Best Camping Sites in Pakistan

IN THIS POST:
– Camping in Azad Kashmir
– Camping in Gilgit-Baltistan
– Camping in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
– Camping in Sindh, Punjab, or Balochistan

The tides have turned, and the world is finally seeing Pakistan for what it really is — a hub of tourism where visitors are welcomed with open arms and hearts! Those who cannot take our word for it should read why the Conde Nast Traveller declared the country as one of the top tourist destinations for 2020. Many international travellers also visited the country last year and left amazing reviews about Pakistan and its hospitable people. The reason for Pakistan’s tourism is its scenic natural beauty, and the best way to enjoy it is with a camping trip into the wilderness. And, we’ve taken the liberty of listing down some of the best camping sites in Pakistan so you can plan your next trip with ease.

Top Camping Sites in Pakistan

Want to experience the thrill of camping overnight? Ready to sleep in tents and watch the stars sitting near a cosy bonfire? Here are some of the best camping spots in Pakistan that you should consider for your next adventure:

• Pir Chinasi
• Naltar Valley
• Ratti Gali Lake
• Gorakh Hills Station
• Arang Kel
• Shogran
• Siri Paye
• Kund Malir
• Fairy Meadows
• Beyal Camp
• Saif-ul-Maluk Lake
• Deosai Plains
• Cholistan Desert

Most of these places are located up north, but some of them are in the southern parts of the country as well. However, while camping is the only mode of staying the night in some of these locations, others offer camping as an alternative to motels for people who want to wing it and sleep under the stars. We’ve divided our list into regions, so you can search for the best camping sites in Pakistan based on the area you’re visiting.

Camping in Azad Kashmir

Natural beauty can be found in abundance in Azad Kashmir, and you can easily use a quick guide to plan a memorable trip to Kashmir. However, if you want to go camping in Azad Kashmir, try the following spots:

Pir Chinasi

Pir Chinasi is a hill station located nearly 30 kilometres from Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The camping spot is situated at an elevation of 9,500 feet (2,895 metres) above sea level. The hilltop is a fascinating example of the beauty that AJK is rightfully famous for. The lush green plains of the hillside allow you to look over Muzaffarabad city. Talk about amazing views!

When to Go Camping at Pir Chinasi?

Pir Chinasi is most often visited by devotees of Saint Shah Hussain Bukhari, who is buried here. His domed shrine marks the end of the journey when driving up to the camping spot via a well-paved road. The region witnesses mild summers but fairly cold winters. While camping time begins in May and ends in October, you should visit between June and September to enjoy the best weather.

How to Get There?

While there are a few motels at the top, you’ll mostly find them occupied, especially during the peak season. It is recommended that you carry your own camping gear with you on the drive up for your ease. It takes about four hours to get to Muzaffarabad from Islamabad, and once you’re there, a short jeep or bus ride can take you up to the shrine.

Where to Camp?

People often camp near the shrine at the top of the hill, but if you want peace and isolation, consider hiking about 30 minutes to the adjacent hill, which gives similar views and is a lot less crowded.

Ratti Gali Lake

An alpine glacial lake in the Karakoram Mountain Range and one of the most beautiful lakes of Pakistan, Ratti Gali Lake lies at an altitude of 12,000 feet (3,700 metres). It is around 100 kilometres from Muzaffarabad.

When to Go Camping at Ratti Gali Lake?

If you’re planning a camping trip to Ratti Gali Lake, it’s best to go to the region in the summers, between July and August.

How to Get There?

Since there is no proper road to Ratti Gali Lake, you will need to take a 2-hour long jeep ride from Dowarian in Neelum Valley, which will take you to the base camp to stay the night. A further 2-hour trek on foot will bring you to the lake. You can also reach the lake on horseback.

Where to Camp?

This revered camping site in Pakistan already has a base camp built a few kilometres before the lake where most people stay the night.

Arang Kel

Located around 20 kilometres from Sharda in the Neelum Valley, Arang Kel is another camping site in Pakistan that boasts unmatched beauty. Reaching it might be a challenge for many, considering its elevation of 7,800 feet (2,300 metres) and its tricky route, but the experience is indeed worth it. Don’t forget to explore the forests, meadows, hills, and waterfalls while you’re there.

When to Go Camping at Arang Kel?

Since this part of AJK is mostly frozen in the winters, the best time for a camping trip is from June to August.

How to Get There?

The small tourist town of Kel is the best place to start your journey. From here, you have two choices to get to Arang Kel. You can either choose to hike from Kel to Arang Kel for about 2 to 3 hours or take a chairlift from Kel over dense forests to cross halfway to Arang Kel and then a half-hour of steep trekking to reach the village.

Where to Camp?

Guesthouses, as well as tents, are available for rent once you reach Arang Kel, with basic necessities, but you can choose to carry your own camping equipment as long as it is lightweight so that it doesn’t overburden you during the hike.

Camping in Gilgit-Baltistan

Gilgit-Baltistan is a popular tourist destination and one of the best spots for camping in Pakistan. If you want to experience the most genuine joy of camping, then you should head to:

Naltar Valley

About 40 kilometres from Gilgit city, Naltar Valley is located at the height of nearly 9,550 feet (2900 metres) above sea level. With forested hillsides and green meadows, the landscape is truly delightful.

When to Go Camping at Naltar Valley?

Naltar Valley is a hub of tourists in the winter season because its slopes are ideal for skiing and trekking. But it is recommended that you go camping at Naltar in June till September since the weather is better for staying outdoors and the road to the valley is easier to traverse in a 4×4.

How to Get There?

You can drive to Gilgit or take a bus from the capital of Pakistan. Leaving Gilgit behind for a two-hour bumpy jeep ride, you will reach the stunning valley of Naltar where glorious views await you. 

Where to Camp?

The region is also home to three lakes, which are collectively called Naltar Lakes or Bashkiri Lakes. These can be perfect camping spots to watch the stars emerge after an exquisite sunset. However, Pari Lake is the most recommended camping site in the valley. Besides boating and fishing on the lake, locals also offer camping facilities in colourful tents that are placed along the shore.

Fairy Meadows

One of the hidden gems of Pakistan, located close to the base camp of the Nanga Parbat and offering dreamy views of the peak, Fairy Meadows are a major lure for any adventure-seeking tourist in Pakistan. The meadows are at the height of 10,800 feet (3,300 metres) above sea level.

When to Go Camping at Fairy Meadows?

Since the region and its roads freeze over during the winter and remain frozen for the better part of the year, July to September is the best time to take a trip to Fairy Meadows.

How to Get There?

Definitely not for the faint-hearted, Fairy Meadows is accessible via a trek from Raikot Bridge, which is about 80 kilometres from Gilgit. A bus heading towards Gilgit can drop you off at the bridge before it arrives in the city. From there, it’s a 1-hour jeep ride and a 3-hour trek on foot to reach this beautiful pasture. You can also cover the trek on horseback if you want to shorten the timeframe.

Where to Camp?

Fairy Meadows has its share of small cottages as well as camping tents set up by the locals, which you can hire for the duration of your stay. Most people choose to visit the area with a tour group rather than risking the journey alone.

Beyal Camp

The base camp for mountaineers looking to conquer the Nanga Parbat and the ultimate challenge for trekkers all over the globe, it requires expertise to reach this camping destination in Pakistan. It lies around 11,650 feet (3550 metres) above sea level and is at the foot of one of the highest peaks in the world.

When to Go Camping at Beyal Camp?

The only two months which are ideal for camping in this frigid area are July and August.

How to Get There?

The Beyal Camp is nearly 6 hours from Fairy Meadows on foot, with a treacherous path. It is advised that you journey with a local guide to avoid getting lost in this wilderness.

Where to Camp?

Since people visit the ‘Killer Mountain’ every year with the hopes of hoisting their flags at the top, there is a sufficient supply of essentials at the camp already, including tents and other necessary camping equipment. It is advised that you travel light but dress warmly for this camping excursion.

Deosai Plains

Located within Deosai National Park, the lush green Deosai plains are 13,600 feet (4,100 metres) above sea level, around 40 kilometres from Skardu city.

When to Go Camping at Deosai Plains?

Similar to other parts of northern Pakistan, visit this park between June and September for the best camping experience.

How to Get There?

The park is accessible from Skardu as well as Astore with a jeep ride of about an hour.

Where to Camp?

Once you’re inside the park, you can choose your campsite according to your preference. Sheosar Lake is the perfect spot to set up a camp. However, most people prefer to stay at Bara Pani instead, which is a rushing waterbody with plenty of opportunities to catch your own meal for the day.

Camping in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Heading to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK)? Check out these camping destinations that will give you a chance to experience the region’s beauty to the fullest:

Shogran

One of the most easily accessible campsites in Pakistan, Shogran is famous for its lush green meadows and pine forests. About 66 kilometres from the touristy town of Naran, Shogran is about 7,500 feet (2,300) above sea level.

When to Go Camping at Pir Chinasi?

The best times to camp in Shogran are from June to September when the weather is mild, and the ride to the region is relatively smooth.

How to Get There?

A perfectly paved road from Kewai, the central point between Naran and Shogran, takes you up to Shogran in a jeep or a privately hailed taxi. The ride is about an hour long.

Where to Camp?

Shogran has plenty of motels and resorts where you can stay comfortably, but those same motels also offer you a chance to rough it in the green meadows if you want to make the most of the trip.

Siri Paye

At a distance of 8 kilometres from Shogran, Siri Lake and Paye Meadows are two destinations on an unpaved trek up the mountain. The lake comes first, but campers usually head to the meadows at the top, where small tea shops are also set up in tents. The meadow is 9,900 feet (3,000 metres) above sea level.

When to Go Camping at Siri Paye?

Like other parts of KPK, it is best to head to this campsite in Pakistan from July to September as that is when you’ll get to enjoy the best weather.

How to Get There?

An unpaved and bumpy jeep ride from Shogran will take you up to Siri Lake and then Paye Meadows in about an hour. You can rent a jeep from Shogran if you don’t have your own 4×4 for the journey.

Where to Camp?

Camping at Paye Meadows is almost a breeze since essential facilities are available, but to experience the real joy of camping, you will be required to rough it. Be wary of the weather, though. It changes rapidly, and the fog is often so thick that you won’t be able to find your way back to your tent until it clears.

Saif-ul-Maluk Lake

About 10 kilometres from Naran, Saif-ul-Maluk Lake is one of the most scenic lakes in Pakistan with its backdrop of snow-topped mountains. At an elevation of 10,600 feet (3,200 metres), this lake is visited by thousands of tourists every year with plenty of boating and picnic opportunities.

When to Go Camping at Saif-ul-Maluk Lake?

Summer months of June to September are the best for a camping trip to Saif-ul-Maluk because the road is safer during the warmer weather.

How to Get There?

The only way to get to Saif-ul-Maluk Lake is via a 4×4 jeep that will take you over unpaved roads from Naran to your destination. Be warned that the track is dangerous and slippery, especially in parts where it is covered with snow.

Where to Camp?

There are a few motels near the lake that allow you to camp on their grounds and will charge you rent to use their lawn. But since the lake is a short walk away, the cost is perfectly worth it. You might also be able to camp right at the shore, but be sure to ask the local authorities for permission first.

Camping in Sindh, Punjab, or Balochistan

Heading up north, there are plenty of options for camping in Pakistan, but what if you want to camp close to home? Here are three places, one in each of the other provinces, that are perfect for a weekend camping trip:

Gorakh Hill Station

Perfect for a weekend away from home, Gorakh Hill Station is located about 94 kilometres from Dadu and lies at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet (1,800 metres) above sea level. Known as the ‘Murree of Sindh’, it is a convenient destination to enjoy true winter weather in Sindh, including the occasional snowfall.

When to Go Camping at Gorakh Hill Station?

The best time to visit Gorakh Hills is between September and November, or from February to March, as December and January are the coldest months here. However, snowfall is not guaranteed even in these colder months.

How to Get There?

The base camp for a drive up to Gorakh Hills is a village called Wahi Pandhi near Dadu. Once you reach it, you can hire a 4×4 jeep to take you up the bumpy track over a duration of nearly 4 hours.

Where to Camp?

Gorakh Hills has a campsite built before the hike up the mountain to the viewpoint. You can rent a tent there or take one along. The locals also offer additional blankets and pillows upon request.

Cholistan Desert

Located about 30 kilometres away from Bahawalpur, Punjab, the Cholistan Desert is spread across 25,000 square kilometres and holds rich cultural and historical value. While the desert plains are just 300 feet (112 metres) above sea level, people don’t visit this area for its elevation. They visit it for the majestic forts, the starry skies, and the colourful fireworks.

When to Go Camping in the Cholistan Desert?

The desert climate makes summer and winter weather quite harsh for visitors, so it is recommended that you visit between February to April or August to October for the best camping experience.

How to Get There?

Tours for the desert leave from Bahawalpur. Once you reach the city, local guides, jeeps, and buses are also available to take you to the desert plains for the night.

Where to Camp?

Most people prefer to visit the Cholistan Desert with a tour group and the camps are often set up in the sands right next to the magnificent Derawar Fort.

Kund Malir

If you want to go camping in Balochistan, Kund Malir is the best destination for an overnight campout. Since it is a beach located next to the Makran Coastal Highway, within the Hingol National Park, it has a mere elevation of 115 feet (35 metres) above sea level, particularly for its surrounding cliffs. But if you were looking for crystal clear waters, starry skies, and cool winds, you’re in for a treat. It’s about 200 kilometres from Karachi, towards the western coastal region.

When to Go Camping at Kund Malir?

Weather in Balochistan is ideal for a trip from February to April and September to November. The remaining months are generally too hot or too cold for travellers.

How to Get There?

Since Kund Malir is just 4 hours away from Karachi by car and a perfectly paved Makran Coastal Highway can lead you right to it, you can venture out on this journey on your own, but most people prefer to go camping on the beach with a tour group.

Where to Camp?

Tour operators generally camp at the beach, in the dry sands, with a bonfire to keep the campers warm through the night.

These are some of the top camping sites in Pakistan that you can explore during your travel. Stay tuned to Zameen Blog for more tourism posts about Pakistan. Reach us at blog@zameen.com with your questions and suggestions.