Pakistan has become a significant tourist destination due to its growing popularity over the past several years. Northern regions have also received a great deal of well-deserved attention. The allure is not confined to a global scale; it also holds within Pakistan.
As global temperatures rise, so do the average annual high humidity levels, making life increasingly difficult for the people of Pakistan. In contrast, winter often lasts only a few months (about two to four). It’s common to see this round number in the major cities of Pakistan.
This year, many city dwellers will go to the north to satisfy their craving for a taste of winter. In the north of Pakistan, the weather is consistently cold and then drops dramatically during the winter.
Every traveler to the north is met with open arms and kind hearts. Anyone with an intellect of adventure and a desire to see the world should visit the coldest region on the planet. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you must have.
Given that not everyone can afford a vacation on a global scale, we have compiled a list of some of the coldest spots on the planet in Pakistan to visit this winter. To find out which is the coldest place in Pakistan. So why not take advantage of the resources available in our home country?
1. Skardu
Skardu is included in our collection of cold locations in Pakistan. Skardu is a Mountaineers’ Paradise in Pakistan. One of the cities in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. The district government offices for Skardu can be found here as well. The city is an essential region due to its proximity to the Karakoram mountain range.
The city has a cold, semiarid climate. As a result of the mountain range, the summers are relatively comfortable. High mountains shield the town from the lower regions’ heat. They also act as a barrier to the monsoon, reducing the amount of precipitation the area receives.
However, the area has a very severe winter. Skardu welcomes visitors 365 days a year. Winter is a dangerous time to fly because of the rapid fluctuations in weather. Whenever there is bad weather, the one and only PIA flights are either delayed or canceled. It’s easy to go where you’re going by car.
During the winter, Skardu and the rest of Baltistan tend to have overcast skies. So, it’s doubtful that a climbing expedition will succeed in reaching the peak of K2. There is a -25 degree dip in temperature. The typical winter temperature is between -15°C and -10°C. Skardu’s significant attractions, except Deosai, are within easy reach.
2. Hunza
One of Pakistan’s more remote and unexplored places in Hunza. It used to be a monarchy. The attraction is open 24/7, every day of the year. Winter is a prolonged time for tourism in Hunza. There will be no greenery in Hunza during the winter months since the whole region will be covered in snow.
Atta-Abad Lake and the high summits of Ultar Sar, Hunza Peak, and Passu Peak offer breathtaking vistas in the winter. Gilgit Baltistan is nestled between the majestic Himalayas and the picturesque Karakoram range. Khunjerab Pass, and the area around it, is the coldest place in Pakistan, even in the middle of summer.
Hunza has a variety of winter tourism packages, including ice hockey, a frozen Atta-Abad Lake, and snow. Only in Hunza can you find the unique sport of snow hockey. Hundreds of spectators visit Hunza annually for the event since this sport rose to prominence swiftly.
The winter season for tourism in Hunza runs from November through February. Daytime highs hover around -11 degrees Celsius, while nighttime lows dip to -26 degrees. In December, Hunza sees an average of 10.67mm of rain spread across about six wet days. The relative humidity is at 74% right now.
3. Kalaam
The beautiful valley of Kalaam is located in the Pakistani area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is located in the northern upper sections of the Swat valley, 99 kilometers (62 miles) north of Mingora, along the banks of the Swat Rivers. When people think of Pakistan, they often think of Kalaam as a significant tourist attraction. Beautiful mountains, lush woods, and strange lakes may be found there.
A three-day Winter Snow Festival is held annually in the middle of Kalam’s snow-covered peaks. An enormous crowd of sightseers enjoys several types of snow activities and shows. Various exhibitors at the festival feature the exquisite handiwork of the Malakand Division.
In the snow, athletes compete in sports such as snow kabaddi, snow tug of war, traditional anger goshi, traditional rugby, skiing, throw ball, karate, and jujitsu. Khattak dance, rubab, and Kakashi demonstrations join the typical marketplaces, restaurants, sports, children’s activities, ice villages, and more. Traditional singers will be performing to add to the festival’s festive atmosphere.
Highs in July typically hover around 12.0 degrees Celsius (53.7 degrees Fahrenheit). The average temperature drops to -13.7 °C | 7.4 °F in January, making it the coldest month of the year.
4. Chitral
Chitral is a popular and exciting vacation spot. On the Chitral River in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite being one of Pakistan’s coldest place in pakistan, Chitral is famous for its vibrant heritage, kind welcome, and beautiful traditional dress.
The low-rise buildings on the hill give the area the appearance of a quaint town. The summertime glory of Chitral is quickly eclipsed by the stark whiteness of winter. It is recommended that travelers to Chitral in December pack a sturdy snow/winter jacket, thermals, and additional layers.
In the height of summer, temperatures in Chitral may reach a balmy 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit). Lows of -21°C (-5°F) are not uncommon in the winter. The town can receive considerable snowfall in the winter, accumulating up to two feet common. In the mountains, the snowfall may reach 20 meters (70 ft). Temperatures drop to subzero levels throughout the winter.
5. Gilgit Baltistan
Gilgit Baltistan, located on the northern border of Azad Kashmir, is a mystical region of Pakistan that Pakistan manages as an administrative province.
And if you’re wondering, “Where in Pakistan is it coldest?” the answer is undeniably the Gilgit Baltistan glacier regions. Also known as “Pakistan’s Coldest Summer Resort,” this location holds the dubious distinction of being the coldest in Pakistan overall.
The average annual low temperature here is much below -20 degrees. The Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and K2 mountain ranges are just a few of the many glaciers and peaks found there.
People who have been to Gilgit Baltistan in the winter know how frigid it can be there. It may chill you to the bone, so it’s best to remain busy to stay warm.
6. Astore
Our next planned destination will be in the Astore District. Roundup District is to the northeast, while Skardu District is to the east. To the north is Gilgit District. The districts of Kharmang to the southeast, Diamer to the west, and Neelum in Azad Kashmir to the southwest. Bandipora, a community of Jammu and Kashmir under Indian administration, is located to its south.
Astore looks to be abandoned entirely during the winter, which begins at the end of October and continues until the beginning of March. Large crowds of tourists have closed up the roads, making travel impossible. Despite the disparity, Astore is home to nearly 70,000 people in more than 100 cities and towns.
Four-wheel drive vehicles only are allowed in the valley. If you can swing it, leasing a Jeep is your best bet. As its name implies, Astore City is entirely made up of hotels. There aren’t many inns near Rama Lake, so visitors should head to Astore City instead.
The summers are quite lovely in the area. In contrast, the entire area is covered in snow throughout the winter months. 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) of snow is possible in the central valleys, and 4-5 feet (100-150 cm) in the highlands. It has been known for snowfall totals in the Mirmalik Valley to reach 6 feet (1.8 m) in February.
7. Malam Jabba
Malam Jabba is a well-known tourist destination and one of the coldest place in Pakistan. It’s a great place to take a break because it’s both a hill station and a resort. Gorgeous hiking trails and breathtaking peaks are its central claims to fame. The Hindu Kush Mountains are located around 40 kilometers from Saidu Sharif in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The distance from Karachi to Islamabad is 314. Saidu Sharif Airport, on the other hand, is located 51 kilometers distant.
Ice skating, sledding, ice hockey, bandy, snowboarding, speed skating, and curling are just some of the winter sports that guests may enjoy. Affordable options for the necessary health and safety gear and gear for skiing and other winter sports are readily accessible. Tourists can either bring their equipment or rent skis, boots, bindings, poles, clothes, helmets, goggles, snowboards, and more.
The average temperature of Malam Jabba ranges from 31 degrees Celsius in June to 11 degrees Celsius in January.
Travel Safety Tips for Pakistan’s Chilly Regions
You should take the following safety measures if it is your first time visiting a high-altitude place during the winter:
- Turn off the gas heater and leave it that way overnight. Not doing so increases the risk of suffocation.
- Please remember to bring along warm outerwear and footwear.
- In no circumstances should you step foot on a frozen river. This is a potentially risky activity.
Consequently, these are examples of regions in Pakistan that tend to be chilly. It’s not just the weather that makes these places famous; it’s also the scenery and the assortment of people that live there. So, it’s fair to say that if you’re looking for excitement and a deeper understanding of the nation, you should go to these places.
Sources
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- LINDSEY, R. & DAHLMAN, L. (2023). “Climate Change: Global Temperature” Climate.Gov https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature
- NASA (2013). “The Coldest Place in the World” NASA https://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2013/09dec_coldspot
- Afridi, M. K., & Yousufi, M. (2014). “Military operation in Malakand division Pakistan: causes and implications.” Asian Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities http://www.ajssh.leena-luna.co.jp/AJSSHPDFs/Vol.3(3)/AJSSH2014(3.3-10).pdf
- Le Berre, M., & Pomeau, Y. (2015). “Theory of ice-skating” International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020746215000335
