Best Places to Visit in Pakistan During Winter Vacations
With winter vacations just around the corner, you’ve probably already started planning how to spend the holidays. While relaxing at home or hanging out with friends sounds like a great idea, you should also know that December and January are the prime months to explore some of the most enchanting tourist destinations in the country. From the famous Murree Hills to the breathtaking Kalam Valley, there is no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Pakistan during the winter.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PAKISTAN DURING WINTER
These tourist destinations in Pakistan are popular among travelers throughout the year. However, they turn into a scene from a fairy tale during the winter months. Let’s look further at each of them and discuss their top attractions.
MURREE
This quaint hill station near Islamabad is the first name that pops into your head regarding winter vacations in Pakistan. At around 7,000 feet, Murree is one of the most popular weekend getaways for those living in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and other nearby areas.
With its surrounding mighty mountain peaks and lush green pine forests, this picturesque hill station remains a popular tourist destination all year long. The pleasant weather, vibrant lifestyle, and scenic views make Murree an ideal place to spend time with family during summer vacations. However, as soon as the year begins to near its end, Murree turns into a winter wonderland, with a thick layer of snow covering the tall colonial-era buildings and tall oak trees in the area.
If you are looking for places to visit in Pakistan during the winter that aren’t too far from the city and offer all the latest amenities, this breathtaking hill station is your best option. The weather in Murree doesn’t get as harsh as in many other northern areas, making it easily accessible even in winter.
Major tourist attractions in and around Murree include Mall Road, Pindi Point, Kashmir Point, Chattar Park, Bhurban, Ayubia, and Patriata. Moreover, Murree boasts several budget-friendly and upscale hotels, guest houses, and resorts. As for dining options, you can find something for every palate here. Some of the most popular restaurants and cafes in one of the top winter vacation destinations in Pakistan include Des Pardes Murree, Usmania Restaurant, Thaali Restaurant, Murree Tabaq Restaurant, and Red Onion, to name a few. Branches of international food chains such as Pizza Hut, Gloria Jean’s Coffee, and KFC are also located in Murree.
How to get there
It usually takes about an hour and a half to get to Murree from Islamabad via the four-lane Islamabad-Murree Expressway. However, if you take the old Islamabad-Murree Road, which is slightly more scenic, you’ll reach your destination in about two hours, depending on the traffic.
For more information on the Queen of Hill Stations, please review our comprehensive guide to visiting Murree in Pakistan.
NATHIA GALI
Considered a veritable piece of heaven on earth, Nathia Gali is yet another top winter holiday destination in Pakistan, known for its enchanting landscape, hiking tracks, and tourist attractions. Located in the center of the Galyat range, which comprises several hill stations close to each other, Nathia Gali is about 7,900 feet above sea level.
The weather in Nathia Gali remains cool during the summer, attracting travelers from all across the country to spend a few days here. During winters, the area receives heavy snowfall, with the temperature dropping to -8 degrees Celsius during severe cold spells.
Given their proximity, most people opt for exploring the charming mountain resort of Nathia Gali during their trip to Murree. Although hiking may not be an option for some during the cold winter months, which leaves the entire mountain range covered in snow, you can still spend your time exploring the mesmerizing natural beauty of the area, visiting the bustling Nathia Gali Bazaar, and checking out St. Matthews Church, one of the most beautiful and historic churches in Pakistan.
Although Nathia Gali sees fewer tourists than Murree, it still attracts a lot of holidaymakers during the peak months. If you want to spend some time at this mountain resort, there are quite a few good hotels and restaurants in the area.
Recently, to promote tourism in the region, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa introduced camping pods in Nathiagali, along with a few other popular tourist destinations in Pakistan.
How to get there
Those traveling to Nathia Gali from Islamabad can either travel through Abbottabad or drive through Murree to get there. The road connecting the city of Abbottabad to Nathia Gali is considered one of the most beautiful routes in Pakistan, captivating tourists with its picturesque natural beauty. You’ll have to drive for a little over two hours to reach Abbottabad from Islamabad via the Hazara Expressway to take this route. But you can quickly get stuck in traffic once you enter the city limits.
On the other hand, reaching Nathia Gali through Murree will take you approximately two and a half hours. However, this route has many sharp turns, so if you are not accustomed to driving in mountainous regions, hiring a local driver and reaching your destination during the day hours is recommended.
MALAM JABBA
Malam Jabba, a stunning hill station in the Hindu Kush Mountain region, is among the best places to visit in Pakistan during the winter. It is located some 50 kilometers away from the capital city of Saidu Sharif in the Swat Valley. Malam Jabba also boasts one of the most popular ski resorts in Pakistan. The captivating holiday spot draws many domestic and foreign tourists, with visitors increasing yearly.
The Malam Jabba Ski Resort, which belongs to the Pakistani Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), has a ski slope about 800 meters long. However, it is widely known for its highest peak slope, about 9,000 feet above sea level. Its chairlifts, which offer a captivating view of the snow-covered valley during the winter months, are also a renowned tourist attraction in Pakistan. Apart from chairlifts and skiing platforms, the charming resort also features ice-skating rinks, among other modern facilities. Those who enjoy trekking can also check out the two famous trails in the area, one of which starts about 18 kilometers from the ski resort and passes through Shangla Top. In contrast, the other is located some 17 kilometers from the resort and goes through Sabonev Valley.
Malam Jabba is accessible all year, and you won’t have trouble finding good hotels and restaurants in the area. Owing to the influx of tourists over the past few years, one can easily find civic amenities and facilities in the region.
How to get there
Malam Jabba is located approximately 55 kilometers away from Mingora, a city in the Swat District in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It takes a little over two hours to reach Malam Jabba Top from Mingora, about a 3-hour drive from Peshawar.
Several buses also travel between Islamabad, Peshawar, and Swat Valley daily.
KALAM VALLEY
Kalam Valley is one of Pakistan’s best places to visit in December. Located in the upper reaches of the picturesque Swat Valley, Kalam is a popular winter tourist destination known for its mesmerizing landscape, glacial lakes, the Swat River, dense forests, and majestic snow-clad mountain peaks. Simply put, the incredible beauty of this valley is enough to leave one utterly speechless.
This stunning tourist destination is about 6,600 feet and is home to several hotels and restaurants. For those planning to travel to Kalam during winter vacations, the temperature can drop as low as 1 degree Celsius, which is still tolerable compared to the weather in most areas of Gilgit Baltistan.
Moreover, Kalam gets fewer tourists than other places on this list, so you can easily explore this vast and spacious valley. The locals are also extremely hospitable, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. If you plan a trip to Kalam, visit the nearby valleys of Usho, Matiltan, and Utror. The famous Mahodand Lake and Kundol Lake are also must-visits.
You can find out more about Kalam Valley in our detailed guide on traveling to Swat, one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan to visit during vacations.
How to get there
You can reach Mardan Interchange in one and a half hours from Islamabad if you travel along M-1. Once you get to Mardan, it’ll take you about three hours to reach Saidu Sharif. You can stop here for a light refreshment and then travel for about four more hours before finally arriving in Kalam.
If you don’t want to drive such a long distance, you can book seats in private coaches and buses that travel to the area from Islamabad, Peshawar, and other nearby cities.
CHITRAL
The exotic town of Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also a great place to visit in Pakistan during the winter. Owing to the Lowari Tunnel’s completion, one of Pakistan’s most famous tunnels, this scenic region is now accessible all year. The magnificent Hindu Kush range encircles Chitral, about 4,900 feet above sea level, and the stunning Chitral River flows through it. Until 1947, this town served as the capital of the princely state of Chitral. It is now the capital of Chitral District, which also comprises the famous Kalasha Valleys, including Bumburet, Rumbur, and Biriu.
While trekking in Chitral is usually impossible in winter due to heavy snowfall, it is a popular spot for those who love skiing. Some of the main tourist attractions in and around Chitral include the historic Chitral Fort, the Chitral Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the Old Royal Fort in Mastuj, Chitral Gol National Park, and most importantly, the famous Chitral Polo Ground.
Several hotels and rest houses are located in Chitral for every budget, along with eateries serving delicious local food. Furthermore, if you travel to Chitral during mid-December, you may also be able to check out the colorful and vibrant Kailash Winter Festival.
How to get there
The easiest way to reach Chitral from Islamabad and Peshawar is by airplane. Pakistan International Airline (PIA) operates daily flights from these two cities. Another option is to drive to Dir, about a 7-hour drive from Islamabad. From Dir, you can use the Lowari Tunnel to reach Chitral in about 3 hours, give or take.
GORAKH HILL
Situated near Dadu in interior Sindh, Gorakh Hill has gained extreme popularity among those living in Karachi, Hyderabad, and other nearby areas. It is considered one of the most perfect weekend getaways near Karachi.
Gorakh Hill Station is located in the Kirthar Mountain Range at an altitude of 5,688 feet, making it one of Sindh’s highest, and subsequently coldest, plateaus. It is also the only place in the province that receives light snowfall during the winter, with temperatures dipping below zero. So, if you live in Karachi and are looking for budget-friendly ideas for winter tourism in Pakistan, Gorakh Hill is your answer.
The hill station, spread over 2,500 acres, attracts tourists, most of whom spend the night at one of the local resorts. Several tour groups offer affordable weekend trips to Gorakh Hill throughout the year.
Unlike the winter vacation destinations in the northern areas of Pakistan, Gorakh Hill is not filled with dense forests or surrounded by snow-clad mountains. However, it offers a panoramic view of the region, reminding me of one of those scenic images on postcards.
How to get there
The distance between Karachi and Gorakh Hill is approximately 394 kilometers. Reaching the hill station from the city takes about 7 to 8 hours.
Whether traveling with a tour group or alone, you’ll drive through the M-9 Motorway towards Hyderabad and take a left turn just before you leave the neighboring city. Most people like to take a short break once they reach the historic town of Sehwan in the Jamshoro District. You can travel by bus or car until the base camp for Gorakh Hill, known as Wahi Pandi. You’ll have to use 4×4 jeeps from there to climb the steep hill. The jeep ride takes about three hours, with a short photography break in the middle.
CHOLISTAN DESERT
If you love stargazing and are fond of exploring old forts and monuments of historic importance, consider visiting Cholistan during the upcoming winter vacations.
The majestic Cholistan Desert is one of the most overlooked places in Pakistan during the winter. This magnificent natural wonder is also known as Rohi in the local language and boasts several cultural and heritage sites, some dating back centuries. It is a short distance from Bahawalpur, a small yet famous city in Punjab. The desert is quite large and adjoins Thar in Sindh before extending to India.
Some of the most famous tourist attractions in Cholistan include the historic Derawar Fort, built in the 9th century AD, Dodhla Forest, and the shrines of Channan Pir. Travelers can also book Desert Safari for a memorable experience and visit the bustling bazaar to buy handicrafts and souvenirs.
As for accommodation, you can book a hotel in Bahawalpur and spend a night or two camping in the desert.
Moreover, during your trip to the incredible Cholistan Desert, take a day to visit the magnificent Noor Mahal in Bahawalpur, one of the most impressive stately mansions in the country that dates back to 1872.
How to get there
It takes about two hours to reach Derawar Fort from Bahawalpur. You can book a tour with a local company or guide or take a bus.