Must Visit Places in the Scenic Galiyat Region

Have you decided to choose the location of a trip you want to take with your family or friends? The Galiyat region is the ideal location to travel to at this time of year if you appreciate exploring nature, hiking along verdant trails, and staying in elegant hotels that give stunning views of the majestic mountain summits. Some of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s most well-known hill stations are found in this gorgeous tourist destination, which is situated between Murree and Abbottabad. Galiyat offers so many excellent places to see that it can take you many days to even see the top locations. Both domestic and foreign tourists find the area to be quite appealing. In fact, the number of visitors to Galiyat increased by an astonishing 139% in 2019.

Mushkpuri Top

In the Galiyat region, Mushkpuri Top also referred to as Mukeshpuri Top, is the second-highest mountain summit. It is located around 90 kilometers north of the country’s capital and is about 9,200 feet high. The trail to this mountain’s summit is probably the most well-traveled trekking path among both local and international tourists. Mushkpuri Top is readily accessible from Ayubia National Park and is just above Nathia Gali, therefore there are always going to be a lot of tourists and adventurers traveling along this beautiful trail.

Mushkpuri Top offers really breathtaking views. The only things visible from here are a vast meadow covered with flowers, an alluring freshwater spring, mountains covered in thick forests, and a brilliant blue sky. This mountain peak’s elevation allows you to glimpse the beautiful Kashmir Valley. By itself, Mushkpuri Top ranks among the top tourist destinations in Galiyat.

MUSHKPURI WEATHER

In Nathia Gali, the Pines Hotel is close to the start of the most well-known trail for Mushkpuri Top. Reaching the destination from there requires a three-hour trek through a gorgeous pine forest. On the western side of the mountain, there is a rather steady trail. The starting and finishing points are roughly 4 kilometers apart.

However, if you begin your trek from Dunga Gali, you will have to hike up a more difficult incline. It also offers you a panoramic view of the Ayubia National Park, although it is not advisable to choose this path if you are afraid of heights or are an inexperienced hiker.

How to Get to Mushkpuri Top

As stated previously, you have a choice of starting your hike in Dunga Gali, which is steeper, or Nathia Gali, which is closer to the Pines Hotel. It won’t be difficult for you to get accommodations and food in either of these locations because they are both well-known tourist sites in Pakistan.

Nathia Gali

This magnificent piece of heaven on earth is located at a height of about 7,900 feet. This tourist location, which is regarded as one of the best in Galiyat, is well-known for its enthralling scenery that seems straight out of a fairy tale. This hill station is made even more alluring by the tall pine, oak, and walnut trees, vivid flowers, stunning hiking trails, old buildings, and delightful marketplaces that are all set against a breathtaking landscape.

NATHIA GALI WEATHER

Nathia Gali receives a large number of visitors each year as a result of its proximity to Murree. This mountain resort’s wonderful summertime climate makes it the ideal location to celebrate the holidays with your family. The region experiences significant snowfall in the winter, which covers the towering mountain peaks and enhances the area’s beauty and allure. The temperature, however, can fall as low as -8 degrees Celsius during really cold spells. Therefore, December and January might not be the best times to go hiking. However, Nathia Gali is among the best spots to visit in Galiyat to spend your winter vacation if you want to enjoy snowfall.

Additionally, Nathia Gali has a thriving market where visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Nathia Gali is also home to the wooden structure of St. Matthews Church, one of Pakistan’s oldest churches. The neighborhood is home to a number of hotels, resorts, eateries, and cafes.

How to Get to Nathia Gali

From Islamabad, there are primarily two methods to get to Nathia Gali. To get there, you can either take a car through Abbottabad or travel through Murree. You would need to drive for almost two and a half hours if you want to get to Nathia Gali from Islamabad via Murree. Although this road is lovely, there are a lot of tight turns and curves on it. It is advised to employ a professional driver for this journey as a result.

The Hazara Expressway would take you a little over two hours to reach Abbottabad if you select the second option. Additionally, during the daytime, the traffic within the municipal limits frequently becomes congested. However, the journey from Abbottabad to Nathia Gali is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most beautiful highways.

Thandiani

One of the most amazing spots to visit in Galyat is the lovely hill town of Thandiani. Additionally, it’s the ideal weekend retreat from Islamabad. The trek to Thandiani is known as Dugri Trek. Even though it is the Galiyat region’s longest mountain trail, adventurers adore it for its exotic beauty, which is surrounded by dense pine forests and a clear sky. The walk to Thandiani begins at Miranjani Top and proceeds via Dugri, Beran Gali, and finally a spiraling path that leads to the relatively remote tourist site of Thandiani. It takes two days to complete the entire journey.

THANDIANI WEATHER

Thandiani, which is 9,022 feet above sea level, is gradually gaining recognition among both domestic and international travellers. It is the ideal location for those who enjoy exploring nature because it is covered with luxuriant green forests and meadows with wildflowers. You won’t need to worry about food or refreshment during your visit to this heaven on earth because a few restaurants and cafes are nearby.

The view from Thandiani is absolutely magnificent. Since Thandiani literally translates to ‘very cold,’ the weather at this hill station is very pleasant during the summer months, offering the residents of Islamabad, Abbottabad and nearby areas a much-needed respite from the summer heat. On the other hand, it gets really cold in winter, so make sure to wear thermal clothing and warm boots if you are planning to visit this tourist attraction.

How to Get to Thandiani

To get to Thandiani, there are two primary routes. The first is a hike to the hill stations from Miranjani Top. However, it is only recommended for experienced hikers and those looking for adventure. A jeep or a car is the more convenient way to get to Thandiani. The journey to Thandiani will take roughly an hour once you leave Abbottabad’s city borders.