Camping has always been a major part of my life. It is like a getaway from the chaos of my busy life. , I’ve had some pretty awesome camping adventures. Yet, this magnetic pull keeps bringing me back to the camping sites in Pakistan. The refreshing feeling of being surrounded by the marvels of nature, sitting by the campfire, and just basking in the magnificent beauty is truly remarkable.
Camping sites in Pakistan offer unparalleled serenity. If you are in Pakistan and are browsing about the best camping sites, this is going to help you have the best experience ever. Scroll down as I list these amazing places!
These are some of my brief recounts of when I went camping throughout the years, and I would recommend these camping sites in Pakistan to everyone!
Camping Sites in Azad Kashmir:
Camping in Azad Kashmir is one of my favourite memories to this day. The city, known for its breathtaking beauty, completely had me under its spell. The magnificent mountains, serene lakes, and lush valleys were truly a sight to behold. One of my friends, who is also a camping enthusiast, suggested that I should visit Pir Chinasi and Arang Kel.
Pir Chinasi:
Pir Chinasi is a stunning hill station located 30 meters from the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The journey up to the camping spot (9,500 feet above sea level) was enchanting, with the lush green plains of the hillside. Pir Chinasi is usually visited by followers of Saint Shah Hussain Bukhari, as his shrine is located there. The idyllic weather, while ascending the hills, only made the already exhilarating journey better.
Originally intending to camp near the hill’s summit, we opted to hike an additional 30 minutes to an adjacent hill due to the crowded conditions. My decision to camp on the adjacent hill turned out to be great, as the environment there was much more peaceful with the same entrancing view. In truth, my stay there was brief yet memorable. After two days of a wonderful experience, I rented a car to drive to Arang Kel.
Arang Kel:
Arang Kel is situated 20 kilometers from Sharda in the Neelum Valley. The campsite at an elevation of 7,800 feet is quite tricky, but its incredibly beautiful route makes the risk worthwhile. We took a chairlift from the magnificent Kel to the dense forest, from where we hiked to our main destination, Arang Kel. Exploring the blooming meadows, grassy hills, and enchanting waterfalls made my experience in the village much more magical than I expected.
Overall, my trip to Azad Jammu and Kashmir was a success. The beauty I witnessed in that region is something I have never experienced.
Camping Sites in Gilgit-Baltistan:
Fairy Meadows:
My friends and I spontaneously decided to change our routes when we were travelling to climb the Killer Mountain, Nanga Parbat. Fairy Meadows has always been quite appealing to me, so I seized the first opportunity to come my way.
After landing in Islamabad, we rented a car and drove to Chilas. From Chilas, we started our journey to the breathtaking Fairy Meadows by trekking from the Raikot Bridge. The Fairy Meadows is an enchanting experience for adventure lovers. The lush green area is known as “Merchen Wise” among the Germans. The Meadows are at a height of 10,800 feet, offering an entrancing view of Nanga Parbat and other majestic peaks.
With this intention, we stayed in one of the camping tents set up by the locals. Our experience in the Fairy Meadows was one-of-a-kind. Thrilled about our ascent to Nanga Parbat, the idyllic weather and the enchantment of Fairy Meadows tempted me to prolong our stay.
Deosai National Park:
Deosai National Park had been on my radar for quite a while. The park’s extravagant beauty fascinated me, prompting me to book the first flight to Pakistan right after completing my exams.
The Deosai Plains are known as one of the best spots for camping in Pakistan. Particularly, the lush green plains are embraced by enchanting beauty, forming an unparalleled scene. We first decided to camp at the Sheosar Lake as it was quiet there, but we quickly changed our spots to Bara Pani just so we could go fishing there.
Camping on the beautiful plains at an elevation of 13,497 feet was one of the best feelings ever. If I ever want to go back to one of the places I have already visited, Deosai National Park will be on the list.
Camping Sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:
Saif-ul-Maluk Lake:
If someone were to ask me about the lake that I would want to go to again and again, I would unhesitatingly say that Saif-ul-Maluk Lake is my favourite. About 9 kilometres from Naran, I visited and camped near the lake when I was in Pakistan for my Naran-Kaghan tour.
We covered our journey in a jeep. The rocky trail was extremely gruelling yet one of the best I’ve ever had. I will forever cherish the moment when I first beheld the lake, a memory etched permanently in my mind. The crystal-clear lake, surrounded by majestic mountains, was truly a remarkable sight. After getting a permit from the local authorities, we camped right on the shore underneath the starry sky.
Camping Sites in Sindh:
Gorakh Hill Station:
Camping in Sindh is a unique experience characterized by its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. While primarily known for its urban centres like Karachi and Hyderabad, Sindh also boasts picturesque rural and coastal areas that are ideal for camping enthusiasts.
About 94 Kilometers from Dadu, Gorakh Hill Station lies at an elevation of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level. Popularly known as the Murree of Sindh, Gorakh Hills is a perfect getaway for a family holiday.
We visited the breathtaking location in March and had the best experience witnessing the extravagant beauty of Sindh. We camped at Wahi Pandhi (50.1 km) and then drove to our main destination, Gorakh Hills. In brief, the journey was an unparalleled experience, ranking among the finest drives I’ve ever taken, completing the route in a mere 1 hour and 38 minutes.
The panoramic view of rolling hills stretching to the horizon left me in awe. My mind still engraves the rugged trails, the golden grasses swaying in the breeze, and the scent of pine in the crisp air. The distant calls of native birds provided a natural soundtrack to the picturesque landscape. Our trip to Gorakh Hills turned out.
Conclusion:
Other than these popular camping sites in Pakistan, I have wanted to visit some others. For this purpose, some of the places are the Baltoro Glacier, Kumrat Valley, Phander Valley, and many more.
With the right gear and the right people, you can have the time of your life while camping at the best spots in Pakistan.