Pakistan’s northern areas are often described as heaven on earth — a region where towering mountains, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear rivers come together to create breathtaking scenery. Over the past decade, tourism here has grown rapidly, both from local and international travelers. However, while the natural beauty remains unmatched, the region’s tourism infrastructure is still catching up to its full potential.
In recent years, the government and private sector have started investing in better roads, hotels, and facilities to make these destinations more accessible and comfortable. The completion of major routes like the Karakoram Highway has made travel to areas such as Hunza, Skardu, and Gilgit much easier. Additionally, new airports — such as Skardu International Airport — are helping connect these remote valleys to the rest of the country, boosting visitor numbers.
Accommodation options have also improved. Once limited to small guesthouses or camping sites, there are now several mid-range and luxury hotels, eco-lodges, and homestays offering a range of experiences. Local communities are increasingly involved in tourism, providing authentic cultural experiences and benefiting economically from the growing visitor flow.
However, challenges remain. In many areas, roads are still narrow and vulnerable to landslides, especially during the rainy season. Waste management and sustainable tourism practices are also areas that need more attention, as the increase in tourists sometimes puts pressure on the fragile mountain environment. Reliable internet and healthcare facilities are limited in several valleys, which can affect long-term tourism growth.
Despite these issues, the northern areas of Pakistan are steadily developing into a more organized and tourist-friendly region. With thoughtful investment in sustainable infrastructure — roads, clean energy, waste disposal, and community-based tourism — the north has the potential to become one of the top mountain tourism destinations in the world.