The South Asian country of Pakistan has for many years had its reputation tarnished by perceptions of terrorism, political instability, corruption and a lack of progress regarding human rights. But the tide may finally be turning for the country’s northern region, which has seen a surge in interest.
In fact, the BBC, CNN and the Financial Times have all recently named the region as one of the must-visit destinations of 2025. Boasting stunning mountain scenery, diverse culture and exciting adventure opportunities, a holiday to Northern Pakistan is guaranteed to be one of the most unique trips you’ll ever take. Two cities also stand out as key destinations to explore.
The northern region of Pakistan boasts some of the most incredible scenery you will find, with majestic mountains including the Himalayas, Karakoram and the Hindu Kush ranges, with some of the world’s highest peaks and longest glaciers outside of the planet’s polar regions, including the Batura Glacier.
Explore crystal-clear lakes like Saif-ul-Maluk and Attabad and lush valleys like Swat and Neelum, perfect for picnics and relaxed walks. For something a little faster-paced, you can also engage in mountaineering, rafting and paragliding through the rugged terrain.
For something a little more urban, head to one of these – or both if you’re lucky enough – impressive Pakistani cities. Islamabad, the country’s capital, is home to over 1.1 million people and has only existed since the 1960s. Islamabad was actually designed by a Greek architect, Constantinos Apostolou Doxiadis, who divided the area into eight zones, with specific zones for residential, educational, industrial and diplomatic purposes.
Islamabad is also known for its parks and forests, including the Margalla Hills National Park and the Shakarparian. The city is home to several landmarks, including the country’s flagship Faisal Mosque – which stands as the fifth largest in the world. It is rated one of the safest cities in Pakistan and has an expensive surveillance system with almost 2,000 active CCTV cameras.
Lahore, meanwhile, actually stands as the second-largest city in Pakistan, home to over 14 million people. It is the largest city in the Punjab province and is one of Pakistan’s major industrial, educational and economic hubs.
Unlike Islamabad, Lahore has existed since antiquity and has been inhabited for around two millennia. This means it now boasts some incredible ancient sites, including the prominent Hindu temples of the Krishna Temple and Valmiki Mandir. The fort and adjoining Shalimar Gardens have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.
Where to avoid in Pakistan
While there are some incredible sights to see in Pakistan, there are still areas where its best to avoid for the time being. The Foreign Office advises against travel to within 10 miles of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, as well as several areas of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, including Bajaur, Dera Ismail Khan and Peshawar, including the city of Peshawar.
The FCDO advises against all travel to Balochistan Province, except the southern coast of Balochistan and within 10 miles of the Line of Control – a military control line (not a legally recognised international boundary) that separates the Indian and Pakistani-controlled parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
On March 11 a passenger train was hijacked between Quetta and Peshawar within Balochistan. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Balochistan Province, except the southern coast of Balochistan and against the use of trains within Pakistan.
Finally, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all areas of Sindh Province north of and including the city of Nawabshah.