The north of Pakistan is nothing short of a hidden treasure waiting to be explored. Its beautiful places and serenity are unmatched by any other place in the country. The Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges give the Alps a run for their money. Fairy Meadows looks as ethereal and unreal as if spawned from a literal fairytale. However, despite being one of the most picturesque and breathtaking places, the northern areas of Pakistan have not been too accessible to the public. Only recently has Pakistan boosted its tourism by developing infrastructure and roads that have made traveling far easier.
In the past, many people decided against exploring further north of Pakistan for many reasons, including difficult terrain with rugged landscapes and lack of proper roads or infrastructure. Moreover, the northern areas had limited accommodations, healthcare, and other facilities, which are all essential for travelers. There was always a safety risk as well when traveling alone or with your family as no safety/security measures were being taken in the far north.
Much of Pakistan’s tourism has changed for the better in recent years. There has been a vast development of infrastructure and proper roads that have made traveling much easier and many far northern areas much more accessible. These areas have also developed accommodations and set up safety/security measures that have helped attract tourists and encouraged visitation.
“Group Travel” Tour Packages in Pakistan
One of the main reasons that has boosted northern tourism in Pakistan is group traveling. Many agencies now create tour packages with which you can travel as a group. This has become quite popular in recent years due to the wide range of benefits and unique experiences that group traveling offers. Primarily, travel agencies provide local guides who are familiar with the region’s culture and terrain and have the knowledge to help deal with any potential challenges. These travel agencies are not only safer to travel with but are also more cost-effective. When traveling on mountainous roads, travel agencies usually provide skilled drivers, which ensures careful navigation. Moreover, most expenses such as transport, accommodation, and food are shared costs; several travel agencies even offer discounts on travel packages for larger groups, which makes group travel much more budget-friendly.
Group travel enhances the experience by appointing local guides to offer tours and insights about the area. It also allows for meaningful bonding, whether around campfires, during treks, or while enjoying local cuisine. You get the chance to interact with people from different cities and backgrounds, which helps foster a sense of community, making it easier to meet like-minded adventurers and travelers.
For many Pakistani individuals, vacationing means traveling up north of Pakistan, spending a week or two away from the busy city life, and simply enjoying the serenity and calmness that nature offers. Since regional tourism has been made more accessible for locals, people plan for a trip up north every chance they get. A long weekend means most of Lahore will go on sightseeing tours to Muree, Hunza Valley, Skardu, Nathia Gali and more. Usually, people travel up north during the summers because the weather is much more pleasant in those areas. But even during winters, tourism does not halt. Despite the harsh winters and snow, people still hold the same enthusiasm when visiting up north in the winter. Ironically, that is exactly why they choose to go. Most people residing in Punjab and Sindh travel up north to escape the dry foggy winters and experience actual snow. Even universities and colleges offer batch trips to the north to have fun and socialize with your peers. Due to such high demand, group travel has become a hot commodity.
However, while group traveling has become an increasingly convenient way of travel, it has not been without its specific challenges. Usually, group travel agencies offer pre-planned packages with rigid itineraries, which means everyone has to set a specific schedule. If you like to make impromptu stops or changes in plans at the last minute, group travel might not be your cup of tea. Specifically in the north of Pakistan, hidden gems and/or local experiences are usually discovered when taking a detour and exploring further, but this might not be possible when traveling with others. Moreover, the people you are traveling with may also have conflicts of interest; some travelers prefer visiting historical sites, while others might be more interested in nature. So, group unanimity when deciding where to go might also be a problem. Because you can not simply choose to go out and mingle with the locals and explore the area on your own, travel agencies are usually strict about keeping everyone together and adhering to a fixed plan.
Interestingly, the main reason people decide to travel in a group is that traveling with people is less intimidating and safer than traveling alone. This becomes a reason for concern as traveling with a large group might be tricky to handle, especially when transporting a large group in remote places without paved roads. The same also applies when finding accommodation for a large group. Most motels in remote areas have a limited number of rooms that may be unable to accommodate such a large number of guests. Even the local guides usually charge a higher price for larger groups, and many tourist sports in Pakistan also require a ticket or an entry permit for a large group, which is pricier and more time-consuming.
Furthermore, some remote areas in Pakistan have much tighter security, such as certain areas in Azad Kashmir or the Pak-China border. Moving in a large group usually attracts more attention, making security checkpoints protracted or requiring more oversight. Additionally, since Pakistan is an extremely culturally diverse nation, some remote areas are usually very conservative; thus, maintaining a respectful and modest approach when in a group setting can be quite a challenge if all the members of the group are not well-prepared or informed on the cultural etiquette of the area.
Nevertheless, despite its many challenges, group traveling has given a boost to the northern tourism industry of Pakistan. It provides safety, helps in creating meaningful and shared experiences and memories, and offers logistical ease in regions where navigating rugged terrain and remote areas can be challenging when done alone.
Ultimately, deciding on whether or not to embark on a group trip to northern Pakistan depends on the traveler’s personal preferences and travel goals. For those who value a structured journey and enjoy socializing, group travel can offer a fulfilling way to experience the north’s stunning landscapes and rich cultures. By carefully balancing organization with respect for local norms and a spirit of open-mindedness, travelers can mitigate many potential downsides and create a memorable, positive experience. Whether undertaken alone or with others, exploring Pakistan’s northern gems promises unforgettable encounters and the awe-inspiring beauty of a region among the world’s most breathtaking places.
If you want to submit your articles and/or research papers, please check the Submissions page.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
She is a student at Forman Christian College University, majoring in Mass Communication.