Hidden and Peaceful: 5 Least Visited Tourist Destinations in Pakistan

Pakistan is home to mighty mountains, diverse cultures, ancient civilizations, and arguably the most hospitable people on earth. The breathtaking northern region has long attracted tourists to bask in the land’s ethereal beauty. And rightfully so, this region is as magical as a fairyland out of a children’s book. Mighty mountains surround the spectacular valleys; above them is a sky glittering with millions of stars, and fierce yet calm rivers flow through their hearts. I mean, who wouldn’t want to come and visit such a place? But is that everything a country as diverse as Pakistan has to offer?

Certainly not; famous places such as Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa attract an influx of tourists every season. Yet, many valleys in these regions do not get widespread recognition from locals and foreigners. Pakistan’s divine nature calls for everyone to visit these hidden gems at least once in their lifetime. To make your next visit to Pakistan a trip to remember, I’ve listed five least visited tourist destinations in Pakistan that will blow your mind as much as the renowned destinations.

5 Least Visited Tourist Destinations in Pakistan:

1. Astore Valley, Gilgit Baltistan

Astore is a district of Gilgit Baltistan and home to more than 50 stunning villages. Anyone who googled Pakistan’s northern region has landed on Hunza valley. But few people make an effort and visit this gem of a place, which is only a four hours drive from Gilgit city. Astore valley is at an altitude of 2600 m above sea level and offers a variety of terrains, climates, cultures, and mesmerizing spots to its visitors. You might encounter inconveniences such as bad roads, fewer hotels, and almost non-existing cellular services. But that is nothing compared to the epitome of beauty Astore valley is. So next time you visit Pakistan, make sure you visit this valley, and you might get to trek to the base camp of Nanga Parbat (The Naked Mountain).

2. Hingol National Park, Balochistan

Dubbed the “Grand Canyon” of Pakistan, Hingol National Park is home to varied landscapes and awe-inspiring beauty. This park stretches over 1600 sq. km and is located in Pakistan’s largest province Balochistan. Moreover, this wildlife sanctuary hosts multiple species, including Pakistan sand cat, Indian fox, Balochistan urial, striped hyenas, Chinkara gazelle, golden jackal, marsh crocodile, and green sea turtle.

If you are looking for a quiet and serene time to escape the hustling City life, this park is the right place. Hingol National Park offers various opportunities for adventure and seclusion to its visitors. The sites of Princess of Hope, Lion of Balochistan, Nani Mandir, and picturesque Kund Malir beach stand out the most to the tourists.

3. Karambar Lake, Gilgit Baltistan

Next on the list of least visited tourist destinations in Pakistan is Karambar lake. This Lake is considered one of the most isolated places in Pakistan. Karambar lake is located in Ishkoman Valley, Gilgit Baltistan. But it can be accessed by the easier route of Lashkargaz (The last village of Borghil Valley). The lake expands to 3.3 km and ranks at 31st position among the highest lakes in the world and requires a multi-day trek to reach there. Due to the stunning views, the hike is considered an experience in itself. However, you don’t need to be a professional trekker to reach this place. But it would be beneficial if you had a little experience in trekking.

4. Arang Kel, Azad Kashmir

The majestic Arang Kel in Azad Jammu and Kashmir looks like a piece of heaven on earth. This zone is so remote that it is almost inaccessible in winter or monsoon. But that shouldn’t deter the spirits of adventure seekers who want to come and experience this beautiful place first-hand. This stunning spot is located at an altitude of 8,379 feet and can be accessed by chair lifts or a 2-hour trek from Kel village. Tall pine trees surround this mesmerizing spot, add to that a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and ground filled with lush green grass plains; no wonder it’s called the “Pearl of Neelum Valley.” If you could choose just one spot to visit in Pakistan, Arang Kel should be it.

Although some people camp under an open sky, Arang Kel also offers lovely hotels and decent living spaces for people with families.

5. City Of Multan:

The city of Multan, locally known as the “City of Saints,” was one of the most important trading centers in the subcontinent during the medieval era. This city attracted so many Islamic mystics (Sufis) and is now home to many beautiful shrines with intricate architectural designs and mystical auras. Despite being such a historical city, Multan remains underrated among travelers. Most tourists prefer Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi to experience Pakistan’s local culture and history and are surely missing out on an experience like no other.

There are many historical tombs in Multan. Among them, the tomb of Shah Rukn e Alam (A Sufi saint who died in 1335), with its Mughal-era structure and the 2nd largest dome in the world, stands out the most. Another famous tomb in the city belongs to Baha ud Din Zakariya, a revered thinker and poet of the Sub-continent.

The Bottom line:

The bottom line of this article is that Pakistan has a lot more to offer than a few well-known tourist spots. It is a diverse country with mixed cultures and varied topographies. If the weather is completely different every few miles, I don’t see why this beautiful country should be confined to a few tourist spots that get an influx of visitors every day while it has to offer so much to the world. To name a few, I’ve listed five places; Astore Valley, Hingol National Park, Karambar Lake, Arang Kel, and Multan, as Pakistan’s least visited tourist destinations. You can add it to your bucket list for an authentic cultural experience. Although I intend to write more about the hidden gems of Pakistan, this article is a good start for you and me.

So, which places do you like the most? Comment down and let me know your thoughts. Cheers!!