Pakistan’s Top Winter Destinations to Enjoy Snowy Season
In the winter, northern Pakistan’s mountainous regions turn into snowy wonderlands. The alluring views of the snow-blanketed terrains across the upcountry leave every nature lover and adventure seeker in awe. Pack your bags and head to the hill stations up north if you want to enjoy winter entirely this holiday season.
This blog will discuss the top winter destinations to see snowfall in Pakistan. These places draw you close to nature and offer outdoor activities like skiing and snowboarding that give you an adrenaline rush.
TOP PLACES TO SEE SNOWFALL IN PAKISTAN
How does it feel when a snowflake melts in your hand? Visit any mountainous region in Pakistan and gear up for the ultimate snowfall experience.
KALASH VALLEYS
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, the Kalash region stretches across three remote valleys: Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir. These valleys are located 20 miles south of Chitral. The local people of the area are called Kalashas. They are best known for their hospitality and colorful culture, primarily based on traditional dance and music festivities.
The three major annual festivals celebrated locally include Zhoshi (12th – 16th May), Uchaw (20th – 22nd August) and Chawmos (7th – 22nd December). Deep-rooted in their history, these festivals are to mark seasonal changes. Temperatures in the valleys of Kalash can drop to minus 12 degrees and get bitterly cold. These valleys regularly snow during winter, especially in December and January.
How to Get to Kalash Valleys
- By Road (From Islamabad): 8 to 10-hour drive via N-45 highway
- By Air: Chitral Airport is a 9-minute drive away (availability of flights depends on the weather conditions)
MURREE
Murree is arguably the most popular destination among vacationers in Pakistan. It also transforms into one of the best places to enjoy snowfall in winter. It’s a part of a mountainous region ideally situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. Located at a distance of just 70 kilometers from Islamabad, it is among the most conveniently reachable hill stations in Pakistan. The breathtaking vacation spot is Malika-e-Kohsar (the Queen of Hills).
Since it’s conveniently accessible, tourists from different parts of the country and the rest of the world rush to Murree to see the first snowfall of the winter season. While enjoying the snowy season in Murree, you can also enjoy riding the Patriata Chairlift and gazing at the awe-inspiring aerial views of the snow-covered vegetation and mountains.
On a side note, you can also check out our pick of some of the best hotels in Murree, where you can enjoy a comfortable stay during your trip to the hill station.
How to Get to Murree
- By Road (From Islamabad): 1.5-hour drive via Murree Expressway
- By Air: 2-hour drive from Islamabad International Airport via the Murree Expressway and Kashmir Highway
MALAM JABBA
Malam Jabba, a scenic hill station in Pakistan, beautifully rests in the Hindu Kush mountain range. It hosts one of the top ski resorts in the country. The valley is based on a few small towns and villages. Famous settlements include Jehanabad, Salanda, Talegraam, Badar, Malam, Ser, Kishora, Spine Oba, and Jabba. The main Madyan-Kalam road connects most of these areas.
The snowfall season in Malam Jabba starts at the end of November and continues until the beginning of March, on average. However, January and February are the best months to visit the valley to enjoy snowfall and the adventure sports of skiing.
How to Get to Malam Jabba
Here’s how to get to Malam Jabba using the available road link:
- By Road (From Swat): Over a 2-hour drive via Malam Jabba Road
KAGHAN VALLEY
Though Naran is inaccessible mainly for tourists due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions throughout the winter, you can still make it to Kaghan Valley, one of Pakistan’s best places to enjoy snowfall. The heavenly beauty of the valley stretches 160 kilometers across the Mansehra District in northern Pakistan.
The elevation of Kaghan Valley starts from 2,134 feet (650 m) and goes all the way to 13,690 feet (4,170 m) at Babusar Pass, its highest point. Located in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this snowy hill resort shares borders with Azad Jammu and Kashmir in its southeast and Gilgit-Baltistan in its north.
Fact: Boasting some of the world’s most secluded natural habitats, the northern areas of Pakistan are home to incredible national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. You can also learn more about the fascinating wildlife species in your beloved homeland by reading this blog.
How to Get to Kaghan Valley
Here’s how to get to Kaghan Valley using the available road links:
- By Road (From Islamabad): Approx. 3-hour drive by taking the route of E-35 and Hazara Expressways
ZIARAT
The valley of Ziarat is undoubtedly the most luring tourist attraction in Balochistan. It gets covered in snow during winter, which usually starts in November and ends in March. The delightfully long snowy season makes Ziarat one of the country’s most beautiful places to enjoy snowfall.
Along with experiencing snowfall, people visiting this picturesque hill station in Balochistan can explore the age-old shrines and ancient sacred sites to learn more about the region’s exciting past.
Standing tall as a prime example of architectural brilliance, Ziarat Residency is one of the most prominent landmarks of the valley. It was used as a resting place by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, in his last days.
Prospect Point is another tourist spot situated at a distance of 6 kilometers from Ziarat. Read our travel guide to the valley of Ziarat in Balochistan if you want to know more about this fascinating place.
How to Get to Ziarat
Here’s how to get to Ziarat by road and by air:
- By Road (From Quetta): Almost 3-hour drive via Ziarat Road
- By Air: Around 2-hour drive via N-50 Highway and Ziarat Road
