Thrilling adventures every Pakistani must try

Adventure sports in Pakistan are a gateway to experiencing the country’s rugged beauty, diverse terrain, and rich cultural heritage. From the soaring peaks of the world’s second-highest mountain, K2, to the white-water rapids of its pristine rivers, and the vast expanse of its deserts, Pakistan’s topography provides an ideal backdrop for a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities.

Whether you’re an avid mountaineer, a daring paraglider, an intrepid hiker, or a passionate rock climber, Pakistan promises a one-of-a-kind adventure sports experience that combines the thrill of the great outdoors with the enchanting allure of this South Asian nation. Explore with us the exhilarating world of adventure sports in Pakistan, delving into the various activities and destinations that make this country a must-visit for adventure seekers.

1. Beach camping in Balochistan

Often considered a region of rugged mountains devoid of picturesque landscapes, Balochistan surprises visitors with its stunning beaches that are a captivating sight for any traveler. If you really wish to enjoy your trip to Balochistan then plan a camping trip to one of its beautiful beaches, and if you a real adventure seeker, visit them all because each one has something different to offer.

For beginners, Kund Malir, Sapat and Ormara are the best options as a variety of local tourist companies are now offering lucrative night camping deals. These trips will give you an opportunity to experience the clear starry skies by the calm and beautiful seas of Balochistan, in utter peace.

The Sapat beach is bioluminescence at night, adding volumes to this pristine beach’s beauty.

COST: Rs. 5000 to 9000 per person / depending on your package and choice of beach

*This cost is from Karachi

BEST SEASON : November to March

Our recommendation: FAR ADVENTURES

2. Scuba diving at Kelp forests, Karachi

If you think Karachi is all about pollution, traffic and business, you are certainly wrong. Karachi has a lot to offer its tourists, other than its scrumptious food. If you are looking for some adventure, then head towards the Arabian Sea. Spread over a long coastline, Karachi offers a variety of activities like snorkeling, Scuba diving, boat rides, cruises, water sports and ocean swimming among others. But if you really wish to try something different, then explore the Kelp forests at Hawksbay and Turtle beach Karachi.

Kelp forests are one of the most dynamic ecosystems on Earth. These forests provide homes for tons of creatures like fish, invertebrates and marine mammals. In this once in a lifetime shallow-dive experience, you can discover this amazing underwater forest and marine life.

COST: Rs. 6000 to 8500/ depending on your choice of package

BEST SEASON: November to April

*This cost is from Karachi

Our recommendation: FAR ADVENTURES

3. Cliff jumping in Khanpur Dam:

Regarded as one of the most beautiful sites in KPK, Khanpur Dam is surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Pothohar Plateau. It takes about 1.5 hours by car to get to Khanpur Dam from Islamabad via the N-5 and N-125. Aside from holding water and aiding in agriculture, this dam also generates hydroelectric power and offers a location for some enjoyable leisure activities.

If you’re an adventure seeker, try cliff jumping at Khanpur Dam. Based on the water level, the cliff diving height can be from 10 feet to 25 feet. Feel weightless as you plummet into the cold water, and for a few moments forget all your worries. The experience is surely going to take your breathe away.

Going with a tour guide will help you find the safest spots for cliff jumping and also offer best tips to fully enjoy the experience.

COST: Rs. 5500 to 8500 depending on size of boat

BEST SEASON: June to October

Our recommendation: Exploria.pk

4. Paramotor Gliding in Skardu

If you are a real thrill seeker, try Paramotor gliding in Skardu. A breathtaking an hour long flight from Islamabad International Airport brings you to Skardu or in case of a flight cancellation, a driving along Karakoram Highway, and eighth wonder of the world you reach to Skardu. With an altitude of 2500 meters high spot, it is a paraglide heaven for advance level pilots.

To begin with, you can take a 5-7 minute long ride.

COST: Rs. 8000/ person

BEST SEASON: April to December

Our recommendation: Baltistan Adventures

5. Zipline in Kaghan

An adventure awaits tourists in Kaghan Valley as the world’s tallest and South Asia’s longest zipline has officially opened in Noori Valley in Kaghan. Spanning a remarkable distance of 7,521 feet and towering at a height of 1,250 feet, the zipline has quickly become a major attraction, enhancing the beauty and excitement of the picturesque valley.  The zipline is also the highest in the world, in terms of its height above ground level, not sea level.

COST: Rs. 5000 to 6000

BEST SEASON: October to February

Our recommendation: Zipline Adventure Company

6. River Rafting:

Rafting is fun-filled and exciting aquatic adventure that can be enjoyed by individuals of all skill level with proper guiding and instructions. Adventure Edge uses specialized rubber rafts that are very sturdy and flexible. (AVON one of the best raft manufacturers in the world). These rafts can accommodate 8-10 individuals. All the rafters have paddles, which are used to guide and propel the raft through the water. There are two trained guides and a group of novices, depending on the difficulty of the waters.

Rafting became popular in the eighties and soon triggered a bloom. Over the years the sports developed to a nature experience for tourists and is very popular among families and adventurous. The Mystery, rhythm, power and spectacular scenery in Pakistan are infinitely variable and plentiful and awaited to be explored are sufficient reasons to attract the white water sportsman.

You should always be prepared and know what to expect when rafting a river. A whitewater rating scale was created to simplify the classes of rapids. This helps discover the difficulty and danger of a river. Since some rivers can potentially fit into more than one category, it isn’t exact but it is a great guide and base to use when planning your whitewater rafting adventure. If you’ve never rafted a rapid before remember to scout (examine the rapids) before you attempt it or book your white water rafting trip with a reputable company. Classes can change due to water levels, recent floods, geological disturbances and bad weather.

The best activity of Naran Kaghan is White Water River Rafting in Naran Pakistan. Moreover, If you want some adventure and chill then river rafting Naran is the best option in Kunhar River. So, Rafting in Kunhar River Rafting Naran is most thrilling adventure of your life. And this one is most adventurous activity in River Rafting in Pakistan.

COST: Rs. 750 to 4000 depending on location and time of ride

BEST SEASON: May to November

Our recommendation: Kunhar River Rafting Enterprise

6. Skiing:

Gilgit – Baltistan region in Pakistan offer a number of skiing spots for tourists. Some of the fine skiing destinations in Pakistan include Naltar in Gilgit, Burzil, Ratu and Astore. However of all the destinations Malam Jabba some 300 kilometres from Islamabad offers excellent skiing opportunities.

Malam Jabba is a Hill Station in the Karakoram mountain range nearly 40 km from Saidu Sharif in Swat Valley,Peshawar, Pakistan. It is 314 km from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif Airport.

Malam Jabba is home to the only ski resort in Pakistan. The area also contains two Buddhist stupas and six monasteries that are scattered around the resort. The presence of the monuments at such a height indicates that the area has been inhabited for over 2000 years.

Two trekking trails are located near the Malam Jabba resort. The first passes through the Ghorband Valley and Shangla Top and starts about 18 km from the resort. The other trail passes through the Sabonev Valley and is about 17 km from the resort.

COST: Rs. 1000 to 7000 depending on location and time of ride

BEST SEASON: Winter season

Our recommendation: Malam Jabba Ski Resort