From the winding roads of Hunza to the breathtaking curves of Babusar Pass, the northern areas of Pakistan offer some of the most scenic drives in the world. This guide by Rahaal takes you through unforgettable road trip routes, hidden mountain paths, and picture-perfect valleys that will leave you awe-struck.
Introduction: Why Northern Pakistan is a Driver’s Paradise
For travelers like me—Rahaal, a storyteller and filmmaker drawn to raw beauty—northern Pakistan is not just a destination. It’s a journey written in curves and cliffs, rivers and ridges. And if you love driving, this region offers some of the most scenic road adventures on Earth.
From the Karakoram Highway (often called the 8th Wonder of the World) to lesser-known gems like the road to Baboon Valley, every mile here holds a story, a challenge, and a view worth stopping for.
1. Karakoram Highway – The Legendary KKH
The Karakoram Highway (KKH) connects Pakistan to China via the Khunjerab Pass. But beyond that geopolitical fact, it's one of the most iconic routes in northern Pakistan.
Highlights of this drive include:
- Hassanabad Waterfall – an unexpected cascade right by the road
- Passu Cones – surreal mountain peaks like needles piercing the sky
- Attabad Lake – formed after a landslide, now a turquoise jewel
- Khunjerab Pass – the highest paved international border crossing in the world
This highway offers more than a drive. It's a lesson in geology, culture, and resilience.
2. Naran to Babusar Pass – A Heavenly Ascent
One of the most visually rewarding road trips in the northern areas of Pakistan is the drive from Naran to Babusar Top.
Why it’s special:
- Every turn reveals new mountain silhouettes
- The road climbs to an altitude of over 13,000 feet
- It’s dotted with alpine meadows and glacial streams
If you’re doing a Naran Kaghan tour, be sure to include Babusar Pass. The drive alone is worth the entire trip.
🡒 Watch my journey here:
🎥 Journey to Babusar Top & Lulusar Lake | Northern Pakistan
3. Hunza to Khunjerab – Beyond Borders
While Hunza is a popular destination, the real magic begins after you leave Karimabad and drive toward Khunjerab Pass.
Along the way, you’ll pass:
- Sost Dry Port
- Rakaposhi View Point
- Eagle’s Nest Sunrise Drive
- And finally, snow-covered stretches that seem otherworldly
This stretch, especially in late summer, feels like driving through a postcard from another planet.
4. Shogran to Siri Paye – Offroad Adventure with a View
This isn’t your typical smooth highway. The road to Siri Paye Meadows from Shogran is rough, narrow, and steep—but it rewards the bold.
You'll need a jeep (or a skilled local driver), but the final view is straight out of a dream. It’s one of the few places in northern Pakistan where you feel truly above the clouds.
🡒 Also read:
Related: Discover Siri Paye Meadows: Peace Above the Clouds
5. Kel to Arang Kel – A Scenic Trek and Glide
Though not a traditional drive, the path from Kel to Arang Kel in Neelum Valley deserves a mention. You'll take a thrilling chairlift ride, followed by a 30-minute trek through pine forests and misty trails.
This journey isn’t about horsepower—it's about humility. Arang Kel feels like a place untouched by time, floating between clouds and silence.
6. Skardu to Deosai Plains – Into the Wild
The road from Skardu to the Deosai National Park is one of my favorite scenic drives in northern Pakistan.
What to expect:
- Rugged high-altitude terrain
- Brown bears and marmots (yes, really!)
- Bara Pani – a beautiful camping and picnic spot
- Sheosar Lake – a lake with a perfect reflection of Nanga Parbat
It’s where adventure meets solitude.
🡒 Read next:
Related: Planning the Perfect Skardu Trip for Summer 2025
7. Baboon Valley Jeep Track – For the Bold & Brave
Hidden deep within Neelum Valley, Baboon Valley is a place very few travelers have seen. The jeep ride to get there is one of the wildest, bumpiest, yet most thrilling routes in the northern areas in Pakistan.
If you're someone who seeks the unbeaten path—this is it.
🡒 Watch it unfold:
🎥 Baboon Valley Jeep Track Adventure | Northern Pakistan
8. Muzaffarabad to Taobat – Following the Neelum River
This winding road along the Neelum River takes you through charming towns like Athmuqam, Keran, Sharda, and finally to Taobat.
The road isn’t perfect—but the experience is. Rivers on one side, pine trees on the other, and the occasional hanging wooden bridge above.
Tips for Driving in Northern Pakistan
- Drive slow, not just for safety—but to soak in the views.
- Avoid driving after dark, especially in areas with no streetlights or guardrails.
- Keep your tank full—petrol pumps are rare in remote locations.
- Use local drivers or jeeps when roads turn rough.
- Download offline maps—you’ll thank yourself later.
Best Time for Road Trips in Northern Areas
My Favorite Travel Vlogs on Northern Pakistan
Looking for visual inspiration before your drive? These are my personal journeys:
- Siri Paye Meadows - Shogran Valley | Northern Pakistan
- Trekking to Dudipatsar Lake | Northern Pakistan
- Exploring Dudipatsar Lake | Northern Pakistan
- From Kashmir’s Waterfalls to Islamabad | Northern Pakistan
Useful Blogs to Explore More
- 10 Stunning Places to Visit in Northern Pakistan
- Must-See Northern Areas of Pakistan for Every Explorer
- How to Reach Fairy Meadows from Islamabad Easily
- Northern Pakistan's Best Spots for Nature Lovers
- Top Tourist Destinations in Northern Pakistan 2025
Final Words from Rahaal
As someone who has explored these roads with a camera in one hand and a curious heart in the other, I can tell you this:
Driving through the northern areas of Pakistan is not just a way to reach destinations—it’s an experience all on its own.
Each curve tells a story. Each ascent tests your patience. And every stop offers a chance to reconnect—with nature, people, and yourself.
If you’re planning your first or fifteenth trip to northern Pakistan, don’t just “go” there. Drive there.
Let the road guide you.
