Northern Areas of Pakistan — A Travel Guide from Islamabad

Islamabad is the gateway to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on earth. From the capital you can reach cool pine hills in a couple of hours or the towering Karakoram in a long day’s drive. This guide gives you the lay of the land.

The near hills — a day or two away

If time is short, the Galiyat and Murree deliver cool air, forests and viewpoints close to the city. Try the Murree Day Tour or the greener Nathia Gali & Galiyat Day Tour.

The Kaghan & Swat valleys — a short break

With three days you can reach the alpine lakes of Naran and Kaghan or the lush Swat valley and Kalam. See the Naran–Kaghan 3-Day Tour and the Swat & Kalam 3-Day Tour, or read our Naran & Kaghan guide.

Gilgit-Baltistan — the big one

For the classic Karakoram Highway journey to Hunza, Skardu and the Deosai Plains, allow five days or more. Start with our Hunza & Nagar tour and Skardu & Deosai tour, and see the best time to visit Hunza.

Getting there

The roads range from smooth motorway to demanding mountain track, so the vehicle and driver matter. We match a capable 4x4 like a Prado or Land Cruiser and an experienced mountain driver to each route. Browse all the intercity routes or tour packages to plan your trip.

Dreaming of the north? Tell us your dates and we will build a private, fixed-price itinerary.