Taking a road trip in Pakistan, or elsewhere for that matter, doesn’t have to be expensive or hectic. All you need is a comfortable ride, a budget for fuel and food, Google Maps, and a fun group of people willing to escape the city life for a short while.

Fortunately, there is no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Pakistan. From the breathtakingly stunning valleys in the north to a striking coastline surrounded by tall mountains in the south, the country is full of picturesque tourist attractions just waiting to be explored.

However, what we tend to forget is that the journey is often more important than the destination.

Of course, travelling by road could be a little tiring, especially for drivers. But they give you an opportunity to discover the geographical diversity and appreciate the simple beauty in the landscape that you would have missed otherwise.

To be honest, road trips can make your vacations quite memorable. So, if you are craving for a break from your daily routine and hope to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, here are some ideal road trips in Pakistan that everyone needs to take at least once.

LAHORE TO NATHIAGALI

A road trip to Nathiagali via Islamabad is the perfect option for those who live in Lahore or surrounding areas. There is a 6-lane motorway connecting the two cities. A number of rest areas have been built on either side of the road. If you travel via M2 Motorway, it’ll take you approximately 5 to 6 hours to get to the federal capital from the ‘City of Gardens.’

Once in Islamabad, you have two options. You can either take the Murree Expressway and reach your destination via Murree or take a relatively long route through Hazara Expressway. If you take the second route, you will reach Nathiagali via Abbottabad.

Both routes are incredibly beautiful with lush green trees and mountains surrounding the road. However, the road connecting Nathiagali to Abbottabad looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. The enchanting landscape will make you forget your exhaustion and keep you captivated all throughout your journey.

Moreover, people living in Islamabad can make this into a day trip. But tourists from Lahore would have to book a guest house or a hotel to spend the night. There are a number of accommodation options in the main Nathiagali Bazaar that won’t be too heavy on your pocket and we will love to recommend and book them for you. You will enjoy the calm and peaceful environment , away from the city noise.

From Nathiagali, you can travel further towards Ayubia and explore the hill stations beyond. Needless to say, this is one of the most scenic road trips in Pakistan that you can take with your family.

ISLAMABAD TO HUNZA VALLEY

A road trip to Hunza Valley may be longer than the rest on the list, but it is also going to be one of the most incredible and memorable journeys of your entire life. If you choose Islamabad as your starting point, you’ll have to drive through Hazara Expressway to reach Abbottabad. From there, you can cross Mansehra to reach Balakot and stop for some refreshments.

In addition to that, the earlier in the day you leave Islamabad, the quicker you’ll get to your destination.

After Balakot, you will continue towards Kholian and make your way towards the stunning Kaghan Valley. This entire route is filled with a captivating landscape in the form of beautiful valleys, thick green meadows, gushing rivers and picturesque mountains. The road will then lead you to Naran. From there, you will reach Besar before travelling upwards towards Babusar Pass, the highest point in the valley.

Although it is one of the most popular road trips in Pakistan, it can also be a bit tricky. The road from Babusar Pass to Chillas is full of twists and turns, which makes it a little dangerous. However, it’s not going to pose much of a problem for seasoned drivers. You can either stay the night at Chillas, which tends to get a bit warm during the summer months, or continue towards Jaglot on the majestic Karakoram Highway and make a pit stop there.

The next morning, you can travel through Gilgit to reach Hunza Valley, the most popular tourist attraction in Pakistan. Since the entire region is filled with unmatched natural beauty, you can’t run out of places to explore.

The enchanting blue Attabad Lake, the historical Altit and Baltit forts, the hanging Hussaini Gojal Bridge, Passu Cones and Khunjerab Pass are some of the major tourist attractions in Gilgit-Baltistan.

If you really want to explore the natural beauty in Pakistan, this road trip is a must for you.

ISLAMABAD TO SWAT

Yet another piece of heaven on earth, the route to Swat Valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is just as beautiful as the destination. If you are starting your road trip from Islamabad, you can easily take the M1 motorway to Mardan. From there, you can travel to Takht-i-Bahi, an ancient Buddhist monastery and one of the six UNICEF World Heritage Sites in Pakistan. If you choose to travel through the motorway, the journey becomes very easy and pleasant. You will take the exit from Charsada Interchange and then continue to enter Swat city.

You can stay the night in either Saidu Sharif , Mingora or near Malam Jabba, as they are  popular among tourists. However, try and book a room in advance as both of these places remain crowded throughout the year.

While the entire Swat Valley is incredibly stunning, your trip won’t be complete without visiting the pristine Kalam Valley located approximately 99 kilometres from Mingora. A paradise for tourists, Kalam Valley is surrounded with striking glacial lakes, lush alpine forests and mesmerizing waterfalls. This road trip in Pakistan will definitely leave you speechless.