10 Best National Parks In Pakistan

national parks in pakistan
Hardik
Hardik 
Updated
| 5 min read

Asia is a vast continent, as well as a home to myriad civilizations and cultures. Located in Asia, Pakistan is a beautiful country where South and Central Asian cultures collide. There is a lot to experience in Pakistan–at the top of which are national parks which are plenty in this magnificent country. The beautiful country is full of gorgeous sceneries and charming landscapes. Pakistan is glorified with remarkably rich historical heritage, incomparable natural beauty, and distinct culture. If you are visiting the country for the first time, you will find out that it has a lot of rich green meadows, crystal clear lakes, and wildlife in its incredible national parks. Get to enjoy impeccable scenery at the best national parks in Pakistan that we have handpicked in the list below.

Tip from tour guide

Pakistan in Winter
If you're a nature lover visiting any of Pakistan's parks in winter, you're sure to fall in love with the icy beauty of Pakistan's glaciers. Before the mighty glaciers shed their seasonal coat, there’s a moment of surreal serenity all around.

1. Hingol National Park, Balochistan

HangolMudvolcano3
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mabdullah used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Hingol National Park is located in the southwestern province of Baluchestan. It is known for the Makran Coastal Highway, which boasts a lot of fantastic rock formations. The prominent rock resembles the Sphinx of Giza and is acknowledged as Princess of Hope - it is similar to a body figure. Mud Volcano is a crucial feature of the national park. It is not only the highest in the world, but also the only one in South Asia. A large number of bird species call this national park their habitat.

Hingol National Park

Address: Gwadar, Balochistan, Pakistan

Tip from tour guide

Arial view of Balochistan in winter Hingol National Park Makran Coast
Balochistan, where Hingol National Park is located, turns into a winter wonderland when it snows. It also boasts the gorgeous Makran Coast. Balochistan is one of the four provinces of Pakistan, with its capital in Quetta. It's the largest province in the country, covering 44% of the total area. The population is 1.3 crore, which is merely 7% of the total population of the country. Most of the inhabitants are Baloch; other communities include Pashtuns and Brahuis.
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2. Chitral National Park, Chitral

Meadows of Chitral Gol National Park; Tahsin Shah 03
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tahsin A Shah used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Declared as a national park in 1984, this 7,750-hectare (19,150 acres) region lies west in the town of Chitral, encompassing the watershed of Chitral Gol. High Hindukush Peaks enclose Chitral National Park. It is a habitat of various wildlife species like ibex, snow leopard, lynx, pheasant, etc. If you are lucky enough, you can even spot the national animal of Pakistan, markhor, and the national bird of Pakistan, chakor. The best time to visit the national park is from May to September.

Chitral National Park

Address: Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Website: Chitral National Park

Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 24 hours (closed on Fri)

Tip from tour guide

Tirich Mir Peak Chitral

Chitral is a treasure trove of beauty and features many more attractions aside from the national park. At its heart stands the majestic Tirich Mir Peak. Offering a breathtaking backdrop, this iconic summit is the highest peak in the Hindu Kush range and a must-see destination. Nature lovers will also appreciate Shandur Pass, which is nicknamed the "Roof of the World" and offers stunning landscapes, and Kalash Valley, where you can explore a unique culture and picturesque sceneries. For history buffs, Chitral Fort is an architectural gem worth checking out.

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3. Khunjerab National Park, Khunjerab

Khunjerab national park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gecksproduction used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Khunjerab National Park is located Gilgit Baltistan. The park has a steep altitude. As it is located just about 4.6 kilometers (2.8 miles) away from the border town of Sost, it comes under no man’s land between Pakistan and China. The park has derived its name from a paramount marble roadway border post that is situated 16,000 feet (4,876.8 meters) above sea level. Within the country, the national park is acknowledged as a crucial alpine biodiversity region. If you are lucky, you can spot some endangered species here like Marco Polo sheep and snow leopard.

Khunjerab National Park

Address: Khunjerab, Pakistan

Website: Khunjerab National Park

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4. Kirthar National Park, Sindh

Kirthar park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AQEEL BAIG used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Kirthar National Park is an enormous park that lies in the southwest of Sindh and is home to historic Ranikot Fort. The dry land with rough hilly terrain and stony valleys offers a unique and impressive landscape that is not only a rich cultural heritage but also a natural beauty. The tremendous mountainous terrain is one of the largest national parks of Pakistan. Kirthar National Park is a habitat of many animals. During the summer months from March to August, it may be a little humid so if you are planning to visit, the ideal months are October to January.

Kirthar National Park

Address: Karachi, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan

Website: Kirthar National Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Tip from tour guide

Ranikot Fort (The Great Wall Of Sindh)

When you're exploring Kirthar National Park, don't forget to hike to Ranikot Fort (The Great Wall Of Sindh). This fort is believed to be the world's largest, with a circumference of approximately 32 km (19.8 mi).

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Pakistan Tour Guide

kamal ud Din

Kamal Ud Din

Hello, I'm Kamal ud Din, your dedicated mountain tourist guide. With a wealth of experience and professionalism, I take pride in navigating the diverse terrains of our majestic landscapes. Fluent in multiple languages, I ensure seamless communication, making your journey an enriching and personalized experience. Beyond my role as a guide, I bring more to the table – a charismatic presence an... Read more

Tours by Kamal ud

5. Chinji National Park, Punjab

Baluchistan Canyons
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Uzair189 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Located in the province of Chakwal district, Punjab, Chinji National Park was established in 1987. You can visit this national park from Islamabad as it is situated 130 kilometers (80.7 miles) away from the capital city. Its deeply corroded land contains deposits of rock salt from the salt range, sandstones, and igneous rocks. It exhibits the biome of deserts and falls under the category of the ecoregion of Baluchistan xeric woodlands. The region is also home to various endangered species like golden jackal and urial.

Chinji National Park

Address: Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan

Website: Chinji National Park

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6. Central Karakoram National Park, Gilgit Baltistan

Shangrila Resorts
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Zaeem Siddiq used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Central Karakoram National Park is located in the Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan. Today it is one of the largest protected areas of Pakistan that forms a part of the high mountain systems of the Hindukush Karokam, and West Himalaya. The park is also surrounded by some of the longest glaciers outside the polar region. This park is perfect for you if you like mountaineering, trekking, or rock climbing. There are a variety of large mammals found in this region, like Marco Polo sheep and ibex.

Central Karakoram National Park

Address: Gamba Skardu, Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan 16100

Tip from tour guide

The yak

The Baltistan region is also known for yaks. During the winter season, you can witness the majestic animal in all its glory. These magnificent creatures are a common sight in the region and are known for their ability to thrive in extreme cold weather conditions. Yaks are also well-adapted to the harsh mountainous terrain of Baltistan and are often seen grazing on the sparse vegetation. Their thick, shaggy fur provides insulation against the freezing temperatures, making them perfectly suited for the winter climate. Yaks are also used by the locals for transportation, as they are strong and sure-footed on the icy slopes. For nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, witnessing yaks in their natural habitat is a truly remarkable experience. The serene beauty of Baltistan combined with the presence of these fascinating animals creates a unique and unforgettable winter adventure.

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7. Ayub National Park, Rawalpindi

Ayub national park garden
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Saadkhan12345 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Among the locals, this place is generally known as Ayub Park. The park has received its name from General Ayub Khan, the Pakistani president. It claims to be one of the biggest parks in Asia as it covers 2,300 acres (930.7 hectares) of land. If you love staying outdoors, this park is perfect for you as it offers a play area, a garden restaurant, an open theater, and a lake with boating facilities. The park also hosts a jungle world for young visitors.

Ayub National Park

Address: 153, Lane 3، Grand Trunk Rd, Rawalpindi, 46000, Pakistan

Website: Ayub National Park

Opening hours: 10am - 8pm (daily)

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8. Lal Suhanra National Park, Punjab

Lal Suhanra National Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Syed Wasti used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This biosphere reserve that is located 36 kilometers (22.3 miles) away from the Bahawalpur city is easily accessible by tourists. Lal Suhanra National Park has a small conservation area of animals and a zoo recreation region. It is spread over 65,791 hectares (1,62,573 acres) of land and is known for its landscape diversity. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species like rabbits, wildcats, deer, and bustards. You can spot a variety of living creatures in this part. You will be amazed to discover more than 160 species of birds that include honey buzzard, hen harrier, marsh harrier, Indian sparrow hawk, wheatear, griffon vulture, and barn owl.

Lal Suhanra National Park

Address: Lal Suhanra Zoo Rd, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan

Website: Lal Suhanra National Park

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

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9. Margalla Hills National Park, Islamabad

Margalla Hills Islamabad
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ctrlpk used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Margalla Hills National Park is located in Islamabad and forms the foothills of the Himalayas. The area covers approximately 17,386 hectares (42,961 acres) of land. The region is home to numerous mammals including barking dear, red fox, gray goral, and Indian leopard. It is a vital hub for bird lovers throughout the year and you can spot some lovely birds like hawks, eagles, etc. The proximity to the capital city of the country makes this national park easily accessible for hiking trails.

Margalla Hills National Park

Address: Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Tip from tour guide

Margalla Hills
Photo of Margalla Hills shared by Pakistan tour guide, Kamal.
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10. Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park, Balochistan

Deosai National Park, Pakistan -August
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user M.Awais used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park is one of the famous parks in the country. It is located in the Western Balochistan province. The park lies between Hazarangi and Chiltan on the eastern side and the western side, respectively, at a distance of 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Quetta in the southwest direction. Since its establishment in 1980, the park is a habitat to the rarely found Chiltan ibexes. The park is spread in an area of 15,555 hectares (38,437 acres) that is full of mountains and the natural beauty attracts many visitors. Public transport is a little challenging, however; visitors generally prefer hiring a car for sightseeing.

Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park

Address: Mastung, Balochistan, Pakistan

Website: Hazarganji-Chiltan National Park

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Do not miss these parks

You will surely fall in love with Pakistan after visiting these beautiful national parks. It is a perfect holiday destination if you are seeking serenity. If you are still confused which to visit Pakistan for your next trip, then keep these options in mind and give it a go. Complete your getaway experience taking a ride in one of the luxury trains in Pakistan.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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