Lahore: Do you have three days off for Eid along with an additional holiday? This brief break might inspire you to travel especially if the kids insist on getting out of the house. Plan your leisure trip to maximize enjoyment within a short time and reasonable budget.
If you want to enjoy cool temperatures and natural scenery, the northern regions of Pakistan welcome you. If time is limited, you can spend one or two days in the rainy weather of Nathia Gali. For those coming from far-off cities, fly to Islamabad and enjoy the weather of Murree or Nathia Gali after a two-hour drive. These nearby hill stations are sufficient for tourists with limited time though the high costs and crowds might dampen your enthusiasm.
If you have four days with the same budget as Murree and Nathia Gali, you can explore Muzaffarabad, Sharda, Keran, Arang Kel, Taobat and Ratti Gali Lake. The flowing waterfalls along the Neelum River offer unforgettable views. Accommodation in the Neelum Valley is affordable and the recreational benefits are abundant. New roads demand careful driving and staying away from the river ensures a safe trip.
The weather in Kalam Valley, Malam Jabba and Swat Valley is also captivating if you have three to four days. Public transport is available up to Mingora city making this valley suitable for short trips. If you want to commune with nature for four or five days, turn onto the Hazara Expressway from M1. This beautiful motorway will leave you at Shatay Mor. A few kilometers later, the Kunhar River will greet you in Balakot known as the gateway to northern Pakistan. From Kawai Waterfall, you can reach the bowl-shaped valley of Shogran and get lost in the mist. Siri Paye also known as mini Deosai is not far from Shogran.
Naran in Kaghan Valley has now become the country’s second busiest hill station after Murree with prices matching those in Murree. Budget-conscious tourists should stay in Batta Kundi or a hotel away from the town to avoid noise, pollution and filth. Avoid visiting Lake Saif-ul-Muluk, as its dirtiness might disappoint you. Instead, Lulusar, Dudipatsar and Lalazar Lakes will suffice for your enjoyment.
Once a natural and lively lake, Lake Saif-ul-Muluk has been exploited by traders. If you can fly from Islamabad to Gilgit or Skardu, you can witness the aerial views of Nanga Parbat and K2. The snow-capped landscape of northern Pakistan will be visible through the plane’s window, but who will see the winding roads and waterfalls of Babusar Top? Only a road trip reveals a new vista at every step.
If you’re driving to Gilgit, don’t mistake speeding along the Karakoram Highway for sightseeing. Visit the white shrine of Rakaposhi in the Nagar district where vibrant colours spread around the base camp. The natural cricket stadium is also a wonder. The Oshathang Hotel in Nagar is the sole destination for traditional cuisine. Many heading to Khunjerab are unaware of the splendid valleys nearby and return after boating in Attabad Lake. On the Chitral Road from Gilgit, Ghizer and Phander’s paradise awaits featuring Khalti Lake, Phander Lake, Ghizer River and Gopis Valley.
In Skardu, don’t limit yourself to Kachura Lakes. Head towards Shigar Road to see the Cold Desert, Andhi Lake and the muddy waters of the Braldu River. Enjoy apricots in Khaplu, record your memories by the raging Shyok River and step on the floral carpet of Deosai Plains. Sit by Sheosar Lake with coffee where the reflection of Nanga Parbat dances in the water. Adventurers should head to Karomber Lake on the Chitral-Gilgit border beyond the Darkot Pass.
From the last northern village of Askole, trek to Concordia and then the K2 base camp.
