Gilgit-Baltistan, one of the most beautiful and natural regions of Pakistan, was named in this list. Financial TimesA list of 50 places to visit on vacation.
The UK-based publication cites the country’s dramatic mountain scenery and improved security situation in the northern part of the country as key reasons.
“Northern Pakistan boasts some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world, and the improved security situation, easier access and better accommodation options mean more and more visitors are exploring it,” it wrote. FT
In August 2024, Pakistan started offering visas available online for citizens of more than 120 countries, the publication said. It added that Gateways is also running 14-day group tours.
It said the tour delves deep into the culture, history and scenery of the region and includes six days of trekking.
Earlier this month, the US-based broadcaster CNN Gilgit-Baltistan is also included in the list of 25 best places to visit in 2025.
CNN Travel said, “The Gilgit-Baltistan region in the Crookram Mountains isn’t the easiest place to visit – flight schedules can be unreliable, roads can be closed seasonally – but it has lemons. There are more appealing peaks than meringue pie.”
The publication noted that the region is home to five of the 14 “eight thousand” peaks recognized as the world’s highest peaks. This includes K2, the second highest mountain in the world but number 1 in terms of difficulty and danger.
“In terms of tourism and infrastructure, hiking in this region makes the Himalayas look like a trapeze in Central Park,” he added.
Thousands of local and foreign tourists flock to the sparsely populated northern region every year for various summits, paragliding and other sporting activities.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said that while Gilgit-Baltistan saw an increase in mountaineering expeditions and trekking in 2024, nine climbers died while attempting to scale various peaks. Five of these climbers were from Japan, two from Pakistan and one each from Russia and Brazil.