Eid-ul-Azha is coming, and once you get done with the sacrifices of your animals on the first day of Eid, you will have at least 2 to 3 days left to enjoy your vacation. So, it is high time to plan something before all hotels of tourist destinations get fully booked in advance.
In this hot summer, it is better if you opt for a pleasant weathered place where your mind can refresh, and calm down after being victimized by the extreme weather.
So, here is the list of places you can choose to visit this Eid by making a plan with your family, and friends:
- Murree
- Bhurban
- Naran Kaghan Valley
- Shogran
- Kashmir
- Hunza
- Bahrain
- Kalam
Before starting your vacation, you should know that it will be convenient for you if you can go to Islamabad first, stay there for a while, cover the nearby areas, and then move ahead. This is just a suggestion.
1. Murree
Whenever someone thinks about traveling to the nearest place for vacation, Murree is the first place that comes into mind. There is a major reason behind it; the place is cold, and nearest to Islamabad. So, you can visit it by staying back in Islamabad, and reaching there within 1 and a half hours.
Murree is 64 kilometers away from Islamabad. You can stay with your relatives in the capital city and visit this place for some hours too if you are not willing to spend upon finding a place to reside there. This wonderland is about 7,500 feet above sea level and mostly occupied by tourists due to its scenic location, in summers especially.
Another attraction of Murree is Pindi Point Chairlift which is an attractive factor for the tourists, as it falls amongst the most famous chairlifts in Pakistan.
The best hotels present in Murree which you can choose to reside at during your vacation are Pine Top Hotel and Lockwood Hotel Murree.
2. Bhurban
Bhurban is also one of the topmost priorities to visit for vacation as it is nearest to Islamabad after Murree. There is PC Bhurban where people aim to stay, and many dreams of staying there to enjoy their vacation to the fullest. It has a 9-hole golf course, and Bhurban is located at 6,000 feet high, this is why you will experience snowfall, and rain almost every time you visit the place!
Tourists love the place for the core of their hearts, and they happily come here to spend their best leisure time! Bhurban is a 2-hour drive from Islamabad and is 70 kilometers away from the Capital City.
3. Naran Kaghan Valley
Naran Kaghan Valley is given the title of “Heaven on earth” by the tourists who visit it every year in summer, and their amount is increasing day by day. The major reason behind Naran Kaghan getting priority is that the work under Pak-China Economic Corridor is going on in excess in this valley, and Chinese engineers are themselves working for the welfare of the country to promote tourism, and for facilitating tourists by enhancing the valley.
The most attractive sites of the valley are Saif ul Malook Lake about which people say that fairies do come over to enjoy at that spot. This is how people define the beauty of the place.
You can see snowy peaks and lush green mountains during your presence in Naran Kaghan Valley and will never regret visiting this mesmerizing beauty zone. Naran is about a 6 and a half-hour drive from Islamabad, and 278 kilometers away.
4. Shogran
Shogran is the most peaceful hill station to opt for if you want to spend your Eid holidays peacefully. Shogran is at 7,700 feet above sea level, and you can reach there by passing through roughly paved roads.
To reach Shogran, you will have to park your car at Naran and will be able to reach upward towards Shogran via jeep, which you will find from the locals. The most prominent hotels where you can reside there are Lalazar Hotel, and Pine Park Hotel.
From this place, you can plan your further visit to Siri Paye Meadows if you are adventurous enough to go there, as the route might scare you but many visitors visit the place, and come back safely, after a journey full of adventure, and breathtaking beauty.
Shogran is 5 and a half hours away from Islamabad, and by staying back in Islamabad, you can plan your trip to Shogran for Eid Holidays!
5. Kashmir
Azad Kashmir, the part of Kashmir we possess under our territory, has so many wonderful places to visit, and tourists get attracted to its astonishing landscapes. You can also have a view of the other side of Kashmir, which is Jammu Kashmir and falls under the Indian Territory.
Beautiful places to visit in Azad Kashmir are Neelum Valley which is quite famous because of Neelum River, Kail, Phawai, Gagai, Sardari, Jam Garh, Ratti Gali, Pir Chinasi, Dream Valley Resort, Banjosa Lake, Nergola Waterfall, Arang Kel, Darbar e Aalia Khari Sharif, Jari Kas Park, Toli Pir. These are the major spots to visit in Azad Kashmir.
Azad Kashmir is a 4 hours and 19 minutes drive from Islamabad via Rawalakot Road, and 131.5 km away.
6. Hunza
The beauty of Hunza cannot be described through words. It is better that you visit the place yourself, and get mesmerized by its immense beauty. You should visit Hunza at least once in a lifetime.
Hunza is a highlighted tourist spot in Gilgit Baltistan and has a powerful historical background. Especially in winters, Hunza`s beauty enhances. Few festivals take place in the spring season at the place, and people all around the world take place in this festival to cherish it.
In the Royal Garden of Hunza, you will enjoy the Cherry Blossom season, and the autumn will enhance the beautiful colors of the spot. Rakaposhi is the mountainous snowy peak which is the most romantic scene to feel deeply.
It takes about 3 hours and 9 minutes accurately to head from Islamabad to Hunza. Hunza is a 581.6 kilometers` drive from Islamabad.
7. Bahrain
Bahrain is situated in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and River Swat runs along with it at its side. It’s a riverside tourist resort, much famous amongst the tourists. Base camp from the trail will lead the campers to Darai & Saidgai lakes.
Places which you can visit through Bahrain are Marghazar, Miandam, Malam Jabba, Madyan, Kalam, Gabina Jabba, Swat District, Bashigram Lake.
There is a fish farm in Bahrain that is the most attractive for tourists, and you find the cheapest trout fish here, and eat it by sitting in its sitting area. You also get to watch the farm where trout is caught from and reside. Many processes are constantly taking place at this spot.
Bahrain is 5 hours and 2 minutes drive from Islamabad and is 291.1 Kilometer away. So, hurry up and visit the place this Eid!
8. Kalam
The route to Kalam was not a safe one to travel through 2 years ago, but now, under the reign of the present Government, the roads are constructed and made much better for a safe journey from Bahrain to Kalam.
There are various hotels in Kalam where you can stay, and go further to see Pine Forest and the world-famous Mahodand Lake which is well-known for its scenic magic.
You can enjoy roaming around in Kalam`s Market, where you will also find a Joy Land containing rides like Pirate, electric Merry go round, and some more. From these rides, you will be able to cherish the scenic beauty of the entire Kalam and will feel like flying in the air of this mesmerizing place, surrounded by mountains, and cold breezes.
Kalam is 6 hours and 17 minutes away from Islamabad, accurately. While the distance between Islamabad and Kalam is 327.6 kilometers.
If you plan the trip over your conveyance then these trips will maximum cost you between 1 lac to 2 lac, depending upon your choice of hotels, and food. While if you cannot afford to plan it on your own, then you can also join a trip arranged by professionals, and tourists companies. This will cost you between 7 thousand to 15 thousand for a 3 to 4 days trip.
These are the nearest places you can visit on short notice over this Eid to have some good time with your friends, and family, enjoying your summers in cold breezes.
