Top 18 Family Vacation Spots in Pakistan in 2020
“Take vacations, go as many places as you can, you can always make money, and you can’t always make memories.” ~ Unknown.
I love vacations! What about you?
I truly believe that vacations are crucial for our personal growth and development. Not only do vacations give us ease of mind but they also broaden the horizons of our knowledge and learning.
Vacations give us a chance to relax and enjoy the world around us. It is always a good idea to take a break from the sluggish and boring routine and devour the marvels of nature around us.
Islamabad is a place of beautiful landscapes and the second most beautiful capital in the world. There are certain haunted places in Islamabad if you are curious about these places you should add these places in your list.
However, international trips can be pricey, especially when you are traveling with your family. Luckily, Pakistan is loaded with excellent yet inexpensive family vacation spots. Pakistan should not be underestimated when it comes to vacation destinations since it has some of the top places to visit in the world.
You do not have to go to Switzerland to experience the natural beauty and all that greenery. Similarly, you don’t have to hunt for an exotic beach in the Maldives to experience the fresh and soothing effect of the sea. Although Maldives is offering free entry for Pakistani passport holders the accommodation and food are quite expensive.
Apart from solo travelers, Pakistan is excellent for people who want to travel with families. Cafés in Karachi are perfect for hangouts with friends and family. There are lists of amazing and best places to travel with toddlers in Pakistan.
If you are someone who is looking for a nice and memorable family vacation spot in Pakistan, then keep on reading. We have come up with an amazing list of cool places to visit in Pakistan.
1. Naltar Valley
This is a beautiful valley situated on the outskirts of Gilgit Baltistan. If you are a big fan of lush green sceneries and out of this world lakes then Naltar Valley is your go-to place. It has mountains covered in snow, a very beautiful valley, lakes and most importantly, it has the longest chairlift in Gilgit.
In short, it is the perfect spot for families who want to have some family time in a cool and quiet place.
2. Neelum Valley
Neelum Valley is situated in Azad Kashmir district. Apart from its outstanding views and sceneries, the place is famous for fishing and angling activities. If you and your family are interested in fishing and devouring trout by the lake, then do check out Neelum Valley. If you want to get away from the scorching heat of June and July in Pakistan, then try vacationing in this area.
3. Deosai Plains
The place is also known as ‘the land of giants’ because of its wide and huge plains. Deosai plains are also known as the second-largest plateau on Earth. It is situated in the Gilgit Baltistan region. The best time to visit the place is August because the place is booming with millions of colorful wildflowers, a sight you do not want to miss.
There is a national park as well which serves as the home of many endangered species of animals such as brown bears and the national animal of Pakistan, Markhor. Indeed, it is an excellent vacation spot for kids because they can have a rich experience of the flora and fauna of Pakistan.
4. Siri Paye
Do not confuse this mesmerizing place with the food, Siri Paye. Just kidding!
It is a beautiful and lush area located near Kaghan. Some of the places a person should visit in Siri Paye include Makra Peak, Malika Parbat, Musa ka Musala and the mountains of Kashmir.
However, one should keep in mind that this is an isolated place with steep and dangerous paths. So, if you have small children with you, you probably want to opt for another less risky place. But if you only have grownups in your group then Siri Paye is your place to go.
5. Swat Valley
Who has not heard about the outstanding Swat Valley? Did you know the youngest Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai also hails from Swat Valley? Swat is situated in the Malakand region of Pakistan. The place is packed with waterfalls, scenic views, and greenery.
The place is also very famous for its stones and emerald mines. You can easily find many beautiful pieces at a very affordable rate. So ladies, if you are looking for stone jewelry, then do visit Swat.
6. Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur is a beautiful and historical city situated in Punjab, Pakistan. If you are a big fan of historical places then you should visit Bahawalpur. The city is filled with strikingly beautiful architecture and polo grounds. Horse riding and hunting are also common in Bahawalpur.
You should see the Noor Mahal and Darbar Mahal – both buildings belonged to the royal family of Bahawalpur. The palaces look gorgeous at night.
Some of the other places that you should visit are Abbasi Masjid, Bahawalpur Zoo, Derawar Fort and the national park. If you and your family members have a knack for history then you should not miss Bahawalpur. Try going there in winter because the city gets quite hot during summer.
7. Gwadar
This place is one of the best family vacation spots in 2020. Who wants to spend an insane amount of bucks on exotic beaches and yummy seafood when you already have Gwadar? Gwadar is a port city located in Baluchistan. You can view the mesmerizing Arabian Sea from Gwadar.
Kallang Beach and Gwadar Beach are no less than any other beaches in the world. You can visit the Hammerhead, Omara, Princess of Hope and national parks located in the city.
8. Saif ul Malook
It is one of the best family vacation spots on a budget. Jheel Saif ul Malook is situated in the Kaghan Valley. The place is breathtaking and often regarded as heaven on earth. The crystal-clear water and wildflowers leave you in awe. There is a myth that fairies come to this lake on the 14th of the lunar month.
9. Murree
Every Pakistani knows about Murree. We all have been there at least once in our lives.
Murree is one of the most famous vacation spots in Pakistan. Every year, thousands of people visit this place. It is a 45 minutes’ drive from Islamabad. The beautiful hill station has been winning hearts for ages now.
The hill station was founded by the Governor of Punjab, Sir Henry Lawrence in 1851. It was previously used as a sanatorium for the British troops. With the passage of time, it became one of the most popular vacation spots in Pakistan.
Mall Road in Murree is famous for its bazaar where you can find lots of local products such as key chains, decoration pieces, clothes, embroidered pieces, and wood products.
You can also take a stroll at the Kashmir point. The cool breeze and majestic trees add more beauty to the place. Also, do not forget to enjoy the chairlift in Patriata. Trust me, it will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. You can see the whole city from up there.
While you are in Murree, don’t forget to try hot pakoras and chutney from Chara Pani. Mall Road is also loaded with innumerable street food stalls such as soup, fries, karahis, burgers, fries, pakoras, and broasts, etc. Murree also has a cinema. That means you can also enjoy your favorite movie over there. In short, Murree is one of the best options for vacations. An interesting fact about Murree is that some people believe that Murree is named after the Virgin Mary.
10. Chitral
The next vacation spot on our list is Chitral. Chitral is located in the Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa region and is known for its beautiful landscapes and valleys. Chitral is perfect for people who want to experience unique music, culture, and rich cuisine. Interestingly, around 14 languages are being spoken in Chitral alone. How cool is that?
While you are in Chitral, do visit the Chitral Polo Ground. The annual Shandur Festival happens in this ground. Also, Chitralis love polo and there are plenty of polo matches happening at the place now and then. You can also visit the Chitral Museum and Governor House. Did you know that Chitral was the first princely state that acceded to Pakistan after independence? The Mehtar of Chitral, Muzaffar-ul-Mulk, stated his intention to accede to Pakistan on 15 August 1947.
11. Kalash Valley
Kalash is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Pakistan. The valley is further divided into three main regions: Bumburet, Rumboor, and Birir. Among them, people usually visit the Bumburet region because it is easy to reach and there are plenty of hotels in the region.
The culture and traditions of the Kalasha people are very unique and interesting. The people follow the animism religion (Animism is a religious belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence).
Also, you need to see the traditional dresses of the Kalasha people. Their clothing is vibrant and full of beautiful embroidery. The headdress which they wear is very heavy yet they carry it beautifully.
Several festivals are celebrated in Kalash Valley every year such as Chilam Joshi, Uchau and Choimus. These festivals are a perfect depiction of Kalash’s culture where there are dances, music and loads of food and drinks. The people of Kalash Valley are said to be the descendants of the army of Alexander the Great who was left behind in the region.
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12. Arang Kel
Arang Kel is one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan. Arang Kel is a small but strikingly beautiful village located in Azad Kashmir. Green meadows full of flowers, gorgeous wood huts, and clear waters define Arang Kel.
The lush green meadows, beautiful plains, and mind-blowing weather are enough to make you fall in love with the place. The place can be accessed by either trekking or by chairlift. Arang Kel is also known as the pearl of Neelum Valley.
13. Lulusar
Lulusar is another exceptional vacation spot located in the Naran region. It takes 1.5 hours from Naran City to reach Lulusar. You can easily reach Lulusar Lake with any vehicle. Get to know how to apply for a vehicle license. However, you must keep in mind that there are no hotels in Lulusar and one has to stay in Naran City.
The lake is enclosed by gigantic snowcapped mountains and lush green grounds. Lulusar is also the primary source of the Kunhar River which runs across the whole valley.
14. Skardu
Skardu is located in the Gilgit Baltistan region and is known for its scenic views. The place is situated near the Indus River, which separates the Karakoram Range from the Himalayan mountain range.
The history of Skardu is very old. It was part of the Tibetan Empire and a very important cultural region for them. The weather in Skardu is perfect in summer. The best time to travel to Skardu is from April to October. After October, the temperature falls significantly. The temperature can reach −10 °C (14 °F).
There are beautiful places near Skardu that you can visit with your friends and family. These places include Skardu Fort, Shigar Fort, Satpara Lake, and Kachura Lake. If you are up for adventure and trekking then do visit Skardu.
15. Nathia Gali
Nathia Gali is a mountain resort located near the Abbottabad District. It is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Pakistan because of its scenic views, beautiful weather and peaceful environment.
The whole place is packed with pine, cedar, oak, walnut and maple trees. Don’t be afraid if you spot monkeys on your way because they are harmless. There are many historical sites in Nathia Gali as well such as Saint Mathew’s Church and the Governor House.
If you are a big fan of hiking then you have to visit the Mukshpuri Top. The hike is a bit difficult if you are a beginner but once you reach the top, you feel like you are at the top of the world. You can see the whole region from the top.
16. Kumrat Valley
Kumrat is one of the best places to visit in Pakistan. Kumrat Valley is a gorgeous valley located in the Dir district. The beautiful valley is tucked in between huge mountains and lush green trees. The place is also known for its exotic fauna and flora.
There are fewer hotels and staying places in Kumrat but you can camp aside the waterfalls and streams. Jahaz Banda and Kotora Lake are the main attractions of Kumrat Valley.
17. Attabad Lake
Did you know Attabad Lake was not present before 2010? Yes, you heard me right. Attabad Lake was formed after the Attabad disaster in which there was a huge land slide in the area. The incident resulted in losses but today, the place is attracting tourists from around the world. Attabad Lake is one of the most visited places in Pakistan. Every year, hundreds of tourists visit this place. It is situated in the Gilgit Baltistan region.
If you are someone who loves recreational activities like boating, fishing and jet skiing then Attabad Lake is the perfect place for you.
18. Sonmiani
Who needs the Maldives or the Bahamas when you have Sonmiani Beach right here in Pakistan? A lot of people are unaware of this exotic beach located near Karachi.
Sonmiani Beach is just 1.5 hours away from Karachi. It is located on N25 Highway which connects Karachi with Makran Coastal Highway. If you want to spend some luxurious and peaceful time with your loved ones, then do visit this out-of-this-world beach. It has state-of-the-art resorts and guest houses. It is a perfect spot for picnics and BBQ parties as well. The sandy beach with seashells, crystal clear water and the cool breeze takes you to another world.
I would like to end this piece with a very famous quote by Bill Bryson which goes like this:
“I can’t think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.”
Pakistan is full of amazing tourist sites. There are a lot of tourist places in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi that you visit with your family and friends as well. Islamabad is full of amazing lush green parks, and natural beauty. There are a lot of places in Islamabad to visit, as well. Some dams in Pakistan are the perfect vacation spot, providing you with swimming spots, beautiful scenic views, and fishing. To see the true and beautiful colors of Pakistan, one has to visit places in Lahore. All we need is recognition and exposure from our people. This was our selection of beautiful places in Pakistan that you can visit with your friends and family. These places in Pakistan are no less than any other vacation spot in the world. If you need to get fit, visit some of the best gyms in Islamabad to maintain your healthy lifestyle.
Get to know the list of schools in Karachi.
These were our suggestions for the best family destinations in 2020. Do let us know about your favorite vacation spots in the comment section below. We hope you find the family vacation ideas for families on this list. Like the best tourist spot, Pakistan has the best restaurants as well. If you are a food lover you should visit these amazing restaurants as well. Get to know one billion in Urdu conversion
Happy vacations!
Top 18 Family Vacation Spots in Pakistan in 2020
- Published in International, Tourism
How to Get to Fairy Meadows? A Complete Guide
The exotic beauty of Pakistan; Fairy Meadows is located at the foot of Nanga Parbat at the western edge of the Himalayan mountain range in Pakistan’s northern region. The road to Fairy Meadows is a picturesque and quite dangerously high mountain track.
If you plan to travel to Pakistan, you must have Fairy Meadows on your bucket list. For more detailed info on travel guides of Pakistan, you can visit the blog page of Feeta.pk, where you can find various blogs on related topics.
In this blog you will find a complete guide to Fairy Meadows, so let’s start this virtual journey.
Some interesting facts about Fairy Meadows Pakistan
| Fairy Meadows height from sea level | 3300m |
| Height of Nanga Parbat | 8125m |
| Temperature | Highest 26 degrees C in July & Lowest 4 degrees C in January |
History Behind the Name
Back in 1953, Australian climber Hermann Bhul gave the name Märchenwiese which means, “Fairy Tale Meadows ”, to this place because of its eye-catching beauty. He became the first person to climb the peak of the Nanga Parbat. The local name of Fairy Meadows is “Joot”.
In 1995 the government of Pakistan declared the place as a national park.
Road to Fairy Meadows
The road to Fairy Meadows is not an easy and simple one. You need to get there by going through a few stages. First of all, you will have to go to Gilgit which is a city located in the North of Pakistan. From there you go to the Raikot bridge, then there is a jeep ride and finally a 2 hrs hike to the destination.
Steps to reach Fairy Meadows:
Follow these steps to reach Fairy Meadows.
Step 1: Go To Gilgit
Now there are a few options you have to reach Gilgit. The first one is to Fly to the city via Islamabad International Airport. Per day there are 3 flights to Gilgit from Islamabad. Fairs are also quite affordable, however, during the summer season the prices go high.
The other option you have is taking a bus from Islamabad to Gilgit. It will be an 18 hour road trip on Karakoram highway. It will cost you less as compared to the previous option; usually around Rs 2500. This bus will drop you off directly at the Raikot Bridge.
| Your bus | 18hrs |
| Your Airplane | 1hr, 15min |
If you want to avoid traveling through the Karakoram Highway, flying is probably a better option for you. Traveling on the Karakoram highway is enjoyable, yet very frustrating at the same time. Landsliding is very common on this route, and the passage can be blocked for hours and sometimes even for days so this unpredictability can be a bit overwhelming for travelers.
Step 2: Go to Raikot Bridge
80km south of Gilgit we have the Raikot Bridge. It is a 2 hour drive to get there. You can either take a taxi or hitchhike your way to the bridge. The taxi fare is a bit high, it’s around Rs 1000. Also, there is this NACTO bus terminal, you can get into a bus from there that will head towards Chillas.
Step 3: Scariest Jeep Ride
After you have reached the Raikot Bridge, the next destination is Fairy Meadows. There is only one way to reach Fairy Meadows, and that is taking an adventurous jeep ride. It’s a 2 hour drive.
Unlike regular, bumpy mountain rides, this one is going to be crazy. However recently the road was widened after there were a few accidents. So now the road is not as dangerous. The drivers are also experts so there is nothing much to worry about.
Fares are again a little bit high; Rs 8000 for one jeep. However, if 3 or 4 people share the jeep they can split the fare among themselves.
In case you are thinking about it, don’t try to skip the Jeep ride, unless you have no choice but to walk. Police will stop you midway so it’s not worth giving a try.
This ride alone would be one memorable experience for you. This adventure is all worth it because the end destination is the mesmerizing beauty of Fairy Meadows.
Step 4: Hike
Jeeps will pick you up from the Raikot Bridge, and drop you off at the village of Tattu. From there onwards, there is a 2 hour hike to Fairy Meadows. Before leaving the jeep, make sure you tell the driver your departure time and day.
You can also arrange horse porters if you want to. They are usually used for carrying the luggage, the rate is Rs 150 / km. You can also ride the horse up for Rs 1500.
If you want to hike, that’s not a bad option too. The hiking trail is 5km, and it takes about 2-3 hrs to reach Fairy Meadows from there. It can be very hot during summer, so you must be prepared.
Best Time To Travel To Fairy Meadows
April-May and September-October can be the best time to travel to the Fairy Meadows. Also, avoid going on weekends.
This is the time when the place will see relatively fewer travelers because this is not the peak season. There are more chances that you will get to have a place for yourself if you travel during this time, although it will be colder as compared to midsummer.
Fairy Meadows is a quite popular tourist attraction, and every year it sees lots of tourists from all around the world. That being the reason it can get really busy during the peak times like midsummer and public holidays etc.
What To Pack?
Before you start with your journey, the first and foremost things to keep in mind are where you are gonna stay and what you need to pack for it. And if it includes hiking, you must be extra well prepared.
Following are the things that you will need for your hike to Fairy Meadows.
- Any regular Shoes for Hiking
- Water-Proof Jacket
- Map App
- Snacks
- and of course, a backpack to carry all your stuff
Place To Stay
You can either make the reservations beforehand, or you can look around to find a good place to stay.
Ranging from Houses, cottages, hotels, camps, and wooden huts, you will see a pretty fair range of options for accommodation, from which you can choose one that suits you. There is a particular name for Fairy Meadow cottages; “Pari Mehel” which translates to “Fairy Palace”.
Beyal Camps, Pinterest source
The average cost of one room at Fairy Meadows ranges from Rs 2000 to 3000. The most expensive one is Raikot Sarai as it charges Rs 7000 for just one night’s stay.
Raikot Sarai is a camping resort. You can take a jeep from here and that can take you to Tattu village.
Beyal Camp is another good camping place, which is at a distance of a few kilometers from Fairy Meadows. You can hike to Beyal Camp from Fairy Meadows and it takes almost 3-4 hrs.
Reflection Pond
Reflection Lake, Pinterest source
Another tourist attraction at Fairy Meadows is the Reflection Lake. The special feature of this lake is that it shows the crystal clear reflection of the majestic Nanga Parbat aka “the killer mountain” aka the “9th highest mountain in the world”.
The place is rightfully named, Fairy Meadows. This heaven-on-earth place attracts tourists from all around the world for its beautiful views and serenity. The journey to Fairy Meadows might be long and hectic especially since it includes a hike, but when you get there you will forget it all and just won’t want to come back. You can also visit the Feeta blog where you will find more interesting and informative blogs on tourism and various other topics.
How to Get to Fairy Meadows? A Complete Guide
- Published in International, Lifestyle, Tourism
Amazing Winter Destinations in Pakistan’s North
Pakistan is one of the few countries in the world having four distinct seasons. Winter, summer, spring, and fall are all beautiful seasons to visit in Pakistan. Every season has its own distinct flavor and set of advantages. The northern parts of Pakistan enjoy four beautiful seasons at once, as well as spectacular vistas and locations. These zones are carried out using different astronomical regions of the earth’s sky. Because of their beauty, tourists from all over the world, including Pakistanis, have been lured to these destinations.
Summer and winter vacations are popular in Pakistan’s northern regions, which are also noted for their breathtaking beauty. You’ve come to the right location if you’re thinking of taking a winter holiday to the north. On this page, we’ve come up with a list of the finest tourist sites in the country.
The below places are famous not for their stunning scenery, but also for two of the greatest tourist amenities, like road and communication infrastructure, hotel rooms for short stays, and vacation homes.
Swat is an adventure tourism place
Those who visit Swat regularly might also make the once commitment by buying an apartment. Check out Cedar Valley in Kalam for the studio, one, and 2 bedrooms apartments that may be rented out for extra money.
Shogran in winters
On the road to Naran and Babusar Top, Shogran is off the usual path. The tourist destination is well-connected to the region’s stunning natural features, such as Siri Paye and Makra Peak, and is also suitable for trekking and camping. In the winter, Shogran is covered in snow, then you’ll have to hire a 4X4 to get somewhere; but, in the summer, you may drive your own car.
For just an overnight stay in Shogran, there are many hotels to choose from. If you arrive in Shogran in the middle of the day, it is better to schedule your trip to Siri Paye for the next morning. Another reason for this is that most of the roads are covered with snow, and traveling after the evening is far too risky.
Snacks, lunch, or supper are all available in a commercial setting. It’s not difficult to find a hotel room, and rates in different resorts start at PKR 6,000 per night.
Kalash valley and its winter festival
Kalash’s three valleys are Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir. All year, Kalash Valley residents may participate in a number of events. Chilam Joshi, a summer event, is certainly familiar to you. A four-day festival attracts hundreds of locals and guests.
Every year from December 7 to December 22, they celebrate Chaw Mos, their most important festival. The Kalash winter celebration celebrates the start of the new year or the conclusion of the harvest season. Tourists and locals alike will be able to learn more about the valley’s interesting history. The natural beauty of Kalash Valley will surprise you, in contrast to such fascinating and colorful displays of local culture.
To remain warm during the Kalash Valley’s severely cold winters, take large jackets, sweaters, and other warm clothing. In the Kalash area, private hotels and guest houses are available, with nightly rates ranging from PKR 2,000 to PKR 3,000 depending on the season.
Also, if you want to read more informative content about construction and real estate, keep following Feeta Blog, the best property blog in Pakistan.
Amazing Winter Destinations in Pakistan’s North
- Published in International, tour, Tourism, travel, travel destinations, travel destinations in asia