Things to Do in Pakistan in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Pakistan
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect mountain weather in the north - Hunza Valley and Skardu sit at 15-22°C (59-72°F) during the day, which is absolutely ideal for trekking without the summer crowds. The apricot blossoms are starting to appear in late March, creating those postcard scenes you see all over Instagram.
- Lahore and the cultural heartland are at their absolute best - temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F), making it comfortable to actually explore Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort without melting. The spring flower festival in Lahore typically happens in March, transforming the city's gardens.
- Pre-season pricing across the board - you're visiting before the main tourist rush (April-May for northern areas), so hotels in Gilgit-Baltistan are 30-40% cheaper than peak season. Domestic flights to Skardu and Gilgit are easier to book and less likely to be cancelled by weather.
- Nowruz celebrations in Hunza and Chitral - the Kalash valleys come alive with spring festivals around March 21st. It's one of the few times you'll see traditional dances, music, and celebrations that aren't staged for tourists because locals are actually celebrating their new year.
Considerations
- Karakoram Highway might still be partially closed - the road to Khunjerab Pass typically doesn't fully open until late April or May. If you're planning to drive the full KKH to the Chinese border, March is too early. Even the Hunza section can have temporary closures after snowfall.
- Unpredictable weather in northern areas - March sits in that shoulder season where you might get brilliant sunshine or sudden snowstorms. I've seen Skardu go from 20°C (68°F) to snow within 24 hours. Domestic flights to mountain airports get cancelled frequently, which can mess up tight itineraries.
- Southern Pakistan gets uncomfortably warm by late March - Karachi and interior Sindh push toward 35°C (95°F) with that sticky humidity. If you're planning a full north-to-south trip, the southern portion becomes less pleasant as the month progresses.
Best Activities in March
Hunza Valley Cherry and Apricot Blossom Viewing
Late March is when the Hunza Valley transforms into what locals call the Spring Parade - cherry and apricot orchards burst into white and pink blossoms against the backdrop of Rakaposhi peak. The weather sits at that perfect 15-20°C (59-68°F) range where you can hike comfortably without the summer heat. The villages of Karimabad and Altit are particularly stunning, and you'll have the trails largely to yourself since most tourists don't arrive until April. The light in March is exceptional for photography - crisp mountain air without the summer haze.
Lahore Heritage Walking Tours
March weather makes Lahore's Walled City actually walkable - you're looking at 18-25°C (64-77°F) instead of the brutal 40°C (104°F) summers. The narrow lanes of the old city, the climb up Badshahi Mosque's minarets, and the food street explorations become genuinely pleasant rather than endurance tests. The spring light is beautiful for photographing the Mughal architecture, and the city's gardens are in full bloom. Worth noting that Basant (kite festival) was officially banned but still happens unofficially in some neighborhoods - ask locals when you arrive.
Fairy Meadows and Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trekking
March is technically early for Fairy Meadows, but if you're an experienced trekker who doesn't mind some snow, you'll have the place almost entirely to yourself. The trail from Raikot Bridge is passable by late March, though you'll need proper gear. The reward is seeing Nanga Parbat without the crowds that descend in April-May. Temperatures at Fairy Meadows sit around 5-15°C (41-59°F) during the day, dropping below freezing at night. The meadows themselves might still have snow patches, which actually makes for dramatic scenery.
Kalash Valley Cultural Experiences During Nowruz
The Kalash valleys of Chitral celebrate Chaumos in winter and Chilam Joshi in May, but Nowruz around March 21st brings its own celebrations that feel more authentic because they're not the main tourist festivals. The valleys sit at comfortable 12-18°C (54-64°F) in March. You'll see traditional dances, music performances, and locals in full traditional dress. The three main valleys - Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir - are accessible by March, though roads can be rough after winter.
Mohenjo-daro and Indus Valley Archaeological Site Tours
March is your last comfortable month to explore Mohenjo-daro before the Sindh interior becomes an oven. Temperatures hover around 28-32°C (82-90°F) - warm but manageable with early starts. The 4,500-year-old ruins are best experienced in morning light anyway. The site is never crowded, and March gives you that sweet spot of decent weather before the brutal summer. Combine it with Makli Necropolis near Thatta for a full day of archaeological exploration.
Margalla Hills Hiking and Trail Running
The hills surrounding Islamabad are perfect in March - 15-23°C (59-73°F) with clear skies most days. Trail 3 and Trail 5 are the most popular, taking 2-3 hours round trip with spectacular views over the capital. Early morning hikes around 7 AM give you the best chance of spotting wildlife and avoiding the midday sun. The trails get busy on weekends with local families, but weekday mornings you'll have them mostly to yourself. The UV index hits 8, so sun protection is essential despite the moderate temperatures.
March Events & Festivals
Nowruz Celebrations in Northern Pakistan
March 21st marks Nowruz, the Persian New Year, celebrated enthusiastically in Gilgit-Baltistan, Chitral, and Hunza. You'll see traditional music performances, communal feasts, and in Hunza specifically, polo matches that get surprisingly intense. The Kalash valleys have their own version with traditional dances. It's not a staged tourist event - locals are actually celebrating, which makes it feel authentic. Hotels get busier around this date, so book ahead.
Lahore Spring Flower Show
Lawrence Gardens and Jilani Park typically host spring flower exhibitions in March, though exact dates shift year to year. It's more of a local family event than a major tourist draw, but if you're in Lahore anyway, it's worth an hour. You'll see traditional garden designs, rose varieties, and local horticultural displays. The parks are pleasant for walks regardless of whether the formal show is happening.