Which Are the Cold Places in Pakistan That You Should Know?

Pakistan is a land of contrasts, with diverse geography and varying altitudes. From the scratching heat of Jacobabad to the snow capped mountains of Kaghan, the country offers an array of climates and landscapes. Despite its cultural significance and breathtaking scenic beauty, Pakistan’s coldest destinations are famous across the globe, showcasing the diverse beauty of the country. As the winter’s magic begins, the temperature plummets and snow blankets the ground, creating an incredible winter wonderland. In this article, we’ll explore the top cold places in Pakistan, which transforms the country’s lush green area into a mesmerizing winter dream world. So, bundle up and brace yourself for a remarkable journey into the heart of Pakistan’s winter charm.

List of the Top 10 Cold Places In Pakistan  

• Skardu 
• Shogran 
• Kalam
• Hunza
• Swat 
• Malam Jabba
• Gilgit
• Kaghan Valley
• Kalash Valley
• Chitral

1. Skardu

Skardu, located in the Gilgit Baltistan region, is one of the oldest cities in Pakistan. It is also the capital city of Skardu District. This scenic place is known for its frigid winters, majestic mountains, serene lakes, trekking, and adventurous spots. During the winter season, the temperature reaches from -10 to -20°C. The city’s proximity to the Karakoram mountain range makes it one of the coldest inhabited places in Pakistan. From April to October, the weather remains pleasant with highs of 26°C and lows of 8°C. People living in Skardu experience harsh winter weather with temperatures dropping below freezing.

This picturesque city finds its territory for its highest snow-capped mountains, thus famous as “Climbers Paradise.” The world’s second highest mountain, K2, also lies in Skardu outskirts. Whether you go there in summer or winter, you’ll be pleased by the lovely weather, hospitable locals, and several tourist attractions. With skiing, snowboarding, and frozen lakes, Skardu delivers an unforgettable winter experience. If you are looking for an authentic cold experience, and want peace or thrill then this place is perfect!

2. Shogran

Shogran is a land of natural wonders and the most popular tourist destination. Located 34 km from Balakot, the valley lies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Shogran is renowned for its lush green meadows, dense pine forests, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks including Malika Parbat and Makra Peak. From June to August, the weather remains temperate. Temperature ranges are recorded between 20°C and 3°C. The valley welcomes visitors in both seasons, summers and winters.

Step forward towards a breathtaking hill station that will open its hidden gems upon you with its lush landscapes and cool mountain air. With serene beauty and overwhelming scenic experience, Shogran is one of the most picturesque locations. Discover the panoramic views of forests, experience its pristine natural beauty, and let your adrenaline high through an unforgettable adventure.  

3. Kalam

Kalam is a great combination of high amazing mountains and green valleys. It is located at a distance of 99 kilometers from Mingora. Kalam, a beautiful place in Swat that gets fully covered by snow in the winter season. The valley’s temperature remains between 0°C to 15°C in winter, whereas 20°C to 40°C during summer.  

While featuring a humid subtropical climate, Kalam stands among Pakistan’s most famous tourist attractions. This coldest place is well-known for its breathtaking mountains, forests, and exotic lakes. You can explore its cool forests and one of the most famous lakes, known as Mahodand Lake. Stay at Maria Hotel & Resort or visit the Kumrat Valley to unleash the serenity. From Ushu Forest to Kundal Lake, Utror Valley, Gabriel Valley, and Falak Sar, this great tourist destination has lots of things to offer.  

4. Hunza

Hunza, a popular tourist spot, is located in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. The majestic beauty in the north is also known as the “Piece of Paradise” on Earth. The place is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and picturesque landscapes. The place is open for visitors throughout the year, even in the winter season. The weather can be extremely cold with temperatures dropping below freezing and heavy snowfall. In winter, the recorded temperature is -11°C which makes the place very cold. Snow blocks roads during the winter season, making travel more challenging.

When planning to visit this cold place, you must be prepared for harsh winter by wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, as well as arranging the bone fire that may control the chilled environment.

5. Swat

When talking about Pakistan’s coldest places, we won’t neglect Swat, often known as “The Switzerland of Pakistan.” This scenic valley is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, presenting a snowy fairyland which is surrounded by green hills and peaked mountains. The recorded temperature in the winter season remains between -2°C and 2°C. January is the coldest month in this region. The temperature drops below freezing point from December to February.

Whether you’re a history lover or nature enthusiast, you will never find a more perfect destination spot than Swat, offering several historic sites, shimmering lakes, and eye-captivating villages. Go and visit Swat to immerse yourself in the endless fun of snowy landscapes and adventurous activities like never before. Top tourist attractions in Swat are Saidu Sharif, Mingora City and Bazar, Swat Museum, Marghazar White Palace, Madyan, Bahrain, Shingrai Waterfall, and Shingardar Stupa.  

6. Malam Jabba

Malam Jabba is one of the famous tourist destinations, known for its snow-covered area, heightened mountains, and adrenaline-filled activities. This beautiful place gets very cold in winter when the temperature drops from 0°C to -1°C. Visit this snowland whenever you want, depending on the weather conditions you prefer, moderate or cold. From April to October, lots of people heed Malam Jabba, as it is the best time to visit.  

Despite its stunning beauty, this “Part of Heaven on Earth ” hosts a variety of exciting events to entertain people, such as Red Bull Homerun, Mountain Marathon, Grass ski Competition, and much more. If you like trekking and want to climb the highest-peak mountains while enjoying the God-gifted beauty, then this is the perfect place for you! Experience chair lift, zip-line, human slingshot, and giant swing while enjoying snowfall, and unleash your sense of adventure in Malam Jabba.

7. Gilgit

Located in the Himalayas, Gilgit is the capital city of the Gilgit Baltistan region. Undoubtedly it is one of the famous tourist destinations in Pakistan. This well-known spot has also gained popularity due to its chilly weather. From December to January, the recorded temperature remains between -14°C to -15°C.

Gilgit serves as a hub for trekking and mountaineering expeditions in the Karakoram mountain range. You can visit old places, learn about the culture, and enjoy the cold weather side by side. Peace lovers can simply sit to relax, capture beautiful sceneries through their eyes, or let their device’s gallery get full of unforgettable memories. Gilgit River flows down through the town, representing the mesmerizing beauty of Pakistan’s land.  

8. Kaghan Valley 

Kaghan Valley is a home to high mountains, green fields and flowing rivers. Visit Kaghan valley in winter and see the transformation from lush green area to snowy landscape. With daytime temperature averaging between -2°C to 10°C , the weather of Kaghan can plummet below freezing point. May to September is the best time to visit this Pakistani place. 

You can explore other gems that are nearer to Kaghan valley, such as Naran, Bbusar top, Lulusar lake, Ansu lake, Saif-ul-malook lake and Lalazar point. Everyone falls in love easily with these beautiful areas. Enjoy hiking while capturing the mesmerizing mountainous scenes in your eyes that get changed at every step. The valley is a bit cold, but if you’re a snow lover then it is the perfect destination for you! 

9. Kalash Valley

Kalash valley is famous for its beauty with a pleasant addition of ancient and multi-tiered abodes, cultural sites and a dancing hall. The picturesque valley is surrounded by Hindu Kush mountain range, and is popular as one of the most-cold places in Pakistan. From December to February the temperature highs remain between 7°C to 9°C, while lows are recorded as -1°C to -3°C. This snowy wonderland invites you to experience adventure and enchantment. People of Kalash have unique culture, language and follow a form of ancient Hinduism. This place of frozen beauty and traditions, is a great tourist attraction. 

10. Chitral 

Chitral is one of Pakistan’s God-gifted sites, situated along the Chitral River in the northern part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This capital of Chitral District is renowned as the coldest place in Pakistan. The average recorded weather during the winter season remains between 1°C to 3°C from December to February. February to December is the best time to visit Chitral.

Tourists across the globe like to come to Chitral for its captivating beauty, interesting cultural rituals, unique traditional clothing and local hospitality. In this beautiful heaven on Earth, small houses are built on hillsides, giving a cozy village feel.

Conclusion

Pakistan is a blessed country with cultural richness, natural scenery, and the highest mountains. Where it is home to vibrant and bustling cities, there you’ll also find serenity in some of the beautiful and hustle-free areas, filled with breathtaking views and a calm and pleasant environment.

With a captivating blend of snowy landscapes and cultural proximity, this pristine land offers some of great destinations, promising a winter adventure full of natural wonders and warm hospitality. From Skardu to Hunza, Swat, Kalash, and Chitral, each cold place is a must-go-to site that will surely leave an indelible mark on your travel memories. Take a break from urban life, pack your luggage, and embark on a journey to explore the country’s diverse beauty.

FAQ’s

Which are the coldest places in Pakistan?

Some of the coldest places in Pakistan are Skardu, Malam Jabba, Kalash Valley, Kaghan Valley, and Shogran. In the northern areas, these places are  experiencing low temperatures, specifically in the winter season.

Which is the best cold place?

Declaring the coldest place may be subjective, depending on a person’s own preferences. However, some factors such as temperature, snow density, and precipitation can help us to determine the coldest places in Pakistan. Based on these factors, Skardu is considered at the top due to its stunning landscapes, adrenaline-filled activities, and cultural richness. Other famous cold destinations are Hunza, Kalam, Chitral, and Swat which are well-known for their unique charm.

Which city of Pakistan is very cold?

Skardu in Gilgit Baltistan, is the coldest place in Pakistan. Due to the highest peaked mountains, this beautiful site is also known as Climbers Paradise. 

What are the two factors that affect temperature in Pakistan?

The monsoon and the Western disturbance are the two main factors that alter the overall temperature of Pakistan.