As we embrace the winter season and with winter vacations almost upon us, you’ve probably already started making plans about how you’d like to spend the holidays, especially when it comes to spending it with loved ones. While relaxing at home or hanging out with friends sounds like a great idea, you know how December and January are the prime months to explore some of the most enchanting tourist destinations in the country. From the popular Murree Hills to the breath-taking Kalam Valley, there is no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Pakistan during winter days off! Social Diary is listing out some of the best spots you should definitely be visiting this winter season. Ensure you have everything all sorted to make the most of these cold days. Visit Pakistan and get to know what awaits you in full fervor!
The Magic of Murree Hills
Winter getaway is synonymous with the rich and magical beauty of the Murree Hills. Located at an altitude of 7,000 feet, Murree is actually visited by people all year round and gets quite populated especially in summers and winters. In winters, the place is covered by snow and looks as majestic as ever. The main thing is its quite convenient to visit. A few of Murree’s major tourist attractions include Mall Road, Kashmir Point, Pindi Point, Chattar Park, Ayubia, Bhurban, Patriata. There is just so much you can do out there. Also if you are not up for splurging plenty, there are quite a few budget friendly guest houses which you can check out. The hill station also has some decent dining options such as Usmania Restaurant, Marhaba Restaurant, KFC, Pizza Hut, Red Onion etc. If nothing else, you can opt to go for a cup of coffee at Gloria Jeans as you enjoy the aromatic coffee against the beautiful scenery.
The Wonders of Chitral
Many people might not be aware but this is yet another, major destination to watch out for and head out to in the winters. Chitral is located in the Khyber Pakhtunwa district of the country at about 4,900 feet above sea level. It is actually very popular among tourists due to it’s striking beauty as it is surrounded by the Hindu Kush Range while the Chitral River runs through the town. Some of the major tourist attractions include Chitral Fort, Chitral Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the Old Royal Fort in Mastuj, Chitral Gol National Park and most importantly, the famous Chitral Polo Ground. There is plenty you can visit here and you need to plan it out properly to get the most out of your trip.
Trance of Nathia Gali
Not very far off from the catchy sights of Murree, lies the equally enchanting Nathia Gali which is further up north located in the centre of the Galyat range. It is actually composed of several hill stations within a close distance of each other. Situated at about 7900 feet above sea level, Nathia Gali tends to get really cold during the weather season with temperature dropping to minus 8 even at certain times. Many people opt to visit Nathia Gali as a day trip while staying at Murree. They are close but the sights can be quite different to one another.
The Perfection of Ziarat Valley
Ziarat valley is located in the Ziarat District, Baluchistan. How many people know of this place? It is basically a hill station that is located at an altitude of 8000 feet. The valley is home to the world’s second largest Juniper forest with some of its trees being the oldest in the world. A stunning view, which is certainly enchanting, is provided to the travelers when the area is covered with a blanket of snow in the winter season. Add this perfect spot to your wish list already.
Skiing at Malam Jabba
This is the ultimate spot for those who wish to soak in some adventure. Malam Jabba is actually located in the Hindu Kush range of Swat Valley at about 300 km from Islamabad and it roughly takes six hours to reach from the capital city by road. It is actually located at nearly 1000 feet above sea level and is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful hill stations. Boasting one of Pakistan’s oldest ski resorts and also offering exciting chair lift services from which you can enjoy the view of the resort from a very different perspective, this is one vacation you wouldn’t want to miss out on! Get your winters the adventurous spot they so rightly deserve.
