3 Mountain Escapes to Visit from Islamabad

The north of Pakistan has its own rhythm: quiet mornings, crisp air, and landscapes that make you slow down without even trying. For anyone looking to recharge, these three mountain escapes near Islamabad offer the perfect blend of ease, comfort, and calm adventure.

1. Hunza: Ease in Every Direction

Hunza has become one of Pakistan’s most trusted destinations. It is safe, scenic, and filled with a warmth that makes even first-time visitors feel at home. From Islamabad, it takes about an hour by air to Gilgit, followed by a two-and-a-half-hour drive through mountain valleys that look straight out of a painting.

For a local touch, stay in one of Hunza’s family-run lodges where hosts serve homemade apricot tea and share stories of life in the valley. Beyond the comfort, Hunza is rich in heritage. Altit and Baltit Forts stand as living reminders of centuries-old craftsmanship and mountain royalty. Wandering through the cobbled lanes of Karimabad or watching the sun set over Rakaposhi, you realise Hunza isn’t just beautiful, it has a way of staying with you.

Pro tip: Visit in March or April for cherry blossom season, when every branch turns pink and the whole valley feels alive again.

Best for: travellers seeking calm, culture, and crisp mountain air.

2. Skardu: Safe Adventure, Big Horizons

A one-hour flight from Islamabad brings you to Skardu, a valley of sapphire lakes and open skies that seem to stretch forever. Many travellers describe it as a place that widens perspective. The mountains humble you, then fill you with quiet awe.

Spend a day in the Deosai Plains, known as the “Land of Giants,” where the wind carries nothing but stillness and golden grass. For a stay that captures Skardu’s beauty, Shangrila Resort sits beside a heart-shaped lake, both serene and cinematic. It is the kind of place where comfort meets adventure, and both feel earned.

Best for: travellers looking for open horizons and quiet wonder.

3. Swat: A Gentle Step Into the Hills

Swat is where many rediscover their love for the road. It is a five- to six-hour drive from Islamabad, an easy journey that trades city noise for winding forests and the rush of river air. Once part of the ancient Gandhara civilisation, Swat still carries whispers of that history: Buddhist relics, stone ruins, and mountain villages shaped by time.

Take the chairlift up at Malam Jabba or linger by the Swat River at dusk. Either way, the valley rewards slow exploration. Stay in a guesthouse by the river, where mornings begin with parathas and soft mountain light spilling through the windows.

Best for: weekend breaks that mix history, comfort, and fresh air.

Before You Go

The north rewards curiosity and care in equal measure. Research your route, travel during daylight, and respect local customs. Hire local guides when you can, support small businesses, and leave every valley as pristine as you found it.

Overall pro tip: A good driver or guide can make your trip smoother and more memorable, turning long drives into stories and new places into lasting experiences.

Travel light, travel kind. The north’s beauty is best preserved when we leave it untouched.