as they prevent your clothes from getting wet and you can make one pair of pajamas last for 7 days) cost 750 while the waterproof jacket/windbreaker costs 2000. However, I got it for 1400 only from a factory outlet in Karim Block market.
Here is your ultimate travel checklist.
Make sure you check everything off it before setting off. Please keep it in mind that the list is for the spoiled travelers. You can always reduce the number of the contents.
- A day pack (if its’s not a trekking intensive trip)
- A small bag containing your sanitary items in a plastic bag (make sure you tape every item so that they don’t spill), at least 10 pairs of socks, 5 t-shirts, 3 pants/pajamas and a pair of waterproof pants, a wind breaker, few extra layers and a sun block.
- Don’t take your make-up kits along. Just embrace the organic life. You can take some moisturizing face an hand creams if your skin is dry.
- A plastic bag containing a pair of sturdy joggers/trekking boots and a pair of chappals. Do not pack more than two pairs of shoes.
- Make sure to include your rest/sleeping clothes.
- You can put some of this stuff in your day pack and the rest in another (small) bag. Try and not pack a big suitcase. You can change the contents of the day pack according to your day to day needs.
- Lastly, you should always have a small pouch containing lip balms, snacks, sunglasses and essential medicines.
- If you are lucky enough to have a camera or a DSLR, don’t forget to take it along.
Source: Shayan Ather
Now that you have the basics of getting yourself ready, all you need is a few travel companions and a bucket load of motivation, then you’re set for a selfie-laden summer adventure of a life time.
Happy traveling!
Cover Image Via: Syed Zargham Gilani
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