Summer Get-Aways to beat the heat in Pakistan

If you’re tired of the heat already and need something new to do this summer instead of killing time bingeing Netflix shows and shuffling Spotify for the 100^th time, it is time to clear your schedule, pack your bags, and grab your best friends, so you can explore several hidden beauties within Pakistan that serve as ideal summer get-aways. Each part of the country either has magnificent lakes, cold river streams, or deep blue seas – each one as beautiful as the former.

Islamabad

Rawal Dam Park

Credits: Zameen

Whether you visit Rawal Dam Park (previously known as Lake View Park) for a picnic to catch this scenic view at sunset, or whether you are more adventurous and visit it for boating or water sports, there is so much to do here to escape the monotony of the city. You can start your day by bird watching at its aviary, followed by a leisurely canoe ride. Fishing is a popular activity here, but you can also choose to partake in the park’s water skating or diving facilities. Finish your day up with an evening stroll to appreciate the greenery surrounding you, and a hearty picnic with your friends/family.

Punjab

Kallar Kahar

Credits: wikimedia

If you cannot travel to the country’s capital, Punjab still offers various other get-aways. Kallar Kahar is famous for its rich history and natural beauty: the variety of peacocks in the area, Molat Fort, the museum, the Hindu temples, the shrines like Saint Sakhi Sultan Bahu’s Tomb, the lush green forest, and the various salt-water lakes around it. Many activities are popular here, such as boating and fishing. Swaik Lake is ideal for swimming and enjoying the waterfall, while Neela Wahn Lake is breathtaking due to the blue hues of the water, making it a great camping spot. Tourists would also enjoy the lively marketplace, that is abuzz till the early hours of the morning.

Balochistan

Gwadar’s beaches

Credits: aroundpakistan

While Karachi is well-known for its beaches, Gwadar, a port-city, has several of its own that are mesmerizing get-away spots. To name a few, Astola Island, popular for its boat rides and snorkeling, has turquoise water with a rocky mountain range good for trekking. Daran Beach is the picture-perfect sandy beach to enjoy the sunrise at, after spending the night stargazing. If you’re lucky enough, you might even get to see the hatching season for baby sea turtles. Kund Malir Beach, located near Hingol National Park, is decorated with palm trees and is near a mountain range, while Pasni beach is a great spot to go fishing and swimming.

Sindh

Karachi’s beaches

Credits: pinimg

Karachi has the best of both worlds. For people more attuned to the city life and who prefer the chaos and buzz, Seaview Beach is a great inexpensive place to enjoy the sunset, take camel/ horse/ dune buggy rides, and interact with locals. Do Darya is also close-by, which is a restaurant experience right next to the calming sea. For those preferring a more relaxed and longer stay, Hawkes Bay, French Beach, Paradise Point and Nathia Gali Beach are better options where you can rent a hut, fish, barbecue, and spend the whole day swimming and feeling the cool breeze.

Keenjhar Lake

If Karachi’s beaches do not fit your vibe, Thatta in Sindh contains the Keenjhar Lake, one of the largest fresh-water lakes in the country. Not only is it a wildlife sanctuary, but it is a beautiful picnic spot and well-known for its boat rides. The folklore about the lake tells the story of Prince Jam Tamachi who fell in love with Noori, a fisherwoman. Their tale was one of fulfilled love. Her shrine lies near the middle of the lake, which also makes for an interesting visit.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Kaghan Valley: Aansoo Lake, Lulusir Lake and Lake Saiful Muluk

Credits: wikimedia

Credits: Staticflicker

Credits: Wikimedia

If you’re planning to travel up-North, this province is famous for its lakes and their rich histories. Aansoo Lake, located in the Kaghan Valley, is named such due to its tear drop shape. The folklore surrounding it tells the tale of a giant who cried due to envy and rage, as his beloved (a fairy) was not in love with him and was instead in love with a prince. The area is an idealistic campsite with friends and family. Lulusir Lake flows throughout the rich green Kaghan Valley. It is the main source of the Kunhar River. Surrounded by snow-capped hilly areas, the cool blue water serves as a breath-taking spot to unwind. Saiful Muluk, named after the folklore of the Egyptian Prince with the same name who fell in love with a fairy princess he met at this lake, lies towards the northern end of the same valley. Summer is the best time to visit this lake, as in the winters landslides make this inaccessible. It is the perfect site for sight-seeing as well as trekking.

Regardless of whichever province you reside in or wish to visit, you can surely appreciate and marvel at these get-aways. Whether you see yourself vacationing at a sandy beach or setting camp near a river or lake up North, Pakistan surely has it all. Each destination offers a variety of activities for all kinds of people to enjoy this summer. Time to get-away!