With COVID-19 taking over our new normal, getting away from everything might just be the solution. The areas mentioned are easy to visit during the summer season and they allow tourists to easily practice social distancing and soak in all of nature’s bounties.
Summer Travel Destinations
Here is a list of best summer travel destinations that are a delight to the eyes.
- Shandur Top
- Churna Island
- Gorakh Hill Station
- Shangrila Resort
- Deosai National Park
- Kalash Valley
- Hunza
- Arang Kel
Let’s discuss these natural beauties in detail.
Shandur Top, Chitral
Where am I going?
Also known as the Roof of the World, Shandur Top is positioned in a point between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. The plateau is elevated 3,700 meters above sea level.
Other than the beauty of the surrounding scenery, it is mainly recognized for it being the world’s highest Polo Ground and host to an annual Polo Festival.
What can I do while I am there?
During the summer season, Shandur Top is filled with the presence of abundant small streams. The Shandur Lake is also located here and is a site that every tourist would want to see.
The most interesting thing to do while you are here would definitely have to be viewing the Shandur Polo Festival. This unique version of Polo is a series of rule-free polo matches held in the Shandur Polo Ground. Jury approved teams of the best players and horses are brought from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan. Generally seven matches are held over a three day span every year usually from July 7th to 9th. The last day concludes the festival with a final match between the remaining best teams.
COVID-19 has its own plans and must be taken into account while planning for the Polo Festival, in case any plans are affected you will be guided accordingly by the tour company you choose to avail.
What is the weather like?
The summer months are best for visiting Shandur Top. July is the hottest month of the year and has an average temperature of 25°C. If you don’t mind skipping out on the Polo Festival, May is the best month with more pleasant and cooler temperatures and an average temperature of around 19°C.
Where can I stay?
Since the festival attracts the attention of international tourists as well, you will find hotels and camping arrangements with ease. You can also book a tour including the festival as well, it all depends on your budget really.
Churna Island, Karachi, Sindh
Where am I going?
In Kimari, Karachi near Mubarak Goth is a giant Island known as Churna Island. This is nothing short of a hidden travel destination as many overlook and underestimate its value.
What can I do while I am there?
Water activities are all you are going to want to do while you are here. Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Freediving, and Cliff Diving have all been made possible due to packages and arrangements made by Sports Clubs in Karachi. Cave Explorations are also possible with experienced tour providers.
What is the weather like?
If you enjoy cold water to beat Karachi’s heat, then you might want to consider visiting in the summer months. The water feels cool in summer and warm in the winter.
Where can I stay?
Karachi is probably the most futuristic part of Pakistan. You will have no problem finding food or hotel and lodging.
Gorakh Hill Station, Sindh
Where am I going?
Another best summer travel destination is a Hill station that is situated in Sindh, a province that is lesser known for its abundance in hill stations. It is 1,734 meter above sea level in the Kirthar Mountains near Dadu. It is approximately and 8 hour drive from the main city of Karachi.
What can I do while I am there?
Camping! After a day of trekking and exploration enjoy a cool night under the stars with a tent and a bonfire. Give yourself some time and enjoy being part of the beautiful nature that surrounds you.
What is the weather like?
Due to the elevation, Gorakh has a special temperature range. The summer months show an average of temperatures just under 20°C.
Where can I stay?
There are a number of summer huts and adventure company campsites available to accommodate international and domestic tourists.
Shangrila Resort, Skardu
Where am I going?
This resort was the first ever resort made in the northern areas for tourism purposes. It was established in 1983 at 2,500 meters. Shangrila is in the city of Skardu, and is surrounded by a heart shaped lake known as Lower Kachura Lake.
What can I do while I am there?
Take a small walk to visit the lake and absorb the view along the way. There are many other sites to see that are near the resort. Hop in a jeep and visit Upper Kachura and a number of historical forts. The Shangrila Lake (Lower Kachura Lake) supports boating rides for an added on-hands fun.
What is the weather like?
In the summer expect to see highest temperatures reach to 30°C with warm and sunny weather conditions. Though it’s warm, this season is perfect to absorb in nature at its best.
Where can I stay?
The resort itself has a variety of options based on your needs and budget and also the number of people that you have in your group.
Deosai National Park, Gilgit-Baltistan, KPK
Where am I going?
Deosai National Park is an alpine plain 4,114 meters above sea level and measures in as the world’s second highest plateau. The plains of Deosai are mostly uninhabited due to the harsh winter conditions and surplus of wildlife.
What can I do while I am there?
While at Deosai, there are a couple of things that you must experience. The Sheosar Lake is the largest among many lakes within the park. As for its altitude, at roughly 13,600 feet, it is amongst the world’s highest lakes. To reach the lake you will also cross bridge over a local stream, Bara Pani. As the bridge can only hold a certain amount of weight, your jeep will cross passanger-less leaving you to the swaying bridge for a memorable walk. Surrounded by wild flowers and a clear view of the Nanga Parbat, visiting Sheosar is a must on your to-do list. If you are one for fishing or would like to start, make arrangements with the park authorities to fish for trout. Deosai has a variety of trout, with snow trout being the most common.
Explore this region on foot, it is the best way. Take a guide and walk down several paths in and out of Deosai to get to see its beauty in so many angles. It is best not to go out alone and wander around unmarked trails as the park has many restricted areas for wildlife protection.
What is the weather like?
For at least eight months, these beautiful plains are coated with snow. However, the other four months reveal flowers of radiant shades without a single tree blocking your sight. June, July, and August at Deosai are the hottest months with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C. Usually you will find the temperatures at 24°C. If you are looking for a cooler version of summer and would also like to witness the wildflowers you might want to visit in the pre-summer months such as April and May.
The weather, here, is quite unpredictable. It can start to snow in summer if the conditions allow. Deosai sees many days that start out sunny and rapidly become cloudy causing sudden temperature variations. Also, it is wise to keep a few things to keep you warm and dry even if you are not planning a visit in winter.
Where can I stay?
As is true for many options on this list, you might want to camp under the moonlight and stars for the true northern area experience. There are several tour companies that can help make your stay as comfortable as possible. There are several affordable hotels available in a 38 kilometer radius with all the necessary amenities required to make your stay calm and relaxing.
Kalash Valley, Chitral, KPK
Where am I going?
The Kalash Valley is bordered by the Hindu Kush Range, and is divided into three core regions: Bumburet, Birir, and Rumboor. Bumburet receives a volume of visitors as it is easier to reach. Its elevation is 1,670 meters (5,480 feet) above sea level.
The main feature that draws attention of national and international guests is the unique culture and customs of the Kalash tribe. Despite being in an Islamic Republic they have preserved their ancestral animism religion. This religion believes that things, places, and creatures all have their own individual spiritual essence it is also believed that the last of their religion was derived from early Hinduism. Some people even say that the tribe of Kalash may be the descendants of soldiers from Alexander the Great’s army. But all this is what makes the area distinctively unique and a stimulating visit.
What can I do while I am there?
This is a must-visit for anyone who is passionate of learning about different cultures and excited about meeting, interacting, and living amongst the decadents of these ancient culture. From the way they dress to their foods, everything contributes to a dramatic experience that you need to see. Their traditional dresses are vibrant and completely covered with beautiful thread work. They adorn themselves with a headdress worn by women of all ages to match their embellished attire. A number of festivals are celebrated in Kalash Valley every year that are separate from the rest of the country such as Uchau, Chilam Joshi, and Choimus. If you arrange a visit to see this display of Kalash’s culture you are definitely in for a real treat. You would be able to join in on the fun and witness an ancient celebration with their own dances, music, traditional foods, and drinks.
What is the weather like?
You will find that the winter months here are cold and wet. April, May, and October are a pleasantly warm with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F) but will still have a few random showers. If you would want a dry visit, you should visit in July, August, or September. These summer months will bear a little heat with average temperatures of 34°C (93°F).
Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, KPK
Where am I going?
Hunza valley is among the most visited mountainous valley. This small town, 100 kilometers from Gilgit, is on the Karakorm Highway at an elevation of 2,438 meters (7,999 feet). This highway in itself is the eighth wonder of the world and stretches along the ancient Silk Road.
What can I do while I am there?
The valley and its beauty is enough to keep you occupied, however, there is a lot to do here. The Khunjerab Pass is a massive mountain passage in the Karakoram Mountains on the northern border of the Pakistan with an altitude of 4,693 meters (5,397 feet). Hunza is the southwestern border of China’s Xinjiang region.
Hunza valley is home to four lakes but one of which has gained recognition due to its recent discovery, Attabad Lake. This lake was created after a land sliding incident in January of 2010. Nearly 18 kilometers of the Karakoram Highway was devastatingly lost. Now the lake has become a spot for recreational water sports, boating, and fishing.
There are a vast array of forts in the area that have survived attacks and natural disasters since the time they were built. These architectural marvels are tribute to the people and skill of the time. The oldest fort is the Altit Fort which was created in the 11th century as the capital of Hunza.
Hunza valley is brimming with natural scenic beauty of glaciers. Hisper, Biafo, Passu, and Batura are popular glaciers that tourists enjoy visiting.
What is the weather like?
Average temperatures in the winter are harsh because of its altitude. Hunza usually expects -5°C to -10°C leaving most attractions closed and unreachable. Summer is the best time to visit with the warmest month being July with an average of 23°C.
Where can I stay?
You can find a number hotels for easy accommodation arrangements. If you enjoy a private experience just away from it all, consider a stay at a villa. Don’t forget, camping is always an option, and probably the best one!
Arang Kel, Azad Kashmir
Where am I going?
This particular tourist spot is located at a hill-top above Kel in Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir. The village is elevated at 2,554 meters (8,379 feet).
What can I do while I am there?
This is a great winter trekking spot, with breathtaking white mountainous views. You can visit Kel instead and trek your way up to Arang Kel which is only 2 Kilometers away (3-4 hour trek). The same route can also be taken by an army operated chairlift to ease the trekking situation yet guaranteed views of heaven on earth.
What is the weather like?
Expect chilly nights, even in the summer. Pack an extra blanket and jackets to keep you warm and dry even in June, July, and August.
Where can I stay?
As the place attracts much attention, you will find guest houses, resort, villas, and lodges with ease simply waiting to make your stay the best one yet.
We hope you liked our list of summer travel destinations in the summer season. If you feel there is any major missing, do let us know in the comments section.
