Top 10 best places to visit in Murree and the Galyat region

Alluring greenery, views of mountain tops, lush green hiking trails, and a pleasant climate, the Murree and the Galyat region offers everything one can ask for. Murree is located in the Galyat region of the Pir Panjal Range and popularly known as ‘Queens of Hills.’ Islamabad to Murree distance is just 30km, making it an easily accessible tourist destination. 

On the other hand, the Galyat region is located between Murree and Abbottabad and comprises Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s most popular hill stations that never cease to amaze tourists with their captivating beauty. There’s magic in this region’s air, making everyone fall in love with it. 

Plus, there are plenty of things to do in Murree, whether you are a nature lover or an avid trekker. That’s why it is the most-visited tourist destination in Pakistan. There are various fascinating places to visit that are spread across the Murree and the Galyat region, from the picturesque hill station of Nathia Gali to the charming viewpoint of Kashmir Point. Let’s have a look at the 10 best places to visit in Murree and the Galyat region for an unforgettable vacation.

Places to visit in Murree and the Galyat region

1- Nathia Gali

Nathia Gali is one of the most-visited places in the Galyat region, which is located at a distance of around 40 km from Murree. It is known for its historic buildings against the backdrop of a valley, beautiful hiking tracks, dense forests of pine and oak, and bustling local markets.

It served as the summer headquarters of the Peshawar division’s Chief Commissioner during British rule. The colonial-era bungalows add to its charm and are reminiscent of its past. It is easily accessible by road from the twin cities and Murree, and the journey offers scenic views of the valleys and hills.  

Many hiking trails wind through the forests of cedar, pine, and oak, leading to stunning viewpoints. The famous Miranjani and Mukshpuri treks are also there, and they offer awe-inspiring views of the snow-covered peaks of KPK and Kashmir. This town is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and numerous bird species, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Summer months are the best time to spend vacations in this mountain resort and enjoy trekking, leisurely walks, and panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape. 

Nathia Gali receives heavy snowfall during colder months, especially in December and January. There are plenty of things to do in Nathia Gali. Visitors can hike, buy souvenirs from the local market, visit St. Matthews Church (a remnant from the British period), and stay at luxurious camping pods, which offer comfortable stays and provide unique stargazing opportunities. On a clear day, Nanga Parbat can be seen from the top of Mushkpuri in the distance.

2- Kashmir Point

Kashmir Point is one of the best places to visit in Murree, which is just a short walk away from the iconic GPO Chowk of Murree. Once you arrive, the vast expanse of lands adorned with lush green forests, serene valleys, and rolling green hills unfolds before your eyes. This scenic viewpoint is the highest point of the area, which is full of serenity and offers views of the snowy mountains of Kashmir. 

In addition, Murree Safari Train offers tourists the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of this mountain resort. This train passes through the Government House and takes a tour all over Kashmir Point. There is also an amusement park at Kashmir Point that boasts a variety of rides. Hiking, horse riding, sightseeing, and Murree Safari Train ride are some of the best things to do at Kashmir Point.

Don’t forget to check out as well…

3– Pindi Point

Pindi Point is one of the best Murree tourist places, and it is a vantage point from which one can see Islamabad and Rawalpindi from the top of this viewpoint. Murree Hills and pine trees are also visible from Pindi Point. Tourists can access it from Mall Road, where it is just 15 minutes away.

In addition to offering views of twin cities, it is also famous for its proximity to Pindi Point Chair Lift, which is surrounded by pine trees and takes you down 1.5km straight into Bansra Gali’s wildlife park. The chair lift ride provides views of the hiking trails below and mountains along the zigzag road. Tourists can enjoy time at the zoo in Bansra Gali’s wildlife park and get the opportunity to be up close with their favorite animals and birds.

4-Patriata

Patriata is included in the list of Murree’s best places to visit, particularly in the summer. This is the best tourist place for families in Murree and is located at a distance of 15 km from Murree Hills in the direction of the Lower Topa. It is best known for its cable car system and Patriata Chair lift, which is 7 km long and extends from New Murree to Patriata. 

The thrilling chair lift ride provides the tourist with panoramic views of the Murree hills and Kashmir peaks. Patriata is the highest point of Murree Hills, so you can expect beautiful sights, abundant wildlife, majestic lush green mountains, and pleasant weather.

You can see for miles in every direction once standing atop the Patriata hills, which offer views of the snow-capped peaks of Kashmir in the distance and the dense forest of Murree hills stretching out below. Visitors can shop traditional handicrafts, tribal jewelry, and souvenirs in the new Murree Bazaar and Mouri Bazaar.

As this area is surrounded by thick forests, you may get a chance to spot animals. It is home to a variety of wildlife, such as leopards, monkeys, bird species, and more. It is accessible all year round and receives more visitors in the summer.

5-Bhurban:

Another one of the famous Murree visiting points is Bhurban, which is located at a distance of 11 km from Murree City. This resort town gets its name from the nearby forest. It sits at a height of 6000 feet above sea level and is easily accessible by road, and it takes around 20 minutes to get there.

Many global leaders and celebrities have visited this hill station, including King Hussain of Jordan and Nelson Mandela, among others. This scenic tourist spot near Murree also has a nine-hole golf course named Chinar Golf Club, which is one of the world’s highest golf courses.

Bhurban is known for its unique fauna and flora and hiking trails in nearby Ayubia National Park. Many species of fauna are not found elsewhere in Pakistan. Famous resorts in Bhurban include Pearl Continental Hotel and Bhurban Hill Apartment, which provide luxury accommodations and stunning mountain views.

These resorts serve tourists visiting Murree and the nearby Ayubia National Park. Bhurban is one of the best places to visit in Murree in winter to enjoy snowfall.

6- Pipeline Track of Mushkpuri & Meeranjani

The pipeline track of Mushkpuri and Meeranjani is a 3.5km walking track located in Dunga Gali. Dunga Gali is a small town in the Galiyat region near Nathia Gali, making it an easily accessible tourist spot. This pipeline track connects Dunga Gali to Ayubia, and it takes around 40 minutes to cover this tracking path.

It is situated at an altitude of 8,200 ft. and gets its name due to the underground pipeline that carries water from Dunga Gali to the nearest mountain resort city of Murree. It is the 8-inch long pipeline, which is one of the sources of water supply to Murree.

This scenic tracking path provides stunning views and natural beauty, making it a heaven for nature lovers, trackers, and photographers. People usually visit this tourist spot in summer to enjoy the pleasant weather and capture the essence of the natural beauty this town offers.

Find out more………

7-Ayubia National Park

Ayubia National Park is included in the list of Murree famous places, which is one of the best must visit in Murree in summer. It lies between Murree and Nathia Gali and sprawls over 3312 hectares of land. Sits at an elevation of about 8000 ft; this park is surrounded by high peaks and dense forests full of wildlife and exotic birds.

It is one of the most beautiful places in Pakistan and surrounded by famous hill stations such as Nathia Gali, Khanspur, and Thandiani. It has many tourist spots that draw the attention of tourists, including challenging hiking routes, the Ayubia Chairlift, the pipeline track of Mushkpuri and Meeranjani, which links Dunga Gali and Ayubia, a PTDC motel, and stunning viewpoints.

The famous Ayubia National Park’s chairlift takes visitors from Ayubia to Mushkpuri Top. Miranjani Peak, the highest Galyat region peak, is also located in the Namli Maira area of this expansive park. Ayubia National Park can be visited all year long. It receives more visitors between March and October as the weather is pleasant during these months. You can also visit it between December and February to enjoy snowfall.

8-Mushkpuri Top

Mushkpuri Top is the best place to visit near Murree, which is Galyat’s second-highest mountain peak and is located above the Nathia Gali. It sits at a height of 9,200 feet. The hiking trail leading to this mountain peak is a popular trekking route that is frequented by local and foreign tourists.

It is easily accessible from Ayubia National Park, but the famous hiking trail leading to Mushkpuri top starts near the Pines Hotel Nathia Gali — one of the best hotels in Murree and the Galyat region. 

Imagine yourself climbing through the thick pine forest for around three hours and enjoying every single moment of this journey while soaking yourself up in the serenity. If you start your journey from the western side of the mountain, a 4-kilometer steady hike will take you to the Mushkpuri Top. 

On the other hand, the trekking route starting from Dunga Gali might be relatively difficult. This route gives hikers a panoramic view of the Ayubia National Park, but unfortunately, it is not an ideal route for amateur hikers to reach Mushkpuri Top. There is a bird sanctuary close to the Dunga Gali trail that extends to River Jhelum, mitigating the challenges of navigating a rugged path.

Once you reach the Mushkpuri Top, you will be rewarded with freshwater springs, towering mountains covered with thick forest, and sprawling meadows filled with vibrant color flowers. You can also see the Kashmir Valley from its peak, which is a sight to behold.

9-Miranjani Trek

Miranjani Trek is one of the best places to visit in the Galiyat region, and Miranjani Peak is ranked as the highest peak in this region. Trekking to Miranjani Top is one of the best things to do when visiting the Galyat region. It is located at the height of 9,816 feet above sea level, and standing atop this peak offers views of the mighty Nanga Parbat. 

Reaching the top of this peak takes around one and a half hours if you are an experienced hiker. However, it takes around 3 hours or more if you are a beginner hiker. There are two hiking trails that lead to Miranjani top. The first route started near the Governor House in Nathia Gali, which soon split into two paths. One route leads to the hilltop through a semi-circle that ascends toward the Namli Maira Village, where the famous Namli Maira waterfall is located. 

This route is a bit longer, but it is relatively easy and lets you explore the culture of this beautiful village before climbing up towards your destination. This route is not only easy, but it is also a picturesque and recommended route for beginners and families. On the other hand, the second route is steep and a bit challenging for beginners and those with health conditions. There is no source of water available on this trail, so be sure to carry water bottles with you. 

No matter which route you choose to take to reach Miranjani Top, it is recommended that you hire a local guide from the main Bazaar of Nathia Gali to help you navigate. There are not a lot of markings on the trail, so chances are you may get lost if you are not familiar with this route. Upon arrival, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the mighty Nanga Parbat, which is the 9th highest mountain on Earth.

10– Thandiani

Thandiani is one of the most famous hill stations in Pakistan, located in the Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is the perfect weekend getaway from the capital city, as it is just 161km from there. The trek that leads to Thandiani is Dugri Trek, which is the region’s longest mountain trail and is extremely popular among adventure seekers for a good reason.

The trek is surrounded by a clear blue sky and dense forest, offering stunning views and boasting a calm and serene atmosphere. 

The trekkers start their journey from Nathia Gali and then reach Miranjani Top, which leads to Dugri and then Beran Gali before spiraling towards Thandiani. The total trek from Miranjani Top to Dugri Rest House is around 13.5 kilometers long and takes two days and one night to reach Thandiani. 

Tourists can spend a night at Dugri Rest House and then continue their second leg of the trek, which takes them to Beran Gali from there and takes around 6 to 8 hours of hiking to reach there. It is also easily accessible by road. You can hire a jeep or a car to reach Thandiani from Nathia Gali via the scenic Nathia Gali & Thandiani Road. It takes around 2 hours to reach there through Abbottabad. 

The verdant forest of Thandiani is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and enhances the natural beauty of this area. Some rare animal species, like pine marten and flying squirrels, are also found in this forest with leopards and monkeys.

The Bottom Line:

With so many tourist attractions and trekking opportunities, Murree and the Galyat region are definitely the most beautiful places in Pakistan. Unlike northern areas of Pakistan, these hill stations remain tourist hotspots all year round, making them the best tourist destinations for vacations.

That means tourists can witness the beauty of a snowy landscape in colder months when most northern areas remain closed for tourists due to heavy snowfall. We hope you will find this guide on the best places to visit in Murree and the Galyat region helpful. Which hill station in Murree and the Galyat region is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Disclaimer:

Vacay Adviser claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images and do not wish them to appear on Vacay Adviser, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, or photographer.

About Author:

Sondus Ubin

Sondus Ubin is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in travel and food. With nearly 10 years of experience in lifestyle content creation, her toes are dipped in the exciting world of travel and food. In her time working as a travel writer, she has had the opportunity to interact with frequent travelers and travel photographers. All that knowledge she gains and her passion for travel make it possible for her to bring you informative yet fun travel content. Trust her words to help you plan your dream trip. She lives in Lahore, where she explores the city’s most intriguing, interesting, and unusual places and captures the beauty and essence of every place through her lens. When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her giving her eyes a much-needed break from screens with a good book, painting landscapes, or trying out new recipes.