Explore Northern Areas of Pakistan – Top Picnic Spots & Guide
Published: 23/04/2025
Are you planning to visit Pakistan during the 2025 summer vacation? That’s perfect for picnics and adventure. The Northern Areas of Pakistan are calling you! With stunning mountains, clear lakes, and green valleys, this region across Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Gilgit Baltistan is a traveler’s dream.
In this article, we will cover all the Pakistan Northern Area picnic spots and their locations, from serene riversides to high meadows, to help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Northern Area of Pakistan.
Let’s start.
Why Explore Northern Pakistan?
Northern Pakistan, encompassing Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Gilgit-Baltistan, is a haven for nature lovers. Picture rugged peaks like Nanga Parbat, turquoise lakes like Attabad, and vibrant meadows bursting with wildflowers.
These regions offer serene picnic spots, thrilling hikes, and rich cultures, from Kalash festivals to Hunza’s terraced fields glowing golden in autumn. Locals welcome visitors with warm smiles, serving delicacies like Kashmiri pulao and Hunza walnuts.
Whether you’re a family seeking a relaxing day out or an adventurer craving high-altitude thrills, Northern Pakistan delivers unforgettable experiences.
Best Time to Visit: April to October for mild weather and accessible roads; November to March for skiing in Swat or snow-draped Hunza. Check real-time weather updates via AccuWeather or local tourism offices before traveling.
Must-Visit Picnic Places in Azad Jammu & Kashmir
AJK’s emerald valleys and rushing rivers make it perfect for picnics, just a short drive from Islamabad. Here are two must-visit spots:
Neelum Valley: The Jewel of Kashmir
- Why Visit? Neelum Valley’s pine-fringed rivers and alpine meadows create a serene escape. Locals recommend visiting at sunrise for misty views.
- Distance: 120 km from Muzaffarabad (3-4 hours by road).
- Travel Options:
- By Road: Buses from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad (130 km, 2.5 hours, PKR 600-1,200 via Daewoo Express), then jeeps to Neelum (PKR 2,500-4,000).
- By Tour: 3-day guided tours from Islamabad (PKR 18,000-30,000, per PakVoyager).
- Permits: Foreigners need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Muzaffarabad’s administration. Apply online via AJK Tourism for faster processing.
Top Picnic Spots:
- Keran Riverside (15 km from Neelum Valley): Shaded by willows, this spot along the Neelum River is ideal for family picnics. Try local apples.
- Sharda Picnic Point (20 km from the main valley): Barbecue by the river near ancient Buddhist ruins.
- Arang Kel Meadow (40 km from the main valley, 2-hour hike from Kel): A high-altitude meadow with panoramic views, perfect for group picnics.
- Activities: Trout fishing, hiking, and tasting Kashmiri tea.
- Best Time: March to October (avoid July-August rains).
Muzaffarabad: Gateway to Kashmir
- Why Visit? The capital of AJK offers riverside picnic spots and historical charm, with easy access from Islamabad.
- Distance: 130 km from Islamabad (2.5-3 hours).
- Travel Options:
- By Road: Buses from Rawalpindi Pirwadhai Terminal (PKR 600-1,200). Taxis cost PKR 6,000-8,000.
- By Air: Islamabad International Airport (140 km) is the nearest.
- Local Transport: Rickshaws or taxis (PKR 150-400).
Top Picnic Spots:
- Neelum-Jhelum Confluence (5 km from city center): A shaded riverside spot with picnic tables.
- Domel Picnic Area (3 km from city center): Grassy lawns by the Jhelum River, great for families.
- Pir Chinasi Viewpoint (30 km from Muzaffarabad): A hilltop with sweeping valley views, ideal for sunset picnics.
- Activities: Boating, sampling Kashmiri pulao, and visiting the Red Fort.
- Best Time: Year-round, especially spring (March-May).
Stunning Picnic Spots in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)
KPK’s alpine valleys and cultural heritage rival Switzerland. Accessible from Peshawar or Islamabad, here are three highlights:
Swat Valley: Pakistan’s Alpine Gem
- Why Visit? Swat’s rolling hills and waterfalls make it a family-friendly picnic paradise. Local guide Ali recommends Fiza Ghat for its calm vibe.
- Distance: 247 km from Islamabad (5-6 hours) or 160 km from Peshawar (3-4 hours).
- Travel Options:
- By Road: Buses to Mingora (PKR 900-1,800). Private cars cost PKR 9,000-14,000.
- By Air: Saidu Sharif Airport (limited flights, PKR 18,000-22,000).
- Local Transport: Vans to Malam Jabba or Kalam (PKR 600-1,200).
Top Picnic Spots:
- Fiza Ghat Park (10 km from Mingora): A riverside park with benches and playgrounds.
- Marghazar White Palace Grounds (15 km from Mingora): Lawns with mountain views, perfect for picnics.
- Kalam Riverside (90 km from Mingora): A scenic Swat River spot for barbecues.
- Activities: Hiking, skiing (winter at Malam Jabba), and exploring Buddhist stupas.
- Best Time: Year-round (winter for skiing).
Chitral Valley: A Cultural Retreat
- Why Visit? Chitral’s dramatic peaks and Kalash culture offer unique picnic spots. Check US Travel Advisories for border area updates.
- Distance: 400 km from Peshawar (10-12 hours) or 370 km from Islamabad (9-10 hours).
- Travel Options:
- By Road: Buses to Chitral (PKR 1,800-3,000). Jeeps to Kalash (PKR 2,500-5,000).
- By Air: Chitral Airport (PKR 14,000-20,000, weather-dependent).
- Tours: Kalash festival trips (PKR 25,000-50,000 for 5 days).
Picnic Spots:
- Bumburet Valley Park (30 km from Chitral): Open fields in Kalash Valley with cultural vibes.
- Garam Chashma Springs (45 km from Chitral): A relaxing spot near hot springs.
- Chitral Gol National Park Entrance (10 km from Chitral): Green picnic areas with mountain views.
- Activities: Cultural tours, trekking, and sampling local cheeses.
- Best Time: May to September.
Naran and Kaghan Valley: Alpine Serenity
- Why Visit? Naran’s lakes and meadows are picnic havens, with horse-riding trails adding fun.
- Distance: 270 km from Islamabad (6-7 hours).
- Travel Options:
- By Road: Buses to Naran (PKR 1,200-2,500). Private cars cost PKR 12,000-18,000.
- Local Transport: Jeeps to Saif Ul Malook (PKR 2,500-6,000).
- Tours: 3-day packages (PKR 20,000-35,000).
Top Picnic Spots:
- Saif Ul Malook Lake Shore (10 km from Naran): A turquoise lake with mountain views (jeep access).
- Lulusar Lake (50 km from Naran): A serene lake with flat picnic areas.
- Shogran Meadow (35 km from Kaghan): A grassy plateau with forest views.
- Activities: Camping, horse riding, and photography.
- Best Time: May to October.
Unforgettable Picnic Spots in Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan’s towering peaks and glaciers create a surreal backdrop for picnics. Here are four gems:
Hunza Valley: A Himalayan Paradise
- Why Visit? Hunza’s vibrant culture and Rakaposhi views make it a picnic favorite. Local shopkeeper Noor suggests sunrise at Attabad Lake.
- Distance: 100 km from Gilgit (2-3 hours).
- Travel Options:
- By Road: Buses to Karimabad (PKR 600-1,200). Private cars cost PKR 6,000-9,000.
- By Air: Gilgit Airport (PKR 18,000-28,000), then drive to Hunza.
- Local Transport: Taxis to Attabad Lake (PKR 1,200-2,500).
Top Picnic Spots:
- Attabad Lake Shore (20 km from Karimabad): A turquoise lake with boating and picnic areas.
- Altit Fort Gardens (3 km from Karimabad): Grassy spots near a 900-year-old fort.
- Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint (5 km from Karimabad): A hilltop with sunset picnic views.
- Activities: Cultural tours, hiking, and tasting Hunza apricots.
- Best Time: April to October (spring for cherry blossoms).
Skardu: Gateway to K2
- Why Visit? Skardu’s lakes and deserts offer diverse picnic spots, with K2 access for adventurers.
- Distance: 220 km from Gilgit (5-6 hours).
- Travel Options:
- By Road: Buses to Skardu (PKR 1,200-2,500). Private cars cost PKR 12,000-18,000.
- By Air: Skardu Airport (PKR 18,000-28,000).
- Tours: K2 trekking trips (PKR 60,000-120,000 for 7-10 days).
Top Picnic Spots:
- Shangrila Lake Resort (25 km from Skardu): A heart-shaped lake with picnic tables.
- Upper Kachura Lake (35 km from Skardu): A hidden lake with quiet picnic spots.
- Satpara Lake (8 km from Skardu): A serene lakeside for family picnics.
- Activities: Mountaineering, sightseeing, and tasting local trout.
- Best Time: April to October.
Fairy Meadows: Nanga Parbat’s Base
- Why Visit? Fairy Meadows offers magical picnic spots with Nanga Parbat views, perfect for stargazing.
- Distance: 75 km from Gilgit to Raikot Bridge (2 hours), then jeep and a 2-hour hike.
- Travel Options:
- By Road: Buses to Raikot Bridge (PKR 600-1,200). Jeeps to Tato (PKR 3,500-6,000).
- Trekking: Guided hikes to Nanga Parbat base camp (PKR 25,000-50,000).
- Local Stays: Campsites (PKR 2,500-6,000 per night).
Top Picnic Spots:
- Main Meadow Camp (central Fairy Meadows): A flat meadow with Nanga Parbat views.
- Reflection Lake (30-minute walk from main camp): A small lake with picnic areas.
- Beyal Camp (3-hour trek from main meadow): A quiet spot for trekkers.
- Activities: Camping, stargazing, and hiking.
- Best Time: June to September.
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Deosai National Park: Land of Giants
- Why Visit? Deosai’s high plateau boasts wildflower-filled picnic spots and Himalayan brown bears.
- Distance: 80 km from Skardu (2-3 hours by jeep).
- Travel Options:
- By Road: Jeeps from Skardu (PKR 6,000-10,000). No public buses.
- Tours: Guided camping trips (PKR 20,000-40,000 for 2 days).
- Permits: PKR 1,200, available in Skardu or online via Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism.
Top Picnic Spots:
- Sheosar Lake Shore (1-hour drive from park entrance): A lakeside picnic spot with views.
- Bara Pani Riverside (central Deosai): A streamside grassy area for groups.
- Kala Pani Meadow (near park entrance): A wildflower meadow for photography.
- Activities: Wildlife spotting, camping, and picnicking.
- Best Time: June to August (check road access in April 2025).
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Why Northern Pakistan Steals Hearts
Northern Pakistan is more than picnic spots, it’s a journey into nature’s embrace. Savor Hunza walnuts by Attabad Lake, sip Kashmiri tea in Neelum Valley, or stargaze in Fairy Meadows. Local communities, from Kalash dancers to Hunza farmers, share stories that linger long after you leave.
For a hidden gem, try Ratti Gali Lake in AJK, a turquoise oasis less crowded than Saif Ul Malook, as shared by local guide Fatima.
Ready for Northern Pakistan’s magic? Pack your picnic mat, choose a spot like Sheosar Lake or Keran Riverside, and dive into adventure. Explore more tips on our Northern Pakistan Hiking Guide or book a tour via PakVoyager. Share your picnic plans below to inspire fellow travelers!
FAQs for Traveling to the Northern Areas of Pakistan
The Northern Areas of Pakistan are packed with beautiful picnic spots. In Azad Jammu and Kashmir, try Keran Riverside (Neelum Valley) or Neelum-Jhelum Confluence (Muzaffarabad).
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Fiza Ghat Park (Swat) and Saif Ul Malook Lake (Naran) are great.
In Gilgit Baltistan, Attabad Lake (Hunza) and Sheosar Lake (Deosai) are perfect. Our article lists all the Pakistan Northern Area picnic spots with their locations for easy planning.
The ideal time to explore the northern regions of Pakistan is between April and October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and most picnic spots are accessible.
Winter (November to March) is ideal for snow activities like skiing in Swat or Malam Jabba, but some areas like Naran and Deosai may be closed due to snow.
You can reach the North Areas of Pakistan by air, road, or guided tours. Fly to Islamabad, then take domestic flights to Gilgit, Skardu, or Chitral (PKR 12,000-25,000).
Buses from Islamabad to Muzaffarabad (130 km, PKR 500-1,000) or Naran (270 km, PKR 1,000-2,000) are affordable.
Jeeps are needed for remote spots like Fairy Meadows or Deosai (PKR 2,000-8,000). Tour packages from Islamabad typically cost anywhere from PKR 15,000 to 100,000, based on the destination.
Yes, the northern side of Pakistan is generally safe for tourists. Areas like Hunza, Swat, and Muzaffarabad are popular and secure.
However, always check travel advisories before visiting remote spots like Chitral or Neelam Valley. Dress modestly, especially in Kashmir, and respect local customs to ensure a smooth trip.
For the northern region of Pakistan, pack warm clothes (even in summer), comfortable trekking shoes, a picnic mat, sunscreen, and a camera.
Bring snacks and water for remote picnic spots like Deosai or Fairy Meadows, as shops may be limited. A power bank is helpful due to limited electricity in some areas.
The North Areas of Pakistan offer many activities. Enjoy picnicking at Attabad Lake or Saif Ul Malook. Go hiking in Hunza or Chitral, camping in Fairy Meadows, or skiing in Malam Jabba (winter).
Cultural tours in Kalash Valley and historical visits to Baltit Fort are also popular. There’s something for everyone!
A budget trip to the Northern Areas of Pakistan costs PKR 5,000-10,000 per day, covering food, budget stays, and transport.
Guided tours range from PKR 15,000 (3-day Naran trip) to PKR 100,000 (7-day K2 trek). Flights to Gilgit or Skardu cost PKR 15,000-25,000, while buses are cheaper (PKR 500-2,500).
Yes, the Pakistan Northern Area has many stay options. Budget guesthouses in Muzaffarabad or Swat cost PKR 1,000-3,000 per night.
Mid-range hotels in Hunza or Skardu cost PKR 5,000-10,000. Campsites in Fairy Meadows or Deosai (PKR 2,000-5,000) are great for adventure lovers. Book early during peak season (June-August).
In main towns like Muzaffarabad, Mingora, and Karimabad, you’ll find restaurants serving local foods like Kashmiri pulao, Hunza walnuts, and chapshuro.
Remote areas like Deosai or Arrang Kel have limited food options, so bring snacks or packed meals for picnics. Always try local tea and fruits for a true Northern Area, Pakistan experience!
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- Be Respectful
- Stay Relevant
- Stay Positive
- True Feedback
- Encourage Discussion
- Avoid Spamming
- No Fake News
- Don't Copy-Paste
- No Personal Attacks
