10 Best Family Travel Destinations in Pakistan 2025
Looking for the perfect getaway for the whole family in Pakistan? From towering mountain valleys to historic cities and scenic lakes, our 10 family travel destinations in Pakistan promise fun for kids and adults alike. In this Pakistan travel guide, we cover where to stay, what to do, local food to try, and insider tips for each destination.
By the end of this post, you’ll have:
Top destinations: A curated list of top 10 family travel destinations in Pakistan.
Activities & attractions: Fun things to do (treks, museums, parks) at each spot.
Accommodation tips: Recommendations on where to stay (hotels, resorts, guesthouses).
Food & culture: Local cuisines and experiences that families will love.
Each section below is organized with brief descriptions and easy-to-scan bullet points. Get ready to plan a vacation with kids you’ll never forget!
1. Skardu Valley – One of the Best Family Travel Destinations in Pakistan
Rich in mountains, waterfalls, deserts, and lakes, Skardu Valley is one of the best family travel destinations in Pakistan. Surrounded by some of the world’s highest peaks, Skardu offers crystal-clear alpine lakes and mild summers, making it perfect for families with kids. Don’t miss Shangrila Resort (Lower Kachura Lake) – known as “Heaven on Earth” – where you can rent a boat or stroll along the lake shore. Nearby Satpara Lake is another family-friendly spot with boats and mountain views.
Activities & Highlights
Shangrila & Upper Kachura Lake: Pedal across the heart‑shaped Shangrila Lake and stroll its tree‑lined shores at the foot of Upper Kachura’s emerald waters.
Deosai National Park & Sheosar Lake: Drive onto the “Land of Giants” plains, marvel at wildflower meadows, then picnic beside the crystal Sheosar Lake.
Manthoka & Khamosh Waterfall: Trek through juniper forests to Manthoka’s roaring cascades, then cool off at nearby Khamosh’s secluded plunge pool.
Sarfaranga Cold Desert & Shigar Fort: Watch sand dunes glow pink at dusk in Sarfaranga’s cold desert, then explore the restored Shigar Fort’s centuries‑old courtyard.
Katpana Lake, Desert & Blind Lake: Cruise Katpana’s icy waters, wander the frozen desert “beach,” and peer into Blind Lake’s hidden lagoon beneath snow‑capped peaks.
Where to Stay & Tips:
Family resorts: Shangrila Resort and Serena Hotel Skardu offer lake views and kid-friendly facilities.
Guesthouses: Budget families can try local guesthouses in Skardu town with home-style meals.
Travel tips: Roads are usually open May–October; watch for altitude (Skardu sits at 2,500m). Bring warm layers for evenings, even in summer.
Local food: Try Balti salmon trout (fresh from Skardu rivers), and don’t miss butter tea (Gur Gur Chai) or chapshuro (Hunza-style meat pie) for a hearty meal.
2. Hunza Valley – Top Alpine Family Travel Destination in Pakistan
Hunza Valley tops our list of family travel destinations in Pakistan for its breathtaking peaks and welcoming locals. Perfect for cultural immersion and outdoor fun. Centered around Karimabad village, it’s perfect for families who enjoy panoramic views and culture. Highlights include Baltit Fort (a hilltop castle with a museum) and turquoise Attabad Lake. As one local guide notes, Hunza offers “stunning natural beauty” and activities like exploring historic forts and hiking the mountains.
Activities & Highlights:
Baltit & Altit Forts: Tour these restored forts overlooking Hunza Valley – kids love the terraced gardens and cannons.
Sunrise at Eagle’s Nest: Drive up to Duikar (known as Eagle’s Nest) for sunrise views over Rakaposhi peak (featured image).
Boat on Attabad Lake: Rent a motorboat or jet ski on Attabad’s turquoise waters.
Passu Glacier: Short trek to Passu Cones viewpoint or a picnic by the river.
Where to Stay & Tips:
Mountain lodges: Eagle’s Nest and Serena Hotel Hunza offer family rooms with breakfast and views.
Home stays: Consider guesthouses in Karimabad for an authentic stay (hosts often serve apricot jam!).
Travel tips: Hunza’s seasons are mild – spring and autumn have clear skies and colorful blooms. Roads can get dusty; bring sunglasses and sunblock.
Local food: Sample chapshuro (meat pie), diram fal (sweet apricot jelly), and apricot kernels. Dried fruits (apricots, walnuts) are great snacks for kids.
3. Naran & Kaghan– Scenic Family Travel Destinations in Pakistan
The adjacent Naran & Kaghan Valleys are celebrated family travel destinations in Pakistan for lakes, forests, and hikes. Both offer easy hikes and colorful lakes – Lake Saif-ul-Muluk (Naran) is famous for its fairy-tale legends, while Lulusar and Babusar tops are scenic stops along the route.
Activities & Highlights:
Saif-ul-Muluk Lake: Take a jeep up to this alpine lake; kids will love the paddle boats and pony rides.
Babusar Pass: Drive to the high pass (4,170m) where you can catch vistas of snowy peaks.
Local parks: In Kaghan, Kaghan National Park has picnic spots and short nature trails amid cedar forests.
Stroll in town: Naran Bazaar has local crafts; try goreme (sweet), a Kaghan specialty.
Where to Stay & Tips:
Hotels & lodges: Khanian Hotel in Naran is a popular family resort; there are also many riverside guesthouses.
Camping: For adventurous families, camping near lakes like Lulusar is an option (bring warm gear!).
Travel tips: The Naran–Kaghan road (Mansehra-Naran Highway) can be crowded in summer; plan to travel midweek if possible. Nighttime is chilly – pack jackets.
Local food: Wazwan-style kebabs and Neeva Heray ka Qeema (minced goat) are local favorites. Don’t miss fresh trout from the Kunhar River.
4. Swat Valley – “Switzerland of Pakistan” Family Travel Destination
Swat Valley for its alpine beauty. earns a spot among the top family travel destinations in Pakistan with its alpine beauty and cultural sites. It’s safe and has lots for families: green meadows, waterfalls, and ancient heritage sites. Explore Malam Jabba (ski resort with a cable car and amusement park) or visit the Buddhist ruins at Takht-i-Bahi and Swat Museum for a cultural break.
Activities & Highlights:
Malam Jabba: Ride the chairlift or try the ski gondola (even in summer) and enjoy the small theme park (rides, archery).
Kalam & Ushu Forest: Take a day trip from Mingora to Kalam town; there are easy streams and forested picnic areas.
Historical sites: The Takht-i-Bahi monastery (UNESCO site) offers an educational stop on the way to Swat.
Water play: Swat River banks near Mingora have safe spots for kids to wade and play by clear streams.
Where to Stay & Tips:
Resorts & hotels: Marghazar White Palace and Serena Swat are family-friendly with pool/table tennis. Smaller hotels in Mingora also welcome kids.
Travel tips: Swat’s peak season is May–September; avoid Eid holidays if you dislike crowds. Always keep an eye on kids near rivers (currents can be strong).
Local food: Try Swati chapli kebab, swai (river fish), and Khoshae (rice with mutton). The air is cool and crisp – perfect for outdoor grilling.
5. Islamabad – Urban & Nature-Filled Family Travel Destination in Pakistan
As Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad ranks among the key family travel destinations in Pakistan for its green hills and educational attractions. The city is surrounded by green Margalla Hills (great for easy hikes or wildlife spotting) and includes landmarks that kids will love. Don’t miss the iconic Faisal Mosque and the Lok Virsa Museum for cultural experiences.
Activities & Highlights:
Margalla Trails: Hike or bike gentle trails in the foothills; Daman-e-Koh viewpoint and Monal restaurant overlook the city.
Shakarparian Park: A family picnic park with scenic views and play areas.
Pakistan Monument & Museum: Interactive exhibits on Pakistani history that are kid-friendly.
Museums: Lok Virsa (folk culture) and even the very nationalistic Pakistan Museum of Natural History (dinos and animals).
Where to Stay & Tips:
Hotels: Islamabad has many hotels. Ramada and Islamabad Serena are popular with families (pools, play areas).
Close by: The hill station Murree and Galyat resorts are just 1–2 hours drive, for a day-trip escape with forests and chair lifts.
Travel tips: Roads are excellent and clear (Pakistan Travel Guide note: Islamabad is well-organized). Evenings can get chilly, so bring a light jacket for hill walks.
Local food: Sample Punjabi tandoori naan and chicken karahi in old Islamabad (blue area markets). Tea at the Margalla Teahouse is fun with city views.
6. Lahore – Historic & Culinary Family Travel Destination
Lahore captures the essence of great family travel destinations in Pakistan with its Mughal forts, lively bazaars, and world‑famous cuisine. This family-friendly city offers everything from ancient forts to modern parks. Kids will be awed by the massive Lahore Fort and Badshahi Mosque complex, and can run off energy in city parks or amusement areas. Don’t forget to explore bustling markets and taste the famous Lahori cuisine.
Activities & Highlights:
Lahore Fort & Badshahi Mosque: Tour these Mughal landmarks – plenty of open space for kids to roam.
Science Museum & Zoo: Lahore’s Children’s Museum (interactive) and Zoo in Model Town are great rainy-day options.
Jilani Park (Racecourse Park): Large gardens with playgrounds, boating lake, and seasonal flower shows.
Wagah Border Ceremony: If your kids enjoy pageantry, the daily flag-lowering ceremony at the India border is a spectacle of marching guards.
Where to Stay & Tips:
Hotels: From 5-star Pearl Continental to family-run guesthouses in the Walled City. Look for a rooftop restaurant at your hotel (great city views).
Travel tips: Lahore can get hot in summer (May–August); plan outdoor sites for morning/evening. English is widely spoken, making navigation easy for overseas visitors.
Local food: Try Lahori specialties like naan (at Butt Karahi or Waris), fruit chaat, and falooda. Don’t miss the Wagah Border sweets vendors after the ceremony!
7. Murree – Classic Hill Station & Family Travel Destination
Just 90 minutes from Islamabad, Murree is an evergreen family travel destination in Pakistan, famed for pine forests and cool weather. Pine forests and cool air make it a popular escape. Kids will enjoy the Mall Road cable car, and several chair lifts offer sweeping views of the Himalayas (especially at Patriata and Ayubia). Murree’s town center has shops and local snacks (think Pakoras and corn on the cob).
Activities & Highlights:
Chairlifts & Cable Cars: Ayubia National Park’s chairlift or Patriata (New Murree) cable car – gentle rides high above the forest.
Pine View Park: A Playground and mini zoo in the middle of Murree for younger children.
Walk on Mall Road: Stroll through the snowy (in winter) or flower-lined streets, grab local street food or shop for souvenirs.
Nathia Gali day trip: Nearby village with vibrant flower trails and more chairlifts (especially beautiful during monsoon when meadows bloom).
Where to Stay & Tips:
Hotels & Guesthouses: Book early for holidays; Paharpur Business Hotel and Pearl Continental Bhurban are family favorites. Many guesthouses cater specifically to families.
Travel tips: Murree is usually foggy during monsoon (July–August), which adds charm but slows travel. Cold weather can be intense in winter – come prepared with warm clothes if you plan snow activities.
Local food: Warm mountain chai, corn on the cob, and honey-laced desserts are street specialties.
8. Kalash & Chitral – Cultural Family Travel Destinations in Pakistan
The Chitral region offers unique family travel destinations in Pakistan with cultural immersion in the Kalash Valleys and alpine meadows at Shandur Pass. Families can visit Kalash villages in Bumburet and Bamburet to see colorful festivals and meet locals. Not far is Chitral town, gateway to Shandur Polo Festival and Chitral Fort. Chitral’s scenery (peaks like Tirich Mir) is breathtaking. As a guide notes, Kalash is known for its vibrant culture, and Chitral offers unique tribal customs, perfect for a family adventure.
Activities & Highlights:
Kalash Villages: Walk through villages of Bumburet, Rumbur, & Birir; kids will love the wooden architecture and traditional crafts. (If the timing is right, observe the colorful Kalash festivals in spring/summer.)
Shandur Pass (Summer): Visit the world’s highest polo ground (3,700m) – watch locals play polo or just enjoy the alpine meadows (usually accessible July–September).
Chitral Fort: A small museum in the old fort in Chitral town adds a cultural touch.
Relax by rivers: The Lotkoh and Mastuj rivers near Chitral have safe shallow spots for kids to splash.
Where to Stay & Tips:
Guesthouses: There are simple family-run guesthouses in Chitral town and Kalash villages. Facilities are basic but hospitable.
Travel tips: Chitral roads can be long (12-hour drive from Islamabad). Plan an overnight stop if coming by road. The Kalash area is dry and hot in summer; bring sunscreen and plenty of water.
Local food: Chitrali Ramzan bread, cheese, and honey are local treats. Try Kalash sweet bread (Gao) and fruit juices.
9. Neelum Valley – Serene Family Travel Destination in Pakistan
Azad Kashmir’s Neelum Valley shines among family travel destinations in Pakistan for its sapphire‑blue rivers and forested hills. True to its name (“Neelum” means sapphire, after the river’s blue-green waters), it’s a picturesque valley with crystal-clear streams. It’s quieter than northern Pakistan’s hotspots, making it a peaceful family retreat. From Keran in the south to Sharda in the north, scenic spots like Sharda University ruins, Kel forest, and Ratti Gali Lake are within reach.
Activities & Highlights:
Sharda Peeth: Explore the ruins of an ancient temple/university – a short, family-friendly hike with river views.
Ratti Gali Lake (advanced): For older kids, this high-altitude lake trek (or jeep ride) is a memorable adventure.
Behlolpur (Neelam town): Serve as a base; enjoy riverside picnics and try local trout.
Flora & Fauna: Easy walks in pine forests near Kel or Jagran give a feel of wilderness (watch for monkeys and birds).
Where to Stay & Tips:
Hotels & huts: Stay in Keran or Kel; options range from simple cottages to mid-range hotels. Book ahead during summer.
Travel tips: Roads into Neelum can be rocky; a 4×4 or good sedan is recommended. Summer (May–Sept) is best. Carry medicines for fever/mosquitoes (it’s malaria-free but has sandflies at night).
Local food: Kashmiri staples like rogan josh, kabab, and gur maney (burnt sugar with dry fruits) are family favorites.
10. Kumrat Valley – Hidden Gem Among Family Travel Destinations in Pakistan
Off the beaten path, Kumrat Valley is a tranquil family travel destination in Pakistan with deodar forests and waterfalls. High alpine meadows, dense pine forests, and sparkling streams make it a paradise for kids to run free. There’s a small forest reserve at Deodar and Palam waterfalls where families can picnic and swim.
Activities & Highlights:
Miram River: Gentle rafting/kayaking (with guides) is available on calm sections.
Deodar Forest Park: Take a nature walk among giant cedar trees and enjoy cool mountain air.
Palam Waterfalls: Trek or ride to these cascades; children love splashing in the pools.
Village life: Engage with local Pashtun villagers for a cultural experience (and try fresh homemade bread and dairy).
Where to Stay & Tips:
Camping & Cottages: Limited hotels, more camping or small guest cottages. Many families camp by the river; bring camping gear.
Travel tips: Kumrat is remotely accessible by a long jeep track from Thal. Best visited June–Aug. Mobile signal is spotty, so plan accordingly.
Local food: Dir Kohi potatoes (spiced potato stew) and arisa (sweet rice cake) are specialties of Dir region.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s natural beauty and cultural richness mean there’s a perfect getaway for every family. With these carefully selected family travel destinations in Pakistan, you’re set for an unforgettable adventure- from boating on Shangrila Lake in Skardu to exploring Mughal forts in Lahore, these top 10 family travel destinations in Pakistan cover thrilling outdoor adventures and eye-opening cultural experiences. Each spot above includes must-see activities, lodging tips, and local foods to try, so pack your bags for an unforgettable family holiday. Which destination will you explore first? Share your travel plans in the comments below, and feel free to share this post with friends planning a family vacation in Pakistan!
