Conventional wisdom would tell you that summers are for frolicking, outdoorsy fun and travelling while winters are for snuggling in your warmest layers and a quilt, piling in front of a heater and chomping on some dry fruits. But you know what? While you’re all cooped up indoors trying to fight off the winter chill you might actually be missing out on how romantically beautiful the world actually becomes in winters.
These are some of Pakistan’s best spots for a winter excursion:
1. Leepa Valley, Azad Kashmir
Of course there’s snow. That’s the whole point of travelling up north in the winters, to be marveled by the beauty of “God’s paradise on Earth”. If you go during the winters, you’ll not only be enthralled by the beauty of everything covered in a white blanket but also by the lack of tourists bumping into you everywhere you go. Just remember to pack up some good layers.
Source: Asif Saeed
2. Attabad Lake, Gojal
This creation of disaster may be a reminder of how brutal some of your fellow Pakistanis’ lives have been but the scenic beauty of this majestic lake will definitely be a spellbinding experience for you. Be careful because you might not be able to control yourself from some impromptu ice-skating on the lake. Always go with proper gear.
Source: Hunter Adventure Club
3. Nathiagali, Abbotabad
The new Murree is a pretty place because it is still relatively green unlike the ruined “hill station” that Murree was. It is especially pretty in winters because it is the most easily accessible of these Northern areas of Pakistan. Also, who doesn’t love snow?
Source: Khyber News
4. Tharparkar, Sindh
Did you know that Tharparkar is the only fertile desert in the world? Sure, there is so much news coming in from the area about food shortage or peacocks dying. But how about you pay a visit yourself and see for yourself how desert life really is like. Winters are obviously a better time because you don’t want to treat yourself to a full-bodied sunburn if you go in the arduous summer season.
Source: Pakistan Insider
5. Kalam, Swat
According to sources, it is the birthplace of the Swat River. This place is perfect for your winter travels because it doesn’t get as frozen as the rest of the ‘up North’ areas. Do ensure, if there are any travel advisories for the area, before you set out on your winter adventure.
Source: Naran Kaghan
6. Gulzar Mahal, Bahawalpur
Everyone knows about the famous Noor Mahal but there’s so much more to this ex-princely state. Case in point, this much less known, yet possibly more magnificent palace known as the Gulzar Mahal. What’s more, this is a particular favorite of Pakistan’s most famous traveler, Moin Khan.
Source: Moin Khan
7. Malam Jabba, Saidu Sharif
The only ski resort of Pakistan. Malam Jabba was even called a “posh resort” by the Los Angeles Times newspaper. It is largely in disrepair now but in 2014 the government signed an MoU for the development of a 4 Star resort in the area to bring back ski culture to the region. Here’s hoping you get to do this soon:
Source: LA Times
8. Androon shehr, Lahore
Lahore is not only the city of gardens and the “heart” of Pakistan, it is also home to some amazing architecture of the past. Having been home to the Mughal, Sikh and British rulers along with being a central location for many empires throughout history the city’s androon shehr offers so much to its visitors. A sunny winter Sunday morning is the best time to go.
Source: Dawn
9. Pir Sohawa, Islamabad
Home to the original location of the famous restaurant Monal, this place is the go-to resort for a quick R&R with a mind blowing view of the pristine capital city of Pakistan. Winters are especially fun because your cup of steaming hot chai will be with the best view possible.
Source: Aleem Photo Studio via Life in Pakistan
10. Gorakh, Dadu
Often called the “Murree of Sindh”, this hill station is a popular place for nearby residents and there’s no reason it can’t be a destination this winter season for you too. Keep in mind, temperatures during winters even fall below zero, so Karachi folks, your half assed winter clothes won’t do here.
Source: Apna Sehwan Sharif
