16 Pakistani tourist spots you must visit

 Whenever we think of Pakistan, all that comes to our mind is  terrorism, extremism, sectarianism, corruption, load shedding and  inflation but despite all these issues, we immensely love our country.Amidst all the chaos we have forgotten the beauty of our landscape.Pakistan  is full of breathtaking locations which will make you fall in love with  this country all over again. If you are a tourist or love travelling  then you must compile a list of places you plan to visit next year. Dawn.com  frequently publishes pictures of stunning tourist spots and historic  places of Pakistan to highlight the positive image of the country and to  generate awareness among the people.Here are 16 destinations from our list which you must visit in 2016. Your experience would be, indeed, unforgettable:

1. Naltar valley

Naltar is famous for its colourful lakes, it is situated at a drive  of 2.5 hours from Gilgit. World’s tastiest potatoes are cultivated here.  Covered with pine trees, this valley doesn’t seem to be a part of this  world.If you really want to experience paradise in this world,  you should visit Naltar at least once. This place will make you fall in  love with it. 

 

2. Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir

Opposite to the Keran sector of Indian-held Kashmir. From the Chella  Bandi Bridge – just north of Azaad Kashmir’s capital Muzaffarabad – to  Tau Butt, a valley stretches out for 240 kilometres; it is known as the  Neelum Valley (literally, the Blue Gem Valley).Neelum is one of  the most beautiful valleys of Azaad Kashmir, and it hosts several  brooks, freshwater streams, forests, lush green mountains, and a river.  Here, you see cataracts falling down the mountains; their milky-white  waters flowing over the roads and splashing against the rocks, before  commingling with the muddy waters of River Neelum. 

3. Shangrila resort, Skardu

In the extreme north of Pakistan, Skardu the central valley of  Gilgit-Baltistan, is an epitome of beauty, serenity and wilderness.After  Jaglot on the Karakoram Highway, a narrow road turns towards Skardu.  During the seven-hour journey, one is greeted with several streams,  springs, and the hospitality of the local people.After crossing  the old wooden bridge built over the River Indus, one reaches Shangrila,  a paradise on earth for tourists. It is a famous tourist spot in  Skardu, which is about 25 minutes away by drive. Restaurant in Shangrila  rest house is highlight of this place, which is built in the structure  of an aircraft. 

 

4. Gojal Valley

The Gojal Valley borders China and Afghanistan, with its border  meeting the Chinese border at Khunjerab — 15,397 feet above sea level —  and remains covered with snow all year long.In the north west,  there is Chiporsun, whose border touches the Wakhan region of  Afghanistan. Wakhan is about six square miles in area, after which  starts Tajikistan. The Karakoram Highway which connects Pakistan to  China also passes through Gojal Valley and enters China at Khunjerab 

5. Deosai Plains

Deosai is located on the boundary of Karakoram and the western  Himalayas, and at no point it is less than 4000 meters above sea level.  It remains covered with snow for 8 months. The rest of the year, it  hosts a range of beautiful flowers of all hues and colours, but not a  single tree is found in this plateau spread over 3000 sq. km.Sheosar  lake is also part of this. This lake is one of the highest lakes in the  world. The deep blue water, with snow-covered mountains in backdrop,  and greenery with wild flowers in foreground offer such a view in  summers, that one is left amused for the rest of his life. 

 

6. Rama Meadow

Just a little ahead of Rama Village, which is 11 kilometres from Astore, is a beautiful and serene plain called Rama Meadow. If  you ever happen to find yourself in plain, ice-cold and milk-white  water flowing in streams, sheep and cows grazing in peace, pine trees,  Chongra’s ice-covered peak in background, and Nanga Parbat’s southern  ridge is in view, then you are probably in Rama Meadow. 

 

7. Paye

Shogran had seen an influx of tourists, who trampled over its beauty,  leaving it jaded. Siri Paye, nonetheless, still retains its strong  attraction for tourists as a green plateau on top of the Hindu Kush.  Engulfed in clouds and fog more often than not, it entices many as a  rendezvous which allows one to observe Nature play peek-a-boo.Here,  you see numerous small ponds filled with freshwater, meet horse-riders  wandering about, and smell wild yellow flowers blooming everywhere. With  the Makra Peak set as a backdrop, the beauty of the Siri Paye meadows  comes to life. 

8. Ayun and Bamburet Valley

Ayun district is a village of Chitral.  Located 12 kilometres south  of the city at the confluence of the River Bamburet . There are no words  to describe the beauty of the mountains surrounding the village. Beyond  Ayun valley is Bamburet Valley, it is one of the three Kalash valleys. Bamburet  is nearly two-hour journey from Chitral. Locals trace their roots to  Alexander the Great and Greece. Bamburet valley is a picturesque valley  with lush greenery and mountains that give you a sense of calm and  solitude. 

9. White Palace Swat

White Palace Marghazar is the only breathtaking location in the Swat  district that’s situated at a distance of around 12 km from the city of  Mingora. Not only do tourists visit Marghazar for its natural beauty and  pleasant weather but also to visit the historic White Palace (1941),  built during the era of Swat state.After the White Palace was  constructed on the directives of the founder of modern Swat state,  Miangul Abdul Wadood also known as Badshah Sahab, Marghazar became the  capital of Swat state during summer season. Even today, after seven  decades, White Palace remains an attraction for tourists.The  Palace doesn’t just look beautiful in summer; even during winter it  remains enchanting especially after snowfall. Also read: Swat's White  Palace: Cut from the same stone as the Taj Mahal 

 

10. Kerthar area

The Kirthar range stretches from Sindh to Balochistan, serving as a  natural border between the two provinces. This mountain range includes  the scenic Gorakh Hill (5700), Kutte Ji Qabar (6877) and Bandu Ji Qabar  (7112). This region is not just known for its breathtaking beauty  but also for its rich history. Spread across 150 miles, it is an ideal  tourist spot due to several streams, springs and historic locations,  however, it’s unfortunate that few tourists prefer to visit. The local  population is eager to welcome visitors and want to make this area a  better place. 

 

11. Mubarak Village Karachi

Mubarak remains the second largest fishermen village in Karachi.  Bordering with Gadani (Balochistan), the landscape encircles a stark  contrast of golden hills and turquoise clear waters.Away from the  city frenzy, this place welcomes you with a lot of love. As soon as you  park near the shore, numerous boats are anchored floating on crystal  clear waters, beneath the expansive blue sky. 

 

12. Rural areas near Punjab river

Punjab has been gifted with countless blessings including fertile  land and lush green farms. Nature has also blessed Punjab with colors of  every season, as winter ends vivid colors of spring spread around.According  to Syed Mehdi Bukhari, Sialkot, a city standing near the banks of River  Chenab, is also known as the centre of artisans. Perhaps, not only the  soils straddling this river, but also the people living near its banks  owe their fertility to Chenab. Iqbal, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Shev Kumar  Batalvi, and many other fertile minds have their roots here. The River  Chenab flows from Marala, 24 kilometres from the city of Sialkot.  

 

13. Ghanche District, Gilgit–Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan's Ghanche district stands almost aloof with its  beautiful valleys and settlements inhabited by the most hospitable  locals and river irrigated lands. The central location in the district  is Khaplu, which is a beautiful landscape with high summits, flowing  blue waters and waterfalls.The people of this small settlement on the bank of River Shyok, are warm and loving, as they were centuries before.Going  a little ahead from Khaplu, the curvy road takes one to the delta of  River Shyok, where it splits up, flowing through the gravel filled river  plain. The peak of Mashabrum mountain can also be seen in the backdrop.

14. Ranikot Fort

Ranikot, with a circumference of about 26 km, is the largest fort in  the world. However, this has not been enough to convince the authorities  to develop it as a major tourist attraction.This fort is easily  accessible from Karachi through the National Highway. After departing  from Karachi, head to Dadu through on the Indus Highway. The road is in  excellent condition. It's an hour-long journey to San, the home of  Sindhi nationalist, GM Syed. A little further from the town there comes a  diversion. A rusty board announces that Ranikot is some 30 km away.  Even though the road is in pathetic condition, the distance can be  covered in 30 to 40 minutes.

 

15. Bahawalpur

The princely state in Punjab boasts a treasure of historic buildings,  monuments and parks that many have never heard of. Bahawalpur – a city  located along the left bank of the Sutlej river. Along with desert  areas, Bahawalpur is known as the land of lush gardens that soothe your  eyes whereas the splendor palaces don't fail to impress you. 

16. Gorak Hill

Snowfall in Sindh — sounds more like fantasy but no, there’s one  place in Sindh where it really snows in winter, to the extent that in  2008 the mountains got entirely covered with a layer of snow.Gorakh  is a scenic plateau situated at a height of over 5,688 feet and is part  of the Kirthar Mountain Range that covers the entire Sindh’s border  with Balochistan in the west.