The Best Camping Spots in Northern Pakistan
Pakistan Locals Team
5 August 2026 · 3 min read
At a glance
- Location
- Northern Pakistan
- Region
- Gilgit-Baltistan
- Best time
- May to October
- Duration
- 2 to 10 days
Northern Pakistan does not have one great camping spot. It has dozens. A cold desert of silver dunes. A plateau at 4,000 metres beside a deep blue lake. A meadow that stares up at an 8,000 metre peak. Pine forests, glacial lakes, and orchards with mountain views. Here are the best places to pitch a tent in the north, what makes each one special, and how to camp there without trouble.
Katpana Cold Desert, Skardu
One of the highest cold deserts in the world, a sea of silver sand under snow peaks right beside Skardu. Camping here is surreal, especially under a full moon, and desert glamping camps have sprung up for those who want comfort. Easy to reach and unforgettable. See the Skardu guide.
Sheosar Lake, Deosai Plains
Camping on the Deosai plateau, beside the deep blue Sheosar Lake at around 4,100 metres, is one of the great outdoor experiences in Pakistan. Wildflowers in summer, a sky full of stars, and total silence. It is high and cold, so come prepared, and it is best July to September. See the Deosai guide.
Fairy Meadows, under Nanga Parbat
The classic. A green alpine meadow facing the Raikot face of Nanga Parbat, with wooden cabins and tent camps. You fall asleep beneath the ninth-highest mountain on earth. Reached by a thrilling jeep track and a short trek. See the Fairy Meadows guide.
Naltar Valley, near Gilgit
Pine forest, grazing meadows, and brilliantly coloured lakes make Naltar a gorgeous, quiet place to camp. Green and forested rather than bare and high, it is a softer camping experience. See the Naltar guide.
Attabad Lake and Hunza
Camp beside the unreal turquoise of Attabad Lake, or in an orchard around Karimabad with Rakaposhi filling the sky. Hunza is comfortable, welcoming, and easy to reach, making it a great choice for a first camping trip in the north. See the Hunza guide.
More spots worth knowing
- Rama Meadow, Astore. A forested meadow with a lake, on the other side of Nanga Parbat.
- Phander, Ghizer. Camp by the blue river among gold poplars in autumn. See the Phander guide.
- Upper Kachura and Shangrila, Skardu. Lakeside camping near the famous resort.
How to camp at these spots safely
Most of these are high and remote, so the same rules apply everywhere: pack for freezing nights, carry water and a way to purify it, bring all the cash you need, and take out every bit of rubbish. On Deosai and in national parks especially, leave no trace. For the higher spots, watch the altitude and go up gradually. And wherever possible, use a hosted campsite so you have a safe, clean, chosen spot with a local looking out for you.
The honest truth
Not every spot suits every traveler. Deosai and the high plateaus are cold and demanding; Hunza, Naltar, and the lakeside sites are gentler and easier for a first trip or a family. Match the spot to your experience, book a hosted site where you can, and you will find the north has a perfect place to pitch a tent no matter who you are.
Find your spot. Browse hosted campsites and glamping across Gilgit-Baltistan, or read our full camping guide.
Written and fact-checked by the Pakistan Locals editorial team, with local hosts and guides who set up camps across the north. Last updated August 2026. Access, prices and site conditions change with the season, so check locally before you go and camp responsibly.
Sources and further reading
Ready to explore Pakistan with local hosts? Browse trips and experiences on Pakistan Locals, and if you live in the area you can list your own experience or stay. Read our camping in northern Pakistan and best time to visit next.
Questions people ask
Where are the best places to camp in northern Pakistan?+
Shandur Top, the Deosai plains, Rama Meadows near Astore, Fairy Meadows, Rush and Naltar lakes and the shores of Attabad are all classic spots.
Is wild camping allowed in northern Pakistan?+
In many open areas yes, though some sites sit in national parks or on community land where you pay a small fee. Always ask locally and leave no trace.
When is camping season in the north?+
June to September for the high meadows and lakes, when nights are cold but the weather is most settled.
Do I need my own gear?+
You can bring your own or use a hosted campsite that provides tents and meals. Hosted camps are the easy option at popular spots.
Pakistan Locals Team
The Pakistan Locals editorial team writes practical, on-the-ground travel guides to Pakistan, researched and fact-checked in consultation with our network of local hosts and guides.