List of Hill Stations in Pakistan

Hill Stations in Pakistan: Overview

Hill stations are elevated towns or settlements typically located in mountainous regions, known for their pleasant climate and scenic beauty. In Pakistan, these hill stations serve as vital retreats, especially during the scorching summer months. Situated mainly in the northern and western highlands, including the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Balochistan, Gilgit–Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and parts of Sindh, these locations offer a much-needed escape from the extreme heat experienced in the southern and central plains of the country.

During the winter season, many of these areas receive significant snowfall, attracting tourists who come to witness snow-covered landscapes, indulge in winter sports, or simply enjoy the chilly atmosphere. In contrast, the summer months see a surge in visitors from across Pakistan, especially from lowland cities such as Lahore, Karachi, and Multan, who seek refuge from high temperatures and humidity. Hill stations not only offer cool climates and breathtaking views but also serve as hubs for eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and adventure activities.

This article provides a comprehensive list of Pakistan’s prominent hill stations, categorized by province and region. Whether you’re planning a summer vacation or a winter getaway, these high-altitude destinations have something unique to offer every traveler.

Hill Stations in Punjab, Pakistan

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1. Murree

• Elevation: 2,291 meters (7,516 ft)
• Description: Known as the Queen of the Hills, Murree is the most famous hill station in Punjab. It offers lush pine forests, cool weather, and colonial-era architecture.
• Highlights: Mall Road, Kashmir Point, Pindi Point, Patriata nearby.
• Facilities: Numerous hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shopping areas.
• Map: Murree

2. Patriata (New Murree)

• Elevation: ~2,300 meters
• Description: Located about 15 km from Murree, it is known for its chairlifts and cable cars.
• Highlights: Dense forests, panoramic views, and peaceful surroundings.
• Facilities: Chairlifts, rest houses, and local eateries.

3. Kallar Kahar

• Elevation: ~500 meters
• Description: A scenic town near Chakwal, known for its natural lake and peacocks.
• Highlights: Kallar Kahar Lake, Takht-e-Babri, family parks.
• Facilities: Rest houses, local food points, roadside motels.

4. Kotli Sattian

• Elevation: ~1,800 meters
• Description: A serene, lesser-known hilly region with thick forests and scenic beauty.
• Highlights: Hiking trails, river views, waterfalls.
• Facilities: Limited guesthouses; best suited for day trips or nature treks.

5. Chirrah

• Elevation: Moderate hilly terrain
• Description: A lesser-known hilly locality near Islamabad/Rawalpindi, part of the Pothohar Plateau.
• Highlights: Rustic landscapes, rolling green hills.
• Facilities: Minimal; more of a countryside retreat than a developed hill station.

6. Bhurban

• Elevation: ~2,000 meters
• Description: Located 9 km from Murree, it is a luxury tourist spot surrounded by pine forests.
• Highlights: Pearl Continental Hotel, hiking trails, scenic drives.
• Facilities: High-end hotels and resorts, restaurants, and golf course.

7. Fort Munro (Koh-e-Suleman)

• Elevation: 1,800 meters (5,900 ft)
• Description: The only hill station in southern Punjab, located in the Dera Ghazi Khan district in the Sulaiman Mountain Range.
• Highlights: Pleasant summer climate, waterfalls, Sulaiman Range views.
• Facilities: Government rest houses, roadside hotels; under development as a tourist resort.

8. Galyat Region (Partially in Punjab)

• Elevation: 2,000–2,500 meters
• Description: While most of the Galyat region (like Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali) is in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the area overlaps Punjab boundaries in some places near Murree Hills.
• Highlights: Pine forests, scenic hiking trails, wildlife.
• Facilities: Shared tourism infrastructure with Murree region.

Hill Stations in Sindh, Pakistan

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1. Gorakh Hill Station

• Elevation: ~1,734 meters (5,689 feet)
• Location: Dadu District, Kirthar Mountain Range
• Description: Often called the “Murree of Sindh,” Gorakh is the only developed hill station in the province. It is known for its cold climate, especially during winter, and panoramic views.
• Highlights: Sunrise/sunset views, cool weather (even snow in winter), night camping.
• Facilities: Basic tourist huts, camping sites, food stalls, and limited rest houses. Access via a rugged road from Dadu (4×4 recommended).

2. Kirthar Mountains

• Elevation: Peaks rise up to 2,151 meters (7,057 feet) at Zardak Peak (in Balochistan portion)
• Location: Stretches from Karachi and Dadu districts in Sindh to parts of eastern Balochistan
• Description: A mountain range forming the western boundary of Sindh. It’s known for rugged terrain, wildlife, and archaeological significance.
• Highlights: Kirthar National Park (home to leopards, ibex, chinkara), ancient sites like Ranikot Fort.
• Facilities: Guesthouses and ranger accommodations near the park; best suited for trekking and wildlife photography.

3. Karoonjhar Mountains

• Elevation: ~305 meters (1,000 feet)
• Location: Nagarparkar, Tharparkar District
• Description: A scenic and culturally rich granite hill range at the edge of the Thar Desert, touching the Indian border.
• Highlights: Jain temples, Nagarparkar town, seasonal waterfalls during monsoon, historical significance.
• Facilities: Very limited; local inns and basic accommodations in Nagarparkar town.

Hill Stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan

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1. Abbottabad

• Elevation: ~1,260 m (4,134 ft)
• Description: A charming city surrounded by lush hills, founded as a British cantonment.
• Highlights: Shimla Hill, Harnoi, Ilyasi Mosque, historical architecture.
• Facilities: Full-fledged city with hotels, restaurants, and roads.

2. Nathia Gali (Galyat Region)

• Elevation: ~2,410 m (7,900 ft)
• Description: Famous for its pine forests, hiking trails, and pleasant weather.
• Highlights: Mukshpuri Top, Miranjani Trek.
• Facilities: Cottages, rest houses, hotels.

3. Dunga Gali

• Elevation: ~2,500 m (8,200 ft)
• Description: Known for its peaceful environment and Pipeline Walking Track.
• Highlights: Trek to Mukshpuri Top.
• Facilities: Guesthouses, walking tracks.

4. Ayubia

• Elevation: ~2,400 m
• Description: Located in Ayubia National Park; ideal for trekking and wildlife.
• Highlights: Ayubia Chairlift, wildlife park, Pipeline Track.
• Facilities: Hotels, eateries, forest lodges.

5. Thandiani

• Elevation: ~2,750 m (9,020 ft)
• Description: Means “very cold” – a quiet, forested hilltop ideal for picnics and hiking.
• Highlights: Snow-capped views in winter, thick forests.
• Facilities: Rest houses, camping.

6. Kaghan Valley

• Elevation: 2,134 to 4,000 meters
• Highlights: A stunning alpine valley with lush meadows, lakes, and glaciers.
  Tourist Facilities: Multiple hotels in towns like Naran and Shogran, jeep rentals, eateries, and camping options.
• Naran: Base for Saif-ul-Muluk and Babusar Top.
• Shogran: Known for Siri Paye meadows and panoramic views.

7. Swat Valley

• Elevation: 1,000 to 2,500 meters
• Highlights: Known as the “Switzerland of Pakistan,” rich in history, rivers, forests, and culture.
• Tourist Facilities: Extensive—hotels, resorts, guided tours, local bazaars.

• Malam Jabba: Pakistan’s premier ski resort with chair lifts and winter sports.
• Miandam: A lush hill village with terraced fields and peace.
• Kalam: A popular summer retreat with mountain views and riverbanks.
• Ushu: Dense forests and access to Mahodand Lake.

8, Chitral

• Elevation: ~1,500 meters
• Highlights: A culturally rich town under Tirich Mir, the highest peak in the Hindu Kush.
• Tourist Facilities: Hotels, trekking services, and access to:

• Kalash Valleys: Famous for the unique Kalash culture and festivals.
• Garam Chashma: Hot springs and mountain views.

9. Dir

• Elevation: ~1,400 meters
• Highlights: Home to natural gems like Kumrat Valley, with rivers, waterfalls, and pine forests.
• Tourist Facilities: Growing eco-tourism facilities, campsites, and basic lodgings.

10.Behrain

11. Galyat

• Elevation: 2,000–2,600 meters
• Highlights: A mountainous belt comprising Nathia Gali, Dunga Gali, and Ayubia, known for its pine-covered slopes and colonial touch.
• Tourist Facilities: Scattered resorts, guesthouses, hiking routes, and parks.

12. Kalam Valley

• Elevation: ~2,100 meters
• Highlights: Lush forests, alpine meadows, and rivers define Kalam’s landscape.
• Tourist Facilities: Numerous guesthouses, hotels, and adventure travel services.

13. Malam Jabba

• Elevation: ~2,800 meters
• Highlights: A winter wonderland with a ski resort, zip lines, and trekking routes.
• Tourist Facilities: High-end ski resort, local food stalls, and equipment rentals.

14. Samana

• Elevation: ~2,150 meters
• Highlights: A lesser-known hill area near Kohat and Hangu, with historic British-era forts and cool breezes.
• Tourist Facilities: Limited but tranquil—best suited for adventurous travelers or history enthusiasts.

Hill Stations in Balochistan, Pakistan

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1. Ziarat

• Elevation: ~2,543 meters (8,343 feet)
• Location: Ziarat District, ~122 km from Quetta
• Description: The most renowned hill station in Balochistan, Ziarat is famous for its ancient Juniper Forests—some of the oldest in the world—and its historic significance as the place where Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent his final days.
• Highlights:
  • Ziarat Residency (heritage site)
  • Juniper Forest National Park
  • Quaid’s Residency Museum
  • Snowfall in winter
• Facilities: Guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, basic healthcare, and paved roads

2. Khuzdar

• Elevation: ~1,237 meters (4,058 feet)
• Location: Central Balochistan
• Description: More of a mountainous city than a formal hill station, Khuzdar is surrounded by rugged rocky ranges and offers a relatively cooler climate than the adjacent lowlands.
• Highlights:
  • Close proximity to Karkh Valley and Moola Chotok Waterfall (a hidden natural gem)
  • Routes connecting to Awaran and Wadh valleys
• Facilities: Hotels, markets, and accessible transport options

3. Kan Mehtarzai

• Elevation: ~2,224 meters (7,296 feet)
• Location: Near Muslim Bagh, Qila Saifullah District
• Description: Once home to Pakistan’s highest railway station, Kan Mehtarzai lies along the historic but now-defunct Zhob Valley Railway. It remains notable for its cool highland climate and scenic tribal landscapes.
• Highlights:
  • Rugged mountain scenery
  • Historic railway station (now abandoned)
  • Distinct tribal culture
• Facilities: Limited in the immediate area; basic accommodations available in nearby towns

Hill Stations in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan

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1. Gilgit

• Elevation: ~1,500 meters (4,900 feet)
• Location: Capital of Gilgit-Baltistan
• Description: A bustling town and regional hub located along the Gilgit River. It’s the gateway to various valleys and peaks in northern Pakistan.
• Highlights:
  • Gilgit River confluence
  • Historical rock carvings
  • Hub for trekkers and mountaineers

2. Hunza Valley

• Elevation: ~2,438 meters (8,000 feet)
• Location: Upper Hunza, along the Karakoram Highway
• Description: One of Pakistan’s most famous valleys, known for its lush terraces, snow-capped peaks, and rich culture.
• Famous Areas:
  • Karimabad – cultural heart with cafés, shops, and forts
  • Altit & Baltit Forts – restored heritage sites
  • Eagle’s Nest – panoramic views of Ultar, Ladyfinger & Rakaposhi

3. Skardu

• Elevation: ~2,226 meters (7,303 feet)
• Location: Baltistan Division
• Description: A premier mountain town that serves as a base for climbers heading to K2, Gasherbrum, and other high peaks.
• Nearby Destinations:
  • Shigar Valley – gateway to Baltoro Glacier and K2
  • Khaplu – historic town with a royal palace
• Highlights:
  • Shangrila Resort
  • Satpara Lake & Sheosar Lake
  • Trekking hub

4. Astore Valley

• Elevation: ~2,600 meters (8,500 feet)
• Location: South of Gilgit, accessed via Jaglot
• Description: A scenic, green valley offering access to Deosai National Park.
• Highlights:
  • Rama Meadows
  • Rama Lake
  • Gateway to Deosai Plains

5. Fairy Meadows

• Elevation: ~3,300 meters (10,827 feet)
• Location: Base of Nanga Parbat (via Raikot Bridge and Jeep track)
• Description: A grassy alpine meadow offering unmatched views of Nanga Parbat, Pakistan’s second-highest peak.
• Highlights:
  • Camping and hiking
  • Wooden huts and panoramic photography
  • Base camp trekking

6. Ghizer Valley

• Elevation: ~2,000–3,500 meters
• Location: Western Gilgit-Baltistan
• Description: Known for its lakes and the scenic Phander Valley, it’s a lesser-known yet stunning part of GB.
• Highlights:
  • Phander Lake
  • Khalti Lake
  • Trout fishing, boating

7. Deosai Plains

• Elevation: ~4,114 meters (13,497 feet)
• Location: Between Skardu and Astore
• Description: One of the world’s highest plateaus, known for its wildflowers, vastness, and Himalayan brown bears.
• Highlights:
  • Sheosar Lake
  • Wildlife spotting
  • Trekking across open meadows

8. Passu

• Elevation: ~2,500 meters (8,200 feet)
• Location: Upper Hunza, near Gulmit
• Description: Famous for the jagged Passu Cones and its location on the Karakoram Highway.
• Highlights:
  • Suspension bridges
  • Views of Passu Glacier
  • Local cafés and homestays

Hill Stations in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan

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1. Muzaffarabad

• Elevation: ~737 meters (2,418 feet)
• Location: Capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK)
• Description: A picturesque city located at the confluence of the Neelum and Jhelum Rivers, serving as the gateway to the scenic valleys of AJK.
• Highlights:
  • Red Fort (Chak Fort)
  • Viewpoints of rivers and bridges
  • Starting point to Neelum Valley

2. Pir Chinasi

• Elevation: ~2,900 meters (9,500 feet)
• Location: 30 km from Muzaffarabad
• Description: A popular mountaintop viewpoint and shrine known for panoramic views and snow in winter.
• Highlights:
  • Shrine of Hazrat Shah Hussain
  • Paragliding site
  • Lush pine forests

3. Rawalakot

• Elevation: ~1,638 meters (5,374 feet)
• Location: Poonch District
• Description: Known as the “Pearl Valley”, surrounded by hills and ideal for vacations and family visits.
• Highlights:
  • Mild summer weather
  • Base for trips to Banjosa Lake and Toli Peer

4. Banjosa Lake

• Elevation: ~1,981 meters (6,500 feet)
• Location: 20 km from Rawalakot
• Description: A serene man-made lake surrounded by pine forests and lush green hills.
• Highlights:
  • Boating
  • Cottages and rest houses
  • Winter snowfall

5. Toli Peer

• Elevation: ~2,666 meters (8,747 feet)
• Location: Near Rawalakot, in Poonch District
• Description: A vast grassy hilltop offering wide-ranging views of valleys and distant peaks.
• Highlights:
  • Trekking and camping
  • Green meadows
  • Cloudy weather and stunning sunsets

6. Leepa Valley

• Elevation: ~1,921 meters (6,300 feet)
• Location: 105 km from Muzaffarabad
• Description: A remote and lush valley near the Line of Control (LoC), known for its natural beauty and wooden architecture.
• Highlights:
  • Harvest landscapes
  • Wooden Kashmiri-style homes
  • Dense pine forests and snowfall
  • Note: Special permission is required to visit

7. Neelum Valley

• Elevation: 1,524 to 2,134 meters (5,000–7,000 feet)
• Location: Northeast of Muzaffarabad
• Description: One of Pakistan’s most breathtaking valleys, stretching over 144 km along the Neelum River.
• Includes:
  • Keran – riverside views and lodges
  • Sharda – historical ruins and Sharda University
  • Kel – base for treks to Arang Kel
  • Arang Kel – meadow village accessed by chairlift and hike
• Highlights:
  • Snow-covered winters
  • Hiking trails
  • Riverfront resorts

8. Sudhan Gali

• Elevation: ~2,134 meters (7,000 feet)
• Location: Between Chikar and Haji Pir Pass
• Description: A tranquil mountain area and trailhead to Ganga Choti (3,044 meters / 9,989 feet), favored by trekkers.
• Highlights:
  • Lush green surroundings
  • Base camp for hiking Ganga Choti

Pakistan’s hill stations are more than just tourist destinations—they are natural sanctuaries that showcase the country’s diverse landscape, rich cultural tapestry, and climatic contrast. From the lush green valleys of Swat and the majestic peaks of Hunza to the pine-covered hills of Murree and the hidden gem of Gorakh Hill in Sindh, each hill station has its own charm and appeal. These destinations not only support domestic tourism but also contribute significantly to local economies and community development.

As the country continues to invest in infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism, the potential of these highland retreats will only grow. Exploring these regions offers not just a break from the heat but also a deeper connection to nature and culture. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or natural beauty, Pakistan’s hill stations provide an unforgettable experience for every traveler.