In recent years, Pakistan has become a popular destination for Vietnamese tourists, especially in spring and autumn. Located in a mountainous region with four distinct seasons, Pakistan is often rated on travel forums as one of the countries with the most beautiful autumn scenery in Asia.
Since there are no direct flights from Vietnam, travelers must transfer at least once to reach Pakistan. According to Skyscanner, one of the largest flight search websites, flights transiting through China are currently the most affordable.
Typically, flights land in Islamabad, the capital, but this is not the main tourist area. Visitors are advised to travel to regions like Skardu or Gilgit, which offer more scenic attractions.
In these areas, travelers can marvel at the mountains of the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush ranges, as well as Nanga Parbat, which stands 8,126 meters high, on the route between Islamabad and Skardu.
The photo above features K2, part of the Karakoram range, which is Pakistan's tallest peak and the second highest in the world at 8,611 meters.
Bich Ngoc, a 34-year-old traveler from Hanoi, visited Pakistan with friends from Oct. 17 to Nov. 1. The group visited several northern destinations such as Fairy Meadows (at an altitude of over 3,300 meters), Deosai National Park, Skardu, Khaplu Valley (near the Kashmir region), Hunza-Nagar Valley (along the northern border), and nearby areas.
Ngoc noted a significant climate difference between northern and southern Pakistan. In October, the south remains hot, but the north is already cold, with some areas dropping to minus 8 degrees Celsius at night. "Even under three or four blankets, we still felt cold in the wooden houses without heating," Ngoc said.
From Skardu, Ngoc's group rented a seven-seater car with an English-speaking driver who also acted as a guide. They were picked up at Skardu airport to begin their journey to the world's second-highest plateau, Deosai, in the north. This area is only accessible from early summer to late autumn. Some stretches are only wide enough for a single small vehicle.
"In some terrains, we had to ride horses for over two hours around mountain cliffs," Ngoc said.
Shausar Lake, located on the Deosai Plateau, boasts emerald green waters and winding roads, with snow-capped mountains towering at an average elevation of 4,114 meters.
Hunza-Nagar Valley is dotted with villages. In autumn, the landscape is painted with shades of yellow, orange, and pink from cherry, apricot, walnut, mulberry, and century-old maple trees. The valley is also home to apple orchards with red and green apples next to golden poplars.
The group also trekked the five-hour route from Passu Suspension Bridge to Hussaini Suspension Bridge, surrounded by the majestic Passu Cones and the Hunza River.
"I managed to overcome my fear to walk on the suspension bridge," Ngoc recalled.
Ngoc and her friends spent many days hiking and never got bored or tired because "every turn revealed stunning views."
The 800-year-old Baltit Fort, nestled among birch forests in the early morning, offers a view of the turquoise-colored Hunza River, which runs parallel to the Karakoram Highway. The fort holds many artifacts and features a royal garden overlooking the river.
The group also had an experience crossing high ice formations within the Passu Glacier, calling it "unforgettable".
They hiked through pine forests to reach a viewpoint at 3,300 meters, where they were awe-struck by the beauty of Rakaposhi, a 7,788-meter peak up close, along with the Minapin Glacier below and a panoramic view of lower to mid-Hunza.
"When we entered the glacier, we felt tiny before the ice formations," Ngoc said.
Exploring the glacier requires a local professional guide. Despite the guidance, this remains a risky experience that travelers should consider before joining. Even a small ice block here can reach about 5 meters high.
During their journey, Ngoc's group attended a wedding in Passu village with nearly all villagers in attendance. The bride wore a traditional red dress adorned with stones and sparkling accessories. The wedding feast included local delicacies like naan - a type of flatbread, braised beef leg, and milk tea.
"Everyone gathered around, dancing and celebrating the couple. With the sunset and mountains resembling a dinosaur's spine in the background, it was a breathtaking scene," Ngoc said.
Autumn is also the apple harvest season. Tourists can visit apple farms or collection points to taste apples. Locals are always ready to offer samples.
Ngoc's trip cost around VND70 million ($2,750) per person, as she booked services close to the departure date. Traveling in a larger group would lower the costs.
The group was most impressed by the hospitality and kindness of the Pakistani people after two weeks in the country.
"The people of Pakistan work hard, yet they enthusiastically showed us around without expecting payment," Ngoc said. Locals also explained how they care for animals and shared traditions of the indigenous people.
