The northern areas of Pakistan are renowned for their natural beauty, with towering mountain ranges, lush green valleys, and sparkling glacial lakes. The Karakoram, Himalaya and Hindu Kush mountain ranges offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, with peaks such as K2, Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi. The region is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including the snow leopard, the markhor and the ibex. The Northern areas are also known for its rich culture and history.