The first thing that comes to our minds during the hot summer season is to go for a vacation to the hills for most of the families living in Pakistan. Murree has been the preferred place for the past decades because it is so close to Islamabad. But today it is commercialised, overrun by heavy traffic and tourist numbers and the atmosphere of quiet that was once prevalent has been lost.
Pakistan’s northern and alpine areas offer beautiful alternatives for those craving some serenity amidst the bustle of this season. The lesser known tracks are an opportunity to experience the magic of nature, without destroying it, with the vision of sustainable tourism of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). Apart from Murree, here are 5 beautiful summer destinations in Pakistan that will provide you with mountain air, unspoiled landscapes and utmost peace.
1. Arang Kel, Azad Kashmir — The Hidden Pearl of Neelum Valley
Arang Kel is a mesmerizingly beautiful village nestled in the middle of a Neelum Valley which is famous for its roaring Neelum River and is known as the “Pearl of Neelum Valley”. This village is only accessible by a short but challenging chairlift ride followed by a moderate trek from Kel and appears to be a fairytale village frozen in time.
The Eco Friendly Advantage: There is no motorized transportation to Arang Kel. Absence of roads allows the valley to remain totally free from toxic exhaust fumes and noise pollution.
Key Visuals: The valley offers a true Kashmiri architecture, in wood, pastures of green grass and a regular mist in the morning, which softens the green pastures.
2. Shandur Meadows, Ghizer — The Meadow on the Roof of the World
The town of Shandur is located exactly at the border of two districts Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer and Chitral and is universally renowned for the World’s highest polo ground. The surrounding alpine lowlands provide an unsurpassed opportunity for both the silence and the open vistas. It is an outstanding area for sustainable high-altitude tour for eco-preservation guidelines mapped by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority (KPCTA).
Unpolluted Night Skys: The surrounding snow-capped peaks are visible in the crystal-clear Shandur Lake, making it an ideal place to camp and gaze at the stars.
Why Shandur over Murree: No concrete hotels, but huge fields of nature, and the gentle rumbling of glacier streams.
3. Yasin Valley, Ghizer — The Cradle of Serenity and Blue Waters
The area of Yasin Valley is in the midst of an emerald green oasis; very little commercial mass tourism flows into that area. This valley is blessed with generous communities and has a busy turquoise river running through it, directly sourced from high mountain glaciers.
Trout fish can be seen swimming on the banks of the Ghizer River through Yasin, which is crystal clear.
Sustainable Homestays: Small-scale homestays are encouraged by locals instead of constructing huge concrete resorts. This helps to maintain the natural ecosystem and helps to provide direct economic assistance to indigenous families.
4. Buni Meadows, Chitral — Heaven in the Shadows of the Hindu Kush
The picturesque town of Buni is located between Lower Chitral and Mastuj. It is a high altitude plateau that is known as the magnificent Buni Meadows and is surrounded by the rocky and sky-scraping peaks of Hindu Kush mountain range above the town.
Cedar and Pine Groves: The meadow is not on the tourist route and boasts an abundance of old trees and wild flowers.
Eco Rules: Local community committees apply strict rules and regulations on littering, requiring visitors to report all waste outside the biodegradable category back to the towns as part of the rule of keeping the soil clean.
5. Kahuta — The Hidden Emerald Pool Near Islamabad
Valley in the mountain of Kahuta is a lovely place to stay, yet very close to the twin cities, yet well off the beaten track of the Murree Expressway.
Natural Emerald Pools: This is a deep gorge with magnificent pools of blue and green fresh water and continually fed by the mountain springs.
The atmosphere: It is totally devoid of commercial food streets and thus is not polluted with plastic. In summer afternoons, they are cool thanks to the thick forest floor.
Responsible Travel Tips for Sustainable Mountain Eco-Tourism
If you’re heading for these beautiful summer spots in Pakistan, outside Murree, being eco-responsible helps to preserve these sanctuaries for generations:
Avoid Single Use Plastics: Pack large-duty reusable water flasks and cloth bags. Don’t drop plastic packaging!
Support the Local Economy: Choose homestays or local guides run by the community for direct benefits for people.
Reduce noise pollution – don’t play loud music in quiet meadows. Respect natural acoustics and local cultures/animals.
| Hidden Valley Name | Regional Location | Signature Eco-Activity |
| Arang Kel | Neelum Valley, Azad Kashmir | Ridge hiking and staying in traditional wooden cabins |
| Shandur Meadows | Chitral / Ghizer Border | Lakeside wilderness camping and stargazing |
| Yasin Valley | Ghizer, Gilgit-Baltistan | Eco-walks through orchards and organic fruit picking |
| Buni Meadows | Upper Chitral, KP | High-altitude alpine trekking and landscape photography |
| Neelan Valley | Kahuta (Near Islamabad) | Day-tripping and swimming in freshwater spring pools |
