Previously, the treacherous path to these places was too perilous for people to travel. As a result, the wondrous land that lay ahead remained hidden, only accessible to a few. However, that all changed when the government came to a long overdue conclusion to invest in the infrastructure there. This enabled domestic and international tourists to visit the mesmerizing extravagant wonder of these cold places.

Whether it’s the lush green magnificence of the Hunza Valley, the fantasy-like landscape of Swat, or the numbing calmness of Gilgit, beauty is everywhere. With the recent increase in both domestic and international tourists, the region has more visitors now than ever. 

As the word is spread of the aesthetic beauty of the north, many are still unaware of the many places to visit. Apart from a few hotspots, tourists are oblivious to the many cold wonders that reside there. Here’s a list of the coldest, most alluring places to visit. 

• Khunjerab Pass: Located in the Karakoram Mountains, this mountain forms the border between Pakistan and China. Misleading dubbed, the ‘Khunjerab Pass, it has the world’s highest paved international border crossing. The Khunjerab Pass temperature varies from -25°C to 5°C due to its high altitude of 4,693 meters.

  Of the many scenic views to enjoy here, the Khunjerab National Park has no rivals. Developed in the 1970s, it's the 3rd largest park in Pakistan that’s populated by wildlife and flora. Majestical and scarce creatures like the snow leopard, Saker Falcon, Tibetan Wolf, etc. reside here. It’s also the habitat of the alpine flora that’s protected by the WWF.

• Siachen: It’s a glacier that lies in the Himalayan region known as the Third Pole. It’s the cause of severe strife between Pakistan and India in a long list of border disputes. Apart from its strategic value, it is a tricky place to visit. The Siachen Glacier weather drops to -50 °C which has resulted in many casualties over the years.

  Due to the political climate and the extreme weather conditions, visiting the glacier is rather difficult. However, it’s certainly one of the coldest places in the country.

• Babusar Pass: Although seldom mentioned in conversations about the coldest places in the country, the Babusar Pass is chilly and scenic. Situated north of the Naran Valley, it’s also known as the Babusar Top due to the Mughal Emperor Babur using the pass to enter India. Though development projects undertaken have made accessibility easier, it's still one of the most dangerous mountain slopes in the world.

  However, once clear, the destination makes up for the uncomfortable ride. We recommend visiting it during the period between May and September as the Babusar Top weather drops to -20 °C. When accessible, it boasts vast plateaus, lush meadows, and fast-flowing streams that resemble a utopia. The presence of exotic wildlife and plants only adds to its wondrous appeal

Summing it all up, the icy places of Pakistan may be slightly difficult to reach but are worth the effort. With the potential of the tourism industry being realized, we hope that more investment finds its way to these ethereal places of wonder. Who knows, maybe there are more treasures hidden there awaiting discovery.