Tourism in Pakistan

Pakistan is blessed with the mighty ranges of Karakoram and Himalayas in the North to dissected plateaus of Punjab. Then it follows desolated barrenness of Baluchistan and dry deserts of Sind blending into Beaches of Makran Coast. It is a land of high adventure and natural beauty. Mountaineering, trekking, Skiing, angling, desert jeep safaris and camel safaris are few activities which attract adventure lovers from all over the world to Pakistan. Beautiful valleys like Hunza , Chitral , Kalash and other sights like Garam Chashma, Naghan, Khagan, Nathia Gali, Ayubia. Dessert and beaches in South like Hawks bay and Sand spit attracts nature lovers.

The Northern Areas of Pakistan which spread over 72496 sq. km are full of natural beauty and adventures. Three World's famous and longest Mountain ranges of world meet here Karakoram, Himalayas and Hindu Kush. 5 out of 14 world's over 8000 meter peaks are in Northern Areas. Four of them, K-2 or Mount Godwin Austin (8,611 m, world's second highest), Gasherbrum-I (8,068 m), Broad Peak (8,047 m) and Gasherbrum-II (8,035 m) lies in Karakoram and Nanga Parbat (8126 m) lies in Himalayas. There are hundreds of other peaks that are over 7000 meter. Rocky peaks which are covered with snow are difficult to climb, which creates strong interest for mountaineers. Hundreds of peaks in Northern Pakistan are still un-climbed. Nanga Parbat second highest peak of Pakistan and ninth in the World is called "Killer Mountain" as it took life of 16 people in one incident (Nanga Parbat.). The Dangerous slopes make it difficult to climb. These peaks provide a challenge for mountain climbers from all over the world.

Pakistan is a good place for trekkers. The northern mountains of Hindu Kush, the Karakoram and Himalayas are considered to be the best for trekking. Trekking season for this area is between May and October, when the climate is moderate. During the winter, white sheets of snow cover this area. This area has been designated with three zones for trekking; open, restricted and closed. Most districts of Chitral, Ghizer, Gilgit, Diamer, Hunza and Bolistan are open zones while few districts of Chitral and Bolistan are restricted and permission