These tourist destinations in Pakistan are popular among travellers all throughout the year. However, they turn into a scene right out of a fairy tale during the winter months. Let’s take a further look at each of them and discuss their top attractions.
Murree
Murree is one of the top winter vacation destinations in Pakistan. This quaint hill station near Islamabad is probably the first name that pops into your head when it comes to winter vacations in Pakistan.
Surrounded by lush green pine forests and mighty mountain peaks, this picturesque hill station remains a tourist hotspot all through the year. 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.
Some of the major tourist attractions in and around Murree include Mall Road, Pindi Point, Kashmir Point, Chattar Park, Bhurban, Ayubia and Patriata. Moreover, Murree boasts a number of budget-friendly and upscale hotels, guest houses and resorts.
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. During winters, the area receives heavy snowfall, with the temperature dropping down to -8 degrees Celsius during severe cold spells.
Most people opt for exploring the charming mountain resort of Nathia Gali during their trip to Murree, given their proximity. 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.
Malam Jabba
Malam Jabba, a stunning hill station in the Hindu Kush Mountain region, is also among the best places to visit in Pakistan during winter. Malam Jabba also boasts one of the most popular ski resorts in Pakistan. The captivating holiday spot draws a large number of domestic and foreign tourists, with the number of visitors increasing every year.
Owned by the Pakistani Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), the Malam Jabba Ski Resort has a ski slope of about 800 meters. However, it is widely known for its highest peak slope, which is 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 the two famous trails located in the area, one of which starts about 18 kilometres from the ski resort and passes through Shangla Top whereas the other is located some 17 kilometres from the resort and goes through Sabonev Valley.
Kalam Valley
Kalam Valley is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan 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, mesmerizing Swat River, dense forests and majestic snow-clad mountain peaks. To put it simply, the incredible beauty of this valley is enough to leave one utterly speechless.
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, since Kalam does not get as many tourists as other places on this list, you can easily explore this vast and spacious valley on your own. If you plan a trip to Kalam, make sure to visit the nearby valleys of Usho, Matiltan and Utror as well. The famous Mahodand Lake and Kundol Lake are also a must-visit.
Chitral
The exotic town of Chitral in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also a great place to visit in Pakistan during winter. Owing to the completion of the Lowari Tunnel, one of the most famous tunnels in Pakistan, this scenic region is now accessible all around the year. Located about 4,900 feet above sea level, Chitral is surrounded by the magnificent Hindu Kush range and is home to the striking Chitral River. 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.
Gorakh Hill
Situated near Dadu in interior Sindh, Gorakh Hill has gained extreme popularity among those living in Karachi, Hyderabad and other nearby areas. In fact, 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 the highest, and subsequently coldest, plateaus in Sindh. It is also the only place in the entire province which receives light snowfall during winter months 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.
Cholistan Desert
The majestic Cholistan Desert is one of the most overlooked places to visit in Pakistan during winter. This magnificent natural wonder is also known as Rohi in the local language and boasts a number of cultural and heritage sites, some dating back centuries. It is located a short distance from Bahawalpur, a small yet popular city in Punjab. The desert itself is quite large and adjoins Thar in Sindh before extending over 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. Travellers can also book Desert Safari for a memorable experience and visit the bustling bazaar to buy some handicrafts and mementoes.
As for accommodation, you can simply book a hotel in Bahawalpur and spend a night or two camping in the desert.
Moreover, during your trip to the incredible Cholistan Desert, make sure to take a day out to visit the magnificent Noor Mahal in Bahawalpur, one of the most impressive palatial mansions in the entire country that dates back to 1872.
