My Recommendations for Trip to Northern Pakistan:

Hunza Valley (Gilgit-Baltistan)

• Key Attractions: Baltit Fort (700+ years old, Tibetan-influenced architecture), Altit Fort (900+ years, historic Silk Route defense), Passu Cones (iconic mountain peaks).
• Must See: Attabad Lake — stunning turquoise lake with lakefront resorts.
• Best Time: April–May (spring blooms), October–November (autumn colours), and for snow photography December–February.

Gilgit-Baltistan Highlights:

• Hopper Glacier: Spectacular glacier near Nagar Khas, best April–October.
• Sheosar Lake (Deosai National Park): High-altitude lake famous for wildflowers and wildlife.
• Deosai Plains: Known as Land of Giants with rare wildlife like Himalayan bears and snow leopards.
• Shigar Fort: 17th-century heritage hotel in Shigar Valley.
• Adventure: Trekking at K2 Base Camp, Fairy Meadows, and Deosai Plains; best mid-June to August.

Swat Valley (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) - the Switzerland of Pakistan with green landscapes and alpine climate.

• Top Spots: Malam Jabba (ski resort & summer hikes), Kalam Valley (lush alpine retreat), Mahodand Lake (boating, camping), and Bahrain (riverside town).
• Best Time: May–September for sightseeing, December–February for winter sports.

Neelum Valley (Azad Kashmir) - Famous for lush valleys, rivers, and alpine meadows.

• Highlights: Arang Kel (hilltop village), Keran (riverside town), Sharda (peaceful pine village), Ratti Gali Lake (vivid turquoise alpine lake).
• Best Time: May – October, with peak greenery July–September.

Murree & Galiyat - Classic hill station near Islamabad with colonial charm.

• Key Attractions: Murree Mall Road, Patriata chairlifts, Ayubia National Park, Nathia Gali pine forests.
• Winter: Snowfall December–February for cozy mountain stays and snow activities.

Travel Tips for Murree & Galiyat:

• Weather can be unpredictable; pack warm clothes and rain gear.
• Mobile coverage limited; Telenor and SCOM networks work best.
• Some areas near the Line of Control may require permits—check locally.

Popular Foods to Try:

• Hunza: Apricot soup, Chapshuro (meat-filled bread), buckwheat cakes
• Skardu: Momos, Skardu trout, Balti curry
• Swat: Swati Chapli Kabab, trout fish, lamb karahi
• Murree/Galiyat: Desi chicken karahi, traditional Pakistani BBQ

Adventure Activities Summary:

• Trekking (K2 Basecamp, Fairy Meadows)
• Paragliding (Hunza, Chitral)
• Skiing (Malam Jabba, Naltar)
• Rafting (Gilgit, Hunza, Swat)
• Camping (many eco-resorts available)