Pakistan has many beautiful resorts and hotels where people go to relax, enjoy nature, or escape from the city. In 2025, while some resorts are well known and loved, others are newer or less documented online. Here are some of the best resorts, what makes them special, and tips to choose the right one. I cover known resorts like Pine Park, The Spruce, Orange Lake, Dreamworld, and mention others which need more info.
What People Look For in a Resort in 2025
Before listing resorts, here’s what makes a resort stand out now:
- Natural beauty: Mountains, lakes, forests, scenic views.
- Accessible yet peaceful: Not too far from city, but still quiet.
- Good amenities: Clean rooms, heating (in mountains), food, activities (boating, hiking, water sports, etc.).
- Comfort & service: Friendly staff, clean environment, safety, electricity/internet working well.
- Value for money: Price vs experience, especially duration stay, extra costs (transport, meals).
Resorts with Good Info in 2025
Here are some resorts from your list for which adequate information is available. I describe their highlights, where they are, and pros & cons.
Pine Park Hotel & Resort, Shogran
- Location & Scenery: Pine Park is in Shogran valley, in Northern Pakistan (Kaghan region), at about 2,362 meters (≈7,749 ft) above sea level. Surrounded by pine forests, meadows, and mountains.
- Facilities & Stay: Luxury cottages, family cottages, well-furnished rooms with essential amenities. Outdoor seating, views, spa/wellness features, meals (Pakistani, continental, Chinese) are offered.
- Season & Access: Open year round. Even in winters, snow is heavy (3-6 feet), but the resort remains operational. Distance from Islamabad via Hazara Motorway through Balakot & Kawai (~212 km) is manageable.
- Ideal For: Families, couples, nature lovers, people wanting peace, mild adventure (trekking, hiking, snow in winter).
- Considerations: In winter, roads can be more difficult, cost higher, availability limited.
The Spruce Resorts (Shogran & Khanian)
- Branches & Locations: Two main branches: The Spruce Mountain Top in Shogran and The Spruce Riverside in Khanian.
- Scenery & Elevation: Mountain top branch is ~2,500 meters above sea level. Very good views of peaks like Malika Parbat; surroundings include thick pine/spruce forests.
- Amenities: Heated rooms, 24/7 room service, activities like hiking (Siri and Paye meadows), jeep safari, mountain biking, terraces, balcony rooms.
- Booking & Prices: Family cottages and rooms with fireplace, executive rooms, reasonably high pricing (Shogran cottages etc).
- Best For: People who want a blend of luxury and nature, hiking, strong scenery, not just relaxing but doing things outdoors.
Orange Lake Resort, Khanpur
- Location & Attractions: Near Khanpur Dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It offers a mix of water-based activities and peaceful surroundings.
- Activities: Parasailing, jetski, zipline, family boating, speed boating, sofa ski tubing, wake ski tubing, cliff jumping, archery. Great for adventure lovers and families
- Facilities: Accommodation includes lake view suites, deluxe rooms, cottages, garden/private balcony views, etc.
- Ideal For: Short getaways from Islamabad or nearby cities; people who want fun water sports plus relaxing time.
- Things to Check: Water level and safety of activities, especially in off-peak seasons.
Dreamworld Resort, Hotel & Golf Course, Karachi
- Urban Resort: Located near Karachi, large resort with many facilities over ~144 acres. It is more accessible for city dwellers.
- Features: Artificial beach access, large water slides, amusement park, go-karting, desert safari, golf course (9 hole, par 36), pools (separate ladies pool), spa, multiple restaurants.
- Membership & Access: They have membership options, many recreational and adventure facilities. Good for families, especially with children.
- Best For: People living in or near Karachi, wanting entertainment, water rides, fun, not necessarily nature but comfort + fun.
- Limitations: It’s more crowded on weekends, heat in summer, and less scenic mountain views.
Resorts You Need More Info For
Some resorts in your list have little or no recent info available online (2025) at credible sources, so it’s hard to evaluate them fully. These include:
- Gandhara Castle Resort, Khanpur
- Hamad Palace
- Taj Blue Pines Murree Resort Hotel
- Gali’s End by Roomy, Kalabagh Nathiagali
If you plan to visit them, check locally for current reviews: room condition, food quality, access roads, safety, amenities. Sometimes small resorts work better than large ones in remote areas, but consistency can vary.
Comparison Table: Key Features
Here’s a side-by-side look at some resorts above, based on what they offer:
| Resort | Nature / Scenery | Adventure / Activities | Comfort & Luxury | Accessibility from Major Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Park Shogran | High in mountains, forests, snow views. | Hiking, winter snow, views, outdoor activities. | Good amenities, cottages, well-furnished. | ~212 km from Islamabad via Hazara Motorway. |
| The Spruce Resorts | Mountain tops, riverside, forests. | Trekking, jeep safari, scenic walks. | Heated rooms, cottages, luxury feel. | Shogran branch ~ few hours’ drive from Islamabad. |
| Orange Lake Resort | Lake view, green surrounds. | Water sports, boating, zipline, etc. | Comfortable rooms, lake suites. | Near Khanpur Dam, easier access for Islamabad region. |
| Dreamworld Resort, Karachi | Less “mountain nature”, more landscaped and built environment. | Water parks, amusement, golf, rides etc. | Very high comfort, many facilities. | Very accessible for Karachi area. |
Final Thoughts
From the resorts with good info:
- If you want nature + mountain peace + scenic beauty, Pine Park Shogran or The Spruce Resorts are excellent choices.
- For adventure + water sports, Orange Lake Resort, Khanpur is very strong.
- For family fun + entertainment + easy access to city life, Dreamworld Resort, Karachi offers a lot.
If I had to pick one overall for 2025, balancing scenery, comfort, accessibility, and adventure, I might choose The Spruce Mountain Top, Shogran—it gives great mountain views, variety of activities, and a luxury feel.
