Myra Ahmed
Hunza, Kalam, Chitral, the list is endless; the Northern areas of Pakistan are plethoras of beauty. From mountains to cosy, lit-up streets, you will find everything here. While Summer is a great time to see blooming flowers and lush, green plains, we recommend that you head to Northern Pakistan in Winter to witness a winter wonderland.
Hunza is located in Gilgit-Baltistan and is a wonder to behold. The mountainous valley is not only home to breathtaking landscapes, but also rich and hospitable culture. Head to Hunza to explore the Baltit Fort, an ancient structure dating back around 600 years. It is part of UNESCO's World Heritage Site nominations and truly an ode to history. Hunza is also home to the well-renowned Attabad Lake - you simply cannot miss this! The lake was formed in consequence to a catastrophic landslide in 2010, making it a symbol of hope for natives with its deep, blue water.
Kalam is another valley located in Swat. The pristine waters of the Kundol Lake are fed by the Hindu Kush mountain range, where glaciers have been melting for years; the view is bound to leave you in awe. Head to a traditional restaurant for a wholesome dinner once you have travelled Kalam; Swat's cuisine entails a vast array of flavours, from lightly-spiced rice dishes, to masala-filled Karahis. Choose anything from the menu and we assure you, you will not be disappointed!
Chitral; the home of Polo in Pakistan.Bordering Gilgit-Baltistan, the Chitral District is another wonder of Northern Pakistan. Tirich Mir is the highest peak of the Hindukush range, towering over the district. It is located in the upper Chitral region and is a must-see for all tourists! While Chitral too, is home to amazing sights, the culture of the district is beyond beautiful. Kho is spoken across the area and Chitralis refer to their district as Khowar. In July, the Shandur Polo Festival is held in Chitral. We highly recommend this if you're visiting in the Summer; it is simply magical and truly representative of the culture and heritage of the region.
Clearly, Pakistan is the home of immeasurable, untapped beauty. Hunza, Kalam and Chitral are a few of the many sights to see across Northern Pakistan that we, here at Land of the Pure, will be writing about very soon!