Have you ever gotten a craving for adventure watching thrilling destinations abroad on NatGeo or in those Mountain Dew ads? What if I told you that you can experience the same, if not more, thrill in Pakistan, that too without breaking the bank?
Time to take the ‘red pill’ and discover the truth!
Blessed with towering mountains, captivating and roaring rivers, challenging terrains and other natural marvels, Pakistan has become the quintessential adventure tourism destination.
Be it the mysterious and vast desert of Sindh or the rugged Balochi terrain or the dangerous yet captivating mountain terrains of Gilgit and Hunza, the country has ample options that offer a generous amount of adrenaline kicks to the adventure junkies and thrill-seekers.
Here is a list of the top five best adventure activities to do in Pakistan:
1. Trekking to Base camps
Now trekking might sound like a very common and easy activity for adventure in Pakistan. Trekking on the Margala Hills might be everyone’s cup of tea but if you try experimenting at some spine-chilling locations, trekking can be one of the most thrilling activities you will ever experience. Pakistan is a favorite destination for trekking enthusiasts and for a good reason.
There are plenty of thrilling trekking routes in the northern mountains of the Karakorum, Himalayas, Hindukush and Pamir ranges. Our favorite trekking route is the Rakaposhi Peaks route that passes through breathtakingly beautiful valleys of Minapin, Bargot & Jaglot.
2. Scuba Diving:
Scuba-Diving is another name for underwater diving. It is for those who love the exciting marine life sealed under the gigantic water-bodies. The shores of Sindh and Balochistan are the most sought-after destinations for scuba-diving in Pakistan.
If you want to get up close and personal with the marine life in Pakistan then head to Charna Island near Karachi where the crystal-clear views underwater will open your eyes to an astonishing array of marine life diversity.
3. Jet-Ski and Flyboarding:
Another fun and extreme sport that you can engage with is jet skiing and flyboarding. The most popular destinations in Pakistan when it comes to jet skiing include Khanpur Dam (40 kilometers away from Islamabad) and also at DHA Marina Club in Karachi. Flyboarding is also another new yet adrenaline pumping activity that you can do here along the Karachi and Makran coasts.
4. Paragliding:
If you are a flying freak who wants to spread its arms wide up in the air and feel like a bird, paragliding is the tailor-made activity for you! Whether it is the lush greenery of the valleys that you would like to gaze from above or it is the snow-capped mountain that you would love to fly-upon, the choice is absolutely yours! There are many paragliding tourism companies operating in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad.
Paragliding activities usually take place in Hunza, Khanpur Dam and along the Sindh- Balochistan coastal line. Give wings to your dream of flying and witness the magical beauty of the azure beaches and lush green valleys that form part of the colorful tapestry of Pakistani geographical landscape.
5. Rafting
Rafting is a thrilling activity that usually takes place in the rivers up north, including the Swat and Kunhar rivers. Every adventure enthusiast starts off by setting foot in these freezing and glacial waters for a swift rafting experience. The bumpy ride down through the gushing rivers peppered with jagged rocks is quite dangerous if proper protective and swimming gear is not worn.
6. Skiing:
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, skiing during the winter in Skardu and Malam Jabba will surely make you fall in love with the snows! Being situated at an elevation of 4,000 meters above the sea level, Skardu is an ideal destination for any skiing enthusiast looking to quench his thirst for the thrill in Pakistan. The skiing season usually starts around December and lasts till March. The alpine slopes of Skardu are covered with a thick carpet of snow which makes it perfect for skiing. Among other destinations, Shimshal in Hunza Valley and Fairy Meadows in Nanga Parbat are also attractive skiing destinations in Pakistan.
Before skiing, make sure you have the proper equipment for this extreme sport. Apart from shopping for a skiing slopes set also make sure to get proper ski glasses, ski masks, snow jackets, and pants as well as a strong helmet, shoulder and knee guards. There are plenty of ski training schools and clubs in Pakistan including the Army High Altitude School, Ski Federation of Pakistan and Pioneer Ski School.
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