I'm going to Pakistan at the end of December but only for 10 days. I fly into Islamabad and would like to go to Lahore but would also like to go up north. What's one or two really good places with semi easy access and low key paper work? (permits and what not) Gilgit? Hunza? Do I need to be on a tour to go to these places or can I just go?
1
incognito59
Well you can go to Kaghan Valley or even Hunza/Gilgit. But it will be very cold up there and possibly road blocks due to snow. Taxila Museum is close to Islamabad if you are in to museums. You can also go up to Nathiagali which is pretty close to Islamabad.
Cheers
2
pakistanguide
You can visit to see the Gilgit, Ghezir Hunza, skardu, Khapulu and Shigar in December. it will be cold there and if snow falled it will be intersteing to see snow clad valleys in winter. To above mentioned places road will remain open whole area. Nathigali, Murree is also an easy access option.
3
chitralguyimran
Bonjour from Islamabad,
December, the best time to be in south Pakistan, sunny & warmer days especially Lahore, Multan and Islamabad/Rawalpindi.
North is with freezing temperatures, mostly cloudy, rainy and snowy, likewise Hunza, Skardu and Chitral.
Flights are subject to weather to above mentioned areas but accessible by road.
Kalash winters festival " Chaumas " is celebrated from the mid of December in Chitral.
Kaghan valley is off-limits to you so avoid it .
Bon voyage .
4
k2_heights
No need any paper work (NOC) in order to travel to Gilgit & Hunza.Make sure to bring warm cloths along if you plan to travel to the specified region.
5
chitralguyimran
Bonjour from Islamabad,
Gilgit-Baltistan, totally safe, so you could travel alone through a NATCO bus from Pirwadhai bus terminal, Rawalpindi, some 18 to 20 hrs.
Ciao,
7
wiedergehen
I was last in the north (Gilgit, Skardu) in June. December can be tricky, with winter weather. Ayubia can be socked in, for example, with v. little notice.
Lahore, on the other hand, will most likely enjoy beautiful weather. And it's a great city, worth a week of your time.
8
chitralguyimran
Yeah the weather conditions are harsh in December in the mountainous regions but south Pakistan mostly sunny .
Ciao,
9
mgkhawaja
Hey from Rawalpindi/Islamabad,
As you will be here for just 10 days I would not suggest going too far north Gilgit and Hunza as the travel is long and then the weather situations are unpredictable. Go to Murree, Bhurban, Muzafarabad(thats in Azad Kashmir. The Pakistani side), Lahore is just 4 hours away on a bus service and its a place not to miss. Go to Taxila Museum and farther, go to Tarbela Water Reservoir(the largest landfilled reservoir), Abbotabad has attractions such as Illiyasi Masjid and Kala Pani. Khewra Salt Range is an hour south from Islamabad which is very beautiful with salt sculptures and forts. Naran Valley and Jheel Saif ul Malook are some more attractions but depending on the snow fall, those might be blocked. They are not as far as Gilgit or Hunza.
Safe travels!
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