List of Coldest Places in Pakistan

Winters are just around the corner in Pakistan. With the advent of winters in the country, the temperature of different cities within the country will drop drastically.

In this blog, we bring you a list of the coldest places in Pakistan that you should definitely visit once in your lifetime. 

Why Should I Visit The Coldest Places in Pakistan?

For several reasons, traveling to Pakistan’s coldest locations can be an unforgettable and fulfilling experience.

Scenic Beauty

Pakistan is home to magnificent mountain ranges, and the country’s coldest regions are frequently tucked away among these towering peaks. These areas include breathtaking vistas, complete with glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and clear lakes that make for an ideal backdrop for tourists and photographers.

Adventure & Exhilaration

For those with an adventurous spirit, these chilly areas provide an array of thrilling pursuits like hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and ice climbing. These excursions are made even more exciting by the difficult terrain and inclement weather.

Cultural Diversity

Various ethnic groups, each with distinct culture and customs, call Pakistan’s chilly climate home. It can be an enlightening experience to engage with the local populations and learn about their way of life by visiting these places.

Unusual Wildlife

The Himalayan brown bear and various bird species can be found in Pakistan’s coldest locations, such as the Deosai National Park. Wildlife enthusiasts can see these creatures in their native environments.

Stargazing

The chilly, clean air in these areas makes for perfect stargazing conditions. Because there is rarely any light pollution throughout the night, it is a great time to see stars, planets, and constellations.

Healing & Relaxation

The chilly areas provide a calm atmosphere where you may detach from the bustle of city life for those looking for peace. The tranquil surroundings, clean mountain air, and therapeutic qualities of cold weather can help the body and mind feel refreshed.

Cultural Festivals

There are some interesting cultural festivals and activities held in Pakistan’s colder regions that are well worth visiting. These gatherings frequently feature regional customs, music, dancing, and cuisine, providing a window into the region’s rich cultural past.

Photographic Opportunities

Pakistan’s coldest locations offer a wealth of interesting subjects for photographers, professional or amateur alike. The dynamic local culture, wildlife, and ever-changing landscapes provide great photo chances.

List of Coldest Places in Pakistan

Skardu

The first coldest place on our list is Skardu. It is a city located in the Gilgit Baltistan region. It is also the capital of Skardu District. The city is also an important region due to its proximity to the Karakoram mountain range. 

The city has a cold and semi-arid climate. During the summertime, the weather is moderate due to the mountain range. Due to the high mountains, the heat from the lower regions does not reach the city. They also block monsoons; hence, the area’s rainfall is common. 

On the contrary, the winter season of the region is very harsh. From April to October, temperatures vary between a maximum of 27 °C (81 °F) and a minimum (in October) of 8 °C (46 °F). Temperatures can also decrease to below −10 °C (14 °F) from December to January. The lowest recorded temperature was −24.1 °C (−11 °F) on 7 January 1995. If you are a Pakistani and looking for scenic beauties outside Pakistan, check out top visa-free countries for Pakistan.

Astore

The next place on our list is the Astore Valley. Gilgit District bounds the Astore District to the north, Roundup District to the northeast, Skardu District to the east, Kharmang District to the southeast, Diamer District to the west, the Neelum District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir to the southwest, and the Bandipore District of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir to the south.

During the summer season, the district faces moderate weather conditions. However, during the winter season, the whole region gets covered in snow. It can snow up to 2-3 feet (60-90; cm) in the main valleys and up to 4-5; feet (100;150; cm) in the mountains. In the Mirmalik Valley, it can snow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) during February.

Kalaam

Kalaam is a beautiful valley situated at a distance of 99 kilometers (62 mi) from Mingora (Weather – Winter: 0°C to 15°C Summer: 20°C to 40°C) in the northern upper reaches of Swat Valley along the bank of Swat Rivers in Pakistan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Kalaam is one of Pakistan’s most famous tourist destinations, best known for its majestic mountains, forests, and exotic lakes. 

Kalam features a humid subtropical climate. During the summer season, Kalaam is characterized by mild and warm weather. The average temperature in Kalam is 13.4 °C (56.1 °F), while the annual precipitation averages 639 mm (25.16 in).

 November is the driest month, with 15 mm (0.59 in) of precipitation, while April has an average rainfall of 93 mm (3.66 in), making it the wettest month of the year in Kalaam. July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 24.1 °C (75.4 °F). January’s coldest month has an average temperature of 1.5 °C (34.7 °F).

Parachinar

Parachinar is a tiny town tucked aside in the Kurram district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan province. Parachinar is one of the coldest places in Pakistan due to its proximity to the colder regions of Kabul.

The town has a moderate humid subtropical climate in general. The weather is pleasant during the summer months. However, during the winter, the whole area gets covered with snow, and frosts occur most mornings. Snow closes the Peiwar Pass on the Paktia border just over 20 km west of Parachinar for up to five months per year.

Malam Jabba

Malam Jabba is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Pakistan. It is a hill station and a ski resort known for its majestic mountains and beautiful trekking areas. It is near the Hindu Kush mountain range nearly 40 km from Saidu Sharif in Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan.

It is 314 km from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif Airport. The perfect time to visit this beautiful resort town is April to October. During these months there is little rainfall and the weather is very pleasant. The highest average temperature in Malam Jabba is 31°C in June, and the lowest is 11°C in January.

Kalat

The next place on our list is Kalat. It is a historical town in the Kalat District, Balochistan, Pakistan. Kalat is the capital of Kalat District and is known locally as Kalat-e-Brahui and Kalat-e-Sewa. Kalaat, also known as Qalat, is situated at the heart of Balochistan and is known for its rich Balochi culture and vast plains. 

Kalat features a cold desert climate, and the region has virtually no rainfall throughout the year. The average temperature in Kalat is 14.1 °C, while the annual precipitation averages 163 mm. June is the driest month, with 1 mm of rainfall, while January, the wettest month, has an average precipitation of 36 mm.

July is the warmest month of the year, with an average temperature of 24.8 °C. The coldest month, January, has an average temperature of 3.4 °C.

Quetta

Last but not least comes Quetta. It is also the provincial capital of Balochistan and the tenth-largest city of Pakistan. Quetta is at an average elevation of 1,680 meters (5,510 feet) above sea level, making it Pakistan’s only major high-altitude city.

Due to its nearness to the Afghan border, Quetta is a trade and communication center between the two countries. Quetta has a cold semi-arid climate. Summer starts in late May until early September, with average temperatures ranging from 24–26 °C (75–79 °F).

Autumn starts in mid-September and continues until mid-November, with average temperatures in the range of 12–18 °C (54–64 °F). Winter begins in late November and ends in February, with average temperatures near 4–5 °C (39–41 °F). Interestingly, Quetta does not have a monsoon season of heavy rainfall.

So, these are some of the coldest places in Pakistan. These places are famous because of their climatic conditions, natural beauty, and rich culture. Hence, it is safe to say that if you have a knack for adventure and want to explore the country, you should definitely visit these places. 

If you have questions or queries, let us know in the comment section below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

FAQs

What is the second coldest place in Pakistan?

Skardu, in the Gilgit-Baltistan area, is the second-coldest place in Pakistan. In the winter, Skardu receives exceptionally low temperatures that often go below freezing.

Which is the coldest valley in Pakistan?

The Shimshal Valley, which is in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Gojal region, is the coldest valley in Pakistan. It is renowned for having chilly, harsh temperatures all year round.

What is the coldest city in Balochistan?

Quetta is the coldest city in Baluchistan. It is located in the northeastern region of the province of Balochistan and is renowned for its frigid climate, particularly during the winter months.

Is Ziarat the coldest in Pakistan?

Although Ziarat is frequently cited as one of Pakistan’s coldest locations, it is not the absolute coldest. Nevertheless, it is one of the coldest hill stations in the nation, and travellers love visiting it because of its moderate summers and chilly winters.