Northern Punjab Travel Guide
Discover the top attractions, best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more with our ultimate travel guide to Northern Punjab, Pakistan.
- Introduction to Northern Punjab
- List of Places to Visit in Northern Punjab
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Punjab
- Best Things to Do in Northern Punjab: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Punjab
- Food and Drink Scene of Northern Punjab
- Where to Stay in Northern Punjab: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Northern Punjab: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Northern Punjab
- Best Time to Visit Northern Punjab
- Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Punjab
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Northern Punjab: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Northern Punjab
- Where to Go Next from Northern Punjab: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Northern Punjab
Northern Punjab is a remarkable region located in Punjab, Pakistan. Home to historic cities, natural vistas, and cultural attractions, the region offers an encompassing experience for any traveler. Its diversity of tourism offerings ranges from ancient temples and forts to scenic mountains and valleys, making it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
List of Places to Visit in Northern Punjab
Northern Punjab offers a range of amazing attractions covering a vast array of interests. Check out our comprehensive list of the top destinations to visit:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Lahore Fort
- Badshahi Mosque
- Lahore Museum
- Rohtas Fort
- Jehangir’s Tomb
- Sheikhupura Fort
Natural Attractions of Northern Punjab: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Khewra Salt Mine
- Kallar Kahar
- Neela Wahn Waterfall
- Hiran Minar
- Margalla Hills
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Punjab
Northern Punjab is ideal for hiking and biking, with a wide range of trails to explore. Some of the popular trails include:
- Pir Sohawa to Monal
- Ratti Gali Lake Trek
- Musa ka Musala Trek
- Fairy Meadows Trek
- K2 Base Camp Trek
Best Things to Do in Northern Punjab: Activities and Tours
Besides the above attractions, Northern Punjab offers unique and enjoyable things to do, such as:
- Having a picnic at Lahore’s parks
- Attending a festival in Lahore’s Old City
- Exploring street food culture
- Shopping for traditional crafts
- Enjoying river rafting in the Swat Valley
Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Punjab
Here’s an ideal itinerary to explore the best of Northern Punjab in a week:
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lahore Fort & Badshahi Mosque in the morning, Lahore Museum in the afternoon |
| 2 | Visit Rohtas Fort and overnight in Jhelum |
| 3 | Explore Hiran Minar and Sheikhupura Fort in the morning, drive to Khewra Salt Mine for a visit in the afternoon |
| 4 | Enjoy Kallar Kahar in the morning and drive to Islamabad. In the afternoon, visit Faisal Mosque and Pakistan Monument |
| 5 | Hiking in Margalla Hills in the morning and explore Pir Sohawa and Monal in the afternoon |
| 6 | Drive to Swat Valley in the morning and enjoy river rafting |
| 7 | Visit Kalam and relax around the Swat River in the morning. Drive back to Islamabad in the afternoon |
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Punjab
Northern Punjab is known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with a range of local dishes and beverages available to try.
Must-Try Dishes
- Nihari
- Haleem
- Paya
- Siri Payee
- Tawa Chicken
Local Beverages
- Lassi
- Sugarcane juice
- Kashmiri Chai
- Green tea with saffron
Where to Stay in Northern Punjab: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Northern Punjab offers numerous options to fit any budget, from high-end hotels to affordable guesthouses. Here are some of the top options to consider:
- Pearl Continental Lahore
- Shalimar Hotel
- Hotel One Jhelum
- Islamabad Serena Hotel
- Swat Serena Hotel
What to Buy in Northern Punjab: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Northern Punjab is famous for its handicrafts, pottery, and jewelry. Visit these markets to get the best souvenirs to bring home:
- Anarkali Bazaar, Lahore
- Liberty Market, Lahore
- Khewra Salt Mine Gift Shop
- Shandur Polo Festival Market
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Punjab
As a religiously conservative region, Northern Punjab requires travelers to dress modestly and observe cultural norms. Visitors should be respectful of local customs, try to learn some basic Urdu phrases, and ask before taking photographs of people and religious sites.
Best Time to Visit Northern Punjab
The best time to visit Northern Punjab is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant and dry. In the summer months (June to September), temperatures can be high and monsoon rains can cause travel issues.
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Punjab
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
- Learn some basic Urdu phrases to communicate with locals
- Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas
- Try the local food and beverages
Don’t:
- Take photographs of people without their permission
- Drink tap water
- Criticize any religious or political beliefs
Safety and Health
Safety in Northern Punjab
As with any travel destination, visitors should exercise caution and take care of their belongings. Avoid traveling alone at night and keep an eye out for pickpockets and scams. Also, check travel advisories and stay up-to-date on local news.
Health in Northern Punjab
Visitors should avoid drinking tap water and consuming street food. Seek medical attention immediately in case of any health issue.
Getting to Northern Punjab: Transportation Options and Logistics
Travelers can reach Northern Punjab by air and road.
Airports Near Northern Punjab
- Lahore International Airport
- Islamabad International Airport
Bus Stations Near Northern Punjab
- Lahore Bus Station
- Rawalpindi Bus Station
Other Options
- Train: Pakistan Railway is an affordable and efficient way to travel in Pakistan.
- Car Rental: Visitors can hire a car to explore Northern Punjab at their own pace.
How to Get Around in Northern Punjab
Travelers can get around Northern Punjab by bus, taxi, and car rental. Visitors can also use apps like Uber and Careem to navigate the region.
Where to Go Next from Northern Punjab: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Northern Punjab provides easy access to other popular destinations in Pakistan, such as:
- Karachi
- Multan
- Peshawar
- Gilgit-Baltistan
Conclusion
In conclusion, Northern Punjab, Pakistan, is a must-visit destination for travelers looking for an encompassing experience of culture, nature, and adventure. With its rich history, diverse attractions, tasty food scene, and welcoming people, it is sure to leave you with a lifetime of memories.