Winter Destinations in Pakistan: Where to See Snow and Where to Ski
Pakistan Locals Team
5 September 2026 · 3 min read
At a glance
- Location
- Pakistan
- Region
- Northern Pakistan
- Best time
- December to February for snow, with the Galiyat and Murree the most reliable
The first snowfall sets off the same scramble every year: everyone wants to know where to go. Pakistan has real winter magic, but the trick is knowing what stays open. Many of the famous summer spots, Naran, Babusar, Deosai and Fairy Meadows, close with the snow, while a different set of destinations come into their own. Here are the best winter destinations in Pakistan, from the closest snow to the serious mountains.
The closest snow: Murree and the Galiyat
For most people in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Lahore, winter means Murree and the Galiyat. From roughly December to February, Murree, Nathia Gali, Ayubia and Dunga Gali get proper snow, and they are the most reliable, most accessible snow in the country. Go midweek if you can, since the first big snowfall brings enormous weekend crowds and traffic. This is the easy winter day trip or overnight. See our Murree and Galiyat guide.
Skiing: Malam Jabba and Naltar
- Malam Jabba (Swat). Pakistan's best-known ski resort, with a chairlift, equipment hire and a hotel, set in the Swat hills. The ski season runs roughly late December to February, and it is reachable as a winter trip from Islamabad via the Swat Motorway.
- Naltar Valley (near Gilgit). Home to an air force ski slope and some of the finest powder in the country, though it is far more remote. One for committed skiers who will make the journey to Gilgit.
Swat and Kalam in the snow
Beyond Malam Jabba, the wider Swat valley and Kalam turn beautifully white in winter, with snow-laden pines and quiet villages. The upper roads toward Mahodand close with heavy snow, but Kalam itself is usually reachable and makes a memorable snowy weekend. Check road conditions before you go.
The quiet north: Hunza and Skardu
- Hunza. The Karakoram Highway stays open through winter, so Hunza is reachable, and it is a different experience entirely: cold, still and almost empty, with snow on the forts and Rakaposhi glowing above. Attabad Lake partly freezes and the high passes are shut, but for travellers who want the valley to themselves, winter Hunza is special. Read our Hunza guide.
- Skardu. Mainly reached by air in winter, Skardu is snowy and stark, with frozen lakes and the cold desert under snow. Pack seriously for the cold and keep a buffer for flight delays, but the reward is a Baltistan few people ever see.
What closes in winter
Plan around the closures. Naran, Kaghan and the Babusar Pass shut with the snow, usually from around November until May or June. Deosai, Khunjerab Pass and Fairy Meadows are all closed. These are summer destinations, so do not plan a winter trip around them.
Quick glance
- Closest snow: Murree and the Galiyat (December to February)
- Skiing: Malam Jabba (Swat), Naltar (Gilgit)
- Snowy valleys: Swat and Kalam
- The quiet high north: Hunza (by road), Skardu (by air)
- Closed in winter: Naran, Babusar, Deosai, Fairy Meadows
Quick answers
Where to see snow near Islamabad or Lahore? Murree and the Galiyat, December to February.
Where to ski in Pakistan? Malam Jabba in Swat, or Naltar near Gilgit.
Is Hunza open in winter? Yes, by the Karakoram Highway, and it is quiet and beautiful.
What is closed in winter? Naran, Babusar, Deosai and Fairy Meadows all shut with the snow.
Written and fact-checked by the Pakistan Locals editorial team. Last updated September 2026. Snow and road conditions change fast in winter, so always check locally before you travel and carry warm gear and chains where needed.
Sources and further reading
Ready to plan a winter trip? Browse guided trips on Pakistan Locals, or plan on the map. See our best time to visit the north guide too. Run winter trips or a ski experience? List it free.
Questions people ask
Where can you see snow in Pakistan?+
The closest reliable snow to Islamabad and Lahore is Murree and the Galiyat, roughly December to February. For more, head to Malam Jabba and Kalam in Swat, or the high north around Hunza and Skardu.
Where can you go skiing in Pakistan?+
The two main ski spots are Malam Jabba in Swat, which has a chairlift and a resort, and the Naltar Valley near Gilgit, home to an air force ski slope. The season is roughly late December to February.
Is Hunza open in winter?+
Yes. Hunza stays accessible via the Karakoram Highway through winter, and it is quiet, cold and beautiful, though Attabad Lake partly freezes and the high passes are shut. It suits hardy travellers who want the valley to themselves.
Can you visit Skardu in winter?+
Yes, mainly by air, since the flight from Islamabad runs when the weather allows. Winter Skardu is snowy and stark, with frozen lakes, but pack seriously for the cold and keep a buffer for flight delays.
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.