Top 13 Highest Mountain Ranges in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country that is blessed with a lot of breathtaking desserts, beautiful lakes, scenic valleys, majestic mountain ranges and, hill stations in Pakistan. These are the reasons why tourists get attracted to Pakistan. For the last few years, the tourism industry has been growing fast. The reason behind this is antique history, natural beauty, diverse culture, and none other than the beauty of mountain ranges in Pakistan. If you love hiking, climbing on mountains, and trekking, for sure you might be looking for the list of ranges of Pakistan. There are almost more than a hundred ranges of Pakistan that are 8,000 meters above in height maximum of mountains exists in northern areas of Pakistan.
There are many beautiful lakes in Pakistan and mountains, most of the mountain ranges in Pakistan map are on the northern side of the country. The ranges of Pakistan with a unique geographical landmark on our earth include Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindukush. The Karakoram Range also owns the title of second highest in the world. Also, read the famous deserts of Pakistan. If you are looking for the best mountain ranges in Pakistan then you are at the right place. In this blog, we are not just going to discuss how many mountains of Pakistan but also write down the list of all ranges of Pakistan as well as bring you the list of mountain ranges in Pakistan that are categorized as independent mountains.
How many mountain ranges of Pakistan?
Pakistan is known as a hometown of high mountain ranges in the northern side of the country. From the fourteen highest mountain ranges in the world, Pakistan owns the Five highest mountain ranges of them.
List of Mountain Ranges in Pakistan:
| Name of Range | Length | Elevation | Highest Peaks | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Himalayas Range | 2,400 km | 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft) | Mount Everest, Nepal, Tibet | Pakistan, Bhutan, China, India, and Nepal | |
| 2. Karakoram Range | 500 km | 8,611 m (28,251 ft) | K2 | China and Pakistan | |
| 3. Hindu Kush Range | 800 km | 7,708 m (25,289 ft) | Tirich Mir | Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan | |
| 4. Sulaiman Range | 450 km | 3,487 m (11,440 ft) | Takht-e-Sulaiman | Afghanistan, and Pakistan | |
| 5. Safed Koh Range | ——— | 4,755 m (15,600 ft) | Mount Sikaram | Afghanistan, and Pakistan | |
| 6. Hindu Raj | 500 miles (800 km) | 6,872 m (22,546 ft) | Koyo Zom | Northern Gilgit Baltistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |
| 7. Kirthar Range | 190 miles (300 km) | 2,260 m (7,410 ft) | Zardak Peak | Balochistan and Sindh | |
| 8. Salt Range | 186 miles (300 km) | 1,522 m (4,993 ft) | Sakaser | Punjab, Pakistan | |
| 9. Nanga Parbat | 120 mi (190 km) | 8,126 m | ——— | Gilgit-Baltistan | |
| 10. Ras Koh Hills | ——— | 600 metres | ——— | Chagai District, Balochistan | |
| 11. Central Brahui Range | 225 miles (360 km) | 1675 metres | Khalifat | Centre of the Balochistan plateau, Pakistan | |
| 12. Kirana Hills | ——— | 980 feet (300 m) | Koh-e-Kirana | Sargodha, Pakistan | |
| 13. Margalla Hills | 40 km | 1,604 m (5,262 ft) | Tilla Charouni | North of Islamabad |
1. Himalayas (Western) Mountain Range
Himalaya is also known as the western mountain range and owns the title of the world’s longest mountain range with a total height of 2,400 kilometers. This range across the five borders that are Pakistan, China, India, Bhutan, and Nepal. One of the most famous peaks of the Himalayas range is Killer Mountain also known as “Nanga Parbat” with a height of 8,126 meters (26,660 feet) over sea level. Nanga Parbat is also the ninth highest peak in the world. The Himalayas is also the home of Mount Everest (The highest peak in the world) that is located between the border of China and Nepal. The Western part of the Himalayas is located in Astore District in Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan. There is an attraction point known as Deosai National Park for overnight camping, fishing, and hiking purposes. Himalayas Mountain Range is one of the largest mountain ranges on Pakistan map. Also check out beautiful hill stations in Pakistan.
2. The Karakoram Range
Karakoram Range is the second largest range in the world. It snuggles between three different borders including, Ladakh in India, Xinjiang in China, and Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. Karakoram range has 50 plus peaks above 7000 meters. Karakoram Range is bounded on the Tibetan Plateau edge in the northeast to the Pamir Mountains in the north. The very first attempt at the climb to Karakoram Range was conducted in 1856. There are five different peaks in this range as this peak is named K2. This is one of the most liked mountain ranges of Pakistan among the mountaineer’s trekkers and hikers because of the lakes surrounded and scenic views. K2 is also known as ‘Savage Mountain’ because of its complex climb. Karakoram Range is one of the most engaging points on the map of mountain ranges in Pakistan. You can also read about beautiful lakes in Pakistan.
3. The Hindu Kush Mountains
The Hindu Kush Mountain was founded in 1830. The very first attempt at climbing was made in 1950 by Pakistani climbers known as the Norwegian team. This range is situated in the northwest of Pakistan and rises to the northwest of Pamirs. Hindu Kush range is more than 950 meters long and shares the borders of Pakistan and Afghanistan. It has the 7,690 meters highest peak known as Tirich Mir situated in Chitral. The second highest peak with a height of 7492 meters is Noshaq located at the Pak-Afghan border. Hindu Kush Mountain has various ranges. In Pakistan, it lies in Kohistan and Swat. Summertime is the best season to visit this scenic Hindu Kush Mountain. Hindu Kush mountain ranges in Pakistan map takes a big part in mountain ranges of the country. Read about historical places in Islamabad.
4. The Sulaiman Mountain Range
The Sulaiman Mountain Range is situated in the north of Zabul province of Afghanistan and north of Balochistan province of Pakistan. It is an easily climbed range compared to mentioned above peaks but never loses its adventure. The most famous peak of the Sulaiman Mountain range is Takht-e-Sulaiman, also pronounced as ‘Sulaiman’s Throne’. It has a height of 3,487 meters (11,437 feet) over sea level. This range is ideally located in the Iranian Plateau and the Indus River. Also check out historical places in Peshawar.
5. The Safed Koh Mountain
Safed Koh Mountain is located at the border of Pakistan-Afghanistan. It is also called “The White Mountain Range”. It has a total height of 4,761 meters (15,620 feet). Sikaram Peak is the highest peak of this range. As the khyber pass and Shandur Top are close to the range, climbers and hikers love to visit the world’s highest Polo ground. During the Shandur Polo Festival, a lot of climbers, trekkers, and enthusiastic hikers visit the Polo Ground. In Pashto, this mountain is named “Spin Ghar”. The closest cities to this mountain range include Parachinar, Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan, and in Afghanistan Jalalabad, Gardez, Paktia, and Khost. Also read about best places to visit in Islamabad.
6. Hindu Raj
The Hindu Raj is meant to be “Hindu rule”, it’s one of the famous mountain ranges in Pakistan located at the northern side between the two famous mountain ranges Hindu Kush and the Karakoram ranges. The Hindu Raj is some 500 miles (800 km) in length and 150 miles (240 km) in width. It lies between Northern Gilgit Baltistan and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “A wider definition of the Hindu Kush would include a fourth region known as Hindu Raj in Pakistan”. With a height of 6,872 m (22,546 ft) “Koyo Zom” is the highest peak of the Hindu raj range. Some other peaks (Buni Zom, Ghamubar Zom, and Gul Lasht Zom) of this range reach around 5,000 meters to 6,000 meters on average. Usually, its peak rises to 22,500 feet. With an elevation of 6,872 m (22,546 ft), Hindu Raj is one of the best mountain ranges in Pakistan map. Check out best tourism companies in Pakistan.
7. Kirthar Range
Kirthar Range is the boundary between Pakistan’s two provinces Balochistan and Sindh. The range lies somewhere about 190 mi (310 km) from the Mula River in Balochistan to Cape Monze (Karachi) to the Arabian Sea. This range covers a total area of 9,000 square kilometers. There are a lot of passes in this Kirthar Range but the only ones often used is the Gaji Lak Pass which lies from the road Zidi and Khuzdar to Jhalawan. There are 21 prehistoric sites within the stunning ranges of Pakistan. It is said, Taung Tombs of the 16th-18th century are also found in this mountain range. One of the highest peaks of the range is Zardak Peak at 7,430 ft (2,260 m). Talking about the second-highest peak of the range, here comes Barugh Hill at 7,056 ft (2,151 m). With an elevation of 2,260 m (7,410 ft), it has one of the beautiful ranges of Pakistan. Also visit historical places in Pakistan.
8. Salt Range
The Salt Range derives its name from large deposits of rock salt and is known as the richest salt field globally. It’s a hill station located in the province of Pakistan, Punjab, with some of the most picturesque waterfalls in Pakistan. It has a total length of 186 miles (300 km) from east to west, and the total width is 5 to 19 miles in the central and eastern parts. Sakesar mountain, with a height of 4,992 feet (1,522 m) is the highest point of the salt range. This range consists of great salt mines including Khewra, Kalabagh, and Warcha, besides this medium quality coal, gypsum, and other minerals are also found in this range. The Salt Range continues onward south of the Potohar Plateau and north of the Jhelum River. Some of the famous lakes of the salt range include Khabeki Lake, Namal Lake, and Uchhali Lake. Also Read about museums in Pakistan.
9. Nanga Parbat
Nanga Parbat is also known as “Diamer”, it’s globally the ninth-highest mountain with a total height of 8,126 meters (26,660 ft) above sea level. This range is located in the Diamer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. It’s situated at the western side of the Himalayas range, the northern side of Pakistan, and south of the Indus River in the Astore District. Locally it’s known as the “killer mountain”. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ” nanga parvata” which means naked mountain. It covers a total area of 120 mi (190 km) in length and width covers 12 to 24 mi (19 to 39 km). It is one of the most famous mountain ranges in Pakistan for being the most difficult climb, and for more than 30 climbers perished. With an elevation of 8,126 m (26,660 ft), it gives a stunning view from Fairy Meadows located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. If you are interested in earning online check out our blog on online earning websites in Pakistan.
10. Ras Koh Hills
Ras Koh mountains are situated in Chagai District, the heart of the Balochistan province of Pakistan. The word Ras Koh is taken from the Balochi language where “Ras” meant to be “gateway” and “Koh” means “mountain”, putting them together means the Gateway to the Mountains. It’s one of the famous mountains of Pakistan, as, on 28 May 1998, Pakistan’s first nuclear test was carried out here. It lies in between the northern side of the Sulaiman Mountains and southwest of the lower Kirthar Mountains. Ras Koh hills had an average elevation of 600 meters, whereas in areas the elevation reaches up to 3,000 meters. Basically, its granite hills are part of the Sulaiman Mountain. The Ras Koh range is barren and without vegetation, therefore most of the people used to lead a nomadic life, raising sheep, goats, and camels. Also read about best cafes in Islamabad.
11. Central Brahui Range
Central Brahui Range is located in the heart of the Balochistan plateau and southern limb of the Himalayas. At a distance of 225 miles (360 km) from southward to Pishin Lora and Zhob rivers its spread over the Mula River. It has an elevation of 1675 meters above sea level. The people of the Central Brahui Range are known as Brahui. The people are often nomadic goat herdsmen. It has parallel limestone hills that are covered with juniper forests. It turns precisely east-southeast, north of Quetta, to meet the Sulaiman Range. Khalifat and Zarghun are the highest peaks of this range, about 11,440 feet (3,487 m) and 11,738 feet (3,578 m), respectively, in elevation. The Mula, Bolan, and Harnai, are the main passes. The people here speak the Brahui language. Balochistan is famous for having the vast forests of mountain ranges on the Southern side, where the Central Brahui Range is the backbone of it. Katki Jhal is located at a distance of 4.3km from these mountains of Pakistan. Central Brahui Range has one of the most breathtaking mountains in Pakistan. Also Check out best swimming pools in Islamabad.
12. Kirana Hills
Kirana Mountain Range is located in Sargodha, Pakistan. It has the allure of domestic and international tourists as it’s one of the small and extensive rugged mountain ranges in Pakistan. Commonly, it’s famous among the locals as the Black Mountain for consisting of a brownish landscape. Koh-e-Kirana is the highest peak of it at an elevation of 980 feet (300 m). It gained popularity after Pakistan’s first cold test of its nuclear device, which was conducted on March 11, 1983, in the Kirana Hills near Sargodha. As a consequence, between 1983 and 1990, the Wah Group carried out 24 plus intense experiments of the atomic device at Kirana Hills. Another reason for being such famous mountain ranges of Pakistan is its extreme weather conditions. It reaches up to a maximum temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) in summer and as low as recorded in winter is the freezing point. A volcanic and geophysical study was also escorted by the GSP – Geological Survey of Pakistan because of minerals and rocky traits. Also read about travel agencies in Peshawar.
13. Margalla Hills
Margalla Hills is one of the most famous northern mountains of Pakistan located in Islamabad – The capital of Pakistan. It’s a 40 km long hill that spreads about approximately 12,605 hectares which include the Himalayan foothills. These are also popular for being a part of stunning Murree hills. The best part of this range is in winter it’s covered with snow, and when the summer comes, it gets covered with lush green trees. Which certainly gives a stunning and panoramic view. Tilla Charouni is the highest peak at an elevation of 1,604 m (5,262 ft). Pir Sohawa, the city’s most famous tourist point, is also situated in these Pakistan mountains and have beautiful places to visit and picnic spots in Islamabad. You can also find various hiking and trekking treks and rock climbing points here. Almost 250 to 300 species of plants are found on the Margalla hills. Even some of them are used for medical aid to treat or preserve several diseases. Talking about wildlife, the northern ranges of Pakistan has a wide range of species, including monkeys, exotic birds, and carnivores such as Margalla leopard. Because of the combination of many ecological components, Margalla Hill has a high diversity of birds. If you are a person that loves bird watching, this might be the best place for you to see exotic birds.
Conclusion:
These were the most famous mountain ranges of Pakistan that are a big source to promote tourism in the country. If you are adventurous and love to climb mountains then the above-mentioned ranges are the best mountain ranges in Pakistan to visit. You can also read about the famous dams in Pakistan.
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