From towering mountains and peaceful valleys to bustling cities and historic forts, Pakistan offers first-time travellers a rich mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. You can trek through the Himalayas, stroll along ancient streets, explore vibrant markets, and unwind by the Arabian Sea, with each region offering its own unique experiences.
This diversity ensures that every journey brings discoveries and unforgettable memories. Visiting these remarkable places is even more rewarding when you can travel at your own pace. Here are ten destinations that showcase the very best of Pakistan, along with practical tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
Islamabad is Pakistan’s clean, green, and well-organised capital, surrounded by rolling hills and offering a peaceful setting for first-time visitors. With famous landmarks such as the Faisal Mosque, the Daman-e-Koh viewpoint, and the scenic Margalla Hills National Park, the city combines calm surroundings with a lively atmosphere. Exploring Islamabad is much easier with your own car, especially if you want the freedom to take your time and enjoy each site.
You can drive up to the Margalla Hills for sweeping views, visit the Pakistan Monument and the nearby Shakarparian Park, and spend the evening wandering through local markets. Explore both the city centre and the surrounding attractions at your own pace. Visit the Faisal Mosque early in the morning or late in the afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning natural light.
Lahore is the cultural heart of Pakistan. Known for its historic walled city, grand Mughal-era architecture, and rich culinary scene, it is a place where history and liveliness meet. Key sites include the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, the Shalimar Gardens, and the vibrant food streets of the Old City.
You can also visit attractions outside the city centre, such as the Wagah Border or the surrounding countryside, to experience more of the region. Take your time to hop between historic sites, parks, and food markets, and explore the food street near Fort Road after sundown to sample traditional Lahori cuisine while enjoying the illuminated monuments.
Hunza Valley, located in Gilgit-Baltistan, is a dream destination for travellers who love scenic beauty. With towering peaks, turquoise rivers, and charming villages such as Karimabad, Hunza offers breathtaking views and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. Visitors should not miss the Baltit Fort or the view from the Eagles’ Nest.
Exploring Hunza is easiest with your own transport, which allows you to travel along the Karakoram Highway, stop at viewpoints, and take time to explore the small hamlets. This makes it possible to spend more time in scenic spots without feeling rushed. Staying a night in Karimabad lets you experience the sunrise over the mountains, creating a truly magical scene.
Skardu is another gem in Gilgit-Baltistan and serves as the starting point for some of Pakistan’s most famous treks, including K2 Base Camp, Deosai Plains, and Shangrila. The region’s lakes, such as Shangrila Lake, also known as Lower Kachura Lake, and Satpara Lake, are serene and stunning.
Travel in this area can be challenging due to mountainous roads, so a 4x4 or a robust vehicle is recommended for navigating rough sections safely. Spend a day or two acclimatising in Skardu before venturing on higher-altitude treks to prevent altitude sickness.
Swat Valley, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is often called the Switzerland of the East for its lush valleys, rivers, and mountains. Key attractions include Mingora, the hill resorts in the surrounding mountains, and the historic Buddhist sites of Butkara.
Exploring Swat by car allows you to experience the valley slowly and thoroughly, taking in its natural beauty and cultural sites. You can follow the Swat River, stop at scenic viewpoints, visit local bazaars, and enjoy the peaceful countryside. Visiting in spring, when the valley is covered in flowers and the weather is mild, provides especially stunning photo opportunities.
Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city and a vibrant economic and cultural hub. With its coastline on the Arabian Sea, it offers a mix of historic sites, modern shopping areas, and seaside hangouts. Must-visit places include Clifton Beach, the Quaid’s Mausoleum, and the traditional markets of Saddar.
Exploring Karachi can be challenging due to heavy traffic, but planning your route carefully allows you to experience the city more freely. You can travel along the coastline to Clifton, visit different neighbourhoods, and create a flexible schedule for sightseeing and dining. Be sure to try Karachi’s famous street food for an authentic taste of the city.
Multan is known as the “City of Saints” because of its many Sufi shrines. It’s one of Pakistan’s oldest cities and offers a rich spiritual and architectural experience. Visit the shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya, the Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, and the colourful bazaars for pottery, blue-glazed tiles, and local handicrafts.
Multan and its surrounding areas are best explored at a leisurely pace, especially when visiting the many shrines and heritage sites. Taking your time allows you to focus on the places that interest you most and enjoy the experience without rushing. Visit in the evening when the shrines are lit and the temperature is cooler, creating a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.
Peshawar, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is a city steeped in history and cultural diversity. Its historic bazaar, Qissa Khawani Bazaar, is famous for its storytellers and traditional architecture. You can also visit the Peshawar Museum, the historic Bala Hisar Fort, and the Mahabat Khan Mosque.
Navigating Peshawar can feel overwhelming due to traffic and narrow roads, but planning your route allows you to move through the city and surrounding areas with greater ease. You can travel between the old city, the suburbs, and nearby scenic spots, and also explore the surrounding hills or nearby villages for a fuller experience. A guided walk through Qissa Khawani Bazaar helps you understand its history and hear the stories of local people.
Naran and Kaghan Valley are located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and are known for high-altitude beauty, alpine lakes, and scenic roads. Places like Lake Saif-ul-Malook, Lulusar Lake, and Shogran offer breathtaking views and pristine nature. Exploring these valleys requires careful planning, as public transport is limited, especially on narrow mountain roads.
Travellers can follow winding routes, pause at scenic viewpoints, and take day trips to nearby lakes and hills, which makes it possible to reach hidden corners and remote spots safely. For the best experience, visit Lake Saif-ul-Malook early in the morning to see the mirror-like water before the winds pick up.
Murree and the Galiyat region are popular hill stations for both locals and international travellers. With pine forests, misty hills, and colonial-era cottages, it’s a peaceful retreat just a few hours’ drive from Islamabad. Key places include Mall Road, Patriata (New Murree), and several hiking trails.
Having your own car is very useful for exploring Murree and Galiyat, because public transport can be slow and crowded. You can drive up the hills, visit viewpoints, and travel between small towns with ease. Travel on weekdays if possible to avoid weekend crowds, and visit viewpoints early in the morning for clear views.
Renting a car can make travel more flexible and enjoyable, especially for first-time visitors. It allows travellers to explore diverse landscapes, historic cities, and scenic routes at their own convenience.
Driving in Pakistan can be challenging for first-time travellers, especially in mountainous and remote regions. Following practical tips can help you navigate safely, stay prepared, and enjoy the journey.
The best time to visit Pakistan depends on the region and the experience you want. Spring, from March to May, is ideal for valleys like Hunza, Skardu, and Naran, with blooming flowers, pleasant temperatures, and clear roads. Summer, from June to August, suits hill stations such as Murree and Galiyat, as well as coastal cities like Karachi, offering a cool escape from the heat.
Autumn, from September to October, is perfect for exploring Lahore and Peshawar while enjoying fall colours in northern areas and Swat. Winter, from November to February, works for brief city visits, with snowy Murree providing a charming winter atmosphere despite some mountain roads being closed.
Pakistan is a captivating destination for first-time travellers, offering a rich blend of landscapes, history, and warm hospitality. From the bustling streets of Lahore and the tranquil surroundings of Islamabad to the soaring peaks and scenic valleys of Hunza, Skardu, and Naran, every stop promises remarkable experiences.
Rent a car in Pakistan with Final Rentals to make the most of your trip. Having your own vehicle allows you to explore remote locations, follow your own schedule, and travel comfortably through both cities and mountains. With careful planning, awareness of local customs, and a sense of adventure, your first journey through Pakistan can become an unforgettable adventure full of discovery and wonder!
