Including foreigners, more than 600,000 tourists visited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) scenic tourist destinations during Eid-ul-Azha holidays.
It was stated by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPTCA) on Tuesday.
According to the KPCTA Tourist data, Galiyat topped the list with 177,500 domestic tourists, followed by Malam Jabba (160,000) and Kaghan/Naran (168,884). These areas continue to be favourite getaways for families and adventure seekers alike.
Meanwhile, Dir Upper also saw a strong turnout, with 85,000 visitors, showing growing interest in the province’s northern valleys. Smaller destinations like Samana Top, Sampogh, and Kalaya also welcomed thousands, indicating that lesser-known areas are gaining attention, too.
According to the KPCTA Tourist report, the number of foreign visitors remains extremely limited. The highest number was 28 tourists in Malam Jabba, followed by 9 in Chitral Lower and 8 in Galiyat. Popular spots like Kaghan, Naran, and Dir Upper reported zero foreign tourists during the three days.
Chitral Upper, despite its natural beauty, recorded only 546 domestic tourists – the lowest among all reported destinations. Nanawar Cave and Kalaya also saw fewer than 5,000 visitors each.
The KPCTA Tourist report was collected through police check posts, KP Tourist Police, assistant commissioner offices, and field directors of various tourism development authorities. However, one major tourist hub, Swat, was not included due to the unavailability of Tourist Police in the area, making it a key gap in the report.
Read also: Top 5 tourist attractions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to visit in summer
The Pakistan northwest province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, bordered with Afghanistan, is a treasure trove of breathtaking natural beauty, lush green mountains, rivers, streams, waterfalls, landscapes and rich in history, and vibrant culture.
As summer approaches in Pakistan, and you “reader”, might be planning to visit a tourist destination in summer, here are the top five tourist attractions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa north region.
Here we suggest that you visit these tourist places this summer.
Chitral Valley:
Chitral district is located in the Hindu Kush mountain range, and Chitral Valley is a must-visit destination. The valley is famous for its picturesque landscapes, fruit-laden trees, snow-peaked mountains, and lush green meadows. Visit the valley during summer to see the fruit-laden trees of cherries, apricots, and pomegranates.
Chitral people are hospitable and innocent, where crime rate is too low, being a peaceful community in the region.
Swat Valley: Dubbed as the “East Switzerland,” Swat Valley offers breathtaking beauty with its gushing waters, natural waterfalls, and gushing river streams. The valley is home to several resorts, Buddhist stupas, and picturesque lakes like Mahodand Lake.
Swat Malam Jaba, Kalam, Bahrain, are the most favourite places to visit in the summer as the weather in the area has always been comfortable.
Kumrat Valley: Located in Upper Dir, Kumrat Valley is an unexplored destination that offers breathtaking natural beauty. The valley is surrounded by tall, dense pine forests, gushing waterfalls, and refreshing river streams. Visit the valley to trek to Jahaz Banda meadows and waterfalls, Katora Lake, and Kaala Chashma.
Districts Chitral, Swat, Shangla, Bunir, Dir Lower, Dir Upper, Malakand, and Bajaur are located in the Malakand division, where almost all areas are scenic and liked by tourists.
Naran and Kaghan: Located about 240 km away from Islamabad, Naran and Kaghan are famous for their picturesque tourist attractions like Siri Paye, Lake Saif-ul-Malook, and Babusar Top. The region is perfect for trekking, hiking, and horse riding.
Naran Kaghan are located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mansehra district.
Mansehra is a border district with the district of Abbottabad in KP. While the hub of the Gandhara civilization, ‘Haripur’ is also located in the same region.
Galiyat: A narrow strip between Abbottabad and Murree, Galiyat is a hill tract featuring green meadows, chilly weather, and tall pine trees. The region is perfect for hiking, trekking, and horse riding. Visit Ghora Gali, Nathiagali, Changla Gali, and Dunga Gali to experience the natural beauty of Galiyat.
Historical aspects:
These destinations offer a mix of natural beauty, history, and culture, making Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a must-visit destination in Pakistan.
This region boasts a rich history and spiritual significance, attracting Buddhist monks and pilgrims from Thailand, China, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Japan. The presence of ancient Buddhist sites in Haripur, Swat, Shangla, and Malakand districts underscores the region’s importance and potential for spiritual tourism.
