1. Fairy Meadows
Also known as Joot by the locals, is literally magical and is similar to one of those places that you often see in fairy tales. It's a piece of grassland, located in Diamer, Gilgit Baltistan, at the first base camp of Nanga Parbat, which is the 9th highest peak in the world and 2nd highest in Pakistan and known as the "Killer Mountain" due to its ferocious climb and mighty looks. To reach fairy meadows is as hard as nailing jelly to a tree. You park your car near Raikot Bridge, after crossing deadly mountains of Chillas, you hire a local jeep and a driver who takes to a village called Tattu through a road which is now officially stated as "The world's deadliest road". You get off the jeep, hire a donkey to carry your luggage to the Fairy Meadows, and you accompany it on a 4-hour uphill hike (trust me, the donkey always wins). Whatsoever, the incredible Fairy Meadows is worthy of all the hardships and is number 1 on my list.
- Photography by Syed Maisam Naqvi
2. Deosai Plains
Highest Alpine Plains in the world, also known as the roof of the world. located between Astore and Skardu, western Himalayas 4000 m above sea level. Sheosar Lake is part of the Deosai Plains, it's the highest lake in the world too. These plains consist of wildflowers, eroded soil mixed with gravel and stones and snow-capped mountains in the background. A perfect place to camp and have a good time with your friends. You can reach Deosai in an hour's drive from Skardu via Sadpara, it is about 30 km away from Skardu
-Photography by Syed Mehdi Bukhari
3. Altit Fort, Hunza Valley
Also known as Khabasi Residence. A staggering 1100 years old fort that stands still right at the top of Altit village. It gives wider and breathtaking views of the Hunza Valley. The quaintness of the fort takes you to an entirely different era. not just the fort but the fascinating rural lifestyle of the villagers and their strong cultural and ethnic values makes you want to stay there forever.
Altit Fort is located in the main Altit valley, Hunza. 170 km from the Raikot Bridge and about 3 and a half-hour drive through the beautiful Silk Route.
-Photography by Atif Iqbal
4. Naltar Valley
A famous valley with the most beautiful lake on earth called the "Satrangi Lake", that means the lake of seven colours. Which is actually true, you can literally see 7 different colours in the lake. Primarily it's turquoise blue but there is a cool mixture of 6 other colours, which is probably the coral on the bed of the lake. The water is so clear and pure that you can literally see underwater.
Naltar valley is located 54 miles away from Gilgit main city and can be reached by very uncomfortable jeep ride. There's also a ski resort in Naltar in winters.
5. Chotok Waterfall, Balochistan
Also known as Moola Chotok is a miracle of God. In the shrivelled, dried and rocky land of Balochistan lies a beautiful waterfall, surrounded by tall cliffs. It's a nice place for camping and other adventurous activities. Located in Moola village, district Khuzdar. About 106 km away from the Khuzdar.
-Photography by Sohaib Roomi
6. Hingol National Park, Balochistan
It is spread over an area of 6,100 square kilometres, established in 1988 and is the largest park of Pakistan. I would consider it as the grand canyons of Pakistan, The rocky, dry and arid mountains and cliffs alongside the coastal area of Pakistan is just an incredibly beautiful sight to see. It is located at the southwestern part of Pakistan and just 190 kilometres away from the provincial capital of Sindh, Karachi.
7. Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore
Resides at the centre of the hustling and bustling walled city of Lahore. It was built in the 17th century, during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It has an intricate tile work and the architecture is specially designed to maintain the serenity of the mosque. The mosque is located at a few steps from Dehli gate (one of the 12 gates of walled city), you have to walk through the Shahi Guzargah and after a few steps you see Wazir Khan Mosque standing with pride.
-Photography by Syed Maisam Naqvi
8. Khewra Salt Mines, Punjab
The world's second-largest salt mines are located in Khewra, north of Pind Dadan Khan and near Kallar Kahar, it is in the outer range of Himalayan mountains and 160 kilometres from the capital, Islamabad. The mine is the largest producer of pink salt and was discovered by Alexander's troops in 320 BC. It is also known as Mayo Salt Mine.
-Photography by Fazal Khaliq
9. Mohenjo Daro, Sindh
It's a Sindhi name that means 'Mound of the Dead Men'. It was one of the largest and the oldest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The look of it fascinates you, how people used to live 1000s of years ago. It is located west of the Indus River in Larkana District, Sindh. 28 kilometres from the town of Larkana and 430 kilometres from the provincial capital, Karachi.
10. Ranikot Fort, Sindh
Everyone has heard about the Great Wall of China, but let me introduce you to the Great Wall of Sindh. Ranikot Fort has a 32-kilometre circumference of the wall and is surprisingly the world's largest fort! can you believe that? It is also known as Talpur Fort because it was originated under the Talpurs. It is located near Sann, Jamshoro District. 90 kilometres to the north of Hyderabad and about 260 kilometres from the provincial capital, Karachi.
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