Lifestyle Tourism

Top 12 Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Pakistan

Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Whether it is taking a break from a long week of work or whether you want to spend some quality time with your family, hill stations without doubt are the most captivating place to visit. They not only provide one with scenery and landscape that is hard to overlook, but they also have multiple spots for families or friends to enjoy and hike. A good hike keeps one healthy. Hill stations have a lot of places to explore like having pakoras and chai at Kashmir Point in Murree or admiring the crystal blue lakes of Gilgit and Shogran. There are multiple adventures to undertake. These are some of the best hill stations in Pakistan. For some people, hill stations can provide a perfect mix of some time alone under the shade of the whispering pines. 

Near these hill stations there are many real estate opportunities but you need to know some important things to consider before investing in Real Estate.

We have listed below the Top 10 Hill stations in Pakistan that you definitely want to go to or maybe some that will revive your past adventures to the hill stations and the most beautiful northern areas of Pakistan

Here is the list of some of the popular hill stations in Pakistan:

Name Distance from Islamabad Location Elevation
Murree 1 h 39 min (64.3 km) via Islamabad – Murree Expressway/N-75 Pir Panjal Range, Punjab 2,291m
Abbottabad 2 h 20 min (134.7 km) via AH1/M-1 and E35 Expressway/Hazara Expressway Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 1,256 m
Skardu 13 hr 52 min (637.6 km) via S-1 Skardu District, Gilgit−Baltistan 2,228m
Gilgit 12 h 56 min (511.9 km) via Mansehra – Naran – Jalkhad – Chilas Rd/N-15 Gilgit-Baltistan 1,500m
Hunza 13 hr 17 min (597.9 km) via Karakoram Hwy/N-35 Gilgit-Baltistan 2,500m
Ayubia 2 hr 15 min (74.5 km) via Kashmir Rd Abbottabad district, KPK 2,400 m
Shogran 5 h 57 min (224.5 km) via Mansehra – Naran – Jalkhad – Chilas Rd/N-15 Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2,362 m
Margalla Hills 18 min (8.7 km) via 9th Ave North of Islamabad 1,604 m
Gorakh Hill Station 17 h 26 min (1,256.6 km) via National Highway 5 Sindh province 1,734 m
Fort Munro 9 hr 29 min (720.3 km) via Lahore-Islamabad Motorway/AH1/M-2 and M-4 Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab 1972 m
Bhurban 1 h 48 min (68.8 km) via Islamabad – Murree Expressway/N-75 Punjab 2,000 m
Pishin valley 12 hr 4 min (850.2 km) via Islamabad – Dera Ismail Khan Motorway/M-14 and N-50 Balochistan 1,555 m

1. Murree

murree - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Murree is the first hill station on our list (of course). It is one of Pakistan’s most well-known tourist spots. Hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors visit this location each year.

Murree is located on the outskirts of Islamabad, hilly areas near Islamabad. making it an ideal weekend retreat for those who live in the city. Islamabad, the world’s second most beautiful metropolis, offers both spectacular and terrifying sites to explore. Murree is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Islamabad. Also checkout some of the best housing societies in Islamabad .

You may also have coffee and snacks from major coffee companies like Gloria Jean’s and Second Cup Coffee on your route to Murree.

Once you’ve arrived in Murree, be sure to pay a visit to the following locations:

  • Mall road
  • Pindi point
  • Patriata Chairlift
  • Kashmir Point
  • Sangrela Park
  • Chhattar Park

Apart from these attractions, Murree also boasts some delectable cuisine. Street vendors offering desi sweets like chicken broast, karahis, pakoras, and samosas line the Mall road. If you feel like going to shopping or exploring Islamabad, then you can check out famous shopping malls in Islamabad

Best Time to Visit Murree:

You can visit Murree any time throughout the year. It is the most visited hill station in Pakistan and, hence, boasts an extensive system of hotels, shops, and tourism. The best time to visit Murree varies from person to person. If you love snowfall, you should visit it in winter. Tourists who love to click photos of lush green mountains and enjoy the serene beauty of the queen of hills should visit it in summer, spring, and autumn.

2. Abbottabad

abbottabad - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Abbottabad is the next hill station on our itinerary. Sir James Abbott was the name given to the ancient hill station in January 1853. In Abbottabad, there are a variety of places to visit. Some of these locations include:

  • Shimla Peak

From up there, you have a bird’s eye view of the entire city. Wildflowers and mint blanket the summit. That cold minty scent may be found all around the area.

  • Masjid Ilyasi

It is a magnificent white marble masjid in the heart of the city. It was built in the early twentieth century. The mosque was built on top of a flowing stream. There’s a natural spring-fed pool there. You can also see the famous dams in Pakistan.

  • Harnoi

Visit Harnoi while you’re in Abbottabad. It’s a little yet lovely spot surrounded by natural beauty. Abbottabad is about 11 kilometres away. The flowing river and rich greenery are breathtaking. In Pakistan, visit dams, which are popular holiday locations for residents.

3. Skardu :

skardu - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Skardu is one of Pakistan’s most beautiful hill stations. Even if you have never visited this magnificent valley located at the junction of the Indus and Shigar rivers at an elevation of 8,200 feet above sea level, you certainly have at least a postcard or calendar with a shot of this lush green tourist attraction. From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the serene valleys, the lakes in Pakistan reflect nature’s artistry and leave an indelible impression.

Skardu is the capital of the Skardu District and is located in the beautiful Gilgit-Baltistan area. It also has some of the country’s most picturesque lakes, such as Upper Kachura Lake, Lower Kachura Lake, and Satpara Lake. Skardu Fort, Shigar Fort, Deosai National Park, and Manthokha Waterfall are all within a short distance of this magnificent peak.

4. GILGIT :

Gilgit - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Gilgit is the capital of the Gilgit District in Pakistan’s stunningly picturesque Gilgit-Baltistan area, as well as one of the country’s most popular hill stations. Gilgit is a beautiful slice of heaven on earth, surrounded by spectacular snow-capped mountains, ethereal lakes, and charming green meadows. 

This hill station attracts a big number of local and international tourists each year due to its reputation as one of the most developed regions in the whole region. Gilgit’s best hotels have all of the amenities that you’d expect to find in larger towns. It even has a tiny domestic airport, allowing visitors from all around the nation to visit. Apart from hill stations also checkout some of the best real estate companies in Peshawar .

There are a number of hill stations in Gilgit that you may visit with your friends and family. These are some of the hill stations:

  • Passu
  • Upper Hunza, Gojal
  • Shukargah
  • Ishkoman
  • Chillum

5. HUNZA

Hunza - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

You can’t talk about Skardu and Gilgit without mentioning Hunza, a gorgeous hill station in Gilgit Baltistan that reminds you of the awe-inspiring winter wonderlands described in children’s fairytales.

Hunza is surrounded by spectacular snow-capped mountains, hypnotic green meadows, fruit-laden orchards, and pure blue rivers at an elevation of 8,000 feet. Some of Pakistan’s most popular tourist sites are located in or around Hunza, including Attabad Lake, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort, Passu Cones, Eagle’s Nest, Rakaposhi View Point, and Ultar Glacier.

As mentioned earlier that near these hilly areas there are many good real estate investment opportunities but there are factors affecting Real Estate Market in Pakistan so you need to consider those factors before investing in these areas.

During their travel to Gilgit Baltistan, most visitors like to remain in Hunza for two to three days, depending on their schedule. The residents’ warmth, the availability of all municipal amenities, and the beautiful views.

6. AYUBIA

Ayubia - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Ayubia, also known as Ayubia National Park, is one of Pakistan’s most well-known hill stations. This gorgeous tourist site is part of the Abbottabad District in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and is located only a short drive from Murree at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The Wildlife and Parks Department of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa manages this hilltop resort complex, which was designated as a national park in 1984.

These hill stations are the tourist attractions from all over the world so investing in these areas is considered as one of the profitable property investment in Pakistan .

Ayubia is a popular day trip destination for visitors to the area because it is only 26 kilometres from Murree. Surrounded by high peaks and deep green forest, the picturesque hill station offers exciting hiking paths, magnificent picnic areas, stunning overlooks, a PTDC hotel, and, most significantly, the famous PTDC tea. It has one of the most popular chairlifts in the country.

7. Shogran

Shogran - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Shogran is a lovely hill station in Pakistan’s Kaghan Valley, one of the country’s most attractive regions. Hundreds of people visit Shogran every year due to its magnificent beauty. It stands at 2,362 metres (7,749 feet) above sea level.

In Shogran, there are a variety of lodging options, but our favourite is the Forest Rest House. It’s a warm and inviting space with tasteful wood furnishings and décor. The forest-themed rest home is ideal for families and groups of friends travelling together. The deserts in Pakistan revealing a mesmerizing landscape of endless dunes and captivating serenity

If you have children, you should take them to Shogran’s tiny zoo. It is home to a variety of animals and birds. I’m sure it’ll be a hit with the youngsters.

Malkandi is the place to go if you want to have a closer look at nature in Shogran.

8. Margalla Hills

Margalla Hills - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Margalla Hills is one of the famous hilly areas near Islamabad. The beautiful hills are located north of Pakistan’s federal capital. Margalla hills are part of Himalayan foothills, which are spread over 12 695 hectares. The hills are habitant of a variety of plants and trees. In summer, the hills are covered with lush green plants and trees, whereas in winters, the peaks are covered with snow. The visitors love to visit different recreational spots at Margalla hills for various reasons. For instance, the visitor can enjoy the cool, calm, and green atmosphere or enjoy the view of Islamabad in the evening while standing at the viewpoint in Damn-e-Koh. Apart from beautiful hill stations also explore the parks in Islamabad.

The hills are habitant of many exotic animals and birds, and there are many hiking and trekking tracks. All these fun features make Margalla Hills one of the best visiting points for everyone. Therefore, it is considered one of the most popular hill stations in Pakistan.

9. Gorakh Hill station

Gorakh Hill station - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Gorakh Hill Station is the only hill station located in Sindh. The beauty and history make it one of the most popular hills in Pakistan. The Hill station is at an elevation of 5,689 ft (1 734 m) above sea level. The hilly areas were first discovered in the 1860s during the reign of the British over the subcontinent.

The hills are different from other mountains as it is not covered with snow or tall trees; still, the beauty is pretty appealing. The ideal time to visit Gorakh Hill is from February to April and enjoy many fun activities like hiking, photography, camping, etc.

10. Fort Munro

Fort Munro - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Fort Munro in Dera Ghazi Khan is a famous hilly area of Pakistan. Can’t travel to Pakistan? Worry not; Fort Munro offers a stunning hilly destination to visitors and tourists. Fort Munro is located around 6,470 feet above sea level and is comfortably accessible from areas of Southern Punjab like Multan and Bahawalpur.

Fort Munro is part of the renowned Sulaiman Mountain ranges in Pakistan and the only hill station around southern Punjab. Therefore, it is a popular picnic spot in nearby cities and towns. With such a high altitude, the temperature is pretty lower than in Multan and D G Khan areas. Hence, the cool wind and mesmerizing view have made Fort Munro an excellent tourist point.

The provisional government is working on installing cable cars and a chairlift system to facilitate the tourists and visitors at Fort Munro.

Best Time to Visit Fort Munro:

Fort Munro welcomes tourists throughout the year. So you can plan as per your convenience and schedule.

11. Bhurban

bhurban - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

One of the most visited hill stations in Pakistan is Bhurban. This enchanting resort town is just 11 kilometers from Murree and 68.8 kilometers from Islamabad. Located in Punjab, Bhurban offers a serene and peaceful environment. You can visit with your family and friends to take a brief break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The striking highlight of Bhurban is The Pearl Continental (PC) hotel. This luxurious hotel caters to tourists visiting Bhurban, Murree Hills, and nearby places.

While Bhurban is undeniably a fantastic tourist hill station, its residents often encounter challenges during the snowfall season, prompting many to either purchase or rent houses in housing societies in Islamabad.

12. Pishin Valley

pishin valley - Hill Stations in Pakistan - realtorspk

Pishin Valley is one of the most stunning yet underrated hill stations in Pakistan. It is located approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Quetta, Balochistan. The valley has an enchanting natural beauty. It is renowned for its beautiful gardens of different fruits and flowers. The valley has a highly fertile soil that grows export-quality fruits, vegetables, and crops.

The landscape of this hidden gem is primarily mountainous, characterized by long, narrow valleys. The valley truly shines in the winter. In winter, the landscape is covered by a thick, pristine white layer of snow. Also visit the historical places in Pakistan.

But that’s not all! The unique transformation of its mountains makes Pishin Valley even more enchanting. The mountains turn red after rain, offering an unforgettable vista that amazes tourists.

Notable Mentions Hill Stations

Pakistan is a land of incomparable natural beauty, and its spellbinding hill stations are a testament to that. Our list of the top 12 most beautiful hill stations in Pakistan may not include all the hidden gems. Many places are waiting to be discovered. Reaktorspk.com has compiled some of the most scenic and breathtaking hill stations.

  • Arang Kel, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
  • Chikar, Azad Jammu & Kashmir
  • Garam Chashma, Chitral
  • Gulmit Village, Gilgit Baltistan
  • Hingol National Park, Baluchistan
  • Minapin Village, Gilgit Baltistan
  • Phander Valley, Gilgit Baltistan
  • Ratti Gali Lake, Azad Jammu And Kashmir
  • Shigar Valley, Gilgit Baltistan
  • Soon Valley, Punjab

Summing Up:

Malkandi is the place to go if you want to have a closer look at nature. Visit Realtorspk for additional information about prominent hill stations or housing societies  in Pakistan surrounded by stunning mountains, as well as places to visit in each of the country’s main cities. 

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